USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 65
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"Soon after the appointed hour the guests began to arrive. They came in a steady current until house and lawn were full. At nine o'clock, the hour which had been set for the devotional and literary exercises, it was thought that no less than four hundred were present. Mr. and Mrs. Clark received their friends in the front parlor, standing beneath a large floral bell. They were assisted by their daughter, Mrs. Webb, their grand- daughter, Miss Ada Webb, by Mrs. W. B. Erskine, of Louis- ville, Kentucky, a sister of Mr. Clark, Mr. Frank Erskine, a nephew, Mrs. Benjamin, and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pank, of Chi- cago.
"Refreshments were served in tents and from tables suitably disposed on the lawn. From early in the evening these tables were surrounded by a constantly changing crowd, and were the scene of hearty greetings among friends who had not met for many months, it may be for many years.
"At nine o'clock the crowd collected on and around the large platform. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were escorted to seats at the
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west end. A table and chair for the minister were near by. Pisha's excellent band was called on for a suitable selection of music. Mr. Clute read appropriate selections from the Bible, and offered a prayer of thanksgiving and joy. Mrs. Mary M. Clute rendered with touching effect a piano solo, 'Nearer, My God, to Thee,' arranged by Ryder."
Addresses, interspersed with songs, some of them written for the occasion and set to popular music, followed. We give the leading sentiments from some of the principal addresses :
Rev. O. Clute said : "Our meeting tonight is a testimony of our high appreciation of our beloved friends, who fifty years ago established a home, and through comparative poverty at first, through changes, misfortunes, sorrows, pleasures, pros- perity and joy, have been loyal to each other and loyal to the home. That home has been the abode of purity never sullied, of temperance, of industry, of frugality, of hospitality, of a genuine religion having its roots deep in the faith in Infinite Goodness, and in the divine possibilities which that goodness has opened before every soul."
Dr. A. C. Cowperthwaite, on behalf of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, said: "I extend to you tonight not only the congratulations of the Odd Fellows and their Rebekahs in Eureka lodge, and in Iowa City, and in the state of Iowa, but I have also the especial honor of conveying to you the congrat- ulations and good wishes of your distinguished associates, the members of the Sovereign Grand lodge, with which you have been so long identified. These brothers, representing every state in our Union, join with us in extending their most hearty congatulations."
Mrs. J. E. Matthews, Most Worthy Grand Matron of the Gen- eral Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, of Rock- ford, Iowa, having been detained by the illness of a son, sent a letter, which was read. Among other beautiful sentiments were the following: "Today no brother or sister of the order has garnered more golden sheaves of love and good will than you.
. . I extend to you my hearty congratulation and sis- terly greeting. May you be permitted to journey on, if it please the Heavenly Grand Patron, until the milestone is reached which marks the diamond hour of your wedded life."
Hon. Moses Bloom, of Iowa City, in behalf of the citizens,
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said: "In this age of divorce and premature death, this good family are living patterns of the possibilities of the bliss and felicity obtainable by those who seek for the virtues of life, and the best traits in the human character. . On behalf of many citizens, friends and neighbors, I have expressed senti- ments in which all gladly join. We congratulate you sin- cerely." Senator Bloom then presented the tea service above mentioned.
On behalf of the Knights of Pythias, in presenting a frater- nal watch charm, Dr. E. F. Clapp, among many witty and unique sentiments, said: "And the boys desired me to offer you this little trinket of gold as a token of their regards, and to wish both you and Jane many happy years, and to further say that we all expect to be invited to your diamond wedding, at which time we will place in the center of this charm a diamond as large and as pure as the heart of her who has walked loving- ly by your side all these fifty years."
Hon. J. C. Schrader, for the Masonic fraternity, said: "A very pleasant duty has been assigned me on this happy occa- sion, of extending to you the earnest, heartfelt congratulations of the Masonic fraternity. Brother Clark, for thirty-two years you have been identified with, and a patron of Masonry in Iowa City. You have been an earnest, consistent member of the or- der for all these long years, an an almost constant attendant at its meetings, a willing worker, a ready helper, an earnest defender of its sublime principles."
