USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 43
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RESIDENCE OF GEORGE C. CHADIMA
Mary, wife of F. J. Pudils, of Swisher, a sketch of whom is given in this work; Stephan died in 1890.
Soon after his marriage to Miss Estella Chemelicek, George Chadima purchased ninety-two acres of land, part of the place where his son George C. now lives. He engaged in farming and has spent his active business life in agricultural pursuits, adding to his possessions until he owned 325 acres of good farming land. He has now retired from active operations, but lived on a 100 aere farm in Linn county, until 1912, when he removed to Cedar Rapids. For many years he was a di- rector of the American Trust & Savings Bank, of Cedar Rapids, but in 1910, on account of failing health, resigned from
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BIOGRAPHICAL
business connections, and now spends his time in the ease and comfort he has so well earned. Four children were born to him and his wife; George Charles, whose name stands at the head of this article; William H., who now resides in Cedar Rapids, his time being occupied in looking after his farms and other business interests ; Estella, who died in 1906, was the wife of Louis Wokoun, and had a daughter, Wilbma ; Grace, Mrs. Wokoun, of Cedar Rapids. The parents of these children have taken an honorable part in the life of their community and have ever been representative of its best in- terests.
George Charles Chadima spent his boyhood in helping with the farm work and attending local schools. He received a good business training in youth and has managed his affairs with sagacity and foresight since engaging in operations on his own account. He first carried on farming in company with his brother William, and they were thus engaged on the home place from November, 1899, until March, 1911. At the latter date they purchased the homestead of 325 acres, also an ad- ditional twenty acres of timber land. During their partner- ship they had already purchased fifty-five acres, making 400 acres altogether, but since that time they have sold ten acres of timber. The partnership was dissolved in March, 1911, and since that date George C. has carried on farming for himself alone.
On September 5, 1906, Mr. Chadima was united in marriage with Agnes Zvacek, a native of Linn county, Iowa, whose par- ents were born in Bohemia and came to Linn county in 1854. They have become parents of three children: George Milton, Viola Estella, and Henry Burton. He and his brother are members of the Bohemian Reformed Evangelical church, and both are republican in national politics and independent voters in local affairs. They are enterprising and public-spirited citizens and actively interested in everything affecting the gen- eral welfare.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
CHARLES PROBST
Among the old settlers of Monroe township, Johnson county, Charles Probst deserves prominent mention. He has been successful in his farming operations and is well known as a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Saxe-Weimar, Eisenach, Germany, in 1836, and is the son of Ludwig and Mary (Leser) Probst. The father died when Charles Probst was but five years old, and he early learned to depend upon himself. When in his eighteenth year he came to America (in 1854), accompanied by his sister, Amelia Florentine, now the wife of Henry Hertz, of Solon, Iowa. They landed in New
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES PROBST
York City and soon afterward came west to Chicago, where Mr. Probst worked for four years. In 1858 he came to John- son county, being his home ever since. For the first two years he lived in Big Grove township, and in 1860, came to Monroe township, where he has carried on farming ever since. He pur- chased his first farm in 1861 and sold the same in 1864.
From Octboer 17, 1864, umtil July 25, 1865, Mr. Probst ser- ved in the Union Army, as a member of Company D Fiftennth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in Sherman's fam- ous "March to the Sea." Returning to Johnson county at the close of his term of service, in 1865, he purchased his pre-
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sent home. He has been an influential and public-spirited citizen and has held many local offices. He is a democrat in polities and is a member of the German Lutheran church, in which he is useful and active. He has served many years as township trustee, for four years was township elerk, and for thirty years has been secretary of the school board.
Mr. Probst has been married twice, the first time in 1880 when he was united with Miss Martha Jane Blalock, by whom he had four children : Lanra, wife of A. D. Thomas, of Cedar Rapids; William Henry, also of Cedar Rapids; Elizabeth Jane, wife of Albert Berry, of Missouri; Sarah, Mrs. Cole- man Putnam, on a farm near Strawberry Point. The mother of these children died November 7, 1872, and on May 14, 1879, Mr. Probst married Annie Mary Svoboda, a native of Bo- hemia, who came with her parents to America when she was about 16 years old, in 1874, and lived in Monroe township before her marriage. Four children were born to this union : Selena Sophia, Mrs W. M. Dussil, on a farm in Linn county ; Charles A., married and living near his father in Monroe township; Mary Annie, Mrs. Michael Nunn, of Cedar Rapids ; Adam Jacob, who died October 21, 1909, a promising youth of nineteen years, eleven months and five days, and who is deeply mourned by his sorrowing family and many friends.
