USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Grant Pilling went with his parents on their removal from Illinois to the Buckeye state and was there reared, acquiring a practical education in the common schools. His privileges, however, were somewhat meager, owing to the fact that at the age of thirteen years he started out in life on his own ac- count and was employed as a farm hand from that time until he had attained the age of twenty-four years. He was twenty years of age when he arrived in this county and for some time thereafter he continued to work at farm labor, but was ambitious to engage in general agricultural pursuits on his own account and as the years passed by he saved from his earnings a sum sufficient to enable him to make his first purchase of land. Gradually he has added to his possessions, as his financial resources have increased, until his, property holdings are now very extensive, embracing over eight hundred acres of the rich and productive farming land of Macedonia township. His fields bring forth good crops and he is engaged in feeding cattle on an extensive scale. In all of his farm work he is practical and methodical, utilizes his advantages in the best possible way, and as the years have gone by has met with a measure of prosperity that places him among the foremost of the representatives of agri- cultural life in this county.
On the 1st of March, 1892, in Pottawattamie county, Mr. Pilling was united in marriage to Miss Annie Lewis, a daughter of William Lewis. They have become the parents of four sons and a daughter: Vernon Valentine, William Harvey, Cecil Loraine, John Lawrence and Norris Grant. For four years the family resided upon the farm, but during the past eleven years have made their home in the village, and from this point Mr. Pilling superintends
1141
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
his business affairs. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and is an estimable lady, who shares in the high regard which is uniformly extended her husband. In politics Mr. Pilling is an independent republican, endors- ing most of the principles of the party, yet not considering himself bound by party ties. He has served as a member of the town council and as a member of the school board and is interested in measures for public progress and im- provement. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of Mace- donia. His life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, showing the possibilities for successful accomplishment when one has the will to dare and to do.
ALFRED E. KINCAID.
Alfred E. Kincaid, filling the position of postmaster in Walnut, is ac- counted one of the enterprising residents of the village and is a citizen whose public spirit and devotion to the general good are above question. He was born in Leeds county, Canada, on the 29th of August, 1852, his parents being John and Lodeica (Wilke) Kincaid. In their family were nine children, six of whom are yet living: William, a resident of Chicago, Illinois ; Cordelia, of Smith Falls, Canada; Mary, the wife of Edward Crummett, of Vermilion. South Dakota; Addie, of Smith Falls. Canada; Alfred E .; and Helen, the wife of James Scott, of Smith Falls. The father, also a native of Canada, learned the tanner's trade at Brockville, Leeds county, and afterward engaged in the tanning business on his own account in Farmersville, now AAthens, Canada. He was identified with that line of industrial activity up to the time of his death and his success was undoubtedly due in large measure to the fact that he continued in a department of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman. He was an influential factor in the politics of his district and for some years served in the office of reeve in his county.
Alfred E. Kincaid was reared to his eighteenth year in his native coun- try and acquired his education in the common schools there, but thinking to find better business opportunities and to secure advancement more quickly across the border he left home and came to the United States. He was eighteen years of age when he apprenticed himself to the tinner's trade and in 1871 he made his way to Chicago, where he worked for a year. He then removed to Atlantic, Iowa, where he was employed at his trade for ten or twelve years. In October, 1883. he came to Walnut and established himself in business, hav- ing for twenty-two years carried on his store with excellent success. Through- out that period he was classed with the leading merchants of the town, but in 1905 he disposed of his interests and retired to private life.
On the 20th of May, 1897, Alfred E. Kincaid was appointed postmaster of Walnut, his first appointment being signed by President McKinley and his second by Theodore Roosevelt. He is a stalwart republican in politics, thor- oughly in sympathy with the principles and purposes of the party. and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has done
1142
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
effective work in behalf of the cause of education as a member of the school board and he has served on the town council, as township trustee and township clerk. He has for years been a dominant factor in local politics of this sec- tion of the county and wields a wide influence in the party councils.
