USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. I > Part 52
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WILLIAM SPEARS.
William Spears, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Minden town- . ship, is numbered among the extensive landowners of the county, having eight hundred neres, which returns to him a very gratifying annual income. He has been a resident of Iowa since 1848 and on his present farm since 1871, his home being now on section 7. His original purchase, however, embraced but eighty aeres, and this serving as a nucleus, he has continually added to his possessions until his holdings are now very extensive.
Mr. Spears was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1836, His father, George Spears, was a native of Scotland and when a young man sought the broader opportunities of the new world, settling in Pennsylvania, where he followed the trade of a machinist and blacksmith. In 1839 he again removed westward, becoming a resident of Hancock county, Illinois, where he lived until 1846, when he came to Iowa. For a time he was in Council Bluffs and then went to Nebraska, where he lived for two years. He became entirely blind through an aceident. While in Pennsylvania he married Miss Sarah Churchfield, of that state, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living.
William Spears, the eldest of this family, was reared upon the home farm and enjoyed common-school advantages. His father died in Florence, Nebraska, in 1846, and the mother afterward married again in that state, becoming the wife of George Sweet, who, in 1848, returned to Iowa, where he engaged in farming. The occupation to which he was reared, William Spears decided to make his life work and for several years he worked by
WILLIAM SPEARS AND FAMILY.
I THE NEW YORK | | PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILD N FOUNDATIONS.
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the month and later rented land until he acquired capital sufficient to enable him to purchase property. In 1862 he bought eighty acres at the edge of Harrison county, where he made a home, living there for several years. In 1871 he came to Minden township and has since resided on his present farm on section 7.
In the meantime, on the 27th of May, 1863, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Spears was united in marriage to Miss Levina Stoker, a native of Pottawattamie connty, born December 10, 1846, and a daughter of Eller Stoker, a pioneer of this county, who in 1836 established his home here and was numbered among those who aided in laying the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the county by reclaiming wild land for the purposes of civilization.
As the years passed Mr. Spears carried on the work of the farm and prospered in his undertakings. As his financial resources increased he added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of eight hundred aeres, which is divided into four farms, with good sets of build- ings upon each. In all of his work he has been practical and has accom- plished what he has undertaken by reason of his diligence, perseverance and well directed labor. His first home was a log cabin, but this has long since been replaced by a more modern structure and he now has a good two-story dwelling upon his farm, together with substantial barns and out- buildings. In fact, all of the equipments of a model farm are to be found upon this place. Ile has made a specialty of raising and selling polled Angus cattle, keeping full blooded registered stock. He also makes a specialty of Chester White hogs. He feeds about three carloads of stock each year. Ile has planted orchards and small fruits and has good farms, thoroughly equipped with modern conveniences and representing in their well kept appearance the care, labor and practical methods of the owner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spears were born ten children. but they lost three in infaney, while Agnes became the wife of John D. Bennett and died at the age of twenty-two years. The others are: Mary Jane, the wife of G. J. Winslow, of Fort Collins, Colorado; Daisy Ann, at home; Myrtle, the wife of F. N. Wilson, a farmer who aids Mr. Spears in the conduet of the home place; Eva, who is at home; William II., who assists his father in carrying on the work of farming and stock-raising; and Cora, also at home.
Mr. Spears is independent in politics, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has held all of the township offices both here and in IJarrison county, being called to publie positions by his fellow towns- men, who recognize his worth and ability and appreciate the faithful service which he always renders. He was a member of the old Grange and of the Farmers Alliance and has ever been deeply interested in all that pertains to the advancement of material interests. He started out in life empty- handed and has made a splendid record as one whose diligence constitutes the basis of his success, his labors being at all times guided by sound judg- ment and practical views. He has helped to make the county what it is to-day, breaking prairie and opening up farms and thus reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. He is the oldest settler in Min-
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den township in years of continuous connection therewith. He has passed the scriptural age of three score years and ten, but is still active and gives personal supervision to his extensive farming interests, embracing the culti- vation of eight hundred acres of land. His life record is in many respects worthy of emulation and should serve as a source of encouragement to those who have to start out as he did without capital. He early realized that labor is the strongest force in winning success and as the years have gone by he has so directed his efforts that difficulties and obstacles have been overcome and he has gained a place with the most prominent and prosperous agricul- turists of this community.
WILLIAM H. GOFF.
William H. Goff, deccased, was for many years engaged in contracting in Council Bluffs and was also well known as the leader of Goff's Band, pos- sessing musical talent of superior order. He came to this city in 1867 and at his death left behind him many sincere and warm friends. His birth occurred in Jersey City, New Jersey, January 5, 1830. His parents, William and Hattie Eliza Goff, were natives of England and in early life came to America, settling in the state of New York, where the father engaged in farming for several years. He then removed to Homesdale, Pennsylvania, where he also followed the same pursuit for a number of years. He then de- termined to come to the west but never lived to reach his destination, being killed on the way. His wife died in the Keystone state. But one of their children now survives-John, who is located at Homesdale, Pennsylvania.
