USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa history, biographical > Part 8
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AUGUST HAZELHORST
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BIOGRAPHICAL
AUGUST HAZELHORST
Among the numerous sons of the Fatherland who have adopted Iowa as their home none has made a more clear-cut success, from the standpoint of business and citizenship, than August Hazelhorst, of Iowa City. His parents were Freder- ick Hazelhorst and Mary Yager, of Gottenstadt, in the prov- ince of Hanover, Germany, in which place our subject was born March 28, 1828. His father was a miller by trade, and engaged extensively in the manufacture of flour and cereals.
Leaving his native country in 1854, at the age of twenty- six, our subject came to America and first settled in Rock Island, Illinois, where for about a year he engaged in carpen-
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RESIDENCE OF AUGUST HAZELHORST
tering, his trade combining also the work of bridge building. In 1855 he removed to Iowa City, in which place he has lived ever since. He continued working at his trade until 1867, when he began the contracting business for himself. In this he was remarkably successful, so much so that, in 1900, he was able to retire from active business to enjoy the fruits of his toil.
In 1859 Mr. Hazelhorst was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Shump, a native of Baden, Germany, who came to America when a young woman. The wedding took place at Iowa City. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Hazelhorst, Emma, married to Frank Kane, a business man of Iowa City.
Mr. Hazelhorst is an extensive property owner in Iowa City and Johnson county, and is rated as one of the well-to-do men of the county. Though advanced in years, being at this writing in his eighty-fourth year, Mr. Hazelhorst is still vigor- ons and looks forward to a considerable lease of life, a boon which his numerous friends will rejoice to see granted.
Mr. Hazelhorst was in company with Mr. Schets for twenty- five years or more. He built all the churches in Iowa City, except the English Lutheran, the Clark residence, the Close residence, the opera house, and a great many other buildings.
DAVID BORTS
In writing the history of Johnson county the biographer's mind goes back to the conditions existing upon the arrival of the first white settlers. Then Iowa City was not mentioned upon the map, and the county was a broad expanse of dense timber and unsettled, unenltivated prairie. What a compar- ison to the present day! lowa City is now one of the beauti- ful university centers of the west, surrounded by fertile, well- tilled acres, dotted o'er with comfortable and commodious farm dwellings. What wrought these changes of time? Many agencies took part in all this improvement, but none more im- portant than the influence of the builders; and in this case none ranks higher than David Borts, who has devoted more than half a century to the building, improving, and beautify- ing of Iowa City and the surrounding country. He has erect- ed more buildings in Iowa City than any other man; and it is with pride that her people point to the achievement, and cherish the memory of the veteran mason of Johnson county.
David Borts was born in Pennsylvania, Westmoreland coun- ty, August 15, 1833. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Borts. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming and weaving. His parents never left their native state, but always lived in Pennsylvania, where they reared a family of twelve children : Betsy, George, Mich- ael, Lydia, Solomon, William, John, Barbara Ann, David, Jacob, Simon, and Isaiah. The last two died in infancy.
David Borts
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Mr. Borts came to Iowa City from his native state in the spring of 1855. He had previously served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing, and had also learned, while living in Pen- sylvania, the art of brieklaying and masonry. After his ar- rival in Iowa City he worked at the mason's trade summers and at blacksmithing winters. He continued working in this way for a number of years, but later engaged in the con- tracting business.
He has built more buildings in Iowa City than any other man. Among the most important ones are the Old Science building, formerly located on the Old Campus, and later moved across the street; the Chemical building; the Furbish block.
RESIDENCE OF DAVID BORTS
where the Johnson County Bank is now ; the English Lutheran church; and a great many others. Over fifty years of his life have been given to the service of the public as a builder. He retired from activity in business during the year 1906.
In April, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Kimball. She was born in Pennsylvania also, and came to this county with her parents in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Borts have had seven children, five of whom are now living. Ella May, now Mrs. J. C. Stouffer, living in Iowa City; Albert J., living in Iowa City (see his sketch) ; Nettie, living at West Liberty: Emma Lea, who died about twenty-one years ago; Charles
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
W., living at Iowa City; Lillian, now Mrs. Harmel, living at West Liberty.
Mrs. Borts died in 1899.
