USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 53
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W. W. Miller spent his days under the parental roof until his twenty- second year and acquired his education in the public schools, while during the periods of vacation he received practical training in the work of the fields. He was married in 1883, at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss Sarah C. Rush, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Rush, of Montgomery county, who came to Iowa from Indiana at an early period in the develop- ment of this state. The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm and for fourteen years Mr. Miller thus continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits in Pottawattamie and Montgomery counties. In the meantime, however, he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present home farm, constituting the southeast quarter of section 29,
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Waveland township. He made the purchase in 1893 but did not locate thereon until six years later. In 1903 he invested in the northwest quarter of section 32, Waveland township, and the two quarters, joining at the cor- ners, make his farm one of three hundred and twenty acres. He has been quite extensively engaged in feeding cattle for some years, perhaps doing a larger business in this line than any other resident of Waveland township, feeding from three to five carloads all the time. His live-stock interests are an important element in his business and bring to him a gratifying measure of success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children: Mable, now the wife of L. J. Buckner, of Waveland township, by whom she has two chil- dren, Harold and Millard: and Harry L., at home.
Mr. Miller votes with the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office. He has served for four years as township trustee and for a number of years has been a member of the school board. He and his wife belong to the Christian church, in which he is serving as a deacon, while in the work of the church they take an active and helpful interest. There is naught that can be said against the life record of Mr. Miller, for at all times his intentions have been honorable and his actions manly and sincere.
FREDERICK P. BELLINGER, M. D.
Dr. F. P. Bellinger, a prominent physician of Council Bluffs, was born in New York state, in 1860, and is a son of J. H. and Helen M. (Smith) Bellinger. He was reared on a farm in St. Lawrence county, New York, and devoted his early years to the work in the fields and to study in the district schools. He was an unusually studious lad and early decided to devote his life to the medical profession. Accordingly, in 1876, he entered the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated with honor in 1881. He has, however, not been willing to practice with only his original equipment but his deep research has continued up to the present time and he has not only kept pace with but has also been a leader in the progress and advancement which have marked the medical world. and the more mature judgment and later experience which have come with advancing practice and which have been brought to bear upon newer problems, have in many cases resulted in better methods of cure, which have proven of the utmost importance to mankind and in the cause of health. His, vaca- tions have been devoted to post-graduate courses at different hospitals the world over. He has studied in Berlin, Vienna, London, Paris, St. Peters- burg, New York, Chicago and every place where progressive medical meth- ods are in vogue. He does a general practice but has made a specialty of diseases of women. He has not, however, like most specialists, allowed this
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to take him away in any measure from his general practice. He early realized the need of skill and careful study in his specialty and has there- by accomplished important cures. Having had exceptional opportunities of study, he is doing all in his power to alleviate the suffering and strengthen the physical endurance of women who seek his aid. One of the most hope- ful indications in his practice has always been that, added to his genius, he has a vast fund of practical common sense, for the lack of which so many physicians have failed in their work.
In 1882, Dr. Bellinger was married, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss E. L. Arnold, a daughter of J. B. Arnold. His domestic relations have ever been of the most pleasant and happy character. His wife has proved not only the presiding genius of a happy home but she has also shared in his hopes, sympathized with his efforts and has been a source of inspiration and encouragement.
In his political affiliations the Doctor is a democrat but has never cared for offices, though he did serve for two years in the city council of Council Bluffs as representative from the second ward. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to Ogdensburg lodge, No. 128, A. F. & A. M. He is modest and unassuming, never caring in the least for ostentation or display. He has at present one of the largest practices in Council Bluffs, which alone is proof of the esteem, respect and admiration which the eiti- zens have for him. While he is an unusually busy man, he has in addi- tion to his practice been an active worker for any movement that would promote the welfare of the city.
JOHN ALBERT MITCHELL.
John Albert Mitchell, a representative of the farming interests of Grove township, his home being on section 2, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Osceola, Clarke county, January 5, 1861. He is a son of Talbott and Barbara (Myers) Mitchell. The father was taken to Indiana when quite young and the mother was born in that state, where both were reared and educated. There they were married and in 1858 removed west- ward, settling in Clarke county, Iowa. The father died while on a visit to Indiana when about sixty years of age but the mother still survives and is now living in Madison county, Iowa. She was his second wife and there were seven children by that marriage. By the former marriage there were two sons, Levi and Thomas, both of whom served their country as loyal de- fenders of the Union in the Civil war.
