USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 66
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Clearness and positiveness of opinion, religiously, political- ly, and economically, are marked characteristics of Jacob Carroll Switzer, for thirty-five years a banker in Iowa City. These characteristics, apparently inborn, have taken on sinew and strength by contact with the complex problems of life, resulting, in mature years, in a symmetrical, well-poised man- hood which has enabled Mr. Switzer to meet and grapple suc- cessfully with the responsibilities of citizenship. Politically and religiously his views are clear-cut. Perhaps they could not be more cogently expressed than in his own language ut- tered to the writer of this sketch. Asked for an expression of his political opinion, Mr. Switzer said: "I am a republi- can of the old Lincoln school. Believe the 'bosses' should be squelched and the people should rule. Believe the people will soon demand their rights as the rulers; will adopt the com-
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mission form of government, not only municipal but in many branches of the government where the two great economical questions are at stake ; will pay their commissioners adequate salaries for their services and demand that favoritism, graft, political debauchery and their accompanying evils shall be rooted out and replaced by honesty and ability." This dec- laration surely is to the point. His religious views are no less practical and emphatic. He says: "I am not a church member, but am Protestant in belief. I was brought up under the influence of the German Baptist faith of plain, everyday Christian living. Believe that in the Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount is found a good, everyday doctrine em-
RESIDENCE OF JACOB CARROLL SWITZER
inently superior to creeds, forms and doctrinal teachings of the myriad of sects who split hairs on the cut of garments or the exact shade of meanings of words and forget to live for the only purpose that man is created for, namely, the good of his fellow man." In the absence of an amplified statement respecting his economic opinions, it is not difficult to predicate from the two statements given above that he stands for that all-inclusive social and industrial formula as "the square deal." The student of character will have no difficulty in classifying Mr. Switzer in the category of Dr. Gunsaulus's "four-square men."
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The inherent patriotism of our subject was given a chance for manifestation in early youth. When barely nineteen years of age he enlisted as a volunteer in Company A, Twenty-sec- ond Regiment Iowa Volunteers, and was in the Federal ser- vice in the Civil War three years, one month and thirteen days. It was active service, too. Comrade Switzer was with his regi- ment until September 19, 1864, and took part in the battles of Champion Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863; Black River Bridge, May 17, 1863; the siege and capture of Vicksburg, from May 19 to July 4, 1863; the seige of Jackson, Mississippi, dur- ing July, 1863, and at the Battle of Winchester, Virginia, un- der General Sheridan, September 19, 1864. During the latter, his last, engagement he was severely wounded and lay within the Confederate lines for several hours, until the rout of the enemy in the evening, when he was picked up by Union ambul- ances. He was in the hospital at the Taylor House, Winches- ter; also at Sheridan Hospital, Frederick, Maryland; at Cen- tral Park, New York City; at David's Island, New York har- bor, and at Dale U. S. A. Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts. The result of his terrible wounds, however, was the loss of his right leg, which unfitted him for further service, and he was honorably discharged from the service at the last named hos- pital, being paid off by the paymaster at Boston, Massachu- setts. Comrade Switzer's regiment traveled and marched about twelve thousand miles in its campaigns, serving on the Rio Grande, Texas, and as far east as Baltimore, Maryland, and south to Savannah, Georgia, being one of the three Iowa regiments to serve in the Army of the Potomac; the other two being the Twenty-fourth and the Twenty-eighth Iowa.
On his return from military service, Mr. Switzer felt the need of additional schooling. He therefore attended the State Uni- versity of Iowa, and took a commercial course in bookkeeping at Madison, Wisconsin. Subsequently he taught school one term, and later entered the United States Pension office at Madison, Wisconsin, where he served about two years.
On January 1, 1871, Mr. Switzer entered upon the duties of clerk of the district and circuit courts of Johnson county, a position which he filled with ability until January 1, 1875. Thereafter he became clerk, bookkeeper, and assistant cashier of the Iowa City National bank, going from there to the Iowa
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City bank, and thence, upon its reorganization, back to the Iowa City National bank. His services have also extended to the Citizens Savings and Trust Co., Iowa City, and to the Iowa City State bank, he being now assistant cashier of the latter institution. His services as banker extend from January 2, 1875, to the present time, with the exception of about one year, thus making a banking experience of thirty-five years. It would be going over old and familiar ground to recite the de- velopment in Johnson county which has taken place in those years, all of which has come under the notice and much of it under the personal oversight of Mr. Switzer. To few men is it given to have such vital connection with the material growth of a community. That J. C. Switzer has been a faithful stew- ard his present standing in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men amply testifies.