Having acquired a good practical education in the public schools, Wil- liam H. Goff afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in the vicinity of his home until he left Pennsylvania for the middle west. Set- tling at Peru, Illinois, he was there connected with building interests and the various departments of carpentering.
Soon after his arrival in Peru, Mr. Goff was there married on the 1st of January, 1867, to Miss Isabelle A. Lininger, who died in Council Bluffs, June 7, 1871, leaving a daughter, Carrie May, now the wife of John L. Templeton, a resident of this city. For his second wife Mr. Goff chose Miss Viola Reed, of Ohio, who died in Council Bluffs. IFis third marriage was with Miss Mary Miller, a native of Germany and a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Schubert) Miller, who were likewise natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in 1866, settling in Council Bluffs, where Mr. Miller was employed for several years as foreman of a vinegar factory. He then purchased a farm ten miles south of the city, in Lewis township, and devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits, both he and his wife spending their remaining days upon that place. By the marriage of William H. Goff and Mary Miller there were born eight children: Hat- tie E., at home; William E., who is residing in Kalamazoo, Michigan ; Charles H., who occupies a clerical position in the Union Pacific Transfer
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office in Council Bluffs; George Walter, who is a clerk in an implement manufactory of Omaha; Arthur, who died at the age of thirteen years; Hazel, who is a fine cornet player and resides at home; Oscar and Merwyn, also at home.
Shortly after his first marriage, Mr. Goff removed to Council Bluffs and became identified with its carpentering and building interests. He had sev- eral shops in the city and was not long in securing a very extensive patronage, important contracts being awarded him. He employed twenty men and con- tributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding of the city. He also owned a large planing mill and shop on Third street, which he conducted for several years with gratifying success.
Mr. Goff was always a lover of music and in his younger days learned to play the cornet and other instruments, being a fine performer. He re- sided in Chicago for a short time after his removal to the middle west and - while there and in Peru engaged in teaching music. He was leader of bands in all the different towns in which he resided and likewise in the Civil war, and soon after his removal to Council Bluffs he became leader of what was known as Goff's Band. Some time later he gave up contracting and carpenter- ing and devoted his entire time to music. He signed a contract with the Forepaugh circus and was leader of its bands for two seasons. After several years he retired permanently from business life and made his home in Council Bluffs until his death, resting in well earned ease.
In politics Mr. Goff was a stalwart democrat. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and while in the east held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was widely and favorably known in Council Bluffs, where he died June 29, 1906, leaving many friends who greatly esteemed him because of his genial nature, kindly spirit and deference for the opinions of others. Mrs. Goff and her children reside at No. 707 South Seventh street and are well known in social circles.
FREDERICK SWINGLE.
Frederick Swingle was born on the farm where he now resides on the 5th of December, 1875, his parents being Lewis and Elizabeth (Scott) Swin- gle. The father's birth occurred near Buffalo, New York, July 24, 1848, and in his boyhood he accompanied his parents on their removal to Bureau county, Illinois, where he was reared and married. The spring following his mar- riage he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, arriving here in 1875. At that time he purchased eighty acres of the present homestead farm in Lincoln township and upon that place resided until called to his final rest on Septem- ber 7, 1891. He was a successful agriculturist and added to his original holdings from time to time until he became the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultiva- tion. He was practical in his methods, progressive in his work and reliable in all of his business dealings. His political support was given the repub-
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lican party and he was one of the influential men of the community who labored earnestly for advancement and welfare of the county. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, of whom nine are yet living: Frederick, Christine, Frank, Elizabeth. Charlie, Louisa, Edna, Sarah and Lewis.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Frederick Swingle in his boyhood and youth. Ile acquired his edu- cation in the common schools and at his father's death. he being the eldest of the children-then sixteen years of age-the management of the farm largely devolved upon him. It is still an undivided estate and Frederick Swingle continues to manage the property. In the meantime, however, he has acquired one hundred and twenty acres of his own and is accounted one of the prosperous and enterprising young farmers of Lincoln township. Ile possesses keen business discernment and laudable ambition and upon this foundation he has builded his success.
In his political views Mr. Swingle is a republican. Ile belongs to Excel- sior lodge, No. 6986, M. W. 1., and is well known socially in the community, having the warm regard of a large circle of friends. For almost a third of a century he has been a witness of the development and progress of this section of the county, having spent his entire life here, and to the public welfare he is devoted, being interested in all that pertains to general progress and im- provement.
JULIUS C. STROHBEHIN.
