USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 61
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St. Joseph's school occupies a nine-room brick building, the corner-stone for which was laid in 1908. It was completed for use in September, 1909, having cost six thousand dollars. Four Franciscan sisters, of the Order of Perpetual Adoration, from La Crosse, Wisconsin, have charge of the school. Two of them teach the studies included in a common school course, while a third teaches music, and the fourth is cook and house- keeper. This is a free school, the first and only one at Hills, and has an enrollment of some seventy pupils. The sisters re- side in well appointed rooms in the rear of the school building, and the institution is under the charge of Father Kottenstette.
CORNELIUS WILLIAM LANDSBERG (Deceased)
Cornelius W. Landsberg was one of the early grocers of Iowa City and a highly respected citizen. He made his own way in life, having come to America in early manhood. He was born in Hanover, Germany, September 3, 1829, and died at the age of eighty years, in Iowa City. He was for some time in the milling business at Marshalltown, Iowa, and also in the mills at Coralville. From the latter place he came to Iowa City, where he engaged first in the cigar business under the firm name of Cramer & Landsberg, but later disposed of
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his interests in this enterprise and with Mr. Sporleder en- gaged in the grocery business in the north half of the First National Bank building, on Dubuque street. The firm of Spor- leder & Landsberg continued in business for many years, and Mr. Landsberg then sold his share of the stock to his partner, but retained ownership of the premises. At that time he re- tired from business life and he and his daughter Anna made a trip to Europe, traveling extensively, both for pleasure and to regain his health. He was well educated, a thorough-going business man, and always a student, being especially interested in the subject of history. He was broad-minded and liberal in his views and made many friends wherever he was known. He and his wife were active members of the German Lutheran church of Iowa City, which is fully described in the historical portion of this work. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Iowa City and stood high with his fellow members.
Mr. Landsberg married, in Alabama, Laura Thrischler, a native of Germany and a sister of Mrs. Valentine Miller, of Coralville, whose parents are mentioned in the sketch of the Miller family, which appears in this volume. Mrs. Landsberg died September 3, 1892, having borne the following children : Ernest, a commercial traveler, of Creston, Iowa, is a widower, with five children, two of whom are married; Miss Anna, of Iowa City, who cared for her father during his last years; William, is a merchant of Peterson, Iowa, having a general store; two daughters are deceased, Laura, named for her mother, and Minnie.
Miss Anna Landsberg is well known in many circles of Iowa City, as well informed and, like her father, possessing business ability. She has leased her property to the First National bank for a term of some eighteen years, and they have an op- tion to buy at any time her father's old place of business, in the north half of the bank building, for the sum of $15,000. She lives in rooms over the bank, but also owns a beautiful residence on Ronalds street, which she rents. She was for many years her father's constant companion, and from him learned habits of looking carefully after her business interests. She is a member of the English Lutheran church. Much of her time is spent in visiting with her many friends. She is
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proud of the part taken by her family in pioneer days in Iowa and of the name left by her parents to their descendants.
SAMUEL CHURCH (Deceased)
Samuel Church was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, May 8, 1792, and died in Oxford, Johnson county, Iowa, July 31, 1872. His parents moved to Trenton, Oneida county, New York, with their family when Samuel was about seven years old. He made Trenton his home (aside from the time spent in the army) until 1854, when he came to Iowa with a brother and a nephew and settled on a farm two miles south of Oxford City. He was a volunteer soldier from New York in the War of 1812 and en- listed in Captain Nathaniel F. Knapp's company in Swift and Dobin's regiment under General Peter B. Porter. He was a farmer by occupation and enjoyed the farmer's work even at times when he had small returns from his labor.
In politics he was a whig and then a republican. He was a member of the Baptist church for nearly sixty years. He was never married. He was a man who enjoyed life as he went along, was strictly honest and upright, and had nothing to wor- ry about, and it is doubtful if he would have worried even if he had had a cause.
JAMES M. SHEETS (Deceased)
Among the early settlers of Iowa City James M. Sheets de- serves prominent mention, having lived there since 1856 until his death. He was born at Emmitsburg, Maryland, July 28, 1828, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fisher) Sheets, members of old Maryland families and natives of that state. There were four children in the family.
