USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 37
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The last named was reared to the age of eighteen or nineteen years in his native county and attended the country schools. On putting aside his text-books he enlisted in the regular army and was assigned to the Second United States Cavalry, with which he served for five years. The regiment was located in various places in Nebraska and Wyoming and had some skirmishes with the Indians. Mr. Wise was one of the escort which attended the Grand Duke Alexis on his buffalo hunt in Nebraska in January, 1872, and in July and August, 1875, he was one of the escort of the peace com- missioners appointed by President U. S. Grant to make a treaty with Sitting Bull's tribe of Northern Sioux for the purchase of the Black Hills country.
When his term of enlistment expired, on the 9th of August, 1875, Mr. Wise located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in October of the same year began bridge building. He continued to work for others until 1895, when he began contracting on his own account and so continued until March, 1907, when he was elected to his present position as secretary of lodge No. 531, B. P. O. E. He is not only a valued and prominent member of the Elks, but also belongs to Bluff City lodge. No. 71, A. F. & A. M., Camp No. 171, M. W. A .. the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and the Illinois Commercial Men's Associa- tion .:
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On the 27th of October, 1881, Mr. Wise was married, in Council Bluffs, to Miss Mollie Fitzgerald and they have six children, as follows: Meda J., the wife of Oscar Harte; Raymond C .; William A .; Nellie M .; Thomas B .; and Ruth L.
ISAAC N. FLICKINGER.
Isaac N. Flickinger, engaged in the practice of law at Council Bluffs, as a member of the firm of Flickinger Brothers, was born in Urichsville, Ohio, in 1850, and having spent the first thirteen years of his life in that state, came to Iowa in 1863 with his parents. His father, Eli Flickinger, was a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, born in 1820. In early life he became a mason and contractor, following business in that line until his removal to this state, when he turned his attention to farming. He became a resident of Iowa in 1863, settling upon a farm in Buchanan county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a long period, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and developing an excellent farm. He married Miss Margaret McChesney and died in the year 1875, while the mother, long surviving him, departed this life in 1901, at the age of seventy-four years. They were the parents of eight children, namely: John M., who died in 1905, at the age of sixty-two years; Albert T .; Emily, the wife of John S. White; Isaac N., of this review ; Mary M .; Dorian H .; Laura; and Fred C.
Arriving in Buchanan county, Iowa, when a youth of thirteen years, Isaac N. Flickinger attended the district schools to some extent and in the winter of 1871-2 was a student in the Iowa State University, at Iowa City. Later he continued his studies there and was graduated on the completion of an academic course in the class of 1875. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he continued in the State University as a student in the law department, and following his graduation in 1876, he removed to Walnut, Pottawattamie county, where he opened an office and continued in practice for five years. In 1881 he removed to Wayne county, Nebraska, where he practiced for four years and during that period he served for two years as county surveyor.
Seeking a still broader field of labor, in 1885 he came to Council Bluffs, where he entered into partnership with his brother, Albert T. Flickinger, with whom he has since continued. the law firm of Flickinger Brothers being recognized as a strong and able one in this city. They have a general practice which has connected them with much important litigation tried in the courts. They never fail to give a thorough preparation and in the presentation of a cause Mr. Flickinger has shown himself strong in argument and logical in . his deductions.
In 1878, in Wyoming, Iowa, occurred the marriage of Isaac N. Flickin- ger and Miss Sarah E. Vaughn. They now have three daughters, Edith; and Helen and Margaret, twins. An only son. Vaughn, died in 1890, at the age of nine years, his loss coming as the greatest blow that has ever fallen
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upon the household. Mr. Flickinger is prominent and well known in Masonry, having attained the Knight Templar degree of the York rite, and also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He affiliates with lodge No. 531, B. P. O. E., and in his political views is a republican, while his interest in the moral development of the community is indicated by his attendance at the Presbyterian church. His influence is ever given on the side of right, order, justice and truth, and he stands for all that is hon- orable and progressive in citizenship.
JAMES FENDER.
James Fender, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 13, Macedonia township, was born in North Carolina, August 11, 1866, a son of John and Millie (Dillard) Fender, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1842 and during the Civil war was a member of the Thirty-second North Carolina Infantry, participating in many engagements of the Virginia campaign, including Seven Pines, Chancellorsville and Gaines Mills. He was also present at the final sur- render at Appomattox but was never wounded. On leaving his native state he came to Iowa in 1867 and after living for two years in Hardin county became a resident of Pottawattamie county in 1869, settling first in Grove township. Later he purchased eighty acres of land in Macedonia township, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred October 17, 1907. In connection with our subject he owned three hundred and sixty acres of good land in that township and also a tract of sixty-eight acres in Grove town- ship. On coming to Iowa he had a team and one cow but practically no capital and his educational privileges, too, were limited but he became a practical and enterprising business man and lived the life of an honest farmer, his labors being crowned with success. He was a faithful member of the Christian church, of which he was one of the organizers, and to which his widow also belongs.