The home farm of Julius C. Strohbehn comprises four hundred and eighty acres of land in one body. The residence stands on section 18, Silver Creek township, and he has three eighty-acre tracts on both sections 17 and 18. He likewise owns one hundred and sixty acres in York township, so that his total holdings are six hundred and forty acres-equivalent to an entire section of land. That he started out in life with little capital and that he is now one of the substantial agriculturists of the county is proof of unfaltering industry intelligently directed. His record again attests the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable labor.
Mr. Strohbehn was born in Holstein, Germany, January 2, 1860, and was brought to Iowa in 1871, at the age of eleven years, by his parents Henry and Eudora (Weis) Strohbehn, who were also natives of Holstein. Their last days, however, were spent in Pottawattamie county, the father passing away at the age of seventy-one years, while the mother survived him to the age of eighty-four years. Their family numbered four children: Louisa, the wife of Dotlif Guttan, who now lives in California but owns property in this county; William, who died in this county at the age of fifty-three years; Agatha, the wife of Charlie Roth, of Council Bluffs; and Julius C.
The last named was thirteen years of age when the family came to Silver Creek township. Pottawattamie county, where he has since resided and
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throughout his entire life he has been interested in farming. With his father he lived for five years upon a farm that belonged to his brother Wil- liam, and on the expiration of that period he bought one hundred and twenty aeres of his present farm at thirteen dollars per acre. It was then wild prairie, upon which he broke the sod and planted the first crops. He has in fact made all of the improvements here and the attractive appearance of the place is due to the commodious and substantial buildings upon it, the fine shade trees, the orchard and the well tilled fields. As his labors brought to him a fair profit he saved his money and from time to time invested in other land until within the boundaries of his farm are now comprised four hundred and eighty acres situated on sections 17 and 18, Silver Creek township. A farm of one hundred and sixty acres in York township also pays tribute to him. it being now rented. The home place, however, is operated under the direction of Mr. Strohbehn and its excellent appearance indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. The fields are now well tilled and he is furthermore known as a stock buyer, feeder and shipper, selling about one hundred head of cattle annually and about two hundred and fifty head of hogs.
In 1883 Mr. Strohbehn secured a companion and helpmate for life's journey through his marriage to Miss Amalie Olderog, who was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1862, a daughter of Claus and Gertrude Olderog. With her widowed mother she came to America in 1882 when a young lady of twenty years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Strohbehn has been blessed with eight children: Harry, Amelia, William, Edward, Herman, Arthur, Hugo and Helen.
In his political views Mr. Strohbehn is a republican and at the present writing, in the fall of 1907, is serving as a trustee of his township. He has been a member of the township school board and belongs to the German Lutheran church of Treynor, in which he is serving as a deacon. IIe is deeply interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral progress of his community. and his influence is ever found on the side of right and improvement.
PAUL I. VAN ORDER.
Paul I. Van Order, secretary of the C. Hafer Lumber Company and treasurer of the Consolidated Construction Company of Council Bluffs, his native city, was born March 20, 1879. His boyhood and youth were that of most lads of the period. His time was divided between the duties of the sehoolroom and the pleasures of the playground, and passing through suc- cessive grades in the public schools he at length completed the high-school course by graduation in the class of 1897. In 1900 he became connected with the lumber business and is well known in trade circles as the secretary of the C. Ilafer Lumber Company. He brought to his work laudable ambition,
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unfaltering diligence and perseverance, and these qualities have proven an element in the success which has attended the efforts of the house.
Mr. Van Order, as a result of his study of the political situation of the country, gives stalwart support to the republican party and its principles. He belongs to the blue lodge of Masons, the Hoo Hoos and is a communicant of the Episcopalian church. He is not unknown in military circles, as for ten years he has been a member of the Iowa National Guard, being now batallion adjutant of the Fifty-fifth Infantry, while he has also been captain of the Dodge Light Guards. He is much interested in military organizations and is a favorite in military ereles.
ROBERT R. SHERER.
To the business men who have made their own way to success a city is accustomed to look for aid in its growth. They are the men who have the energy and determination both to make plans and to carry theni to com- pletion. For these reasons Council Bluffs has always relied on Robert R. Sherer, contractor and builder. He was born in Big Grove, now Oakland, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, August 6, 1876. His parents removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1884 and there, in Aledo, the county seat, Mr. Sherer received his early education in the common schools. During his summer vacations and in his leisure hours outside of the schoolroom he was engaged in learning the carpenter's trade. At eighteen he left school, feeling that he was ready to push out further in the business at which he had worked up to this time. Ile came to Avoca, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and soon after removed to Council Bluffs, where he entered the employ of the Consolidated Construction Company. He proved of great value to this company and con- tinued in their service until March, 1906, when he entered into business with Charles H. Knight under the firm name of Knight & Sherer. In September, 1906, his brother, Oren L., purchased Mr. Knight's share in the business and the firm was known as Sherer Brothers for several months, but is now conducted by Robert R. Sherer alone.
