USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 28
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learning the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for some time in Switzerland and other European countries. He crossed the Atlantic in early life and settled first in New York, later in Pittsburg and then in Dubuque, whence he went to Frankville, Winneshiek county, Iowa, about 1851. He set up a blacksmith shop in Frankville and followed his trade there until 1864, when he came to Franklin township, Allamakee county, buying forty acres of land on section 19 and turning his attention to general farming. Upon this property he built a log house and brush-thatched sheds, his stock at this time consisting of one horse. The breaking of the soil was done by hired men with ox teams and after it was accomplished Mr. Miller turned his attention to the further development of his land. continuing to reside upon it until his death, which occurred on the 2d of May, 1874. His wife survived him some time, dying April 19, 1909. To their union were born four children, of whom the subject of this review is the eldest.
Jolin F. Miller acquired his education in district school No. 7, Franklin township. When his father died he assumed the entire management of the homestead, transacting all the business connected with its operation and proving himself a practical and able agriculturist. About 1886 he purchased a farm adjoining the homestead. In 1898 he bought the farm upon which he now lives and in 1909, after his mother's death, purchased the homestead. where he was reared. He has improved his farm with a fine modern residence and sub- stantial barns and outbuildings, installing also labor-saving machinery. In addi- tion to the cultivation of the fields he is also extensively interested in stock- raising, breeding pedigreed stock and dealing in pure-bred shorthorn cattle. He now owns altogether four hundred and forty acres of farming land in Franklin township, operating one hundred and twenty in his home farm and supervising the management of about half the remainder. The other half is rented to responsible tenants and brings him a gratifying annual income. Mr. Miller is a director and vice president of the Luana Savings Bank, president of the Luana Shipping Cooperative Society and a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Luana, and his ability is widely recognized in business circles.
On the 13th of December, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Sawyer, who was born in this township March 7, 1866, a daughter of Cuyler and Elizabeth (Wartenbe) Sawyer, natives of Ohio, the former born in 1822 and the latter at Defiance in 1832. They emigrated to Wisconsin and settled near Janesville, whence they came after one year to Iowa, locating in Monona township, near Hardin, in Clayton county, in 1852. They soon afterward inoved to Franklin township, Allamakee county, where the father became an extenisve landowner and prominent in public affairs, serving as township trustee and school director for several years. He died upon his farm on the 4th of November, 1883, and was survived by his wife until April 2, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Miller became the parents of six children. Winnie May, who was born December 17. 1889, is a graduate of the Highland Park College at Des Moines and is now a stenographer in Kellogg, Iowa. Frank Leslie, whose birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1891, is operating a portion of his father's property. Florence Annetta, born January 5, 1895. is attending high school at Postville. Earl Fred- erick, who was born August 8, 1897, is also attending the high school at Post- ville. Ross Caspar, born December 19, 1900, and Harva Oscar, born December 18, 1903, are both pupils in the school at Hardin.
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Mr. Miller is a devout member of the United Brethren church and his politi- cal allegiance is given to the republican party. He is public-spirited and progress- ive in matters of citizenship and has held various responsible public positions, serving from 1879 to 1913 as school director. He has been also township trustee and township assessor and his public service has been at all times capable, loyal and disinterested. He has made substantial and important contributions to the agricultural development of this part of the county and during the long period of his residence here has commanded and held the confidence and high regard of all his associates.
JONATHAN JENKINS.
A history of the pioneer settlement of Allamakee county contains the record of no more worthy, upright and honorable man than Jonathan Jenkins, who came to this part of Iowa in 1852 and who has since that time borne an active and useful part in its upbuilding and development. Through his untiring energy, industry and well directed activity he has evolved from an unimproved tract the valuable farm in Ludlow township which is his today and has achieved a success which places him among the men of weight and influence in the town- ship where he makes his home.
