USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
On the 13th of June, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ilinman and Miss Ellen Russell, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Rusk) Russell. Her father was born in Scotland and her mother in Ireland, but they emigrated to America in early manhood and womanhood. The father's demise occurred in Chicago, Illi- nois, in 1834, and the mother's in 1888. Mrs. Hinman was born in Chicago, September 7, 1834, and received a good education. While her husband was serv- ing as clerk and recorder of Winnebago county, she taught school and proved
DATION.
L
49
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
very successful in that work. She had charge of the first school in Norway township. Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Hinman adopted a daughter, Ruth, who died on the 5th of December, 1893.
Mr. Hlinman supported the republican party at the polls and took quite a prominent and influential part in local politics, serving as a member of the town council of Lake Mills for some time and also as justice of the peace. Ile was also very active in church work, both he and his wife being earnest and consistent members of the Methodist denomination, and he served as superintendent of the Sunday school and as choir leader. Ilis religious faith was the guiding force of his life and his strict integrity won him the unqualified respect of all who came in contact with him. His business ability was also generally conceded and his public spirit was manifested in the support of all movements for the advancement of the general good. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Hinman was very happy and congenial and they did all in their power to alleviate the suffer- ings of those around them, being extremely charitable and benevolent. Mr. Hin- man gave the land for the Lake Mills grist mill and was always ready to assist those needing financial help, the poor always finding in him a friend. He assisted many men on the road to success and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valuable citizen. Mrs, Ilinman has recently returned from California and purchased a home in Forest City, where hospitality now abounds and her many warm friends are always sure of a hearty welcome.
GILBERT THOMPSON.
Agricultural interests of Winnebago county find a worthy representative in Gilbert Thompson, who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on section 10, Center township. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, April 1, 1865, and is a son of Thomas and Helga (Johnson) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to America in 1853 and settled in Dane county, where the father purchased land which he improved, residing thereon for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1865 and purchased school land in Center township for a dollar and a quarter per acre. This he improved and cultivated throughout his remaining days, his labors being ended in May, 1897, when he had reached the age of seventy- two years. His widow still survives and has now attained the notable age of ninety-four years.
Gilbert Thompson was but six weeks old when brought by his parents to Iowa, so that practically his entire life has been spent in Winnebago county. He was reared and educated in Center township, devoting the winter months to the attain- ment of knowledge as a public school pupil, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty- five years, when he purchased land from his father and began farming on his own account. From time to time he added to the property until he now has an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres. He has divided this into fields of convenient size surrounded by well kept fences, has cleared and improved his land and now has one of the finest farms of Winnebago county, its neat and thrifty
50
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
appearance indicating his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Thompson is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills, in the Lake Mills Lumber Com- pany and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company. In addition to tilling his fields he makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle and his live stock interests constitute an important and profitable feature of his business.
In February, 1896, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Karina Shoutvet, a daughter of Austin and Anna ( Vald) Shoutvet, who were pioneer settlers of Wis- consin. The father died in 1902, while the death of the mother occurred in February, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have become the parents of nine chil- dren : Ililma, Ada, Austin, Gerald, Melvin, Morris and Gladys, all of whom are living ; Morris, who died at the age of four years; and Theodore, who died at the age of two.
The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and guide their lives according to its teachings. In polities Mr. Thompson is a republican but has never been a politician, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are wisely and carefully directed and are bringing to him substantial and well merited success.
WILLIAM II. RAMSAY.
William H. Ramsay, of Garner, was born in Illinois, April 5, 1867, a son of J. W. and Mary E. (Henry) Ramsay, both of whom are natives of Ohio. In the year 1860, however, they removed westward to Illinois, where the father took up the occupation of farming, and during his residence there he was called upon to till various local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. Ile also turned his attention to merchandising while in that state. In 1894 he came to Jowa, settling at Garner, and he is now filling the position of state oil inspector.
William H. Ramsay acquired a public school education and entered upon the study of law at Paxton, Illinois, under the direction of J. H. Moffett. In 1889 he was admitted to the bar and for a time practiced in his native state, after which he removed to Iowa, settling at Indianola. In 1891 he became a resident of Nebraska, where he resided until 1896, when he came to Garner, Iowa, where he has since made his home and followed his profession. In 1899 he entered into partnership with F. E. Blackstone and the relation has since been maintained under the firin style of Ramsay & Blackstone. This is acounted one of the strong firms practicing at the Hancock county bar. Mr. Ramsay has given proof of the fact that he possesses an analytical mind and broad legal learning by the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument. In presenting his own cause his reasoning is clear, his deductions sound and logical and, moreover, he never enters the court without having carefully prepared his cases.
