History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II, Part 27

Author: Kershaw, W. L
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 656


USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 27


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63


FRED LARSON.


Among the valuable farming properties of Harlan township is the Rose Lawn Fruit Farm on section 10, and classed with the leading horticulturists of this part of the state is its owner, Fred Larson. The practical methods which he employs in the cultivation of fruit and in the development of his farm for the purpose of grain raising have made him one of the foremost and representative citizens of this part of the state. As the name indicates, he is of Swedish birth. He was born March 25, 1856, and is a son of S. J. and Louise ( Brigitta ) Larson, who spent their entire lives in the old coun- try, where the father was a merchant and clothier.


Fred Larson was the youngest in a family of twelve children, six of whom came to America. Ile remained a resident of his native land until


271


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


eighteen years of age and during that period supplemented his early educa- tion by study in Jonkoping College, from which he was graduated in 1875. The favorable reports which he had heard concerning America and its opportunities led him to determine to seek his home on this side of the Atlan- tic and in 1876 he came alone to the United States. Making his way at once into the interior of the country, he settled first at Princeton, Illinois, where for one year he was employed in a dairy. He then removed to Shelby county, lowa, where he continued until 1883 and during that period engaged in general farming. In the year mentioned he went to South Dakota, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1894. In that year he arrived in Page county and in 1898 purchased forty acres of his present farm. To this he has since added and now owns fifty-three acres on sec- tion 10, Harlan township. It was all covered with brush when he took pos- session, but with characteristic energy he began to clear and improve it and the place is now all in fruit. It is today a valuable property, known as the Rose Lawn Fruit Farm. He has set ont fifteen hundred peach trees, five hundred pear trees, one hundred and fifty apple trees, one hun- dred cherry trees, seventeen hundred grape vines, an acre of raspberries, an acre of blackberries, a half acre of stawberries and three hundred mul- berry trees. He also conducts a general gardening business and in July, 1909, he established a cannery and is now canning all kinds of fruit and produce, the fruit formerly selling chiefly to the wholesale trade of Clar- inda. He likewise makes a specialty of the raising of Shetland ponies and has twenty head of Shetlands at the present time. His busi- ness interests are most capably directed and are bringing substan- tial returns, portion of the farm yielding six hundred dollars to the acre in fruit. There is only one other man in Page county who is de- voting his attention entirely to horticultural pursuits. Mr. Larson always makes exhibits at the fairs, where he has won many premiums.


In 1883 in Shelby county, Iowa, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Kittie Crumb, who was born in Illinois, August 3, 1862, and is a daughter of Lon and Jane (Norcross) Crumb, both of whom were natives of Vermont. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Larson went to South Dakota, at which time he had in his possession sixteen hundred dollars in cash, eight head of horses and five cows and a car load of machinery. He came back in 1903 with one span of ponies. He had cultivated as high as five hundred acres each year, but either droughts or hail storms had caused his loss. He then took up the sale of fencing and machinery and built woven fire fences, continuing in that business for three years, after which he purchased his present farm and has since enjoyed continuously increasing prosperity.


The home of Mr. and Mrs. Larson has been blessed with six children : Richard Alonzo, Rex Alfred, Minnie Maude, Nellie Augusta, Inez Gladys and Trixie Pearl. The family is well known in this part of the county, where Mr. Larson justly deserves classification with the leading citizens. He has proved what many had previously doubted, that this district is well qualified for fruit raising and a visit to his farm is most interesting for it


272


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


presents a splendid appearance and shows what can be accomplished when in- telligence and energy are applied to the utilization of the advantages which nature has offered.


S. E. ASHMORE.


The time and attention of S. E. Ashmore is devoted to the improvement and operation of a fine farm of one hundred and seventeen and a half acres of land situated in Valley township, Page county. He is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Des Moines county, June 24, 1853, and a son of George and Margaret (Sheldon) Asfimore. The mother was born on the Emerald isle but the father was a native of the Buckeye state, whence he came to Iowa at an early day. He was long identified with its development and improvement and became an influential citizen, passing away in 1904. The mother is still living and now makes her home in Monona county, Iowa, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.


S. E. Ashmore of this review is one of a family of nine children. The son entered the common schools at the usual age and therein acquired the knowledge that fitted him to face the responsibilities of life. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began work as a farm hand, being thus engaged two years. Subsequently he en- gaged in the dairy business, which he followed six years. However, be- lieving that agricultural life would prove more congenial as well as profitable to him, he then rented land in Des Moines county, operating the same two years, after which he spent seven years on a farm in Monona county. At the end of that period he made a permanent location in Page county, oper- ating rented land here seven years. He had worked earnestly and carefully saved his money, so that he eventually felt justified in making a purchase of land and accordingly became the owner of his present farm, consisting of one hundred, seventeen and a half acres in Valley township. Since taking possession he has made all the improvements which are here found, including a good farm residence, barn and outbuildings, and he uses only the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He understands the best methods of farming and his efforts are rewarded with good crops each year.