WILLIAM SERBOUSEK
William Serbousek is a representative native-born citizen of Johnson county, where his entire life has been spent. He belongs to one of the oldest families in the region and one that has been prominently indentified with its progress and development. He was born in Jefferson township, in Decem- ber, 1861, son of Enos and Josephine (Kopschy) Serbonsek, natives of Bohemia, where they were married. The family came direct to Jefferson township after emigrating to Am- erica, and lived on a farm there for some years. When the son William was abont seven years old they moved over into Monroe township of the same county, and there the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The father passed away several years ago. They had five children who reached ma-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
turity: Annie, widow of Joseph Stepanek, who now resides in Cedar Rapids; Mary, Mrs. Wesley Slezak, of Linn county; Joseph, of South Dakota; William, of Monroe township. Johnson county; Frank, of Monroe township.
Mr. Serbousek reached manhood on his father's farm and was educated in local schools. Upon reaching his majority he engaged in farming on his own account, upon the place which is still his home. He has made most of the improve- ments on this farm and has erected all the present buildings. He is a farmer of recognized ability and carries ou his work according to modern approved methods. The land is devoted to general farming, which yields a good crop. He has had
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM SERBOUSEK
time to take an intelligent interest and participation in local affairs and has held various minor offices with credit and ability. He is a member of the Catholic church, is a demo- erat politically, and fraternally belongs to the M. W. A., Wal- ford Camp.
In 1883, Mr. Serbonsek was united in marriage with Miss Annie Skala, also a native of Johnson county, a daughter of Joe and Annie (Horak) Skala, early settlers there. Eight children have blessed their union: William lives on a farm in Benton county, Iowa; Tillie, Mrs. JJoseph Lopata, of Jef- ferson township, Johnson county; Annie, Mrs. William Shu- petor, of Johnson county ; Joseph, Sylvia, Benjamin, Wesley,
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BIOGRAPHICAL
and Charles, at home with their parents. The family is prominent in social circles in the community, where they have many friends.
JOSEPH F. CERNY
Joseph F. Cerny is the owner of 283 acres of fine land in Monroe township, Jolmson county. He made his start by working out upon the farms of his neighbors. His success is only another indication of the opportunities that lie before the industrious, frugal citizen in eastern Iowa. Born in Bo- hemia in 1863, he came to America with his mother when twelve years of age. His parents were Wesley and Mary
RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH F. CERNY
(Skala) Cerny, both natives of Bohemia. The family first located in Tama county, where they lived for two years, re- moving thence to Monroe township. There were six children in the household: Mary, now Mrs. Framer, residing in Tama county ; Katherine; Martha, who died about forty years ago; our subject; Wesley, who died some years ago; Anna.
Mr. Cerny was married in 1893, to Miss Frances Stanek, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, September 15, 1869. They have three children: Edward, Jerry and Laura. Our
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
subject is a democrat, and has held the office of school director of his district. He is a member of the M. W. A. of Fairfax, Iowa.
EMIL DVORAK
Emil Dvorak has spent his entire life on the farm which he owns and operates, having been born there in January, 1887. He was educated in local schools and is one of the best known men in his community, his parents having lived there many years before his birth. The family is one of the oldest in Monroe township, and its members have borne an important part in the upbuilding of the region. Emil Dvorak is a son of Joseph and Rosa (Pirkla) Dvorak, natives of Bohemia. The father came to America as a young man, and after spending
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RESIDENCE OF EMIL DVORAK
a short time on a farm in Johnson county, moved to Cedar Rapids and worked for a few years in that city, then de- cided there were better results to be obtained from farming and returned to that occupation. He came to farm in Jef- ferson township in 1870, and some time later sold out and went to live on the farm that is now the home of his son Emil. He developed it and added necessary buildings, remaining on the place until 1909, when he and his wife retired from active work, and moved to Swisher. They have a comfortable home
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BIOGRAPHICAL
there and are prepared to spend their declining years in the ease and comfort they have earned by their years of hard work. They became parents of these children: Pauline died in infancy; Blanche married Albert Hoverka, and they re- side in Linn county; Joseph lives in Cedar Rapids; Lowell lives in Swisher ; Alexander, also of Swisher; Emil, immediate subject of this sketch.