He is, moreover, a prominent Mason, belonging to Morro lodge, No. 559, A. F. & A. M .; Rabboni chapter, No. 85, R. A. M .; Kedron commandery, No. 42, K. T., and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. He like- wise affiliates with Maria lodge, No. 327, 1. O. O. F., with the Atlantic encamp- ment and with Walnut lodge, No. 92, of the Homesteaders. He is justly ac- counted one of the representative residents of this section of the county, for his labors have been an element in its growth and progress and his co-opera- tion a factor in its substantial development. He has never felt that he had occasion to regret his determination to establish his home on this side the Canadian border, but, on the contrary, has enjoyed and improved the oppor- tunities which have come to him here and as the result of his capable man- agement and diligence is now in possession of a comfortable competence.
CORD BRUNING.
Cord Bruning, who was numbered among the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Keg Creek township, was called to his final rest February 26, 1898. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, October 6, 1843, of the mar- riage of John A. and Margaret (Gerken) Bruning, who were farming people, both passing away in the fatherland. One brother of our subject emigrated to the new world, but is now deceased.
Cord -Bruning was reared on the old homestead farm in Germany, and after he had attained his majority spent three years in the army, in accordance with the laws of his native land. When twenty-seven years of age he deter- mined to try his fortune in America, having heard favorable reports of the business opportunities and other advantages afforded in this country. After crossing the Atlantic he came at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and be- gan farming for a Mr. Gathmann in Keg Creek township. After he had been thus employed for about sixteen months he returned to Germany and was there married, in 1872, to Miss Margarethe Schoemacher, who was born in the fatherland on the 18th of February, 1855, her parents being Frederick and Evaline (Ricks) Schoemacher, both now deceased. Mrs. Bruning is the only one of the family that ever came to America, coming to this country with her husband immediately after her marriage.
Mr. Bruning again made his way to Keg Creek township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits as a renter for two years and then purchased one hun- dred and twenty acres of the place whereon his widow now resides, on section 3. 1 small house and barn were the only buildings on the place, but as the years passed by he added many modern improvements and in addition to the careful cultivation of the fields he also followed stock-raising, meeting with a gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business. His widow
1143
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
now owns two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farming land, on which are lacking none of the conveniences and accessories of a model property.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruning became the parents of five children, four of whom survive: Frederick, who married Christine Husz and lives in Keg Creek town- ship; Mary, who became the wife of Emil Goos, of Mills county; Emma, at home: and Otto, who is also with his mother and operates the home farm for her.
Mr. Bruning was a member of the German Lutheran church, to which his widow also belongs. He was well liked and respected by all with whom he came in contact and his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout the entire community. His life record is an excellent illustration of the value of industry and perseverance in the acquirement of success, for when he came to this country he was not only empty-handed, but also unfamiliar with the language and customs of the people among whom he came to live. The suc- cess which he gained was richly merited and, moreover, he made a reputation as a man of unswerving honor and strict business integrity. Mrs. Bruning is also widely and favorably known in this county, having made her home here for a quarter of a century and has gained the warm regard of many friends by reason of her many good qualities of heart and mind.
JOHN T. SIMON.
John T. Simon, well known as a stock-raiser, feeder and shipper, resides on section 11, York township, his home farm comprising four hundred and eighty acres, where he has been located since 1880. He was but two years of age at that time, being brought to Pottawattamie county by his parents, his birth having occurred in Ogle county, Illinois, August 22, 1878. His father, John D. Simon, was a native of Saxony, Germany, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Wisconsin, where he resided for a few years. He then went to Ogle county, Illinois, where he purchased land and improved a farm. He was married in Wisconsin to Miss Mary Wolf, a native of Germany. After carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Illinois for a few years he removed with his family to Pottawattamie county in 1880. Here he purchased four hundred acres of prairie land, which was largely unimproved and at once began its further development and cultiva- tion.