On the 4th of November, 1891, Mr. Ramsay was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Swan, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Haddon) Swan. Their daughter, Jane, is a graduate of Monmouth College and is now attending the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay
51
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
hold membership in the Presbyterian church and their lives are guided by its teachings. llis political allegiance is given to the republican party and for four years he has filled the office of mayor, giving to the city a businesslike and progres- sive administration characterized by needed reforms and improvements. For two terms he has served as county attorney and in that position has also made a most creditable record.
JOIIN W. COSTELLO.
John W. Costello, living on section 17, Avery township, Hancock county, has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and is now husily engaged in the further development of his farm, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation. He was born November 5, 1876, near Rockford, Illinois, but the greater part of his life has been spent in Hancock county, Iowa, where he arrived in 1882, when a little lad of but six summers, in company with his parents, Daniel and Margaret Lucy Costello, who were natives of Ireland. In early life they crossed the Atlantic and became residents of Illinois, establishing their home near Rockford. As stated, however a removal was made to Iowa in 1882 and the father. in 1883. purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Avery township, for which he paid ten dollars and a half per acre. HIe then bent his energies toward the development and cultivation of that tract of land and con- verted it into rich and productive fields. Ile has now departed this life, but his widow is still living at about the age of eighty years.
John W. Costello began attending the public schools of Iowa on coming to this state and pursued his studies as opportunity offered until he reached the age of seventeen. In the meantime, however, he had received instruction and training in farm work, for he early began to assist his father in the fields and soon became familiar with the best methods of planting and harvesting the crops. He has never sought to change his occupation but has continued one of the active farmers of his district and the home place is now highly cultivated, so that he annually gathers good crops.
Mr. Costello is a Catholic in religious faith and he holds membership with the Yeomen. In politics he is a democrat, which party he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as township trustee for two years and has filled the office of assessor for ten years, being prompt, capable and faithful in the discharge of his public duties, so that his fellow towns- men have marked confidence in him.
ANDREW M. CLAUSON.
Andrew M. Clauson, a grain buyer of Forest City, operating an elevator along the tracks of the Rock Island Railway, is accounted one of the foremost business men of his district, being alert, enterprising and energetic. Forest City is proud to number him among her native sons. He was born November 17, 1883, of the
52
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
marriage of Nels C. and Hannah Clauson, who came to the United States in young manhood and womanhood. In this country they were married and for the past thirty-six years they have been valued residents of Forest City.
Andrew M. Clauson was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the schools of Forest City and in the Ilighland Park College, being graduated from the commercial department of that institution with the class of 1899. Following his graduation he was employed for five years by Charles Rippey, who operated a number of elevators at various points. Mr. Clauson acted in the capacity of bookkeeper and buyer on the road and gained comprehensive knowledge of the business while serving Mr. Rippey. Subsequently he was employed for two years on the Board of Trade and at the end of that time became associated with E. P. Jeska in organizing the firm of Jeska & Clanson. They purchased the Forest City elevator, which Mr. Clauson now owns independently, although the firm of Jeska & Clauson operated for eight years. In July, 1916, however, the latter became sole owner of the elevator and is now conducting a profitable business as a representative of the grain trade in Winnebago county.
In 1907 Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Hanson, daughter of Ole Hanson of Forest City. They now have two children, Arline and Donald. Politically Mr. Clauson is a republican and has served as town treasurer for two years but has given little thought to seeking or holding public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon other interests. Ile and his wife are members of the Baptist church and are most highly esteemed in the community where they live. occupying an enviable position in social circles, while Mr. Clauson is well known as a representative citizen and progressive business man.
TELLEF S. TWEED.
Tellef S. Tweed is well known in financial circles of Lake Mills as cashier of the Farmers State Bank and was formerly for a number of years a factor in the commercial development of the town as the owner of an implement store. Ile was born in Norway in February, 1862, and is a son of Swen and Bergit (Juva) T'weed. The father passed away in Norway in 1891 at the age of seventy-eight years after a life devoted to agricultural pursuits. The mother is still living in that country.
Tellef S. Tweed received his education mainly in Norway but also attended school for a short time in Forest City and Decorah, Iowa. In 1881, when about nineteen years of age, he came to the United States and located in Forest City. For four years he worked as a far hand and for six years was employed in an implement store at Forest City. In 1890, however, he removed to Lake Mills, Iowa, and for six years thereafter he traveled for the McCormick Harvester Com- pany. At length he engaged in the implement business in Lake Mills on his own account, conducting a store for eight years. In 1905, however, he disposed of that business and purchased an interest in the Farmers State Bank, of which he became cashier. During the intervening twelve years he has proved his right to rank among the progressive and successful bankers of the state and the business of the bank has shown a steady growth as the result of his well considered policy. His
53
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
first concern has been the safety of the funds deposited with the bank, but he has also endeavored to make the institution serve the community in as many different ways as possible. In addition to his bank holdings he owns one hundred and twenty acres of improved land adjoining Lake Mills.