Mr. Sheets learned the trade of carpenter in his native state and followed it most of the time during his long life. He was married in 1852 to Miss Caroline Miller, daughter of Francis A. and Marilla R. (Batter) Miller, and a native of Baltimore. In 1856 Mr. Sheets came west and prepared a home in Iowa City, where his wife joined him ten months later. He was one of the early carpenters and builders there and took a prom-
J. M. SHEETS
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inent part in early affairs. He served a number of years as a member of the city council and was a republican in politics. He belonged to Eureka Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Iowa City.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sheets: Marilla, Estella, Carrie, Genevieve, Laura Virginia, Alfred Leon, James F., Lutie L., and George E. Mr. Sheets died on the fifth of November, 1905, at the age of 77. Mrs. Sheets has a pleasant home and is well known in various circles.
ADAM H. MUELLER (Deceased)
From a hazel brush and grove to the site of a modern, pro- gressive, university city, is a strong example of community de- velopment, yet such extremes were covered by the experience and memory of Justina (Buettner) Mueller, widow of Adam H. Mueller, in her residence at Iowa City, Johnson county. She was born in Bavaria, as were her parents, and came with them to the United States, when she was five years old. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel, which consumed forty- eight days in the trip. The family settled in Johnson county in 1848, their first residence being the old Basterdes hotel, which stood on the banks of Ralston creek. The family then comprised the parents, John and Margaret (Kneier) Buettner, and their two daughters, Justina and Margaret. The children gathered hazel nuts within a short distance of this hotel, and in later life often thought of this experience, as well as many others of her girlhood. One of these was seeing the dipping of candles. She also remembered the arduous trip made by her father and Michael Goss, in the midwinter of the early 'fifties, from Iowa City to Sioux City, on foot. She remembered the simple pleasure of her girlhood and the natural, healthy life led by the family, with great vividness. However, John Buettner and his wife completed their homely tasks and went to their reward, she dying February 26, 1891, and he January 1, 1895.
Adam H. Mueller, a veteran in the naval service in the Civil War, settled in Iowa City in 1867. He was born at Dussel- dorf, Germany, October 12, 1836, and early yielded to the "wanderlust," which led him to come to America. He landed
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in New York City at the age of twelve years, a vigorous, healthy lad, eager for adventure. His restive spirit led him to find service on the sea, and for thirty years he was a faithful son of Neptune, during this time familiarizing himself with Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and many parts of the United States and South America. During the Civil War he offered his services in defense of the Union, and for nearly four years served in the United States Navy. He was on board the U. S. S. Octora, taking part in the battles before Vicksburg and in Mobile Bay. His honorable record was a
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM MUELLER
source of gratification to him during the remainder of his life. He was a member of Kirkwood Post, G. A. R., some years be- fore his death, which occurred July 25, 1902.
At the close of the war Mr. Mueller spent a short time at St. Louis, then came to Iowa City, where on June 13, 1869, he mar- ried Justina Buettner, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Father Emonds, in the basement of St. Mary's church, which was then under construction. With the exception of one year (1871) spent in Denver, Mr. Mueller thereafter lived continu- ously in Iowa City. For a time he worked at the trade of cab- inet-maker, but in 1872 engaged in grocery business on East Market street, which he continued the remainder of his life.
Seven sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mueller, of whom all survive save two. They are: Dr. John,
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an alumnus of Iowa University, resides in Iowa City; Adam J., D. D. S., also a graduate of Iowa University, resides at Waterloo, Iowa; William P., a graduate of Iowa City high school and business college, is a member of the firm of Mueller Brothers, shoe dealers of Iowa City, and married Bernice Lucia Daily, of Kansas City, Mo., and they have a son, William Paul, Jr .; Mary, a graduate of the university, is an instructor in Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames; Dr. Otto, a grad- nate of Harvard, with the Class of 1910, had previously grad- uated in the Liberal Arts course at Iowa University with the Class of '02, and is now practicing in Iowa City; Louis, also a graduate of Iowa University, is a member of the firm of Muel- ler Brothers, of Iowa City, previously mentioned; Margaret, is a teacher in the high school at Independence, Iowa. Six grandchildren, all in vigorous health, give promise of perpetu- ating the Mueller name and blood.
