USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 62
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Mr. Andrews has followed farming all his life, and in 1875 bought eighty acres of land where he now lives, forty acres of which were a part of the old pioneer farm of Henry Felkner, and forty acres were formerly owned by E. B. Moore, who sold it to E. B. Morse, from whom, in 1875, Mr. Andrews pur- chased it at $35 per acre. Mr. Andrews purchased his east eighty acres, the James Ryan quarter section, in 1880, at $60 per acre, and, all of this land is now (1912) valued at $200 per acre. Mr. Andrews also owns 113 acres of land comprising the old John Hope estate. The first purchase of land contained no buildings and was literally covered with cockle-burrs. He brought it to a tillable state and has put in tiling and constructed fences. In 1885 he moved the old James Ryan house, which forms the north part of his residence, and added to it. In 1880 he erected the building he now uses for
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
a stock barn, 30 by 20 feet, with 16 foot shed, at first used as a granary. In 1899 he put up a more modern building, 42 by 56 feet, with 20 foot posts, and having a capacity of 75 to 80 tons of hay. In 1905 he erected a handsome residence for his son, a short distance north of his home.
Mr. Andrews has always believed in high-grade stock. His farms are stocked with some 35 head of Hereford cattle and 80 head of Duroc Jersey hogs. In 1911 his corn crop averaged 75 bushels to the acre. He now has both his farms rented, one to his son and one to his son-in-law. He has been an enter- prising and ambitious farmer and has prospered in all his undertakings.
RESIDENCE OF J. G. ANDREWS
Mr. Andrews was married, in 1872, by Rev. Miller of the Baptist church, to Miss Rhoda M. Rusk, a native of Knox county, Illinois, their union taking place in Madison county, Iowa. She was born October 8, 1855, daughter of Anderson and Elizabeth (Forbes) Rusk, natives of Indiana, who came to Madison county, Iowa, in the fall of 1868, where both died. Five children were born of their marriage, namely: Mary S., born April 20, 1875, married R. Shepard and they have three children, Blanche, Charlotte, and Elma; William J., born July 2, 1879, married Ellen Eggenberg and lives a little distance south of his father, as mentioned above. Three are deceased, Eva, Johanna, and Alice. Eva is buried in the Cravan ceme-
JOHN G. ANDREWS AND FAMILY
4
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BIOGRAPHICAL
tery in Madison county, and the other two are buried in the Morse cemetery.
Mr. Andrews and family have a good standing in the com- munity and are identified with its best interests. He served nine consecutive years as township trustee and later served two years more in the same office. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and to the Legion of Honor. He has well earned the comparative ease he now enjoys, having worked hard from his youth, and to a good purpose.
ALBERT P. ROHRET
The name of Rohret is well known in Johnson county, where it has long stood for good citizenship and upright dealing. Albert P. Rohret is a native of the county, born in Union town- ship, September 14, 1859, son of Adam and Barbara (Long) Rohret. The father was born in Bavaria in 1826 and came to America in young manhood. He was married in 1852 in lowa county, Iowa, by Father McCormick, to Miss Long, their union taking place in a little Catholic church ,with neither a door nor a window in it. In 1895 Mr. Rohret retired from active life and located in Oxford, where he died in 1904. Of their six sons and four daughters all the sons and one daughter now survive. The latter is Mrs. Ed Everett, of West Lucas town- ship.
Wolfgang and Katherine (Shellhorn) Rohret left Bavaria, their native land, July 4, 1840, and landed in Baltimore after a voyage of eight weeks. They came by rail and canal to Pittsburg, thence down the Ohio river to the Mississippi and up that river to St. Louis and on to Burlington, Iowa. They then came through the wilderness with an ox team to Johnson county, forded the English river at the present site of River- side, and arrived at Old Man's creek, Sharon township, where they took up their habitation in the woods. They first lived on Section 31. For some time lived in true pioneer style, their shanty being made of round logs, held together with wooden pegs in lieu of nails. They had fifty acres of land in that home, but after occupying it about two years, removed to another location in the same section, where they erected an-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
other log house and occupied it about twenty-five years. Dur- ing an early day Wolfgang and Adam Rohret worked on the old capitol building, walking to and from their work, a dis- tance of some twelve miles.
