USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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Arthur G. Glann was reared under the parental roof, supplementing his preliminary education by a course of study in the Le Mars (Iowa) Normal College. He followed the profession of teaching for three terms and then, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered the office of Dr. C. F. Kueny of Le Mars, under whose direction he read for one year. Subsequently he entered the Sioux City College of Medicine, from which institution he was graduated in 1898, having the honor of be- ing chosen valedictorian of his class. He served an interneship of several months in the Samaritan Hospital at Sioux City and then located in South Dakota, where he remained for nine years, building up a large and lucrative practice. In May, 1907, he came to Colo, Iowa, which town has since re- mained the scene of his professional activities. He is continually promoting his efficiency by study and research and keeps in touch with the most ad- vanced methods of the profession through his membership in the Story County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society.
On the 7th of September, 1898, Dr. Glann was united in marriage to Miss Catharine B. Niland, a daughter of Michael Niland, one of Story county's pioneers. The Doctor and his wife now have three daughters, namely : Frances, Helen and Pauline.
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Dr. Glann is a republican in politics and was elected coroner of Story county in November. 1910. In religious faith he is a Catholic, while fra- ternally he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Modern Wood- men of America and the Mystic Workers of the World. In his chosen life work he is making continued advancement, his patronage steadily growing as he gives proof of his ability to cope with the complex problems that continually confront the physician.
FRANK THOMPSON, M. D.
Dr. Frank Thompson, a prominent resident of Cambridge, was long and successfully identified with the medical profession in Story county but dur- ing the past four years has lived practically retired. Financial interests have also claimed his attention and he is now the vice president of the Citizens State Bank. His birth occurred in lowa Center, this county, on the 14th of July, 1858, his parents being James and Harriet (Haines) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was born in Perry county, while the mother's birth occurred in Licking county. They were married at Granville, Ohio, in December, 1856, and the following spring came west to Story county, Iowa, where Mr. Thompson had entered land in 1855. He was a boiler-maker by trade as well as a stationary engi- neer and was employed as engineer in a mill at lowa Center when he entered land in 1855. After removing to this county in the spring of 1857 he continued working in the mill for three years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode on his farm. To the further cultivation and improvement of that property he devoted his time and energies until called to his final rest November 4. 1896, winning a gratifying measure of suc- cess in the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. His widow, who still survives, now makes her home with our subject.
Frank Thompson was reared under the parental roof and obtained his early education in the common schools. Subsequently he spent about two years in the Central University at Pella, lowa, and next took up the study of medicine, reading for two years under the preceptorship of Dr. P. W. Farrar, then of lowa Center and later of Nevada, this county. Afterward he entered the medical department of the University of lowa, completing the prescribed course in that institution with the class of 1882. Locating for practice at lowa Center, he there remained for nine years and in 1891 removed to Cambridge, where he has resided continuously since. His prac- tice continually grew in volume and importance as he demonstrated his skill and ability and he gained recognition among the most able and suc- cessful physicians and surgeons of the county. Four years ago, however, he largely abandoned the work of the profession and has since assisted only in operations or acted in consultation with other physicians. He owns one
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hundred acres of land which lies almost wholly within the corporate limits of Cambridge. He is also a prominent factor in financial circles as the vice president of the Citizens State Bank and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a leading and respected citizen of his native county.
In 1882 Dr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Ida B. Davis, a daughter of John and Sarah (Griffith) Davis, who were natives of Ten- nessee and Ohio respectively. They were married in Illinois and came to Story county, Iowa, in 1868. Mr. Davis, who was a cooper by trade, con- ducted a cooperage shop at Iowa Center until he passed away in 1874. His wife, who still survives, afterward wedded W. K. Wood, who is the oldest living resident of Story county, now making his home in Iowa Center. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson have three children, namely : Winifred, who is now the wife of Lieutenant F. E. Overholser, of Plattsburg, New York; Mil- dred, a teacher in the Cambridge public schools; and James, who is in the primary grades.
