USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 52
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Robert Steele Finley was only four years of age when he accompanied his parents to Page county. He located with them upon a farm three miles east of College Springs, and there resided until the spring of 1904, when they all removed to a place south of the town, remaining there for two years. Three years ago they came to College Springs and Robert Steele Finley has since been engaged in the real estate business here, handling both farm and city property. He buys and sells land in Texas, Missouri and Iowa and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the value of realty in the different states where he operates. He owns two dwellings in College Springs and he has also erected a business house of cement blocks on Main street. This was built in 1906 and contains both stores and offices. He is likewise the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Douglas county, Missouri, and he buys and sells extensively for others. He bought and sold abont twenty pieces of property in the past year and in addition to his real estate operations he looks after his father's farm. In all of his business affairs he displays sound judgment, and, working diligently along well defined lines of labor, he is meeting with the success that ever crowns intelligent and hon- orable effort. Aside from his business relations his associations are such as commend him to the good will and trust of his fellowmen. He is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, and his attitude on the temperance question is indicated in the support which he gives to the pro- hibition party.
ALFRED MELANCTHON FINLEY.
Many years have come and gone since Alfred Melancthon Finley arrived in Page county, reaching Clarinda on the 15th of January, 1876. He was then a youth of fourteen years, his birth having occurred in Monmouth, Illinois, on the Ist of January, 1862. Since coming to Iowa he has remained continuously in Page county and was reared to the occupation of farming, living with his father in Amity township up to the time of his marriage, af- ter which he began farming on his own account. For two years he rented land from his father but for seven years resided upon the farm which he owns. Since the expiration of that period he has made his home in College Springs but still conducts his farming interests, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, which is in three tracts, while in the village he has four acres. In all of his farm work he is practical and pro- gressive, utilizing his opportunities to the best advantage and as the years have gone by he has won a creditable measure of prosperity.
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On the IIth of May, 1898, Mr. Finley was married to Miss Hettie Ers- kine, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 27, 1867, a daughter of John and Fannie Erskine. Following her father's death, she went to Tarkio, Iowa, with her widowed mother. Mr. and Mrs. Finley have no children of their own but the kindness of their hearts has prompted them to give homes to three children whom they are now rearing.
In his political views Mr. Finley was originally a republican but early be- came allied with the prohibition party to vote for St. John. He has served on the town council and in all matters of citizenship has stood for im- provement, taking a deep interest in things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He is a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church and served as trustee for six years, after which he resigned.
ANTON HANZON.
Anton Hanzon, who for several years has been closely identified with the business interests of Essex, is now well known as the junior partner in the fırın of Rotton & Hanzon, luniber merchants. As the name indicates, he is of foreign birth, born in Sweden on the 16th of February, 1865, and is a son of Anders and Caroline ( Larson) Hanzon, both natives of Sweden, where they spent their entire lives.
Reared to farm life, Anton Hanzon attended the common schools of liis native country in the acquirement of his education and in due course of time was graduated from the high school, being thus well equipped for the re- sponsible and practical duties of life. The periods of vacation were devoted to assisting in the work of the farm and at an early age he became thor- oughly familiar with the tasks that fall to the agriculturist. He remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his services until 1895, in which year he sailed for the United States. Rumors had reached him concerning the advantages offered by the new world and he decided to try his fortune in this country, thinking to find better opportunities for advancement here than were offered in the old world. Upon his arrival in the United States he came to Essex, Iowa, where for a year he was identified with the carpen- ter's trade. He then went to Red Oak, where for four years he was simi- larly engaged, at the expiration of which time he returned to Sweden for a visit, spending almost an entire year in that country. In September, 1900, he again crossed the Atlantic, and the winter of that year was spent in Red Oak.
The spring of 1901 witnessed his second arrival in Essex, and for the next six years he was actively and prominently identified with contracting and building interests in this city. Throughout that period he gained a repu- tation as a man of considerable ability and was awarded many contracts, while several of the substantial buildings of the community stand as monu- inents to his skill. In August, 1907, he purchased the interest of Emil John- son in the lumber firm of Rotton & Johnson, the firm name being changed
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to that of Rotton & Hanzon, which connection still continues. The firm enjoys an extensive and growing patronage because of the straightforward business methods which they pursue, and Mr. Hanzon is recognized as a man of unusual business ability, whose well directed efforts have been potent factors in the growth and progress of the enterprise.
