USA > Iowa > Sac County > History of Sac County, Iowa > Part 55
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Mr. Bahl has always been a Democrat in politics, but has confined his political activities to the casting of his vote for his party's candidate. Mr. Bahl is a man who has worked hard for what he now possesses and has won a success solely through his persevering industry and good management. He
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has contributed his full share to the material advancement of his community. He and his wife have reared a large family of children to lives of honor and usefulness, and a greater thing than this can no American citizen do.
JOHN HANSON.
There have come to our country from foreign lands many men of limited financial resources, but imbued with sturdy independence and a laudable determination to succeed, and who have taken advantage of the wonderful possibilities afforded by our free institutions and gradually step by step have arisen to places of prominence and influence. The career of John Hanson illustrates most forcibly the possibilities that are open to a man who possesses intelligence and determination, combined with integrity and honor. It proves that success is not a thing to be inherited, but may be won by sheer force of energy, directed and controlled by correct moral principles. Mr. Hanson is an American by adoption, but none the less a most ardent and loyal citizen.
John Hanson, the oldest living farmer of Cook township, is a native of Sweden. born December 20, 1844. the son of Hans and Christina ( Neilson ) Hanson, both natives of Sweden. The mother died in her native country. and in 1882 Hans Hanson came to America and lived for twelve years with his son, John Hanson. He was a farmer and carpenter in the old country, working as a wagon maker and house builder during the winter time. He eventually removed to Harrison, Nebraska, where he died.
John Hanson left Sweden when he was twenty-one years of age and landed in the great city of Chicago in 1867 with only two cents. He was the possessor of two willing hands and a stout heart, and soon found work as a farm hand in DeKalb county, Ilinois, where he worked for three years. He then worked on a railroad for three years, by which time he was able to rent a farm in DeKalb county, Illinois, which he cultivated for four years. In 1878 he came to lowa and found employment with B. A. Coy, who had a farm within two miles of Early, Boyer Valley township. Here he worked for four years. During the years he had taken good care of his earnings, and in 1881 he was able to purchase a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, paying therefor fifteen dollars per acre. On this farm Mr. Hanson resided for a period of twenty-two years. He then removed to Early, where he purchased a nice home, turning the active management of his farm to his son.
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John Hanson was married March 2, 1872, in DeKalb county, Illinois, to Elizabeth Johnson, a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1869 with her sister, Matilda Hanson, who now lives at Gowrie, lowa. Mr. Hanson's brother, l'eter Hanson, came to America in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have three children: Levene, who lives on a farm, is married and has two children, Clarence and Robert; Mrs. Annie Hoff lives at Wall Lake, lowa. and is the mother of seven living children, Levene, John, Veda. Claudie. Vera, Helen and Delbert, and Lawrence, who is deceased. Ida, the third child, is the wife of Frank Houston, a farmer of Boyer Valley township. and they had three children, John, deceased. William and Lloyd.
Elizabeth Johnson, the mother of these children, was born in Sweden July 19, 1842, a daughter of John Peterson Johnson and Catharine Johnson. The latter was born in March, 1821, and is still living in Sweden at the remarkable age of ninety-two.
Mr. Hanson is a member of the Masonic order, and both he and his wife are charter members of the Eastern Star. His church membership is with the Methodist church, while, politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Hanson is deserving of the splendid success he has made for himself. He is a gentleman whom to know is to respect, and the meed of praise here accorded him is, in the estimation of his numerous friends, most worthily bestowed.
THOMAS EDWARD GREENLEY.
It is found that very often in this country high public officials possess no higher ability than thousands of other citizens. They have simply taken better advantage of their surroundings than their fellows. And this truth runs through every occupation. The farmer who rises above his fellow farmers does so because he has found out how to rise above the surroundings which hold others down. Such a farmer is Thomas Edward Greenley, of Delaware township, Sac county, Iowa.
Thomas Edward Greenley, proprietor of a three-hundred-and-sixty-acre farm in Delaware township, Sac county, Iowa, was born November 20, 1872, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of George and Susan Greenley. His parents were natives of England and came to this country, settling in Dubuque county. this state. In 1898 the Greenley family settled in Sac county on the farm which Thomas E. now owns. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living: Mrs. Alice Roach, of Early; Thomas E., with whom
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this narrative is concerned; Mrs. Martha Gooding, of Canada; John, of Canada ; Mrs. Cora Garfield, of Lake View; George, of Canada ; Mrs. Frances Oldridge, of California : Mrs. Matilda Hicks, of Early, and Frank, deceased.