Hon. George W. Ball, for the Knights Templar, in present- ing a gold-headed cane, said: "And now that you are de- scending the hill of life, though your heart is no less true, yet your eye is less keen and your step less steady than of yore; and as you travel toward the setting sun, as a support in your declining years, you will need this Pilgrim's Staff, which, in be- half of the Sir Knights assembled here, I now present you. Take it, Sir Knight, and as you journey on your way, ever re- member that you can sefaly rely upon the glittering arch of steel for protection and defense, and that the prayers of all true Knights will accompany you to that Asylum beyond the river. . . There, having sheathed your sword, and laid aside your staff, your rest will be eternal."
Many letters and telegrams of congratualtion were read,
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after which Mrs. Mary M. Clute, on behalf of the church, said : "Dear Mrs. Clark (presenting a coffee urn), will you accept our gift? It is filled to overflowing with the affection and good will of all in your church. They have honored me by asking me to express to you our appreciation of your kind and un- selfish nature, and of your unswerving fidelity as a wife, a mother, a friend and a Christian, along with the hope that we (or our descendants) may yet meet to place a diamond over the inscription."
The historian then concludes: "After the benediction by Mr. Clute, the large company scattered through the house and grounds, offering congratulations to the bride and groom, ad- miring the beautiful gifts, enjoying the elegant refreshments, exchanging hearty greetings, and joining in the merry dance. The first dance of the evening was led by Mr. Clark, the groom, and Mrs. H. N. McDonald, of West Liberty."
John Norwood Clark was born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, July 30, 1814, and died in Iowa City February 17, 1904. He was the son of Rev. Joseph and Elizabeth (Lyon) Clark, both natives of Maryland and of English descent, their remote ancestors having emigrated from England to the South in an early day. Rev. Joseph Clark was a Methodist minister, bet- ter known as a 'circuit rider." In 1822 he removed with his wife to Wheeling, West Virginia, from Baltimore, where they lived several years. He was then called to Steubenville, Ohio. After a sojourn there of some years, he returned to Baltimore. Later he again went to Ohio, where he died in 1860 at the age of seventy-four. His wife survived to the advanced age of ninety- four, dying in 1876.
Our subject was educated in part in the schools of his native city of Baltimore. July 28, 1836, he was married to Jane Sturtevant, a native of Halifax, Massachusetts, who had re- moved to Baltimore when sixteen years of age for the benefit of her health, and where her acquaintance with Mr. Clark be- gan. The wedding took place at Ellicott's Mills, Anne Arun- del county. In the spring of 1837 Mr. Clark went from Elli- cott's Mills to Pittsburgh on foot, with his knap-sack on his back. There he found employment as a shoemaker, and soon sent for his young wife. For about two years they remained in Pittsburgh, when his health failed, and the couple returned
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to the more favorable climate of Baltimore. In 1841 they again went to Pittsburgh, but again the climate affected Mr. Clark's health, and in the spring of 1843 they went to Cincin- nati. There they resided for ten years, during which Mr. Clark followed his occupation of shoemaking. In October, 1853, the family came to Iowa City, and Mr. Clark opened a shoe store on the corner where the First National bank now stands. Later he became a clerk in the jewelry store of Charles Robbins. In 1855 he was elected city marshal, and the same year began business as a dealer in toys and notions. His store came to be known as the "Old Curiosity Shop," and was suc- cessfully conducted by Mr. Clark for many years.
Our subject was many times honored with positions of public trust. He was city treasurer in 1873; assessor in 1877-79-80- 81; township trustee many years ; township clerk ten years con- secutively ; served on the election board at the Court House voting precinct every year but one from 1856 until his death. Fraternally, he took high rank. He was a Knight Templar, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias. He was a Past Grand Master, Treasurer of the Grand Encampment, and Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Odd Fellows of Iowa.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark, of whom Amanda, widow of S. F. Webb, of Iowa City, is the sole sur- vivor. Mr. Webb was a well known merchant tailor, number- ing among his patrons the leading people of Iowa City. He formerly resided in Ohio. For eleven years prior to his death he was an invalid. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Webb, Ada, now Mrs. Henry Louis, a druggist on College street. The latter have two children, Nena and Norwood Clark Louis. The Lonis family and Mrs. Webb reside at 319 South Linn street. Mrs. Webb is a woman of culture and re- finement, a lover of books and of nature. She has traveled ex- tensively from coast to coast, but Iowa City, which she has seen grow up from villagedom to a great center of education, has the first place in her affections. She is a member of the Unitarian church and many social clubs.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
JOSEPH W. MELLECKER
Joseph W. Mellecker was born on the farm he now owns and occupies, on Section 32, Liberty township, Johnson county, and first saw the light on August 14, 1872. He is a son of John and Caroline (Schultz) Mellecker, early settlers of the community. The Schultz family is mentioned more fully in another sketch within these pages. John Mellecker was born in Germany, April 23, 1829, and died on the old homestead in Johnson county, October 4, 1907. His wife was born November 12, 1831, and died January 7, 1904. Both were original members of St. Stanislaus church and are buried in the cemetery there, about two and one-quarter miles from their comfortable farm residence. A beautiful granite monument marks their resting place, and on it is engraved a cross.