Mr. Jenkins was born in Ireland and he grew to manhood in his native coun- try, acquiring a public-school education. As a young man he crossed the Atlantic to America and soon after his arrival settled in Iowa, working at any occupation which would bring him an income. He soon afterward purchased land in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, and began clearing the timber, making his home in a wagon under an oak tree while doing this work. With the logs which he cut down he erected a little cabin and here he resided for many years thereafter, steadily and with characteristic energy carrying forward the work of clearing, improving and developing his land. He erected fences around his fields and in the course of time built a substantial residence, a commodious barn and the neces- sary outbuildings, developing from an uncultivated tract a modern and produc- tive farm. The years brought him not only success but the esteem, confidence and high regard of his neighbors and he is today one of the prosperous and sub- stantial men of Ludlow township. He owns one hundred and sixty acres in the home place and two tracts of pasture land adjoining, one comprising eighty acres and the other two hundred. He carries on general farming and also engages in dairying and stock-raising, feeding hogs and cattle and keeping also high-grade milch cows and a number of horses. He was one of the promoters of the Lud- low Cooperative Creamery Association, in which he is now a stockholder, and his ability is widely recognized in business circles.
Mr. Jenkins married Miss Catherine Evans, a native of Pennsylvania, who came in her childhood to Allamakee county. She was born December 31, 1836, and passed away December 11, 1908, within a few days of her seventy-second birthday, which would also have been her fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their marriage occurred in Waukon, when that thriving city was only a crossroad vil- lage. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins became the parents of seven children now living.
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Joseph W. and John W. are aiding in the operation of the home farm. John WV. is married and has three children, Catherine, John C. and Herbert M. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are as follows: Sarah, who mar- ried W. A. Wamsley, of Dexter, Kansas; Ellen, the wife of I. M. Peterson, of McIntire, Iowa : Martha, who married R. H. Waters, of Frankville, Iowa ; Eliza, the wife of L. L. Miller, of Ludlow township; and Mary, who is her father's housekeeper. Miss Mary Jenkins was educated in the schools of Waukon, Decorah and Fayette and engaged in teaching in Allamakce county for ten years. She and her brother John are members of the Waukon Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Jenkins is also a regular attendant and member, guiding his honorable and upright life by the principles in which he believes. A resident of Allamakee county for over sixty years, he has witnessed a great deal of the development of this section of Iowa, his own labors proving valuable forces in promoting growth. He is widely and favorably known in Ludlow township and holds a high place in business and farming circles as well as in the ranks of Iowa's honored and successful pioneer citizens.
ADAM HERMAN.
For almost a half century Adam Herman has been a resident of Allamakee county, and he is today numbered among the most prosperous and successful farmers and stock-raisers of this section of the state, owning a well improved tract of two hundred acres, located on section 21, Makee township. He was born near Centerville, Wisconsin, December 18, 1861, a son of George and Caro- line (Lukee) Herman, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to the new world as a young man, first locating in Wisconsin. He was married in that state, and subsequently located in Allamakce county, the year of his arrival here being 1865. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Union Prairie township, only twenty of which were cleared. He eventually cleared the entire tract, erected buildings and made it a valuable place. He continued to make his home on the farm until the time of his death, which occurred in 1895. He had survived his wife for many years, her death having occurred in 1873.
Adam Herman was a little lad of three years when the family removed from Wisconsin to Allamakee county. He was reared to farm labor, assisting in the work of the fields during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the district school. He remained with his father until the time of his marriage in 1891, after which he located on leased land. He then purchased a tract of raw land in Union Prairie township. He broke the sod and prepared the fields for cultivation, fenced the land and erected buildings, making his home thereon for a long period. In 1904 he disposed of that tract and purchased his present farm of two hundred acres located on section 21, Makee township. Since coming into possession of this place he has made many improvements, has built a modern home, and outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock, and in addition to farming and dairying he raises good grades of stock, making a specialty of Holstein cattle and Berkshire hogs. He
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is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company at Waukon, and is one of the board of directors of the company.
