USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 33
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In his political affiliations Mr. Palmer is a democrat and although deeply interested in the affairs which affect the community, he has never aspired to office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Monona and both, he and his wife, belong to the affiliated order of Rebekahs at Rossville. Mr. Palmer also holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and in that connection has a life policy and also has protected his family by taking out insurance with other organizations. Mr. Palmer is public-spirited and progres- sive in all his actions and, as he is a man of natural ability, has already attained a success which many an older man might well envy. He enjoys in full measure the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and is recognized as a forceful factor for good in his locality.
ALBERT L. CHAMBERLAIN.
Agricultural interests of Franklin township find a progressive and worthy representative in Albert L. Chamberlain who has for many years owned and operated a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres in this locality, the excellent condition of the property reflecting his careful supervision and practical methods. He was born in Hastings, Dakota county, Minnesota, on the 18th of December. 1858, and is a son of Theodore and Caroline ( Felton) Chamberlain, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Pittsburg in 1810 and the latter in Susquehanna county in 1830. The father was a great lover of horses and an able horseman, driving stage over the mountains from Pittsburg in his early days. He went to Minnesota in 1853 and entered government land, turning his attention to
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MR. AND MRS. ALBERT L. CHAMBERLAIN
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the clearing, improving and developing of this property. The years brought him steady and well deserved success and he became well known as a prosperous and able agriculturist, dying upon his property in Dakota county in 1859. In addition to the work of his farm he also engaged in teaming for some time, hauling goods from Dubuque to Hastings and St. Paul over the ice of the Mississippi river during the winter months and becoming known as the best driver in that section of Min- nesota. His wife has also passed away, dying in 1888 upon the Dakota county farm. She was a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families in that vicinity. Her father served as the first coroner of Dakota county, her mother was the first white woman who ever baked a loaf of bread there and her sister was the first bride in the county. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Cham- berlain wedded Frederick Myers, a resident of Dakota county, and they became the the parents of four children. By her first husband she had seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the youngest in the order of birth.
Albert L. Chamberlain acquired his education in the public schools of Dakota county, Minnesota, and later entered a business college at Winona, that state, which he attended for one term. His childhood was spent upon his father's farm and he assisted from an early age with the work of its operation. After his father's death he remained upon the property until he was twenty-eight years of age, assisting his elder brother in the operation of the homestead. Afterward he worked as timekeeper for a local railroad contractor for one year and then turned his attention to farming, renting land near Castle Rock, Minnesota. At the end of one year he went to the vicinity of New Orleans, Louisiana, and there engaged in the strawberry business for one season, coming at the end of that time to Iowa and purchasing a farm of ninety acres in Allamakee county, near Luana. He found this a practically unimproved tract, forty acres of which were cleared, but with characteristic energy set himself to develop and cultivate the land. Success attended his well directed efforts and from time to time he added to his holdings until he owns today one hundred and ninety acres, all highly cultivated. Mr. Chamberlain has one of the best equipped farms in the township, provided with a modern residence and substantial barns and out- buildings, all of which he keeps in good repair. He specializes in the breeding and raising of high-grade stock, keeping fine herds of shorthorn cattle, his animals commanding a high price and ready sale upon the market. He is a member of the Cooperative Shipping Association of Luana and of the creamery company of that city and his ability is widely recognized in business circles.
On the 31st of January, 1889, Mr. Chamberlain was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sutcliffe, who was born in Hastings, Dakota county, Minnesota, on the 19th of January, 1865, a daughter of James and Anna (Wilde) Sutcliffe, natives of England. The father was born in Yorkshire, March 8, 1835, and the mother, who was some years younger, was left an orphan at an early age and reared by her grandfather. The father was a contractor and builder by trade and at the age of twenty-two crossed the Atlantic to America, going directly to Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged in business until about the year 1855. He then moved to Hastings, Minnesota, and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted under General La Duc, going south as an army carpenter. He served for two years and after his discharge returned to Minnesota, where he entered land, con- tinuing active in agricultural pursuits in Dakota county until 1882. In that year
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he moved to Franklin township, Allamakee county, Iowa, and became a large landowner, residing in the vicinity of Postville until about 1905, when he moved to Michigan, where he is now residing retired in Vanderbilt. His wife passed away when Mrs. Chamberlain was still a child. The father had been previously married and to his first union were born seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Chamber- lain have two sons. William LeRoy, born May 11, 1890, married Miss Helen Laughlin and is now engaged in farming in Post township. Leon E., who was born September 16, 1892, is residing with his parents.
Mr. Chamberlain is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served as township clerk for two years, although he has never been active as an office seeker. Mr. Chamberlain gives much credit for his success to the able assistance, helpfulness and sound advice of his faithful wife and helpmate but much must also be attributed to his own energy, enter- prise and public spirit. He is today one of the most prosperous farmers of this township, enjoying in large measure the confidence and regard of all who know him.
