USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 22
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 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
231
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
John Iverson received a common-school education and at seventeen years of age began work on a fishing boat. However, he was not satisfied with the outlook in his native land, where wages were low and opportunities for advancement were limited. Accordingly, on May 12, 1882, he landed in America and soon came to Brooklyn, lowa, finding employment as a farm laborer. Ile continued to work for wages for four years and then, in 1886, rented a farm in Sheridan township. Four years later he purchased land at his present location on section 34, Chester township, and is now the owner of a beautiful farin of two hundred and forty acres, which he has supplied with substantial buildings and all mod- ern conveniences. His residence stands back about one hundred yards from the road in an attractive location, an evergreen hedge bordering the front of the premises and a roadway winding through a nicely shaded lawn to the house. It is one of the beautiful sights of the neighborhood and the appearance of the farm indicates a high degree of prosperity.
On the 14th of February, 1891, Mr. Iverson was united in marriage, at the Lutheran church in Sheridan, to Miss Letta Severson, a daughter of Severt Severson, a farmer of Norway. She came to America with an uncle but her parents never made the trip to this country. One child, Elmer S., has blessed this union.
Mr. Iverson is a man of fine tastes, as is shown by the appearance of his place and the care he takes in keeping everything in order about him. He believes that everything should be well done that is worth doing at all and accordingly he puts his best efforts into his work."He is a consistent advocate of education and was instrumental in establishing a school in Chester township, of which he has just cause to be proud. Religiouslyche adheres to the Lutheran church, in which he was reared as a boy, and in politics he votes in support of the re- publican party. He has not been a seeker for public office but has served as road supervisor of his township. His principal interests are centered in his fam- ily 'and his farm, and it is the general opinion of his friends that he is one of the model farmers of the county.
DR. C. M. HIBBETS.
Dr. U. M. Hlibbets, the subject of this sketch, located in Grinnell for the practice of osteopathy in April, 1898, and has enjoyed a large practice from the beginning. He was born in Lebanon, Missouri, March 6, 1870, but his parents moved to Wayne county, lowa, two years later and then back to Adair county, Missouri, when he was seven years of age. He grew to manhood on the farm. Dr. Hibbets attended the public schools of his county in acquiring his educa- tion, and in the spring of 1896 he matriculated in the American School of Os- teopathy, from which institution he graduated in 1898 and came immediately to Iowa and opened offices in Grinnell and Brooklyn, coming at once into a very active and lucrative practice. In 1900 he gave up his Brooklyn practice to Dr. George W. Graham and then confined his practice to Grinnell alone, having one of the largest practices in the county.
232
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
Dr. Hibbets has twice served his profession as president of the Iowa Osteo- pathic Association, and being one of the oldest practitioners of his school in the state is frequently called in consultation with other physicians of his school.
Dr. Hibbets has been married twice. In 1889 he wedded Maud L. Gill, of Kirksville, Missouri, by whom he had two children: Charles Andrew, who was born in 1898, and lived but a little more than four years; and George Kenneth, who was born in 1900 and is now a bright lad of eleven years. The wife and mother passed away in June, 1902, and in October, 1904, Dr. Hibbets was mar- ried to Ida B. Gordon, of Montezuma, Iowa.
Dr. Hibbets is identified with many enterprises in Grinnell and is always among those willing to do their part in advancing Grinnell and Poweshiek county. He is a member of the Methodist church, the Masonie lodge, the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and in both pro- fessional and business circles he is recognized as a success, being widely known as a leading and representative citizen of Grinnell.
WILLIAM HALL.