As above stated, Mr. Herman was married in 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza Svebakken who was born in Paint Creek township, of Norwegian parentage. Of this marriage four sons and three daughters survive. The sons are Roland O., Clarence G., John L., and Harold J., while the daughters are Luella, Stella G. and Esther E. Benjamin and Ruth M. died in infancy. Mrs. Herman has also passed away, her death occurring March 26, 1913.
Mr. Herman gives his political support to the republican party but he has never held political office. He has, however, served as school director. In relig- ious faith he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the church in Waukon. Owing to his long residence in Allamakee county, Mr. Herman is thoroughly familiar with the progress and development that has here been made, and has himself done much to advance the best interests of this section of the state.
EDWARD HAMANN.
Edward Hamann owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres on section 34. Franklin township, constituting the homestead upon which he was born, July 2, 1885. He is a son of Christof and Louisa ( Haas ) Hamann, natives of Ger- many, born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the former July 18, 1843, and the latter December 17, 1851. The father worked at farming in the employ of others in his native country and in 1871 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he remained for one year. At the end of that time he came to Iowa, settling in McGregor, and after six years he removed to Monona, renting a farm in the vicinity of that city. Upon the expiration of ten years he purchased land on section 34, Franklin township, an entirely unint- proved tract, which he had to clear of a heavy growth of timber before begin- ning the work of cultivation. This work, however, he carried forward with characteristic energy and determination, improving the farm with modern and sub- stantial buildings and installing the necessary equipment. Here he remained an active and able agriculturist until he retired from active life, removing to Monona, where he and his wife now reside. They are the parents of four children: John, who is engaged in carpentering : Charles, a mason by occupation : Christof, a resident of Mason City, lowa ; and Edward, of this review.
The last named was reared at home and from an early age assisted his father with the operation of the homestead, learning the best agricultural methods and becoming a progressive and able farmer. He continued to help with the work of the home property until 1913. when he purchased a farm whereon he has since carried forward the work of development along progressive and modern lines. He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and its neat and attractive appearance reflects everywhere his careful supervision and careful management. His parents frequently drive from Monona and spend the night upon the old homestead, assisting Mr. Hamann, who is unmarried, with the household duties. This assistance, although appreciated. is not very badly needed. for Mr. Hamann has proved very capable in the management
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of his home, being able to bake a loaf of bread and provide a meal worthy of comparison with those of a most competent housewife.
Mr. Hamann is a stockholder in the Luana creamery and the Luana Ship- ping Association, and is recognized as a resourceful, progressive and able busi- ness man. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a member of the Lutheran church. Although still a young man, he has attained a gratifying measure of success and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in this locality.
ASAHEL P. ARNOLD.
A fine farm of one hundred and thirteen acres on section 24, Ludlow town- ship, is the home of Asahel P. Arnold and wife, which has rewarded their indus- try and thrift by constantly increasing productiveness and value. Mr. Arnold was born in Lake county, near Cleveland, Ohio, June 22, 1846, and is a son of Jonathan J. Arnold, a native of Connecticut, who as a young man went to Ohio, where he later married Miss Cordelia Crosby, who was born in New York state. The father was a farmer and shop keeper in Ohio but after he moved to Illinois purchased land and turned his attention to farming. He afterward came to lowa and after spending a few years in Mitchell county moved in 1872 to Allamakee county, where he made his home until he retired from active life. He then returned to Mitchell county, where his death occurred.
Asahel P. Arnold was ten years of age when he came to Iowa with his par- ents and in the public schools of Mitchell county he acquired his education. After he grew to manhood he turned his attention to farming, operating two different properties with constantly increasing success. In 1872 he moved to Allamakee county and after renting for a time purchased the farm on section 24, Ludlow township, upon which he has since resided. He made this property what it is today, for it was entirely unimproved when it came into his possession and he cleared it of timber and broke the soil before beginning the work of develop- ment. This he has steadily carried forward since that time and the property is today one of the finest in this section of the state. He has added to his hold- ings from time to time and he and Mrs. Arnold now own one hundred and thirteen acres of valuable and productive land. Upon it he first erected a small house and barn, which was later replaced by a commodious and substantial residence and a large basement barn. He has made other substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and the entire property reflects everywhere his many years of . careful supervision. Mr. Arnold engages in general farming and stock-raising and is especially interested in breeding high-grade cattle and Norman horses. Since he was a young man he has been engaged in the contracting and building business in Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard and Clayton counties, confining his attention to the construction of bridges. He has developed a large and im- portant patronage along this line and has accomplished a great deal of important work. He was one of the promoters of the Ludlow Creamery.