Mr. Tweed was married in May, 1890, to Miss Hilda Twito and they have four children, namely : Mabel B., who was born in October, 1891; Hazel T., born in August, 1893; Alma L., in September, 1896; and Selmer T., in August, 1901.
Mr. Tweed is a republican and has served for six years as a member of the school board, of which he was president the latter part of his term. Hle is a com- munieant of the Lutheran church and its teachings have guided his life in his business dealings as well as in private relations. His record is one of which he has just cause to feel proud, as his success has come solely as the result of his own foresight, energy and ability.
JOSEPH HIEJLIK.
Joseph Hejlik is the owner of two hundred and seventy acres of valuable land on sections 22 and 27, Garfield township, and at different times has held various other properties, but makes his home in Duncan. Ile has, however, contributed in large measure toward the agricultural progress and development of Hancock county. Ile was born December 19, 1840, in Tabor, Bohemia, a son of Frank and Kate Ilejlik, who were also natives of that country, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1811. In their family were three sons, of whom John died at the age of thirty years, while Frank is married and resides in Garner, the other son being Joseph of this review. There were also the following daughters of the family : Josie. the wife of Michael Malek, living in Garfield township, Hancock county ; Kate, the wife of Frank Vandracek, of Spillville, Iowa; Mary. the widow of John Spalla, living at Ridgeway, Iowa, at the age of eighty-two years; and Barbara, who died in Bohemia.
Joseph Hejlik pursued his education in Voparan, Bohemia, but left school at the age of thirteen years, after which he worked as a farm laborer for a few pennies a day. Hle afterward quit that occupation in order to assist his father in buying and selling oxen on the market square and was engaged in that line of work until 1867. In that year he was married and the wedding journey of the young couple consisted of the voyage to the new world, where they arrived on the 4th of July, 1867. They made their way at once westward to Conover, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where Mr. Hejlik worked as a stone mason and also part of the time at odd jobs. At the latter he received but a dollar per day and as a stone mason he was able to command two dollars per day. As soon as possible he invested in farm property. He had been a resident of Winneshiek county for six years when he purchased forty acres of land, for which he paid twenty-five dollars per acre. After occupying that farm for two years he sold the property and removed to Hancock county in 1825. He then purchased land on section 22, Garfield township, for which he paid four dollars per acre. About one-half of this was under water. The place comprised one hundred and sixty acres and is still in his possession. lIe at once began to drain, develop and improve it and from time to time he has
54
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
added to his realty holdings until his purchases in Hancock county have aggre- gated eight hundred and thirty-five acres. Of this amount he gave to his son Joe eighty aeres, to his son John eighty acres and to his son Tony an equal tract. Ile also sold one hundred and sixty aeres to his daughter Lizzie, who is now the wife of Frank Schonn of Hancock county, and another quarter section to his daughter Agnes, the wife of Joseph Kudej. He still owns two hundred and seventy aeres on sections 22 and 27, Garfield township, and his farm property returns him a gratifying annual income.
Mr. Hejlik was married May 1, 1867, to Miss Anna Tusha, a daughter of James and Mary Tusha, natives of Bohemia, where they spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Hejlik celebrated their golden wedding on the 1st of May, 1917. In polities Mr. Hejlik is a democrat, having supported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. Many years ago he served as school treasurer for six years and for ten years he was township trustee. He was also school director for six terms. He has membership in the Catholic church. While carrying on general agricultural pursuits he has extended his efforts into other fields by becom- ing a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery at Britt, Iowa, and in the Farmers Elevator at Garner. He has led a very busy life, being dependent upon his own resources from the age of thirteen years. Whatever success he has achieved has come to him as the direct reward of his persistent and earnest labor. He has ever been diligent and persistent and difficulties and obstacles have seemed only to stimulate him to further effort. He is indeed a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.
HON. JOHN E. WICHMAN.
Ilon. John E. Wichman, an attorney of Garner, was admitted to the bar in 1884 and has since been actively engaged in practice in Hancock county. He was born in Galena, Illinois, April 16, 1859, a son of Fred and Eliza (Kemler) Wichman, both of whom were natives of Germany. Coming to the United States in 1844, the father settled at Galena, Illinois, and became a miner in that state. Previously he had been a sailor. Ile is now residing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, but his wife has passed away.
John E. Wiehman acquired a public school education supplemented by study in the Northwestern German English Normal School of Galena. In 1879 he came to Hancock county and worked on a farm through the summer months but returned to Illinois to engage in teaching in the winter season. In 1881 he located permanently in Iowa and, desiring to become a member of the bar, began reading law under the direction of A. C. Ripley. He was afterward with H. II. Bush as a law student and in 1884 was admitted to the bar, since which time he has continuously practiced in Garner. Ile is most careful and thorough in the preparation of his cases and accurate in his application of legal principles to the points in litigation. His reasoning is clear, his deductions sound and logical. Ile has also figured prominently in banking circles in this part of the state and is now the vice president of the First Natonal Bank of Garner, president of the
HON. JOHN E. WICHMAN
57
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
First National Bank of Kanawha, lowa, and a director of the State Savings Bank of Ventura, all three of which banks he assisted in organizing.