Adam Mueller was a democrat in politics and his society memberships were confined to the G. A. R., St. Joseph's Bene- volent Association, and the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association, he being a charter member of the latter. The family are adherents of the Roman Catholic faith and those in the community are members of St. Mary's church. Mrs. Muel- ler also is a life member of the Married Ladies' Sodality of the church.
It requires no sapient vision to perceive that the mission of Adam and Justina Mueller was performed in the sacred atmo- sphere of their home, in most part, and under its benign influ- ences they brought to maturity and usefulness their sons and daughters who survive to bring honor to their memories. The influence of the sacrifices and affection of this worthy couple for their children will live to bless the present and coming generations of the house of Mueller, and who could desire a more honorable chaplet of immortality ?
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JOHN W. ANDRLE
Probably no man is better known in Penn township or more thoroughly identified with the affairs of North Liberty than John W. Andrle, the subject of this sketch. From the day he reached his majority until the current year of 1911 he has been an active factor for the promotion of the best interests of his community, industrially, socially, and morally. His word is always quoted at par, and he has the respect and friendship of all good men of his acquaintance.
Our subject's father, John Andrle, and his mother, Chris- tina Andrle, were natives of Bohemia, in which country our subject also was born, December 6, 1856. The Andrle family emigrated to America in August, 1867, landing in New York City. From that point they journeyed westward to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whence they were taken by team to Shueyville, Johnson county, their destination. They settled on fifteen acres in Jefferson township and erected a story and a half log cabin, 14x18. Subsequently this was sold, but not torn down and destroyed, as so many of its kind have been, but is still in evidence and may be seen at the intersection of the Solon and Shueyville roads, doing duty as a residence, having been improved by the addition of siding and a porch. John Andrle added to his holdings in Jefferson township until at one time he owned seventy acres. Farming, however, was seemingly out of his line. He was a natural musician, and for forty years he played in the Shueyville band, of which he was one of the original organizers. He died on the home farm in 1905, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife preceded him, dying August 5, 1896. Both were sterling good people, tender- hearted and kind, a true father and mother. They were blessed with five children: Annie, wife of Frank Staffan, of Cedar Rapids; Rosa, wife of John Staffan, brother of Frank, of Ce- dar Rapids; John W., our subject; Wesley J., died June 2, 1906, from an operation ; Helen, wife of W. J. Kedlec, a prom- inent official of Jefferson township.
John W. Andrle received a limited education in the common schools of his township, as his boyhood days were occupied by hard work. At the age of thirteen he drove an ox team to a big breaking plow, and for three summers broke the "stub-
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born glebe" of the Iowa hills. His youth was spent on the home farm. In 1875, at the age of nineteen, he worked in North Liberty and that year plowed for Nicholas Zeller the very ground on which his own modern house now stands. Two years later, having attained his majority, he decided to learn the harness trade. He was successful in this, and in 1881 owned his own place of business in North Liberty, having bought a half interest in H. B. White's grocery store, carrying that on in connection with his harness shop. He sold this business, however, and bought J. F. Price's interest in the
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RESIDENCE OF J. W. ANDRLE
George & Price Mill, the name of which was thereafter changed to North Liberty Steam Saw & Sorghum Mill, Jacob George retaining his interest. Later Mr. George retired and Wesley J. Andrle, our subject's brother, became a member of the firm. The steam sawmill did a prosperous business and was known far and near as the Andrle mill. Our subject retired from that mill years ago, but he still retains his liking for machin- ery, and today owns an interest in a sawmill in Florida. He also owns an Ideal gasoline engine, and for twenty-six seasons has run a threshing outfit. As a mechanician he is called on frequently in his home town, especially when automobiles be-
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come recalcitrant. For a number of years he was employed by the Northwestern Railroad Quarries as a driller, but at this time he is a driller on his own account in the Cedar Rap- ids quarries. Wesley J. Andrle, who was associated with our subject in the Andrle sawmill, was an inventor. He invented and patented several valuable inventions, among them being a three-horse draft equalizer, patented March 15, 1881, which he manufactured and sold. His untimely death was a distinct loss to the industrial world. Our subject has erected a num- ber of houses in North Liberty, his first attempt being the res- idence where he and his fair bride began housekeeping, lo- cated in the northern part of the town, same being now the property of M. F. Stoner. The residence which he at present occupies is composed in part of the creamery building, the remains of an enterprise which our subject launched in North Liberty in 1893, but which was abandoned on account of lack of support by the farmers, after a loss of $6,000.00. Mr. An- drle and his wife labored hard to make that enterprise a suc- cess. It was a credit to North Liberty and ought to have been sustained. The present residence of our subject, it is claimed, is the first modern house to be erected in North Liberty, and is fully equipped with private water system and acetylene gas plant.