John Albert Mitchell was reared to farm life, assisting in the labors of the fields as his age and strength permitted. His early educational privi- leges were afforded by the common schools and he afterward attended the high school at the county seat in Clarke county. In the spring of 1882, having attained his majority, he came to Pottawattamie county and for three
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years worked by the month on the Evans ranch for John Evans, Jr. He has since been superintendent of the Evans ranch, comprising thirty-three hundred acres of land all in one body, lying in the southeastern corner of Center township and the northeastern corner of Grove township. It is one of the most extensive farms of western Iowa and is largely devoted to rais- ing and feeding stock, feeding over six hundred head of cattle annually for the Chicago market. Mr. Mitchell also owns one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the Evans ranch, constituting the southeast quarter of sec- tion 2, Grove township. It is the old John Osler farm and upon it he has made many modern improvements, including the erection of a fine new residence, which he has now occupied for two and a half years. He man- ages his own farm in addition to acting as superintendent of the Evans ranch and is thus a very busy man, his duties making constant demand upon his time and energies. His ability, however, well qualifies him for the responsibilities that are his and that he has the entire confidence of the owner of the Evans ranch is indicated by his long connection therewith.
In February, 1904, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Margaret Renner, a native of Clarke county, Iowa, and a daughter of Peter Renner. They have a wide acquaintance in the locality where they make their home and warm regard is entertained for them by many friends. Mr. Mitchell's polit- ical allegiance is given to the republican party.
WILLIAM KUSGEN.
William Kusgen, a successful agriculturist residing on section 18, Keg Creek township, is a native of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in Germany on the 1st of November, 1856. In the year 1868 the parents, Wayne and Sabina (Linderburg) Kusgen, crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking up their abode near California, Missouri, where both the father and mother passed away. Mr. Kusgen was born in 1821 and was therefore sixty-six years of age when called to his final rest in August, 1887. He had survived his wife for a number of years, her death occurring in 1872. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom still survive, namely : Mrs. Lesete Haggermeyer, living in Missouri; William, of this review; Annie, residing in St. Louis, Missouri ; Henry, who also makes his home in Missouri; and Jennie and Mrs. Julia Zimmerman, both of St. Louis, Missouri.
William Kusgen remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, when he came to Pottawattamie county in 1882 and worked by the month for two years. Hc then carried on agricultural pursuits as a renter for eight years and on the expiration of that period found that he had acquired capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of his own. Accordingly, in 1892, he bought one hundred and ten acres of improved land on section 18, Keg Creek township, where he still makes his home. He has added many improvements to the place and has
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carried on his agricultural interests in such a manner that his farm is now a model property, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories and most attractive in appearance. In addition to this tract Mr. Kusgen also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Woodbury county, Iowa, and in the control of his business interests has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity, owing to his close application, unfaltering diligence and excel- lent management.
Mr. Kusgen has been twice married. In 1883 he was joined in wed- lock to Miss Annie Meyer, a native of Illinois, who passed away in 1887. She was the mother of two children: Henry, of Treynor, Iowa; and Emma, who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife our subject married Mrs. Lizzie Maier, who was born in Missouri. Her mother is deceased but her father still resides in California, Missouri. Mr. Kusgen has six chil- dren by his second wife, namely: Fred, Annie, Dailey, John, Martha and Mary.
In his political views Mr. Kusgen is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. He is a stalwart friend of the cause of education, as is indicated by his service as school director, but otherwise has neither sought nor desired public office. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known in the community and have the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. He is a self-made man, having gained his prosperity entirely through his own labors and well directed energy. He has been connected with the agricultural interests of this county for a quarter of a century and his business methods have ever been such as have neither sought nor re- quired disguise and have gained for him the admiration and respect of his , fellowmen.
C. C. SCOTT.
C. C. Scott, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pur- suits and the raising of stock in Macedonia township, owns and cultivates two hundred and twelve acres of land which is well improved. He has brought the farm under a high state of cultivation and has won a place among the substantial residents of his community since establishing his home in Pottawattamie county in 1900. His birth occurred in Morgan county. Ohio, January 12. 1875, his parents being W. H. and Sarah E. (Newton) Scott, who in 1879 became residents of Mills county, Iowa. They now reside near Glenwood, this state, and are farming people. Their fam- ily numbered five sons and one daughter.
C. C. Scott was about four years of age when the family came to Iowa and he was therefore reared and educated in Mills county, attending the common schools. When not busy with his text-books he was trained in the work of the farm and continued in that field of labor in Mills county until 1900, when he removed to Pottawattamie county. Here he has since
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made his home, being located on section 28. Macedonia township, where he purchased four hundred and twelve acres of rich and productive land. He has added substantial buildings and other improvements to his farm and now has an excellent property equipped with all modern accessories and con- veniences.
At Glenwood. Iowa, was celebrated the marriage of C. C. Scott and Miss Lulu M. Mickelwait, who died on the 6th of May, 1900, leaving two children-Floyd N. and Richard F., both of whom are yet at home. For his second wife Mr. Scott chose Miss Edna Gertrude Moore, of this county, a daughter of W. M. Moore, of Macedonia. There are also two children of this marriage-William Ward and Fern Virginia.
