USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. I > Part 54
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LEWIS HAMMER.
THING PUBLIC
ASTOR, ENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
lished a sawmill in partnership with J. H. Peters, conducting the enterprise for two years, during which time he got out a lot of ties for the Union Pa- cific Railroad, these being among the first used on the construction of that road. The ties and lumber were rafted down the river to Omaha and then sent to their destination. The mill was located on the Boyer river in Harri- son county and was in operation by Mr. Hammer for two years.
In 1866, however, he disposed of it and came to Council Bluffs, where he established a lumberyard, which he conducted with gratifying success until 1904. In 1888 he joined Martinson and Ed. Mott in the organization of the Western Lumber & Supply Company, from which Mr. Mott withdrew in 1889. The business was capitalized for thirty-five thousand dollars, which was afterward increased to forty-five thousand dollars. The company dealt in all kinds of building material and developed an excellent business, which was managed by Mr. Hammer. He was likewise interested in another lum- beryard at the corner of Second and Vine streets, under the firm name of L. Hammer & Company, and this was equally successful.
Since disposing of his lumber interests in 1904 Mr. Hammer has devoted his entire time to stock-raising, in which he has been interested for a number of years, and he is now so engaged in Dawson and Custer counties in Ne- braska, where he has extensive ranches and large herds of cattle. In the meantime he has assisted greatly in the upbuilding of Council Bluffs in all its interests, especially in the line of its manufactories. In 1859 he went by ox team to Pike's Peak, being on the road for thirty days between Council Bluffs and Denver, and spending a year there. IIis business interests, however, have largely centered in Council Bluffs and vicinity and he still makes his home in this city, from which point he goes to his ranches to superintend his live-stock interests. He was one of the organizers of the Commercial National Bank and from the beginning has served as its vice-president, thus becoming well known in the financial circles of the city. He has, moreover, been a promoter and one of the organizers of the Canning Company and a stock- holder in various other business interests of the city, which have contributed in large measure to the commercial and industrial prosperity and progress here. He aided in the organization of the Building Association for the Odd Fellows' Temple and for thirteen years has been its president.
In March, 1869, Mr. Hammer was united in marriage in Council Bluffs to Miss Rhoda Ann Wood, a daughter of D. K. and Deema (Mann) Wood, formerly of Kentucky, and later of Harrison county, Iowa. The father, however, is now deceased. Mrs. Hammer was born in Kentucky and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Etta E., now the wife of Henry Dryer, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Lewis H., on one of his father's ranches in Nebraska; Hazel J., and Bessie E.
In his political views Mr. Hammer is a stanch republican, unfaltering in his fidelity to the party and its principles. He has served for three terms in the city council and exercises his official prerogatives in support of progressive measures for the general good. He is a member and trustee of the Episco- pal church and is also a member of Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 49, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all of the offices. and he also belongs to the encampment.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
He was one of the promoters and organizers of the movement for the erec- tion of Odd Fellows' Teniple, which was built at a cost of thirty-six thousand dollars. He has now attained the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is still an active business man, largely connected with live-stock in- terests and with various corporations of the city, the value of which are recognized in its commercial growth and development. Throughout his long and honorable career he has gained a gratifying measure of success, making him one of the representative men of this part of the state.
CLAUS HENRY FLEMING.
The German-American element in American citizenship has long been regarded as an important one, for the sons of the fatherland have carried with them into different sections of the new world the culture and learning of the old country and have in business life manifested the enterprise and determination which are characteristic of the German race. Claus Henry Fleming, now following farming in Pleasant township, was born in Holstein, Germany, October 16, 1848, his parents being Peter and Anna Fleming, who spent their entire lives in Germany. Of their family of six children three are yet living, the brother of our subject being Peter, who yet makes his home in Germany, while the sister is Lena, the wife of Claus Sump of Nebraska.
Claus Henry Fleming is indebted to the schools of his native country for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In 1869, when about twenty- one years of age, he determined to seek a home and fortune in the new world and made his way across the Atlantic. The middle west attracted him and he located in Clinton county. Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years. On the expiration of that period he re- moved to Scott county, where he followed farm work for two years and also spent two years as coachman in the employ of George L. Davenport. Later he acted as a clerk in a store for a year and in 1875 he came to Potta- wattamie county, where he invested his earnings in eighty acres of land on section 31, Pleasant township, where he has lived ever since. With char- acteristic energy he began the further development and improvement of this place and kept buying and adding to his land from time to time until he now owns six hundred and eighty-three acres in Pleasant township, divided into three farms, together with one hundred and sixty acres in Shelby county. Iowa, and one hundred and sixty acres in Montana. In addition to the tilling of the soil in the production of the cereals best adapted to cli- matic conditions here found, he is extensively engaged in raising and feed- ing stock, which constitutes an important element in his business. He makes a specialty of polled Angus cattle and at present has over two hundred Chester White hogs upon his farm.
