USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. II > Part 58
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
JOHN F. PATTERSON.
John F. Patterson, a well known architect of Council Bluffs, was born in New York city, August 23, 1853. When but two years old his parents removed to Middlesex county, Ontario, Canada, and it was there that Mr. Patterson was reared. He attended the public schools in winter and devoted. his vacation periods to play and work, remaining under the paternal roof until he had attained his twenty-eighth year. In 1871 he was graduated from the London Commercial College, at London, Ontario. He removed to Wahoo, Nebraska, in 1881, and was a most successful architect and general contractor in that place for the following eight years. He followed the same business for three years in Fremont, Nebraska, confining his work to the state buildings. This took him to Omaha for a year, and in 1894 brought him to Conneil Bhiffs.
Mr. Patterson was married in 1891 in Council Bluffs to Elizabeth F. Graham. a daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Dobie) Graham. His wife is a woman of culture and refinement and their home has always been most hospitable to all who have come within their circle.
1151
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Patterson is a blue lodge Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in his political views is a stalwart democrat. ever ready to aid his party in all commendable measures, but never seeking political offices. He is an artist in his line of business. and has been successful in erecting public buildings because he has done it on honor, for when a contract was placed in his hands money would not tempt him to substitute inferior material nor to allow others in his employ to do so. He has diligently applied himself to business, and his success is the natural result of his own perseverance. industry and self-reliance. He takes a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the residents of this community, and he is counted upon always as one of the most publie-spirited citizens of Council Bluffs.
THOMAS Q. HARRISON.
Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that the members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of a community. The ability and training which qual- ify one to practice law also qualify one in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Holding a marked place of great promise among the younger members of the bar is Thomas Q. Harrison, the subject of this re- view. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. on December 11, 1873. His grandfather was William Harrison, who belonged to the Virginia branch of the Harrison family and was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. His son and the father of Thomas Q. Harrison was Judge William P. Harrison, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he was born in 1817. He passed away in 1895 in Hannibal, Missouri, and was known as Colonel, having served in the Federal army.
Thomas Q. Harrison went with his parents in his infancy to Hannibal, Missouri, and there received his preliminary education. At the age of twen- ty-five he was made engineer of Hannibal and served in that capacity until 1897. Ile then accepted a position as engineer with the Yellow Poplar Lum- ber Company at Arrington, Ohio. His profession took him near Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he was engaged in engineering up to the year 1900. He then removed to Council Bluffs and began the study of law with Charles M. Harle. He was so diligent and careful a student of legal details and pos- sessed a memory and a mind which recognized these details, that he imme- diately gave promise of prominence in this profession.
In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Harrison and Miss Shirley W. Worrell, the daughter of Stanley W. Worrell. Their union has been blessed with two children, Thomas Q., Jr., and Shirley Virginia.
Mr Harrison is a member of the Masonie fraternity. the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias. the Maccabees. the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen, and the Independent Order of Foresters (Canadian) .
1152
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
He is also a devoted member of the Episcopal church, to which he gives gen- erously of his time and his money.
In the wide general information which Mr. Harrison acquired in his life as an engineer in different parts of the country is found one of the strong ele- ments of his power and ability as a lawyer. This knowledge enabled him to understand life in its various phases, the motive springs of human conduct and the complexity of business interests. These elements, combined with a comprehensive familiarity with statutory law and with precedent, give him an equipment far beyond that of the ordinary lawyer.
JOACHIM REBEHM.
Joachim Rebehm is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres on section 3, Boomer township. The place is now well improved with a large frame residence, good barns and other outbuildings, and its well tilled fields, bringing forth rich crops, indicate the careful supervision and business capac- ity of the owner. Mr. Rebehm was born in Hanover. Germany, January 28, 1853, his parents being Martin and Rebecca Rebehm, who were likewise natives of Germany. The mother there died at the age of forty-eight years and the father is still living in that country at the venerable age of eighty years. In their family were four children.
Joachim Rebehm, the only one to come to America, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the fatherland, acquired his early education in the public schools and from 1874 until 1877 served in the regular army accord- ing to the laws of his native country.