A well developed and highly improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Pleasant township is the property of William Hall, who has spent his entire life in Poweshiek county. He was born on a farm three miles west of Monte- zuma. September 9, 1849. a son of Joseph and Nancy (Wright) Hall, the former born in Butler county, Ohio, and the latter in Pennsylvania, in November, 1810. They were married in Indiana, and from there made their way to Jefferson county, Iowa, in a prairie schooner about 1845. After one year spent in that locality, they came in 1846 to Poweshiek county. It was two years before the land on which they settled was placed on the market but when the time arrived the father entered one hundred and sixty acres and there made a home on the western frontier for himself and family. The place continued to be their home until 1885, when they crossed the line into Iowa county but after two or three years they located in New Sharon, Iowa, where the mother died in January, 1893, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The father afterward made his home in Grinnell and there departed this life when he had reached the age of eighty years. Their family numbered ten children, three of whom died in infancy. Those who reached mature years were: Juliann, the widow of Henry Sharp, of Ollie, Iowa; Nancy, the wife of Jackson Gregson. of South Dakota; Mrs. Sarah Faircloth, deceased: Susan, the widow of John Bradbury, a resident of Des Moines ; William, of this review; Joseph, deceased ; and Hannah, the wife of Scott MeCready, a resident of South Dakota.
William Hall has spent his entire life in Poweshiek county and has made farming his life work. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty aeres of rich and valuable land, situated on section 23. Pleasant township. He gives much of his time to general farming but makes a specialty of small fruits and his knowledge of horticulture has brought him success in this venture.
233
HISTORY OF POWESHIER COUNTY
Mr. Hall was married October 20, 1867. to Miss Mary A. McCoy, who was born in New Buffalo, Berrien county, Michigan, February 29, 1848, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth ( Metz) McCoy. The parents were both natives of Ohio, the father born in Highland county, June 20, 1817, and the latter in Cham- paign county, December 20, 1819. They came to Poweshiek county in 1863 from Valparaiso, Indiana. and both died on the farm which is now the home of our subject, the father on the 17th of April, 1883, and the mother on the 16th of September, 1906 He was a prosperous farmer of this county for many years and a man highly respected by all who knew him. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCoy was celebrated on the 20th of April, 1846, and their union was blessed with three children but the eldest died in infancy, while the youngest, Hadden D., died June 18, 1883, leaving Mrs. Hall as the only survivor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born nine children: Naney L., a resi- dent of Des Moines: Rosa May, who died at the age of three years and ten months; Martha A., the wife of Henry Schneekloth, of Montezuma ; Emma G., who died at the age of twenty months; Sarah L., the wife of Ed Palmer, of Valley Junction : Ethel Z., who died at the age of ten years; one who died in infancy ; Frank, a resident of Jackson township; and Lila F., who is with her parents.
In his political views and affiliations Mr. Hall is a democrat, while his fra- ternal relations connect him with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He and his estimable wife are well known in their home locality and his reputation for fair and honorable dealing is surpassed by no man in the community.
ANDREW A. FOSTER.
In whatever line of business he has been engaged Andrew A. Foster, of Grinnell, has through his shrewdness, sagacity and clear judgment produced substantial financial returns. He is known not only as one of the most suc- cessful business men of Grinnell, but also as one of its most public-spirited cit- izens-one who is at all times ready to assist in forwarding any movement that aims to promote the general welfare.
He is a native of Scott county, Iowa, born May II, 1851, and is a son of William and Margaret (Alcorn) Foster, both of whom were born in the north of Ireland. They came to the United States as children with their parents and both families located near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where the children were reared. Some time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Foster came to Iowa, landing at Davenport, March 26, 1851. They located on a farm near the city and there the father died from cholera four years later, leaving a widow and nine children. Mrs. Foster continued upon the farm until 1869, when she came to Grinnell with her son Andrew and two other members of the family. She made her home with her son until her death, which occurred December 13, 1907. when she was ninety-two years of age.
Andrew A. Foster was reared under a mother's loving care and attended the public schools, also possessing the advantage of two terms at Iowa College.