After completing his education Emil Dvorak confined his energies to working on the home farm and has since continued in this line of endeavor, being very successful in his operations. He is familiar with the possibilities of the soil with which he is concerned and is a practical business man, as well as an industrious and thrifty farmer. He is actively interested in local affairs and in politics is a democrat. He is a devout and useful member of the Catholic church at Walford.
On October 12, 1909, Mr. Dvorak was united in marriage with Miss Anna Horak, a niece of Wesley Horak, of Jefferson township. Her family are among the early settlers of John- son county. One child has blessed this marriage, a daughter, Olga. The family is well known and has many friends.
JAMES E. BOWERSOX
The Bowersox family were among the early settlers of Johnson county and have been prominently identified with the best interests of the region since coming there about sixty years ago. The journey to the new home in Iowa was fraught with interest and adventure, and in this trip the family was one of many who came at that time, a large number having been prominent in the early history of Johnson county. James E. Bowersox is a native son of the county and has spent his entire life on his present farm in Jefferson township, where he was born November 30, 1867, son of James E. and Mary M. (Shuey) Bowersox, the father born in Carroll county, Mary- land, 1817, and the mother in Angusta county, Virginia, January 26, 1825. After his marriage, in 1854, James E. Bowersox, Sr., came west in search of a suitable location in which to settle, and purchased 140 acres of land in Johnson county, which is now the property of his son James. He re-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
turned to Virginia the same year and in 1855, brought his wife to the new home.
The long trip from Virginia to Iowa was made before a regular line of railroad was established over the route, and was accomplished with a covered wagon and team. They joined what was known as a "wagon train," consisting of some 100 or more vehicles, in which rode many of the families who became their neighbors in Johnson county, including, among others, the Shney, Graham, and Hodge families. Up- on arriving in Johnson county, Mr. Bowersox engaged in farming and also followed the trade of carpenter. At one time most of the buildings which were standing in Shueyvile
RESIDENCE OF JAMES E. BOWERSOX
were erected by him. He had previously been a circuit preacher in the United Brethren church, and after his arrival in Iowa, continued to preach in local pulpits of the church, the later years of his life being almost entirely spent in this work. He passed away August 20, 1880, and the mother November 19, 1896. He had three brothers and two sisters: Louise, Jacob, Ephraim, Benjamin, and Annie. All remained in the east except Jacob and James E. After the latter moved to Iowa, Jacob went to Tiffin, Ohio, and he died there about six- teen years ago. Mrs. James E. Bowersox belonged to the Shuey family, for whom the town of Shueyville was named, and her father at one time owned the land on which the town was laid out and several hundred acres surrounding it. Her
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BIOGRAPHICAL
parents had nine children, of whom William, the eldest, was the first of the family to come to Johnson county to live. The remainder of the family came a year later. He was a surveyor by occupation and he and a brother laid out the town of Shuey- ville. He enlisted, October 2, 1862, in the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, becoming captain of his company, and serving to the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. The other children in the Shuey family were: Bernard L., at one time a farmer of Johnson county, moved to Cleveland, Illinois, where he served as postmaster; Mary Margaret, Mrs. Bower- sox; Katherine Jane, born April 7, 1828, died June 22 of the same year; Caswell B., born February 15, 1832, was a school teacher, owned a farm in Jefferson township, and died many years ago; Jacob A., born April 17, 1831, lives at Red Oak, Iowa; Jason, born June 29, 1840, was for many years a farmer, later engaged in mercantile business at Solon, and finally moved to Carroll county, where he died; Robert G., born Octo- ber, 1842, lives at Cedar Rapids ; Virginia C., born January 23, 1848, married William C. Jackson, and they live at Mt. Pleas- ant, Iowa.
At the age of twenty-one years the subject of this sketch en- gaged in farming for himself, and has since operated the home place, as he has always remained there. In addition to farm- ing he engaged in the manufacture of sorghum molasses, in which industry he became very successful, and an engraving of a part of his plant is shown in this publication. He has been active in all measures affecting the general welfare and prosperity and has a good standing in his community. He has reason to feel proud of the part his ancestors and relatives have taken in the early history of Johnson county, and of the position they have held. He is a republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren church. Fraternally he be- longs to Camp No. 5882, M. W. A., of Shueyville. He has held various local offices and is now president of the school board.