John T. Simon was one of a family of nine children. seven of whom are now living. Hubbard and Lydia are yet at home. Arthur is a farmer of James township .. William carries on general agricultural pursuits in Min- den township. Lottie is the wife of J. D. Frohardt of Denver, Colorado, and Elbert is now attending Oxford College at Oberlin. Ohio. Being brought to Pottawattamie county in very early childhood, John T. Simon was here reared upon the farm which is still his home. His time in youth was divided be- tween the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to
1144
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the lot of the agriculturist and as the years passed he more and more largely assumed the work of the farm until its entire care and improvement devolved upon him. There are good buildings upon the place, including a substantial residence and barns, which have been built by Mr. Simon.
On the 27th of February, 1907. John T. Simon was married to Miss Lena Theis, a native of Pottawattamie county, and a daughter of Henry Theis, a farmer of James township, now deceased. The father of Mr. Simon, however, is still living and makes his home with his son John. The mother passed away in 1897 at the age of fifty-two years, and Mr. Simon is now seventy-nine years of age.
In connection with the work of the fields John T. Simon is engaged in raising ITereford cattle of high grade and owns a full blooded Hereford bull. He also raises Duroc hogs, feeding from two to three carloads of cattle each year and two carloads of hogs. He is also raising standard-bred trotting horses and is one of the owners of a stallion, a fine draft animal. In cultivat- ing the fields Mr. Simon displays keen discernment and comprehensive knowledge as to the best methods of tilling the soil. Through the rotation of crops and the judicious use of fertilizers he keeps his land productive at all times and both his grain farming and his stock-raising are proving profitable to him. His entire life has been spent upon this farm and he has assisted largely in making it what it is today. There are now four hundred and eighty acres of valuable and well improved land in the home farm, which is being carried on by John T. and Hubbard Simon, while the father is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. The family is prominent in the commu- nity, the name ever standing for progressive citizenship, for reliability in busi- ness and faithfulness in friendship. John T. Simon and his wife are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church of James township and are indeed worthy the high esteem and confidence which are uniformly given them. Mr. Simon is a republican in politics where national issues are involved, but casts an independent local ballot.
OSCAR KEELINE.
The name of Keeline is closely associated with live-stock interests in Pot- tawattamie county, and Oscar Kecline, a resident of Council Bluffs, is oper- ating in this line of business activity with good success. He was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, in 1859, and when a youth of ten years was brought to Iowa by his parents in March, 1869, the family home being established in Council Bluffs. His education, which was begun in the public schools of his native state, was continued in the schools here until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Wyoming to become actively connected with cattle-raising upon his father's ranch. He has spent more or less of his time there for the last twenty years, but throughout this period has always made his home in Council Bluffs. He is thoroughly in touch with the live-stock inter-
1145
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ests of the west and his opinions are largely regarded as authority upon the subject of cattle-raising.
On the 1st of March, 1887, in Council Bluffs, Oscar Keeline was united in marriage to Miss Jessie B. Walker, a daughter of A. B. Walker, of this city, and they now have a daughter, Mary Frances Keeline. Mr. Keeline af- filiates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is also enrolled among the members of the Royal Arcanum. Ile is a republican with inter- ests in good citizenship, but without active participation in political work. Well known in Council Bluffs, where much of his life has been passed, the circle of his friends includes many who have known him from his boyhood to the present.
-
JOHN KIRKWOOD.
The farming interests of Crescent township find a worthy representative in John Kirkwood, who owns and cultivates a neat and well improved farm of two hundred and forty-four acres, where he now lives, and also an improved farm in Norwalk township. He belongs to one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred in Crescent township, November 26, 1858.