Mr. Andrle was married in Cedar Rapids, October 18, 1881, to Miss Kathrine B. Zak, danghter of Joseph and Margaret Zak, both natives of Bohemia, who came to the United States about the close of the Civil War and now reside a short distance north of their daughter in North Liberty. The Zak family resided in Chicago seven years and in Cedar Rapids twenty- nine years. Mr. Zak sold his Cedar Rapids property in 1902 and removed to North Liberty. Two daughters, one the wife of our subject, were born in Bohemia, and two more and a son were born in America. One daughter died from fright during the great Chicago fire at the age of seven years. Mr. Andrle unhesitatingly says that the best job of his life was when he met, wooed and won his charming and industrious wife. She has been a true helpmeet and a model mother. Of their four children, two died in infancy. The survivors are : James F., graduate of the Shueyville high school, married to Miss Au- gusta Kephart, resides at North Liberty; Pearl M., graduate
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of the Shueyville high school, and graduate in the dental de- partment, State University of Iowa.
Mr. Andrle was for eight years a member of the board of trustees of Penn township, and, without solicitation, was elected chairman at the last regular meeting in 1911. Mr. Andrle has been foremost in advocacy of public improvements, has done probably more than any other man in promotion of bridge building, and has consistently and persistently pushed for the welfare of his community in every respect. Always a temperance man, he has opposed the saloon, believ- ing it to be an evil in any community. He is a republican, and has served his party as a delegate in county conventions. Is a member of White Marble lodge A. F. & A. M., of North Lib- erty; also charter member of White Rose lodge M. B. A., the name of which was suggested by Mr. Andrle. Our subject is known as "the handy man" of North Liberty in the repairing of machinery, but in this respect he is closely seconded by his son James, who has the reputation of being a genius in that line. The Andrle home is the only stopping place for the trav- eler in North Liberty. The coziness of the house and the quality of Mrs. Andrle's home-cooked meals have given it a warm place in the affections of travelers.
FRANK TURECEK
The ocean traveler of today, crossing the Atlantic in less than six days can hardly realize what the journey meant fifty years ago when most of the emigrants made the voyage in slow sailing vessels which occupied weeks and months of suf- fering, sickness, and other hardships.
It was in 1867 that the parents of our subject, Joseph and Josephene (Horak) Turecek bade farewell to their native town of Landine, Bohemia, and set sail for America. They had been married two years before and were young and happy and their hearts beat strong with hope of what they might accomplish in the new land of promise. But the sea voyage in a slow sailing vessel which was tossed and buffeted by wind and wave for over seventy-two days was enough to discourage the bravest heart. Their little boy Joseph was sea
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sick most of the time and finally died and was buried at sea. Three weeks later while on the ocean another boy, Frank, was born and he died about a year later.
The Turecek family settled first near Cleveland, Ohio, but after a short stay removed to Kentucky where they remained nearly three years and then removed to Johnson county, Iowa, and settled in Jefferson township where they passed the re- mainder of their lives.
Mrs. Turecek died October 13, 1899. Mr. Turecek died July 7, 1913, a sufferer for many years from cancer.
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RESIDENCE OF FRANK TURECEK
Frank Turecek, our subject is counted among the success- ful farmers of Johnson county and occupies the old home- stead. A commodious comfortable home, surrounded by sub- stantial outbuildings all nestled close beside a running stream, in a pleasant valley, prove the energy and good management of the owner, assisted by a good wife and well trained children.
Mr. Turecek was married June 20, 1888, to Lenora Sejnoha, daughter of Joseph and Lenora (Straka) Sejnoha. Six child- ren have been born to this union, Edward F., William J., Emil H., Lewis, Libbie, Frank J., all at home. Mr. Frank Turecek is a member of the M. W. of A. and the Z. C. B. J. Votes the democratic ticket.