Mr. Scott votes with the republican party because he has firm faith in its principles and in the ultimate triumph of the party platform. Frater- nally he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Macedonia and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They have gained many friends during their residence in this county.
ROBERT JOHN MARTIN.
Robert John Martin, whose business career has been marked by steady advancement until he is now numbered with the prosperous residents of Hancock, where he is engaged in the hardware, furniture and implement business, is also well known in political circles and has been called to repre- sent his district in the state legislature. His life record began in Ontario, Canada, January 17, 1863.
His father, Robert Martin, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1831 and in 1847 came to the United States, settling first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he learned and followed the carpet-weaver's trade but the dye in the carpet affected his lungs and in the winter of 1855-6 he went to Canada. where he was employed in the lumber woods. In the latter year he re- moved to Fulton, Illinois, where he found employment in a lumberyard. and while there living he was married. Owing to the financial panic of 1857 he was forced to seek employment elsewhere and made his way to southern Illinois. thence to Missouri and afterward to Kansas but in the same year returned to Philadelphia, remaining there for but a short time, however. In 1860 he again went to Canada, where he remained until the spring of 1872. when he came to Iowa, settling in Valley township, Potta- wattamie county. He bought a farm of eighty acres and later acquired additional land until he owned four hundred acres at the time of his death in 1880. He had little money on coming to this county but was successful as a farmer and left to his family a goodly estate. His widow still survives and makes her home with her children, five of the family of seven yet liv- ing, namely: William J .. of Davenport. Towa: Robert J .: Anna E., the wife of Albert Petersen, of Valley township: Daniel T., who is living on the
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old family homestead in the same township; and Emma M., the wife of L. S. White, of Oakland, Iowa.
Robert J. Martin was reared under the parental roof, being but nine years of age when the father brought the family to Iowa. His education was largely acquired in the public schools here and he also attended the Iowa City Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888. For two years he was engaged in farming, operating the home place after his father's death until he entered the academy. In 1890 he sold his farming interests to his brother and removed to Hancock, where he engaged in the imple- ment business. In 1897 he extended the scope of his labors by adding a stock of furniture and hardware and he now has a well equipped and ap- pointed store, in which he is winning a liberal patronage. His business methods are reliable and his enterprise and energy constitute the basis of his prosperity.
On the 25th of September, 1889, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Louie Bair, of Valley township, and unto them have been born five children: Lucy M., Vera, Elsie, Bernice and Louise. The hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends and their social position is one of prominence in their part of the county.
Mr. Martin is a stalwart republican, well versed in the questions of state and national as well as local interest, and that he is a leading member of the party in western Iowa is indicated by his election, in 1903, as repre- sentative from Pottawattamie county to the state legislature, serving in the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. He has frequently been a dele- gate to the county and state conventions and had been prominent locally, serving as township trustee, as justice of the peace, and giving to Hancock a public-spirited, progressive and practical administration as its mayor. For years he has been a member of Ark lodge, No. 435, A. F. & A. M., of Oak- land, and also belongs to the chapter, R. A. M., of Avoca; Valley lodge, No. 439, I. O. O. F .; and Jarret camp, No. 43, M. W. A. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as elder, and in church work he is a co-operant factor. He is pleasantly located in an attractive home in Hancock and in addition to this and his store he owns eighty acres of farm land in Valley township. For thirty-five years he has made his home in the county and its progress has been advanced by him, while the utilization of his opportunities has made him a leading merchant and much respected citizen of Hancock.
J. W. FRAZIER, M. D.
Dr. J. W. Frazier, who is now engaged in the practice of medicine and also devotes a portion of his time to farming in Honey Creek, was born in this place on the 16th of October, 1860. His father, Alfred Frazier, was a native of Putnam county, Indiana, born March 13, 1837, and his life record covered a period of sixty-five years, his death occurring at Honey Creek in
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1902. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Julianna Wild, was born in England, November 9, 1837, and she passed away several years prior to her husband's death, being called to her final rest in Honey Creek in 1894. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are yet living: J. W .; Mrs. Mary F. White, of Honey Creek; and Eunice, who is living with her brother, Dr. Frazier. Our subject's grandfather was killed by a passenger train in January, 1900, at the age of eighty-nine years.
In October, 1854, Alfred Frazier came to Pottawattamie county with his parents, and both he and his father purchased and also entered land from the government. He was married here and always owned land but never did much work in tilling the soil. He engaged, however, in dealing in grain and live stock and for some years was engaged in merchandising. In his various business interests he met with success, owing to his capable manage- ment and well directed labor. In politics he was always a stalwart republican throughout his entire life and he served as postmaster at Honey Creek from 1867 to 1890, or for a period of twenty-three years. He was likewise a notary public and filled all of the township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness, fidelity and courtesy.