It was in 1880 that Mr. Ashmore established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Maggie Reynolds, who was born in Louisa county, Iowa, and is one of a family of nine children whose parents were J. R. and Amanda (Sterling) Reynolds. The former was a native of England, while the latter was born in Indiana. Both the parents have departed this life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore have been born seven children, namely: Maud C. and May C., twins, the former deceased, while the latter is now the wife of William Narigon, a resident of Nodaway, Adams county, Iowa ; Guy G., at home ; J. W., who makes his home in Page county ; Myrtle, de- ceased ; Neva B., still under the parental roof ; and Theada E., also at home.


273


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


Mr. Ashmore's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party although he has never been active in public life. He has, however, served as school director and is ever deeply interested in a good school system. He is also at the present time serving as road supervisor. Both he and his wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Ashmore is acting as a steward.


It is through the efforts of such men as Mr. Ashmore that Valley town- ship has been brought to its present well developed and attractive state. He not only keeps his land in a tillable condition but takes great pride in keeping the buildings and fences about his place in repair. His life has been a busy and active one as is evidenced by the property of which he is today the possessor, and which was acquired through his own earnest and honest toil. The family is one of Page county's best and they have a host of warm friends by whom they are highly esteemed.


JOHN T. STUART.


John T. Stuart is an octogenarian, having started upon life's journey more than eighty years ago. He has witnessed many changes in that time for in his youthful days railroad travel was unknown in the west and prac- tically so in the east. Steamboat navigation had made comparatively little progress and such conveniences as are offered by the telegraph and tele- phone were not as yet dreamed of. Then, too, the greater part of this middle west country was wild and unimproved but it was rich in its possi- bilities and natural resources. As the years have gone by Mr. Stuart lias rejoiced in what has been accomplished and has borne his share in the work of general improvement throughout the period of his residence in Iowa. For a considerable time he was closely identified with farming interests and his official service has also made him a valued and representative resident of this state.


He was born October 3, 1828, in Kentucky, his parents being Roy and Elizabeth (Williams) Stuart, who were natives of Virginia and in child- hood days accompanied their respective parents to the Blue Grass state. John T. Stuart spent his youthful days in the acquirement of an education in the subscription schools and in 1847, at the age of nineteen, he came to Iowa. He entered land in Mahaska county from the government, se- curing one hundred and eighty acres. His brother, who preceded him to Iowa, had located in what is now Van Buren county many years before when it was still a part of Michigan, while subsequently it was a part of Wisconsin. Later the territory of Iowa was set off and eventually was admitted to the Union.


After securing his land John T. Stuart visited his old home occasionally for the next fifteen years but made his home in Van Buren and Lee coun- ties, in both of which he owned land. About 1870 he removed to Council Bluffs and was appointed deputy United States marshal for the western


274


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


division of Iowa, filling the position in an acceptable manner for twelve years but his health became somewhat impaired and feeling that a change might prove beneficial he went to Missouri, residing for about a year and a half with a brother in that state.


The year 1884 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Stuart in Shenandoah, where he has since made his home. For a few years he was engaged in the grain business after coming to this city but recently has devoted his time solely to looking after his financial affairs. For twenty-five years he has been a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Shenandoah, and is a stockholder in the Swanson Manufacturing Company.


Mr. Stuart was married in 18544 to Miss Caroline Dunning, of Van Buren county, Iowa, and unto them have been born two daughters, Ella and Elizabeth, both at home. The wife and mother died in 1861 and later Mr. Stuart wedded Miss America Wagner, also of Van Buren county, The only child of this marriage is deceased.


Mr. Stuart is a stalwart republican in politics and while in Van Buren county was appointed sheriff to fill out an unexpired term. At its close he was regularly elected to the office and proved a competent official, dis- charging his duties without fear or favor. He belongs to the Congregational church and is loyal to its teachings. More than sixty years have passed since he first came to Iowa. He stands as a splendid example of those men who have ever been true to their obligations to their fellowmen and yet through persistent, earnest effort have found the path to success.


CLARENCE G. JOHNSON.


Clarence G. Johnson, a well known and prosperous grocery merchant of Clarinda, was born in Westergotland, Sweden, on the 2d of September, 1859, a son of Charles and Anastina Johnson. In 1867 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up their abode in Henry county, Illinois, the father carrying on agricultural pursuits as a means of liveli- hood. In 1870 he brought his family to Page county, lowa, being here engaged in the work of the fields throughout the remainder of his active business career. He passed away on the 17th of March, 1909, while his wife was called to her final rest in May, 1902, the community thus losing two of its most widely known and esteemed residents.