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F. H. KIRCHNER
One of the most influential and prominent citizens of Lone Tree, Iowa, is Frederick H. Kirchner, the subject of this sketch, who was identified with the grain business in that town for upwards of twenty years, and is now a large property owner in Iowa and Minnesota, and a stockholder in the banks of Lone Tree and Nichols, Iowa. The father of our subject was Bernhard Kirchner, a native of Saxony, Germany. He married Charlotte Lenz, a native of Landerbauch, Germany. The former came to America when he was seventeen years of age, arriving in New York City after a voyage of seven weeks. He at once took up railroading, and in pursuance of this occu-
RESIDENCE OF F. H. KIRCHNER
pation came to Rock Island, Illinois, where he resided for a time. Thereafter he removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he bought his first farm and commenced business as an agriculturist. He remained on this farm until 1872, when he entered the general mercantile and grain business at Nichols, Iowa, continuing therein for over twenty years. At that time he retired and the remainder of his life was devoted to looking after his extensive property interests. He died at Nichols in 1906. Charlotte Lenz, his wife, came to America with her parents when a child and settled with them in Illi- nois, where the family resided for a number of years. At- tracted by the fertile soil of Iowa, the Lenz family removed
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to Muscatine county, which became their permanent home. Eight children were born to Bernhard and Charlotte Kirch- ner: Our subject; Elizabeth, now the wife of Chas. Kolling, resides at What Cheer; Margaret, now the wife of Dr. F. F. Carl, of Nichols ; Henry, living at Nichols; Bernhard, living at Nichols; Anna, now Mrs. Maypes, living at Nichols; John, residing at present in Portland, Oregon; Gertrude, living at Nichols.
Our subject assisted his father in his boyhood days in the work upon the farm and in the store, but at the age of twenty- five began business for himself in the grain business at Lone Tree, which, as before stated, he continued for twenty years. In December, 1895, he was married to Miss Anna May Con- stant, born in Johnson county, May 14, 1869, and identified with the publis schools of the county as a teacher for nine years. They have one son, Gildra Bernhard Henry, born March 11, 1897, who is now attending high school at Lone Tree.
Mr. Kirchner has been secretary of the local school board for the past fifteen years, and has held several local offices of importance. Thoroughly identified with the interests of Lone Tree, he is regarded as one of the most progressive citizens of that thriving town.
Mrs. F. H. Kirchner was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Constant. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Constant were mar- ried in Washington, Iowa, December 15, 1864, and came to Johnson county and lived on a farm one and one-fourth miles south of Lone Tree. The town of Lone Tree was not built then, and the nearest trading point was Iowa City. It was all prairie then and the only tree in sight was what is called the Lone Tree, for which Lone Tree was afterwards named. The railroad was built through Lone Tree in 1872 and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Constant moved to town and built the first hotel and ran it for seven years. Mr. Henry Constant then ran a large shoe store for several years, and sold out on ac- count of poor health. He was an invalid for five years. He died January 20, 1892. He and his wife joined the M. E. church before the old M. E. church was moved to Lone Tree, and were always faithful members. Mr. and Mrs. Constant had four daughters born to them: Mrs. J. W. Croneweth, of
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Sigourney; Mrs. F. H. Kirchner, of Lone Tree; Miss Ella Constant, of Lone Tree; Mrs. J. R. McVickers, of Sigourney. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Constant were pioneers of Johnson county, having moved here nearly 40 years ago. Mrs. Con- stant is still living in Lone Tree.
JOHN G. ANDREWS
John G. Andrews is one of the well-known farmers of Graham township and lives in honorable retirement on the eighty acres of land he first purchased in the region. He came to Johnson county when land was cheap and his possessions have doubled in value several times since he made his first purchase of land in 1875. He was born in Pennsylvania, Jan- uary 4, 1846, son of Joseph and Johanna (Garrett) Andrews, natives of the same state, the father born in 1819 and the mother in 1815. They came west in 1860 and the mother died in 1890 and the father passed away in Graham township, June 3, 1911. He was a millwright and farmer and worked in grist mills in his native state, also after coming to Iowa. He and his wife had three children: Mary Jane, unmarried; John G., of this sketch; and William, of Morse, a sketch of whom appears in this work. The family came to Madison county, Iowa, in 1868, and lived there until the spring of 1876.
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