Albert Rohret was educated in the local schools and re- mained on the home farm until reaching maturity. This place is now the property of his brother Benjamin G., cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank at Oxford. The latter was born May 31, 1874, educated in the common schools and Iowa City Academy, and in 1904 came to Oxford to work in the Security Bank, now known as the Farmers Savings Bank. He married Mary E. Healy, daughter of J. R. Healy, a retired farmer of Cedar township, and she died November 14, 1906, leaving two daughters, Esther and Mary.
At the age of twenty-one years Albert P. Rohret began working in a general store in Oxford. He and his brother John H. established a general store, under the style of Rohret Brothers, in 1881, this arrangement continuing until 1890, when the former retired from the business and moved to what is now Cosgrove, where he erected a building and established the first store in that town. He erected the first residence in the town, of which he was the founder, and served as the first postmaster, holding office five years. His brother John H. continued the store in Oxford until 1895, when he and Albert established the Security Bank, now the Farmers State Bank. They are two of the most prominent citizens of Oxford, John- son county, and have taken an active part in building up pub- lic enterprises there. John Henry Rohret served two years as mayor. He is vice president of the Rundell Land & Improve- ment Company, of Iowa City, vice president of the Iowa City Street Railway Company, and a member of the Commercial Club, Iowa City, where he now resides. All the Rohret famil- ies are members of the Catholic church, several of them be- longing to St. Mary's parish, Oxford. Albert P. belongs to the building committee which has charge of the new church edifice to replace the one now occupied by St. Mary's congre- gation.
Mr. Rohret was married to Miss Virginia Floerchinger, daughter of Adam Floerchinger, and three children have been born of their union: Adams, Cletus, and Gertrude.
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The family are well known in social circles and have many friends.
Adam Floerchinger was born in Germany in 1883, and died in Oxford, Iowa, February 7, 1886. He was a son of Henry Floerchinger and wife, who spent their entire lives in Ger- many, the father dying when Adam Floerchinger was thirteen years old. The latter was educated in his native country and took up the occupation of farmer. He came to America about the close of the Civil War, and came west to Johnson county, Iowa. He located on a farm of eighty acres in Oxford town- ship, raised one crop there and then moved to the present site of Oxford, where he opened a hotel. For eleven years he and his wife conducted this hostelry, then sold out to his brother George and retired from active life. This place was a rendez- vous for the early priests who came to minister to the spiritual needs of the Catholics of the region, among those who are well remembered being Right Reverend Bishop Davis, who was for some time located in the county. When the town of Oxford was laid out Mr. Floerchinger held considerable land which was laid out in town lots, and was one of the prominent early citizens there. For eight years prior to his death he was a great sufferer. He and his wife were indefatigable in their work for their church and helped very materially when the first church, known as St. Mary's, was erected, and later helped pay for the addition which was made in 1877. Mr. Floerchinger influenced his brother George to come to Amer- ica, and the latter has had no reason to regret this move.
In 1862 Mr. Floerchinger was united in marriage with Kathrina -, who was born in Germany in 1833. She now resides in Oxford, having seen the place progress and develop from a hazel brush stage to its prosperity. Her husband helped in bringing about its incorporation, first as a village and later as a city, and was much interested in its growth. Children as follows were born to them: Jennie, wife of Mr. Rohret, as above mentioned; John William, an under- taker of Oxford, married Rose Hiney, of Iowa City, and they have one son, Ira. Mr. Floerchinger was one of the most pub- lic-spirited and popular citizens of his township and county, winning many firm friends during his residence there. He died a devout Catholic, as he had lived one, and was buried in
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Mount Calvary Cemetery at Oxford. After his death his widow removed to Iowa City and held her residence there some eight years, then returned to Oxford.
Mr. Rohret is one of the best-known men in his part of the county and is recognized as an able business man and enter- prising citizen. He and his brother have done much to build up the town of Oxford and have always been found in the front ranks of any movement to benefit their community. They have extensive realty interests in Oxford and in farm lands nearby and are interested in various local enterprises.