While his farming interests have largely elaimed his time and atten- tion, Mr. Fleming has yet found opportunity to co-operate in many pro-
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gressive public movements and gives his support to every plan and measure for the public good. He has served as a school director for several years and is now township trustee. In politics he is an earnest republican, be- lieving firmly in the principles of the party.
On the 28th of November, 1874, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Anna Thies, a native of Germany, born July 9, 1848, her parents being Teves and Mary Thies, who were likewise natives of that country. The father died in Germany, after which the mother came to America, remaining in the United States for twelve years. She then returned to Germany and spent her remaining days there. Her family numbered eight children, in- cluding Mrs. Fleming, who by her marriage has become the mother of seven children : Herman, living on his father's farm in Montana; Clara, the wife of Gustaf Stuer, of Pottawattamie county; Edward, of Pleasant township, this county; Henry, Frank, Willie and Anna, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Fleming hold membership in the German Lutheran church at Minden and are well known residents of this locality, where they have gained many friends. Mr. Fleming has been very successful since coming to America and as an enterprising farmer has accumulated a hand- some fortune. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and his life record should serve to encourage and inspire others to put forth their best efforts that a competence may thereby be won.
CLAUS MOELLER.
A considerable percentage of Pottawattamie's citizens belong to that class of German-Americans that has always been considered a valuable ele- ment in the development of the new world. Of such Mr. Moeller is a repre- sentative. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 1, 1841, and his parents, George and Anna Moeller, were natives of the same country but both are now deceased. Two of their three children are yet living, the younger being Hans, still a resident of Germany.
The educational advantages which Claus Moeller received were those afforded by the public schools. He remained in Germany until twenty- two years of age, when, in 1866, he sailed for the new world hoping to enjoy better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He arrived in Clinton county, Iowa, with twenty-five cents in his pocket. His financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure immediate employment and he sought and obtained a position as a farm hand, working in that way for six years. When he came to Pottawattamie county in 1872 he bought eighty acres of land with the proceeds of his former toil and to his new home he removed with a team and wagon. With resolute purpose he took up the work of the farm and has carried forward its improvement and de- velopment. Later he purchased an additional tract of eighty acres and afterward sold his first farm, buying then three hundred and twenty acres in Lincoln township. His place is a valuable one, well improved with
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
modern equipments, everything about the farm indicating his careful super- vision and practical methods. He feeds stock in addition to raising grain and both branches of his business are returning to him a good income.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Moeller has given his political support to the democratic party and is interested in its success but does not desire office as a reward for party fealty. His public service has been confined to ten years as school treasurer.
On the 2d of March. 1881, Mr. Moeller was married to Miss Johanna Maria Hellmann, who was born in Schleswig-holstein, Germany, of which country her parents were also natives and there spent their entire lives. They had a family of six children of whom three are living: Johann Lud- wick Hellmann, of Kiel, Germany; Andrew, who is living in Walnut; and Mrs. Moeller. Unto the marriage of our subject and his wife have been born four children, three of whom survive: Frances Mary, the wife of Henry J. Hansen, of Platte, South Dakota; Edmund, at home; and Anna. The son Edmund is a graduate of the German schools and also of the high school of Walnut. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and are much esteemed in the community where they reside. In addition to his farm, Mr. Moeller owns ten acres of land adjoining the cor- poration limits of Walnut, and his property interests are the visible evidence of his life of thrift, energy and industry.
HIENRY E. SCHOENING.
In the history of the business houses of Council Bluffs, Mr. Schoening stands prominently forward as a representative business man, being a mem- ber of the firm of Petersen & Schoening, who conduct the largest store not only in Council Bluffs but in Iowa, as dealers in hardware, furniture and carpets. Germany, which has furnished so many of America's most enter- prising business men, was the birth place of Henry E. Schoening. He was born October 28. 1838, and received his early educational training in the fatherland. Ambitious to push out into larger fields, he sought the object of his hopes in America and at the age of nineteen years landed in New York, making his way at once to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he secured employment on a farm. He was connected with agricultural pursuits until 1905, but it was evident that the business world held more that was attractive for him. In 1890 the present firm, of which he is a prominent member, was organized with a small stock of hardware and a small capital. Mr. Schoening's fine business ability, superior executive talent and Christian character were at once recognized and during the seventeen years which have passed since its organization the firm of Petersen & Schoening has risen to a prominent place in commercial circles in Iowa, its present immense propor- tions being due in large measure to the wise guidance of the subject of this review.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In 1865, Mr. Schoening was married, at Council Bluffs, to Trina Brock- man, and their union has been blessed with seven children: Emma N., the wife of William Shwensen; August W .; Charles N .; Martha C., deceased, who was the wife of Otto Geise; Nellie, deceased; Martha C .; and Minnie C.
