USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 56
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where as the Terry and has become a popular fruit. Mr. Terry conducted his business successfully, so that today he is well-to-do, being enabled to enjoy a well earned rest because of his activity in former years.
In September, 1848, was celebrated the marriage of Henry A. Terry and Mrs. Rachel T. Sirrine, who was born near New Haven, Connecticut, in 1824 and died July 18, 1873. Her parents were Eliphaz and Amarilla . (Sanford) Gillette, and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Terry she was a widow. There were six children born of that marriage, of whom three are now living: H. S. Terry, who was the first white male child born in Crescent township and now a resident of the village of Crescent; Lillian, the wife of William Nusum, of Woodbine, Harrison county, Iowa; and Francis Ruther- ford, of Council Bluffs. On the 15th of October, 1873, Mr. Terry wedded Esther J. Hough, who was born November 5, 1844, in Montrose, Lee county, Iowa, a daughter of S. M. and Eliza J. (Allen) Hough anfd a sister of War- ren Hough. She was in her second year when the family removed to this county. Unto this marriage there were born six children, of whom three sur- vive: Florence, the wife of Henry Williams, of Crescent; Grace, the wife of Thomas Adams, of Council Bluffs; and Howard A., also of Crescent. Those deceased are Clara M., Myrtle and Otis.
Mr. Terry has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has held various township offices and has been treas- urer of the school board. He is one of the oldest of the early settlers of the county. The land which he converted into a nursery was wild prairie when he bought it. Sixty years have come and gone since he arrived in this county and he was one of its earliest representatives of educational interests. In many ways he has contributed to the growth and upbuilding of the county, aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for its present development and progress. At all times he has been the champion of progressive public measures but perhaps greater credit is due him for his work as a nurseryman than for any other effort of his life. In proving the possibilities of the state for fruit culture he accomplished a work that has been of inestimable value to Iowa, connecting his name closely with its history, so that no record of Pottawattamie county or the western part of the state would be complete without mention of him. On the organization of the first Agricultural So- ciety, in 1856, J. E. Johnson was chosen president; L. M. Kline, vice presi- dent; H. A. Terry, secretary; and L. W. Babbitt, treasurer. The following years our subject was made president.
JOHN W. CAMP.
John W. Camp, who for twenty-one years has conducted the drug busi- ness which he now operates and who is one of the substantial business men of Council Bluffs, was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, September 19, 1860. At the age of two years he accompanied his family on their removal to Janesville, Wisconsin, and three years later to Delavan, Wisconsin. It was
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in the latter place that he received his education in the public schools. As a lad he was much interested in the drug business and at the age of eighteen he entered a drug store, where he was employed until 1884. He was a most efficient employe, eager to master all the details of the business and work ever for the interest of his benefactors. When he came to Council Bluffs he accepted a clerkship in Foster Brothers' drug store. At the end of two years he felt that he was prepared to conduct a business of his own and in 1886 opened the drug store which he is still conducting.
Mr. Camp was married in 1883, in Chicago, to Flora F. Ellis, and their union has been blessed with one son, George B. Mr. Camp is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of a lodge of Elks. He has always been a stal- wart republican, and though never seeking its honors or offices, has been ready to lend his aid to those who have. He is an enterprising member of the Commercial Club and is always foremost in its activities. Genial and social, he wins friends wherever he goes and has built up his thriving busi- ness by honest straightforward methods. Public-spirited in everything which may assist in the growth of the city, he has never been anxious to figure in the public eye, but has been devoted to his business and to his home.
ALBERT D. ANNIS.
Albert D. Annis, of the firm of Squire & Annis, real-estate and loan agents, is numbered among the esteemed residents of Council Bluffs. It was on a farm in Calhoun county, Michigan, that he was born in July, 1864. He received his early education in that county, attending the district schools in the winter and working during his summer vacations in the fields upon his father's farm. When twelve years old he was obliged to lay aside his school books and enter actively into any employment which would secure him a living. Being versed in agriculture, he naturally began work in that capacity, locating in Greene county on a farm which he was interested in improving and putting into shape, thus making it modern in every par- ticular.
But the arduous work which the fields entailed was never very agreeable to Mr. Annis and he felt that in the business world he would attain more success. In 1882 he accordingly came to Council Bluffs where he entered into the real-estate and loan business, in which he has been most successful. He has always promoted enthusiastically every measure which would add to the growth of the city and in this way has indirectly benefited his own business. Every piece of land which he has owned or in which he has been interested he has improved and has thus added to the city's value. His business is one in which a man can afford to be generous in public spirit, and Mr. Annis has chosen this side of the business rather than the selfish one.