It was in the year 1902 that Mr. Hanzon was united in marriage to Miss Hilma Anderson, of Essex, and unto this union has been born one child, a daughter, Helen A., who is the life and light of the household. The wife and mother passed away in 1004, and three years later Mr. Hanzon was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Nelson, nee Carlson. Both are members of the Swedish Mission church, of which Mr. Hanzon is secretary of the board, and their lives are at all times in harmony with the teachings of the church. In politics he gives stalwart support to the prohibi- tion party, doing all in his power to further the cause of temperance through- out the community. A man of many sterling characteristics, his loyalty to honorable principles and high ideals has gained him the respect and esteem of his fellowmen, and he ranks foremost among the valued citizens and suc- cessful and influential business men of Essex.
J. M. VAN BUSKIRK, D. M. D.
Thoroughly conversant with the modern processes and methods of dental practice, Dr. Van Buskirk in his professional labors has won high com- mendation because of the ability and skill that he has displayed. He has been more or less continuously connected with the profession in Shenandoah since 1901 and has practiced independently since 1904, during which time he has made rapid and substantial progress until he is today enjoying the most extensive dental practice in Page county.
Dr. Van Buskirk is, moreover, entitled to representation in this volume as one of the native sons of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Fremont county, August 9, 1879. Ilis parents were Joseph and Martha (Fulton) Van Buskirk, natives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively. Following their marriage they began their domestic life upon a farm near Lacon, Illinois, where they resided until 1869, in which year Joseph Van Buskirk brought his family to southwestern Iowa, making the journey by wagon. He settled in Fremont county and purchased eighty acres of land in Locust Grove township, to which he afterward added a quarter section. With character- istic energy he gave his time and attention to his farm and resided thereon until 1883. when he removed to Shenandoah, where for a number of years he was extensively engaged in the live-stock business. Later he identified himself with a milling and elevator enterprise and conducted a growing and successful business along those lines up to the time of his death, which oc- curred in the spring of 1900. In all of his business affairs he was alert and progressive, watchful of the details pointing to success, and his close ap- plication and indefatigable energy constituted the safe foundation upon
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which he built his prosperity. In his political views he was an earnest dem- ocrat and while never a politician in the sense of office seeking he served for two terms as a member of the town council in the early days. His fra- ternal relations were with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and to these orders and their beneficent teachings he was most loyal. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of Shenandoah. She is a member of the Congregational church and is much interested in its work.
Dr. Van Buskirk has always remained a resident of southwestern Iowa with the exception of a brief period. His father's home sheltered him through the period of his boyhood and youth, and the Shenandoah grammar and high schools afforded him his early education. Later he pursued a commercial course in the Western Normal College and, desiring to enter upon a professional career, he took up the study of dentistry in 1898, ma- triculating in the dental department of the Washington University at St. Louis. He was graduated with the class of 1901 and for six months after- ward was associated with Dr. H. M. Richardson in practice in this city. He then went to Stanberry, Missouri, where he spent about eight months. At the end of that time he returned to Shenandoah and again became Dr. Rich- ardson's associate in practice, so continuing for one and one-half years. In 1904 he opened an office for independent practice and during the succeeding five years has made rapid advance in his chosen life work. His fellow mem- bers of the dental fraternity as well as the general public acknowledge his skill and ability in professional lines.
Dr. Van Buskirk has followed in the political footsteps of his father, giving his support to the democracy and at all times keeping well informed on the issues and questions of the day. He belongs to Tricentum Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M .; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M .; and to a Greek letter college fraternity. He is popular socially, having a large circle of warm friends in Shenandoah and throughout this part of the state.
CHARLES EDWARD VEAK.
Charles Edward Veak, living on section 26, Fremont township, is building up a fine reputation as the breeder of registered hogs and is now conducting an extensive business as a dealer in live stock. He was born in Fremont township, October 3, 1878, and is a son of Jolin and Christina (Johnson) Veak, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father came to the United States about 1874 or 1875 and, like many of his fellow countrymen, went first to Henry county, Illinois. He there lived for two or three years. when he made his way westward to Page county, Iowa. The lady whom he af- terward made his wife had preceded him to the United States and had lo- cated in this county, where they were married. In course of time John Veak acquired a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he still owns. For years he carefully tilled the soil and carried on the farm work. His wife died in 1904 and he continued to reside on the farm until 1909, when
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he removed to a small place in the town of Stanton, Montgomery county, where he now lives, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has long been a most active and helpful member of the Luth- eran church and for a quarter of a century was superintendent of the Sun- day school, while for twelve years he has been a deacon in the church. His efforts in behalf of progress and for the adoption of principles which work for the upbuilding of high and honorable character have been effective forces for good.