His father, Robert Kirkwood. was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, July 27, 1827, and in 1847, when a young man of twenty years, wedded Miss Mary Muir, also a native of that place. The following year they emigrated to Amer- ica, and. after a voyage of seven weeks. landed at New Orleans. whence they made their way to Florence, Nebraska, opposite Crescent City, reaching their destination on the 10th of May, 1848. A few days later, however, they came to Pottawattamie county and settled on government land in what is now Crescent township. The father devoted his entire life to general agricul- tural pursuits and became well-to-do, leaving a large estate. Settling here in pioneer times. he endured many of the hardships and trials common at an early day. and as the years passed aided in the substantial development of the county, laying broad and deep the foundation for its present progress and improvement. He worked at day labor, often receiving but forty cents per day. His first home in the county was a log cabin fourteen feet square, but his ambition led him into larger things and the careful direction of his business interests in the course of years won him a measure of success, which made him one of the substantial residents of the county. His reputation for honesty and business probity was unassailable and never was his path strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. On the contrary he was thoroughly reliable in all that he did and his interests were well managed. He was one of the organizers and stockholders in the Council Bluffs Savings Bank and his indgment was always regarded as sound in business matters. In politics he was a stalwart democrat. thoroughly conversant at all times with the issues and questions of the day. In community affairs he was active, serving for three terms as a member of the board of supervisors, also as township trustee, while for sixteen consecutive years he was treasurer of the school board. He also
1146
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
received the nomination of his party for the state legislature, but declined to become a candidate. He and his family were members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints and died in that faith, the father passing away in 1897 and the mother four years later, at their old home south of Crescent. His record is a notable example of the opportunities that were enjoyed by the pioneers in the development of the natural resources of the west and yet the present generation can scarcely realize what it meant to live upon the frontier, far removed from the comforts and civilization of the older east, braving hard- ships and trials and facing many dangers incident to life on the frontier.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirkwood were seven children : Janet, the widow of William McKeown, who resides at Underwood, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of Hans Hansen, of Hazel Dell; Belle, the deceased wife of Frank Finch, of Hancock county, Iowa; John, of this review; James, resid- ing in Long Pine, Nebraska; Thomas, who makes his home in Hazel Dell township; and Lizzie, the wife of James Lapworth, of Crescent.
John Kirkwood of this review was reared to agricultural pursuits and throughout his entire life has been so engaged. The practical experience which he gained in youth has proven of the utmost value to him in his later years. He now owns two hundred and forty-four acres of rich and produc- tive land where he lives in Crescent township, and also has an improved farm in Norwalk township. He has made nearly all of the improvements on this farm and it presents a most attractive appearance with its substantial out- buildings, its well tilled fields and its good grades of stock.
In 1884 Mr. Kirkwood was married to Miss Agnes Lapworth, a sister of James Lapworth, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kirkwood have been born nine children: Robert, at home; Gertrude, the wife of Wesley MeMullen, an agriculturist of Crescent township; and Horace E., Arthur Boise, Clara B., Lloyd, Agnes, Fern and Ruth, also at home. The parents are members of the Latter Day Saints church and are much es- teemed by many friends, who entertain for them warm regard by reason of their many good qualities of heart and mind. Mr. Kirkwood is a democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs.
URIAH McLEAN.
Pottawattamie county finds a worthy representative of its agricultural in- terests in Uriah McLean, who devotes his time to the tilling of the soil and to stock-raising. the result of his labors being seen in his richly cultivated fields and in his pastures, where are found good grades of cattle. The farm com- prises two hundred and forty acres and is a well kept place.
Almost a half century has passed since Mr. McLean became a resident of Iowa and has lived in this part of the state since the fall of 1877, his time be- ing divided between Mills and Pottawattamie counties. He was born in Muskingum county. Ohio, September 7, 1846. His father, William McLean, was an carly settler of the Buckeye state and was there married, while several of his children were born in Muskingum county. In 1858 he brought his
MR. AND MRS. URIAH MCLEAN.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1149
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
family to Iowa, locating in Mills county, where he improved a farm, continu- ing its cultivation for a number of years. In 1875 he took up his abode in Pottawattamie county, securing a tract of wild land in York township, upon which he opened up a farm, making it his home throughout his remaining days. In his labors he was practical, securing results in the development of his place that are today manifest in the fine appearance of the farm and its richly cultivated fields. He died in 1901, at the very venerable age of eighty- six years. and his wife passed away in the fall of the same year, at the age of eighty-two.