Clarence G. Johnson first attended school in Henry county, Illinois, for two years and following the removal of the family to this county he became a pupil in the public schools here. He remained on the home farm until 1880 and then came to Clarinda, where he was employed in a clerical ca- pacity by J. HI. Dunlap, a hardware dealer, for nine years. On the expira- tion of that period he accepted a position as traveling salesman for an Akron (Ohio) firm, selling the Buckeye harvesters and mowers throughout this district. He severed his connection with the company, however, at the end of two years and became engaged in the grocery business in part-


275


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


nership with John A. Orth, the enterprise being conducted under the name of Orth & Johnson. That relationship was maintained until 1899, when Mr. Johnson purchased his partner's interest and has since remained the sole proprietor of the establishment. The neat and tasteful arrangement of his goods, his reasonable prices and honorable business dealings are all factors in the success which has attended his efforts as a merchant and he has long been numbered among the most substantial and enterprising citi- zens of the county.


On the 16th of August, 1893, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Alma D. Falk, a resident of Essex, Page county, and a daughter of Charles M. Falk, who is a farmer by occupation and also conducts a grain elevator. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born four children, namely : Karl M., Bernhard F., Clarence G. and Florence Helene.


Mr. Johnson is a stalwart republican in his political views and until recent years was a most active worker in the local ranks of the party. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character have won him the unbounded confidence and esteem of the entire community and the respect and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact.


HENRY GOECKER.


Ohio has furnished her full quota of substantial citizens to the Hawkeye state, among which number is Henry Goecker, who since 1876 has lived in Page county and is now a prosperous farmer, owning four hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable land all in one body. He was born in Cincin- nati, Ohio, August 20, 1852, his parents being Bernhart and Katharine (Rose) Goecker, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. In the year 1842 they arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, and were married there. They remained residents of that state until 1854 when they removed with their family to Jackson county, Indiana, and spent their remaining days upon the farm on which they settled when they took up their abode in that state. The father first worked in a brick yard in Cincinnati and afterward established a brick yard in that city on his own account but after going to Indiana gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His wife died June 17, 1878, while he survived until March 17, 1892, when he also passed away. Their family numbered seven children: Henry; William, a resident of Indiana ; Ferdinand, living in Page county, Iowa; Henrietta, the wife of A. G. Ostermann, of Seymour, Indiana; Mrs. Charlotte Brummer, now deceased ; Louis, whose home is in Yorktown ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Klostermann, of Jackson county, Indiana; and August, who is living in the same county.


Henry Goecker was only two years old when his parents removed with their family to Jackson county. Indiana, and there he was reared amid the wild scenes and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all


276


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


of the hardships that fall to those who establish homes on the frontier. He also assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and worked at farm labor through the periods of vacation while in the winter months he acquired his education by attending the public schools. In 1876 he came to Page county, Iowa, with four other young men and has since lived con- tinuously in this county. For two years he worked as a farm hand for Henry Ottie, now his father-in-law, and at the end of that time married Mr. Ottie's daughter and took up his abode upon the farm in Nodaway township. It was a place of seventy-two acres upon which he lived for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm on section I of the same township and he now owns a valuable property of four hundred and thirty-five acres all in one body. On this are two sets of buildings which are substantial and kept in a state of good repair. There are large sheds and cribs for the shelter of grain and stock and none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century are lacking. Most of the shade trees upon the place have been planted by Mr. Goecker and in following general farming and stock-raising he is meeting with excellent success for in all of his business ideas he is practical and his energy and enterprise enable him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles that ever bar the path to prosperity.


In 1878 Mr. Goecker was joined in wedlock to Miss Hannah L. Ottie and unto them have been born seven children: Frank, who is living in Oklahoma; Charlotte, the wife of Frank Wilds of the same state; Daniel, who married Laura Windhorst and resides upon a farm in Nodaway town- ship : Louisa, the wife of B. M. Janssen of Oklahoma; Anna. Ulysses and Benjamin, all at home. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and Mr. Goecker votes with the republican party. His time and attention, however, are given solely to his business affairs and his valuable property is the visible evidence of his life of unfaltering energy and thrift. He has worked diligently and persistently to attain success. brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determined and honorable effort and his record shows what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, for the Maplebrook stock farm is one of the valuable properties of the county and the owner is now numbered among the leading stock- raisers of this part of the state.


JOHN F. M. PORTER.


John F. M. Porter, a highly respected farmer of Grant township, whose modern and progressive methods are evidenced in the well kept appearance of his place on section 9, was born in Cabell county, West Virginia, on the 20th of January, 1832. His parents were John and Jane (Burns) Porter, who were likewise natives or Cabell county, West Virginia, where they lived until about 1838 and then removed to Ohio, where they spent two years. In 1840 they became residents of Tippecanoe county, Indiana,


. .