The management of the home farm has largely devolved upon James Fender from his youth. There was one other son in the family, Willie, who was born in Hardin county, in 1869, and died at the age of fifteen years. Thus left the only child, James Fender has always remained at home. He was reared in Pottawattamie county, attended the common schools and has always lived an industrious life, his intelligently directed labor proving the resultant factor in his success, while the fine appearance of his place indicates his careful management and unremitting diligence.
In 1886 Mr. Fender was united in marriage to Miss Florence O'Haro, who was born in Ohio, in 1867, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Miller) O'Haro, also natives of the Buckeye state. They resided for a time in Mis- souri, but later returned to Ohio, where the father died in February, 1883. The mother then brought the family to Pottawattamie county, where lived her two brothers. L. E. and E. M. O'TIaro. She died scon afterward, leav-
MR. AND MRS. JOHN FENDER.
THE NET !! PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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ing four children who yet survive, while four children of the family are deceased. Those living are: Mrs. Fender; Bertha, the wife of David Carl, of Woodbury county, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Still, a resident of Afton, Iowa; and Caroline, the wife of Irvin Bender, of Nebraska. The father was a soldier of the Civil war.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fender have been born ten children: Elmer, aged twenty years; Algie, eighteen; Mary, seventeen; Arthur, fifteen; Clarence, thirteen; Glenn, eleven; Blanche, eight; Madge, seven; Forest, four; and Ruby, three years of age. The parents are members of the Christian church, interested and active in its work, and for many years Mr. Fender has served as one of the church trustees. In politics he is a republican. The cause of public education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has done effective service in its behalf while filling the office of school director for several terms. He has made most of the good improvements on the farm and has worked persistently and energetically to bring his farm under a high state of cultivation and equip it with modern accessories in keeping with the spirit of progressive agriculture. In all that he does he is practical and the property is valuable and productive, showing the care and supervision of Mr. Fender.
HUGO HIEBER.
Hugo Hieber, a farmer of Norwalk township, living on section 12, belongs to that class of representative American citizens whom Germany has fur- nished to the new world. He is yet a young man and has already achieved a fair measure of prosperity through his well directed business interests. He was born in the fatherland, April 1, 1874, and there resided to the age of seventeen years. In the meantime he enjoyed good school advantages, study- ing Latin and French in addition to the knowledge that he acquired in his native tongue.
Interested in America, he emigrated to the new world when a young man of eighteen years, and in 1883 became a resident of Pottawattamie county. Pleased with this district and its prospects he has never sought to change his location but has remained here continuously, and during the entire period has been identified with agricultural interests. He first went to work on the farm of Karl Klopping. with whom he continued for a year, and for two years he worked for a brother. He also spent five years in the employ of John A. Anderson and during this period carefully saved his earnings until he was enabled to purchase the eighty acres upon which he now resides. He began at once to farm this place and for several years kept "bachelor's hall."
Mr. Hieber made further arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in June, 1906, to Miss Louisa Nieman, who was born and reared in this county. He has since erected a commodious and neat residence upon his farm, which is thoroughly modern in its equipments and appoint-
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ments. He uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the place and has ample accommodation for grain and stock in substantial barns and sheds. The farm is very neat in its appearance, indicating to the passerby that the owner is a man of practical and progressive ideas. His fields bring forth rich crops and in addition to his farming interests he fattens a number of cattle and hogs annually. In addition to cultivating his home place he rents an adjoining place of eighty acres. For two years he operated a corn sheller and in this way added to his annual income.
Politically Mr. Hieber is a republican but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He believes in good schools, in the employment of competent teachers, and is now serving on the school board, while he and his wife manifest their interest in the moral development of their community through their membership in the Lutheran church.
ALBERT T. FLICKINGER.
Albert T. Flickinger is actively connected with a profession which has always been considered as having important bearing upon the welfare and stability of a community, standing as the conservator of human rights and liberties. Success at the bar requires a careful preparation and continued study and research. The real work of the lawyer is done in the office and not in the courtroom, although the clear and cogent presentation of a cause is proof of the previous preparation. Lacking in none of the essential requisites of the able attorney, Albert T. Flickinger has made a creditable name as a practitioner at the bar of Council Bluffs. His life record began in Urichsville, Ohio, on the 14th of August, 1846, and in that state his parents, Eli and Margaret (McChesney) Flickinger, were also born. Their family numbered five sons and three daughters, and in May, 1863, they came with their children to Iowa, establishing their home upon a farm in Buchanan county, where the father continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred August 5, 1875. His widow long survived him and passed away on the 19th of September, 1896.