On the 6th of July. 1879, Mr. Rebehm was united in marriage to Miss Annie Wohlers, who was born in Hanover, November 29, 1859. They have always been a most industrious couple and both worked upon a farm in Ger- many until they had saved enough to bring them to America, where they believed that they might enjoy better business opportunities and more quickly secure success. Two children were born unto them in their native land and with their little family they sailed for the United States in 1883, making their way at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
For a year Mr. Rebehm worked on a farm for Perry Reel, on the expira- tion of which period he began farming on his own account on rented land. Hle continued to rent property for nine years. and during almost six years of that time lived upon a farm which he afterward purchased and which has since been his home. ITis life of industry and enterprise is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of two hundred acres in this county and eighty acres in Harrison county. Day after day he has labored diligently and un- tiringly to achieve success and has uncomplainingly borne hardships and trials in order to work his way upward to his present position of affluence. For several years after locating on this farm he and his family lived in a little board shanty, which was about the only improvement on the place. Now they have a large frame residence and near by are barns and other outbuild-
1153
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. The latest improved machinery is used in the care of the fields and everything about the farm is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose practical methods have found exemplification in large crops.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rebehm have been born ten children who are yet liv- ing: Maggie, the wife of Fred Foss, of Boomer township; Mattie, who became the wife of M. Iverson and resides in Harrison county; Henry, William, Frederick, Delia, Annie, Katie. George and Bertha, all at home. They also lost three, Rudolph, Annie and Katie, who were triplets and died at the age of six months.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and have lived earnest Christian lives, being true to their professions. In politics Mr. Rebehm is a republican and has always kept well informed concerning the political sit- uation of the country, but has never sought or desired office. He is a man of good mind, of unbiased judgment and of broad knowledge gained through reading and observation. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed, having no one to aid him through influence or in a financial way. The assistance which he has received has come to him from his estimable wife, who by her economical management of household affairs has contributed to his success. Both are well known in this community and have the warm regard of many friends.
WARREN HOUGH.
Warren Hough is one of the well known business men of Crescent, where he is conducting a hotel and store. He has also been active in official life and community interests in the town and his labors in many directions have been of much value in promoting general progress and improvement. He was born in Hazel Dell township, April 24, 1849.
His father, Samuel M. Hough, was a native of Williamstown, Oswego county, New York, born January 6, 1818, and a son of Joel and Sarah (Still- son) Hough, who were natives of Connecticut and of English lineage. Sam- uel M. Hough in early life learned the blacksmith's trade and in 1841 came westward to Towa when the state was still under territorial rule. He settled in Lee county and thence came to Pottawattamie county in 1846, taking up his abode here when it was a vast unimproved region of wild and windswept prairie, giving little evidence of the development and improvement which was later to convert it into one of the most populous and prosperous districts of the state. On his arrival he purchased eighty acres of raw land, which he converted into a productive farm. Later he removed to Crawford county. Towa, but in April. 1865, returned to Crescent and was thereafter engaged in blacksmithing and farming until his death, which occurred on the 9th of No- vember, 1881. He was industrious and successful, winning that prosperity which always follows unremitting and intelligently directed diligence. He owned town property and also one hundred acres of valuable farm land.
1154
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the 1st of January, 1840, Samuel M. Hough wedded Eliza Jane Allen, who was born in Williamstown, New York, April 15, 1824, a daughter of Zoeth and Elizabeth (Bradley) Allen, who were natives of Vermont and Con- necticut respectively. The mother died in the village of Crescent in 1905. In the family were nine children: Mortimer, who died in Crescent in 1873; Byron, who died in infancy; Esther, the wife of H. A. Terry, of Crescent; Adelaide, who died in infancy; Russell, who is living in Neola; Warren, of this review; Marcellus, who makes his home in Crescent township; Herbert, living in Council Bluffs; and Denver, also a resident of Crescent.
The common schools afforded Warren Hough his educational advantages. His opportunities were somewhat limited, owing to the pioneer condition of the county, but his training at farm labor was not meager. He experienced the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier at a time when the homes were widely scattered, when wild animals were still to be seen and when Indians yet visited the neighborhood. The farm machinery, too, was crude and farm work involved much more manual labor than it does at the pres- ent time. At the age of twenty-four years he began farming on his own account, purchasing forty acres of unimproved land, which he cultivated for six years. In 1881 he removed to Crescent, where he has since been engaged in business as proprietor of a hotel and owner of a store. In both branches he has prospered, conducting a popular hostelry and also one of the leading mer- cantile establishments of the town, in which he carries a large and well selected line of goods that are placed on display in attractive manner and thus secure a liberal patronage. He was one of the incorporators of the State Sav- ings Bank of Council Bluffs, and is a director and a member of the examining committee of the bank.
On the 28th of November. 1872, Mr. Hough was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Dunkle, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1854, her parents being L. K. and Elizabeth (Myers) Dunkle. The father was born in 1828 and is now living in Omaha, while the mother, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, December 25. 1834, died in Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough have been born two children. Walter, who was born November 10, 1873, married Lena Morehouse and is bookkeeper in the State Savings Bank of Council Bluffs. Lee, born June 30, 1889, is at home.
