USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 6
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On the expiration of that period our subject disposed of his mercantile interests and began buying and selling horses in association with his brother, W. E., being thus engaged until 1890. In January, 1891, the brothers came to Collins and bought the mercantile establishment of Hidy Brothers, be- ginning operations under the firm style of Lingenfelter Brothers. They continued dealing in horses, however, J. F. Lingenfelter managing the mer- cantile business and his brother the live stock interests. In 1904 they pur- chased the mercantile establishment of Miller & Miller in Maxwell, Mr. Lingenfelter of this review assuming the management of both the Collins and Maxwell stores. In 1905 they opened another branch store in Cam- bridge, of which W. E. Lingenfelter took charge. Three years later, how- ever, they disposed of this store, trading it for Kossuth county land. In the fall of 1910 W. E. Lingenfelter opened a branch store at Thayer, Kan- sas, and has since conducted the same. George W. Lingenfelter, the father of our subject, came to Collins in 1891 and was actively engaged in the conduct of the business of Lingenfelter Brothers for ten years. in 1901
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the Collins store was destroyed by fire, but J. F. Lingenfelter had previously erected his present brick store building and, with the salvage that had es- caped the flames, established the firm of Cooper, Halterman & Company, his partners being two young men who had heretofore been in his employ. It was Mr. Lingenfelter's intention to retire from active business here, but Mr. Cooper died a year after the organization of the firm and for a year and a half the business was conducted under the style of Lingenfelter & Halterman. The senior partner then bought out his associate and the con- cern has since been known as Lingenfelter Brothers. In business affairs Mr. Lingenfelter has always displayed keen judgment and excellent execu- tive ability, and the success that he now enjoys is well merited.
In 1888 Mr. Lingenfelter was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Jami- son, of Palmyra, Iowa, by whom he has two children, namely : George F., a graduate of the Capital City Business College at Des Moines; and Harold A., a high school student.
Mr. Lingenfelter exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy but has had neither time nor inclination for office holding. having served only as a member of the first town council of Collins. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Fer- vent Lodge No. 513, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen of America. His life has been most honorable and upright in its varied relations and his fellow citizens instinctively pay deference to him because of what he has accomplished and the principles which have governed his conduct.
NELS ERICKSON.
Nels Erickson, the proprietor of a livery barn at Cambridge, is - num- bered among the representative and enterprising business men of the town. His birth occurred in Lincoln township, Polk county, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1875, his parents being Barney and Bolette (Gabrielson) Erickson, na- tives of Norway. His father was born May 14, 1837, on a farm named Stolb. at Etne, Norway, and there grew to manhood, being married October 28, 1862, to Miss Bolette Gabrielson. Coming to America in 1866, they made their home for a short time in Nevada, Iowa, and next lived in Roland for a couple of years. The following two years were spent in Story City and from there they came to Cambridge which was their home for three years at that time. . While living here Mr. Erickson purchased a farm south- west of the town, in Polk county, where he lived for thirty-seven years, returning to Cambridge in 1906. After his return he was in poor health and passed away on the 4th of January, 1911, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was an earnest Christian man and a faithful member of the First Norwegian church at Cambridge. To him and his wife were
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born seven children, but Malinde, Gerhard, Anna, Eric and Carrie are now deceased, those still living being Lewis and Nels.
Nels Erickson was reared under the parental roof, attending the com- mon schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land in Polk county for five years. On the expiration of that period he took a milk route, hauling cream to the creamery for eighteen months. At the end of that time he came to Cambridge, being here engaged in the imple- ment business for two years. In 1905, in association with his brother Lewis, he purchased the livery barn in Cambridge, the two young men operating together for four years or until 1909. In that year our subject purchased his brother's interest and has since remained the sole proprietor of the busi- ness, enjoying an extensive patronage because of his straightforward deal- ings and earnest efforts to please his patrons.
In politics Mr. Erickson is a republican, while his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Upright and honor- able, he commands the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or social relations, and he well merits the esteem in which he is uniformly held.
SAM H. TWEDT.
Sam H. Twedt, one of the prominent citizens of Warren township. Story county, and vice president of the McCallsburg State Bank. was born in Howard township on the Ist of August, 1867, being therefore a native of Story county. He is the son of Hans J. and Julia ( Ersland ) Twedt, both of whom were natives of Norway, but they were married in this county in 1860. The father came to the United States in 1854 but did not locate in Story county until two years later, at which time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, cultivating it up to the time of his death in 1901. He was an energetic man and a good manager, and was a religious man, being very instrumental in organizing the Lutheran church at Roland, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Ilans J. Twedt were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living: Abel, a resident of Warren township; Jane, who married Lars Amdall; Joe H., of Story county ; Sam II. ; Andrew H., who lives in Hamilton county : Henry, also residing in Hamilton county ; and Julia, the wife of Olaus Osheim. The father passed away in 1901 at the venerable age of seventy-seven years, but the mother is still living and con- tinues to reside on the old homestead. Mr. Twedt always gave his support to the republican party but was never an office seeker. He was highly re- garded in the township where he lived, his industry and upright life com- manding the respect of all who knew him.