The first records of the Switzer family in America, so far as known to our subject, relate to the removal of Jacob Switzer, his grandfather, from Pennsylvania, to Frederick county, Maryland. A portion of this county was afterwards included in Carroll county, and in the new section Jacob Switzer became a large land owner, including two valuable mill properties. Grandfather Switzer was the father of four children: David, Samuel, John (our subject's father), and Mary, afterwards Mary Haines. The maiden name of Grandmother Switzer was Rhinehart, but our subject possesses no information re- specting her ancestry. She died at an early date, and Jacob Switzer married a second wife, Elizabeth Johnson, no children resulting from the second union. The elder Switzer was a farmer and miller by occupation, a business which he contin- ned until his death. John Switzer, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, and removed with his father to Mary- land. He married Elizabeth Wolfe, whose parents were Abra- ham and Sarah Wolfe. Like his father, John Switzer was a farmer and miller, and lived in Carroll county, Maryland. Our subject was born August 31, 1843, at Union Bridge, in that county. Naturally, his occupation when a boy was farming at home, and his father being a miller, he learned to sharpen mill- stones, pack, head-up and brand flour for market, run the mill for grinding feed and saw lumber and fence posts in a primi- tive sawmill. The only school was a country school in which
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the three R's constituted the curriculum. Our subject recalls that his boyish tastes ran to machinery making, wind mills, water wheels, wagons, carts, etc., and to fishing, swimming and trapping. When J. C. Switzer was seventeen his father died, and, in the absence of his elder brother, he became virtually the male head of the family. He remembers that in the occu- pation of farming, in which he was engaged from the age of twelve.years, he made a full hand at mowing at thirteen and at mauling rails at fourteen. These were considered superior accomplishments in that day.
On Christmas day, 1871, Mr. Switzer was married in Iowa City to Mary Evelyn Page, daughter of John and Mahala B. Page, natives of New Hampshire. Miss Page was a school teacher in her native state of New Hampshire and also at Iowa City. Two children were born of this union: Roy Irving, born at Iowa City, October 4, 1872, and Evelyn Carroll, born at Iowa City, August 2, 1874. Soon after this Mrs. Switzer died. Our subject married again October 22, 1877, his second wife being Miss Catherine Coover. Seven children have been born of this second marriage, all born at Iowa City: Leslie Edison, born July 20, 1878; Percy Lee, born October 1, 1879; Katherine May, born April 4, 1882; Radnor, deceased, born No- vember 16, 1886; John Levinett, deceased, born September 9, 1884; Benjamin Harrison, born January 21, 1889; Hazel Lu- cille, born August 9, 1892.
The Switzer family occupy the homestead at 819 Kirkwood avenue, Iowa City, formerly owned by Hon. Robert Lucas, the first governor of Iowa. Governor Lucas built and occupied the residence now used by Mr. Switzer and family. Comrade Switzer is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is past commander of his post. At present he is acting com- mander, owing to the death of Professor Samuel Calvin, late commander.
Mr. Switzer has just reached his sixty-eighth year at this writing, and his physical health gives promise of a goodly lease of life, a boon which his many friends wish him most heartily. He has been faithful in every relation in life, and his reward is a quiet conscience, the love of his family, the respect of his fellow citizens, and a peaceful contemplation of the future.
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His feet will tread amid the lengthening shadows of life's western way unafraid, his spirit
66 . Sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, Like one who wraps the drapery of his conch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
FRANK J. CILEK
The hardware firm of Smith & Cilek, composed of Hugh W. Smith and Frank J. Cilek, our subject, is one of the best known and most progressive business enterprises of Iowa City. In fact, the rise and progress of this firm is one of the most vigor- ous signs of the new and prosperous business era which is dawning upon the University City. Established in 1905, the firm now takes front rank in its line, and its large store at 207- 209 East Washington street is one of the points of interest
RESIDENCE OF F. J. CILEK
pointed out to strangers visiting the city. Both the partners are energetic men, worthy to rank among the progressive busi- ness men of eastern Iowa.