Mr. Arnold married, in Mitchell county, April 15, 1864, Miss Eliza Teeple, who was born in Canada and reared in lowa. They became the parents of ten children, seven of whom survive: W. S., who is engaged in farming and dairying
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in Jefferson township: John, a farmer and stock buyer of Waukon; Ellis Grant, who is following agricultural pursuits in North Alberta, Canada ; Ida, who became the wife of H. G. Miller, of Jefferson township; Ella, the wife of Mills Fuller, residing near Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Grace, who married John West, of Waukon ; and Ruth, at home.
Politically Mr. Arnold gives his allegiance to the republican party. He is a Master Mason, holding membership in the Waukon blue lodge, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is well known in Allamakec county, where his upright and honorable life has commanded for him the respect, esteem and confi- dence of his neighbors and friends.
JEREMIAH LEAS.
Allamakee county numbers among its representative and successful pioneer citizens Jeremiah Leas, of Rossville, who came to this part of Iowa in 1856 and who was for forty-six years thereafter one of the greatest individual forces in the agricultural development of Linton township, where he made his home. The years have brought him success, prominence and a substantial fortune, upon which he has been able to retire from active life, his period of leisure rewarding earnest and untiring labor in the past.
Mr. Leas was born in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 1830, and he grew to manhood in that vicinity, acquiring his education in the common schools and becoming, before he was of age, a practical and progressive agri- culturist. He had very limited educational advantages but has supplied his early deficiencies along this line by study and reading, since coming to mature years, and is now a well informed and well educated man. In his early manhood Mr. Leas operated his father's farm in Ohio for several years but in 1856 came to Iowa, locating in Allamakee county in pioneer times. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Linton township and partially cleared it of timber. adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned at length four hundred acres. He cleared over two hundred of these of a dense growth of trees and upon it built a fine residence and good barns and outbuildings, making it one of the valuable and well equipped properties in this section of the state. He continued to make his home thereon for forty-six years thereafter, engaging in general farming and stock-raising, breeding high-grade cattle, hogs and horses and keeping also a flock of three hundred and sixty-five sheep. Hle sold the farm in 1902 and in that year moved to Rossville, where he has since lived retired.
In Ohio, in the fall of 1853, Mr. Leas was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Henderson, who was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but reared in Ohio. They became the parents of nine children: Albertus, who resides in Rossville ; George, who owns and operates the home farm: John, who resides in Minne- apolis, Minnesota ; Seldon, also of Minnesota ; William Leslic, of North Dakota ; Margaret Jane, the wife of H. C. Campbell, a farmer of Jefferson township ; Estella, the wife of A. D. Emmerson, of Minnesota ; Finley, who grew to mature years and engaged in farming in Jefferson township, meeting death by accident
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in 1909; and Mary, who died in early life. The parents are members of the Pres- byterian church, of which Mr. Leas has served as trustee and treasurer.
A stanch democrat, Mr. Leas has always been interested in public affairs and has cooperated heartily in all movements for the advancement and growth of Allamakee county. In 1857 he was elected road supervisor and afterward township trustee, and he served also as township clerk and township collector for two terms. He was for nine years justice of the peace and for three terms township supervisor and he held various other important positions of public trust and responsibility. Since coming to Rossville he has made some judicious investments and is always ready to stimulate industrial activity by lending his money where he considers that circumstances justify such action. He is one of the most prominent and deservedly respected citizens of that community and in his retired life is enjoying the fruits of many years of untiring and well directed labor.
CLARENCE A. EVANS.