Ere leaving Ohio, Albert T. Flickinger had attained a good knowledge of the common branches of English learning in the schools of his native town, and following the removal to Iowa he continued his studies in Lenox Collegiate Institute at Hopkinton in 1866-7. He afterward worked upon the home farm during the summer months and taught school during the winter seasons, being thus engaged until 1871, when he entered the State University at Iowa City. He completed the academic course in 1875 and then, entering actively upon preparation for the bar, was graduated from the law depart- ment with the class of 1876. It was not long after this that he came to Council Bluffs, in October, 1876, and opened a law office, which he has since continued, being now in partnership with his brother, I. N. Flickinger, under the firm style of Flickinger Brothers. They constitute one of the strong combinations at the bar of this district, and from the outset of his professional
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career Albert T. Flickinger has shown himself to be an active worker, pos- sessing that unfaltering industry which is as essential to the lawyer as to the business man in any other walk of life.
On the 29th of December, 1880, occurred the marriage of Mr. Flickinger and Miss Ella Spangler, the eldest daughter of Hon. S. T. Spangler, of Buchanan county, Iowa. Their sons are Floyd S. and Reed A., born July 11, 1883, and July 14, 1887, respectively.
Mr. Flickinger is recognized as one of the prominent republicans of Iowa. He has given stalwart support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and in 1882 was his party's candidate for mayor of Council Bluffs. In 1886 he was elected by the general assembly to the position of a trustee of the Iowa School for the Deaf at Council Bluffs, and in 1892 was re-elected, continuing in the office until the 1st of May, 1898, giving good service in this connection. He has been prominently spoken of in connection with gubernatorial honors, especially in connection with the convention which was held at Cedar Rapids in 1897, when he received one hundred and fifty-one votes on the second ballot. While he is undoubtedly not without that political ambition which is ever an element of good citizen- ship, he yet regards the pursuits of private life as abundantly worthy his best efforts and in the practice of law his devotion to his clients' interests has become proverbial.
HENRY KOLL.
Henry Koll, one of the extensive agriculturists of Pottawattamie county, being now the owner of three hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, is a native of the fatherland, where his birth occurred on the 27th of November, 1846, in Schleswig-Holstein. His parents were Franz and Mar- garet (Jess) Koll, both of whom passed away in Germany, the father having followed farming as a life work. In their family were five children, three of whom survive: Henry, of this review; and John and Catherine, who are still residents of Germany.
Henry Koll remained in his native land until he had attained the age of twenty years, when he determined to try his fortune in the new world. Accordingly in 1866 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, making his way into the interior of the country, located in Clinton county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand for eight years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Walnut, Pottawattamie county, operating a rented farm for seven years. At the end of this time, by reason of his frugality and economy, he had saved sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land of his own and he accordingly invested in one hundred and twenty acres on section 36, Layton township. He successfully carried on agricultural pur- suits on this tract for fourteen or fifteen years and then purchased his present home farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 1, Lincoln township, which is just across the road from his original purchase. His landed pos- sessions therefore aggregate three hundred and forty acres of excellent farming
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land, in the cultivation of which he is meeting with a measure of prosperity that ranks him with the wealthy agriculturists of Pottawattamie county. He deserves all the praise implied in the term "a self-made man," for he came to this country not only empty-handed but also handicapped by the difficulties which usually meet the "stranger in a strange land," and the success which he has gained is therefore all the more commendable. In addition to the work of general farming Mr. Koll is also engaged in feeding cattle and ships about two carloads annually.
In 1871 our subject was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Kauffmann, of Clinton county, Iowa, her father, Charles Kauffmann, having come to America in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Koll are the parents of six children, as follows: Charlie, a farmer of Layton township, this county; Henry and Minnie, who are at home; Harry, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery at Walnut, Iowa; and Alma and Lena, who are also yet under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Koll is a stalwart democrat and for fifteen years has served as a member of the school board, being a firm friend of the cause of education. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, while fraternally he is connected with the Wood- men of the World, and is also a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor. For a third of a century he has been connected with the agricultural interests of this county and is recognized as one of its leading and influential citizens. He and his family are highly esteemed throughout the community, having gained many warm friends during their residence here and the hospitality of the best homes of the locality is freely and cordially extended them.
HENRY W. RAREY.
Henry W. Rarey, engaged in general agricultural pursuits on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Wright township, was born on the 2d of June, 1839, in Franklin county, Ohio, of the marriage of William H. and Eliza Rarey, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. Their family numbered five children, of whom four are living, Henry W. being the eldest. The others are Sarah, the wife of C. C. Weaver, of Lewis, Iowa; and A. M. and J. D., both of Ohio.
