USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 7
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GEORGE HARDENBROOK.
George Hardenbrook, who was appointed postmaster of Maxwell in May, 1897, and has served continuously since, was born in Wawaka, Noble county, Indiana, on the 2d of August, 1843, his parents being Freeman and Sarah (Gibson) Hardenbrook, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Noble county, Indiana, where they had gone as children with their respective parents, both the Hardenbrook and Gibson families being among the early pioneer settlers of that county. Freeman Hardenbrook followed farming in Noble county, where the de- mise of his wife occurred. In 1869 he came to Iowa, purchasing and lo- cating on a small farm in Jasper county, where he made his home until called to his final rest in March, 1882, when sixty-three years of age.
George Hardenbrook was reared at home, acquiring his education in one of the primitive log schoolhouses characteristic of those early times. On the 12th of October, 1863, lie became a member of Company B, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, serving with that command until the cessation of hostili- ties between the north and the south. He did detail duty as dispatch bearer during almost the entire period and was mustered out on the 19th of June, 1865. After returning from the war he worked on the home farm in Noble county for two years and then came to Iowa, arriving in this state on the 5th of May, 1867. For a year or more he was employed in a store at Peoria, Polk county, and at the end of that time went to Iowa Center. There he remained for twenty-three years in the service of the firm of Baldwin & Maxwell, one of the largest mercantile concerns in that section of the state. In 1891 he came to Maxwell, Story county, and was here employed in the mercantile establishment of C. H. Dickey for a num- ber of years. In May, 1897, he was appointed postmaster of Maxwell, in which capacity he has served continuously since, discharging the duties
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devolving upon him in this connection in a most prompt and efficient man- ner.
On the 10th of December, 1809. Mr. Hardenbrook was united in mar- riage to Miss Addie Wells, a daughter of Charles and Sarah ( Park ) Wells, who were born, reared and married in New Jersey. Subsequently they removed to Bureau county, Illinois, where they remained for some years, coming thence to Story county, lowa, and taking up their abode among the early settlers here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ilardenbrook were born eight children, five of whom are yet living, as follows: Frank J., a resident of Chicago, who is a baggagemaster on the Milwaukee Railroad running be- tween Chicago and Omaha: Jennie, the wife of L. G. Merrill, of Neola, lowa; Harry F .; Joseph H., a telegraph operator at Little Falls, Minne- sota ; and Clyde G., assistant postmaster at Maxwell, lowa.
In politics Mr. Hardenbrook is a stanch republican, believing that the principles of that party are most conducive to good government. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his mem- bership in James H. Ewing Post, No. 305. G. A. R. Ilis wife is a de- voted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. llardenbrook has been a resident of Maxwell for two decades and enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance here.
MAJOR EPHRAIM HIX.
On the roll of Story county's honored dead appears the name of Major Ephraim Hix, who for many years was closely associated with the farming interests and later with the real-estate and abstract business of this part of the state. Energy and determination ever characterized him in his business career and he worked his way steadily upward to success, enjoying at the same time the honor, confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
He was a native of Alabama Center, Genesee county, New York, his birthplace being near the Erie canal and the celebrated roadway from Lewis- ton to Lockport, New York. He was born October 28, 1839, and was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children, eight of whom reached adult age. Ile came of most creditable ancestry, the line being traced back on the paternal side to one who was a member of Lord Baltimore's colony in Maryland, while in the maternal line he is descended from the Pilgrims who first settled New England. In the year 1848 he removed westward with his parents to De Kalb county, Illinois, being then a lad of nine years. Hc pursued his education in the public schools and afterward in Mount Morris Academy, largely meeting the expenses of his college course by teaching or other kinds of labor during vacations. He subsequently attended Wheaton College. Eventually he engaged in business on his own account in Syca- more, Illinois, and he also made several trips to California in the interest of
MAJOR E. HIX
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commercial enterprises engineered by his brother Seymour or himself. He made his first trip across the plains in 1861-a trip involving much hardship for that day. He was absent for about a year and then returned by way of the isthmus of Panama and by steamer to New York.
Major Hix was married at Sycamore, Illinois, December 7, 1864, to Miss Susan Ancelia Ring, who for more than forty years was a faithful and help- ful companion to him, sharing with him in all of the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which came to him.
In 1869, influenced largely by health considerations, he disposed of his De Kalb county interests and came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Richland township, Story county. That place remained the family home until 1883, when it became evident that Mr. Hix could no longer endure the hardship and exposure of farm life and he took up his abode in Nevada. Here he became a partner of MI. C. Allen in the real-estate and abstract business. This relation was in force without intermission or disagreements to the time of his death, or for a period of nearly twenty-two years. He enjoyed to the fullest extent the high regard and confidence of his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and frequently honored him with local offices. He was a member of the city council in 1895 and 1896, and in 1897 and 1898 filled the office of mayor, giving to the city the benefit of his broad business ex- perience and public spirit. In both positions he discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the public.