Warren Hough has been prominent and influential in public affairs aside from his business interests. He served as postmaster under President Cleve- land for seven years and gave a public-spirited, business-like administration. He is now township school treasurer and also township clerk. The duties which have devolved upon him in these connections have never been slighted in the least degree. but on the contrary have been faithfully performed. He is a Mason, belonging to Council Bluffs lodge. No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and also affiliates with the Odd Fellows at Crescent and the Elks at Council Bluffs. In manner he is at all times courteous and obliging, has a good word for all and is well liked wherever known, his life proving an illustration of the fact set forth by Emerson that "the way to win a friend is to be one." Fifty-eight years cover the period of his residence in this state, which at the time of his birth was a wild district, its lands unclaimed, its resources undeveloped. A.
1155
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
few courageous frontiersmen had dared to locate within the borders of the county, but the work of progress and improvement remained to the future and there was little promise of early development. In the years which have since passed Mr. Hough has not only witnessed a most wonderful transforma- tion, but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid county.
JOSEPH MOSS, SR.
Joseph Moss, Sr., is now living retired at Loveland, but for many years was an active figure in business circles. For some time he was identified with agricultural interests, was also engaged in merchandising and at different times has filled various public offices, the duties of which have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. His birth occurred in Greene county, Indiana, May 13, 1833. His parents were Aquilla and Sarah (Har- rah) Moss, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. In early life the father removed to Indiana and for fifty-three years was a devoted minister of the Baptist church, putting forth earnest effort to preach the word of the gospel effectively that it might bear fruit in the lives of others. IIe also followed the occupation of farming and his death occurred in March, 1864, at the age of seventy-five years. He left the impress of his individ- uality for good upon those with whom he came in contact, and many localities were made better for his having lived. His wife died in Greene county, In- diana, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Joseph Moss was the second youngest son in a family of fourteen chil- dren, and with the exception of a sister in Indiana, is the only one now living. Three of his brothers were ministers of the Baptist church. In a little log schoolhouse in Indiana Joseph Moss conned his lessons, his .text-books being somewhat primitive in accordance with the methods of instruction in a frontier locality. He has, however, been a great reader and student all his life and is continually broadening his knowledge through experience and observation, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory. For twenty- eight years he served as justice of the peace in Rockford township, and the impartiality of his decisions is indicated by the fact that not one of his de- cisions has been set aside or reversed, though many cases have been taken to higher courts. He bases his opinions upon the law and the equity of the case and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he believes to be right.
Mr. Moss was married on the 31st of March, 1851, to Miss Mary Jane Jones, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, and died at Loveland, Iowa, on the 29th of August, 1903. In 1854 they became residents of Pottawat- tamie county and Mr. Moss has since lived in Loveland and Rockford town- ship. Purchasing land, he engaged in farming until 1871, when he was chosen for the office of deputy sheriff, filling the position for four years, during which time he made his home in Council Bluffs. On the expiration of that period
1156
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
he returned to Loveland, and for five years engaged in merchandising and in the implement business. On retiring from business he joined the Baptist church, and for twenty-five years preached the gospel, but is not actively con- nected with the work of the ministry at the present time. He has owned many farms in the county at different times, always placing his investments judiciously, so that good financial returns are secured. He has also assisted his children in gaining a start in life, and in his business affairs has been quite successful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moss have been born twelve children, as follows: Hardin J., a merchant of Loveland; Ellen, the wife of W. E. Hoyt, a resident of Council Bluffs; Charles A., who resides in Kansas; John, now deceased; Ida, the wife of H. C. Copeland, a resident of Loveland; Clara, the wife of Isaac C. Williams, a resident of Oklahoma; J. E., who is engaged in farming in Rockford township: Henry, who also follows farming in Rockford township; Hattie, the wife of Fred Seeley, a resident of Kansas; and three who died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Moss has always been a stalwart democrat and has held every office in the township save that of trustee. He is recognized as a very useful man in the township and village. He is a good talker, an earnest de- bater and strong in argument. These qualities have been of much value to him in his work in the courts as lawyer and justice and also in his labors in the ministry. In all of his business career he has been found thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, never being known to take advantage of the neces- sities of others in a business transaction and at all times holding to high prin- ciples in relation to the duties of public and private life.
CHARLES J. WISE.
Charles J. Wise is numbered among the successful farmers and stock- raisers of Pottawattamie county, his home being on a well improved tract of land in Pleasant township. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 6th of October, 1874, a son of George and Lizzie (Meltner) Wise, of whose family of eleven children nine still survive. One brother, George Wise, Jr., is mentioned on another page of this work.
