USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 24
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Mr. Howell has been married twice. His first wife, however, who bore the maiden name of Miss Mattie Mounts and was a native of Washington county,
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Pennsylvania, lived only a little over a year after her marriage. He was mar- ried a second time, in 1877, to Miss Fannie Raymond Robinson, the daughter of George and Virginia E. Robinson and a granddaughter of Dr. Samuel M. Ballard. In 1899 Mr. Howell was called upon to mourn the death of his sec- ond wife, who had been a faithful companion and helpmate to him on the journey of life and had won many friends by reason of her good traits of heart and mind. She had become the mother of two children, as follows: Benjamin Franklin, who carries on farming in Knox township, this county; and Maud Emma, the wife of Frank L. Harris, who lives in Cass county, Iowa.
Mr. Howell is a local leader in the ranks of the republican party, having served as delegate to county and state conventions, as township trustee and as justice of the peace for several years. Fraternally he is connected with Audu- bon lodge, No. 217, I. O. O. F., and Atlantic City (Iowa) lodge, No. 455, B. P. O. E. Such in brief is the life history of Peter F. Howell. In whatever re- lation of life we find him-in political circles, in business or in social relations- he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
GEORGE W. GIBSON.
George W. Gibson, well known in business circles as the manager at Council Bluffs for the Fuller & Johnson Manufacturing Company, of Madi- son, Wisconsin, manufacturers of farm implements and gasoline engines, has been connected with this house for about thirteen years and has occupied his present position since March, 1907. Advancement and success do not come to men as a gift but are eagerly sought and ofttimes are won at the cost of hard, unremitting labor. It has been through this method that Mr. Gibson has won his present excellent position.
His life record began upon a farm in Livingston county, Illinois, on the 28th of December, 1854, and through the period of his boyhood and youth he was largely occupied with the labors of field and meadow. He lived upon the farm until about seventeen years of age and acquired his education in the country schools of his native county, which he attended up to that time. He then sought and secured employment in a general mercantile store in Cornell, Livingston county, Illinois, where he remained for about five years. In 1877 he went to Shelby county, Iowa, where he began farming, following agricultural pursuits there until 1884, when think- ing to find commercial interests more congenial, he removed to Omaha, where he was engaged in the grocery business for a time. He then began deal- ing in real estate and in cattle.
In 1889 Mr. Gibson removed across the border to the Iowa side and purchased a farm in Pottawattamie county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for three years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in the city of Council Bluffs and for two years was with the Warder, Bushnell & Glesner Company, of Chicago, in connection with their
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branch house in Council Bluffs. In 1894 he entered the employ of the Ful- ler & Johnson Manufacturing Company and was upon the road as its repre- sentative in the North Platte district of Nebraska until March, 1907, when his well known ability led to his selection for the responsible position of manager at this point. The company are manufacturers of farm imple- ments, gasoline engines and manure loaders, also farm wagons, trucks and light vehicles. Mr. Gibson has charge of a considerable portion of the west- ern territory in the introduction of these goods to the markets and a con- tinuance of their sale. His long experience upon the road gave him an in- timate knowledge of conditions existing in this department of commercial activity, and thus well qualified he came to his present position, which he is now ably filling. The company which he represents was established in 1840 and is therefore one of the oldest in the country. The business was incor- porated in 1880 and the house is recognized as one of the most reliable in the United States.
Mr. Gibson is a member of the United Commercial Travelers council, No. 146, at Council Bluffs, and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He was married in Shopier, Wisconsin, in 1882, to Miss Eva I. Smith, a daughter of Artemus Smith, and they have one son, Clyde E. Gibson. Almost through- out his entire life he has been directly or indirectly connected with agricul- tural interests, first in the active work of the farm and still later in the sale of agricultural implements, and his early acquaintance brought him an ex- cellent knowledge of the demands of farm life in this particular. This has proved an element in his success in the sale of farm machinery and made him one of the leading representatives of this line in Council Bluffs.
EDWARD P. SCHOENTGEN.