The parents came to Iowa in 1853, the year Iowa City was incorporated as a city, and the remainder of their lives was spent peacefully and happily in their Johnson county home. Mrs. Mellecker had six brothers. One brother survives in his eighty-seventh year. He is the father of J. Otto Schultz, a prominent business man and the president of the lowa City Street Railway Company. She also has another brother, John, who resides in Chicago. John Mellecker was a successful farmer and very fond of good stock, which he kept on his es- tate. He was a son of Francis Xavier, who had the following five children : Frank, Joseph, Vincent, John, Catherine, who married Joseph Ruppenkamp. John lived in Missouri two years prior to locating in Liberty township, Johnson county. Upon coming to the latter place he located at South Liberty, then known by the name of Bon Accord. He worked in the distillery there and also carried on some farming. Later he purchased 120 acres of wild prairie land, which he improved, and kept adding to his holdings. When his sons were grown he retired from active life. He served his district as a member of the school board for a number of years and was popular among his neighbors, making many friends. He and his wife had children as follows: Caroline, married (first) Simon Kueneman, by whom she had four children, and (second) John Beach, of Riverside, and they have five children; John died at the age of three years ; John (2) died in 1896; Josephine mar-
JOS. MELLECKER
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ried Richard Heitzman, a prominent farmer of Section 31, Liberty township, and they have six children; Frances married Charles A. Gross, a sketch of whom appears in this work; three sons died of diphtheria, two in one day, and are buried all together in St. Stanislaus cemetery ; Joseph, subject of this sketch ; Louise, wife of I. G. Birrer, who is given a sketch with- in these pages. The parents of these children died as they had lived, devout and faithful Catholics, and reared their children in the same faith.
In boyhood Joseph W. Mellecker attended the district school. He early turned his attention to agriculture and has always followed this occupation. He has 240 acres of choice land on the home place and keeps thoroughbred stock. He also rents land adjoining and has ninety acres in corn. He has several kinds of small grain and a beautiful meadow pasture. He uses modern methods and machinery and is progressive in every sense of the word. His fine herd of polled Hereford cattle, his Hampshire hogs, and splendid Percheron horses make a picturesque sight as they graze on the farm pasture. He takes especial pride in keeping his stock in good shape and keeps efficient help, spending most of his own time in supervision of the work of operating the place. Most of his corn yield in the year 1911 was sixty-five bushels to the acre, although part of it yielded as much as seventy to eighty bushels, a record that is hard to equal. His timothy seed and clover are bringing in good returns, and he shows excellent judgment in his manage- ment of his affairs. The whole farm is well fenced and is pro- vided with substantial buildings for various uses. It is well drained and is supplied with several kinds of fruit.
Mr. Mellecker was married in the Catholic church at River- side, April 28, 1896, to Miss Magdeline Birrer, fifth child of Martin Birrer, a sketch of whom is to be found in this volume. Ten children have been born of this union: Francis, born March 10, 1897, attends school; Bernard, born August, 1898, died March 8, 1899; Urban, born July 14, 1900, at home ; John, born July 22, 1902, who was named for his grandfather Mel- lecker; Albert, born December 4, 1903; Celeste, born July 2, 1905; Cletus, born July 16, 1907; Leonard, born October 17, 1908; Adrian, born August 5, 1910, died August 23, 1910; and Joseph, born January 19, 1912, who is named after his father.