BREWSTER WATSON GARDNER
The Gardners are among the older and better known fami- lies of the early settlers of Johnson county. They have al- ways stood for whatever represented good citizenship and have helped materially in the development of the region. Brewster W. Gardner, now occupying the old home farm in Gardner township, has spent the greater part of his life within the limits of the county and has a strong affection for the place that has been his home so many years. He was born at Painesville, Ohio, May 18, 1858, fifth of the seven children born to Jeffrey Watson and Sarah E. (Brewster) Gardner. Jeffrey. W. Gardner was born in Albany county, New York, on Christ- mas Day, 1823, and died in Washington county, Iowa, June 12, 1907. He learned his trade of wagon maker in his native county. Sarah E. Brewster was born in New York, July 1, 1823, and died in Washington county, Iowa, July 4, 1911. She was a daughter of John Otis Brewster and a descendant of Judge Brewster. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner lived to celebrate their golden wedding and won a large number of friends in their pioneer home. Both are buried in Washington county, just over the line from Johnson county.
Children as follows were born to Jeffrey W. Gardner and his wife: Hannah, Serena, Elizabeth, Mary, Brewster W., of this sketch; Rhoda, married Dr. B. F. Allen, a physician and surgeon, now retired from practice, and they live at Kalona, Iowa; William, died in infancy. But two of these children now survive, Brewster W., and Rhoda.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
The father of the family just mentioned left his native state for Ohio and there followed his trade of wagon making until 1868, the year of his locating in Iowa. He opened a wagon- making shop at Fairview, Johnson county, where he also did blacksmithing. In 1880 he purchased a farm of 200 acres, which he and his only surviving son carried on in partnership until 1891, when the latter purchased it.
Since coming into possession of the home farm Brewster W. Gardner has made a number of improvements in various ways. He has remodeled the house, has put in a large amount of tiling, and has the place well stocked. It is all in shape to be cultivated and is well drained. He has it well stocked and furnished with modern machinery and appliances for success- fully carrying on operations. During 1911 Mr. Gardner had over one hundred bushels to the acre from a ten acre field of corn. In 1910 he erected a silo with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five tons. He stands well in his community and is an influential member of the local branch of the Farmers' Alliance. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Morse. In political views he is a republican, but he is too busy with his farming operations to take a very active part in public affairs, although interested in every local event and movement.
In 1884 Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Miss Mary Cochran, by Rev. Geo. B. Smith, of the Presbyterian church at Fairview, daughter of Matthew Russell and Adaline (Douglass) Cochran, early settlers of Johnson county, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Three sons have blessed this union : Roscoe A., Russell O., and Charles W., all at home.
JOHN PARSONS (Deceased)
Johnson county lost one of its most honored citizens in the death of the late John Parsons, who passed away at his home in Graham township on April 27, 1911. He was a native of Somersetshire, England, born March 4, 1833, a son of George and Elizabeth Parsons, who spent their entire lives in their native land. The father was a descendant of Abraham and
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Priscilla (Perkins) Parsons, the latter being a son of Josiah and Betsy (Cambridge) Parsons. Abraham Parsons had six sons and five daughters; the daughters died young, but six of the sons reached maturity and reared families, their names be- ing Robert, John, William, Josiah, George, and James.
John Parsons, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was well educated in his native country and as a young man made a trip across the Atlantic to New York in an old sailing vessel which consumed nine weeks in the voyage. He returned to England, but some years later made a second trip, this time in a steamship, accompanied by his bride, whose maiden name was Jane Ham. Their marriage took place March 28, 1867, at
RESIDENCE OF JANE PARSONS
Bristol, England, and in May of the same year they embarked for New York, which they reached after a voyage of two weeks' duration. Their first child was born in the state of New York, and soon after this event they came west to John- son county. Mr. Parsons purchased a home for himself and family in Section 5, Graham township, which they began to occupy when the first-born of their children was about one year old. There were a few old buildings on the place and they began housekeeping in a two-room house. He found the few other buildings needed remodeling or to be replaced, and as he was able he made such improvements. Much of the land had to be broken and in later years he tiled that part of the
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BIOGRAPHICAL
land which needed this improvement and built good fences all over the place. He was always actively engaged in providing for the needs of his family and was most thoughtful for their comfort. He set out a fine orchard, which has been a source of pleasure and profit. He erected a good residence when he was able to do so and also put up several other substantial build- ings from time to time.