In 1887 Mr. Bowersox was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Frend, also a native of Johnson county, where her par- ents were pioneers. Six children have been born of this umion : George E., John H., Uncy M., Annie V., Edna M., and James Wilber.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
FRANK MUSSER
Frank Musser is one of the well-known farmers of Fremont township, and is a native of Johnson county, where he has spent nearly his entire life. He was born in Fremont town- ship, in January, 1865, and is a son of J. D. and Elizabeth (Raynor) Musser. The family, one that is well known in the county, is mentioned at some length in connection with the sketch of John D. Musser, a brother of Frank. Another brother, Joseph R., is also given a sketch in this work. The father was for many years engaged in farming in Fremont township. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania and England.
RESIDENCE OF FRANK MUSSER
Reared to farm work, Frank Musser has followed this occu- pation all his life. At the age of twenty-two years he engaged in farming on his own account and has been successful in a gratifying degree. About 1893 he purchased a farm at Pleas- ant Valley, and in 1910 purchased the old family homestead in Fremont township, which he now occupies. He is an intelli- gent and able farmer and stands well with his neighbors. He has many friends in the community and takes an active inter- est in local affairs. * In political views he is a democrat and in religious views he is a Methodist. He belongs to the church at River Junction. The family are well known socially and have a pleasant and attractive home.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
In June, 1892, Mr. Musser was united in marriage with Miss Velta May Winman, a native of Iowa and daughter of John Winman and wife. There have been three children born of this union: Fred, John, and Emma. Mrs. Musser died Jan- nary, 1909, mourned by the whole community. She had been a loving wife and mother and a kind neighbor and is sadly missed by all who knew her.
WESLEY HORAK
For forty-six years Wesley Horak has resided upon and cultivated the farm upon which he now resides in Jefferson township, Johnson county. Farming has been his occupation from boyhood. He came to America when twenty years of age with his parents, Daniel and Katherine ( Pakinoc) Horak, natives of Bohemia. Our subject was born in Bohemia in
RESIDENCE OF WESLEY HORAK
September, 1840. Daniel Horak and wife settled upon a farm in Jefferson township and lived thereon until their death. The mother died in 1899 and the father in the spring of 1904. They had seven children, as follows : Our subject ; Daniel, living in Grinnell, Iowa ; John, died about fifteen years ago; Katherine, married to Joseph Stusak, resided in Cedar Rapids, and both died several years ago; Annie, married to Joseph Skala, resid-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
ed on a farm in Linn county, where both died; Barbara, now Mrs. Frank Skala, living in Monroe township on a farm ; Helen, now Mrs. John Volesky, living in Swisher, Iowa; Anna, mar- ried to Frank Volesky, resided in Johnson county until her death in 1901, the husband being now a resident of South Dakota.
Wesley Horak bought his first farm of 120 acres in 1865. This is now his home place. He has added eighty acres there- to, giving him 200 acres of exceedingly productive land. In 1864 he was married to Miss Katherine Kucher, a native of Bohemia, who came to America with her parents when seven years of age, and settled with them on a farm in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Horak have nine children : Wesley, living in Cedar Rapids; Frank, a resident of Cedar Rapids; Charles, living at home; Edward, living at home and em- ployed as U. S. mail carrier out of Swisher, Iowa; Annie, now Mrs. Wesley Karban, living in South Dakota; Tillie, now Mrs. Charles Novak, living in Chicago; Carrie, now Mrs. Joseph Underly, living in Cedar Rapids ; Clara, now Mrs. Lester Bar- ta, living in Linn county on a farm; Emma, deceased wife of William Chehak.
Mr. Horak gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. His family and himself are affiliated with the Evan- gelical church.
Mr. Horak has just completed a fine new residence in Swish- er, where he intends to make his home in retirement from his farm. Having worked all his life and now with an ample com- petency he is entitled to the rest and quiet that comes from a well spent life.
FRANK M. PIRKL
The father of our subject, Frank J. Pirkl, came to America from his native country of Bohemia when thirty-five years of age and purchased the farm of 137 acres in Jefferson township on which our subject was born and where he now lives. The parents, Frank J. and Helen (Bis) Pirkl, were married on this farm and always resided there afterwards. They had three children : Mary, now Mrs. Dolezal, living in Cedar Rapids,
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Iowa; Frank M .; Katherine, now Mrs. Frank Wisnorsky, liv- ing in Jefferson township.