Frank J. Cilek was born in Bohemia, October 12, 1875, but since the age of six years he has been a resident of Iowa City. In all but blood and birth, therefore, he is essentially Ameri- can. His parents were Prokop and Mary (Cheskovis) Cilek, whose birthplace was near the town of Cheskovis, Bohemia,
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named after our subject's maternal grandfather. The Cilek family came to Iowa City in 1881, the parents making it their permanent residence. There were five children : John, mar- ried, farming near Solon, Iowa ; Mary, now Mrs. Joseph Brum, living in Iowa City, where Mr. Brum is employed by the Rock Island railway ; our subject, Michael J., married, in the employ of Schneider Bros. furniture store; Fannie, now Mrs. William J. Kestelsky, the latter employed by the Rock Island railway. Father Cilek died March 29, 1891, and Mother Cilek March 17, 1896.
After securing a good fundamental education in the public schools of Iowa City, Mr. Cilek worked nine years on a farm, developing the strength and vigor of body and nerves which have stood him so well in hand in his business career. In 1897 he entered the employ of Lichty & Thomas, remaining with them eight years, at the end of which time he formed a part- nership with Hugh W. Smith in the hardware business as be- fore stated.
Mr. Cilek was married June 9, 1896, to Miss Anna Lonoch, born in Bohemia November 1, 1875. Miss Lonoch came to America with her parents in 1885 and settled in Iowa City. Her father and mother are living at this writing. Two chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cilek: Joseph, born July 7, 1903; Mary, born January 23, 1899.
Mr. Cilek is a republican as to national politics and liberal in local matters. He and his family are members of St. Wen- ceslaus Catholic church, of which he is a trustee. He is a mem- ber of the Catholic Workmen of Iowa City, and of the Knights of Columbus and the B. P. O. E.
W. G. FILES
W. G. Files belongs to a pioneer family and has spent the larger part of his life in Johnson county, Iowa. He is a repre- sentative farmer, one who takes advantage of modern methods of operation and the latest improved machinery, but who in earlier life was confined to the use of primitive tools and equip- ment. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 4, 1847, a son of William and Lucinda O. (Lindsley) Files, and at the age of seven years accompanied his uncle, Lewis R. Wolf, from
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Hardin county, Ohio, to Iowa. Mr. Wolf died in Kansas in 1905. Mr. Files's mother and brother, James M., also came to Iowa in 1854, the trip being made with covered wagons. There were two children in the family, and after settling in the new home they located on a farm.
Mr. Files was educated in the district school and early be- gan to help with the work on the home farm, becoming an ex- pert in agricultural operations. In 1868, upon attaining his majority, he began working on his own account, and has con tinued farming to the present time. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Sarah Bowman, daughter of Wesley and Sarah Ann Bowman, who came from Ohio to Iowa in 1854. Mrs. Files was reared and educated in the same region as her hus- band. After marriage they settled on section 33, township 8, range 7, where he erected a house, and twelve years later they came to their present home on section 4 of Madison township. He purchased this place from William Shimp, who in turn bought it from A. R. Fratt, and he in turn from Robert Har- rison. Mr. Harrison purchased it from Mr. Ross, who made the original entry of the eighty acres from the government. It contained the present buildings at the time Mr. Files secured it, with the exception of a barn and an addition to the house. The fences were of hedge, and have been replaced by modern wire fencing. He also rents 120 acres additional, and has been especially successful in raising cattle and horses, the hay for feeding them being produced on the farm.
Mr. Files has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his community and has been interested in all movements of progress. For four years he served as justice of the peace; he has been a member of the board of trustees of the school district, and in 1911 was chairman; and he has been township committeeman. IIe is a member of the Cross Roads United Brethren church and has been active in its interests. He helped hanl lumber from Iowa City, four miles distant, when the school house was built at the cross roads, during the war, Oscar Don- aldson being the contractor. In early days he helped drive six or seven yoke of oxen to a 27-inch breaking plow, and did his first farming and harvesting with such primitive tools as we're then used. Now, however, he has a self-reaper, harvester and self-binder, and finds the work much easier than in the days
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when he used the scythe and hand cradle. He has witnessed remarkable changes in the region of his home since the time he came there in early boyhood, and has been actively identi- fied with the movement which has brought about this develop- ment. He has a good standing in the community, where he was married and where he and his wife have reared a fine fam- ily to useful manhood and womanhood.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Files: Ida died at the age of two years; W. H., of Iowa City, married Grace Rider, and they have three children-Gail, Mildred and Har- old; E. P. married Olive Toohey, and they have two children- Omar B. and Hazel Irene; Nellie May married Jesse W. Lin- inger, of Madison township, and they have two children- Viola and Edith; Ella and Elva B. live at home.