As a pupil in the public schools Henry W. Rarey mastered the common branches of English learning and under his father's direction he gained prac- tical experience in farm work, remaining upon the old homestead until he attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account, work- ing for his uncle, on whose farm he acted as overseer for five years, but think- ing that better business opportunities might be enjoyed west of the Mississippi he made his way to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he remained for six months. The year 1872 witnessed his arrival in Pottawattamie county and he took up his abode on section 9, Wright township. To his original purchase of land he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until
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his place now comprises one hundred and sixty acres. The soil is rich and productive, his labors are practical, and as a result of this combination the business interests which he is carrying on bring to him a very desirable measure of success.
Mr. Rarey, aside from his farming interests, has figured quite prominently in public life in his community. He is known as a stalwart champion of the republican party and its principles and that he is most loyal to the trust reposed in him is indicated by the fact that he has held the office of assessor of Wright township for twenty-two years. He was the first justice of the peace of the township and has been identified with its educational interests as a school director for ten years. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodge at Griswold, and he also holds membership with the I. L. H., No. 134, at Lewis.
On the 6th of November, 1861, occurred the marriage of Henry W. Rarey and Miss Eliza McCoy. a native of Ohio. She was one of three children but the parents are now deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of two daughters and a son: Estella, at home: William E., who cultivates a part of his father's farm; and Jennie M., the wife of J. H. Simmon, of Wright township. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, are deeply interested in its growth and take a helpful part in its work, Mr. Rarey serving now as one of its trustees.
ELWOOD T. OSLER.
Edwood T. Osler. mayor of Carson, has been a resident of the county since 1864 and his identification with its business interests was along agricultural lines. He was born in Winchester, Indiana, November 25, 1851, and in 1854 was taken to Logan county, Illinois, by his parents, Basil and Dorcas (Nor- ton) Osler, natives of Maryland and North Carolina, respectively. The mother became a resident of Indiana in her girlhood days and was there married. Mr. Osler died in Illinois in 1864, at the age of forty-nine years, and his wife died August 10, 1907. in her eighty-fifth year. Their children were: Martha, the widow of Peter Hitchell and a resident of Lincoln, Illinois; John W., deceased; James K .. of Wheelers Grove; William, of Carson town- ship; Samuel, of South Dakota; Elwood T .; Gilbert F., of Idaho: Sarah Jane, deceased; Mrs. Elnora Terry, deceased; and Sherman, of Wheelers Grove.
After a residence of ten years in Illinois, and soon after the father's death, the widowed mother came with her family to Pottawattamie county, where Elwood T. Osler has since resided. He was educated in the schools of Illinois and Iowa and resided at Wheelers Grove from 1864 until the 5th of April, 1899, when he became a resident of Carson. Up to this time he had followed the occupation of farming, carefully, systematically and successfully operating his land, and he still owns the old homestead, beside other property, making a total of six hundred acres of fine farming land. He still gives personal supervision to the cultivation and further development of the old
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homestead of two hundred and eighty acres and rents the remainder of his land. For several years after his removal to Carson he engaged in buying and shipping stock, but two years ago retired from that field of activity. Seven years ago he built the large fine residence which he now occupies and his pleasant environments at the present day indicate the life of industry and activity he has led in former years, whereby he has gained the comforts and luxuries that he is now enjoying.
On the 14th of March, 1873, Mr. Osler was married to Miss Lenora Independence Wheeler, who was born at Wheelers Grove in 1854 and has spent her entire life within six miles of her birthplace. Her parents were Silas and Harriett (Everhart) Wheeler. The latter died when Mrs. Osler was but four years of age, while Mr. Wheeler, a native of Ohio, passed away when his daughter was fifteen years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Osler have been born five children: Musette, the wife of B. W. Stoddard, of Indianapolis, Indiana, studied art in Boston under Katharine Swift and in Detroit under Professor Bischoff and has a diploma of art from the Union Christian College. She has produced some excellent work, including a Spanish dancing girl vase, a Christ head and a canvas entitled Wooing. All three were exhibited at the State Fair of Indiana in 1906 and each won a blue ribbon. Mrs. Stoddard has also been a teacher of art. Minnie Edith, the second member of the Osler family, is now the wife of J. R. Chaloupka, cashier of the Bank of Carson. Harriett D. and Helen T., twins, are at home. Marguerite Beryl, also at home, completes the family. Their attractive home is noted for its cordial hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle.
Mr. Osler gives his political support to the republican party which he has supported since attaining his majority. He has served as a member of the school board, doing effective service for the cause of education and at this writing in 1907 he is Carson's capable and popular mayor. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge and he and his family are members of the Christian church at Wheelers Grove. He is serving as one of the church trustees and was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the present house of worship. His chief life work has been that of a successful agriculturist but the range of his activities and the scope of his influence have reached far beyond this special field. He belongs to that class of men who wield a power which is all the more potent from the fact that it is moral rather than political and is exercised for the public weal rather than for personal ends.
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