Charles Edward Veak was reared amid the refining influences of a good Christian home, where the lessons of industry, integrity and perseverance, which were early impressed upon his mind, have in later years borne rich fruit. While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, he at- tended the public schools and also pursued a course of study in the Western Normal College at Shenandoah. His practical training in the fields qualified him as well for the business cares which have since devolved upon him. In 1904 he began farming for himself as a renter and in March, 1909, on his father's removal to Stanton, he took charge of the home place. For the past four years he has been extensively engaged in the breeding of thorough- bred Duroc Jersey hogs. At the state fair in 1908 he exhibited his stock and broke all records by receiving a premium every time he drove into the ring. He made exhibits at the county and state fairs in the year 1900, where he again won many premiums. He has made a wide reputation as a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and his business success is being continually augmented as the result of his undaunted enterprise and diligence.
On the 15th of June, 1904, Mr. Veak was married to Miss Tilda Ander- son of Douglas township and the household now numbers three children : Russell C., Goldie E. and Doris. In politics Mr. Veak is a republican of the progressive type, seeking the best interests of the community through the support of his party and standing at all times for clean politics and good government. He and his wife hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran church and with its government and its activities he has been closely asso- ciated. He is one of the church auditors, is a teacher in the Sunday school and takes an actve and helpful interest in the church work. His belief is not a side issue in his life but a permeating and controlling interest and has made his record one that is creditable to himself and to the citizenship of the com- munity in which he lives.
W. A. PARRETTE, M. D.
W. A. Parrette, a physician and surgeon of Shenandoah, was born in Greenfield, Ohio, July 16, 1865, and is a son of Milton J. and Jane Elliott (Adams) Parrette, who are likewise natives of Greenfield. Ohio. The parental grandfather, Joseph F. Parrette, was a native of Staunton, Vir- ginia. The ancestry is traced back to George Parrette, the great-great- grandfather of the Doctor, who was one of six brothers that came to
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America from Geneva, Switzerland, soon after the opening of the seven- teenth century and located at Jamestown, Virginia. The family was well represented in the Revolutionary war, the Parrettes espousing the cause of the colonists and doing able service in behalf of the cause of liberty. The ancestors of Dr. Parrette were forced to leave France during the persecution of the Huguenots, with which religious body they were iden- tified. There were about two generations between those who suffered for their religious faith and the representatives who became the founders of the family in the new world. In the maternal line Dr. Parrette comes from Scotch and Irish ancestry. His parents were farming people of Ohio and there they reared their family, including Dr. Ernest Parrette, now practic- ing in Columbus, Ohio, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Estelle and Ruth. The first named is now a teacher in the public schools of Lima, Ohio, while Ruth is society editor of the Lima Times-Democrat, and Estella is a teacher in the schools of Greenfield, Ohio.
Dr. Parrette, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Green- field upon his father's farm, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. In the meantime he obtained his education as a pupil in the district schools and in the South Salem Academy. While pursuing his academic course he took up the profession of teaching at the age of nineteen years and was thus employed through one winter. Later he resumed his own studies and after leaving the academy removed westward to Mediapolis, Iowa, where he engaged in teaching in the district schools for two terms. He was afterward bookkeeper and clerk in the store of his uncle, I. N. Mc- Clure, for five years but was not thoroughly satisfied with the business in- terests which up to this time had claimed his attention and, thinking to find the practice of medicine a congenial and profitable undertaking, in March, 1891, he began reading in the office of Dr. D. W. Lunbeck, of Mediapolis. There he studied until the following August, when he went to New York city and spent two years in Bellevue Hospital as nurse, this experience prov- ing very valuable to him in his later professional labors. He completed his course as a nurse in the D. O. Mills Training School and was graduated in September, 1893. He then entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of New York City, where he completed a four years' course and was graduated on the 4th of May, 1897. For about a year or until September, 1898, he remained in New York city, doing subordinate work for leading physicians of the eastern metropolis. This brought him valuable and varied experience and well qualified him for the onerous duties of his profession when he returned to his native city and opened an office there for general practice. He continued in Greenfield from the Ist of October, 1898, until the fall of 1904, after which he spent six months in Columbus, Ohio, and at the expiration of that period came to Iowa in the summer of 1905. He located for the practice of his profession at Wellman, Washington county, where he continued until February, 1909, when he located in his present office in the Bogart block in Shenandoah. While he engages in general practice he is an expert surgeon, doing special and accurate work in that line, and is also a specialist on the treatment of the diseases of the eye, ear,
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nose and throat. He has a full line of apparatus and instruments for the finest work in the line of his specialties and is giving proof of his ability as his patronage is increasing. Ile is an extensive reader along the line of his profession, keeping in touch with the most advanced thought con- cerning medieal and surgical practice.