Mr. Borts is a member of the English Lutheran church, and has been an active worker for over fifty years. In trac- ing the life story of Mr. Borts we find an example of what may be accomplished by integrity of purpose, industry, tenac- ity of will, and strict honesty. He began his career in life with only a pair of willing hands and an honest determina- tion, and has steadily progressed until he has secured not only a competency, but an unblemished name and character, a heritage of honor, and the fragrance of a life well lived and days well spent.
LUCY ANNA MARIA HEMPSTEAD
The wives and daughters of the pioneers of any region play an important part in the lives of the men who bring about early improvement and development. Among the women of Johnson county who have borne their full share in helping for- ward various movements for the best interests of the com- munity where they lived may be mentioned Lucy Anna Maria Hempstead, one of the best known persons in the county. She has spent almost her entire life in Graham township, which was not organized at the time the family located there. She was born in Franklin, Ohio, in 18-, daughter of Frederick William and Elizabeth (Akers) Hempstead, the father a na- tive of York county, Pennsylvania, born March 24, 1814, and her mother born in the same state March 7, 1811. They were married October 7, 1833, and spent the first few years of their married life in the state of Pennsylvania, then lived six years in Ohio, where their daughter Lucy A. M. was born.
Mr. Hempstead and his wife brought their family to .John- son county, Iowa, in November, 1844, and spent the first year in Iowa City. The father had begun learning the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trade at the age of fourteen years, and followed the same when he first came to Johnson county. At the end of one year they moved to a farm in what is now Gra- ham township, remaining there until 1870, when they came to
F. W. HEMPSTEAD
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the farm in Newport township, which is now occupied by the subject of this sketch. The father became interested in various local enterprises and was well known in business circles. He was a republican in politics and voted that ticket from the time of the inception of the party, and was prominent in its coun- cils. He held several offices, was a member of the first board of supervisors in the county, holding this office many years, and fulfilled his public duties with dne regard to the interests of all. He was most highly respected as a man of strict honor and integrity in all the relations of life, and was sincerely mourned by the entire community at his demise, which oc- curred May 7, 1909. His wife had died many years previous. February 21, 1883.
RESIDENCE OF LUCY ANNA MARIA HEMPSTEAD
Mr. Hempstead became a successful farmer and in his later life became a practical fruit raiser and gardener. He also kept some fine stock and showed good judgment in all his operations and dealings. His first farm consisted of but forty acres of land, but he kept adding to it from time to time as he was able, urtil at one time he was the owner of over 700 acres. He and his wife had thirteen children, of whom three died in infancy, the others being: Mary Ann, William Franklin, Sam- uel Harrison, Celester Emeline, Caroline Elizabeth, Lucy A. M., Adeline Louisa, John C., James B., and Dexter T. Miss Hempstead has continued to live on the home place since the death of her father, whose last days were made happy by her
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
loving care. She is held in high esteem for her many fino qualities of mind and heart and is a worthy representative of her family. She has a large number of friends and enjoys their companionship.
JAMES B. KASPER
James B. Kasper is a well-known and substantial citizen of Newport township and has lived in Johnson county since 1865. He is a native of Austria, born September 28, 1862, son of Frank and Helen (Svatoes) Kasper, who came to America when he was three years of age and at once located in Johnson county. They spent a short time in Iowa City, then located permanently on a farm in Newport township, where they spent their entire lives. There were five children in the family : Helen. Mrs. Thomas Whitacre of lowa City; Katherine, mar-
RESIDENCE OF JAMES B. KASPER
ried Michael Dvorsky, and died in 1883; James B. ; John F.,; and J. J., of Newport township. The father died about 1881 and the mother survived until 1903.
Since early boyhood James B. Kasper has been working at farming, for his assistance was needed on the home farm at that time. He received his education in the schools of New- port township, and when he was nineteen years old began work- ing on his own account. He purchased his first farm, a tract
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of eighty acres, in 1882, and six years later sold it and bought the 220-acre farm which is still his home. He married Annie Buchmayer in 1888, and they have had four children : Beatrice died in mfancy ; Blanch is teaching her fourth year in the home listriet ; Frank J. is at home, and John Stanley attends school. Mrs. Kasper is a daughter of JJoseph and Anna Buchmayer, and was born in Austria, and came to America in 1874.
