USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > History of Poweshiek County, Iowa: a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 60
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Martin Rohrer was a God-fearing man who lived a life in consistent harmony with the teachings of the Dunkard church, which he joined in 1877 and of which his widow is also a member. His funeral took place on the 8th of February, 1905. the services being conducted by the Rev. John Zook, of the Clarence Dunkard church, with the assistance of Rev. C. E. Cushman of the Victor Congregational church. The body was tenderly laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Victor. Mr. Rohrer was a man of quiet, gentle disposi- tion and domestic tastes, a good citizen, a loving husband and an indulgent father. His memory is yet cherished by all who knew him and most of all by her with whom he traveled life's journey so happily for many years.
HARRY W. DEE.
A well known citizen of Sheridan township is Harry W. Dee, who is actively and successfully engaged in cultivating a four hundred acre farm on sections 9 and 10. He was born in Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, on the 19th of November, 1870, his parents being James E. and Mary (McElvania) Dee. The father was a native of Vermont, his birth occurring on the 7th of April, 1843, and the mother of Ireland, her natal day being the ist of May, 1845. When a lad of about twelve years James E. Dee removed with his parents from his native state to Ohio, locating in Columbus about 1855. and two years later settled in Bureau county, Illinois. Upon attaining his maturity Mr. Dee decided to adopt for his life vocation farming, the pursuit for which he was best fitted by nature and experience. He was identified with agricultural pursuits in Illinois
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until 1880, at which time he came to lowa, locating in Sheridan township. Poweshiek county, where a year previously he had purchased eighty acres of land, which he had rented until he settled upon it in 1880. He and his wife are now residing upon a farm adjoining the one owned by their son, Harry W. lle was one of the defenders of the Union for a year and a half during the Civil war, having enlisted April 7, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Being reared at home Harry W. Dee acquired his early education in the district schools of Illinois and lowa, this being later supplemented by a course in the academic and commercial departments of lowa College at Grinnell, where he remained for two years. During his vacations and at such other periods as he could be spared from his text-books, he assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. After the completion of his education in 1891 he returned home and rented his father's farm, which he operated for nine years. Two years later he purchased eighty acres of land on section 9, Sheridan township, which he also cultivated, and in 1897 he bought forty acres adjoining the home place on the southwest. At the expiration of another two years he purchased eighty acres from his father adjoining the original farm on the north, while in 1899 he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, same township, to which he added another forty adjoining it on the south, making the aggregate of his land holdings four hundred acres, in addition to his large farms near Mount Vernon in Linn county, Iowa, and South Dakota. His homestead is under a fine state of cultivation, and the land, which is tiled and thoroughly drained, is given the careful supervision which results in abundant harvests, while all the improvements are kept in repair and excellent condition, everything about the place bespeaking thrift and prosperity.
In the fall of 1893 Mr. Dee established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Evalyn Wolcott, who was educated at Grinnell Academy. She is a daughter of Edwin and Angeline ( Barnum) Wolcott, at that time well known and prominent citizens of Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott were both natives of New York state, removing from there to Whiteside county, Illinois, and later to Poweshiek county, lowa, and settling upon a farm, in the cultivation of which he engaged until he passed away .on the ist of Decem- ber. 1901, at the home of our subject. Mrs. Wolcott had died five years before. her demise occurring on the 5th of July, 1896. Five sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dee: Glen H., who is sixteen years of age, a student in the en- gineering department of Cornell College at Mount Vernon, lowa; Harold M .. thirteen years of age; Harry Paul, who is nine; Ralph V., now five; and James E., aged three.
Mr. and Mrs. Dee and the three older boys are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sheridan, while he is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, both of Sheridan, and Mrs. Dee is a member of the Royal Neighbors, the ladies auxiliary of the Modern Woodmen, at Sheridan.
Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Dee has given his political support to the candidates of the republican party. He always takes an active and helpful interest in local affairs and was for seven years township clerk, while at present
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he is serving as secretary of the board of school directors of district No. 1, Sheridan township. He is one of the progressive and successful citizens of the community, who is well regarded and highly esteemed, his prosperity being directly and justly attributed to his own well directed effort.
HON. GEORGE E. GRIER.
Hon. George E. Grier, the present efficient bank examiner of the state of Iowa, has throughout his business career been identified with banking and edu- cational interests and his experience in the former connection led to his ap- pointment to the position he now holds. Mr. Grier has always resided in and near Deep River, for his birth occurred on a farm in Lincoln township, two and a half miles north of the town, on the 18th of March, 1876.
His paternal grandparents, Thomas and Charlotte Grier, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio and later came to Poweshiek county in an early day but only lived about three years after taking up their abode in this district. They had a family of eleven children children, eight sons and three daughters, including Benton Grier, who became the father of him whose name introduces this review.
