USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 48
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On the 17th of January, 1872, David S. Lake was married to Miss Hannah, a daughter of Daniel O'Day, and the children of their marriage are: Albert, Ralph, Clara and Leslie. The Lake family is prominent so- cially and Page county acknowledges its indebtedness to its members for the promotion of business activity within this part of the state. The Lake nursery is today one of the most important commercial concerns of Iowa and the growth of the business is attributable to its founder, whose ability has enabled to surround himself with an able corps of assistants, to devise and institute substantial and practical plans and to produce valuable stock and place it upon the market in such a manner as to make the demand therefor constant and increasing.
JOHN EMIL SWANSON, M. D.
Dr. John Emil Swanson, a well known and successful representative of the medical profession in Page county, has practiced in Essex since April, 1903. His birth occurred in Aledo, Illinois, on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1871, his parents being John E. and Caroline (Johnson) Swanson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. They emigrated to the United States in young manhood and womanhood, in the year 1868, locating at Galva, Illinois, where they were married. A short time afterward they established their home at Aledo, Illinois. The father, who was a tailor by trade, was there engaged in business along that line until 1875, when he took up his abode at Woodhull, Illinois, where he now successfully con- ducts an extensive tailoring establishment. His political allegiance is un- falteringly given to the republican party but he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office. His religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the Swedish Lutheran church, with which his wife is also identified.
John E. Swanson spent his youthful days under the parental roof and obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of Woodhull, Illinois. Subsequently he entered Augustana College at Rock Island, Ill-
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inois, from which institution he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1896. In the fall of the same year he took up the study of medi- cine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, which he attended for a year, when he entered the School of Medicine of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following his graduation of 1899 he was given an interneship in the Augustana Hospital at Chicago, where he served the regular term and in the spring of 1901 he located for practice at Swedona, Illinois. Shortly afterward, however, he went to Denver, Colorado, for the benefit of his health, where he practiced his profession for six months and at the end of that time, having fully recuperated. he came to Essex, Iowa, in April, 1903. He bought out the practice of Dr. Stottler, who removed to Shenandoah and in the intervening six years has built up an extensive and lucrative patronage, being today one of the well known and representative physicians in the county. Ile keeps in close touch with the onward march of the profession through his membership in the Page County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
In 1900 Dr. Swanson was joined in wedlock to Miss Selma Liljedahl, of Essex, Iowa, and unto them has been born one child. John Milton. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Swedish Lutheran church, the teachings of which they exemplify in their daily lives. Dr. Swanson's skill in the application of remedial agencies is widely recognized, and he commands the respect and esteem of his patients, fellow citizens and mem- bers of the medical fraternity.
JOHN LAGERQUIST.
On the roster of officials of Page county appears the name of John Lager- quist, who is now recorder of deeds. He was born in New York city, Au- gust 20, 1852, and is a son of Abraham and Caroline (Duberg) Lagerquist. The father was a mechanic. Ile was a native of Sweden and came to America when the voyages across the Atlantic were made in sailing ves- sels. He remained in the eastern metropolis until about 1859, when with his family he removed to Macon, Georgia. There he followed liis trade until 1866, when he went to Illinois, settling first in Ilenry county, where he purchased land and began farming but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring in 1868. His widow survived for about five years and passed away in 1873.
John Lagerquist was only seven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal from New York city to Georgia and was a youth of fourteen when the family home was established in Illinois. IIe was edu- cated in the public schools and began farming in Henry county. He after- ward clerked in a general store in Page county and in the fall of 1876 came to Iowa. He had previously learned the cabinetmaking trade but after reaching this state he accepted a clerkship at Essex, where he continued
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from 1876 to 1904. In the latter year he was elected county recorder of deeds and filled the position so acceptably that he was reelected in 1906 and again in 1908, so that he is now serving for a third term, which expires in 1911. His record is altogether creditable, as is indicated in his long con- tinuance in office. In Essex he filled the offices of mayor, councilman, jus- tice of the peace and assessor. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. On the contrary he is most loyal to the duties that devolve upon him and is prompt, faithful and reliable in their execution.
On the 3d of July, 1873, Mr. Lagerquist was united in marriage to Miss Clara C. Anderson, of Galesburg, Illinois, and they have four children : Walter E., who is now a student at Yale; K. Pearl, who lives at home and is acting as deputy county recorder ; M. Mabel, a student in the high school at Clarinda; and Warren S., who is pursuing his studies in the Clarinda public schools. The elder son was graduated from Simpson College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and at Yale in his first year he won the Master of Arts degree and eventually will win the Doctor of Philosophy degree. He was elected to fill the chair of economics at Beloit College, in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained for some time.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents are faithful members. In the work of the church Mr. Lagerquist takes an active and helpful interest and for many years was a trustee of the church and was also superintendent of the Sunday school at Essex. At Clarinda he has been a member of the official board and also a class leader. His life has ever been upright and honorable and the motives which have guided his actions have been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. Page county has no citizen more loyal to its interests than John Lagerquist.
