USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 30
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On the 29th of November, 1864, Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Rozilla Dresser, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 18th of Feb- ruary, 1845. She is a daughter of Calvin and Sallie ( Hawkins) Dresser, the former a native of Canada and the latter of New Hampshire. The father, who spent his entire active life engaged in farming, remained a resident of Ohio, until 1855, when he located on a farm just north of Postville, which he cleared and improved, developing an excellent and valuable farm. There he died May 14, 1892, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife survived him only a short time, dying when she was eighty-one. In their family were twelve chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Webb was the eighth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Webb became the parents of six children : Lucy Augusta, who was born July 16, 1869, and married C. P. Smith, a farmer living in the vicinity of Postville ;
MR. AND MRS. HENRY WEBB
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Melissa Arvilla, who was born on the Ist of December, 1870, and is now the wife of Jean Owen, a farmer in Winneshiek county ; Ida Jane, whose birth occurred on the 29th of November, 1872, and who became the wife of John Staadt, engaged in farming near Ottawa, Kansas ; Herman D., who was born January 14, 1875, and resides at home; Bertha May, who was born July 3, 1877, and married Adolph Thias, a clerk in Portland, Oregon; and Eva Blanche, who was born April 24, 1879. and married George Fay, a druggist in Postville. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Webb has added forty acres to the homestead and manages the property in an able and successful manner. She is a woman of high ideals and lovable character and holds the respect. confidence and high regard of all with whom she comes in contact.
Mr. Webb gave his allegiance to the republican party but never desired political honors, his interests centering in his home and his farming operations. He was a kind parent, a true friend and firm upholder of the law, a citizen whose work made a lasting impress upon those with whom he came into contact and upon the region where he made his home.
MICHAEL KANE.
Among the substantial agriculturists of Allamakee county is Michael Kane, who owns a valuable farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Franklin town- ship. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Limerick in 1848 and is a son of Michael and Bridget ( Benson) Kane, both born in the same county. The father always followed farming and about 1852 crossed with his family to the United States, locating in Ohio, where he passed away. In that state the Kanes resided near Columbus. They only remained a short time in Ohio, whence they removed to Iowa. A sister of our subject, after her marriage, had gone to McGregor, this state, and the family soon followed. The mother located near McGregor but later removed to this vicinity where she spent the remainder of her life, passing away in 1896. To Mr. and Mrs. Kane were born six children, of whom Michael Kane of this review was the third in order of birth.
Michael Kane attended school in McGregor and at Monona, receiving but a limited education, as the facilities in those primitive pioneer days were not the best. After laying aside his schoolbooks he worked for a time for a Mr. Humphries in Monona, having started out in life when but eleven years of age in order to help his mother with the support of the family. He continued to contribute to the family exchequer until 1873. being employed as a farm hand, in which latter year he was enabled to acquire forty-five acres of land in Franklin township. This tract is now a part of the farm. As the years have passed pros- perity has come to him as the result of his good judgment and his incessant labor and he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of the most fertile land to be found in this section, one-half of which he rents out, while he operates the balance himself. He engages in general farming and also gives some attention to stock, deriving a gratifying income from both lines of endeavor. He is a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery Company and also belongs to the Shipping Association of Monona.
Vol. II-15
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In September, 1898, Mr. Kane was united in marriage to Miss Mary Tiernan, a native of Ireland, where she was born in March, 1871. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Tiernan, who always remained in the Emerald isle. Mrs. Kane arrived in this country about one year before her marriage, residing in New York city before arriving here, the ceremony taking place about one year later. To Mr. and Mrs. Kane have been born three children : Mary, whose birth occurred in May, 1900: Michael, who was born in April, 1902; and John, born in June, 1905. Mr. Kane is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, attending in Monona. Politically he is a democrat but has never aspired to public office, although he takes a laudable interest in local affairs. For some time he has served as school director and has done the best in his power to improve educational facilities here. Much credit is due him for what he has achieved, for he started out in life empty-handed and even handicapped, as he not only had to support himself from earliest childhood but had even to help his mother to rear the younger children. He enjoys in a large measure the esteem and respect of all who know him, and such prosperity as has come to him is but the just reward of intelligent and incessant labor.
