USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 42
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MRS. LENA MEYER
Mrs. Lena Meyer, widow of the late Fritz Meyer, of Lincoln township, Johnson county, was born in Scott county, Iowa, September 12, 1860, and is a daughter of Gottfried and Mary (Pries) Herring, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Herring came to America with their parents and both families located in Scott county, Iowa. The Herring and Pries families became well known there and were prosperous farmers. Gottfried Herring and wife came to Johnson county and there spent their declining years.
RESIDENCE OF MRS. LENA MEYER
On January 6, 1879, Miss Lena Herring became the wife of Fritz Meyer, a native of Holstein, Germany, born in 1845. He came to America in 1875 and located permanently in Johnson county, where he engaged in farming operations. In 1877 he purchased the farm now occupied by his widow and carried it on until his death, November 3, 1906. He was a substantial and industrious citizen and won the good will and respect of
Frit Meyer
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his neighbors. He was successful in his farming and he and his wife took a prominent part in the social life of the com- munity. Since his death Mrs. Meyer has had charge of the farm and has managed it well, with the assistance of her chil- dren.
Seven children were born to Fritz Meyer and wife: Gott- fried and Christian, married and living in Muscatine county, Iowa; Fritz, who died at the age of eighteen years; Christina, wife of Leo Jale, of Muscatine county; Emal, Angust, and Erna, at home. The family have a pleasant and well situated home and have a large number of friends. They are members of the German Lutheran church. Mrs. Meyer's farm is well improved and yields crops that compare favorably with those of neighboring states. Mrs. Meyer has retired from farm duties and the sons are in charge.
JAMES M. MAGRUDER
James M. Magruder, the sole surviving brother of George W. Magruder (for an account of whose parents see the sketch of the latter), resides on the old homestead of his father, James Magruder, in Fremont township, the scene of his birth on July 13, 1856. There he has lived continuously, with the exception of three years spent in Muscatine county.
Miss Millie A. Norris, to whom he was married on January 1, 1880, was born in Ohio June 3, 1860, and came with her par- ents to Muscatine county when four years old. Her residence, has been confined to that county and Johnson.
Mr. and Mrs. Magruder have three children living: Alice, now Mrs. A. G. Bowie, residing at Chelan Falls, Washing- ton - has three children, Forest, Everett, and Marteni ; Edna, now Mrs. M. Fountain, residing near Iowa City - has three children, Mildred, Alice, and Robert ; Lloyd, living at home.
James M. Magruder has been a lifelong farmer, quiet, in- dustrious, peaceable, honest - one of the world's silent work- ers without whom there would be little honey in the hive. He is a democrat in politics, and has the universal respect of his neighbors.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
EMORY WESTCOTT
Emory Westcott, a prominent and well known citizen of Iowa City, formerly the city's postmaster, is a native of Mil- ford, Otsego county, New York, born July 22, 1838, twin of Emmer Westcott. The parents, Albert and Charlotte (Bissell) Westcott, spent their declining years in Johnson county, and lie side by side in the family lot in the cemetery, where a fine monument, lately erected by the subject of this sketch, marks their last resting place. The grandfather, Jolm Westcott, was lost at sea, February 2, 1807, when the schooner "Iris," of which he was commander and part owner, was wrecked off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. He married Catherine Arnold, of an old New England family, eleventh in lineal de- seent from Roger Arnold, of England, who married Jean, daughter of Sir Thomas Gamage. John Westcott and wife had five children, of whom the third was Albert, born Decem- ber 5, 1798, in Warwick, Rhode Island, where the parents were married, and he died in Iowa City, December 21, 1880. Char- lotte Bissell was born at Hartwick, Otsego county, New York, February 28, 1803, and died October 31, 1885. Both are held in loving memory by their descendants.
Albert and Charlotte Westcott became parents of the fol- lowing children : Moses A., Caroline B., and Eliza, deceased ; Jane, of Iowa City: Albert, of Johnson county; Edwin, de- ceased; Emory and Emmer, twins ; Laura S., and Mortimer L., deceased : Catherine E., of Iowa City. The three sisters, Jane, Emmer, and Catherine, reside together, on East Court street, Iowa City.