Frank M. Pirkl has always been a farmer on the old home- stead where he was born. He was married in September, 1887, to Miss Annie Ludvechek, a native of Bohemia, who came with her parents to America when a baby six weeks old. Mr.
RESIDENCE OF FRANK M. PIRKL
and Mrs. Pirkl have seven children: Westa, now Mrs. Joseph Stancel, living in Linn county ; Blanch ; Callie, now Mrs. Frank Benish, living in Linn county ; Libby, Emily, Clara, and Fred.
Mr. Pirkl is a democrat. The family are members of the Catholic church.
CHARLES J. BISCUP
John F. Biscup, the father of Charles J., came to America from his native country, Bohemia, when he was nineteen years of age, and after working in several different localities, set- tled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked at the tailor's trade. There he met and married Miss Josephine Shieks, also a native of Bohemia, who came with her parents to America when a child and settled with them at Cedar Rapids. Thirty- five year ago the father purchased a farm in Jefferson town-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
ship, abandoned the tailor's trade and became a farmer. On this farm Charles J. Biscup was born September 11, 1877. There were two other children: Frank and Mary, both of whom died in infancy.
Charles J. Biscup began business for himself at the age of twenty-one as a farmer, and this has been his life-long occupa-
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES J. BISCUP
tion. He purchased his present home twelve years ago, con- sisting of 170 acres not far from the village of Coufal. In 1899 he was married to Miss Libby Lonvar, daughter of Frankis Lovar (see his sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Biscup have no chil- dren.
ANTON HORSKY
One of the representative and most influential citizens of Jefferson township is Anton Horsky, who owns a fine farm of 140 acres in that township upon which he has resided since 1881. Mr. Horsky was born in Bohemia April 1, 1853. His parents were Anton and Mary ( Konter) Horsky, both natives of Bohemia. His mother died when he was four years old, and one brother older than himself died in infancy. The father married a second wife (Miss Katherine Novotovig), who bore him two children : Katherine, married to Martin Sour, her hus-
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BIOGRAPHICAL
band dying about five years ago, she now residing at Solon with her mother; John, living in Oregon. Anton Horsky, Sr., came to America with his second wife in 1877 and settled in Big Grove township. He died there a good many years ago. His widow is now living at Solon.
Our subject, who came to America with his father, being then twenty-four years of age, immediately took up the business of farming, and four years after his arrival purchased the farm where he now resides in Jefferson township. He was married in 1889 to Miss Annie Buresh, a native of Bohemia, who came to America with her parents. Six children were born of this
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RESIDENCE OF ANTON HORSKY
union : Anton, who is employed in Johnson county ; Mary, who died in infancy; Agnes, Libby, Henry, Albert.
On general political issues Mr. Horsky is a democrat, though being of a liberal disposition, it is his aim always to vote for the best man. He takes an active interest in the welfare of his community, is a strong temperance advocate and much opposed to saloons and all other influences that tend to demoralize young people. Is a member of the Evangelical church and of the M. B. A. of Shueyville.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
JOHN COUFAL
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Confal, the parents of John Coufal, came from their native country, Bohemia, in 1852, and settled on a farm in Jefferson township, where they lived for a little while and then bought the farm where our subject now resides. There they lived and labored until the death of Father Coufal, June 15, 1904. The mother is now residing with her son, our subject, who was born in Jefferson township March 10, 1855. Joseph Coufal and wife had three children : John; Annie, now Mrs. John M. Louvor, living in Jefferson township; Frank, who died when nine years old. At the time the elder Confals settled in Jefferson township there were only two farms occu- pied between their place and Cedar Rapids.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN COUFAL
John Coufal has been a farmer on the old homestead of his parents since he was large enough to work. It has been a de- light to him to continue the work so well begun by his progen- itors, and the general appearance of the old farm attests his ability as an agriculturist. He was married in 1880 to Miss Emma Witoushek, a native of Johnson county, whose parents came from Bohemia to this county in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Coufal have six children : Della, now Mrs. William Zeithammel, of Iowa City, whose husband is engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at the village of Coufal, named for our subject; John, married to Naomi Brown, living in Iowa county ; Charles, mar-
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