His political affiliations have always been with the republican party but he has never sought its public offices nor taken any active part in politics,
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preferring to devote his attention to his business and to other interests which mean more to him. He is associated with the Episcopal church and fra- ternally is a member of the Elks and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Hon- est and upright in all his undertakings, he is justly entitled to the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
ROSCOE BARTON.
Roscoe Barton, a representative member of the Pottawattamie county har, living in Avoca, has the ability which ranks him with the strong and successful representatives of the legal fraternity in this part of the state. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit, and he who wins a large clientage must possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. together with the skill to accurately apply such principles to the points in litigation. Mr. Barton's talents, natural and acquired, have well qualified him for his chosen field of labor.
A native of Towa, he was born in Osage, March 3, 1867, his parents being Walter C. and Dianthia (Dewey) Barton. The father was born in the state of New York but on the Pennsylvania border, March 26, 1833, and was there reared. When a young man he went to Wisconsin, locating just out- side the city limits of Osage, where he engaged in farming and teaming. In 1870 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres lying in Valley township. He resolutely began its development and improvement, and as the years passed he added to this place from time to time until he became owner of more than a section of land which later, however. he divided among his sons. He still owns two hundred and fifty-five acres of this farm and derives an excellent income therefrom. In 1892 he retired from active life and removed to Avoca, where he has since made his home. He is a republican in politics and has always been interested in community affairs to the extent of giving active co-opera- tion to many movements for the public good. In 1882 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are vet living, namely: Marion L., a resident of Napa, Nebraska; Rosa D., the wife of L. Palmer, of Winona, Minnesota; Orion W., living in Avoca. Iowa: Roscoe, of this review; and Florence, the wife of Fred Bombay, editor and proprietor of the Canby Herald, of Canby, Minnesota. After losing his first wife the father was again married in 1895, his second union being with Mrs. Hannah Altig.
Roscoe Barton was reared in his father's home and acquired his educa- tion in the Shenandoah Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa, and in Cornell College at Mount Vernon. His literary course being thus completed, he entered upon preparation for the bar, and in the fall of 1888 became a student in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. from which he was graduated in the class of 1890. He was then admitted to the Michigan bar and soon after his return to this state was admitted
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to practice at the Iowa bar. He located in .Avoca, where he opened his office, and in the seventeen years which constitute the interim from that day to this he has built up an enviable law practice, which classes him with the able lawyers of the county. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, presents them with clearness and force, and never fails to impress court or jury in an argument, while in many instances he has won notable forensic victories.
In 1892 Mr. Barton was married to Miss Lulu Burks, of Harlan, Iowa, and they now have one child, Roscoe II. Mr. Barton is a supporter of demo- cratie principles and recognized as one of the leaders of his party in this locality. He served for two terms as mayor of Avoca and five years as city attorney. and in both offices discharged his duties with promptness and fidel- ity. In his social relations he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with Atlantic lodge, B. P. O. E. He has made many friends during his resi- dence in Avoca, both in professional and social lines, and is recognized as one whose strength of character and laudable ambition constitute the basis of his success and prominence.
FRED S. CHILDS.
Fred S. Childs, a representative agriculturist living on section 25, Garner township, within whose borders he was born October 22, 1861, has spent his entire life in this locality, his only removal being from the old homestead to his present place of residence. His father, William F. Childs, was born in New York and is now living in Hardin township. where he owns an excel- lent farm property. His wife bore the maiden name of Adolphia Snelson and was born in Illinois. In the fall of 1854 they arrived in this county, settling in Garner township, where for many years they lived upon a farm belonging to his brother. Later he purchased a farm in Hardin township, where he now resides. He and his wife are among the few surviving early settlers, having for more than half a century lived in this locality-interested witnesses of its growth and active participants in the many changes that have led up to its present substantial improvement.
Fred S. Childs is one of a family of eight children, three of whom sur- vive. His boyhood and youth were quietly passed amid rural surroundings, and when twenty-one years of age he started out in business life. following the occupation to which he was reared. He first rented the farm where lie now lives, it being the property of his father-in-law, Herman M. Sarr, and in 1892 he purchased the place, which was improved. He has since added to and remodeled the house, has built some of the barns, granaries and other outbuildings and now has a well kept place. recognized as one of the best farms of the township, being equipped with all of the accessories and con- veniences of a model farm property.
On the 22d of October, 1882. the anniversary of his wife's birth. Mr. Childs was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Sarr, a native of Polk county,
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Iowa, and a daughter of Herman M. and Lorinda (Childs) Sarr, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Childs have been born three sons: Freeman, who married Ruby Swartfager and is living in Council Bluffs; and Herman and Chester, both at home.