Politically Dr. Thompson is a stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He has served for a number of years as a member * of the school board and also acted as justice of the peace. A loyal and public-spirited citizen, no matter which has for its object the substantial upbuilding and progress of the community is refused his endorsement and cooperation. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Taber- nacle Lodge No. 452, A. F. & A. M .; Joshua Chapter No. 127, R. A. M., at Ames; Excalibur Commandery No. 13, K. T., of Boone, Iowa; Gebal Council No. 5, R. & S. M., of Ames; and Des Moines Consistory No. 3, A. & A. S. R. Both the Doctor and his wife are consistent Christians, wor- shiping in the United Brethren church. It is safe to say that he has as many friends as any man in the county and all who know him are glad to be numbered as such.
JOHN J. SEVERSON.
John J. Severson was born near Lisbon, Illinois, September 8, 1853, a son of John and Betsy (Aspoland) Severson, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Severt J. Severson on another page of this volume. When our subject was two years old his parents removed to Story county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in the public school. When twenty-two years old Mr. Severson, in partnership with his brother, Severt, rented and operated the home farm for seven years. Dur- ing this time the brothers earned enough to buy the property, which con- sisted of two hundred and forty acres, and a year after the marriage of John J., a division of the land and stock was made, he acquiring one hun- dred and twenty acres, upon which he began farming independently. Some years later he disposed of his farm and purchased the place in Union town-
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ship which has since been his home, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He bought four hundred and eighty acres of land in Cavalier county, South Dakota. but sold two quarter sections, retaining one hundred and sixty acres.
On November 6. 1875. Mr. Severson was united in marriage to Miss Lena Stenberg, a daughter of llans Stenberg, who came to lowa from Norway some time in the '6os. To Mr. and Mrs. Severson the following nine children have been born: Joseph, who is a farmer living at home; Henry, also a farmer located in Cloverly, Canada ; George J. M. D., a prac- ticing physician in Blairsburg, lowa, and a graduate of Drake University; Osmond, a farmer in Saskatchewan; Severt B., at home: Albert C., who lives in Saskatchewan; Levi J., at home; Carrie B. and Milford C., both at home. The three sons who are in Canada own a section of land each, besides which the three elder boys possess farms in North Dakota.
Politically Mr. Severson is a republican with strong inclinations toward the prohibition party, as he is a firm believer in total abstinence. He is public-spirited, takes an active interest in the affairs of his township and has served as president of the school board for several years. In religion he and his family are members of the Lutheran church.
ROTHEUS HAYWARD MITCHELL.
Among the honored citizens of Story county who have passed to their reward and whose history is well worthy of a place in a permanent record the name of Rotheus H. Mitchell deserves a prominent position. For many years county surveyor and also filling other important public offices, he was a man whose influence was clearly in behalf of the best interests of the county and state, and the beneficial effects of his life are still felt in the region where he lived and worked for more than a third of a century.
Hle was born in Lyme, Grafton county, New Hampshire. January 4. 1823, a son of Horatio G. and Mary ( Ames) Mitchell. The father was born at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, December 17, 1787. and the mother at Groton. New Hampshire, October 6, 1794. They were married at Lyme, December 11, 1817. Mr. Mitchell having moved to that place with his father about 1791. They lived in New Hampshire until 1836, then taking up their residence at Parishville, St. Lawrence county, New York, where the father died on the 3d of April, 1867, the mother passing away on the 10th oi May following.