Edward P. Schoentgen as an architect of Council Bluffs has contributed in no small degree to the improvement and adornment of the city, where he has practiced his profession since 1899. This is his native city, his birth having occurred here on the 16th of August, 1873, and he is a son of John Schoentgen, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for him in his boyhood days. He was a student in the public schools until twelve years of age, when he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he became a student in the German- English Academy, finishing his course there in 1889. He afterward attended The Manual Training School (Washington University) in St. Louis, Mis- souri, where he completed a three years' course and his further preparation for a life work was made in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Boston, from which institution he received the degree of S. B. in 1895. He then spent two years and nine months abroad, studying for two years in Paris under Jean Louis Pascal, the noted French architect, membre de l'Insti- tut and architect of the National Library. During the succeeding nine months
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Mr. Schoentgen traveled over the continent, gaining that broad general knowl- edge and experience which only travel can bring. Upon his return home he became connected with the firm of Eames & Young, architects of St. Louis Missouri, and in 1899 he opened an office for the practice of his profession in Council Bluffs. Here he has since remained, his patronage steadily increas- ing, and his skill and ability are evidenced in many of the fine structures of the city and adjoining districts. He is at present the architectural member of the state capitol commission, appointed in 1902 by Governor Albert B. Cummins, to repair, complete and decorate the state house in Des Moines.
In 1901, in Des Moines, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schoentgen and Miss L. Mabel Pratt, daughter of M. M. Pratt, and they have two chil- dren: John Pratt and Jane Schoentgen. Mr. Schoentgen is a member of the Elks lodge. He is numbered among the more recent additions to profes- sional ranks in Council Bluffs but in a comparatively short space of time has won most favorable recognition of his work in the liberal patronage which is extended him.
JACOB GEIGER.
Jacob Geiger is one of the well known and successful business men of Minden, where he has been actively engaged in merchandising for the past ten years. His life record began in Scott county, Iowa, August 7, 1873. He is a brother of John Geiger, a prosperous merchant of Minden and the present mayor of the town, of whom mention is made on another page of this work, together with the family history.
Jacob Geiger came west to Pottawattamie county when a lad of eleven years, arriving here in 1884. He was reared upon the old home farm near Minden, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired his primary education in the com- mon schools and later attended the Minden schools, supplemented by a year's study in the Western Normal, at Lincoln, Nebraska. When his school life was ended he returned to Minden and entered upon his business career, pur- chasing a store in the town. Here he has followed merchandising for the past ten years. He commenced business in a small way but has continually added to his stock and now carries a large line of dry goods, groceries and clothing. The store is commodious, well lighted and neat in appearance. He makes a nice display of his goods and has built up a large trade. His earnest desire to please his patrons, his straightforward dealing and his business enter- prise constitute him a popular and successful merchant.
Mr. Geiger was married in Minden on the 17th of January, 1900, to Miss Minnie Krutzfeldt, a native of Germany, who was reared, however, in Pot- tawattamie county. There is one son by this marriage, Victor E. Geiger. Politically Mr. Geiger is a stanch republican, keeping well informed con- cerning the political situation of the country and giving stalwart endorse- ment to his views at the polls. He was appointed postmaster at Minden in
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1900, so that he is now serving. He is a popular official, courteous and oblig- ing in manner and prompt in the execution of his duties. He has also served on the town board as councilman and has frequently been a delegate to county and state conventions, where his opinions carry weight. While he has never sought to figure prominently in public life, in his home locality where he is best known, he commands the good will and confidence of those with whom he has been associated and his life record is not without its lessons concerning the value and sure rewards of character.
WILLIAM H. HOSLER.
A life of unremitting industry has brought to .William H. Hosler the success which he is now enjoying, making him one of the substantial residents of Carson township. His home is on section 31, where he owns and cultivates a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, but it is his intention to remove to Carson during the winter of 1907-8 and retire from active business life. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1848, and was the second in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom seven are now living. The parents were Abraham and Katharine (Minick) Hosler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and died upon a farm six miles north of Canton, Illinois. The father was a blacksmith as well as agriculturist and followed both pursuits throughout his entire life.
William H. Hosler was only about two years of age when the family made the journey westward from Pennsylvania in a covered wagon to Canton, Illinois. They resided in the town for fourteen years, the father following the blacksmith's trade, and at the end of that time he purchased a farm six miles from the city. It was upon that place that William H. Hosler continued to reside until he had attained his majority, when he was married and began farming on his own account by renting land, which he continued to cultivate for four years. The spring of 1875 witnessed his arrival at Hastings, Iowa, and in the spring of 1879 he bought his present place-an undeveloped tract of prairie land of eighty acres. To this he afterward added forty acres and now has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 31, Carson township. The substantial buildings upon the place were put here by Mr. Hosler and the fine trees which now constitute the grove and orchard were planted by himself and wife. Mrs. Hosler set out ovor two hundred maple trees while her husband was engaged in breaking prairie preparatory to culti- vating the fields. These have now developed into large trees and add much to the attractive appearance of the farm, which is devoted to the raising of both grain and stock. The fields are well tilled and in the pastures are found good grades of cattle, horses and hogs.