The father was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 14, 1842, and was there reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-two years when, in 1864. he accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county, the family home being established on a farm in Lincoln township, where he en- gaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. He became a success- ful man, owning three hundred and twenty acres of rich farming land. He became very prominent in public affairs and on the democratic ticket was called to fill many positions of trust and responsibility. serving continuously as town- ship assessor, township trustee, school director and in various other positions. He was an active worker in the United Presbyterian church, rearing his eight children in that faith, and family worship was daily observed in his household. his life being lived in harmony with his professions.
Benton Grier was married to Miss Mary J. Sanders, who was born in Jeffer- son county, Ohio, August 5, 1840. She was there reared and in the fall of 1864 came to Poweshiek county with her parents, George E. and Maria Sanders, the family home being established on a farm in Lincoln township. She was mar- ried on that farm and her remaining years were spent within a mile of where her father had located. She died August 28. 1905, but Mr. Grier had pre- ceded her to the grave many years before, his death occurring February 13. 1891, when he was forty-nine years of age, while at the time of her demise she was sixty-five years of age. Their family numbered eight children, Charles. the eldest, who was born May 19, 1868, was killed in an automobile accident. December 28, 1910, leaving a widow and four children. He was a farmer re- siding on the old Grier homestead where his grandfather had first located. He was prominent in Masonic circles, having served as master of his lodge for three years. Ross, the next member of the family, is now serving as post-
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master of Deep River. Park also makes his home in that village. Martha Maria is the wife of W. E. Atherton, a resident of Lincoln township. George E. is the next in order of birth. Mark operates the old homestead in Lincoln township. Morris also lives in that township. Benjamin W. is acting as cashier of the Savings Bank at Hartwick.
George E. Grier, the fourth son and fifth child in his father's family, was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father in the work of the farm through the spring and summer seasons, while during the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools. He later spent two years in the high school at Deep River, graduating in May, 1895, after which he spent five years in study in Iowa College at Grinnell, graduating from that institution in June, 1900. For two years thereafter he was principal of the high school at Deep River, but in June, 1902, he entered the employ of the State Bank at Deep River. A year later, in June, 1903, having proved his capability and trustworthiness, he was made cashier of the bank, which position he held until February, 1911, when he was appointed by the state auditor to the position of bank examiner of the state of Iowa, He is now devoting his entire time to this work, his service ever being characterized by integrity. ac- curacy, promptness and courteous treatment of his patrons. He is likewise financially interested in the brick and tile company at Deep River, this being one of the largest industrial concerns in this section of the state.
Mr. Grier is a republican in his political views and affiliations and in 1896 was elected on that ticket as representative to the legislature from Poweshiek county. He was reelected in 1898, serving in the thirty-second and thirty- third general assemblies during his two terms. He is a prominent and popular member of the Presbyterian church at Deep River and also belongs to Golden Rod Lodge of Masons, No. 512.
It was in 1904 that Mr. Grier wedded Miss Margaret Alma Cox, who was born November 10, 1874, a daughter of George Cox, a well-to-do resident of Deep River, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Four children, two little sons and two daughters, have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Grier, these being Hamlin Cox, Mary Catharine, Elizabeth and George Edward. The family occupy a beautiful and modern home, the finest in Deep River, which Mr. Grier erected in the year 1908. Both he and his wife are popular in the social circles of their locality, and their attractive and hospitable home is a favorite resort for their many friends.
WILLIAM PUTNAM.
William Putnam is numbered among the younger representatives of farming interests in Deep River township and Poweshiek county. He carries on business on quite an extensive scale and is the owner of excellent farming land here. He was born on a farm in Deep River township, June 16, 1872, a son of Harvey C. and Sarah A. (Stewart ) Putnam. The father was born in Windsor county, Vermont, October 19, 1825, and when a lad of eight years accompanied his
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parents on their removal to Chautauqua county, New York, where he was reared to mature years. On the Ist of January, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, September 13. 1829. In the spring of 1856 they removed to a farm near Brooklyn in Powe- shiek county, Iowa, where they resided for ten years, when they removed to Deep River township, and there the father engaged in farming throughout a long period. They had a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters. namely : Francis and Daniel, who died in early manhood ; Merton A., who resides near Gibson, Iowa ; Helen, who became the wife of John McKeag and departed this life on the 5th of January, 1904; one who died in infancy; Hartley S., who resides in Gibson ; Katie, the wife of B. H. Ringle and resident of Brookings, South Dakota; Charles, who makes his home in Montezuma; and William, of this review. Both Mr. and Mrs. Putnam were consistent Christian people, living in harmony with their professions as members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which they had long been identified. The father departed this life June 17, 1909, when he was eighty-three years of age, while the mother. surviving for only a short time, passed away February 5, 1911, when eighty-one years of age.