Mr. Schoening belongs to the Elks lodge and because of his religious beliefs has become a member of the Lutheran church. He is active in the affairs of the democratic party in Iowa and though he has never sought its honors has been interested in promoting the cause of its candidates. Both as a man and a citizen he is among the ablest representatives of the business world, whose merit alone has won him his success. He enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and the doors of his home are ever open for the reception of a large circle of friends, who hold him in the highest esteem.
J. H. SCHULTZ.
J. H. Schultz is a self-made man who started out in business life in the United States by working in the harvest fields at ten dollars per month. Today he is the owner of a valuable farming property comprising two hun- dred acres of rich and productive land on section 15, Lewis township, and the place is equipped with all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm property.
Mr. Schultz is a native of Schleswig, Germany, born January 13, 1838, and his parents, J. F. and Annie Schultz, were likewise natives of the same country. Educated in the schools of the fatherland, J. H. Schultz remained a resident of Germany until 1858, when at the age of twenty years he crossed the briny deep to the new world and made his way to Scott county, Iowa. About eight years later, in 1866, his parents also came to the United States, making their home with him until they were called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1878 and the mother in 1874.
As stated, J. H. Schultz first earned money in the new world by work- ing in the harvest fields at ten dollars per month. He has experienced times of adversity and times of prosperity but altogether has made substantial progress. For two years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Scott county, Iowa, and then began farming on his own account on rented land, thus carrying on agricultural pursuits for ten years. On the expiration of that period, with the capital he had saved from his earnings, he purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land in Scott county, which was improved. In 1870, however, he sold that farm and removed to Chariton county, Mis- souri, where he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land. Upon that place he erceted buildings and cultivated his fields, making his home there until 1880, when he disposed of that property in order to become a resident of Mills county, Iowa. There he cultivated a rented farm for two years and in 1882 he bought two hundred acres where he now lives on section 15, Lewis township, Pottawattamie county. There was a house
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
upon the place at the time of the purchase. He has since built two fine barns and other good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has carried forward the work of development and improvement along lines of progressive agriculture. He raises Hereford cattle, keeping a large num- ber on hand, and he also raises many hogs, his live-stock interests being an important source of income to him.
On the 13th of January, 1859, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hansen, a daughter of Dick and Sophia (Nachtijal) Hansen, of Germany. Her father died in that country and the mother afterward came to the United States but lived for only two years after her arrival here, pass- ing away in Scott county, Iowa, in 1868. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born seven children. namely: John, Julia, George, Emma, Edwin, Mary and Henry.
In politics Mr. Schultz is independent. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and its principles have prompted his honorable relations with his fellowmen through all business and social connections. At times in his business career he has met with difficulties and obstacles but as the years have gone by his labors have brought to him a fair measure of pros- perity. He has never allowed himself to become disheartened by ill luck, but with persistent energy has worked his way upward.
WILLIAM C. CHEYNE.
Pottawattamie county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices, and in this connection William C. Cheyne is deserving of more than passing mention. He is now auditor of the county, and in office has made an excellent record, leading to his election for a second term in 1906. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1853, and lived in and near that city until 1880, the greater part of his education being acquired in the public schools.
Hoping to benefit by a change of location, he came to Pottawattamie county in 1880, settling at Avoca, where he secured a position in the office of a grain firm as general office man. He acted in that capacity until August, 1882, when he was sent to Oakland, Pottawattamie county, to take charge of an elevator for his firm and there he continued until March, 1890. He then went to Carson, where he was given charge of the business of the South Branch Elevator Company, continuing as manager at that point until November, 1894. A more advantageous offer then came to him in the posi- tion of deputy in the county clerk's office, to which he was appointed, there remaining for ten years under one administration, a fact which is indicative of the care and diligence he displayed in the discharge of his duties. In January, 1905. he entered upon the duties of the office of county auditor. to which he had been elected. and in 1906 he was re-elected so that he is now serving his second term.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Cheyne was married in November, 1888, in Oakland, Iowa, to Miss Clara B. Bates. a daughter of J. A. T. Bates, and they have seven children, William W .. Sue, Phoebe, Joe D., Katharine C., Charles T. and Allison B. Mr. Cheyne belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's and is in hearty sympathy with the spirit of benevolence and helpfulness upon which the organization is based .. He has always given his political allegiance to the republican party and it has been upon this ticket that he has been elected to public office. IIe has made a worthy record, commending him to the confidence, regard and further support of the public and winning for him classification with the representative men of this part of the state.
PETER EGGERS.
Peter Eggers, now living a retired life on his farm in Knox township, was for many years closely associated with agricultural interests and so developed his property that it has become one of the best farins of the locality. Throughout his life he has manifested many of the sterling traits of the German race. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 20th of February, 1834, his parents being Peter and Wiebke Eggers, who were also natives of Germany, the father there following the occupation of farming until his life's labors were ended in death. The mother has also passed away and of their six children only two are yet living, the sister being still a resident of Germany.