GEORGE HENRY MILLER
George H. Miller, born, reared and educated in Graham township, Johnson county, has continued to reside there since reaching manhod's estate and choosing his career in life. He is notably a self-made man, and beginning with a small farm, for which he went into debt, has cleared himself of incumb- rances and has added to his holdings until he has one of the finest estates in his neighborhood. He raises some remark- able crops of hay, corn, and like products, and is a farmer of recognized ability and enterprise. He and his wife have a vivid memory of their first days on the farm, when she often walked across country to Iowa City with eggs for the market, and he made a like journey with butter, trading for necessities not furnished by their work on the farm. When they first lo- cated on the place it contained a small log house, and its pres- ent substantial and modern buildings have been erected by them. They have reared a fine family of children and have given them good educations, preparing them for their future activities.
Mr. Miller was born July 31, 1863, one-half mile south of his present home, a son of John and Annie Barbara (Barschel) Miller, the former a native of Germany. The father died at the age of seventy-six years and the mother at the age of sixty-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
six. They left seven living children: J. J. of Minnesota; Minnie, now deceased; George Henry; John, now deceased; Margaret, wife of Bert Baumgardner, of Graham township; Mary married Elmer Lawyer, D. D. S., of Iowa City, a sketch of whom appears in these pages ; Ed, of Minnesota, and Charles, of Canada. The father of these children was one of the re- spected pioneers of Johnson county and spent the remainder of his life in Graham township.
In boyhood George H. Miller attended the district school near his father's farm and early began to assist with the farm work. He remained at home until reaching young manhood, and at the age of twenty-four years began farming on a 160- acre farm for himself. He was obliged to ineur debt on this place, which is located on sections 16 and 17 of Graham town- ship, and it was but little improved. He replaced the log house which stood thereon as soon as he was able and now has a com- fortable farmhouse. He has added to the size of his farm, as well as to its appearance and productiveness, and is now the . owner of 203 acres of valuable farm land. He has fields di- vided with hog-tight fences and carries on a general line of farming, with special attention to raising stock. In 1911 he produced 3,500 bushels of corn on fifty-nine acres of land, and a ton of hay to the acre on other parts of his farm. His fine modern barn, 50x52 feet, has a capacity of 60 tons of hay, and he has another one, 52x56 feet, with 20-foot posts, part of which is devoted to the storing of hay, which will hold 45 tons.
In the affairs of his community Mr. Miller takes a prominent part, and may be depended upon to advance every worthy cause which he believes will serve the interests of the people. He is now secretary of the board of school district No. 4, has been trustee four years, and chairman one year. He is a dem- ocrat in political faith and is active in the councils of his party. He has served as delegate to democratic conventions and is re- garded as a level-headed, public-spirited citizen. He and his family are devout Catholics. He is a member of St. Mary's church committee and his wife of the Willing Workers of the church. He also belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, No. 1474, of Morse, and to Camp No. 5059, Modern Woodmen of America, of Oasis.
Mrs. Miller's maiden name was Caroline Dvorsky and she
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was born in Bohemia, being brought to America when a babe, by her parents, Frank and Anna (Amert) Dvorsky. Mrs. Dvorsky died February 21, 1906, but Mr. Dvorsky survives and makes his home with his son James. Eight children were born to Mr. Miller and wife, of whom seven now survive. They are : John Charles, Matilda, Frank, Elizabeth (deceased), Agnes, Blanche, Genevieve, and Marcella, all intelligent and wide- awake young people and a credit to their parents.
FRANK DVORSKY
Among the early settlers of Johnson county who are deserv- ing of credit for the part they took in its early development may be prominently mentioned members of the Dvorsky fam- ily. Frank Dvorsky was born in Bohemia, Austria, December 26, 1832, a son of Frank and Kate Dvorsky. In 1866 he emi- grated to America, where his father had already settled. He landed in New York after spending six weeks in a sailing ves- sel. By his first marriage the father had two sons and a daughter and by his second wife, whose name was Kate, he had seven children, all of whom survive. One son, Mike, lives at Cedar Rapids. The grandfather, also named Frank Dvor- sky, was a laborer, and as far back as anything is known of the family its members have been devout Catholics.