J. F. M. PORTER


V


TILLLA FEINDALICI'S


279


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


where the death of the father occurred. The mother afterward became the wife of Thomas Coon and with him removed to Cass county, Iowa, in 1853, their last days being spent in that locality.


John F. M. Porter was a lad of only nine summers when his father died and at that early age he began to provide for his own support by work- ing for neighboring farmers. His educational opportunities were neces- sarily curtailed as it was imperative that he provide for his own support. His father, however, had been a school teacher for years and had sown the seeds of learning in the youthful mind of his son, who, ambitious to improve his knowledge, has largely utilized his leisure hours in reading and study. In this way he has acquired broad, general learning, and in the school of experience has also mastered many of the difficult lessons of life.


Mr. Porter continued to work as a farm hand until he had attained his majority and soon afterward he made arrangements for having a home of his own by renting land and providing a companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage, which was celebrated on the 29th of January, 1852, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Jane Jordan, a native of Tippe- canoe county, Indiana. For two years thereafter Mr. Porter engaged in the cultivation of rented land and then sought a home in Iowa, making his way west of the Mississippi in company with his wife and two children. They settled in Cass county and Mr. Porter invested his earnings in a farm of two hundred acres. He also secured credit and purchased five yoke of oxen, with which he intended to break prairie, hoping by his earnings in that way to make the additional payment upon his land. However, it de- veloped that those for whom he intended to break the sod had no money with which to pay him, so that the following year he sold his land and brought his cattle to Page county. He took up his abode in Grant town- ship, where at different times he purchased various tracts of land, securing some from the government and other tracts from individuals. He also bought land from the county which he secured on long time payments. In this way, through his various investments, he became the owner of over a thousand acres. He has continuously resided in Grant township and is to- day one of its oldest residents, having witnessed its development from pioneer times to the present. As the years have passed he has placed his farms under cultivation and his success has been assured by reason of the fact that the land is naturally rich and arable and because he is diligent, persevering and energetic in all of his business affairs.


The home of Mr. and Mrs. Porter was blessed with five children, of whom four are yet living, namely: Julia C., the wife of George Maxwell, of Grant township; John C., also of Grant township; William, who resides in Essex, Page county ; and Thomas, of Pierce township. The wife and mother died February 26, 1886, after they had traveled life's journey to- gether for more than a third of a century.


In his political views Mr. Porter was originally a whig and on the dis- solution of that party he joined the ranks of the new republican party, which he has continued to support. He has been a very successful man, having accumulated a fortune, but in recent years has divided his property among


280


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY


his children and others, retaining only a sufficient amount t give him a comfortable income, for he has desired that his children should have the benefit of the property while he is yet living. While he has reached the age of seventy-seven years, he is yet a well preserved man, and his record is one which wins for him in the evening of life the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those of advanced years.


JOSEPH MORHAIN.


Joseph Morhain is one of the wealthy landowners of Page county, owning altogether four hundred and forty acres of land here, and all this is the outcome of the wise use of a capital of three hundred dollars which he possessed upon his arrival in this country. He is also well known in financial circles in this part of the state as one of the organizers of the Se- curity Trust & Savings Bank, of Shenandoah, of which he is acting as vice president and serving on the board of directors.


Mr. Morhain was born in Lorraine, France, February 10, 1850, a son of Stevens and Mary ( Posser) Morhain. The father was reared in France and served as an officer in the French army under Louis Philippe. He was married in that country and about 1844 came to the United States, leaving his family in France. Soon after he arrived in this country the Mexican war broke out and Mr. Morhain's services were secured as a drill master for the army. He served in that position during the period of hostilities and in 1848 returned to his own country, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring when he had reached the age of sixty-five years. His wife died when sixty-nine years of age. Her father served under LaFay- ette in the war for Independence.


Joseph Morhain was reared under the parental roof and his education, which was begun in the public schools, was completed by graduation from St. Ann Normal College with the class of 1867. He had a strong desire to enter the army but was opposed in this by his parents, so he remained at home until 1871. Foreseeing no future in France for him and having heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the opportunity for ad- vancement in this country, he decided to leave home. It was on the 12th day of July of that year that he first set foot on AAmerican soil, landing in New York city. He made his way westward to St. Louis, Missouri, from which place he went to St. Clair county, Illinois, and for three years was employed at farm labor.


In 1874 Mr. Morhain continued his journey westward to Page county, Iowa, and for three years operated rented land. At the end of that time, in 1877, he purchased a farm of eighty acres, located on section 12, Grant township, this tract constituting a portion of his present home place. On this land stood a small frame house, sixteen by twenty-two feet, in which the family lived until 1886, when Mr. Morhain remodeled and added to this dwelling, and in 1906 he built a modern and commodious house, his




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.