In 1897 Mr. Sherer was married, in Mercer county, Illinois, to Austa May Smith. This union has been blessed with three children: Herschel M., J. Walter and Roberta Lucile Sherer. Mr. Sherer is erecting a modern home on Harrison street.
Mr. Sherer in his political relations has always given his support to the men and measures of the republican party. IIe has never sought its honors or offices, for he has felt that his business has demanded his entire attention. Ile is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Though holding his own religious beliefs, he has never identified himself with any church but has always been interested in any good work in which the churches have been engaged. He is a reliable business man because he does business on honor. IIis progress has never been based on another's loss but is due to his own efforts to aid in the growth of the town, and as it has grown his business has
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grown. To all that would promote the welfare of Council Bluffs, Mr. Sherer has always given his hearty support and has been a force in the business circles of this city since the day he entered them.
DAVID A. SNAPP.
David A. Snapp has been closely associated with the business develop- inent and material progress of Carson and this section of the county. He has been a prime mover in the successful conduct of various enterprises and in all that he has undertaken has manifested the spirit of advancement which has ever characterized the development of the middle west. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred at Fort Madison on the 23d of July, 1854. In both the paternal and maternal lines he is a representative of old families of the state. His parents were Simpson and Lucinda (Tade) Snapp, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina respectively, whence they went to southeastern Iowa with their parents in early life. Their marriage was celebrated in this state and they spent their remaining days upon a farm near Fort Madison, their family numbering eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom David A. was the fourth in order of birth. All of the sons came together to this county, namely: William L., now a resident of Kansas; Edward A., who is living in Carson township; George B., who left Pottawattamie county in the spring of 1907 for Alberta, Canada; and David A.
No event of special importance ocurred to vary the routine of farm life for David A. Snapp in his boyhood and youth. He worked with his father upon the old homestead until about eighteen years of age. His mother had died in 1869 and his father passed away in 1875. It was soon after this that David A. Snapp came to Pottawattamie county with his brother's and here he purchased a farm, having since devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits, although he has not confined his efforts exclusively to one line. He now owns and cultivates two hundred and eighty acres in the home place, which is situated on sections 32 and 33, Carson township. Upon his arrival here he bought one hundred acres, having to go in debt for this. Only one crop had been raised upon the farm prior to that time and Mr. Snapp lived in a little shack on an adjoining farm. As his financial resources have increased, however, he has continued to develop and improve his place, erected a comfortable residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, set out a fine maple grove covering an acre, and has planted three acres to apples. This is now an excellent farm property and the present fine appearance of the place is all due to the efforts and untiring labor of Mr. Snapp. Prospering in his undertakings, he has also purchased one hundred and forty-five acres which is situated on section 29, Carson township.
At different times he has bought and sold a number of farms and as the years have gone by he has gained that prosperity which never fails to crown industry intelligently applied. He has also engaged in the grain and
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elevator business at Carson and he rebuilt and operated the Carson flour mills, at the same time carrying on his farming interests. His business affairs at Carson were conducted as a member of the firm of Snapp, Ried & Company. He was also one of the organizers and director of the Carson State Savings Bank, and commercial and financial as well as agricultural interests have been stimulated by his co-operation and promoted by his well directed labor. He resided in this county five years before a railroad was built through the section in which he makes his home. The village of Carson had not then been established and he had to go to Hastings or Avoea for supplies and to sell his products.
On the 26th of December, 1877, Mr. Snapp was married to Miss Maggie Alston, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joshua and Martha Alston, who were natives of England and came to America just prior to the birth of their daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Snapp have a daughter and son: Grace, who is the wife of John A. Carse, of Carson township: and Lawrence, who in the spring of 1907 went to Saskatchewan. Canada, where he is now located on a half see- tion of land belonging to his father.
In politics Mr. Snapp is a democrat but while he believes firmly in the principles and purposes of the party he has never been an office seeker. Ilis time has been well spent and his energies carefully dirceted, and in the quiet pursuits of the farm he has felt that he has found opportunity for the display of enterprise and capable business management-his dominant qualities. As stated, however, other business enterprises have profited by his co-operation and the community owes its substantial development in no small degree to his efforts.
BENJAMIN ROSS PURDY.
Benjamin Ross Purdy, who owns and controls a valuable farming prop- erty of two hundred and forty acres on section 21. Center township, is justly accounted one of the leading agricultorists of his community and a glance at his place indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. A fine dwelling stands in the midst of his largo farin and around it beautiful shade trees, while much fruit has been set out on the place, giving to it in parts the appearance of a timber tract, the beautiful trees adding to the value and attractiveness of the place.
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