J. C. WILLIAMS.
J. C. Williams, who owns and operates a farm of four hundred acres located partly in Valley and partly in Douglas townships, is a well known and substantial farmer, who is meeting with gratifying success in his ag- ricultural pursuits. Born in England on the 18th of April, 1856, he is a son of John and Amy (Rogers) Williams, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume. The father, also a native of England, came to the United States with his family in 1866, settling first in Wis- consin and later in Page county, Iowa, where he was actively engaged for some time in farming, becoming one of the extensive landowners of the locality. He is now living retired on his farm of six hundred acres in Valley township, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
J. C. Williams came to the new world when but a lad and is indebted to the common-school system for the educational advantages which he en- joyed. He remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields, until lie reached manhood when, starting out in business for himself,
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he removed to one of his father's farms, which he operated for some time as a renter. Later he purchased the place and has since added to his pos- sessions, until now he owns four hundred acres located in Valley and Doug- las townships. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, practices the rotation of crops and makes a thorough study of the best methods of cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also engages in the raising and feeding of stock, the good grade of which insures it a ready sale on the market.
On the 2d of December, 1880, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Helen Fleenor, who was born in Henry county, Iowa, on the 3d of April, 1863, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth Fleenor, residents of Clarinda. To this union have been born two children, namely: Arsella Jane, born December 22, 1881, who is still at home ; and George C., who was born on the 17th of January, 1886, and is now married and resides in Valley township.
The family is connected with the United Brethren church and is held in high regard in the community. In politics Mr. Williams is independent, casting his ballot at the polls for the men who, in his opinion, are best adapted to fill the position for which they are candidates. He served as school director but otherwise has not sought nor desired public office. He is public spirited in his citizenship, at all times desirous for the best interests of the community. He has won success in his agricultural pursuits and his farm, which is known as the Neely Branch Stock Farm, is one of the finely improved and valuable properties of Page county.
MRS. NELLIE JONASSON.
It is the names of the men of a community that are apt to figure most prominently on the pages of history from the fact that they control the business interests, fill the offices and manage the public affairs. Yet there are in every community ladies whose business ability is pronounced and whose sterling worth well entitles them to classification with the repre- sentative residents of the county. In this connection mention should be made of Mrs. Nellie Jonasson of Coin, who owns and controls a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres of fine land in Colfax township. She also has a beautiful town residence which she occupies. She was born in Sweden, July 11, 1844, and is a daughter of John and Magnal ( Pierce) Matteson, both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden, where the father died at the age of fifty-five years, while the mother reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. They were parents of but two daughters, the elder being Mrs. Hannah Augison, the widow of Mans Angison, and a resident of Sweden.
Mrs. Jonasson, the younger daughter, acquired her education in the schools of her native country and came to the United States with a number of friends when twenty-four years of age. She became a resident of Min-
MIR. AND MRS. P. A. C. JONASSEN
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TILL EN FUNJAIKY
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neapolis, Minnesota, where she remained for about four years and then went to Illinois. She was married in Kewanee, that state, on the 5th of April, 1873, to P. A. C. Jonasson, who was born in Sweden and was the son of Jonas and Sissa Peterson.
The young couple began their domestic life in Illinois, where they remained for two years, and then removed to Page county, Iowa, bringing with them their eldest son, who was born in the former state. On reach- ing this county they took up their abode near Northboro on one hundred and sixty acres of raw land which Mr. Jonasson had purchased the previ- ous year on a trip to the west. He at once began to cultivate this place, breaking the sod and tilling the fields until they rewarded his efforts by gen- erous harvests. He erected all of the buildings upon the place and con- tinued to reside upon the farm until February, 1905, when with his family he removed to Coin and retired from active business life. He was at that time about sixty-five years of age. His birth had occurred in Sweden, April 20, 1840, and on the 9th of August, 1867, he arrived in the United States. Making his way to the interior of the country, he settled at Ke- wanec, Illinois. He had followed carpentering and engineering in Sweden but in this country turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. After a brief period he made his way to Scott county, Kansas, where he lived for six months, after which he returned to Kewanee, Illinois. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Ellen Anderson, who was a school- mate of Mrs. Nellie Jonasson, when they were in Sweden. That marriage was celebrated December 31, 1871, and on the 29th of October, 1872, the young wife passed away. On the 5th of April, 1873, Mr. Jonasson wedded Miss Nellie Johnson and they traveled life's journey happily together until he was called to the life beyond.