In 1888 Mr. Wichman was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Prescott, of Cresco, lowa, a daughter of Charles L. and Harriett Preseott. They have become parents of two children, Lois D. and Charlotte 1. Mrs. Wichman is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Wiehman belongs to the Masonie fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery. He has done much to further publie progress along many lines. For an extended period he served on the school board of Garner and also as a member of the library board. In 1886 he was elected the first county attorney of Ilancock county, which posi- tion he filled until 1890, and later he was again called to that otlice and once more served for four years. Twice he has been mayor of Garner, has also been a member of the city council and on the 7th of November, 1916, was elected to the state legislature, in which he is now serving. He has ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of progressive public measures and has manifested a loyal and patriotic citizenship that has ever subordinated personal interests and parti- sanship to the publie good.
OLE A. ANDERSON.
For almost thirty years Ole A. Anderson was one of the prominent farmers of Winnebago county, owning and operating a fine farm on seetion 26, Norway town- ship. Ilis early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Norway in 1835, a son of Andrew and Anna Anderson, but when he was eighteen years of age the family eame to the new world and located in Chicago, Illinois, where the mother and one sister died shortly afterward during an epidemic of cholera in that city and were buried in an old cemetery which now forms a part of Lincoln park. One brother died in the Civil War. In 1865 the father came to Winnebago county, lowa, and here he made his home with his son O. A. Anderson until his death, which occurred in 1875. His remains were interred in the United Lutheran cemetery near Emmons.
In his native land O. A. Anderson was reared and educated, being eighteen years of age at the time of the emigration of the family to America." On coming to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1865, he purchased the west half of the southeast quarter and the east half of the southwest quarter of seetion 26, Norway township, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place devoted his energies until called to his final rest on the 17th of September, 1892. He was buried in the Synod church cemetery in Norway township.
Mr. Anderson was married in Chicago to Miss Tone Halvorson, of that eity, and to them were born eleven children, namely: Anna, now living in Chicago; Henry, on the home farm : Tena, the wife of John Petterson, of Chicago; Nellie, the wife of (. Hendricks, of Chicago; William, who died at the age of nine years; Agnes, the wife of Louis Lee, of Chicago; Andrew O., who now owns the home farm in Norway township: Josie, the wife of Albert Bendiekson, of Norway township; and Martha, Mina and Emma, all at home with their mother on the farm. The family is one of prominence in the community and is identfied with
5.8
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Anderson also belonged. fle voted the repub- lican ticket and well merited the confidence and high regard in which he was held by all who knew him.
J. SHERMAN GETTES.
Upon a farm in Newton township, Winnebago county, resides J. Sherman Gettis, who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of highly productive land on sections 9 and 10, and he also controls other property. His home place is one of the best improved in the county and in its attractive appearance indicates the care and supervision bestowed upon it by the owner. Mr. Gettis was born in Tama county, lowa, on the 26th of March, 1868, a son of M. C. and Sarah ( Ran- dall) Gettis, who were natives of Ohio. The father eame to Iowa in 1848 when a youth of sixteen years and settled in Cedar county where he operated a sawmill, sawing some of the first railroad ties that were laid in the state. Later he removed to Tama county where he operated a sawmill until 1828. lle then purchased land in Tama and Hardin counties and continued the cultivation of his fields until 1890, when he removed to Winnebago county where he cultivated a farm for seventeen years, or until 1902. He then retired and now resides upon a five acre tract of land cast of Forest City, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, but his wife passed away in 1878.
J. Sherman Gettis was reared and educated in Hardin county and remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-three years. Ile then rented land near Forest City, upon which he lived for thirteen years, and on the expiration of that period he bought two hundred and forty acres on sections 9 and 10, Newton town- ship, Winnebago county. This he set about improving and in addition to its cultivation he has control of the old Scanlon estate embracing two hundred and sixty-six acres on section 26, Linden township. His home farm is one of the best improved places in the county and in addition to its cultivation he also rents land and is farming altogether four hundred acres. His life is indeed a busy and nseful one, for he neglects no part of his work. fle is active early late and in cultivating his fields he employs the most progressive methods. He feeds from one to five carloads of cattle and from one to five carloads of hogs annually, having thus engaged in stock raising for the past twenty years. Ile also buys and ships a large amount of stock and he is one of the stockholders in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Thompson. In business affairs his judgment is sound and his discrimination keen, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.