Mr. Parsons served a number of years as a member of the school board and also was roadmaster. He became one of the most substantial citizens in his part of the county, where he won wide popularity and was recognized as a true Christian and a kind, pleasant neighbor. He had many warm friends who sincerely mourned his loss, and his presence and kindly influence were missed from many circles. He and his wife had eleven children, nine of whom now survive : William, the eldest, whose birthplace was New York; Julia, wife of John Zimmer- man, of Butler county, Iowa; a child who died in infancy; George, a farmer of Graham township, married Miss Martha Borschel; Mary Alverda, who married Henry Scharch, of Kansas; Robert, lives in Graham township; Arthur, married Kate Long, and they reside in Buchanan, Iowa; Thomas, mar- ried Lillian Hilborn; Matilda is the wife of Alvin Crosby; Al- bert and Leroy operate the home place. Mr. Parsons died April 27, 1911, after a long, well-spent and useful life. His widow retains the old farm, which now contains 11216 acres of choice farming land. She has thirty-one grandchildren, of whom she is very fond and proud.
Mrs. Parsons is the daughter of Robert and Charlotte (Dibble) Ham, both of whom died in England. She has two brothers and a sister living, the latter in western Canada. One of the brothers still lives in England. Mrs. Parsons is a faithful member of the Christian church and follows the Good Book for her guide in directing her thoughts and actions. She is proud of her children and of the part her husband took in local affairs during his life time.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
LOUIS CASTEK
Several substantial farmers of Johnson county have spent their entire lives on the place that is the scene of their opera- tions, and in this way they have become familiar with every acre of ground in their possession, with its potentialities and with the best method for achieving the maximun of profit from it. Such a man is Louis Castek, of a family that has long been prominent in Monroe township, born on his father's farm there, June 20, 1879, a son of Joseph and Annie (Coufal) Castek, natives of Bohemia.
RESIDENCE OF LOUIS CASTEK
A sketch of the father appears elsewhere in connection with that of his son Joseph, Jr., which is given in this work, with extensive mention of his family. Of his eight children, Louis was the youngest in order of birth, and was reared and edu- cated in his native township.
Mr. Castek engaged in farming for himself when he was twenty years old and has become one of the most successful farmers in his neighborhood, carrying on his work according to modern methods and being recognized as a good business man and enterprising citizen. He has continued on the home farm and has taken active part in the life of the community. He is a democrat in politics, and is now serving as trustee of Monroe township. He belong to Shueyville Camp No. 5382,
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are well known in social circles and have many friends.
In June, 1903, Mr. Castek was united in marriage with Miss Anna Lopata, a native of Linn county, born in December, 1885, daughter of Joseph Lopata, now living in Monroe town- ship, Jackson county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Castek, Louis and Alma.
CHARLES LOUGAR
Among the well known and successful farmers of Johnson county are many young men who have spent their entire lives there. One of these, a native of the county, is Charles Lougar, of Monroe township, of an old and prominent family of the region. He was born in Monroe township, November 22, 1883, son of Krank and Frances (Kile) Lougar. The parents were born, reared, and married in Bohemia, and came to Am- erica in 1878, locating on a farm of forty acres in Johnson county, where their children were born and reared to ma- turity. There the father followed farming and made im- provements on his farm, becoming an influential and useful citizen. He carried on his operations in ths way until his death, in 1902, while still in the prime of life. He left a widow and six children: Frank lives in South Dakota; Fan- nie is Mrs. Joseph Broz, of Monroe township; Joseph lives in South Dakota; Annie is Mrs. John Coufal and lives in Iowa county; Charles and Anton, live in Monroe township. The father of these children left many friends in the community who sincerely mourned his loss. His widow takes an active interest and participation in the life of her neighborhood and is held in high respect. She and her sons have managed the home farm with good judgment and ability and have made it highly productive.
Charles Lougar received his education in Monroe township and early learned the habits of industry and self-reliance. He has made his influence felt in the community and gives his support to the democratic party. He is a devout member of the Catholic church and helpful in its various lines of work. He is unmarried. He is well liked and popular and has a good standng with his fellows.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
FREDERICK FUHRMEISTER
A well-known and popular citizen of Johnson county is Fred- erick Fuhrmeister, an early settler, who has taken an honor- able part in the development and upbuilding of his community. He was born in Germany, November 23, 1838, son of Frederick and Louise (Diekman) Fuhrmeister. The parents came to America in 1847 and located at once on a farm in Newport township, Johnson county. The mother died soon after the family's arrival and the father spent the remainder of his life there. He died many years since but is remembered among the early settlers as an upright and useful citizen, who carried on his work with energy and industry. He and his wife had four children : Dora, Frederick, Elizabeth, and Louise.
