USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 35
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dependent and would never condescend to importune anyone to vote for him as a reward for party fealty. He has given hearty cooperation to many movements for the general good and Allamakee county owes her development to such men, who have dared to face and endure the hardships of pioneer life and who have reclaimed this region for the purpose of civilization.
ARNE HILMO.
Arne Hilmo has spent almost his entire life in Allamakee county, covering a period of more than half a century, so that he is familiar with its history from pioneer times to the present. He is today the owner of two hundred and seventeen acres of valuable farm land, located on section 16, Makee township. Mr. Hilmio is one of a family of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Hilmo, the former a native of Norway, born in 1829. He was reared and married in his native country and there two children were born ere the family emigrated to the new world in 1855. Mr. Hilmo first located in Lansing, this county, and at the time of his arrival in Makee township the Knudtson family was the only one residing in this section of the county. Mr. Hilmo worked for the latter for some years as a farm laborer. at seventy-five cents per day, or twelve dollars per month. After a number of years spent in this way he managed to save enough money to pur- chase a tract of raw land and he at once gave his attention to its clearing and development, eventually making it a desirable piece of land. After eight years, however, he disposed of that tract and purchased the farm on which the son now resides. This tract, containing two hundred and seventeen acres, was also raw land, but Mr. Hilmo cleared it of the brush, fenced and cultivated the fields, erected a good house, barn and outbuildings, and made his home thereon through- out his remaining years. His death occurred December 6, 1900, when he had reached the seventy-second year of his age. His wife survived for only about two years, passing away August 29, 1902, and thus the county lost two of its highly respected pioneer citizens.
Arne Hilmo was reared on the home farm, giving his father valuable assistance in clearing and developing a new place, and the knowledge he gained at that time has proven a valuable asset to him in his later life. After the death of his father, he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead and is now the owner of two hundred and seventeen acres of splendid farming land, situated on section 16, Makee township. Of this he has one hundred and sixty acres under cultivation. He raises good grades of stock and also engages to some extent in dairy farming, having thus been identified for the past thirty years. He was one of the promoters of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company at Waukon and is now one of the stockholders.
It was on the 25th of November, 1878, that Mr. Hilmo was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Holden, who was born and reared in Norway. The three sur- viving children of this marriage are: Julia, at home ; John, who assists his father on the farm; and Ludwic, who is assistant cashier and bookkeeper in a bank at Dazey, North Dakota. One daughter, Louisa, died May 30, 1900.
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Mr. Hilmo adheres to the republican party on national issues, but locally he is independent. He belongs to the Lutheran church in Paint Creek township. He has always worked hard and well deserves the success which is today his. He is not only a prosperous farmer and dairyman of the county, but is one of its highly respected citizens, for he has always been honest and upright in his deal- ings with his fellowman and all who know aught of his career speak of him in the highest terms.
WILLIAM H. NIEHAUS.
William H. Niehaus, one of the leading financiers of Waukon, where he is cashier and general manager of the Citizens State Bank, was born in Clayton county, Iowa, August 5, 1872. His father, D. H. Niehaus, was a native of Han- over, Germany, and was there reared to manhood, learning the ship carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time. When he crossed the Atlantic he came immediately to Iowa, locating in Guttenberg about the year 1855. He there married Miss Anna Margaret Mahlstaed, and after his marriage located on a farm in Clayton county. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of timber and brush land and with characteristic energy set himself to clear and im-
prove it. After he had cut down the trees, he fenced his property and erected upon it the necessary buildings, steadily carrying forward the work of develop- ment until he was the owner of a valuable and productive property. Eventually he disposed of his holdings and retired from active life, moving to Guttenberg, where his wife died in 1898. He afterward made his home with his son upon the farm and there his death occurred February 26, 1912.
William H. Niehaus was reared in Clayton county on his father's farm. He acquired his primary education in the public schools, later completing the high- school course at Guttenberg. This he supplemented by a course in a commercial college at Dubuque and, after completing it, accepted a position in the Clayton County Bank at Guttenberg, thus gaining his first experience in the banking business. He advanced from the position of bookkeeper to be cashier of the institution and later resigned that position and came to Waukon, where he be- came connected with the Citizens State Bank as assistant cashier. He soon demonstrated his ability and efficiency and gained promotion, becoming cashier and general manager, a position which he still holds. He has aided materially in keeping the bank upon a sound financial basis and has been an active and prominent factor in its substantial growth. He is widely recognized as one of the leading financiers of this section of the country and has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful and conservative man of business. He is extensively interested in Iowa and North Dakota farming lands and has some valuable holdings in both states.