234
HISTORY OF POWESHIER COUNTY
He began in business life by renting land in Jasper county just across the line from Poweshiek county, which he cultivated for eight years, and then pur- chased eighty acres in Grinnell township. In February, 1877, he took up his residence in Grinnell and engaged in the hardware and implement business, also being an extensive buyer and seller of stock and a stock-feeder. He was connected with the implement and hardware business for twenty-six years and during that time dealt largely in Iowa farm lands, of which he is an excellent judge. He now owns four hundred and ten acres of good land, a part of which is in Grinnell township and the remainder in Marshall county He is now devoting his attention principally to farming.
On the 22d of December, 1880, Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Houghton, a daughter of William Houghton, a prominent farmer of Grinnell township. He and his wife are earnest members of the Congrega- tional church, in which he has served as trustee for many years. Politically he gives his support to the republican party and for several years past has been a member of the city council. He is connected with the Commercial Club and his opinions as to the best means to encourage the development of the city always find ready acceptance. He has been interested in many business en- terprises in which he has demonstrated a rare judgment, and it is doubtful whether his superior in deciding such questions is to be found in this part of the state.
JAMES W. CUNNINGHAM.
James W. Cunningham, who is now living retired on his farm on section 14. Jefferson township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, and is one of the highly respected citizens of the county, was born in Jefferson township December 19, 1869. He is a son of James R. and Elizabeth M. (Noble) Cunningham, the former of whom was born in Indiana and the latter in Illinois. The father was taken by his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, when he was four years of age and grew to manhood in that county. After attaining his majority he worked in a pack- ing house in Mercer county but, having decided to devote his attention to farm- ing, he came to Poweshiek county in 1862 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved and developed into an attractive homestead. He died at Belle Plaine May 6. 1899. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church of Walnut Creek, and served as trustee of the township and also as mem- ber of the school board. In politics he gave his support to the republican party.
James W. Cunningham, of this review, received his preliminary education in the district schools and devoted his attention to farm work. expecting later to become a student in college. Owing to financial reverses of the family he was obliged to give up his college education and he continued upon the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He then began working on his own account and, in 1901. moved to the farm on section 14 where he now lives. The place consists of one hundred and fifty acres and is in an excellent state of culti- vation. For a number of years Mr. Cunningham devoted his energies principally to raising shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and was very successful along
235
HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY
this line, as he is a good judge of animals and also understands thoroughly how to handle them and prepare them for the market. Owing to ill health he is now renting his farm and is not engaged in any active work.
On the 23d of November, 1898, Mr. Cunningham was married, in this county, to Margaret Dixon, a daughter of Thomas and Jennie ( McArthur ) Dixon. The father was born in England and the mother in New York state. He took up his residence in Virginia after coming to this country, but later settled in Poweshiek county on the location now occupied by the subject of this review. He is at present engaged in the stock business at Belle Plaine. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Vera E .. is now attending the district school.
Mr. Cunningham casts his ballot in support of the republican party, believ- ing that its principles are important in promoting the best interests of the country. He has never sought public office, but at all times has aimed to discharge the duties of an intelligent and progressive American citizen. He applied himself faithfully to his vocation as a farmer and now enjoys a competency which is the result of many years of well directed labor. He is a man of acknowledged high character and sound judgment and one who has ever been a credit to his county and his state.
DANIEL WEBSTER BRAINARD.
.1 noticeable factor in the experience of long established families of the east- ern states has been the departure of the younger members for more promising fields in the great and growing west. Iowa has profited very largely by the arrival of stalwart young men, who generally remain in this state after once gaining a knowledge by personal investigation as to its marvelous agricultural resources. In the number may be named Daniel Webster Brainard, who en- gaged in farming in Poweshiek county and for twenty-seven years has been a resident of Grinnell.