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All are being reared Catholics and those who are old enough have attended the Sisters' School and St. Joseph's School at Hills. Mr. Mellecker is an enterprising and popular citizen and for the past four years has served on the board of trustees, being elected chairman in 1911. He was also school director for six years.
JEROME LOUVAR
Jerome Louvar is a native son of Jefferson township, John- son county, and carries on the business of farming on his native heath, an occupation which he has followed from early youth. He was born April 22, 1876, and at twenty-three years of age began business on his own account on ninety-six acres which he purchased in 1899. He cultivated this farm for three years, when he sold it and bought his present fine farm of 167 acres, which he has cultivated ever since, and which is his present res- idence.
The parents of Mr. Louvar are Frank and Mary (Fibicker) Louvar, the former a native of Bohemia, the latter of Jefferson township. Frank Louvar came to America with his parents when twelve years of age, and settled with them upon a farm in Jefferson township. He is still a resident and farmer of that township. Our subject is the oldest of the eight children. His brother Frank lives also on a farm in Jefferson township, and two brothers, Joseph and George, reside at home with their parents.
In 1899 Mr. Louvar was married to Miss Josephine Gregor, a native of Jefferson township, who was formerly a school teacher in that township. They have three children, Lumer, Jerry, and Phillis.
Mr. Louvar is a democrat in politics, and is at present town- ship trustee, an office which he has held for three years. He has in the past held other local offices. He is a member of the C. S. P. S. Society at Western, Iowa, and of the Farmers' So- ciety of .Jefferson township. Fully identified with the progres- sive interests of his township, Mr. Louvar stands for the best in Iowa citizenship. Having the respect and confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens, and being in the full vigor of
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useful manhood, he has every reason to look forward to many years of activity. His many friends will wish him success and godspeed.
HENRY A. KNEASE
The subject of this sketh, Henry A. Knease, is a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was born Novem- ber 16, 1855. His parents were Adam and Catherine (Heck) Knease. The father was born October 30, 1830, at Nassen- Hesse, Germany. Was educated in his native land and in 1853 emigrated to America and located on a farm near Philadel- phia where he worked for one and a half years and then took up his residence in Philadelphia. On March 8, 1855, he was
RESIDENCE OF HENRY A. KNEASE
united in marriage to Miss Catherine Heck of Philadelphia. In 1868 he decided to try his fortunes in the further west and removed with his family to Johnson county, Iowa, where he located on what was known as the Lee farm, comprising 112 acres, section 1, Scott township. Became a successful farmer and here he passed his remaining days. His death occurred July 17, 1904. He was a member of the German Lutheran church. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Knease: Henry, our subject, George of West Branch, and , Annie.
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The parents of Mrs. Henry Knease were William and Mary (Hobbs) Meardon, both natives of Devonshire, England. William Meardon was born November 6, 1831. In 1856 he emigrated to Upper Canada where he remained for about three years. Here he was married to Miss Mary Hobbs, June 29, 1856, also a native of Devonshire, England. In 1859 came with his family to Johnson county, Iowa, and resided in Iowa City until 1862 when he located on a farm in Scott township which has been his abiding place since that time, with the ex- ception of six years' residence in Pleasant Valley township. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, wife of Henry Knease; Fannie R., wife of George Bowen; Frederick M., married Mary Adz; Albert E., and Chas. S.
Mr. and Mrs. Meardon were both members of the Presby. terian church. The paternal grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Folland) Meardon, both natives of Devonshire, England, where they were reared, educated, and married. They reared a large family of children and lived to a ripe old age. The maternal grandfather, Stephen Hopper, spent his entire life in Devonshire.
Henry Knease was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools at West Branch. In 1883 he engaged in farm- ing in Graham township where he remained until 1907 when he sold out and removed to Iowa City and established an auto garage. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Meardon. They are the parents of three children: Roy Henry, Guy William, and Tacie M.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knease are members of the M. E. church at Iowa City. Mr. Knease votes the democratic ticket.
FRANK T. BREENE
Men sometimes meet with success in business, in trade or speculation merely through chance, or by a combination of favorable circumstances, deserving no credit really for any such result from their own personal endeavor. But to succeed in a professional career, to build up and sustain an established practice, to gain a reputation for skill and efficiency in that profession, these results are not attained through any element
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of chance whatever, but almost entirely by natural ability com- bined with energy, determination and long hours of faithful and intelligent work.