Emory Westcott received his education in his native state, and there grew to manhood's estate. In March, 1856, he left for the west, passed through Ohio, the trip to that state ocen- pying eight days, as he was snowbound at Rochester, New York. He went on to Iowa City, reaching there during the first year the Rock Island railroad ran into the town. His first position was as clerk in a drug store, where he spent two years. He then lived with his brother Albert on a farm in Scott township until 1862, and then was among the first to respond to the call for troops from that neighborhood. He enlisted on September 10th of that year in Company F,
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Twenty-second Iowa Infantry, under Capt. A. B. Cree. After spending some time at Camp Pope, they went to Raleigh, Mis- souri, thence down the Mississippi river to Vicksburg, took part in the siege of that town and in the Red river expedition, and later went from Savannah to Richmond. They fought during the campaign in Shenandoah Valley and Mr. Westcott was wounded in the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, when 109 men were lost from the regiment. He was later sent home on furlough, at the end of which he joined MeClernand in Texas. He then returned to Savannah with General Sher- man's army and subsequently was sent to Baltimore, Pitts-
RESIDENCE OF EMORY WESTCOTT
burg, Chicago, and Davenport, Iowa. During the last year in which he served his regiment went eight thousand miles by water and marched only about fifty miles. They were mus- tered out at Davenport, July 29, 1865, Mr. Westcott then re- ceiving his honorable discharge.
Upon returning to Johnson county, Mr. Westcott again engaged in farming on the old homestead in Scott township. His parents had come to Johnson county in 1860. In 1895 he sold his interests there and a few months later purchased an- other farm in West Lucas township, which he sold in 1900, at which time he located in East Iowa City and there remained until appointed to his present office. The family had a very
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
pleasant home in East Iowa City and made many friends. Mr. Westcott's appointment to the office of postmaster of Iowa City was dated February 12, 1907, and signed by Presi- dent Roosevelt. Upon its receipt he sold out and moved to the city proper, which has since been his home. After four years of efficient service, he retired from office. He has erected a handsome and comfortable residence, which is a modern home in every way, just east of East Court street bridge, where the family are able to enjoy every convenience of the city and the freedom of country life as well, on the " River to River" road. The site of this home commands a good view of the surround- ing country and is surrounded by a nice piece of land, where Mr. Westcott enjoys working in his fine garden, of which he may well be proud.
In politics Mr. Westcott is a republican and in religious views a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He be- longs to Kirkwood Post No. 8. G. A. R .. and his wife is a valued member of the Women's Relief Corps. Mr. Westcott also belongs to B. P. O. E., lodge No. 590, of Iowa City.
On September 29, 1866, Mr. Westcott married Mary Eliza, daughter of Isaac and Susan ( Williams) Bowen. A sketch of the Bowen family is to be found in this work. Children were born of this union as follows: Arthur Bowen, July 21, 1867; Emory Dana, February 10, 1870: Mortimer Clarence, Febru- ary 21, 1872; Hortense Emmer, December 7, 1876; Roscoe Ed- win, July 1, 1879. Arthur B., of Oklahoma City, married Nellie Imogene Crain, born September 6, 1874, their marriage taking place September 6, 1894, and they had children as fol- lows: Clarence, born March 6, 1897 ; Maurice, born January 16, 1899; Arthur, Jr., born JJuly 12, 1901. Emory Dana and Mortimer Clarence live in Waterloo, Iowa. Hortense Emmer, of Iowa City, was married June 18, 1902, to Thomas Delano Kelly, who was born November 21, 1876, and their children are: Emory Lovelace, born October 21, 1905, and Mary Louise, born March 26, 1908. Roscoe Edwin married May Sullivan, in May, 1906, and was drowned at Toledo. Ohio, while bathing, September 2, 1906.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
ROLLIE HARLAN ALT
The parents of Rollie Harlan Alt were among the most prominent and highly honored pioneers of Johnson county, where they founded a home in a newly settled country and endured the trying privations and tribulations of the frontier. Their early years there correspond with what is described in the early chapters of Volume I, of this work, so they will be but briefly mentioned in connection with this sketch. The choice farm which has been developed by the family, now owned by Rollie H. Alt, is picturesquely situated on a slight elevation, and with the aid of a field glass the spires of the churches in Iowa City may be plainly seen. The location is a happy one and the landscape surrounding it is a source of interest and pleasure to the family and their visitors. Mr. Alt was born on this farm, June 23, 1864, son of Joseph and Eliza (Kepford) Alt.