He is a native of New York state, having been born in Wyoming county in August, 1837, and is a son of Edmond and Alzina ( Howe) Brainard, the former of whom was born at Rome, New York, and the latter at Springfield, Massa- chusetts. On the paternal side the family has been traced back seven genera- tions to East Haddam, Connecticut, where one of the early progenitors, Daniel Brainerd, was buried. On the maternal side the ancestry has been traced to Lord Howe. a prominent general of the British forces at the time of the Revolu- tionary war. Edmond Brainard, the father, was a well known and highly re- spected farmer and spent his entire life in New York state. Politically he gave his support to the whig party, and later to the republican party. Of a ffear- less and independent disposition, he did not hesitate to make up his mind on any subject and to act in accordance with his own convictions without seeking the advice of others. He was married to Alzina A. Howe in 1831, and the celebration of their golden wedding at the old farm homestead in New York.
236
HISTORY OF POWESIIIEK COUNTY
in 1881, was one of the memorable events of that section, the beloved wife be- ing called away the year following. The death of Mr. Brainard occurred in 1886.
Daniel W. Brainard attended the common schools of Wyoming county and later became a student of an academy at Alexander, New York, acquiring the foundation of an education which he has largely broadened through reading and contact with the world. After leaving school he became a teacher and engaged in this vocation at fourteen dollars a month and board, following this occupa- tion during the winter seasons until 1868. In the spring of year named he came west and settled on a farm in Malcom township, Poweshiek county, where he followed agriculture and stock-raising with a goodly measure of success for sixteen years. In 1884 he moved to Grinnell and has since lived in this city, be- ing now engaged in the real-estate and insurance business.
On January 1, 1863, Mr. Brainard was married to Miss Susie M. Kingdon, a member of a well known family of Stafford, Genesee county, New York, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Kingdon. Mr. Brainard cast his first presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and during all the years that have since passed he has faithfully adhered to the republican party. He is a valued member of Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and Lodge No. 358, I. O. O. F., both of Grinnell. In religious belief he is a confirmed Spiritualist and is fully per- suaded that communication has been opened with disembodied spirits that once inhabited this world. He is a thoughtful man, of wide observation, and one who is entirely fearless in expressing his views after making up his mind as to what he considers to be right and true. Ever sincere, straightforward and generous-hearted, he is greatly esteemed by all who know him in Grinnell and Poweshiek county.
HENRY LUTTMAN, SR.
Industry, thrift and perseverance have been marked characteristics in the life of Henry Luttman, Sr., who is the owner of a valuable farm in Chester township, which yields generous returns for the labor expended upon it. He sought in the new world to establish a home for himself and family and his early hopes have been more than realized, he being today one of the most pros- perous men in Chester township. He is now practically living retired, while his sons manage the farm.
He was born in Hanover, Germany, November 7, 1842, and is a son of Louis and Lizzie Luttman, who passed their entire lives in the old country. In his boyhood days he became familiar with farming and was required to make him- self useful from an early age about the house. He received his education in the public schools and continued to work as a farmer in his native land until he reached the age of twenty-four years. Ambitious and highly desirous of advancing as rapidly as possible toward a state of independence, he crossed the ocean in 1866 and found employment in a factory at Cincinnati, Ohio, later working in a stone quarry. In 1890 he came to Poweshick county, Iowa, and after spending two years in Sheridan township located in Chester township.
237
HISTORY OF POWESINEK COUNTY
He has prospered greatly in his labors and is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has developed into one of the most attractive farms in the township. He has devoted his attention to general farming and the feed- ing of stock for the market and each year has shown an increase in his prosperity.
In December, 1868, in Ohio, Mr. Luttman was married to Miss Minnie Hadler, a daughter of William Hadler, of Hanover, Germany, and three chil- dren came to brighten their home, namely: Louis, a resident of Chester town- ship, who married Annie Siehl and has two children; Sophia, who married Otto Schultz, a farmer of Sheridan township, and has five children; and Henry, Jr., with whom the father is now living upon the home farm, who married Clara Hink, a daughter of Henry Hink, Sr., and has four children.
Like thousands of his countrymen, Mr. Luttman early left home and friends in order to better his conditions in a foreign land. He applied himself with great determination and by practicing self-denial in his earlier years he saved money which enabled him to become a landowner in one of the most favored sections of Iowa. His life has been a success and his example of patient per- severance has encouraged others to follow in his footsteps, thus attaining a measure of prosperity. In politics he supports the republican party and in relig- jous belief he is in hearty accord with the German Lutheran church, being a member of the church of Malcom.