William Putnam was reared on the home farm in Deep River township and with the exception of one year spent in Deep River in the stock business. he has followed farming throughout his life. He is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres, located on section 18, Deep River township, and in connec- tion with his brother Charles owns three hundred and seventy-three acres on section 7 of the same township. He operates both tracts and is carrying on business on quite an extensive scale. He has a thorough knowledge of the best methods of agriculture and his work is bringing him success. His farm is im- proved with good buildings and everything about the place is kept in good con- dition, indicating to the passer-by his progressive and enterprising methods.
Mr. Putnam was married March 22, 1899. the lady of his choice being Miss Myrtle E. Cranston, who was born in Deep River township. June 18, 1875. a daughter of R. B. Cranston, who is well known here. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam have two children : Cecil Donovan, born September 6, 1901 ; and Ida Opal, born October 20, 1904.
Mr. Putnam is a republican in his political views and affiliations and is a member of the Masonic order. Both he and his wife are well known in their section of the county, where their entire lives have been passed, and their ster- ling worth has won for them warm and lasting friendships.
JOSEPH F. EISELE.
Probably few men are better known in the business circles of Malcom and its vicinity than Joseph F. Eisele, farmer, stock-man and capitalist. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, about five miles north of Princeton, on the 19th of August. 1857, a son of Andrew and Philippina ( Wentzel) Eisele. His parents were both natives of Germany. the father's birth occurring in Baden. Germany, on the 11th
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of October, 1830. On the 17th of December, 1851, he left his native land and, after a long journey covering two months, arrived in Philadelphia on the 17th of February, 1852. For about four years thereafter he resided in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he was married, in 1856, and on the 25th of December, of that year, made his way westward to Illinois, locating in Bureau county, near Princeton. In October, 1868, he came to Poweshiek county, settling on a farm in Malcom township about a mile north of the farm upon which his son, J. F. Eisele, now resides. He was a man of the highest Christian character, loved and re- spected by all who came in contact with him. He was ever honest and upright, strong in his convictions, loyal in friendship and kind-hearted, generous and char- itable almost to a fault. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his daily life ever exemplified the principles upon which that order is founded,-friendship, love and truth. He was also a member of Lily Lodge, No. 254, A. F. & A. M .; and Hysop Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M. At the time of his demise, which occurred on the 3Ist of July, 1896, Malcom township lost one of its most highly honored and valued citizens. Mr. Eisele had been married, on the 29th of November, 1856, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Philippina Wentzel, who was born in Ffersdorf, in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 10th of February. 1833. She grew to young womanhood in the fatherland and in the spring of 1855 came to America. After the death of her husband she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. George Baustian, of Sheridan township, where she passed away on the 24th of March, 1906, at the age of seventy-three years. She was a woman of broad Christianity and great nobility of character, and one of the most loyal and faithful workers in the Lutheran church. here. She was a loving and devoted mother and wife and an excellent neighbor and friend. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Eisele were seven children, as follows: Joseph F .. of this review : Charles, of Malcom township, who is mentioned on another page of this volume : Mary, the wife of Gust Schultz, of Malcom township, who is also mentioned else- where in this work ; Ida, who married Fred Schultz, whose sketch is found in an- other part of this volume; Philippina, who married George Baustian, of Sheridan township : William J., of Madison county, lowa ; and John P., of Malcom town- ship. All of these children were born in Burcan county, Illinois, near Princeton, with the exception of the last named, whose birth occurred in Poweshiek county.
Fortunate in having the lines of his life cast amid the wholesome scenes and environment of the country, Joseph F. Eisele spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, first in his native state, and later in Poweshiek county, Jowa, and there became familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad. He carly manifested the spirit of progress and enterprise which later proved a resultant force in his successful business career, and he re- mained with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age, when he took up agricultural pursuits on his own account. For one year he farmed the home place independently and then removed to the P. R. Raymond farm, which he operated as a renter for twenty-three years. About nine years ago, however, he purchased his home place, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in Malcom township, adjoining the Raymond farm, and about five years ago he also acquired the latter by purchase, that place consisting of three hundred and twenty acres. Both farms are well improved, with two sets of good buildings, while the fields have been
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brought under a high state of cultivation. This entire property, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, has for the past twenty-eight years been operated as a stock farm, Mr. Eisele being recognized as one of the largest and best known stock-raisers and shippers in Poweshiek county. He deals entirely with the Chi- cago market, shipping from eight hundred to one thousand head of cattle and from three hundred to four hundred hogs per year. He is also one of the ex- tensive landowners of this locality, possessing another farm of three hundred and twenty acres at Earlham, Iowa. He is also interested in land in Saskatche- wan, Canada, in South Dakota and in Fulton and Dunn counties, Wisconsin.