Mr. Niehaus married, in Waukon, in June, 1899, Miss Ruby Dayton, a daugh- ter of Hon. Henry Dayton, one of the most prominent men in northern Iowa and a successful and able lawyer of Waukon. Mrs. Niehaus was born and reared in this city and acquired her education in Cornell College. Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus have four children, H. Dayton, Marion, Margaret and Ruth. The family resi-
WILLIAM II. NIEHAUS
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dence is on Pleasant street in Waukon and is the center of an attractive social circle.
Mr. Niehaus has always been prominent and active in local public affairs and as a member of the city council for four years did able work in the interests of the city. He was also for two terms treasurer of his school district. His fraternal affiliations are extensive and important. He belongs to the Masonic order, hold- ing membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery, and has held various important positions in the organization. He and his wife are members of the Eastern Star and are active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Niehaus is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.
ALFORD B. HAYES.
In the death of Alford B. Hayes, which occurred in 1899, the state of Iowa lost one of her most worthy and successful pioneer citizens, and agricultural interests of Allamakee county were deprived of a progressive and leading repre- sentative. For over forty years he had lived upon his farm two miles beyond New Albin, bringing it to a high state of cultivation and, by reason of his prac- tical methods and the honorable and upright standards to which he steadily adhered, winning a place among the promoters and upbuilders of the section where he made his home.
Mr. Hayes was born in Ohio, in 1826, and is a son of William Hayes, who was for many years a well known blacksmith in Youngstown, that state, where he and his wife passed away. Their son acquired his education in the public schools of Ohio and there remained until 1854, in which year he came to Iowa, settling in Lansing in pioneer times. He secured a position as clerk in a store in that community, but after holding it for three years resigned and came to Iowa township, turning his attention to general farming, an occupation to which he devoted the remainder of his life. He purchased two hundred and forty acres of land two miles beyond New Albin and for forty years steadily carried forward the work of improving and developing it, adding to his hold- ings from time to time until he owned five hundred and seventeen acres, con- stituting one of the finest farms in this vicinity. In addition to the cultivation of the fields he engaged extensively in the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, and this department of his activities increased in volume and importance year by year, forming one of the principal sources of his income. At all times industrious, enterprising and progressive, Mr. Hayes prospered steadily in his business affairs, success coming as a result of his practical methods and his excellent management, and he long held a place of honor and prominence among the leading citizens of Iowa township.
In 1858 Mr. Hayes was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Manderscheid, who was born in Germany and who came to the United States with her parents. Christian and Magdalene (Hurt) Manderscheid, when she was nine years of age. They settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, later moving to Allamakee county, where the father operated a farm until his death, which occurred at the age of
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eighty-two. The mother, who died four years later, was also eighty-two years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were: Eva, the wife of Andrew Lepper, of Allamakee county; Conrad, deceased; John Adam, 01 Dubuque ; Isabelle, the wife of the subject of this review; Magdalene, who has passed away ; George, also deceased; and Jacob, who lives in California. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes became the parents of six children: William J., who was born in 1859, is now a resident of Elkton, South Dakota; John W. is a car inspector on the Pacific coast ; George M. is operating his father's homestead; Alford B. met death by drowning in 1888; Jacob attended Nora Springs Seminary in Iowa and later was graduated in law from Kent College, Chicago. He is now prac- ticing in Kansas; Verona is a graduate of Nora Springs Seminary and later studied stenography in a Wisconsin business college at La Crosse; she is the widow of Louis Tabatt, who died in 1909, leaving three children: Alford L., who was born in 1906; Marian I., born in 1908; and Louis E., born in 1909.
Mr. Hayes was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife and children also belong. Politically he was affiliated with the republican party and he took an active and intelligent interest in the affairs of the com- munity, although he never sought public office. He died upon his farm in Iowa township in 1899, being at that time one of the substantial agriculturists and large landowners in the county. His memory is cherished by all who were fortunate enough to come within the close circle of his friendship, and his name is high on the list of the honored dead of this community, to the development and progress of which he made such substantial and lasting contributions.
WILLIAM SCHWARZHOFF.
Among those men whose efforts are proving forces in the advancement of agriculture in Allamakee county is William Schwarzhoff, owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and fifty-seven acres. He was born in Waterloo town- ship, this county, in 1863, a son of William and Mary Schwarzhoff, both natives of Germany. In early life they came to the United States, settling at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856. A year later they arrived in Allamakee county, taking up their abode in Waterloo township, where the father preempted land about two miles southwest of Dorchester. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death, and also for a number of years, in connection with his three brothers, operated a brewery near his homestead. He was accidentally killed in 1864, and his widow passed away in Wisconsin a few years later. Unto them had been born two sons, but the younger, Herman, passed away in infancy.