MR. AND MRS. SAM H. TWEDT
MRS. ALICE TWEDT
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Sam H. Twedt spent the first twenty years of his life on the home- stead in Howard township, in the district schools of which township he acquired his education. When he had completed his school course he as- sisted his father with the work of the farm and this arrangement continued until 1887. when the young man decided to begin working for himself. He first engaged in farming as a renter in Emmet county, where he remained for two years but at the end of that time he returned to Story county and rented a farm which he cultivated for five years. Untiring energy, perse- verance and economy won the usual reward and at the expiration of that period he was able to become a property owner and invested his accumu- lated savings in one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 4, Warren township. Careful supervision and close application resulted in his adding another eighty acres in 1900 and eight years later he annexed by purchase a similar amount, so that he now possesses one-half section of some of Story county's most fertile and valuable land. In addition to his extensive real-estate interests Mr. Twedt is a stockholder and official of the McCalls- burg State Bank, a director of the Farmers Creamery Company of the same place and a stockholder of the Farmers Savings Bank of Roland, Iowa.
Mr. Twedt has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Alice Christian, the daughter of John Christian, and unto them were born three children : Herman J .. Cecilia and Helen, all at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1901 and the father holds in trust for his children two hundred and forty acres of land, the mother's portion of her father's es- tate. His present wife was Miss Hattie Krohn, who was born in Story county in 1881, a daughter of Hans and Annie (Sadvig) Krohn, both of whom were natives of Norway. They emigrated to the United States in 1870 and came directly to Story county, where they still reside. They were the parents of five children, Mrs. Twedt being the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Twedt have one little son, their only child, Allis.
Mr. Twedt votes the republican ticket and has been honored by being elected township trustee, which office he has held for two years. lle is one of the older residents of Story county and is in every way worthy of the regard in which he is held in the community where he lives.
RALPH E. MARSH.
Ralph E. Marsh, one of the leading merchants of Story county, conducts an extensive business at Collins as a dealer in furniture and carpets and also handles agricultural implements. In addition to his interests in this connection he is likewise the proprietor of an undertaking establishment. His birth occurred near Oskaloosa, Iowa, on the 8th of December, 1866, his parents being Lewis W. and Laura A. (Hartpence) Marsh, the former Vol. II-4
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a native of England and the latter of Indiana. Lewis W. Marsh emigrated to the United States with his parents when a youth in his teens, the family home being established in Stephenson county, Illinois. Becoming a carpen- ter's apprentice. he thoroughly familiarized himself with the trade and fol- lowed it until the outbreak of the Civil war. Offering his services to the Union, he served the country for a short time as a carpenter. Soon after his return from the war he journeyed westward to Marshall county, Iowa, and there wedded Miss Laura Hartpence, who had accompanied her parents on their removal from Indiana to this state. Following his marriage he took up his abode on a farm near Oskaloosa, residing thereon for about two years. Ile next followed farming in Marshall county for a similar period and then came to Story county, purchasing three hundred and five acres of land one mile east of Collins and operating the place until he put aside the active work of the fields about 1897. For a period of five years he lived in Collins and in 1902 removed to Pasadena, California, where both he and his wife have since made their home, enjoying the fruits of their former toil in well earned case. Mr. Marsh still retains two hundred and sixty- five acres of his land in Collins township, which is generally known as the garden spot of Story county. He and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives.
Ralph E. Marsh was reared under the parental roof, attending the pub- lic schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself as an agriculturist, renting and operating the home farm for three years. On the expiration of that period he pur- chased and located on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, Collins township, there carrying on agricultural pursuits for about ten years. In 1901 he left the farm and took up his abode in Collins, where a year later he established the business which he now conducts and which has since assumed extensive and profitable proportions. In connection with his in- terests as a dealer in furniture and agricultural implements he also conducts an undertaking business, for which he is well qualified, being a 1909 grad- uate of the Hohenschuhe Carpenter School of Embalming of Des Moines, lowa. Ile is careful in formulating plans, is determined in their execution and displays keen foresight in managing his varied interests.