Rotheus Mitchell, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Bridge- water, Massachusetts, in 1755 and was married there in 1783 to Hephzibah Hayward. They moved to New Hampshire about 1791, where he died October 28, 1816, his wife departing this life June 9, 1848. He served in the continental army, enlisting on the 19th of April, 1775, and rose to the
R. H. MITCHELL
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rank of lieutenant, remaining in the service until late in the spring of 1781. He was the eighth son of Seth Mitchell, who was born in Plymouth county. Massachusetts, in 1715, and was married in 1738 to Ann Lathanı, a descendant of Robert Latham, who married Susannah Winslow, a daugh- ter of John and Mary (Chilton) Winslow. Seth Mitchell died in 1802. He was the fifth son of Thomas Mitchell, who married Elizabeth King- man in January, 1696. She was born in 1673 and was a descendant of Henry Kingman, who came from Wales in 1632. Thomas Mitchell de- parted this life in 1727. He was the second son of Jacob Mitchell, who married Susanna Pope, November 7. 1666, and according to the records settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, but afterward moved to Dartmouth, where he and his wife were both killed by Indians in July. 1675, at the commencement of King Philip's war. The lives of their three children were saved, as the children had been sent to the garrison the previous evening. They were taken to Bridgewater and brought up by an uncle. Jacob Mitchell's father, Experience Mitchell, came from Holland with the Pilgrim fathers in the third ship, the Ann, in 1623, and settled at Ply- mouth. In 1631 he moved with Miles Standish to Duxbury and later to Bridgewater. He had a share in the first division of lots at Plymouth in 1623, he and George Morton together receiving eight acres. He also had a share in the division of live stock among the colonists in 1627. He was one of the proprietors of Bridgewater, also one of the company that pur- chased the rights of the original proprietors of Dartmouth, Massachusetts. His wife before her marriage was, Jane Cook, a daughter of Francis Cook, and their family consisted of four sons and four daughters. One daughter married James Shaw, another married George. Haywoods and a third be- came the wife of John Washburn, one of the ancestors of the noted Wash- burn family of the present day. Mr. Mitchell died in 1689. Many of his descendants are now to be found in Maine, Massachusetts and also in various other parts of the United States.
Rotheus H. Mitchell, the subject of this review, received his preliminary education in the public schools and also became a student in St. Lawrence Academy at Potsdam, New York. He learned the millwright's trade. which he followed a number of years in the summer months, teaching in the winter. However, he came to the conclusion that the west offered special inducements to young men and in 1856 he entered the stream of emigration that was then pouring across the Mississippi river and arrived in Story county, Iowa, where he decided to establish his home. His abili- ties soon met with recognition and he was appointed deputy county sur- veyor, filling the position so acceptably that at the next election he was elected county surveyor, which office he held four terms. In 1865 he was elected county judge and in 1874 was again selected as county surveyor. which position he held for many years. He passed away May 15, 1891, having then attained the age of sixty-eight years and having for more than thirty years been prominently connected with the county.
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On the 27th of May, 1854. Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Berintha R. Mott, who was born at Keene. Essex county, New York, in 1827, and was a daughter of Rev. Ebenezer and Berintha (Knapp) Mott. Mrs. Mitchell having departed this life October 19, 1864. our sub- ject was married in 1866 to Miss Hannah C. Bixby, who was born in Ogle county. Illinois, April 15. 1848, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Daniels) Bixby. Two children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mitch- ell: Mary Berintha, who was born July 11. 1867. and died March 29, 1875; and Clara Maria, who was born January 24. 1870, and passed away October 15 of the same year.
Mr. Mitchell was an adherent of the republican party from the time of its organization as a national body in 1856 and an earnest worker in its behalf. He was a man of high principles, unswerving in any cause that he considered right. He was an outspoken advocate of temperance and a stanch friend of public schools, believing the schools to be the bulwark of the nation. His honesty and probity were unquestioned. He was gener- ous almost to a fault and from him no needy or suffering fellow being was ever turned away unassisted. In his wife he found a truly worthy and able companion. She is now living at Nevada in the enjoyment of good health and the acquaintanceship of a host of friends, to whom she has en- deared herself by many acts of courtesy and kindliness.
O. II. HEGGER.
O. H. Hegger, a retired agriculturist residing in Cambridge, is now serving as road supervisor of Union township. His birth occurred in Nor- way on the 8th of April. 1857, his parents being Hans and Randa Hegger, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1870, locating in Polk county. lowa. The father, who was a painter by trade, worked at that oc- cupation during his active business career, passing away some six years after his emigration to the new work.