The birth of Joseph Abner Alt occurred in Jefferson county, Virginia (now in West Virginia), February 12, 1817, and he was the son of Jacob and Mary (Drew) Alt. The re- cord of the family as given in the family Bible, which has been handed down in the family several generations, and which was printed in Philadelphia in 1815, names the fol- lowing children of Jacob and Mary Alt: Elizabeth, born Jan- nary 15, 1810, married Howell Hendricks: Sarah Ann, born September 10, 1811, married William Melvin; Jacob Henry, father of Charles D., who is mentioned at some length in a succeeding portion of this sketch, was born April 19, 1813: John William, born April 5, 1815; Joseph Abner, born Feb- ruary 12, 1817; Maria, born March 19, 1819, married David Wray; Mary was married to Carson Wray, a sketch of whom appears in this work; Abner Thompson, born August 20, 1822; Margaret Emily, born January 8, 1825, died in young womanhood ; Eliza Jane, born October 13, 1831.
Joseph Abner Alt became a typical pioneer of the region where his son Rollie now lives, and as active participator in early events in the history of Johnson county, became in- fluential and well known. When he was three months old his parents moved to a frontier portion of the Buckeye State, where he was reared to manhood. His mother brought him
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
from his birthplace to Ohio on horseback. He attended the subscription schools held in log buildings and spent his days like other pioneer farmers' sons. In 1839 when about twenty- two years of age, Joseph A. Alt came west into Iowa, and took up his claim, which he entered from the government when it came into the market. This was in Section 8, Town- ship 80, Range 6, in what became Penn township. The In- dians had not yet left the neighborhood, but were friendly to the settlers. There Mr. Alt took up a life of single bles- sedness in the timber, but a few years later decided to take a helpmate to share his joys and sorrows, and on January 25,
RESIDENCE OF R. II. ALT
1848, was united in marriage with Eliza Kepford, Rev. Bush- nell officiating at the wedding. She was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1825, daughter of John and Catherine (Smith) Kepford. The young couple began housekeeping in their pioneer home and Mr. Alt had to make the long trip to Muscatine for supplies.
From Clarke county, Ohio, Joseph A. Alt went to Warren county. Illinois, in 1836, and soon afterwards to Iowa, spend- ing a short time with his brother Jacob Henry, who had pre- ceded him there. He started an orchard which he made one of the finest in Johnson county, planting seed from apples he secured on a steamboat. This orchard became the source of
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pleasure and pride to him and his family, and one tree which he set out is now sixty-eight years old. From the present orchard of fifty apple trees is raised an abundance of fruit. He became the owner of 240 acres of choice farming land and one of the most prosperous men of the neighborhood. He and his wife were prominent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. He died January 27, 1904, and his widow, who never recovered from the shock of this sad event, fol- lowed him on February 5th, but a few days later. Following is an account of their children: Alice M., born November 17, 1848,, was married at the old Alt homestead, by Rev. Dennis Murphy, on November 16, 1870, to Hon. John Alfred Pickler, and is now a widow, having a large family; John Wesley, who was born June 29, 1850, died in Angust, 1851; Albert Jacob, born April 6, 1852; Eliza Catherine, born December 12, 1853, was married May 16, 1885, Rev Douglass officiating, to William G. Faulkner, and they reside at Faulkton, South Dakota; George Joseph, born March 14, 1885, was married, November 9, 1882, by Rev. Swartz, to Dora Colony, at Tiffin, Iowa; Ella May, born May 14, 1859, was married November 28, 1894, by Rev. T. B. Owen, of North Liberty, to D. H. La- than; Rollie Harlan.
Rollie IT. Alt received his education in the district school and Iowa City Academy, and when old enough assisted his father on the home farm. On obtaining his majority he worked for his father by the month and learned the lessons of economy and thrift which have served him well in later life. When in his twenty-fifth year he was married, December 4, 1889, in Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Shaffer, to Miss Emma Stew- art, of North Liberty, daughter of the late Dr. David Stewart, a sketch of whom appears in this work. After marriage Mr. Alt entered into partnership with his father and together they conducted the large farm of over 240 acres, to which additions have since been made, so that the son now owns 290 acres, of which 150 acres are under cultivation. He and his wife have had children as follows: Milo Stewart, born April 21, 1891; Cecil JJay, born January 18, 1894, Harlan McKinley, born June 20, 1895; Hazel Winnifred, born July 10, 1897 ; Joseph Abner, born July 4, 1907; Everett Max, born Angust 23, 1910.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
The farm where Mr. Alt spent his entire life has been highly developed and in 1910, he produced a yield of 50 bushels of corn to the acre on sixty acres ; of oats, 40 bushels to the acre; wheat, 35 bushels, and of hay 2 tons to the acre. He does general farming and makes a specialty of feeding and shipping stock. He had fifty head of cattle, sixty hogs and twelve head of horses and colts. He has a pure-bred im- ported stallion, of good pedigree, weight 1900 pounds, which stands seventeen hands high, and which is in a class by it- self. One of the interesting landmarks on this farm is the hewed log corn crib, 6 x 9 feet, which was built in early days and with primitive tools. The old log house, hewed oak tim- ber, 12 x 14 feet, is still standing and is used for a wood shed. The old kitchen, built in 1875, a year prior to the centennial, and the main house, about 1855, with its original fireplace, the size of the room 14 x 16 feet, are still in nse. Another old relic is a lantern, entirely of tin, with a socket to hold a candle.