JOHN E. MCCABE.
One of the finest farms in Allamakee county is that owned by John E. McCabe. It is known as the Jefferson Park Stock Farm and comprises one hundred and sixty acres, being in many respects a model property and reflecting everywhere the careful labor and constant supervision which its owner has ex- pended upon it. Mr. McCabe was born on this property, March 16, 1873, being the eldest son of Hugh MeCabe, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
In the acquirement of an education the subject of this review attended the common schools in Jefferson township, supplementing this by one season in Waukon Business College. Ile is, however, largely self-educated, having made up for his early limitations along this line by constant study and reading since reaching mature years. He was reared upon his father's farm and at the age of fifteen took part charge of the property, which he purchased when he was twenty-six years of age and upon which he has since made extensive and sub- stantial improvements, planting a beautiful grove of pine trees and cultivating a neat and level lawn which surrounds the attractive residence. The buildings are all modern and in good repair, and the fields are fenced and cross-fenced with woven wire between cedar posts-in short nothing has been neglected which will add to the attractive appearance or the value of the place. Mr. McCabe makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle, keeping twenty-five pure-blooded animals and some valuable high-grade stock, his entire herd comprising between one hundred and sixty and seventy head. Hle raises also high-grade Percheron horses and Poland China hogs. He is a large stock-feeder, and as he is a good judge of live stock and understands his business thoroughly he usually receives the best prices quoted for his grade of stock on the market. In addition to general farming and stock-raising, he also conducts a large dairy business and
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is a stockholder in the Waukon Cooperative Creamery, his ability being widely recognized and respected in business circles.
On the 3d of September, 1912, Mr. McCabe was united in marriage to Miss Cora Teeple, who was reared and educated in Allamakee county, a daughter of Frank E. Teeple, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. McCabe is a well educated and refined woman and before her marriage taught for several years in the public schools of her native county. Mr. and Mrs. McCabe made a wed- ding tour, visiting the state fair at Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then going west crossed the continent by way of the Northern Pacific Railroad to Portland, and down the coast to Los Angeles. They have one child, Alice Margaret, born June 18, 1913. Mr. MeCabe holds membership in the Catholic Order of Fores- ters and is a member of the Catholic church. He is well known as a careful, conservative and reliable business man and enjoys a high reputation throughout Allamakee county, where his sterling characteristics and his upright and honor- able life have won him an extensive circle of friends.
JACOB G. RUPP.
A well tilled and highly cultivated farm on section 17, Jefferson township, pays tribute to the agricultural skill of Jacob G. Rupp, who is there engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His property is known as Evergreen Stock Farm and comprises two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, reflecting everywhere the careful supervision and practical labor which the owner has bestowed upon it. Mr. Rupp's birth occurred upon this property, August 4, 1869, his parents being Jacob and Mary ( Negel) Rupp, natives of Germany, the former born in 1833. The father grew to manhood in his native province and about the year 1855 came to America, settling first near Rochester, New York, where for some years he worked upon a farm. About 1866 he came to Iowa and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 17, Jefferson township, a property which he cleared and improved. He afterward added to his holdings from time to time until he accumulated two hundred and forty acres, upon which he continued to reside until 1908, when he rented the home- stead and retired. He is now making his home in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His wife, who was born in Germany and came to America in her childhood, died in Iowa about the year 1910.