O. H. Hegger, who was a youth of thirteen when he came to America with his parents, attended the public schools of both this country and Nor- way. When still very young he began work on a farm, thus early becom- ing familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- turist. Going to Des Moines when a youth of sixteen, he was there em- ployed on a dairy farm for nine years. On the expiration of that period he was married and, coming to Story county, here started out as an agri- culturist on his own account. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Ballard Grove, this county, operating a rented farm for five years, at the end of which time he purchased the property. Nine years later he disposed of the place and took up his abode in Cambridge, cultivating land in the vicinity of that town for four years, while during the next five years he resided on
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a rented farm in Polk county. In 1906 he again came to Cambridge, where he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
In March, 1882, Mr. Hegger was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Nutson, by whom he had four children, three of whom still survive, namely : Cora R. and William Howard, both at home; and George J., who acts as clerk in the office of the board of control at Des Moines.
Mr. Hegger is a republican in politics and is now ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of road supervisor of Union township. Both he and his wife belong to the Lutheran church and take an active and helpful interest in its work. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers more than four decades and he has long en- joyed an enviable reputation as a substantial and representative citizen of the community.
JASPER COOK.
One of the stable and representative men of Union township, Story county, and one who has done much to develop the welfare of his com- munity is Jasper Cook, who has spent all his life on the farm which he now owns, being born liere February 6, 1869. His parents were John and Lucy (Sears) Cook, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Ohio, she coming to Story county with her parents in her youth. The father, who was born in Lewis county, New York, August 15, 1835, arrived in this county when he was twenty years old and purchased a farm in Union township, the same one now owned by the subject of this sketch, and here he spent the remainder of his life. He was most successful in following the vocation of farming, and from time to time added to his possessions until he had acquired some five hundred and twenty acres of land. When he arrived in Cambridge, in October, 1855, the town consisted of one shanty and an old sawmill. Mr. Cook was one of the first men to use tile for draining and was also the first farmer to make use of a binder. He was one of a party to raise the first liberty pole in Cambridge, which act created such intense feeling that those who participated in it were threatened with death. This excitement, however, caused by local feeling, soon died away, and Mr. Cook was not molested. As an example of his energy and thrift it may be stated that the land he owned was fenced with rails split entirely by himself. In politics he was a republican but refused to run for office, although urged to do so by his many friends. However, having the interest of the community at heart he consented to serve as school director, a position he filled with honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the township. His death occurred December 29. 1893.
Jasper Cook, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Union township and upon attaining his majority worked in cooperation
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with his father in managing the farm until his parent's death. Later he added one hundred and ten acres to the estate, which now consists of three hundred and twenty acres, besides which he owns town property in Cam- bridge.
On November 14. 1894. Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Cora Harrison, a daughter of Henry J. and Mary J. ( Graves ) Harrison, who came to Story county, Iowa, from Wisconsin about 1869. settling in Union township. Here her father died in 1894. but her mother is still living and resides on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born six chil- dren. as follows: Ava I., Opal E .. Hazel F .. Irma M., Carmen R. and Lester L.
In politics Mr. Cook gives his support to the republican party and has served for several years as secretary and treasurer of the school board. Socially he is a member of Cambridge Lodge No. 486. I. O. O. F. Mrs. Cook is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ALBERT W. SOUTHWICK.
Albert W. Southwick, who was successfully identified with general agri- cultural pursuits during many years of his active business career. is still the owner of almost two hundred acres of valuable land in Union township. Ile is now living retired in Cambridge and is widely recognized as one of the leading citizens of the town. His birth occurred in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 3d of April. 1856, his parents being George D. and Char- lotte E. (Robinson ) Southwick, who were natives of New York and Ver- mont, respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the Empire state. where the mother had gone with her parents. Early in the oos Mr. and Mrs. George Southwick removed to Winnebago county, Illinois, where they resided for four years. On the expiration of that period they came to Jowa, arriving in Story county on the 15th of November. 1867. Mr. South- wick here purchased a farm but did not locate thereon, taking up his abode instead at Cambridge. He was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade and conducted a shop of that character for a number of years. In 1879 he was appointed to the position of postmaster, ably serving in that capacity until called to his final rest in 1883.