Mr. Alt is prominent in the councils of the republican party and is influential in the life of his community. He has frequently served as delegate from his township to the county convention and has well represented the interests of the people in every position of public trust he has held. He has reason to be proud of the part taken by his parents in the development of the township and county and is a fit repre- sentative of this pioneer family.
Jacob Henry Alt, an unele of Rollie H. Alt, who has been previously spoken of in this sketch, married Mary Wein, and of this union the following children were born: Maria, born September 10, 1838, married Lemuel G. Wilson, and died January 28, 1881; Eliza J., born January 29, 1843, married A. H. Statler; George Wein, born December 13, 1844, died March 25, 1855 ; Amanda, born January 9, 1847, married H. W. Berry; Araminta, born May 28, 1847, died in infancy, June 1, 1849; Lewis William, born December 15, 1850; Henry Milton, born February 28, 1853; Emily, born February 26, 1855; Charles Duntin, born April 4, 1857 ; Arthur E., born June 20, 1859. At the age of four years Jacob H. Alt had removed with his parents from Jefferson county, West Virginia, to Clark county, Ohio this being about 1817. In 1837 he moved
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BIOGRAPHICAL
to Henderson county, Illinois, locating on the banks of the Mississippi river. In November, 1840, he removed to Johnson county, Iowa, with a covered wagon, and taking his two eldest children. He put up a log house and returned to Illinois for the remainder of his goods. The crude log house let in the wind and while he was gone his wife mixed clay and chink- ed the cracks and plastered the outer walls of the dwelling. He had left his youngest brother with her, and he, being a cripple, was of little assistance. However, he rode the horses in a circle and in this way helped to mix the mud for plaster. On the day this was done it began snowing, and the father and husband returned to find that his home had been plastered and chinked by his courageous wife, of whom he had reason to be very proud. She was a typical pioneer mother and helped in numerous ways to lighten the burdens of her hus- band. All the rest of their children were born in this primi- tive dwelling, except the youngest, Charles D., whose birth occurred in the frame house which now stands in his door yard, which was erected in 1856. He has lived on the farm for fifty-four years and has purchased a part of the home farm.
Charles D. Alt was educated in the schools near the home place and the public schools of North Liberty. He first pur- chased 140 acres of land, to which he later added seventy acres, and 1901 erected a modern, substantial frame house. The barn which was erected by his father in 1871 is still in use. Besides the fine orchard which his father planted, he has put in many fine trees and has a good crop of fruit. He was married December 18, 1889, to Mrs An (Wray) Babcock, daughter of Carson B. Wray of Madison township, the widow of Milt Babcock. One child has been born of the union, Mary, who married D. W. Overhold. Mr. Alt belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the A. F. and A. M., of Iowa City. His farm is located on Section 17 of Penn township, and the log house thereon was among the first built in the county.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
JOSEPH STEPANEK
Joseph Stepanek is descended from two pioneer families of Jefferson twonship, Johnson county, where his father and maternal grandparents located at the same time, havng come to Amerca from Bohemia. He was born on the old homestead, where he spent his entire life, on February 14, 1863, son of Joseph Sr., and Mary (Sulek) Stepanek. The father was twenty-three years of age when he came to America, and the mother accompanied her parents on the trip, all locating in Jefferson township soon after their arrival.
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RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH STEPANEK
There the parents were married, shortly afterwards, and located on a farm, where the father died. Seven of their children reached maturity; Emma, Mrs Vincent Marek, of South Dakota; Anna, Mrs. Tuyschek, of Nebraska; Mary, Mrs. Joseph Lopata, of Jefferson township; Tillie, Mrs. Anton Tenecheck, of Nebraska; Joseph Jr .; Theresa, wife of William Miller, of Knox county, Nebraska; Sedonia, Mrs. Jerome Wondracek, of Phoenix, Arizona.