The family attend the Catholic church, being members of St. Mary's church at Newport. Mr. Kasper is a democrat in national polities, but in local affairs votes for men and mea- sures rather than for party. He has served seven years as township trustee, four years as assessor, and is now treasurer of the school board of Newport township. He is keenly inter- ested in everything affecting the general welfare and is con- sidered a useful, public-spirited citizen and an upright, honor- able man. Ilis dealings with his fellows are pleasant and amicable, and he has many friends.
WILLIAM J. VOGT
The late William J. Vogt, a native son of Johnson county, was a representative citizen and highly esteemed for his many good points. Ile enjoyed the regard of a large circle of friends, being well known among the early settlers, and his loss was deeply deplored by the whole comunmity. He was born in Iowa City, February 17, 1858, a son of Charles A. and Bridget (MeInerny) Vogt, the father a native of Germany and the mother of County Kerry, Ireland. The father came to America in 1851 and soon thereafter settled in Johnson county. He conducted a drug store in lowa City for many years and died there in 1890. Mrs. Vogt came to America in the forties, lived in Maine many years, and removed to lowa City in 1854. There were tive children born to them: William JJ., Louise. Albert, Charles, and Minnie. The mother still resides in Iowa City.
Mr. Vogt has been engaged in farming since he was old enough to select a career, and when about twenty-six years of age located in Newport township. He married Josephine Aicher, a daughter of Cyprian and Elizabeth Aicher, born
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
in Iowa City, and seven children were born of their union. The eldest, Helen, graduated from the high school at Towa City in 1905 and from the Iowa State University in 1908; taught in the Muscatine high school two years, and is now in a convent in Dubuque, Iowa. The eldest son, Albert, graduated from the Irish Business College, was employed two years by the Iowa City Electric Light & Power Company, and is now attending St. Ambrose College at Davenport. The other chil- dren are as follows: Caroline is teaching the home school; Edward is attending high school in Iowa City; Harry is at- tending St. Ambrose College; Robert is at home with his mother : Leo is attending the district school. Mr. Vogt was a
RESIDENCE OF JOSEPHINE VOGT
devout Catholic and all the members of the family are mem- bers of St. Wenceslaus church, of Iowa City. Mr. Vogt was a democrat in politics and much interested in the welfare of his township and county. He was clerk of the township as long as he lived in Newport township, and for many years served as president of the school board. He died May 29, 1906, and his widow still lives on the home farm. He was prominent in many circles, where he was sadly missed. Fra- ternally he belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Vogt has devoted herself to the rearing and education of her children since the death of her husband and has managed her financial affairs ably and wisely.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
SAMUEL ELWOOD YARBROUGH
Mr. Yarbrough was one of the earliest farmers of Newport township, Johnson county, where he is the owner of a large tract of excellent farming land and has been very successful. He began operations in a modest way, and by industry and thrift was able to add to his possessions a little at a time, until he is one of the largest landowners of his part of the county. He was born in North Carolina, July 29, 1842, son of Zacha- riah and Hannah (Stout) Yarbrough, also natives of that state. The father died there in comparatively early manhood, and the mother brought her children to Johnson county, arriving at her destination November 19, 1846. The family spent sev- eral years on a farm in Newport township, then moved to Pleasant Valley township, but at the end of two years there returned to Newport township and located permanently there. The mother died January 20, 1872. She and her husband had eight children: William T., Jemima A., Rachel Elizabeth, Jane, who died at the age of six years ; Susanna Abigail, Sarah M., Barbara A., and Samuel E.
Mr. Yarbrough spent all his active years in Newport town- ship, and was one of its best-known and most popular citizens. He is considered a man of striet integrity and honesty and can be depended upon to use his influence on the right side of any public question. His first farm, which he purchased in 1869, consisted of forty acres of land, but he now owns 300 acres in Newport township, which he brought to a fine state of pro- ductiveness. He operated this place until 1902, since which time he has been retired from active life and in the enjoyment of the ease and comfort he has so surely earned. He has a pleasant home in East Lucas township, not far from Iowa City, where he is able to enjoy rest and quiet and is yet within reach of the many advantages of city life.