Mr. Jonasson became a naturalized citizen of the United States, March 2, 1880, and was always loyal in his allegiance to the best interests of the country. During his residence in Page county he won for himself a favor- able position among the leading farmers of this part of the state. He paid nine and one-eighth dollars per acre for his first tract of land of one hun- dred and sixty acres and to his original holdings he kept adding from time to time until he had five hundred and seventy-six acres. He was a prominent farmer living in Washington township but owning land both in that and Colfax township, and his life record indicated the success that might be achieved by determined purpose intelligently directed. He made good use of his time, talents and opportunities and thus won prosperity so that he was able to leave a very substantial competence to his family when he was called to his final home. In addition to his farming interests he was one of the organizers and original stockholders of the First National Bank of Blanchard and became a stockholder of the local telephone company, of which he was elected secretary and treasurer. In other ways he was closely associated with public progress, for his fellow-citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to a number of local offices. He always regarded a public office as a public trust and was most faithful to the duties entrusted to his care. He acted as justice of the peace, was school director, secre-
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tary of the school board for ten years, was township trustee and also filled other offices to which he was chosen as the candidate of the republican party. He was a member of the Lutheran church in Sweden but after com- ing to Page county united with the Methodist church, assisted in building the house of worship in Northboro and held office in that church for many years. After his removal to Coin the family joined the Methodist church of this place and Mr. Jonasson was serving as one of its stewards at the time of his death. He passed away December 10, 1908, and his grave was made in the Ellenwood Cemetery of Coin.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jonasson had been blessed with six chil- dren. John Alfred, who was born January 8, 1874, died February 27, 1900. He was a graduate of Tarkio College, afterward was assistant superinten- dent of the Coin schools and at the time of his death was superintendent of the schools at Essex, Iowa. Clara M. is the wife of L. II. Wiar of Col- fax township and they have two children, Nellie O. and Charles E. Fran- cis O., born July 2, 1878, died February 19, 1900, while attending Tarkio College. Eva S., born January 12, 1880, died December 31, 1881. Stella B. is the wife of Clyde Whitmore, who resides on the old homestead farm, and they have one child, Pearl Irene. Blanche H., living at home, was a student in Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa.
Mrs. Jonasson and her family are all members of the Methodist church and are held in high regard by those with whom they have come in con- tact. In addition to her town and farm property Mrs. Jonasson owns stock in the First National Bank of Blanchard. The land, formerly in posses- sion of her husband and not included in the old homestead, was divided among the children after his death. Mr. Jonasson also left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name for he was always honor- able and upright in his business, never taking advantage of the necessities of another in any transaction but seeking his success by earnest, persistent and honorable effort.
S. A. JOHNSON.
S. A. Johnson, one of the leading farmers of Fremont township and a member of the board of township trustees, was born in Sweden, September 19, 1857. His parents, John and Anna (Swanson) Johnson, came to the United States in 1869. They made a short stay in Atkinson and also at Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois, and about a year later took up their abode at Swedona, Illinois, where they remained for thirteen years. In 1882 they came to Page county, Iowa, settling in the vicinity of Essex, where they resided until called to their final rest, the father dying in the fall of 1908 when in his ninety-fourth year, while the mother passed away in February, 1900, in her eighty-second year. On coming to this country the father took the name of John Ask, by which he was afterward known.
S. A. Johnson was a youth of eleven years when his parents crossed the Atlantic. He continued at home until his thirteenth year, when, because
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of the limited financial resources of his parents, he began to provide for his own support, working by the month as a farm hand. While his educa- tional opportunities in this country were limited, yet in his native land he had received thorough training in the common schools. He proved him- self diligent and persevering in his farm work and, therefore never found it difficult to secure a situation during the eleven years in which he was em- ployed.