The boyhood of Joseph Stepanek, Jr., was spent like that of other farmer boys of the neighborhood, attending the local school and helping with the work on the farm after he was
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BIOGRAPHICAL
old enough. He was reared to habits of industry and self- reliance, and has carried on the home farm since he has been farming on his own account. He was married, in February, 1893, to Miss Katherine Wostel, who was born in Bohemia, September 11, 1871, daughter of Daniel and Katie (Horak) Wostrel. Her parents brought her to America when she was but two years old. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stepanek: Emma, Sedonia, Jarslov, Edward, Joseph, William, and Emil.
Mr. Stepanek is a democrat in politics and takes a com- mendable interest in what is affecting the welfare and upbuild- ing of the community. He is well known in this community where his entire life has been spent, and is held in high regard by his many friends. He is a useful and active member of the Bohemian Reformed Evangelical church and ready to assist in its good work. He is one of the substantial citizens, a man who may be depended upon to do his duty in his relatons with his associates and deal fairly wth all.
JOHN L. ERUSHA
Many young men of today who chose farming as an oc- cupation realize that in this career are to be found great pos- sibilites for individual effort and enterprise. This line of work is carried on more in accordance with scientific methods from year to year, and the modern farmer is an able business man, carefully planning every detail of his operations. One of the younger farmers of Johnson county is John L. Erusha who has spent his life on the farm in Monroe township, where he was born March 13, 1889. He is the son of John R. and Frances (Novatny) Erusha, the former a native of Bohemia. John R. Erusha came to America with his parents when a child and the family located permanently in Johnson county. Frances Novatny was born in Iowa county, her parents being natives of Bohemia, who came to Fowa at an early day. John R. and Frances Erusha had three children : John L., on the home farm; Edward, not at home; and Melver, attending school.
John L. Erusha was educated in local schools and as soon
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
as he was old enough helped with the work on his father's farm. He purchased the old homestead in July, 1911, and there carries on general farming and stock raising. He has made many friends in the community and has a good standing with his neighbors and associates. He is a member of the Catholic church and is independent in political affairs, pre- ferring to vote for the men and measures he believes will best
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RESIDENCE OF JOHN L. ERUSHA
serve the interests of the public rather than be bound by party rules. He is popular in social circles and active in various movements for the improvement of conditions in the com- munity, being interested in the work of the church and in lo- cal issues. On November 28, 1911, Mr. Erusha was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Svoboda, daughter of Andrew and Barbara (Jindrich) Svoboda, both natives of Bohemia.
MRS. CARL PAULUS
Mrs. Carl Paulus, who was born in Lincoln township, John- son county, Iowa, in December, 1879, is the daughter of Ed- ward .P. and Eliza (Welch) Whitacre, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. Aquilla Whitacre, the grandfather of our subject, at one time owned a large amount of land in Johnson county, and was well known among
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the old settlers. Edward P. Whitacre came to Johnson county some time after his father. There were five children in his family, of which our subject is the youngest. One child died in infancy. The other three survivors are: Edward, living at Hazwell, Colorado ; Dr. Charles, living at Hot Springs, Arkan- sas ; Grace, now Mrs. George Bowen, living at Hazwell, Colo- rado.
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RESIDENCE OF CARL PAULUS
Our subject was married in 1904 to Mr. Carl Paulus, who was born in April, 1875, in Scott township, Johnson county. His parents were John and Henrietta (Detwiler) Paulus. She is the mother of two children, Gertrude, and Edward Whitacre Paulus.
GEORGE CHARLES CHADIMA
Among the native-born citizens who have attained success in farming in Johnson county; George Charles Chadima holds a prominent place. He is of the third generation to live in this region and has a large number of friends and acquaint- ances there. He was born in Monroe township, April 5, 1875, and has spent his entire life on the old homestead there. He is a son of George and Estella (Chemlicek) Chadima, natives of Bohemia. The father was brought to America when eight years of age, by his parents, who came direct to Iowa City,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
arriving there in November, 1856, They located in Linn county, about three miles northeast of where George Charles Chadima now lives. The grandparents remained there until the death of the grandfather, after which his widow spent her last days with her daughter in Cedar Rapids. They have the following children: John, Joseph and Frank, who remained in their native country; Helen, widow of William Swab, who is living in Cedar Rapids; Anna, wife of John Mundil, of El- beron, Iowa, died in 1905; Wesley died at his home at Barn- ston, Nebraska; George, father of the subject of this sketch ;
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