Peter Eggers, after acquiring his education in the public schools, was employed as a farm hand in the fatherland until 1870, when he determined to seek a home and fortune in America. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and native country and crossed the Atlantic, making his way into the interior of the country until he reached Avoca, Pottawattamie county, Iowa. There he worked on the section for the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany for three years. He afterward bought a farm of one hundred acres on section 18, Knox township, Pottawattamie county, and in 1874 he took up his abode upon that place, now known as the Walnut Grove farm. He has further improved it by the erection of a fine country residence, a large and substantial barn and other necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He made his farm a model property and carried on the work that generally occupies the time and attention of the agriculturist until 1894, when he retired from business cares but still lives upon the farm. He, however, leaves its active management to others, while he is enjoying a well merited rest.
In 1862 Mr. Eggers was united in marriage in Germany to Miss Maria Johannsen, who was born in Germany, April 15, 1843, a daughter of Peter and Lottie (Schleeter) Johannsen, both of whom died in Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eggers have been born six children: Ida, whose birth occurred in Germany and who is now the wife of William Niemann, of Avoca; Wil- helm, who was born in Germany and is living in Omaha. Nebraska; John and
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Otto, who conduct a jewelry store at Atlantic, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Wil- liam Franc, of Pleasant township; and Adele, at home.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church of Avoca, are inter- ested in its work and contribute generously to its support. Mr. Eggers votes with the republican party, his study of the political issues of the day lead- ing him to the belief that its platform contains the best elements of good government. For several years he served as road supervisor and did much to improve the condition of public highways during his incumbency. He is a self-made man to whom advancement has come because he has made good use of his opportunities. When he came to realize that America offered better chances than a land hampered by caste and class he resolved to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and has not been disappointed in the conditions which he here found. Working carnestly and persistently, he has achieved a goodly measure of prosperity and is now one of the substantial residents of Knox township.
RICHARD ECKEL.
Richard Eckel, an enterprising agriculturist and stock-raiser of Pleasant township, Pottawattamie county, also conducts a dairy in connec- tion with his farming interests. He was born in New York city on the 20th of August, 1860, his parents being Charles R. and Catherine (Milcy) Eckel, the former also a native of New York city and the latter of Boston. Massachusetts.
Mr. Eckel is the second of the four survivors in his father's family of six children, and when but ten years of age accompanied his mother on a visit to La Salle county, Illinois. Mrs. Eckel passed away at that place and our subject accordingly made his home with his aunt until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the common schools of Illinois. When he had reached man's estate he rented a farm, which he operated for three years. In 1885, however, he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and was here connected with agricultural pursuits as a renter until 1904. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres on section 6. Pleasant township, where he has since successfully carried on agricultural interests. In connection with the cultivation of his land he is also engaged in stock-raising and dairying, these various branches of his business having proved profitable by reason of his untiring labor and excellent management.
In 1896 Mr. Eckel was united in marriage to Miss Elma Smith, who was born in Iowa county, Iowa, February 7. 1875. a daughter of Galen and *Frances Smith, whose family numbered six children. Mr. Smith makes his home in Shelby, Iowa, but his wife has passed away. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children : Clyde A., Thornton S., Florence A. and Stanley R.
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD ECKEL.
THE NEW YOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILOEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Eekel is a stalwart republiean in his political views, and both he and his wife support the Methodist Episcopal church. They are widely known in the community as people of genuine personal worth and excellent qualities of heart and mind. Mr. Eckel has gained his prosperity entirely through his own labor and untiring perseverance, and therefore well deserves representation in this volume as one of the self-made and successful busi- ness men of his section of the county.
HENRY WATTS HART, M. D.
Dr. Henry Watts Hart was a practicing physician for more than forty years, most of this time in the state of Iowa. He went into the profession from the love of it and pursued it with great diligence, made constant pro- gress in the healing art, and stood among the foremost men in the medical fraternity in western Iowa. He was a native of Chenango county, New York, dating his birth at Sherburne, on the 14th of October, 1818. His grand- father, Thomas Hart, was a Connecticut man and a Revolutionary soldier. His father, Thomas Hart, Jr., was a farmer, and in that employment reared his son Henry. About 1833 the family removed to Ontario county, in the western part of the state, and in 1838 to Belvidere, Illinois, the son being engaged in agricultural pursuits until he became of age. At this period, having received only a common-school education and quite unsatisfied with his literary attainments, Dr. Hart returned to New York in 1840, and at- tended the Franklin Academy at Prattsburg, Steuben county. While pur- suing his literary education he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Addi- son Niles, attended lectures at Geneva, New York, and graduated in 1846.
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