On the 19th of January, 1883, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Lena Nelson, of Shenandoah, who was a native of Sweden and came to the United States in 1873. The spring following his marriage Mr. Johnson began farming for himself as a renter and thus busily tilled the soil for five years. In the fall of 1887 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he removed and which has since been his place of residence. He has been very successful in his chosen life work, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, practicing the rotation of crops and utilizing the modern methods of farming to make his work productive. He has made a specialty of the breeding and raising of hogs and this has constituted a profitable branch of his business.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has been blessed with seven chil- dren, six of whom are yet living, as follows: Hilda Otelia, Ellen D., Elmer N., Lawrence A., Quincy B., and Verna C. All are yet under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Johnson has long been an earnest and stal- wart republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is a member of the present school board and in the fall of 1896 was elected to the board of trustees of Fremont township, in which position he served so capably and faithfully that in the fall of 1908 he was re- elected to the office and is now the incumbent in that position. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and its teachings constitute the guiding influence in their lives. Mr. Johnson may truly be called a self-made man for he has been dependent upon his own resources from early boyhood and has worked his way upward along the legitimate steps of an honorable business career. He is now a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Essex and is one of the substantial and influential men of Fremont township. His business record is one which will bear close in- spection and scrutiny, for the course which he has followed has at all times been an honorable and upright one.
JAMES J. DOTY.
While some men attain success by patient perseverance in lines of busi- ness already well defined and marked out, others owe their prosperity to the fact that they originate new enterprises which they conduct along well de- fined lines of trade until a most satisfactory remuneration is gained. Of the latter class James J. Doty is a representative. He was the organizer
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and is the president of the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Company and is thus one of Shenandoah's most prominent business men, for the industry is one of the most important and successful in the city.
His birth occurred in Bureau county, Illinois, on the Ioth of October, 1874, his parents being John C. and Ann Elizabeth (Jackson) Doty. The father was a native of Scotland but was only seven years of age when brought from the land of hills and heather to the United States by his parents, who located in New York city. Later they removed westward to Chicago, where both the father and mother of John C. Doty passed away during the cholera epidemic. John C. Doty was reared to manhood in his parents' home and at the time of the Civil war offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Regiment. He was captured twice while at the front and for a short period was confined in Andersonville prison. At the close of his military experience he re- turned to Chicago, where he lived for a few years. He was then mar- ried and located on a farm in Bureau county, Illinois. In 1888 he came westward to Iowa, settling in Guthrie county, where he purchased one hun- dred and twenty acres of land, cultivating the soil of that farm until 1894, when he put aside the more active business cares and took up his abode in Shenandoah, where he is now living at the age of sixty-four years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife, who is sixty- three years of age, is connected with the Christian Scientists.
James J. Doty was reared at home, acquiring his education in the dis- trict schools and in the Shenandoah high school, while later he pursued a business course in the Western Normal College. His father's financial re- sources did not permit of him receiving a university education and when eighteen years of age he started out in life on his own account. He was first employed as a clerk in the grocery store of C. S. Andrews, with whom he remained for three years. Later he engaged in the coal, flour and feed business and gradually transferred his interests to the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Company. He was the organizer of this company and established a business which is now of large and profitable proportions. He has given to the public an article of value to the farmer and stock- raiser, and the sale of his output is very extensive. In addition to his in- terests along that line he is a director of the Iowa Wagon Company and a stockholder in the Commercial National Bank and also in the Security Trust & Savings Company. His name is an honored one on commercial paper and his opinions are received with attention in business circles for the suc- cess which he has achieved proves their worth.
It was on the 16th of November, 1898, that Mr. Doty was united in marriage to Miss Lema M. Jividen, of Onawa, Iowa, and unto them has been born one child, Forrest Jividen. Mr. Doty holds membership in Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F .; Shenandoah Lodge. No. 1122, B. P. O. E. ; and Nishna Lodge, No. 249, A. O. U. W. He is also a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward, while his political views are manifest in his support of the democratic party at the polls. He belongs to the Shenandoah Commercial Club and has
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served as a member of the board of trustees of the public library. He is a recognized leader in various business enterprises and in public move- ments, in all of which the community is an indirect beneficiary. He is a successful man, not only carrying forward to completion whatever he under- takes in a financial way but also accomplishing what he undertakes for the good of the community. He is justly accounted one of the men of promin- ence in Shenandoah and his social qualities have made him popular with his fellow townsmen.
JOSEPH AURACHER.
Few men in recent years have figured more prominently in grain and live-stock interests in Page county than Joseph Auracher, being the owner of some of the finest cattle in the United States. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Northampton county on the 9th of March, 1862, a son of Christian and Mary (Buzzard) Auracher. The father was a native of Germany, while the mother was born in America of French extraction. The parents were married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and in 1869 came with their family to lowa, locating on a farm in Louisa county, where their remaining days were spent. The father passed away in Sep- tember, 1879, at the age of sixty-three years, while the mother's death oc- curred in 1899, when she had reached her seventy-third year.
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