Mr. Dvorsky settled in Newport township, Johnson county, where he purchased forty acres of timber land, and ten acres in a second purchase, grubbed and cleared it, and developed a fine farm. This place is now occupied by his son. His near- est trading place was Iowa City during the early years. He died on this farm, being buried in St. Joseph's Catholic ceme- tery. His widow survives and makes her home with her chil- dren.
In 1856 Frank Dvorsky, whose name heads this sketch, mar- ried Anna Amert, a native of Bohemia, who died in 1907, at the age of seventy-two years, and is buried in St. Peter and St. Paul's, or what is now generally known as Newport cemetery, in Newport township. They crossed the ocean with three chil- dren and became parents of four more: Anthony, deceased; Mary, wife of Frank Secor, now deceased, of Prague, Nebras-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
ka; Caroline, wife of George Miller; Charles; Ellen, wife of Joseph Sheneberger; Frank, Jr., and James A. When Mr. Dvorsky first came to Newport township he lived in a log hut and cultivated ten acres of land, and later, after purchasing forty acres, as above described, bought a school house and the land around same. It was there that his son, James A. Dvor- sky, was born. The father added to his possesions, until he owned some two hundred acres of fine farm land. In 1903 he retired from active life and purchased his present home in Graham township, where he lives with his son, James A. Dvor- sky. The family belong to St. Peter and St. Paul church, and are faithful Catholics. Mr. Dvorsky has grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lives in honorable ease, having worked hard all his life nntil a few years since. He has re- cently divided his property among his children, most of whom are honored residents of the community, although some have moved to other localities.
A sketch of George Miller, who married Caroline Dvorsky, appears in this work. Their daughter, Matilda, was married February 20, 1911, to Joseph Cerny, formerly of Morse, Iowa, who was reared near Solon and is now living on his father's farm near Solon, in Cedar county, Iowa.
James Dvorsky, with whom his father resides, lives in Gra- ham township.
The Dvorsky family has borne an important part in the af- fairs of their community and has ever been identified with its best interests. They have a good standing and have many friends.
JOSEPH L. KLODIVO
Joseph L. Klodivo has spent his entire life in farming except two years when he was engaged in business in Cedar Rapids, during 1905-06, and his been successful to a large degree. He is one of the substantial and highly-respected citizens of his community and takes a commendable interest in local affairs. He is a native of Bohemia, born November 16, 1864, a son of Joseph and Frances (Vasko) Klodivo. He accompanied his parents to America when he was sixteen years of age and the family first located in Big Grove township, Johnson county.
JULIUS KOHL
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Fifteen years later they removed to Monroe township and oc- cupied the farm now occupied by their son Joseph until their deaths. The mother passed away January 11, 1901, and the father in February, 1904. They had two sons, Joseph L., of this sketch, and Peter, of Iowa county.
Mr. Klodivo remained with his parents during their life- time and became owner of the old homestead. In 1905 he re- moved to Cedar Rapids, but at the end of two years returned to the home place, which he has since operated. This is a well-improved farm and consists of one hundred sixty acres. In 1907 he purchased one hundred fifty-six acres one mile east of the old home place, which he still owns. He has substantial and well-kept buildings and is one of the prosperous and intel- ligent farmers of the community. In local political affairs he is independent, but in national affairs votes the republican ticket. He is a Catholic in religious belief and attends church at Walford.
JULIUS KOHL
Julius Kohl, who has nearly two hundred acres of choice farm land under cultivation, is one of the most prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Madison township, Johnson coun- ty. He was the fifth born of the eight children of Gottlieb and Minnie (Bohme) Kohl, and was born in Germany in 1858. He emigrated to the United States in 1881, having been reared and educated in the Fatherland, and served three years in the army, according to the requirements of all young men in that country. He had learned the trade of miller under his father, who spent his entire life in Germany. The children in the family com- prised five sons and three daughters, and of these all but one son and two daughters came to Johnson county, induced to take this step by Julius, who was the first of his family to emi- grate. He has three brothers and one sister in Big Grove township, who are married and live on farms there. The father was a mill owner and fairly prosperous in his chosen field.
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