In 1891 Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Edith Black, a daughter of James Black, a prominent farmer of Lee county, Illinois. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, four of whom still sur- vive, namely : Hazel M., Harold, Kenneth T. and Glenn B.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Marsh has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He is a member of the present town council of Collins, having been identified therewith for seven consecutive years. In fraternal circles he is well known, belonging to Fervent Lodge No. 513. A. F. & A. M .; Amity Lodge No. 361. I. O. O. F .; Crescent Camp No. 2358, M. W. A .; and Collins Homestead No. 365. Yco-
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men of America. Both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs. They are well known in Collins and have an ex- tensive circle of warm friends, who esteem them highly for their many excellent traits of character. Mr. Marsh has made steady progress in his business career and, placing his dependence upon the safe, substantial quali- ties of diligence and perseverance, has gained a goodly measure of success and moreover has won a most honored name.
HENRY YEAGER.
Henry Yeager, a prominent and well known resident of Colo, is the cashier and business manager of the Colo Savings Bank, having served in that capacity since November, 1909. His birth occurred in Switzerland on the 3d of December, 1860, his parents being Florian and Maria ( Haus- wirth) Yeager, who were likewise natives of that country. The father was a silk worker, being employed in the silk mills in the town of Chur, Switz- erland, and later in Paris, France, where he spent some years. Later he returned to his native country and there passed away. In 1865 Mrs. Yeager emigrated to the United States in company with her only child, Henry, locating in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, where her demise occurred four years afterward.
Henry Yeager, who was but a lad of eight when his mother died, was reared by an uncle, Josias Florin, remaining with that gentleman until he had attained the age of nineteen years. At that time he took up the study of telegraphy and was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany for three years, on the expiration of which period he entered the serv- ice of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. After a temporary location of more than a year in Bertram and Lowden, Iowa, he was made agent at Colo, holding that position for twenty-five and a half years. This fact in itself speaks volumes for his capability and fidelity in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him. In November, 1909, he was appointed cashier of the Colo Savings Bank and tendered his resignation to the North- western Railroad Company. It is one of the conservative and substantial moneyed institutions of this part of the state and its success is attributable in large measure to the efforts, the executive ability and the enterprise of Mr. Yeager, and his son, who has been assistant cashier for the past six or seven years, and also Mr. D. F. Bartlett, who was Mr. Yeager's prede- cessor.
In July, 1884, Mr. Yeager was united in marriage to Miss Anna Weber, of Wanmandee, Wisconsin, by whom he has two children : Charles W., as- sistant cashier of the Colo Savings Bank; and Florian J., who is attending the Colo high school.
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In politics Mr. Yeager is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recog- nizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. Hle has served as mayor of Colo for six years and acted as a mem- ber of the town council for a similar period. For the past fifteen years he has been a member of the Colo school board and is now serving as its president. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Co- lumbia Lodge, No. 292. A. F. & A. M., and Three Times Three Chapter, No. 92, R. A. M. He likewise belongs to Colo Camp, No. 1591. M. W. . 1 .. while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, with which his wife is also affiliated. Mr. Yeager is faithful in all his duties as a citizen and wields a forceful influence in his community, in all parts of which he is highly respected.
S. S. HANSON.
S. S. Hanson, one of the best known and most prosperous residents of Story county, is the proprietor of the Meadow Lawn Stock Farm, embrac- ing five hundred and fifty-seven acres of land in Collins township. He is likewise a prominent factor in financial circles, having served as president of the Exchange State Bank at Collins since its organization. In public life. too, his influence has been felt and he is now ably discharging the duties devolving upon him as county supervisor. His birth occurred in Jasper county, Iowa, on the 25th of September, 1864, his parents being Hans and Mary ( Ashton) Hanson, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Muskingum county, Ohio. When still but a boy Hans Hanson accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Illinois. He grew to manhood in that state and in 1849 joined the "fortune hunters" who were flocking to California in search of gold. Crossing the plains with an ox team, he remained in California for about four years but met with only average success. Being next attracted to the Australia gold fields, he also spent about four years in that country with excellent results. It was with the intention of investing his money in Illinois farm lands that he returned to that state, but believing the price too high for profitable investment, he came to lowa, purchasing and locating on a quarter section of land in Clear Creek town-hip, Jasper county. In that township he made his home throughout the remainder of his active business career, being successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits. On put- ting aside the active work of the fields he took up his abode in Collins. where his demise occurred late in the 'oos. His wife was called to her final rest about two weeks later.