Clarence A. Evans, one of the industrious and substantial farmers of Jeffer- son township, owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and eighty acres on sections 9 and 10 and is also farming a large tract of land adjoining. One hundred and sixty acres constitutes the homestead upon which he was born March 31, 1871. He is a son of Charles Evans, who was born in Ireland in 1832 and who remained in his native country until he was six years of age. He then crossed the Atlantic to America and in 1853 settled in Allamakee county, Iowa. For some time thereafter he followed teaming and by the exercise of thrift and economy managed to save enough money to purchase an eighty acre tract of land in Paint Creek township. He made some improvements upon it and farmed there for several years, later disposing of his holdings and entering a government claim of forty acres. This property formed the nucleus of an extensive farm, for he added to it from time to time and eventually became the proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres. This he cleared, fenced and im- proved, making it a valuable and productive farm and becoming one of the well known and prosperous agriculturists of this township. He still resides upon his holdings. He married Mrs. William Bordwell, nee Martha Beeman, a daughter of Cyrus Beeman, who was numbered among the first settlers in this part of. Iowa.
Clarence A. Evans is one of a family of two children by his father's second marriage, the other being a daughter, Elvida, the wife of Rev. A. Allison, a minister of the Presbyterian church and now pastor at Oregon, Wisconsin. Clarence A. Evans was reared upon his father's homestead and acquired his education in the public schools of Jefferson township. From his childhood he assisted with the farm duties and after he had attained his majority assumed charge of the property, upon which he still resides and which under his careful supervision is daily increasing in value. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of land, successfully engaging in general farming and stock-raising. He is es-
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pecially interested in the conduct of his dairy and raises fine cattle and a number of hogs and horses every year.
Mr. Evans married, on the 21st of November, 1900, Miss Edith Durant, who was born and reared in Winnebago county and previous to her marriage taught in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have two sons, Horace and Leslie. Mr. Evans is widely and favorably known in the township where his entire life has been spent and where his industry, honesty and success have gained him place with the representative and substantial agriculturists and the progressive and public-spirited citizens.
W. O. BOCK.
W. O. Bock, well known in New Albin by reason of many years of capable, intelligent and faithful service as postmaster of the city, was born in Sweden in 1859, and is a son of Charles J. and Mary E. Bock, natives of that country. The parents crossed the Atlantic to America in 1868 and came immediately to Iowa, settling in Lansing, where the father followed his trade until his retirement from active life, when he moved to New Albin, where he made his home until his death, which occurred when he was eighty years of age. The mother had also reached the age of eighty when she passed away. Of the eight children born to their union seven survive, the youngest having died in infancy. The others are: Charley, who resides in New Albin; Julius, of Dubuque, Iowa ; Al- fred, who makes his home in Wausau, Wisconsin; Andrew, of Waukon; W. O., of this review; Mary, who married W. A. Cutting; and Edward, a resident of New Albin.
W. O. Bock was nine years of age when his parents settled in Lansing and there he grew to manhood. acquiring his early education in the district schools and later attending high school, where he completed the full course. At the age of sixteen he began his business career, securing a position as clerk in a store and continuing this connection for sixteen years, the last four of which he spent as manager. In 1888 he formed a partnership with J. M. Tartt, and they opened a grocery and drug store in New Albin, continuing to conduct it until the fall of 1912 and securing in the meantime an important and repre- sentative patronage, accorded to them in recognition of their upright and honor- able business methods and their earnest desire to please their patrons. Mr. Bock was first appointed postmaster of New Albin in 1888 by President Har- rison and at that time he served for four years in a capable and thoroughly satisfactory manner. He was appointed to the position for the second time in 1903 and he has since served, having in the meantime accomplished a great deal of constructive and beneficial work, managing the department under his charge with ability, foresight and public spirit. For the past two years he has been connected with business interests in the city as the proprietor of a profit- able real-estate business and he has handled a great deal of valuable property, his judgment being considered sound and reliable on all matters relating to present or future land values. His business career has been successful because his methods are both practical and modern and because he has won the confi-
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