Dr. Frank T. Breene is one of the prominent and well known 6 members of the dental profession and is recognized as an au- thority on dental subjects. His offices are located in the John- son County Savings Bank building, Iowa City.
Dr. Breene was born at Durant, Iowa, November 4, 1866, son of George T. Breene, native of New York, and Henrietta H. (Merrill) Breene, native of Connecticut. After graduating at the Wilton high school in 1884 he was employed as assistant
RESIDENCE OF FRANK T. BREENE
postmaster at Wilton. In 1888 he entered the dental depart- ment of the S. U. I. and the medical department in 1893. He devoted eight years exclusively to college work as instructor.
In June, 1901, at San Jose, California, Dr. Breene was mar- ried to Mary M. Beermaker, daughter of Andrew and Amanda Beermaker. (See sketch of Andrew Beermaker). They have one child, Frank Eugene Breene.
Dr. Breene was president of the Iowa State Dental Society in 1897. He is professor of Operative Dentistry and Thera- peuties at the State University of Iowa. He is a member of the National Dental Association, also of the American Medical Association.
870
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
ANDREW BEERMAKER
It has been the endeavor of the publishers of these volumes to collect and place in enduring form a history of the lives of those who have aided in the growth and development of this section of Iowa and to preserve their recollections of pioneer days. Years roll by so rapidly that time is fast thinning the ranks of those who were the vanguard of civilization in John- son county and only as the participants in the events of the early days tell the tale of life here when the county was a pion- eer district, can we hope to have an authentic record. No one is more deserving of honorable mention in the annals of the county than the subject of this sketch, Andrew Beermaker, early resident of the county, and one of the surviving members of the old guard who helped to blaze the way towards a higher civilization. It is therefore with pleasure that we prepare his life record, knowing that it will be received with interest by many of our readers.
Andrew Beermaker was born October 15, 1831, near Sarrgi- mind, France. His father, John Peter Beermaker, born same part of France in 1800, came to America 1843 and settled in Lorain county, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. The mother, Magdalena (Swartz) Beermaker, born 1798, came from the same place in France and was a daughter of Frank and Mar- garet (Ulurech) Swartz, both natives of France but that part of France which has been a portion of Germany since 1871.
The paternal grandparents were Peter and Margaret Beer- maker. On the maternal side the grandparents were Frantz and Margaret Swartz.
Andrew Beermaker was but eleven years of age when with his parents he came to the United States and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Lorain county, Ohio. His first venture away from home was Cleveland, Ohio, July 1, 1850, where he learned the trade of carpenter. In 1853 he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he worked two years. In 1855 he came to Iowa and worked for a time at his trade in Iowa City, but finally settled near Solon, in Johnson county, where he resided twenty years, engaged in farming. In 1875 he moved to Iowa City and engaged in the lumber business which he continued for three years, then became interested in the Iowa Alcohol Com-
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pany. He continued in that business until 1892 when he gave it up and removed to San Jose, California, where he has since resided.
Mr. Beermaker was married November 29, 1863, at Iowa City, Iowa, to Miss Amanda M. Steinberger, daughter of Gid- eon and Mahala (Kenton) Steinberger, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Beermaker was educated at Mt. Vernon, Linn county, Iowa. There were born to this union six children : John Peter Beer- maker, born November 3, 1866, and resides in St. Louis, Mis- souri ; Mary M. Beermaker, born September 20, 1872, now Mrs. Breene, wife of Dr. F. T. Breene, of Iowa City, Iowa; Ida A. Beermaker, born July 19, 1875, now Mrs. Jordan, wife of Dr. P. A. Jordan, of San Jose, California. Three boys died in infancy.
Mr. Beermaker held the office of assessor six years in Cedar township, Johnson county, Iowa. In politics, he was first, last, and always a democrat. He has lived an honest, upright life and is highly esteemed by all who know him, especially by his old friends and neighbors in Johnson county.
His grandson, Frank E. Breene, was born December 31, 1903, in Iowa City, Iowa.
JACOB CARROLL SWITZER
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