Thomas E. Greenley came to Sac county in the fall of 1891, when he was nineteen years of age. He had already worked at the carpenter trade long enough in order to be able to do good carpenter work, and secured em- ployment as a carpenter and also worked on a farm when not carpentering. He worked for John McCormick in Sae county for four months, in 1891, and later worked for his uncle, Richard Greenley, in this county for six years. He was not afraid of any kind of honest toil and worked at anything which yiekled him a fair wage. During this time he saved all the money he possibly could so that he might be able to purchase a farm later on in life. After leaving his uncle's employ he married and started to housekeeping on a rented farm. Two years later he rented his present farm, and in Septem- ber. 1911, he bought the farm. He had previously purchased one hundred and sixty acres in the northern part of Delaware township and in 1912 he sold this, so that he now holds three hundred and sixty acres in Delaware township. Mr. Greenley recently removed to the town of Early, where he purchased a nice home and two acres of ground. He also recently made an important purchase of a half section of land in Boyer Valley township two miles east of Early. He disposed of twelve acres of his two hundred and sixty acres in Delaware township. During all the years that he has been farming in the county he has applied himself with that persistence and energy which are always sure to bring success, and, although he has had many dis- couragements to meet, he has successfully combatted them all and now has the satisfaction of feeling that he really has accomplished something in life.
Mr. Greenley was married in 1903 to Elizabeth Benzer, the daughter of George and Catherine Benzer. Ilis wife was born in Pennsylvania, but came with her parents to Galena, Illinois, where she was reared to young woman- hood. In 1900 the Benzer family came to Sac county and are now residing in Delaware township. Mr. and Mrs. Benzer have five children: Mrs. Katie Rhoads; George, deceased: Mrs. Elizabeth Greenley; John, of Montana ; Edward: Melvin, deceased, and George.
The Republican party has always claimed the vote of Mr. Greenley. while his church affiliations have been cast with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has lived a useful life while in this community and has com- pelled the admiration of his fellow citizens, winning their confidence by his honest dealings. He is a man of kindly impulses and genial disposition and easily makes friends wherever he goes.
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JOHN E. CHRYSLER.
Some one has said that there are three influences which govern this country, namely, the pulpit, the press and public opinion. This means that there are really only two controlling influences, since public opinion would be of no force unless it found expression in the public press. No one can gainsay the fact that the power of the press is one of tremendous influence in shaping the affairs of the nation today, and while we may have legislatures who are supposed to direct our government, yet the newspapers of the coun- try really suggest to the legislature the course which they should pursue. If every newspaper in the United States would favor a given national policy, there would be an amendment to the national Constitution within the next two years favoring that reform. The influence of a good newspaper in a community can not be over estimated, and it is to the credit of the editors of the country that their papers are usually found on the right side of most public questions.
John E. Chrysler, the editor of the Odebolt Chronicle, was born Febru- ary 29, 1880, in O'Brien county, Iowa. His parents were Asahel B. and Anna ( Edwards) Chrysler. A. B. Chrysler was born in 1848 in Canada of parents of American birth, his father and mother both coming from Penn- sylvania. His wife was a native of Indiana. A. N. Chrysler came to Iowa in 1869 and homesteaded in O'Brien county, where he resided until 1891. He then moved to Dickinson county, where he resided for the next twenty years, after which, in 1910. he retired to Los Angeles. He served four years as postmaster at Hartley, lowa, and fourteen years at Lake Park in this state, and at the time of the expiration of his last term he was the oldest postmaser in point of service in the state of Iowa. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Chrysler: Eva, the wife of W. W. Gaunt, of Corning, Iowa : John E., newspaper man of Odebolt; C. B., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Elva A., of Chicago.