S. S. Hanson remained with his parents until about twenty-four years of age, when his father removed to Collins, leaving him in charge of the home farm. In partnership with his brother George he operated the place
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as a renter for three years and then purchased the farm, continuing to re- side thereon during the next six or seven years, at the end of which time he sold it to his brother, who had just been married. On leaving the home farm Mr. Hanson of this review purchased and located upon what was known as the Bricker estate of two hundred and forty acres, which lies within the corporate limits of the town of Collins. From time to time he has extended the boundaries of this place by additional purchase until it now embraces five hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. The buildings which he has erected thereon are the finest in Story county and the farm is one of the best im- proved within its borders. Mr. Hanson was for a number of years an ex- tensive buyer and shipper of stock, but more recently has given his attention largely to his farming and stock feeding interests. He personally super- vises the operation of his entire farm, hiring three married men as assist- ants throughout the year. He was one of the prime movers in the organ- ization of the Exchange State Bank of Collins, was chosen president of the institution and has served in that capacity continuously since.
On the 17th of June, 1894, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie P. Mead, a daughter of Charles Mead, now deceased, who was one of the most widely known and successful farmers and stockmen of Story county. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, namely : Mabel. Charles, Lester, Dorothy, Mary and Margaret.
In politics Mr. Hanson is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recog- nizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. For several years he has served as a member of the school board and town council. He was elected to the board of county supervisors in November. 1910, and has already proven himself an able incumbent. Always a resi- dent of this part of the state, he is widely and favorably known and the fact that many of his stanchest friends have been his acquaintances from boyhood indicates that his has been an upright and honorable career.
JOHN W. JOHN.
John W. John. a retired agriculturist residing in Maxwell, was for many years actively and successfully identified with farming interests in Story county. thus winning the competence which now enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Indiana, on the 14th of September. 1837, his parents being Bowen W. and Cynthia Ann ( Todd) John, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively. They came to lowa in 1853, settling near Ottumwa, Wapello county, where they remained for one year. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Allamakee county, while the year 1857 witnessed their arrival in Story county. In the fall of 1859 Bowen
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W. John removed to Kansas, his son John having previously made his way to the Sunflower state. Because of the disastrous drought in the summer of 1860 he returned to Iowa, locating at lowa Center, Story county. His wife died during the following summer and he then took up his abode in Indiana, remaining in the Hoosier state for a year. At the end of that time he once more came to Story county, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest in 1878, when he had attained the age of eighty-one years.
John W. John was reared under the parental roof, attending the com- mon schools in the acquirement of an education. His opportunities in this direction were but limited, for he was able to attend school for only two or three months each winter. The little "temple of learning" was a log struc- ture, with slab benches, puncheon floor, etc. Despite his early disad- vantages. however, Mr. John has become a well informed man. constantly augmenting his knowledge by reading. experience and observation. When not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty-two years he was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. He began farming in Indian Creek township, Story county, cultivating some land which be- longed to his wife. Subsequently he purchased a tract of fifty-three acres and as his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his holdings from time to time until they embraced five hundred acres of rich and productive land. He recently dis- posed of a quarter section but still owns the home farm of three hundred and forty acres; a tract of eighty acres in Polk county, five miles south of Cambridge ; and two hundred and seventy-eight acres in Oklahoma. In the spring of 1891 he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Maxwell, there residing for four years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Cambridge, where he made his home for fifteen years. In September, 1910, he returned to Maxwell. where he is now living in honorable retirement, enjoying all of the comforts and many of the lux- uries of life. He owns a handsome home in Maxwell and also has a resi- dence in Cambridge. His labors as an agriculturist were attended with a gratifying measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and respected citizens of the county.
In March, 1860, Mr. John was united in marriage to Miss Sarah I. Bell, a daughter of John J. and Sarah ( Kelly) Bell. of Nevada. To them were born eight children, as follows: Marion Edgar, who is a resident of Mus- kogee, Oklahoma; Charles C., living in Council Ilill. Oklahoma ; Carrie Blanche, the wife of A. L. Bartlett. of L.cola, South Dakota; Ida M., who is the wife of C. M. Webb and resides on her father's home farm; John Willard, of Muskogee, Oklahoma ; Anna R., who is the wife of John Bowen and likewise resides on her father's farm; Fred M., living in Muskogee, Oklahoma ; and Esther B., who is with her parents.
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In politics Mr. John is a stanch prohibitionist, having done all in his power to promote the strength of that party and kill the liquor traffic, which he believes is the worst evil with which our country has to contend. There were but four or five prohibitionists in Maxwell when he came here and now there are twenty-eight. He and his wife are of the Evangelical faith but as there is no congregation of that denomination here, they wor- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. John was class-leader for twenty-five years. He enjoys a wide acquaintance in the county where he has so long resided and, as all who know him entertain for him high re- gard, his friends are legion. His thoughts are not retrospective but are concerned with the affairs of the day, and to him are applicable the words of Victor Hugo that while "the frost of winter is on his head, the flowers of spring are in his heart."
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