Uriah McLean was a lad of twelve years when the family left Ohio and came to Iowa. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm in Mills county until he attained his majority and then went west to Denver in 1866. He was engaged in freighting on the plains, driving a six-mule team for two years and meeting with all of the varied experiences incident to such a life. In the fall of 1867 he returned to Mills county and later came to Pottawattamie county but in 1869 again went west to Denver and followed freighting in that section of the country. Once more he came to Pottawattamie county in 1870 and a little later went to Effingham county, Illinois.
While there Mr. McLean was married on the 2d of January, 1872, to Miss Eliza E. Fry, a native of that county, where the days of her girlhood were spent. Following their marriage Mr. McLean resided in Effingham county until 1877, being there engaged in farming. He then returned to Iowa and made a permanent location in Pottawattamie county, where he first rented land for three years. In the meantime. through untiring industry and careful expen- diture, he managed to save a sum sufficient to justify his purchase of eighty acres of raw prairie land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve- ment made upon this place but he opened up a farm and later bought two other tracts of eighty acres cach, so that he now has a valuable property of two hundred and forty acres. Upon this farm he has erected a good two-story resi- dence, while ample shelter is afforded to grain and stock in his commodious barns and outbuildings. The orchard upon the place was planted by him, to- gether with much small fruit and many shade and ornamental trees, which make the farm a bower of beauty in the summer months when the trees are clothed in green foliage. He has two good sets of buildings upon the farm and altogether the place is valuable, neatness and thrift pervading every de- partment. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and has made a business of breeding and dealing in Aberdeen Angus cattle, now hav- . ing a herd of about seventy with a fine pure blooded registered male at the head of the herd. He also feeds and fattens cattle and hogs for the market and is well known as a leading dealer in live stock in York township. In addi- tion to his home property he owns a residence and a blacksmith shop in Bent- ley, is a stockholder and director in the Bentley Improvement Company. also a stockholder, director and the vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Minden. These various connections will indicate that he is a man of resource- ful business ability, whose labors are carefully managed, whose investments are judiciously made and whose success is the result of his unwearied industry and sound judgment.
1150
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
The home of Mr. and Mrs. McLean has been blessed with seven children : Ida M., the wife of Professor W. J. Thompson, a teacher of South Dakota; J. II., who is married and resides upon the home farm: Sadie D., the wife of Paul Wisdom, of Omaha: Nellie S., who is employed in the telephone office in Omaha; Madie E .. the wife of Howard Rishton, a farmer of Minden township; Kate D., the wife of Fred Howard, a farmer of Pottawattamie county; and Floyd W., who assists his father in carrying on the home farm.
Mr. McLean is a public-spirited citizen, whose interest in the welfare of the community has been manifest in many tangible ways, his co-operation be- ing withheld from no movement that he deems will promote public progress. In politics he supports the democracy where state and national questions are involved but at local elections where no issue is involved he regards only the capability of the candidate. He has been chosen to various positions of public honor and trust and has been particularly helpful in promoting the interests of the schools, serving for nineteen years as a member of the school board. He has for ten or twelve years been township clerk and has frequently been chosen as a delegate to county and state conventions, being not unknown in political circles outside of his home locality. Mr. McLean is an Odd Fellow, be- longing to Neola lodge. in which he has filled all of the chairs and is a past grand. He and his wife are affiliated with the Rebekah chapter and both have served in official positions therein, Mrs. McLean being for three years depart- ment president. Mr. MeLean is one of the official members of the Grange at Bentley and is recognized as a man of broad integrity and worth in every rela- tion of life, being classed with the well known and prosperous farmers and business nren and with those whose many sterling characteristics have won for him the merited confidence and esteem of their respective communities.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.