John E. Chrysler was educated in the public schools of Lake Park, Iowa. graduating from the high school at that place. He took his college course in Des Moines, and while living there he became interested in newspaper work. He had taken a business course in Des Moines and this threw him in touch with the newspaper field. with the result that he secured a position as reporter on the Des Moines Leader. Later he went to Chicago and worked on different papers there for six years and in this way got the practical ex- perience which is necessary to every successful editor and publisher. He then felt competent to conduct a paper of his own and went to Lake Park,
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Iowa, where he took charge of a paper owned by his father. He later dis- posed of this interest and conducted a newspaper at Early, lowa, and in 1896 went to Cody. Wyoming, where he got charge of the Cody Enterprise. This paper was originally founded and owned by Col. William F. Cody, more familiarly known as "Buffalo Bill." On October 1, 1910. he went to Odebolt and took charge of the Chronicle and has been managing that paper up to the present time. His paper espouses the principles of Progressive Republican- ism and, although a paper of local circulation, he does not hesitate to voice his opinion in forceful English. The purpose of a newspaper of this sort is to gather local news and present it to its reader in a plain and simple man- ner. This he does, with the result that his paper has gradually increased in circulation and has become a household necessity throughout the community. In addition to his paper he also runs a job press and adds not a little to his annual income from this source.
Mr. Chrysler was married on Christmas day. 1905, to Elizabeth G. Griffin, of Sac City, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Griffin. Mr. and Mrs. Chrysler have two sons, Gage and John, and two daughters, Shirley and Alice.
Fraternally. Mr. Chrysler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He also belongs to the Mystic Shrine of Sioux City. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America at Odebolt. Mr. Chrysler is a man who easily makes friends and in his capacity as a newspaper man has built up a wide acquaint- ance throughout the county. He takes an active interest in all public en- terprises and never hesitates to express his opinion on articles of local interest.
COL. ALBERT S. TEAQUIST.
It is within the province of man himself to become proficient along one particular line and so develop his ability in a useful profession or vocation so that he can rise to an eminence as an expert which shall be unshakable. We are living in a day of specialists ; the old fashioned "jack-of-all-trades," who formerly was evident and even plentiful in most communities, is fast disappearing. The man who specializes in one particular thing and so familiarizes himself with the intricacies of his vocation that the people of necessity must employ his services is now in great demand. His remunera- tion is gauged to fit his capabilities and it is generally without limit except
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as to the extent of his power and ability. In other words, at present, there are many openings in which the earning power of the individual is no longer limited and his financial success or fame depends entirely upon his own in- dustry and intelligence. This is as it should be, and it makes for better serv- ice on behalf of both the employer and the skilled professional. One of the most eminent and successful specialists in his particular line in Sac county and even western Iowa is Col. A. S. Teaquist, auctioneer and farmer at Ode- bolt, Iowa. He ranks as the oldest auctioneer in point of years of service and is one of the best known men in the profession within Sac county. Mr. Teaquist has been crying sales in Sac county and throughout the West and Northwest for nearly thirty years and has developed a proficiency in the profession and achieved a reputation throughout the country that is truly re- markable. One must consider this fact, also, that Mr. Teaquist is foreign born and is a native of Sweden. This has proven to be no handicap, how- ever, as it is conceded that of all foreign-born Americans, the Swedes are the quickest to adapt themselves to American ways and the most apt in learn- ing our language of all the non-English-speaking races. The community in which Mr. Teaquist resides furnishes the best evidence of the progressive- ness and general intelligence of the Swedish-Americans in all walks of life.
Albert S. Teaquist was born January 11, 1866, in Skorsburjlan, Sweden, and is the son of Abraham and Jane Teaquist, who emigrated to America in 1870. During their first year in this country they resided at Jacksonport, Wisconsin, and then removed to Delaware county, Iowa. In 1877 they set- tled in Sac county in the vicinity of Odebolt. Abraham Teaquist was a pio- neer settler in Wheeler township, but died in November of his first year of settlement in the county. He was the father of the following children : John A., a rancher in Idaho; Christine, who died in November of 1877; Mrs. Anna S. Huldeen, of Richland township: Albert S .: Matilda, who died in 1880; Charles L., an auctioneer of Spencer, Nebraska; Nellie H., wife of C. W. Kistler, a blacksmith living in Odebolt. The mother of these children resides in Odebolt and is now over eighty years of age. She is housekeeper for her son.