On the 22d of December, 1869, Mr. Hosler was united in marriage to Miss Emma Babbitt, who was born in a log house near Canton, Illinois, March 6, 1848, and there resided with her parents until her marriage, her father being one of the early settlers of that locality. She is a daughter of Silas and
1
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. HOSLER.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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Elizabeth (White) Babbitt, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born near Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Hosler was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hosler have been born no children, but they reared a niece, Belle Conrad, who died at the age of twenty- one years.
In his political views Mr. Hosler is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he has never been an aspirant for publie office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in the community where they reside the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
HENRY B. KNOWLES.
For almost thirty-four years Henry B. Knowles, now deceased, was a prominent and worthy citizen of Pottawattamie county. His life was char- acterized by all that is manly and honorable and he was known as a stalwart champion of those principles which uplift humanity and promote the progress of the race. His many sterling traits endeared him to those with whom he came in contact and his death was therefore the occasion of uniform regret to all who knew him.
A native of New York, Mr. Knowles was born on the 7th of August, 1849, his parents being Judge Henry L. and Jane (Brush) Knowles, who were likewise natives of the east. The father was a practicing attorney of Potsdam and other towns of New York and also filled the office of county judge, being recognized as one of the strong and able members of the bar in his part of the state.
Liberal educational advantages were afforded Henry B. Knowles as his parents wished him to become a member of the legal fraternity. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public school of Potsdam he attended a college in Massachusetts and later matriculated in Cornell University, but though he prepared for the bar he never engaged in the prac- tice of law. He was just twenty-one years of age when he left the University, and having a sister living in this county he made his way westward and here took up his abode. Feeling that the legal profession would not prove con- genial he determined to devote his attention to other pursuits and purchased a tract of land in Keg Creek township, where he carried on general farming for many years. In 1901 he removed to Council Bluffs, where he turned his attention to the windmill business, having an office in the Masonic Temple and acting as agent for several windmill manufacturers. He continued in this business throughout his remaining days and, as in his farming operations, met with a large measure of success.
In Keg Creek township Mr. Knowles was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Orr, a daughter of Colonel William and Margaret (Orr) Orr, both of whom were natives of Belfast, Ireland, whence they came to America in early life, first settling in Ohio, whence they removed to Harrison county,
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Iowa. There they lived until 1873, when they came to Pottawattamie county, purchasing a farm in Keg Creek township. The father there engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. He was a prominent farmer of the county and a most respected and influential citizen. His wife also died on the homestead farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knowles were born a son and daughter, William Henry and Margaret, who are still with their mother.
The husband and father died February 23, 1905, his demise causing uniform sorrow to all with whom he had come in contact during his residence in the county, covering a third of a century. He was never an office seeker nor did he hold political position, but he gave a stalwart support to the republican party at the polls in early life. Later he was a prohibitionist, being an active temperance man. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and in its work he was greatly interested, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He was also an earnest worker in behalf of temperance and was, in fact, well known as a champion of every cause and movement which tended to aid his fellowmen and promote the best interests of the city and county. He was free from ostentation and display and won friendship through the genuine worth of his character. He held closely to high ideals and in his life embodied lofty principles, never deviating from any course which he believed to be right between his fellowmen and himself.
Mrs. Knowles and her children occupy a fine residence at No. 413 South Eighth street, which she owns, and she also owns the large farm in Keg Creek township, from which she derives a good rental. She is well known in the leading social circles of the city and the hospitality of many of the best homes of Council Bluffs is cordially extended to her.
GEORGE DEWEY.
George Dewey is numbered among the old settlers of the county and is a successful agriculturist now living in Neola, where he owns a forty-acre farm devoted to the production of fruit and berries. Great have been the changes which have occurred in the county during the period of his residence here, dating from 1856. His memory forms a connecting link between the prim- itive past and the progressive present-the past in which the county was largely a wild and undeveloped prairie and the present when its rich lands are now divided into productive farms, the home of prosperous and contented people. In the work of general improvement Mr. Dewey has borne his share.
He is far-separated from the place of his birth, which occurred on the isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, his natal day being April 2, 1841. His father, Ratford Dewey, was also a native of this isle and there followed farming. He married Martha West and in 1851 sailed with his family for the new world, leaving Liverpool for New York. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel and they were nine weeks on the water, during which time
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several severe storms were encountered. The gale was so furious on one occasion that every mast on the vessel was laid low and caused much consternation, but repairs were effected and they eventually reached New York harbor in safety. Mr. Dewey and his family remained in the Empire state for eighteen months and then journeyed westward to eastern Indiana, where he followed farming for almost four years. He next traveled to Iowa by wagon, his destination being Council Bluffs, and soon afterward he opend up a farm in this county. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, all of whom reached adult age.