As previously stated, Major Hix was married in 1864 to Miss Susan Ancelia Ring. She was born in Huntington, Chittenden county, Vermont, June 30, 1840, and was but seven years of age when she accompanied her parents to Wheaton, Illinois, where she resided up to the time of her mar- riage. She pursued a course in the Wheaton College and afterward engaged in teaching school for nine years. Her people were among the pioneer settlers of Wheaton but her parents, Greenleaf and Betsey ( Bunker ) Ring, where natives of New Hampshire. Their last days were spent in California, to which state they removed in 1869. Their family numbered six children, three sons and three daughters. Her brother, Professor Orvis Ring, grad- uated in the first class from Wheaton College fifty years ago and his whole life has been devoted to teaching, while his means have largely been given to the education of poor boys. He was superintendent of the public schools - of Reno, Nevada, for seventeen years, was county superintendent of schools for a number of years and state superintendent for twelve years, filling the last named position at the time of his death, which occurred September 19. 1910. Mrs. Hix has long lived in this part of the state. She was residing at Wheaton when the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was completed and she saw the first train which passed through that place. As the years have come and gone she has witnessed many changes in Illinois and lowa as these comparatively unimproved and undeveloped states have been trans- formed into extremely productive regions, taking leadership among the agri- cultural states of the Union.
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The death of Major Hix occurred May 13. 1905, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years, six months and fifteen days. One of the local papers said of him: "As a man, Mr. Hix bore an unblemished name. He inherited good mental powers which were well disciplined in the schools and enriched by reading, travel and observation. He was well informed on the questions of his time and able to give a reason for the views he held. He was a man of positive convictions and though firm in their maintenance was mild and gentlemanly in doing so. The condition of his health for many years involved throat and lung trouble with increasing tendency to con- sumption ; and this condition not only required his frequent sojourn in win- ters in milder climates and made necessary the watchful care of himself at all times but also circumscribed his business and social activities from what they would have been had he been blessed with robust health. But he pos- sessed in good degree the cooperative, social, fraternal and companionable spirit as those who in one way and another came into intimate relations with him freely testify ; and he formed deep and lasting friendships, as was evi- clenced by the many old friends present at his obsequies. He held those moral and religious convictions that lead to uprightness of life. In a word Mr. Hix was a man of sterling character. a good husband, a kindly neigh- bor and a worthy citizen; and the home and the city out of which he has passed have sustained a greatly regretted loss." A man of sterling purpose and of high principles, Major Ilix ranked for many years as one of the most valued citizens of Nevada and his splendid qualities gained for him the highest regard of all who knew him. His record is in many respects an example well worthy of emulation and no history of Story county would be complete without mention of him because of his close and honorable association with many interests that pertained to the general welfare.
ARTHUR RAY JOHNSON.
Arthur Ray Johnson, the junior partner of the firm of the Nelson & Johnson Investment Company, was born in Garden City, lowa, on the 3d of January, 1883, and is a son of Svend M. and Lola ( Sink) Johnson. The father was a native of Norway but emigrated to the United States in 1872. going directly to Tama county, lowa, where he resided for six years. In 1878 he removed to Hardin county, lowa, and engaged in farming up to the time of his death in January, 1907, at the age of fifty-one years. Ile was a most successful farmer and had acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hardin county at the time of his demise. He married Miss Lola Sink and to them were born two children: Cleo, who lives at home, and Arthur Ray. The family attended the United Evangelical church, of which the parents were members, Mrs. Johnson still being iden- tified with that denomination. Mr. Johnson always voted the republican
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ticket and, taking an active interest in politics, he filled the office of town- ship assessor for twelve years.
Arthur Ray Johnson received his early education in the common schools of Hardin county and later he attended Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa, for a while. In 1904 he came to McCallsburg, where he was employed in the bank for two years, and at the end of that time he formed a partnership with N. H. Nelson and they are engaged in the land, loan and insurance business under the firm name of the Nelson & Johnson Investment Company. Both members of the firm are popular in McCalls- burg, where their ability and high principles have won for them recogni- tion as men who are building up a clientage on a policy of fair dealing and strict integrity.
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage on the Ist of January, 1909, to Miss Ethyl Babcock, a daughter of F. D. Babcock of McCallsburg. They attend the Presbyterian church in which Mr. Johnson holds membership. Ever since age conferred upon him the right of suffrage he has cast his ballot for the candidates of the prohibition party, and although he has never taken a particularly active interest in local politics he is always at the polls on election day to fulfill his duty as a citizen.
THOMAS JEFFERSON MILLER.