Mr. Childs exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party, and for three terms has been township clerk, while at the present writ- ing he is township trustee. For fifteen years he has served on the school board, filling the position at this writing, in the fall of 1907. His entire life has been passed in Garner township and, removing only from his birth- place to his present residence, his life has been continuously devoted to gen- eral agricultural pursuits, while the substantial qualities he has manifested in business and in citizenship make him a leading resident of the com- munity.
CHRIS HINZ.
Chris Hinz, successfully operating his farm of two hundred acres on sec- tion 22. Knox township, is a native of Germany, having been born in Hol- stein on the 6th of August, 1870. His parents were Hans and Margaret (Gesler) Hinz, both of whom passed away in Germany, their native land. They had become the parents of five children, four of whom still survive: Mary, the wife of Gus Puck, of Germany; Frederick, who also makes his home in the fatherland; Chris, of this review; and P. W., who is a farmer of Pottawattamie county.
Chris Hinz acquired his education in the schools of his native country, and there remained until he had reached the age of seventeen years. He had become imbued with a strong desire to seek his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic in 1887, first locating at Walnut, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for a year. On the expiration of that period he came to Avoca, and here also worked as a farm hand by the month until 1893, when he was married. After this important event in his life he secured employment with the Rock Island Railroad Company as a section hand, but after two months he began working for the Consigny Brothers in their mill and elevator at Avoca. After he had been thus en- gaged for a year and a half, however, he rented a farm here, which he operated successfully for nine years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm in Missouri and lived thereon for three years. Wishing. however, to give his children the advantages of a good schooling, he sold his farm and returned to Avoca, purchasing two hundred aeres on section 22. Knox township, Pottawattamie county, where he is now successfully conduct- ing his farming interests.
In 1893 Mr. Hinz was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Wasser, a native of Pottawattamie county and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Steele) Wasser. whole family numbered six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hinz have been born four children, as follows: Frederick W .. Rosy C., Ernest L. and Clarence E.
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Mr. Hinz gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fra- ternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 220, at Avoca, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife support the German Lutheran church at Avoca, and are esteemed throughout the com- munity as people of sterling and commendable traits of character. Although yet a young man, he has already met with marked success in his business career, because he has utilized his opportunities to the best advantage at all times, and is therefore numbered among the worthy sons of his adopted land.
CHRISTIAN C. MASS.
Christian C. Mass, a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 25, Keg Creek township, is a native of Holstein, Germany, where his birth occurred on the 8th of August, 1860. The parents, Cay P. and Catherine (Coleman) Mass, were both natives of Germany, and in 1874 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, locating on sixty acres of land in Mills county, Iowa, which the father purchased. In 1876 he sold this traet and bought eighty acres of partly improved land in Pottawattamie county. Forty acres of the land had been broken and a small house and barn stood upon the place. Here the father successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, tilling the fields and add- ing many improvements. until 1886, when he retired from active life and took up his abode in Silver City, where he still resides. He has now attained the age of eighty-six years, while his wife passed away in 1907 at the age of seventy-eight. In their family were eight children, seven of whom are yet living: John, of Mills county, Iowa; Mrs. Doris Schultz, residing in Silver City, Iowa; Henry, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska; Christian C., of this review; Mrs. Mary Halehan, who makes her home in Deloit, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Rummel, of Silver City, Iowa, and Mrs. Kate Kruse, living in Pot- tawattamie county.
Christian C. Mass was a youth of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, when his father gave him eighty acres of land in payment for the assistance which he had rendered in the development and cultivation of the home farm. This eighty-acre tract was located on section 25, Keg Creek township, and has since been his place of residence. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and has made many modern improvements in keeping with progressive agriculture. He has extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises one hundred and sixty acres and has a peach orchard of four hundred trees, which adds much to the attractive appearance of the place. He is also extensively engaged in raising cattle and hogs and this branch of his business has also proved a good source of profit to him. In addition to the home place he owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land in Silver Creek township, which he rents. His landed
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holdings are therefore extensive and he is numbered among the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county.
On the 24th of November, 1883, Mr. Mass was united in marriage to Miss Doris Hoeck. a native of Holstein, Germany, and a daughter of Hans and Catherine (Vose) Hoeck, in whose family there were four children : Mrs. Lena Green, of Nebraska; Mrs. Lizzie Spetman, residing in Silver City, Iowa: Mrs. Emna Schoening, who makes her home in Treynor, Iowa; and Mrs. Mass. The wife of our subject was born of the second marriage of her father and has three half-brothers, who were born of Mr. Hoeck's former marriage: Christian, living in Nebraska; Henry, of Davenport, Iowa; and Frederick, residing in Mineola, Iowa. The father was married a third time, to Miss Eliza Benning, who passed away in 1900. Mr. Hoeck was called to his final rest in November, 1897, when he had attained the age of seventy- four years, while the mother of Mrs. Mass died in 1881 at the age of forty- five years. They had come to America about thirty years ago, locating on a farm near Silver City, Mills county, Iowa, where they passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mass have been born ten children: Edward. at home; Annie, the wife of Ed Miller, of Keg Creek township; Pauline, at home; Katie, who became the wife of John Mass and resides in Keg Creek; and Carl, Ida, George, Ferdinand. Edna and Harry, all at home.