Although the successful conduct of his farming interests requires much of his time and attention Mr. Eisele has also become widely known in financial circles in this locality as president of the Malcom Savings Bank, which position he has filled since its reorganization from a private bank on the Ist of July, 1906. He is deeply interested in the affairs of the institution of which he is the execu- tive head, has instituted a safe, conservative policy which has won the confidence of the general public, and gives to its interests the same close attention, sound judgment and keen discrimination that he does to his more personal enterprises. He is a stockholder in the Malcom Garage Company, the Malcom Lighting Plant and the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Society, and also of the Mal- com Auditorium Company, all of which indicate the scope of his interests.
Mr. Eisele was married, on the 22d of May, 1883, to Miss Francis F. Schultz, who was born in Sheridan township, Poweshiek county, on the 3rd of March, 1865. She is a daughter of Henry and Mary Johanna ( Rehberg) Schultz, ex- tended mention of whom is given under the caption of Gust G Schultz, their son. Mr. and Mrs. Eisele have become the parents of three children, namely : Viola May, who was born on the 13th of May, 1884, now the wife of E. E. Lamb, of Malcom, and who have one son, Earl F .: Grover Franklin, born July 1, 1887. now residing in Malcom, who is married and has one son, Joseph Boyd ; and Josephine Francis, who was born January 5, 1905.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Eisele has been a stalwart democrat and for twelve years served as township trustee and as as- sessor for three terms or six years. In 1904 he was his party's candidate for representative from his district to the lower house, but was defeated, owing to the well known republican majority in Poweshiek county. Something of his popularity, however, is indicated by the fact that he ran seven hundred votes ahead of his party ticket, running ahead of the ticket in every precinct in the county. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church, of which he is now a faithful member, and in fraternal circles is an exemplary Mason. He holds membership in Lily Lodge, No. 254, A. F. & A. M .; Hysop Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M., both of Malcom, and was one of the first members of St. Andrew's Commandery, K. T., also of this city.
He has every reason to be proud of the prominent position which he has won for himself in the business circles of Poweshiek county, for it has come to him as a result entirely of his own well directed efforts and industry. He started out independently in the business world at the age of twenty-six years, his entire stock in trade consisting of a thorough knowledge of the principles
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of agriculture, a span of mules and a few farm implements. However, in youth ambition told to him the story of what might be accomplished and his persis- tency of purpose never faltered until the goal was reached. He proved that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, and yet success has not been the whole end and aim of his life, for his associates find in him a faith- ful friend, his family a most loyal and loving husband and father, and the com- munity a valued citizen. He feels, however, that much credit should be given to his wife, who has indeed proved herself a true helpmate and companion on life's journey. She has thoroughly mastered every detail of her husband's busi- ness and ably and successfully carries on his interests during his absence, and much of his success in later years has been due to her interest, help and in- spiration.
CHARLES GRIER.
One of the most attractive as well as most valuable farms in the eastern part of Poweshiek county is the homestead of the late Charles Grier, who was regarded as one of the most substantial agriculturists of Lincoln township. Mr. Grier, who was killed by an auto accident near his residence on the 28th of December, 1910, was born in Lincoln township on the 19th of May, 1869, being a son of Benton and Mary Jane (Sanders) Grier. In the paternal line he is of Irish extraction, his great-great-grandfather having emigrated to the United States from the Emerald isle, locating in Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather removed to Ohio, where the grandfather, Thomas Grier, was born on the 20th of November, 1810, in Belmont county. At the age of twenty-two years he was married to Miss Charity Benton, their union being solemnized on the 6th of December, 1832. The first thirty-two years of their domestic life were spent in the Buckeye state, but at the expiration of that time, however, they removed to Iowa, settling in Poweshiek county, where the father, who became an extensive landowner, passed away on the 15th of December, 1866. Thomas Grier willed to each of his sons, except Benton, one hundred and sixty acres of land, and to his daughters eighty. Benton Grier, who spent the first twenty- three years of his life under the paternal roof, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 14th of July, 1842, but was reared and educated in Coshocton county. For one year after locating in Iowa he assisted his father in the culti- vation of the home farm, but in 1865 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Lincoln township, from his brother Reuben, which is now the home- stead of his son Mark. Benton Grier married Miss Mary Jane Sanders, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, and they became the parents of seven children. They attended the United Presbyterian church, of which they were members.
The entire life of Charles Grier was spent in the township where he was born and in the district schools of which he acquired his education. After laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until 1895, at which time he purchased a farm of three hundred and forty acres on section 33, Lincoln township, where his widow and children continue to
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