Albert W. Southwick was reared under the parental roof and obtained his education in the common schools. He was a lad of eleven years when he came with his parents to Story county and has remained within its bor- ders continuously since. When a youth of fourteen he began providing for his own livelihood, hiring out to a farmer at a wage of ten dollars per month. He worked for one man for a period of seven years and then learned the barber's trade, following that occupation for about six years. On the 24th of August. 1882, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Irena M.
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Spar, of Ada, Ohio. For some years prior to his marriage he had dis- charged the duties of deputy postmaster in connection with his barbering business, and in September, 1883, he was appointed postmaster to succeed his father, who had passed away. He filled the office acceptably until 1886 and in that year purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Union township, two and a half miles west of Cambridge. The further cul- tivation and improvement of that property claimed his time and energies until 1909, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Cambridge. While residing on the farm he extended its boun- daries by additional purchase until it embraced one hundred and ninety- seven and three-fourths acres. The property is still in his possession and is now being operated by his son-in-law, Lewis B. Erickson.
Mr. and Mrs. Southwick are the parents of seven children, as follows : Clarence W., who is a resident of Artesian, South Dakota ; Edith F., who lives on her father's farm, which is being operated by her husband, Lewis B. Erickson ; Minnie C., a trained nurse in Mercy Hospital of Des Moines; Pearl F., who is a teacher in the public schools of Story county ; Ilo G., a high school student ; George Leslie, who is in the primary grades; and For- est A.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Southwick has supported the republican party, believing that its principles are most con- ducive to good government. He has held the office of township assessor for the past six years and was a candidate for reelection in the fall of 1910. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and for about twenty-one years he furthered its interests as a member of the school board in his district. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the United Brethren church. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the community, for his life has ever been upright and honorable and the mo- tives which have guided his actions have been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
FREDERICK COOK.
The subject of this sketch is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Union township, where he was born December 7, 1867, a son of John and Lucy (Sears) Cook, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Jasper Cook on another page of this volume. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm and obtaining his elementary edu- cation in the district schools. After reaching his majority he continued to give his time and attention to agricultural pursuits in conjunction with his father and at the latter's death acquired the homestead, which consisted of eighty acres of improved land. To this Mr. Cook has from time to time made additions, as his needs and facilities increased, and at the present time
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is the possessor of two hundred and seventy-five acres in addition to a small tract which he owns in partnership with his brother. He has never married. He is a public-spirited citizen and is ever willing to give his assistance to anything that will conduce to the welfare of the community. In politics he is a stanch republican.
J. F. LINGENFELTER.
J. F. Lingenfelter, a prominent resident of Collins, is a member of the firm of Lingenfelter Brothers, one of the leading and best known mercan- tile concerns of Story county, conducting stores at Collins and Maxwell. lowa, and one at Thayer, Kansas. His birth occurred in Warren county. Iowa, on the 4th of April, 1857. his parents being George W. and Sarah E. (Gilman) Ligenfelter, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respect- ively. Their marriage was celebrated in Indiana, where Michael Gilman. the maternal grandfather of our subject, conducted a woolen mill. George W. Lingenfelter entering his service as a commercial salesman. In 1855 Mr. Gilman established woolen mills at Palmyra, Warren county, Iowa, where Mr. Lingenfelter was associated with him until about 1868. At that time Mr. Gilman sold his business atPalmyra and removed to Summerset. Iowa, where he erected flouring and woolen mills. On severing his business relations with his father-in-law Mr. Lingenfelter took up farming in War- ren county, also spending some time as clerk in the Palmyra stores. In 1880 he embarked in merchandising at Palmyra in association with his son, J. F., the partnership being maintained for about three years, when George W. Lingenfelter retired. J. F. Lingenfelter continuing the business for some three years longer.
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