The family resided on the Wheeler township farm until the year 1899 and then moved to Odebolt. In 1886 Colonel Teaquist took up the profes- sion of auctioneer and it is recorded that he cried three successful sales before he had attained the age of twenty-one years. His work in his profession requires his activities in Sac, Ida and Crawford counties and the total num- ber of farm and live stock sales conducted under his management during a season will run from fifty to one hundred in number.
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Mr. Teaquist is likewise engaged in farming and for a period of two years he conducted an implement business in Odebolt. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich land in Richland township which he is at present improving with a new residence and buildings. His fine home residence is located on Lincoln avenue in Odebolt.
Colonel Teaquist was married January 7, 1897. to Amanda Bergin, who died December 13, 1905. Four children have blessed this union, namely : Charles A., aged sixteen years and a bright, manly fellow who is a credit to his parents; George A., aged fourteen years ; Lloyd A. C., aged twelve years; Howard L., aged eight years. Colonel Teaquist was married June 3. 1914, to Ida M. Hume.
Politically. Mr. Teaquist is allied with the Republican party, but is usu- ally found aligned with the cause of good government which will benefit the greater number of people. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. which is the faith of his Swedish forbears. He is an intelligent. forceful citizen and is rated as a valued member of the community in which he re- sides. To know him is to have a sincere liking for him.
REV. FRANCIS McNEILL.
There is no earthly station higher than the ministry of the Gospel, no life can be more uplifting and grander than that which is devoted to the amelioration of the human race, a life of sacrifice for the betterment of the brotherhood of man, one that is willing to cast aside all worthy crowns and laurels of fame in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possible to measure adequately the height, depth and breadth of such a life, for its influence continues to permeate the lives of others through suc- ceeding generations, so the power it has can not be known until the "last great day when the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible." One of the self-sacrificing, ardent. loyal and true spirits that has been a blessing to the race. who has left in his wake an influence that ever makes the world brighter and betters the lives of those who follow, is the Rev. Francis McNeill, whose life forcibly illustrates what energy, in- tegrity and a fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by noble aims and correct ideals. He has ever held the unequivocal confidence and esteen of the people among whom he has labored, and his career can be very prof- itahly studied by the ambitious youth standing at the parting of the ways.
REV. FRANCIS McNEILL
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Rev. Father Francis McNeill, son of James and Bridget ( Dillon) Mc- Neill, was born in Ireland September 19, 1864. His father died in Ireland, and Father McNeill came to this country when he was nineteen years of age. He had already received a good elementary education in the schools of Ireland, and a few months after arriving in America he entered St. Vin- cent's Seminary at Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he remained for four years, and then entered St. Vincent's College at Los Angeles, California, where he spent two years. He next attended St. Mary's College at Perry- ville, Missouri, where he spent three years. In the meantime he had been doing some teaching. He was ordained in June, 1892, and taught two years at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1894 he was made assistant priest of St. Pat- rick's church at LaSalle, Illinois, where he labored to noble purpose for a period of three years, and was beloved by the entire parish. He then re- turned to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and taught two more years as prefect of St. Vincent's College, and he was in charge of the parish church for one year of this time. In 1899 Father McNeill went to the Black Hills, in South Dakota, and did mission work on the prairies. He lived with the cowboys and miners and led an out-door life such as they live. He built a little church in Central City, in the Black Hills, and here worked and labored, doing an incalculable amount of good for the next five years. He made a home at St. Onge, South Dakota, where he built a house after two years work in the Black Hills, and attended a circuit of one hundred miles. Among the missions which he attended and where he held services as often as he could make his rounds, were the following : Spearfish, Bellfourche, Whitewood, Indian Creek, Morrow, Camp Crook. He also attended the missions of Aladdin and Beulah, in Wyoming. However, the exposure brought about a severe attack of rheu- matism, which took him out of this field. He then came to Sioux City diocese and was stationed at Onawa, Iowa, for four years. Then he was at Rolfe, for nine months, and was then transferred to Schaller, where he is now working. He also supplies the church at Holstein, Our Lady of Good Council, on every second Sunday in the month.