The elder son. William Schwarzhoff, of this review, was a little lad of but five years when left an orphan through the death of his mother, at which time he went to live with an uncle. He received a good education in the public schools of Allamakee county and for many years continued to reside with his uncle, under whose direction he received thorough training along agricultural lines. In 1889 he came into possession of his father's farm, upon which he took up his abode and upon which he has since continued to live. He is now the owner of three hundred and fifty-seven acres of valuable land, two hun-
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dred and seventy-five acres of which are highly developed and in a good state of cultivation. He has been progressive and systematic in his methods, and his well directed efforts, proving productive in results, have brought to him a grati- fying measure of success. As he has prospered he has taken up other interests, and is now a stockholder, director and vice president of the Dorchester Savings Bank.
Mr. Schwarzhoff laid the foundation for a happy homelife through his mar- riage, in 1889, to Miss Sophia Schulte, who is also a native of Allamakce county and a daughter of August and Caroline Schulte, the father born in Germany and the mother of German parentage. They settled in this county in 1856, and the father is now a resident of Caledonia, Minnesota, but the mother passed away in 1906. Their daughter Sophia is one of nine children born unto them and by her marriage to Mr. Schwarzhoff she has become the mother of five children, namely: Mary, born in 1895; Clara, born in 1898; Florence, in 1900; Verna, in 1902; and Estella, in 1907. All yet reside at home. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, in the work of which Mr. Schwarzhoff is deeply interested. He is today numbered among the substantial farmers of his native township, and his prosperity is well merited, for, with a propensity for hard work, his success has found its root in unfaltering industry and a perseverance that never flags.
EDWARD C. BELLOWS.
Prominent among the successful, active and able farmers and extensive land- owners of Allamakee county is numbered Edward C. Bellows, now the pro- prietor of two fine farms, one in Union City township and one in Iowa township. He is a native of Illinois, born in 1846, a son of Porter and Angeline Bellows. both of whom were born in the New England states, where their marriage also occurred. In 1850 they came west to Iowa and settled in French Creek town- ship. Allamakee county, in pioneer times. The father took up a government claim of a quarter section of land and also preempted a large tract, adding to his original holdings from time to time until at his death, which occurred in 1875. he owned eight hundred acres, highly improved and developed. His wife survived him many years, dying about 1895. To their union were born eight children, three of whom have passed away. The others are: George, who makes his home in Waukon; Charles, who resides in New Albin; Emily, the widow of Nicholas Betsinger, of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Edward C., of this review ; and Elmer, who lives in Allamakee county.
Edward C. Bellows was only four years of age when his parents removed to French Creek township, and in Allamakee county he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the district schools. He began his independent career at the age of twenty-one and for some time thereafter engaged in various occupations, including work in a Wisconsin pine lumber camp, where he re- mained for two years. After he returned to Iowa he conducted a livery business in Lansing for four years, and then turned his attention to farming, following this occupation for ten years thereafter as a hired laborer. Eventually, however, he
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purchased land of his own, buying three hundred and forty acres in Union City township. a tract which forms a part of his present farm. From time to time he has increased his holdings and now owns seven hundred and forty-five acres seven miles from New Albin, divided into two fine farms, both substan- tially improved. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and the two branches of his activities have proven a gratifying source of revenue to him, his good business ability and close application having gained him rank among the progressive and prominent agriculturists of the county. He is in addition a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of New Albin and connected with other important business interests.
Mr. Bellows married, in 1882, Miss Ida Conkey, who was born in Allamakee - county, a daughter of O. H. Conkey, district judge for many years. He passed away at an advanced age and his widow still survives him, being now more than ninety years of age. In their family were five children: Heck, who resides in Michigan ; Effie, who makes her home with her mother in Sanborn, Iowa ; Ida, the wife of the subject of this review ; Mary. the wife of Herman Canburg, of Sanborn; and Nettie, who has passed away. Mrs. Bellows died in 188.4, leaving one son, Arthur C. He was born in 1884, and acquired his education in the public schools af Allamakee county. He married Miss Emma Meyers, a native of Germany, and they have three children: Ida, Allie and Harold. The family make their home on a portion of the Bellows homestead.
Mr. Bellows gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has never sought nor desired public office. He has lived to witness remarkable changes in Allamakee county during the years of his residence here, and that many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright life and one which well entitles him to the respect and esteem in which he is uniformly held.
J. H. LARKIN.
J. H. Larkin. the efficient cashier of the Dorchester Savings Bank, is num- bered among the promising young business men of this town. He is a native son of Allamakee county, his birth having occurred in Taylor township in 1885, his parents being Michael and Mary A. Larkin. The father came to Allamakee county in 1860, locating on a farm in Taylor township, which he operated for a number of years and which he still owns. During his active life he was most successful and accumulated a fine property of four hundred and forty acres, all improved, and one hundred and twenty-five acres of which is under cultiva- tion. He is now living retired at the age of seventy-five years, enjoying in well- earned rest the fruits of his former toil. His wife passed away March 4, 1913. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely : J. H., of this review ; and Michael, John C., Joseph, Mary C., Anna T .. Roger WV. and Aloysius T., all yet at home.