AARON V. PALMER.
One of the highly successful farmers and stockmen of Allamakee county is Aaron V. Palmer, who owns and operates the Orchard Hill Farm, comprising two hundred and forty acres of valuable land on section 27, Jefferson township. He is numbered among the early settlers in Iowa, his residence in the state dating from 1863. while he has made his home in this township since 1893. He was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1851, and is a son of John Pal- mer, who was born in New York state, February 12, 1830. As a young man the father moved to Pennsylvania, where for a number of years he engaged in the manufacture of shingles, being a cooper by trade. In Crawford county, that state, he married Miss Sophrona J. Coon, a native of Pennsylvania, and two of their sons were born there. In 1853 the family moved to Wisconsin and located in Marquette county, where the father purchased a tract of land, which he cleared of timber, and grubbing up the stumps opened a new farm. For ten years there- after he developed and improved this property, but in 1863 moved to Iowa, where he located in the vicinity of Elkader, where he farmed and followed the cooper's trade. He died in Rossville, October 10, 1909, having survived his wife since 1892.
Aaron V. Palmer was twelve years of age when his parents moved to Elkader, and he attended the public schools in that city. His advantages, how- ever, along this line were limited and he is largely self-educated, having made up for his early deficiencies by study and reading in later years. For a time he worked upon a farm and also as stage driver between Postville and Elkader and on other routes. He later turned his attention to the livery business, estab- lishing an enterprise of this kind in Waukon. He remained in that city for a time and then returned to Elkader, where he resumed his livery business, con- tinuing at it until 1893. He had previous to this time bought a farm of two hun-
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dred acres on section 27, Jefferson township, and upon this farm property he then located, turning his attention to its improvement and cultivation. He has since added forty acres to his holdings and the Orchard Hill Farm is today a large and well managed enterprise, reflecting everywhere the owner's careful supervision and practical labor. One hundred acres are in hay and grain and the rest affords pasture for Mr. Palmer's fine herd of cattle and his Shropshire sheep. He is a stock breeder on an extensive scale, raising also a good grade of Poland China hogs. In addition to this he keeps milch cows and operates a modern and sanitary dairy, a branch of his business which, like all the others, is important and profitable. Upon his farm Mr. Palmer has made extensive and substantial improvements, including a comfortable residence and a fine barn, in which there is room for twenty-four horses and thirty cows, and which is pro- vided with a loft where fifty tons of hay may be kept. Mr. Palmer is a fruit- grower, also, and has a fine orchard of selected fruits, with one hundred bear- ing trees. His business interests are all carefully conducted along progressive lines and his success has come as the result of sound judgment, keen discrimi- nation and well directed labor.
On the 24th of August, 1875, in Waukon, Mr. Palmer was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma Niblock, who was born and reared in Allamakee county, a daughter of William Niblock, who came from Wisconsin to this part of Iowa in 1851 and is numbered among the earliest settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer became the parents of nine children: Emmett Leroy, who is engaged in farm- ing in Franklin township ; Fred Carl, who lives at home ; James Raymond ; Charles. who is engaged in teaching; Merton R., who is assisting in the operation of the homestead: Sophrona Jane, the wife of I. E. Woodmanse, of Waukon ; Maggie, who married Alden Mosier, a farmer of Jefferson township: Bessie, the wife of Ora Mitchell, a farmer of Jefferson township; and Doris Etta, who is still at school.
Mr. Palmer is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rossville and belongs to the Fraternal Brethren. He is a devout member of the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served on the school board in this township for a number of years and for eight years as school director in Elkader, Ambition, energy and perseverance are his most prominent characteristics and they have brought him recognition as one of the successful farmers and prosperous stock-raisers of Jefferson township.
CHARLES J. KNUDTSON.
Of the native sons of Allamakee county, none have taken a deeper interest in its welfare than has Charles J. Knudtson, who is numbered among the progres- sive farmers of Makee township. He was born on the homestead farm, on which he still resides, December 1, 1867, a son of Knudt Knudtson, who was born in Norway. September 28, 1818. After reaching mature years the father emigrated to the new world, first making his home in Wisconsin. Subsequently he removed to Iowa and spent his remaining years in Makee township. His wife bore the maiden name of Rhenild Ambrose. She was likewise a native of Norway, and
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by her marriage became the mother of seven children, four of whom are living : Mrs. Cornelia Banks, a widow, residing in Tacoma, Washington; Mrs. Anna Johnson Engrav, of Waukon ; Thomas, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; and Charles J., of this review. The parents are now deceased, the father passing away in August, 1902, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The mother died about 1887.