Thomas Jefferson Miller resides at No. 211 South Kellogg street in Ames, where he has made his home since 1896. He has lived retired dur- ing the past three years but previously was engaged in agricultural and com- mercial pursuits and also served in public office. He was born in McLean county, Illinois, November 21, 1841, a son of John and Blanche (Taylor) Miller, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The father was born July 29, 1801, and the mother on the 20th of March, 1809. In child- hood they went with their respective parents to Champaign county, Ohio, where they were reared and married, and in 1826 they removed to Mc- Lean county, Illinois, where they resided for two decades. The year 1856 witnessed their arrival in Story county, Iowa, and, settling upon a farm in Franklin township, they there spent their remaining days, the father passing away January 15, 1886, while his wife survived until October 24, 1889. In addition to farming he operated a sawmill for a number of years after his arrival. He entered several tracts of land in the western part of the state but did not reside thereon, although at one time he owned a thousand acres. In business affairs he displayed sound judgment, keen discrimination and unfaltering energy and upon those qualities he builded his success, which made him one of the substantial residents of the county. His political al- legiance was given to the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party, which he supported until his death.
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During the greater part of his residence in Story county he filled the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. His entire life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he took an active part.
Unto him and his wife were born eight children: James H .. now de- ceased; John F., a resident of Clinton, Illinois ; Ichabod Taylor, deceased. who was a Methodist Episcopal preacher and who served for several years in the Civil war, a part of the time as private and later as chaplain of the Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry : William O., who has resided in California since 1859; Rohama J., who died in infancy; Charles P., who was killed in the charge at Black River Bridge in the Civil war : Samuel II., who died in Texas ; and Thomas J.
The last named remained upon the home farm in Illinois until twelve years of age, when, with his parents, he removed to Bloomington, that state, there residing for two years. In 1856 the family came to Story county, Iowa, settling in Bloomington, Franklin township, and there Thomas J. Mil- ler remained until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he re- sponded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 9th of August. 1862, as a member of Company A. Twenty-third lowa Volunteer Infantry. Ile took part in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge. Ile was taken ill soon afterward and subsequently did camp duty. He was in the convalescent hospital during the siege of Vicksburg and was discharged at Vicksburg on the 11th of August, 1863.
After his return home Mr. Miller engaged in farming with his father for a short time but later entered the nursery business at Bloomington, in connection with Captain R. S. Osborne, carrying on business under the firm style of Osborne & Miller for about nine years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Miller began farming on his own account and devoted his ener- gies untiringly to general agricultural pursuits until 1891. when he was elected county treasurer, entering upon the duties of the office on the Ist of January, 1892. He served for two terms, or four years, his reelection com- ing to him as an indication of the confidence and trust reposed in him. On his retirement from office he engaged in the grocery business at Ames for nine years, first as a member of the firm of Miller & Korsen, and later under the firm style of Miller & Son. At the time of the second opening of ter- ritory in Oklahoma, in February, 1900. he went to that state and took up a homestead near Frederick, spending about nineteen months there. . \t length he sold out, trading his store for Kansas land, which he has since sold. During the past three years he has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a well carned rest, his home being at No. 211 South Kellogg street in Ames, where he has resided since 1896, save for a brief interval of absence.
Mr. Miller has been twice married On the 28th of November, 1866, he wedded Lizzie McClain, who was born August 28, 1848, and died March 2, 1868, leaving a son. William Howard, who died at the age of two years.
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In 1873 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Belle M. Bisbee, who was born in Chenango, New York, June 9, 1855, and there resided until 1867, when she came to Story county, Iowa, with her parents, Bolivar and Martha Malina ( Herrick ) Bisbee, both of whom were natives of New York, the former born September 5, 1826, and the latter about 1828. The mother died when her daughter Mrs. Miller was but seven years of age and the father afterward married again. On coming with his family to lowa he settled in Bloomington, Franklin township, and his remaining days were spent in this county, his death occurring in December, 1895. He had four children by his first wife and three by his second wife. Unto Thomas J. and Belle Miller there have been born five children : Della Marian, the wife of F. M. Dawson, of Story City; George Atherton, living in Ames; Lena Belle and Harry Claude, who died in infancy ; and Lizzie Azalia, who died at the age of five years.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Miller has given his political support to the republican party and has served in some local offices, acting as township trustee of Franklin township, also as a member of the school board. Fra- ternally he is connected with Ellsworth Post, No. 30, G. A. R., and with Ames Lodge, I. O. O. F. He likewise belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and in these relations are found the guiding principles of his life, making him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor. He has ever been loyal to the trust reposed in him, faithful in his obligations of citizen- ship and straightforward in all business dealings, and because of these quali- ties the years have brought him the warm regard of those with whom busi- ness or social relations have brought him in contact.
THOMAS P. CHILDS.