Mr. Yarbrough was married in March, 1871, to Eliza Tip- penhauer, who was born in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1844, daughter of Conrad and Sarah (Greenwald) Tippen- hauer. Her father was born January 14, 1807, in Frankfort, Germany, and came to America about 1839. He landed in Philadelphia and six months later moved to Wilkesbarre, where he was married and resided four years. In 1844 he
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
came to Iowa, spent the first winter in Iowa City, then located on a quarter-section of land in Graham township, Johnson county, which he entered from the government. After spend- ing ten years there he moved to Pennsylvania and spent one year there, after which he returned to Johnson county and lo- cated on the farm now owned and occupied by his son-in-law. Mr. Yarbrough. Mr. Tippenhaner enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company D of the "Graybeard Regiment," the Thirty- seventh Iowa, in which he served three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Yarbrough have had four children: Minnie. who died at the age of six years; Alda, Mrs. William Rarick, living near Plato, Iowa, has three children: Lillian E., Alda Louise, and Malvin Elwood; Charles, of Solon, had three chil- dren: Charles, Elwood, and Mildred, of whom Elwood is de- ceased; Sadie, married John F. Allen, of Lebanon, Indiana. and they have three children: John F., Thelma, and Carl. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Yar- brough has always been a republican and is a member of Kirk- wood lodge No. 24, M. B. A., of Iowa City.
HENRY JOHN AICHER
Henry J. Aicher belongs to the old and honored family of Newport township, Johnson county, where his entire life has been spent. He was born on a farm in the township January 14, 1871, son of Cyprian and Elizabeth ( Englebert) Aicher. natives of Germany. The father came to America as a young man and was married in this country, settling on a small farm in Newport township, to which he was able to add from time to time, until he became one of the successful farmers and large landholders of the region. He is given more extensive mention in connection with the sketch of Frank Aicher, his elder son, which is to be found in these pages. Of the six chil- dren but two sons and a daughter now survive. The family was prominently connected with the early history of Newport township and did its full share in its growth and development. The parents retired from active life in their later years and died in Iowa City, the father in 1900 and the mother in 1901.
As a boy Henry John Aicher attended the schools near his
HENRY AICHER
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BIOGRAPHICAL
birthplace, and was engaged in helping the parents upon the home farm, where he has always lived. He commenced farm- ing on his own account in March, 1893, on the place where his father settled about 1855, and has since continued in this occu- pation. He is an energetic and enterprising farmer, following modern methods and ideas in his operations, and has added much to the appearance and productiveness of the farm since taking charge of it. He, like other members of the family, bo- longs to St. Wenceslaus Catholic church, at lowa City, and is active in its various movements. He is a democrat in politics and keenly interested in local events and affairs. He has held various township offices with ability and honor and is looked
RESIDENCE OF HENRY JOHN AICHER
upon as a substantial citizen. He has a good standing in his neighborhood, where he has many friends. Having lived in the community always, he is very well known, and in turn has a large number of acquaintances there. He has had the most pleasant dealings with all, being a man of integrity and single- ness of purpose.
Mr. Aicher was married April 11, 1893, to Fannie, daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Kriz) Selek, who was born in Bo- hemia in 1871 and was brought by her parents to Johnson county when she was ten years of age. The family located on a farm in Newport township. The father died in 1911, but the mother survives. They had two daughters, the other being Mary, wife of Ed Dvorsky, of Graham township. Mr. and
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Mrs. Aicher have two children, Harry Albert and Helen, both attending school and living at home.
FRANK AICHER
Frank Aicher belongs to one of the older families of New- port township, Johnson county, and has always been identified with the highest interests of the region. He was born on a farm there, February 10, 1862, son of Cyprian and Elizabeth (Englebert) Aicher, natives of Germany. The father came to America as a young man, lived in Pennsylvania for a period of some three years, then came to Iowa City and purchased forty acres of land, upon which he settled. He was married about this time to Miss Englebert, who came to the United States in young womanhood. Six children were born of their
RESIDENCE OF FRANK AICHER
union: Josephine, married William Vogt, who died in 1907, and she resides in Newport township; Frank, the eldest son; Henry, who died at the age of one year; Adelia, also died in infancy, as did Hilary; Henry, of Newport township. The parents lived upon the old homestead until 1896, when they retired from active life and went to live in a pleasant home in Iowa City.