Charles J. Knudtson was reared on the home farm and was early trained in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. After reaching mature years he more and more largely assumed the responsibility of the farm and cared for his parents in their declining years. He eventually succeeded to the east half of the homestead and now has a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Since coming into possession of the place he has made further improvements, having remodeled the house, barn and other outbuildings, and is today numbered among the suc- cessful farmers and stock-raisers of Makee township. He raises Chester White hogs and Percheron horses and also does some dairying.
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Mr. Knudtson was married on the 11th of June. 1895, to Miss Amelia Engu- burtson, who was born and reared in Taylor township, Allamakee county. Two children have been born of this union, Clyde J. and Beulah.
In politics Mr. Knudtson is a stanch republican, and he and his family are members of the Lutheran church. He is not only a successful farmer but is a public-spirited man, loyal to the best interests of Makee township and Allamakee county.
L. COPPERSMITH.
Not only as one of the foremost merchants of Dorchester, and as such prominent in the business circles of the city, but as a veteran of the Civil war is L. Coppersmith entitled to special mention in a history of Allamakee county. He was born in New Jersey in 1843, a son of Louis and Mary Coppersmith, both natives of Germany. The mother died in 1846, during the childhood of her son. As a young man the father had come to the United States, locating first in New York, but later removing to New Jersey. In the latter state he followed the trade of wagon making until the latter '6os, when he made his way across the country to lowa and took up a farm near Melbourne. That farm remained his home until his death in 1886, and in its operation he was very successful, accumulating through his well directed efforts valuable property holdings. In his family were four children, but only two, the subject of this review, and his sister, Carrie, survive. The latter is the widow of Oscar Evans, of Rochester, Minnesota.
The period of his boyhood and youth were spent by L. Coppersmith in the state of his nativity, and in the schools of New Jersey he acquired his educa- tion. He entered the business world at the early age of sixteen years, when he became a clerk in a store, being thus employed for about four years. In the meantime, however, his patriotic spirit had been aroused by the attempt of the south, to overthrow the Union, and in 1863, a youth of twenty years, he enlisted in Battery H, Second Illinois Artillery, and thus served throughout the
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remainder of the war. At the close of hostilities he was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois, and returned home with a most creditable military record. He again took up clerking, in which occupation he was engaged until the early 'Sos, when in partnership with a brother he opened a store at Dover, Minnesota, being desirous of entering business on his own account. Four years later, however, he sold his interest to his brother and came to Dorchester, Iowa, here entering into a partnership with T. C. Smith for the purpose of conducting a general mercantile store. This relationship continued until 1908. when his partner died, since which time Mr. Coppersmith has owned and operated the store alone. This was the pioneer store of the town, having been established in 1854, and at that time operated by G. W. Hayes. It is now a well equipped emporium, handling a modern and select line of goods, and in its operation Mr. Coppersmith, who is a man of progressive tendencies, is meeting with well merited success, for he has sought in every way to meet the desires and wishes of his customers, recognizing the truth of the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. As Mr. Coppersmith has prospered in his enterprise he has become the owner of valuable land, holding title to his business property as well as his home, and also a tract of land in Union City township.
In 1868 Mr. Coppersmith was united in marriage to Miss C. E. Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania and in childhood was adopted by T. E. Smith, with whom she made her home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Coppersmith have become the parents of eight children, of whom five survive, namely: George, who was born in 1870 and is a merchant of Des Moines, Iowa; Nora, who was born in 1877 and is the wife of Dr. M. B. Yeoman, of Lansing, Iowa : Leroy B., born in 1880 and still at home; Pearl, born in 1884, who married Christian Plambeck, of Dorchester ; and Catherine, born in 1891, the wife of John Whit- linger, who is engaged in the bakery business at Santa Barbara, California. In religious belief Mrs. Coppersmith is a Salvationist, while in fraternal relations Mr. Coppersmith belongs to the Masonic order. in which he has filled a number of chairs up to the third degree. In politics he usually supports the democratic ticket, but is independent in his views and reserves the right to vote for any man or measure, regardless of party ties, if his judgment so sanctions. He has served as county supervisor of Allamakee county for two terms and is an efficient and capable public servant. He is eminently public-spirited in his citi- zenship, warmly advocating all those movements which have for their object the permanent upbuilding of the community, and is as faithful to the interests of his country in times of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
G. F. WILD.
G. F. Wild, manager of the New Albin Manufacturing Company, Inc., and since 1908 mayor of the city, is numbered among the men who have been active in shaping its business and political development, and along both lines of his interests has proved capable, efficient and public-spirited, leaving the impress of his work and personality upon general progress and advancement. He is one
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of Allamakee county's native sons, his birth having occurred at French Creek in 1875. His parents, George and Katie Wild, settled in that community imme- diately after their marriage and have there resided since that time, a period of almost half a century. To their union were born twelve children: William, of New Albin ; George, who makes his home in Lansing; Emma, the deceased wife of Louis Hirth; Rose, who married E. J. Saddler, of Union City township; G. F., of this review; John, who has passed away; Mrs. Louisa Berkland, of Bowman county, North Dakota; Mary, who married Thurlow Hopp, of Spo- kane, Washington; Elizabeth, the wife of J. W. Snow, of Montana: Gustave, who is residing on the family homestead near French Creek : E. L., who resides near the home farm; and Clara, the wife of Oscar Smerud, of Houston county, Minnesota.