After coming to Johnson county, Frederick Fuhrmeister attended school a few years, but his time and assistance were early required on the home farm. Upon reaching maturity he chose farming as his occupation and has pursued it with success ever since. His first farm contained 100 acres of land and he kept adding to his possessions until he was the owner of 315 acres in Newport township. He was able to retire from active life in 1910 and now makes his home with his son Frank.
Mr. Fuhrmeister was married in 1861 to Miss Mary For- wald, a native of Graham township, but of German parentage. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Slater) Forwald. She died March 7, 1896, and is buried in the Catholic ceme- tery. Ten children were born to Mr. Fuhrmeister and wife: Louise, Mrs. Charles Weider, of Iowa City; Fred, John, and William, of Newport township; Frank, of Newport township, with whom the father resides; Philip, of Cedar Rapids ; Ann, wife of John Bolei, of Iowa City; Henry, of Iowa City; Ed- ward died at the age of twenty-four years; Charles lives in Iowa City, married Elizabeth Semrad.
Mr. Fuhrmeister is a democrat in politics and has held many township offices. He belongs to the German Lutheran church at Iowa City. He is a representative and public-spirited citi- zen, and during his long residence in Johnson county has made a large number of warm friends. He has proven his upright integrity and high character in his dealings with his fellows and has a good standing in the community.
MR. AND MRS. J. V. BULINE
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BIOGRAPHICAL
JAMES V. BULINE
One of the native sons of Bohemia who has made good as a farmer and citizen of Lincoln township is James V. Buline, son of Vaclav and Annie (Motis) Buline, who came to Amer- ica with his parents when twelve years of age. The date of his birth was August 7, 1854. The Buline family first set- tled in Washington county, Iowa, where they resided about ten years on one farm and then removed to another part of the same county and resided six years on a new farm, at the end of which time our subject decided to remove to Lincoln township. The parents remained in Washington county until 1885, when they removed to Jackson county, Minnesota, where
RESIDENCE OF J. V. BULINE
they lived the remainder of their lives. Father Buline died in June, 1909, at the age of eighty-six, and his wife died in December, 1910, at the age of eighty-seven. There were five children in the family of Vaclav and Annie Buline: Frank Roscoe, who died in 1908 in Jackson county, Minnesota ; Mary, now Mrs. Skubal, living at Riverside, Iowa; Kate, now Mrs. L. Hruby, living at Estherville, Iowa; our subject; Barbara, wife of Frank Shimitz, who died in Washington county.
James V. Buline chose farming for his life work, and be- gan for himself at the age of twenty-eight, having previously worked faithfully with his parents on the farms owned by them. The first farm he purchased was in Lincoln township
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
and consisted of 242 acres. He added to his holdings in 1910 by the purchase of a 160-acre farm in Fremont township. These places are in a high state of cultivation and, under the effective management of our subject, are among the most pro- ductive of that part of Johnson county.
In December, 1882, Mr. Buline was married to Miss Frances Himek, who was born in Bohemia, and came with her parents to America at the age of six years. The latter settled in Washington county, Iowa, and after residing there three years removed to Lincoln township, Johnson county. Mr. and Mrs. Buline are the parents. of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Mary, now Mrs. Stephen Schussler, living in Lincoln township; Clara, now Mrs. Elmer Stock, living in Lincoln township; Frances, now Mrs. Roscoe Plum, living in Lincoln township; James F., who was mar- ried January 26, 1912, to Miss Ella Fonchek of Pleasant Val- ley township, living on our subject's farm in Fremont town- ship; Charles, Ralph, William and Bessie, all living at home.
Democratic in politics, Mr. Buline takes a practical inter- est in public affairs. He has been township trustee and pres- ident of the school board of his township for six years. He has also been chairman of the township health board for the same period, and has been road supervisor for ten years. He is in the prime of life and confidently looks forward to many years of activity and usefulness-a consummation which his many friends will devoutly wish.
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