The Schaller St. Joseph Catholic church was a mission from 1884 to 1904, and was attended by the priest located at Early. It was created into an independent parish in 1904. . Rev. Father Francis Wrenn was the first resi- dent pastor and built the present parish residence, and after one year he was succeeded by Rev. Father William Shannon. and two years and a half later by Rev. Father Francis McNeill. A large new church, costing eighteen thousand dollars, was dedicated on Thanksgiving day, 1913. The church at (36)
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Schaller now has two hundred and five persons enrolled in membership. Father McNeill is a very companionable man and has his heart in his work, serves faithfully his Master, and the good which he does will never receive its full reward on this earth.
HARRY BAXTER.
Sunnyside farm in Cedar township is well and aptly named. for here resides one of the most progressive and truly hospitable families in Sac county. In every community which is blessed with the regular allotment of good things meant for the uplifting of the people are usually found some wide-awake citizens who are alive to their opportunities and are happier when they are mingling with their neighbors and joining them in matters of general improvement and taking part in the quest for knowledge. Harry Baxter is one of the leaders in Sac county in the general wave of better farming which is sweeping the great state of Iowa. He is firm believer in making the soil yield better and bigger crops and in trying to make two blades of grass grow where but one grew before. No pleasanter home is found in the land than the Baxter homestead, on Sunnyside farm. The Baxters keep open house for their friends and acquaintances and Mr. Baxter is one of the leaders in the agricultural and official life of Sac county. His farm is a genuine model of its kind and consists of one hundred and twenty acres of the finest land obtainable, equipped with a modern residence and buildings in accordance with a well-laid-out plan. His farming operations cover two hundred acres in all. During 1913 he planted seventy acres in corn and raised an excellent crop. For years he has been a breeder of Galloway cattle and has a fine herd of about seventeen thoroughbreds on the place.
Harry Baxter was born September 15. 1871, in Leeds, England, and is the son of George II. Baxter, who was born in 1845. and Emma Baxter who died in England when Harry was yet a child. In 1882 George H. Bax- ter and son Harry came to America from England and located in Cedar town- ship. They were not the first of the Baxter family to emigrate to America, however, for in 1862 Thomas Baxter, father George H .. emigrated to the state of Illinois and lived there until the spring of 1882, when he came to Sac county. Father and son made the trip in the month of May. Harry was ten years of age and had been attending the schools in his native town in England previous to coming to America. After coming here he attended the district schools near the home farm. He resided with his father until
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twenty-one years of age and then took possession of his grandfather's farm of forty acres. He improved the land as he was able and now has one of the finest and best equipped farms in Sac county. He was at one time a very extensive breeder of Galloway cattle and owned a herd of over sixty head of grade stock.
Mr. Baxter is a Republican in politics. He was elected auditor of Sac county in the fall of 1906 and entered office January 1, 1907, and served two years. It is said of him that he was one of the most reliable and competent officials who ever served in the court house. He has filled the office of town- ship trustee and has been secretary of the township school board. During his term as county auditor it was necessary for him to reside in Sac City, but on the expiration of his term he and the members of his family were more than pleased to get back to the farm home. He is a member of the Presby- terian church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, having attained to the order of Knights Templar.
Mr. Baxter was married on October 12, 1892, to Anna Wilkinson, daughter of J. W. Wilkinson, of Cedar township. John William Wilkinson was born November 11, 1843, in Leeds, England, the son of John and Sarah Ann ( Kendall) Wilkinson. The father was a blacksmith. Anna Kendall was the daughter of John Kendall, a machinist and inventor who was a me- chanic in the Marshall flax mill at Leeds. John W. Wilkinson learned the trade of blacksmith and machinist and rose to the foremanship of a factory in his native city. On August 1, 1887, he emigrated to America and came to Sac county, purchasing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township where he now resides. He is an independent in politics and is a great reader, keeping abreast of the times in every way possible. In his early life he studied political economy and became a convert to the teachings of John Stuart Mill. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Wil- kinson was married in 1865 to Sarah Jane Harrison, of Leeds, who was born September 1, 1843. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are yet living : Mrs. Harry Baxter; Walter, who died in Cedar township at the age of twenty years; Edward, a farmer in Stickney county, South Da- kota : Clara, wife of Albert Body, who tills the home farm; Mrs. John Chal- fant, of Bavette, Idaho.
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