During the period of his boyhood and youth Charles J. Wise assisted his father in the operation of the home farm in the summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools, wherein he acquired a fair English education. At the age of nineteen years he rented the homestead property, cultivating this tract until 1902, in which year he took up his abode upon his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty arres, which was the gift of his father, and is located in Pleasant township. Since coming into possession of this property, Mr. Wise has demonstrated his careful and systematic methods of farm labor in the capable management which he gives to his fields. He keeps everything in a good state of repair. uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the cultivation of the land,
1157
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
and his farm in its general appearance indicates his practical and progressive methods. In addition to tilling the soil, Mr. Wise is also engaged to some extent in the raising of cattle, having at the head of his herd a thoroughbred short- horn bull, and, while his cattle are not registered stock, they are of good grades.
Mr. Wise is a firm supporter of the democratic party, while in his relig- ious faith he is a communicant of the Catholic church. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic order. While he is num- bered among the younger representatives of agricultural interests in Pottawat- tamie county. he is. nevertheless, known for his honorable business methods and successful management and. therefore, commands the high regard of all who know him.
JOHN P. TINLEY.
John P. Tinley is recognized as one of the leaders of the democratic party of Iowa and is also accounted one of the foremost attorneys of Council Bluffs, his native city. He was born here on the 29th of January. 1871. - pending his boyhood days in the parental home, while the excellent public-school system of the city afforded him his educational privileges. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he entered the office of his brother, Emmet Tinley, in 1890. as a student, and. after thorough preliminary reading, was admitted to the bar in 1892. For a year and a half he practiced in Council Bluffs and then removed to Doon. Iowa. where he remained in practice for eleven years. He afterward spent a year in Seattle, Washington, and in 1906 returned to Council Bluffs, where he has since secured a large and distinctively representative clientage, connecting him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the state. He never fails to give a thorough preparation and enters the courtroom well qualified to meet the attacks of the opposing council. He is strong in argument, logical in his deductions and correet in his conclu- sions and has won notable forensic victories.
Moreover, Mr. Tinley is well known as one of the prominent democrats of the state. a recognized leader of the party which has honored him with various official positions. He was mayor of Doon. Iowa, for four terms. or eight years. from 1896 until 1904, when he resigned. The fact that he was three times re-elected is incontrovertible proof of the ability with which he discharged the duties of the office. giving a business-like. practical and pro- gressive administration. In 1900 he was named as a candidate for governor on the democratic ticket. but declined the honor, refusing to run. He is, nevertheless. a most active and ardent advocate of the principles of democracy, has been a delegate to many conventions and his opinions carry weight in the councils of the party. He has made a close study of the political situation of the country in all its complexity and few men who are not actively in political service have a broader knowledge of the issues which are today before the peonle.
1158
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In 1892 was celebrated the marriage of John P. Tinley and Miss Margaret G. Starr, the wedding being celebrated in Council Bluffs. They have one son and four daughters, and in the social circles of the city they are well known, Mr. Tinley having many friends with whom he has been acquainted since his boyhood days. His social relations connect him with the Modern Wood- men, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias, while in religious faith he is a Catholic.
G. L. MUNDORF.
G. L. Mundorf. one of the leading and representative farmers of Wave- land township, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, October 20, 1853, a. son of George L. and Caroline (Kelly) Mundorf. The father's birth occurred in York county. Pennsylvania, in 1818, and he was there married, while two children were born of the union ere the removal of the family to Henderson county. Illinois, about 1845. In that county Mr. Mundorf engaged in gen- eral farming for a time and later was identified with the milling and with the lumber business. He also engaged in the grain business, was successful in his various undertakings and acquired wealth, but in his later years met with financial reverses. In 1877 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and later went to Nebraska. where he spent twenty years ere returning to this county. Here he made his home with his son, G. L. Mundorf, up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of March, 1907, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-nine years and twenty-five days. He had a family of nine children: Peter W. H., Eli C., Zachariah, Eliza- beth, Isaiah F., Caroline F., G. L., Quincy K. and Rufus R. All are still living with the exception of Elizabeth, who was the twin sister of Zachariah.
In taking up the personal history of G. L. Mundorf we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Wave- land township. He was reared at home to his thirteenth year, and from that , early age has been dependent upon his own resources. That fortune has favored him is due to the fact that he has worked persistently and energetic- ally to win her good graces. In his boyhood days he was variously employed, turning his hand to anything that offered an honest dollar. Later he secured a position in an elevator in Kirkwood, Illinois, where he remained for several years. and in 1873 he removed to Iowa, spending about two months at Red Oak. after which he came to Waveland township, Pottawattamie county. Ambitious to secure property of his own and engage in farming, he here invested the money saved from his earnings in eighty acres of land on sec- tion 17. It had formerly been railroad property, and he paid thirteen dollars per acre for the tract. being allowed ten years' time in which to pay for it. His brother. Isaiah, also purchased at the same time eighty acres adjoining the farm of our subject, and five years later G. L. Mundorf bought his brother's farm, while in 1882 he invested in a third tract of similar size. In 1898 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 6 of the same
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.