Jacob G. Rupp was reared upon his father's farm and in his childhood learned the best agricultural methods by aiding in its operation. He married when he was twenty-eight years of age and then rented land which he developed and improved for three years. In 1900 he removed to Winneshiek county, this state, and there rented two hundred and forty acres, upon which he resided for twelve years. During that time, however, he had purchased the old homestead from his father and in December, 1912, moved on to the property, turning his at- tention to its further improvement. He has fenced the fields with woven wire fences, has added to the buildings, which he keeps always in good repair, and has erected a fine new garage. In addition to general farming he conducts also an extensive business in buying and shipping stock, dealing in cattle, hogs and
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a good grade of Belgian horses. His dairy interests are also large and are well managed, for Mr. Rupp is a man of resourcefulness and business ability, and most assiduous in the conduct of his interests.
In Jefferson township, in the same house in which he now resides, on the 15th of September, 1897, Mr. Rupp was united in marriage of Miss Leona Davis, who was born and reared in Allamakee county. They have become the parents of six children : Mabel C., who is a student in Waukon high school ; Frank M. : Doris L. : Gladys L. : John Jacob ; and Helen Irene, who died in Winne- shiek county in 1905, at the age of six months.
Mr. Rupp is a devout member of the Presbyterian church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. A capable business man as well as agriculturist. he has so intelligently directed his labors during the period of his active career that he is now recognized as one of the substantial and representa- tive citizens of the community in which he resides.
CHARLES CUMMINGS.
There is no one in Allamakee county who has more truly earned the title of self-made man than Charles Cummings, a prosperous farmer owning one hun- dred and seventy-four acres in Franklin township and a carpenter by trade, which occupation he followed in earlier years for some time with gratifying success. He was born at Forest City, lowa, May 1, 1879. and is a son of Thomas and Alice (Van Horn ) Cummings, the father a native of Ireland, where he was born in County Meath, September 10, 1832, and the mother of Johnstown, Penn- sylvania, where her birth occurred March 21, 1848. Both have passed away, the father's death occurring November 1. 1905, and that of the mother June 17. 1911. The father in early life followed the occupation of a sailor on the Great Lakes and on the Mississippi river. He had come to this country with his father when a boy of but ten years of age, their first location being New Jersey. Later they came to Allamakee county, where Thomas Cummings subsequently married and became a landholder. Still later he went to western Minnesota, there engaging successfully in farming for twenty years, at the end of which period he returned to Franklin township in 1889. Here he settled upon a farm upon which he continued until his death, the mother also remaining there until she passed away. The father was ever interested in the welfare of his locality and prominent and influential with his fellow citizens, although he never aspired to public office.
Charles Cummings was the sixth of a family of seven children. He attended school at Walnut Grove in Monona township, Clayton county, and remained with his mother until 1903, when he moved to Monona, having previously learned the carpenter's trade. He worked at that occupation there for three years and then rented his mother's farm for seven years. In 1912 he bought the farm upon which he now resides. It comprises one hundred and seventy-four acres of fertile land, devoted to general farming and stock-raising. His buildings are kept in good repair and his land brings him rich harvests. He is modern and progressive and follows the latest methods, having installed up-to-date mach-
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inery and equipment upon his place. Mr. Cummings is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery at Monona and in the Farmers Commission Company of that place, both of which organizations were founded in order to facilitate a more profitable disposal of farm products.
On March 26, 1903, Mr. Cummings was married to Miss Exa White, a native of Farmersburg, Clayton county, where she was born July 27, 1879, a daughter of Edward and Martha (Gast ) White. The father was born in New Jersey, December 28, 1843, and died August 9, 1891, and the mother was a native of Indiana, her day of birth being August 2, 1841, and her death occurring April 30, 1913. The father came with his parents to Iowa, where they made settlement near Farmersburg, in Clayton county. There he grew to manhood, learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed all his life. He died in that vicinity and the mother subsequently moved to Monona, where she made her home until her demise. Mrs. Cummings was the sixth in their family of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings have become the parents of two children : Evelyn Maxine, born May 15, 1904; and Thomas Edward, born February 7, 1906.