One of the extensive landowners of Grant township is Thomas P. Childs. He is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Philadel- phia, Jefferson county, New York, on the 7th of December, 1840. He is of Quaker extraction and is the son of Aaron and Mary (Hicks) Childs. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of New York. They were the parents of nine children, all but two of whom have now passed away, those living being: Henry, a resident of Clinton, Iowa, and Thomas P., our subject.
It was in the district and common schools of Jefferson county, New York, that Thomas P. Childs acquired his early education. He remained a member of his father's household until he had attained the age of twenty- three years, having occupied the greater part of that time in the acquire- ment of an education and fitting himself for his life's work, which he early decided would be along agricultural lines. In 1863 he turned his face west- ward, feeling that better opportunities were afforded a young man of lim-
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ited capital in a new country, and he located in Iowa. In 1868 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Story county but did not take up his residence there until 1870, at which time he removed to this county with his wife and one child. Ile later sold this place and bought the three hun- dred acres where he now resides. His is one of the valuable farms of the county. It contains modern improvements, which are kept in repair, he raises a good grade of stock and his carefully cultivated fields produce abundant harvests.
Mr. Childs married Miss Catherine Grohe, and they have become the parents of three children, who are as follows: Oliver, who was graduated at the Iowa State University with the degree of C. E. and is now a bridge engineer in St. Louis, Missouri; L. B., a farmer in Grant township; and Winnie, the wife of John Fay of Cambridge.
Ever since he acquired the right of full citizenship Mr. Childs has been casting his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He has taken, an active part in local politics and is highly esteemed by his constituency as is indicated by his position on the school board. He is one of the older resi- dents of this county and during his period of citizenship has shown him- self to be a man well worthy of the esteem which is generally accorded him. He has met with success in his pursuits but it has never been achieved at the expense of honor and at no time has his integrity been as- sailed or in any way questioned.
PETER A. SOLEM.
Roland is indebted to Norway for many of its estimable citizens and among these is Peter A. Solem. He was born in the Norseland in 1857 and had sailed the seas and lived in various climes before he became a mem- ber of Uncle Sam's family. He acquired his education in his native land and then followed the sea, sailing for one and one-half years on a Nor- wegian ship. After that he emigrated to South Africa and worked for a time as a cabinet-maker. He then went to Australia, but only remained in that country for six months. He was next employed as a sailor on an English vessel but finally decided to become a resident of the United States. His first permanent location in this country was in Story county, lowa. of which he is still a citizen. When he arrived here he engaged in carpen- try but after following that trade for two years he decided to go into the furniture business and opened a store in Roland in 1887, which he continues to conduct, being the pioneer furniture dealer of the town.
Since his residence here Mr. Solem has been married to Miss Annie Helland, who was also a native of Norway. They have become the parents of three children, two of whom are still living: Adelaide and Oswald, both
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of whom are attending school. They lost one little daughter, Selma, at the age of two years.
The family attend the Lutheran church in which the parents are com- municants. Ever since he has acquired the full rights of citizenship through naturalization Mr. Solem has cast his ballot for the candidates of the re- publican party, as he feels that the basic principles of that political body are best adapted to subserve the interests of the general public. He has always been a very active wide-awake citizen, taking a warm interest in all muni- cipal affairs and for three years served as a member of the Roland council and is now acting as a member of the board of school directors.
He is a progressive man, possessing very broad views. His extensive travel and residence in so many different countries, as well as the fact of his having followed various occupations, has given him a comprehensive understanding and grasp of many subjects which never come within the scope of the average individual who only acquires his knowledge from books or at second hand. He has always proven himself to be a capable man, well worthy of the regard which is generally granted him by his fel- low townsmen.
LOGAN OLINGER.
One of the noticeable factors of recent years in business circles is the presence of young men in positions of large responsibility. Possessing advantages of early training of which former generations had only a dim conception, they are prepared to advance rapidly and the result is that many of the important enterprises of the country are directed by young men. Logan Olinger, in the real-estate business at Maxwell, belongs to the class briefly outlined above. He is a native of Maxwell, born Feb- ruary 23, 1880, a son of George W. Olinger, a record of whom appears in the sketch of Charles E. Olinger, to be found elsewhere in this work.
Logan Olinger received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native town and also attended the high school. At the age of nine- teen years he became connected with the real-estate business of his brother, Charles E. Olinger, and in March, 1900, was made a member of the firm of Olinger Brothers and was placed in charge of the insurance depart- ment, the firm doing the largest fire insurance business of any in this sec- tion of the state. As time passed the personal affairs of the senior mem- ber of the concern demanded more and more of his attention until, on December I, 1909, he retired and the subject of this review is now sole proprietor. The firm has been prominent in handling local real estate but its main operations have been in Iowa and Dakota farm lands, while the insurance business controlled by them under active and able management has grown to remarkable proportions.
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