Mr. Mass is a democrat in his political views and has held various school offices and also served as road supervisor. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, and in the community where they reside are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives. For almost a quarter of a century he has carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account in Pottawattamie county, and the success which has come to him is entirely the result of his own labor and untiring perseverance.
JOHN BUELL.
John Buell, who resides on section 2, Pleasant township, was born in Holstein, Germany. November 20, 1867, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Joren Buell, also natives of the fatherland, where they spent their entire lives. Of their six children four are yet living as follows: Henry S., of Cali- fornia: Anna, of Germany; John, of this review; and William, also of Germany.
John Buell and his oldest brother, Henry, came to America in 1882, first settling in Minden, Iowa. The former was then a youth of fifteen years Ile began to provide for his own support by working as a farm hand and was thus employed for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he bought a farm of eighty acres on section 2, Pleasant township, Pottawattamie county, and taking up his abode thereon has since cultivated his place, greatly improving the property by the erection of a comfortable dwelling and by building a good barn, grain cribs and sheds. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs and his live-stock interests are an
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important branch of his business. At the same time he raises good erops, and his well tilled fields present a very attractive appearance.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Buell has given his political support to the republican party. He never has desired office, how- ever, as a reward for party fealty, as his time and attention are fully occupied by his business affairs. Coming to America when in his sixteenth year, he accumulated by the time he was thirty years of age a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of valuable farm land. His prosperity is due entirely to his well directed efforts and strong purpose, and his life record proves to others what may be accomplished in a land where labor is unham- pered by caste or class.
MIRON HOUGH.
Miron Hough, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on sec- tion 21, Center township, was born at Boscobel, Grant county, Wisconsin, Jan- uary 4, 1861, and in 1869 was brought to Iowa by his parents, Hiram Claw- son and Elizabeth (Matthews) Hough. The father was a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and the mother of Pennsylvania. His parents were natives of Ohio and spent their last days in Wisconsin. The family is of German lin- eage. In childhood Hiram Clawson and Elizabeth Matthews went to Wis- consin and were there reared and married, after which they removed to Iowa in 1869. The father devoted his entire life to farming, following that occupa- tion in order to provide for his family, and in Valley township he owned two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. In his later years he retired to private life and both he and his wife spent their last days in Oak- land. He was a republican in his political views and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough were born five chil- dren : Malina Silva, who became the wife of George Bower and is now de- ceased; Charles Thomas. a substantial farmer of Valley township; Miron; Frank, of Newman's Grove, Nebraska: and Mary, who is with her brother in Valley township.
As stated. the family came to Iowa in 1869, settling near where the vil- lage of Hancock now stands. A year later, however, they removed to Valley township and Miron Hough spent the greater part of his time under the parental roof until his marriage. While at home he bought eighty acres near Hancock. which he later traded for one hundred and sixty acres in Wayne county, Nebraska. He then kept bachelor's hall or boarded in that locality for two years. after which he returned home and was married. Later he sold his original farm and purchased his present property of two hundred and thirty aeres on section 21, Center township. Upon this place he has resided since his marriage and it is now a well improved property. equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. He raises both grain and stock and his business affairs are capably managed. He votes with the republican party,
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but does not engage in active political work, although he is neglectful of no duty of citizenship.
In 1890 Mr. Hough was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Hackett, who was born in Boscobel, Wisconsin, and arrived here with her parents in 1871. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hackett, the former a native of Freland and the latter of Wisconsin. They are now residents of Oakland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough have been born four children: James Neil, Olive, Walter and Carl.
GRANT PILLING.
Grant Pilling is one of the large landowners of Pottawattamie county, having over eight hundred acres, largely in Macedonia township. He resides in the village of Macedonia, but gives personal supervision to his extensive farming and stock-feeding interests. He came to Pottawattamie county on the 16th of August, 1888, from Ohio. He is, however, a native of Illinois, having been born in Douglas county, that state, on the 1st of August, 1868. His father. John P. Pilling, who was formerly a farmer, is now living retired in Ohio, where he has resided for several years. . The mother and four sisters of our subject are also living, one sister, Mrs. Clyde Coontz, being a resident of Macedonia.
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