Politically Mr. Cummings is a democrat, taking an intelligent interest in all matters that affect the government. He has never aspired to official honors, how- ever, preferring to give his support to worthy public measures as a private citizen. He is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America but has no other fraternal associations. Such prosperity as has come to him is well merited, as it is but the outcome of intelligently applied efforts and what he has achieved is not only a source of satisfaction to him, but as part of the agricultural development which has taken place in Allamakee county, is a factor in the growth and progress that makes up this rich district of the middle west.
JOHN S. RYAN.
John S. Ryan, the owner of Lilac Lawn Farm, comprising one hundred and forty acres and one of the finest agricultural properties in Jefferson township, is numbered among the earlier settlers in Allamakee county. He was born at Troy, on the Hudson river, New York, July 26, 1848, and later moved with his parents to Clinton county, where they resided until about the year 1861, when they removed to lowa, settling at McGregor. There John S. Ryan engaged in team- ing and in railroad construction work for several years, but afterward came to Allamakee county with his father, who located in Taylor township. He there purchased land and Mr. Ryan of this review then turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits, aiding in the improvement and development of his father's property. He afterward purchased his father's interest in this farm and has since made his home upon it. In the beginning this was a tract of raw land, covered by a heavy growth of timber and brush, and John S. Ryan cleared a space upon which he built a small frame dwelling with lumber hauled from Lansing. With a five-yoke team of oxen he broke his own land and for some years thereafter did this work for his neighbors, also engaging in this business for some time during the breaking season. He also broke out a residence lot in Waukon. As a result of his unflagging labor through the years, he has his farm
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today in excellent condition, its neat and attractive appearance reflecting every- where his careful supervision and practical labors. He has divided his one hun- dred and forty acres into convenient fields with fences and cross fences of woven wire, and has provided it with a large, neat, two-story house, a double barn, granaries, cribs and other outbuildings, including a buggy shed and a hoghouse. He has also sunk a good well, provided with a wind pump, and has neglected nothing which will add to the attractive appearance or the value of his place. He raises high-grade stock, cattle, horses and hogs, and has for a number of years been operating a large and well managed dairy, all branches of his enter- prise proving important and profitable under his able supervision.
In Allamakee county, in 1871. Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Manning, who was born in Franklin county, New York, and who came to Iowa when she was twelve years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were the par- ents of the following children. The eldest. John F., owns and operates a farm near the family homestead. He is married and has three children. William is engaged in the life insurance business in Cedar Rapids. Edward owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson township; he is married and has one son. James is engaged in farming upon his father's property. Thomas died at the age of twenty-five. Leo passed away when he was one year old, Margaret at the age of five, May at the age of six months, Irene at the age of thirteen years, and Lizzie at age of fourteen.
Mr. Ryan gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has held various important public offices, serving for two terms as township trustee, for a time as roadmaster, and for a number of years as a member of the school board. His hearty cooperation is given always to improvements of a character to advance the permanent interests of the community, and he is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who during a residence of over fifty-one years in lowa has done much to promote general development while advancing his individual interests.
GUSTAVE WURTZEL.
Among those of foreign birth who came to the new world in search of the superior opportunities offered by this country and who through hard labor, well directed efforts and unfaltering perseverance realized their expectations in sub- stantial manner is Gustave Wurtzel. As the name indicates he is of German descent and in his life has ever exemplified the sturdy characteristics of that race. Born in Brandenburg, Germany, January 22, 1851, he is a son of Carl and Eliza- beth (Beymert ) Wurtzel, also natives of the fatherland. The parents accom- panied their son Gustave to the new world in 1881 and continued to make their home with him throughout their remaining years, both passing away at the age of seventy-nine.