Dr. Parrette was married at Mediapolis, Iowa. on the 11th of October, 1900, to Miss Martha F. Robinson, who was a native of that town. Her father conducted the woolen mill at Mediapolis for a number of years but is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having given faithful aid to the Union cause during the darkest hour in his country's history. Dr. and Mrs. Parrette now have three children : Elizabethi, who is five and a half years of age ; Robert, four years of age ; and one who died in infancy.
The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Dr. Par- rette is a member of Progress Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Mediapolis. His political support is given to the republican party where questions of state and national importance are involved but at local elections he easts an in- dependent ballott, considering the capability of the candidate rather than his party affiliation. While a more recent addition to the professional eircles of Shenandoah, his ability destines him to success wherever he is located, and already he has won popularity and professional regard here.
CLAUS ABRAHAM.
Among the self-made men of Pierce township is Claus Abraham, who has wrought out his success along well defined lines of labor. He was born in Sweden on the 12th of October, 1871, and is a son of Emanuel and Jo- hanna (Anderson) Abraham, who came to the United States in 1891. After a short residence in Essex, Iowa. they located in Montgomery county, this state, where they are still living.
Claus Abraham spent his youthful days under the parental roof, aequir- ing his education in the public schools of Sweden and also in the distriet schools of this country. He was fifteen years of age when in 1886 in com- pany with his sister, Anna M .. he came to the United States, settling at Imogene, Fremont county, lowa. There he and his sister both went to work for their financial resources were quite limited. For three years Mr. Abra- ham was employed on farms and afterward learned the butchering business in Imogene. Hle then went to Shenandoah where he worked for a short time, and for about three years he was connected with the butchering busi- ness in lissex.
In 1896 Mr. Abraham was united in marriage to Miss Selma Lind- berg, of Fremont township. Page county, and soon afterward they estab- lished a home in Emerson, Mills county, where Mr. Abraham continued in the butchering business for a year. He was afterward employed in a meat market in Essex for five years, and in 1900 he purchased his present farm
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of one hundred and twenty acres, whereon he resided for two years. He then returned to Essex, where he once more lived for five years, and in 1907 he again took up his abode upon the farm which is now his place of residence. In 1906 he purchased eighty acres adjoining from his brother- in-law, C. J. Hendrickson, making his present place a tract of two hun- dred acres, which is rich and productive land and makes ready and generous return for the 'care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He also owns two town lots in Essex and his realty possessions are an indication of a life of well directed energy and thrift.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Abraham were born two children but only one is now living, Reuel D. In his political views Mr. Abraham is a democrat and served as marshal of Essex. He finds his chief source of recreation in the automobile driving, owning a Jackson car. He started out in life a poor boy but, with the assistance of his wife, he has made substantial progress and they are now numbered among the people of affluence in the community. They belong to the Swedish Free Mission church and have guided their lives in conformity to its teachings. In all of his business dealings Mr. Abra- hanı has made steady progress and with unabating industry and energy that never flags a successful future seems assured to him.
F. M. JONES.
F. M. Jones, who has now made his home within the borders of Page county for almost four decades, is the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of two hundred and seventy-nine acres on section 8, Pierce township. His birth occurred in Logan county, Ohio, on the 25th of March, 1842, his parents being Allen and Anna (Armstrong) Jones. The paternal ancestors of our subject made their way to Ohio from Georgia, while the earliest rep- resentatives of the Armstrong family in the Buckeye state came from Ken- tucky. Allen Jones, the father of F. M. Jones, carried on agricultural pur- suits in early manhood and later conducted a general mercantile establish- ment at Quincy, Logan county, Ohio. Both he and his wife passed away in that county.
F. M. Jones spent his youthful days under the parental roof and obtained his education in the common schools. On attaining his majority he began farming for himself by renting a tract of land, having gained a good knowl- edge of the best methods of tilling the soil through the assistance which he rendered his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He belonged to the Home Guards and in 1864 was called into service as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty- second Ohio Infantry, with which he served for about four months. On returning home he resumed his agricultural interests and was thus busily engaged until the fall of 1869, when he removed westward to Schuyler county, Missouri.
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The following spring Mr. Jones came to Page county, Iowa, and pur- chased forty acres of the farm on which he now resides in Pierce town- ship, taking up his abode thereon on the Ist of March, 1870. From time to time he has extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it now comprises two hundred and seventy-nine acres of Iowa's most valuable and productive soil, and in addition he also owns a half section of land in Sully county, South Dakota. Year after year he has successfully carried on the work of the farm and has now developed a fine property, im- proved with good buildings and equipped with all the modern accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is today numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community and the prosperity which has attended his efforts is richly merited, for it has come as the direct result of his own labor and untiring perseverance.
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