G. F. Wild acquired his education in Allamakee county, and in his child- hood divided his time between work upon his father's farm and attendance at the district school. After he had laid aside his books he turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared, following general farming until 1897. in which year he made an entire change in his active interests, becoming identified with industrial pursuits. Forming a partnership with C. J. Bjorklund and John Wild, he assisted in the foundation of a manufacturing plant in New Albin, wherein is done all kinds of interior finishing and cabinet work, and he established in connection with it a lumber business, which has since assumed extensive proportions. The concern was incorporated April 15. 1913, under the name of the New Albin Manufacturing Company, and has the following officers : William Thompson, president : R. G. May, secretary; L. H. Garder, treasurer : and G. F. Wild, manager. The board of directors is as follows: William Thompson, G. F. Wild. C. E. Kester, William Wild and H. H. Holmes. Since the foundation of this enterprise Mr. Wild has given a great deal of his time and attention to the conduct of its affairs, and the credit for its rapid growth and present prosperity is due in large measure to his ability, initiative and enter- prise. He has worked along progressive and practical lines, studying modern business conditions and applying his knowledge to the different departments of this concern, making it today well managed in every particular and profitable because it is run on a businesslike and sound basis.
In 1904 Mr. Wild was united in marriage to Miss Emma Cox, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of Joseph and Adaline ( Ferris) Cox, both of whom have passed away, leaving three children: Emma, the wife of the subject of this review ; Margaret, who married J. W. Ross, of Minneapolis, Min- nesota ; and Adaline, who lives in New Albin. Mr. and Mrs. Wild became the parents of five children: Neva I., who was born in 1905: Iloward E., born April 17. 1908: George F., whose birth occurred in March, 1910; Marion, who passed away at the age of seven months: and Charles Joseph, born May 7. 1912. The family are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They reside in one of the finest homes in New Albin, and this they have made the center of hospitality for their many friends.
Always a stanch and loyal republican, Mr. Wild has taken an active part in local public affairs, supporting always progressive public measures and con- tributing substantially to projects of reform, improvement and advancement. Upon many different occasions he has served as a member of the city council
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and he has also been treasurer of his school district. Since 1908 he has been mayor of New Albin, giving to the city a practical, businesslike and constructive administration, characterized by a great deal of important work, accomplished in the public interest. His official record is one of which he has every reason . to be proud, for it has been varied in service and beneficial and far-reaching in its results, distinguished at all times by able, practical and progressive work and a constant consideration for the welfare of the people he serves. In both business and political relations Mr. Wild has proved honorable, reliable and efficient, advancing his individual interests along practical lines but making at the same time substantial contributions to general progress.
THOMAS KNUDTSON.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise Thomas Knudtson has gained recognition as one of the progressive farmers of Allamakee county. He owns a highly improved tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Makee township, and has here resided since 1893, during which time his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have proven effective forces in advancing the general welfare. He is a native of Allamakee county and a representative of one of the most honored and highly respected pioneer families in the state, his father having settled in Makee township in 1851. Thomas Knudt- son was born upon the home farm September 8, 1862, his parents being Knudt and Rhenild (Ambrose) Knudtson, natives of Norway, the former born Sep- tember 28, 1818. He grew to manhood in his native country and in 1847 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Wisconsin, where he spent four years. In 1851 he bought two yoke of oxen and, placing some household goods in a covered wagon, drove across the plains to Iowa. On the way he lost his frying-pan and this much needed article of daily use he was obliged to replace by a flat stone which he heated and upon which he prepared his meals for some time thereafter. Knudt Knudtson purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Makee township, this county, and settled upon it when pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere, when the wilderness stretched around him for miles in all direc- tions, when there were no neighbors within walking distance and when the Indians were frequent visitors to his cabin. With characteristic energy he cleared the timber, broke the raw soil and began the work of development which gradually transformed his property into an attractive and productive farm. He built upon his holdings a little log cabin in which he resided until 1856, when he replaced it by a modern dwelling which still stands upon the property. The years brought him steadily increasing success and from time to time he added to his holdings, accumulating three hundred and thirty acres. By virtue of his energy, ability and perseverance he won a place among the substantial agriculturists of this com- munity, commanding and holding the high respect and esteem of all who were associated with him. His death, which occurred on his farm in August, 1902, when he was eighty-three years of age, was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret and deprived Allamakee county of one of her valued and rep- resentative citizens and one of the earliest and finest of her pioneers. Knudt
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