D. T. GORSUCH.
D. T. Gorsuch, now serving as treasurer of Jackson township and success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Jackson county, Kansas, near the city of Circleville, on the 26th of December, 1858, a son of Thomas B. and Margaret Ann ( Murrow) Gorsuch. The father came to Iowa with his parents in 1844, the family locating in Mahaska county, and later he removed to Jackson county, Kansas, where he resided for about three years. In 1860 he came to Poweshiek county and here passed away December 30, 1884, at the age of fifty- four years. He was a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire life to agri- cultural pursuits, and at the time of his death was the owner of valuable prop- erty amounting to three hundred and thirty acres. His wife also passed away in this county in February, 1910, at the age of seventy years. In their family were nine children, as follows : Martha Ellen, the wife of H. L. Jones, of Monte- zuma ; David, who passed away in infancy ; John J., of Jackson township ; D. T .. of this review ; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of O. J. Butler, of Montezuma ; Rebecca Emeline, who married W. A. Wells, of Pleasant township ; Laura D., of Monte- zuma : Charles W., of Scott township; and Verna Edith, also a resident of Montezuma.
When only two years of age D. T. Gorsuch was brought to Poweshiek county and since that time has made this locality his home. He attended the country schools in the acquirement of his education and early in life was given a part in the work of the fields, so that his practical training in no way was neglected. He remained under the parental roof until about the year 1882, when he en- tered independently into agricultural pursuits in connection with his brother.
238
HISTORY OF POWESHIER COUNTY
John J. Gorsuch, with whom he engaged in general farming under the name of Gorsuch Brothers for nineteen years. Their start in business was made on rented land, but it was not long before their enterprise and perseverance made it possible for them to invest in property of their own, and they became the own- ers of six hundred acres of valuable land. Upon severing their relations they divided their property and D. T. Gorsuch has now a tract of two hundred and forty acres, located in section 11, Jackson township. Under his careful direc- tion and wise management it has become a highly developed farm, containing two good sets of buildings, neat fences, well kept orchards and equipped with all conveniences and accessories for the conduct of a successful farming enterprise. In 1902 he erected his present home, a fine ten-room modern dwelling, while the other residence, which is occupied by his son-in-law, was built in 1907. The excellent condition of the place is due entirely to the efforts of Mr. Gorsuch, and is generally considered an exceptionally well improved property. The soil is rich and fertile, well adapted to various crops and is particularly excellent for pasture land, enabling the owner to engage in stock-raising in addition to the cultivation of the fields. The success which has attended his efforts has kept pace with the general prosperity of a community located in one of the best agricultural districts of the entire country.
It was in March, 1883, that Mr. Gorsuch was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Webber, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1863 and came to lowa with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Webber, of Montezuma. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, namely: Ethel Bernice, now the wife of William E. McKee, residing on a portion of her father's farm; Blanche Edith, a senior at the State University of lowa ; and Maude E., who resides with her parents and is engaged in teaching in the home school.
Mr. Gorsuch belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Montezuma and in politics gives stalwart support to the democratic party. He has held various school and road offices and for the past ten years has served as township treasurer, his long retention in that office being indicative of the confidence and trust re- posed in him by his fellow citizens. Fortunate in possessing ability and char- acter that inspire confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into positions of responsibility and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of Jackson township. His record has ever been in harmony with that of an honored veteran father who, as a soldier of Company B, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, served for three years at the front to protect the interests of the nation.
JUDGE W. R. LEWIS.
With the work of framing as well as interpreting the laws of lowa Judge W. R. Lewis has been closely associated, serving at different times as a member of the upper house of the state legislature and as judge of the circuit and district courts. Aside from this he has won a wide and enviable reputation as a learned lawyer, seklom. if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle. For more
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.