Dr. Frazier spent his boyhood days at Honey Creek, where he acquired a common-school education. Determining to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work he matriculated in the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1887. Ambitious to gain a still broader knowl- edge concerning the best methods of medicinal practice he entered the Jef- ferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was there gradu- ated in 1889 while in 1890 he did post-graduate work in the Chicago Polyclinic and in 1894 in the Post-graduate University Medical College at Kansas City. He has done the utmost to familiarize himself with the best methods of practice, has kept in touch with the onward march of the profes- sion and his ability was recognized in the liberal patronage that was accorded him. He still practices to some extent, making his home at Honey Creek, his time, however, being divided with his farming interests. He and his sisters now own six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which they inherited from their father, all of which is rented, bringing to them an excellent financial return.
In 1904 Dr. Frazier was married to Miss Mildred Smith, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Bradley M. and Aletta (Cooper) Smith. For a num- ber of years her father was a lumber inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad Company and became a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1866. He was thereafter identified with the interests of this section of the country up to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1902, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of Omaha. They were the parents of seven children: Ellen, now living in Omaha; Mrs. Uransa McCaully, of South Omaha; Mrs. Annie Van Dyke, who is living in Eldon, Iowa; Mrs. Georgia Balbeck, of Omaha; B. M. and Jessica, both of Omaha; and Mrs. Frazier. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Frazier has been blessed with one daughter, Mary M.
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Dr. Frazier belongs to the Missouri Valley Medical Association and to the State Medical Society. He is a man of broad scientific knowledge and it is said that he is frequently called into consultation by the leading physicians of Council Bluffs and Omaha. He took up the study of medi- cine in order to aid his mother, who suffered from consumption. He wished to prolong her life, and through his skill and ministrations he did so for five years. Since her death he has practiced little, save at the call of friends, his professional services being prompted by his humanitarian spirit. He would go out in the coldest nights or worst weather when his friends need his pro- fessional aid. He does not care, however, to practice aside from this and has valuable property from which he derives a good income. He has held some of the school offices, and while he never desires political preferment he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. His political allegiance is given to the republican party.
GUSTAVE WAGER.
The farming interests of Hazel Dell township find a worthy representa- tive in Gustave Wager, who has now attained the age of eighty-one years but is still an active, energetic man, giving supervision to his business affairs. He was born in Pontarlier, France, on the 10th of August, 1826. His father, Josef Wager, a native of Germany, died in France at the age of fifty-five years. He was a miller by trade, as was his father, his grandfather and the family for many generations. In early manhood he wedded Sophia Kraft, who was born in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland. She emigrated to America with her family after the death of her husband and settled in Water- town, Wisconsin, where she died several years ago at the age of ninety-three years.
In early life Gustave Wager learned the miller's trade, beginning work when but a youth of twelve years. He came to the United States with his mother and sisters in 1848 and engaged in the milling business near Water- town, Wisconsin, until 1865, when he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa. He followed the same pursuit in Council Bluffs and in Omaha for one year and then purchased an eighty acre tract of wild uncultivated land in Hazel Dell township, upon which he has since made his home, this serving as the nucleus of his present possessions. As opportunity has offered he has added to his property until he now owns one hundred and ninety-six acres. He erected a mill on his farm and for several years continued its operation but about a year ago this old landmark was blown down. He has led a life of ac- tivity and enterprise, neglecting no duty as it has come to him day after day but on the contrary doing his work with a willingness that has resulted in making him one of the substantial residents of his community.
Mr. Wager was married in Wisconsin to Miss Dorothea Lubiens, a native of Hanover, Germany, who died during the period of the Civil war, leaving Mr. Wager to care for their three little children. Had it not been for the
MR. AND MRS. GUSTAVE WAGER.
THE NEW YORI PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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duty to his motherless little ones he would have become an officer in the army, as he was solicited to accept a commission and was recognized as com- ing from a race of fighters. After losing his first wife he was married again in Wisconsin, his second union being with Miss Catherine Panning, a native of Hanover, Germany, who still survives. By his first marriage he had three children : Lillie, the wife of Fritz Panning, a resident of Nebraska; Ernest, who is married and has a family, their home being in Arlington, Nebraska; and Dora, the wife of Commodore Perry Master, also of Arlington. By the second marriage there were six sons: George, who is at home; Louie, who is in the employ of the Chicago & Great Western Railroad as engineer; Isadore, an agriculturist of Honey Creek, Pottawattamie county, who married a Miss Moss; Henry, who follows farming in Hazel Dell township, this county; Gussie, at home; and Oscar, deceased.
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