George Dewey, the only son in the family, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, when he was married in December, 1865, to Miss Cynthia A. Losh, a native of this state and the daughter of J. Z. Losh, who settled at Council Bluffs in 1850.
Following his marriage George Dewey located on Keg creek in Minden township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land and established a home. To this he afterward added eighty acres. He performed the arduous task necessary to breaking the sod and tilling the soil of a new farm, but as time passed by his labors wrought a marked trans- formation in the appearance of the place, which is now a valuable property of two hundred and forty acres, still in the possession of Mr. Dewey. He broke the prairie, fenced the fields, set out an orchard and planted shade and orna- mental trees, which add greatly to the attractive appearance and value of the farm. There was about fifteen acres of natural grove, on the edge of which he erected a residence, together with commodious and substantial barns, a granary and other outbuildings. He secured, too, the latest improved machin- ery to facilitate the work of the fields, and year after year successfully culti- vated his crops until he had lived upon that farm twenty-seven years, when he rented the place and removed to Neola, partly to educate his children and partly on account of his impaired health. He found, however, that the life of retirement was as wearing on him as had been the care of his extensive farm. He could not content himself without some occupation and business interest and so purchased forty acres of land on the edge of Neola, on which he built a fine home. It was also prairie land so that he improved his second farm, which now, however, is under a high state of cultivation and equipped with buildings which make it one of the best improved farms of the county. Here he has started an orchard of fine peach, plum and apple trees. The care thereof keeps his time fully occupied without being too great a burden upon his health and here in contentment he is living, his labors having brought to him the capital which now enables him to enjoy many of the comforts and luxuries as well as the necessities of life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dewey were born eight children but two of the number died in infancy. The others are Nettie, now the wife of Charles Cheney, of Holyoke, Colorado, by whom she has one son, George, while they lost their only daughter, Mary; Edward, a resident farmer of York township; Ford W., who married Dolly De Lahr, by whom he has one son, Benjamin George, their home being on his father's farm; Joseph, an agriculturist of
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Minden township; Martha, the wife of Joseph Hadfield, a farmer of Neola township and the son of James Hadfield, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Margaret M., a graduate of the Neola high school.
Politically Mr. Dewey is a republican, whose allegiance to the party dates from the time when age brought him the right of franchise. While always a publie-spirited citizen he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. Mr. Dewey was reared as an Episcopalian but both he and his wife now attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He started out empty-handed in business life here over a half century ago and is today one of the few remaining pioneers well known throughout the county which he has aided in developing from a tract of raw prairie to its present state of improve- ment. The conditions of life have greatly changed during this period and the little cabin homes have been replaced by commodious and substantial farm residences, the prairie grass has given way to fields of waving grain, and in place of the deer and other wild game that formerly roamed over the plains are now seen fine herds of cattle and other live stock. Mr. Dewey rejoices in what has been accomplished and through his own life of activity and enter- prise has kept pace with the uniform improvements, working his way upward in his business career from a humble position to a position of affluence.
ERNST H. OHLENDORF.
Ernst H. Ohlendorf, secretary of the Pottawattamie County Farmers Mut- ual Fire Insurance Company, displays in this position excellent ability for management as well as strong executive force, and has a wide acquaintance among the leading business men of Council Bluffs. He is a native of Illinois, born in Du Page county, on the 9th of May, 1849, and at the age of sixteen years he left the place of his nativity for Will county, Illinois. In the same year, however, he removed to Missouri and completed his education as a stu- dent in Central Wesleyan College, at Warrenton, Missouri. His collegiate work was finished in 1873, and he then went to Kansas, where he spent two years, coming to Council Bluffs in 1875. Soon afterward he began farming in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and was thus engaged in carrying on general agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he removed to Council Bluffs. Sinee 1878 he has been secretary of the Pottawattamie County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and in fact he occupied the position for two years before removing to the city. He is very systematic and methodical in all his work connected with the office, is constantly formulating new plans and car- rying out new ideas in this connection through the development of the busi- ness, whereby success has resulted.
In 1876 in this county Mr. Ohlendorf was joined in wedlock to Miss Julia Walline. They are members of the German Evangelical church, in the work of which they take an active interest, while Mr. Ohlendorf is serving as one of the trustees. In politics he is a republican but is content to let. others hold office, although he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and
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