The father, Cyprian Aicher, started farming on his forty- acre tract about 1855, and added to his holdings from time to
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time as he was able, until before his death he was one of the largest landholders in the county, having over 500 acres of choice farm land. He passed away in 1900 and his widow one year later.
Frank Aicher has spent his entire active life in agricultural pursuits, and has been engaged in this occupation on his own account since he reached the age of twenty-three years, when he began operations in Monona county, Iowa. Five years later, in 1890, he returned to Johnson county and purchased his present home. At that time it consisted of sixty acres of land, but he has added to it by purchase from time to time, until he now has 165 acres, which he devotes to general farm- ing and stock raising, with excellent success.
Mr. Aicher was married in 1885 to Miss Laura Rummelhart, born in Iowa City, daughter of Devault and Anna (Scherer) Rummelhart. Her father, who was of German descent, was born in Ohio, and her mother was born at Alsace, Germany, of French parentage. Four children have been born to Mr. Aicher and wife: Clara, wife of Joseph Hotka ; Gertrude, Ma- tilda, and Edith, living at home. The family belong to St. Wenceslaus church, of which Mr. Aicher has been a trustee for the past seven years. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus of Iowa City and St. Joseph's Society. He has be- longed to the Iowa City Mutual Life Insurance Company for twenty-seven years, having joined it the second year after it was organized by Father Ennnons. He is active in these va- rious societies and is well known and popular in various cireles. He is held in high esteem by his many friends, for his upright character and straightforward, pleasant demeanor.
IRA E. TULLOSS
One of the first graduates from the Medical Department of the State University of Iowa was Dr. N. H. Tulloss, father of the subject of this sketch. Dr. Tulloss was a dentist, having graduated in the dental schools of Philadelphia and been en- gaged in practice for some years in Tipton, Iowa, but he sup- plemented his dental training by a course in materia medica in the S. U. I., though he practiced dentistry until his death. Dr.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
Tulloss was a native of Ohio, and came overland to Iowa in 1851 in company with his young wife, formerly Miss Amy Williamson. also a native of Ohio, in which state they were married. He located in Tipton and resided there until 1860, when he removed to Iowa City. There he remained until his death, in April, 1882. He was a publie spirited man, and took an active part in business interests aside from his profession, among the number of his interests being the Hawkeye Foundry & Machine Co., established by on subject and his brother in 1875. Dr. and Mrs. Tulloss had two children. our subject and his elder brother, J. F., who resides with his wife in north- western Nebraska, where he is a large land owner.
RESIDENCE OF IRA E. TULLOSS
Ira E. Tulloss was born in Cedar county, Iowa, January 10, 1855, and came with his parents to Iowa City in 1860, when five years of age. He attended the public schools of the city until 1869, when he went to Salem, Ohio, and learned the moulder's trade. He remained in Salem until 1875, returning in that year to Iowa City and, in connection with his father and brother established the Hawkeye Foundry & Machine Co., lo- cated on Gilbert, between Bowery and Court. This enterprise continued until 1890, when the shop was burned. Thereafter our subject worked for the goverment at the Rock Island Arsenal and in the city of Rock Island until 1902, when he re-
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BIOGRAPHICAL
turned to Iowa City and established the Hawkeye Foundry, in which he is now engaged.
Mr. Tulloss was married in December, 1874, to Miss Belle McMillan, a native of Davenport, Iowa. Their only daughter, Carolyn, is now Mrs. S. E. Rice, residing at Masillon, Ohio. She has one daughter, Isabella. Our subject is a republican, and served eight years in the Iowa City council.
FREDERICK ZIMMERLI
Frederick Zimmerli, the well known cigar manufacturer of Iowa City, came to the United States with his father from Switzerland in June, 1864, his mother having previously died in that country, which was the birthplace of the entire family, our subject being born in 1847. The father and son located in New York City, where they remained three and one-half years. Young Zimmerli learned the cigarmaker's trade in that city.
RESIDENCE OF FREDERICK ZIMMERLI
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