In the common schools of Allamakee county J. H. Larkin received his preliminary education, and at the Valder Business and Normal School of Deco-
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rah acquired thorough training for the responsible duties of business life. After his graduation therefrom he worked at farming for five years, and then, on the 2d of September, 1912, accepted the position of cashier of the Dorchester Sav- ings Bank, which office he still occupies. This bank was organized in 1912 with a capital of ten thousand dollars and the following officials at its head : William Kumpf, president; William Schwarzhoff, vice president; and Matt Flynn, cashier. Mr. Larkin is capable and efficient, promptly and faithfully performing his duties, and is popular with the patrons of the bank. He owns an interest in the old homestead, but his attention is given fully to his work at the bank.
Although liberal in his political views, Mr. Larkin usually supports the republican party, but has never been an office seeker. He is a communicant of the Catholic church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Colum- bus and the Modern Woodmen of America.
A young man, prompted by laudable ambition and possessing the spirit of progress, he has already attained a position in the business world which augurs well for a successful future.
JOSEPH HAMMEL.
The history of Allamakee county's agricultural growth and development would be incomplete without mention of the career of Joseph Hammel, who since 1879 has been engaged in general farming in Iowa township, to the progress and advancement of which he has made many substantial and lasting contribu- tions. He was born in New York in 1851, and is a son of Raymond and Mary (Long) Hammel, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Alsace, Germany. Their marriage occurred in Switzerland, and in 1851 they crossed the Atlantic to America, settling first in New York and removing shortly afterward to Ohio, where they settled at Buffalo, the father following the railroad business for a short period. In 1854 they came to Iowa, settling on May's Prairie in early times, and there Raymond Hammel engaged in general farming for three years, removing at the end of that time to Iowa township, where he purchased land. He bought at that time one hundred and thirty acres, which he increased from time to time, owning at the time of his death in 1902 four hundred acres of well improved and valuable property. He had survived his wife several years, her death having occurred in 1894. To their union were born four children: Joseph, of this review; Josephine, who resides in lowa township; Annie, who became the wife of Charley Obitz, of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Elizabeth, who married John Blank, of Oregon.
Joseph Hammel was still an infant when his parents removed to lowa, and in this state he grew to manhood, dividing his time in his childhood between the work upon the homestead and attendance at district school. He continued to assist his father upon the farm until he was twenty-eight years of age, begin- ning his independent career in 1879. Naturally he turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared and, buying one hundred and thirty acres of land in Iowa township, six miles south of New Albin, engaged in
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general farming. This tract forms a portion of his present farm, but he has added to it as his prosperity increased, owning today five hundred acres of highly cultivated land. He has, besides, another tract of three hundred and sixty acres in Lansing township, and is one of the extensive landowners in this part of the county. Being thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods, he has directed his efforts intelligently through the years, success steadily attending his labors until today his farms are productive and valuable properties, and he himself is numbered among Allamakee county's substantial and progres- sive agriculturists.
In 1880 Mr. Hammel was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Troentle, who was born in Baden, Germany, and who was brought to America by her parents when she was two years of age. They settled in Lansing township, Allamakee county, where the father purchased land, engaging in general farming there until his death, which occurred in 1895. He had survived his wife since 1887. They became the parents of eleven children, all still living: Lebold, who resides in Canada ; Verona, the wife of Frank Billymire, of Canada ; Mary, who married John Grow, a resident of the same country; Paulina, the wife of the subject of this review ; Adaline, who married John Intlehofer, of New Albin; Annie, the deceased wife of Frank Tablet, who has also passed away; Katie, who died at the age of eighteen ; Minnie, who married John Gruber, of Lansing; Fred and Joseph, both of whom reside in Canada ; and Josephine, who married Robert Glenn, of Lansing. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel have six children: Joseph. who was born in 1881, and who is married and lives near Lansing; Minnic, the wife of Frank Donovan, of Freeburg, Minnesota; Flora, who became the wife of George Mauss, of Allamakee county; Fred, who was born in 1887, and who still resides in Allamakee county ; and George, born in 1892, and Cornelius, born in 1894, both of whom are still at home. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Hammel gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs, which are bringing to him a substantial measure of success. Having resided in Allamakee county since his childhood, he is well and favor- ably known here, his many excellent qualities of mind and character gaining for him the respect and confidence of all who are associated with him.
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