Gustave Wurtzel was reared to manhood in his native country and in German schools acquired a good education. There he was married to Miss Augusta Wil- helmina Schwock, a daughter of Carl and Johanna Louise ( Beck) Schwock, and in 1881, with his wife and two children, came to the United States. The
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young couple had not been particularly successful in the struggle for a living in their native country, and when they arrived in Iowa their entire worldly posses- sions consisted of but seven hundred dollars. Hope was strong within them, however, and neither feared hard work, and for two years after they took up their home in La Fayette township, Allamakee county, both worked out for wages. At the end of that period their combined savings permitted Mr. Wurtzel to pur- chase eighty acres of land in Center township, which is now known as the Thomas Zeglum farm. At the time it came into his possession it was a wild tract, but, with characteristic energy, he set about clearing and improving it and when at the end of twelve years he sold the land it had been converted into rich fields, productive of good harvests. After disposing of that property he invested in one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Center township, upon which he still makes his home. It had been but slightly improved but under his supervision has become a highly cultivated tract. He remodeled the house, built commodious barns and outbuildings, introduced modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and in many ways made it a model farm. He carries on general farm- ing and his energy, industry and thrift are meeting with excellent results.
As the years passed Mr. and Mrs. Wurtzel became the parents of eight chil- dren, of whom five are now living: William, who was born in Germany and there passed away ; Gustave, who was also born in the old country but died after the arrival of the family in the United States; Marie, the wife of Herman Schultz, of Traer, Iowa; Louise, who married William Schultz, of Paint Creek township; Otto and Bernard, both at home ; Julius, deceased; and Robert, also at home. The members of the family belong to the German Methodist church. Mr. Wurtzel gives his political support to the principles of the republican party. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has been signally successful.
HIRAM F. DENNING.
Hiram F. Denning, who is one of the well known farmers and successful stock-raisers of Allamakee county, owning and operating eighty acres of valu- able land in Jefferson township and one hundred and six acres in Makee town- ship, was born in Linton township, this county, September 26, 1857, a son of Samuel Denning, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 1, 1831, and whose father passed away in that state when Samuel Denning was still a child. The latter grew to manhood in his native county and in 1851 joined his mother in Allamakee county, Iowa, buying land in Linton township. This he operated. for a number of years, later selling it in order to buy a farm in Jefferson town- ship, upon which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1909. He married Miss Elizabeth Frances, who was born in Wisconsin and who came to Allamakee county when she was still a child. She died in Iowa some years after her husband's demise.
Hiram F. Denning is one of a family of ten children, all of whom grew to maturity and five of whom still survive. He was reared upon his father', farm
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and acquired his education in the district schools, spending a great deal of time when not engaged with his books in aiding in the operation of the homestead. When he began his independent career he rented a farm and operated this until some time after his marriage, which occurred in 1884. He then purchased eighty acres of fine land on section 16, Jefferson township, and upon this property he has since made his home, carrying forward the work of improvement and develop- ment along modern and progressive lines. He repaired the buildings upon the place and erected others, including a good two-story residence, a large barn and a number of outbuildings. In addition to this he planted a fine orchard and a number of ornamental trees, neglecting nothing which would add either to the attractive appearance or the value of the property. Besides general farming Mr. Denning has also engaged in stock-raising on an extensive scale, raising high- grade Poland China and Chester White hogs and shorthorn cattle. In addition to his home farm he owns also one hundred and six acres in Makee township and he gives a great deal of his time to its operation with the result that it is today one of the finest farms in the locality.
In Jefferson township, on the 9th of September, 1884, Mr. Denning was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Jennewine, who was born in West Virginia, a daughter of Jacob Jennewine, one of the early settlers in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Denning became the parents of eight children, of whom the fol- lowing are deceased: Eva, who died at the age of five years; Mary Ella, who passed away when a year old; and Percy, who died at the age of six or seven months. Those who survive are: Paul, who makes his home in North Dakota; Fred, who is engaged in farming in Makee township; Hobart, who is assisting his father in the operation of the home farm ; Francis ; and Marie, at home. The family attend the Presbyterian church at Waukon.
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