USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 36
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CARL RUDNICK.
Carl Rudnick, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Iowa township, where he owns a fine tract of land upon which he has resided since 1887. is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1857, one of a family of seven chil- dren, of whom he and one sister, who makes her home at La Crosse, Wisconsin, are the only surviving members. He spent his earlier life in his native country, there acquiring a public-school education, and in 1884 crossed the Atlantic to America, settling at New Albin, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres six miles southwest of the city, and upon this property he has since resided, winning in
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the course of years a substantial measure of success and a prominent place among the representative agriculturists of the locality. He has added forty acres to his original holdings, and upon this property engages in general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his activities being profitable and important.
In 1886 Mr. Rudnick married Miss Anna Krunkalfeld, who was born in Ger- many in 1869. and who came to America in 1884. They have become the parents of five children : Adolph, who was born in 1886 and who lives at home ; Mary. who was born in 1889 and who is the wife of William Gady, of Winona, Minne- sota ; Charley, who was born in 1893; Martha, born in 1898; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Rudnick is a democrat in his political beliefs, voting in general with his party, but preserving the right of independent action should occasion warrant. He has served as township trustee of Iowa township, but is not active as an office seeker, preferring to devote all of his attention to his personal affairs, which are ably conducted, making him today one of the prominent farmers and substantial citizens of the community where he has so long made his home.
CLAUS E. EIDE.
Claus E. Eide has given his energies and activities all during his life to agri- culture, cultivating at the present time a valuable farm of two hundred acres in Waterloo township, Allamakee county. He was born in this county in 1859, a son of Elling and Inga Eide, both natives of Norway, who came, however, to the United States in 1857. They established their home in Allamakee county, the father purchasing speculator's land on section 31, Waterloo township, and later becoming the owner of land on section 30, upon which he resided until his death in 1892. His wife survived for many years, her death occurring in 1911. In their family were five children, of whom the subject of this review was the second in order of birth. The others are: Martha, who married John P. Morstad, and resides on the old homestead; Ole, a resident of South Dakota; Annie, the wife of Iver Johnson, of Spring Grove; and Jacob, of North Dakota.
No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Claus E. Eide during the period of his boyhood and youth. He was reared on the old homestead, amid the wholesome environment of farm life, and under the direc- tion of his father early learned the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was twenty-seven years of age when he first became a land owner, his initial purchase giving him possession of an eighty acre tract which forms the nucleus of his present fine farm. Later he bought an adjoining forty acres and subsequently eighty acres more, so that now he has two hundred acres located on section 30, Waterloo township. This is a well improved prop- erty, equipped with modern machinery and substantial farm buildings, and its neat appearance bespeaks a life of industry and thrift on the part of its owner. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and his systematic methods and well directed efforts are proving potent forces in the acquirement of a cred- itable success.
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Mr. Eide was married in 1889 to Miss Thea Stensgard, who was born in Norway, and when seventeen years of age came to the United States with her parents, the family home being established in Allamakee county. Here her parents have since resided and here the father for a number of years engaged in farming, but is now living retired. In his family are six children, all of whom are yet living, Mrs. Eide being the fourth in order of birth. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eide have been born six children, as follows: Elmer, who was born in 1889 and lives in North Dakota; Amanda, born in 1891, who makes her home with her parents ; Arthur and Alfred, twins, born in 1893, also at home; and Theo- line and Clarence, born in 1898 and 1906, respectively, who are attending school. The family attend the Lutheran church and are highly thought of in the com- munity in which they have so long resided.
Mr. Eide is a republican, but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty. For more than a half century he has resided in Allamakee county, and has a wide acquaintance throughout the district in which he lives, being highly esteemed and respected. His business methods are upright and straightforward and they have combined with his long experience and his detailed knowledge of agricultural methods in the promotion of a distinct and substantial success.
ALBERT D. BENDER.
Albert D. Bender needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, having been practically a lifelong resident of Allamakee county and closely associated with its agricultural and commercial interests for many years. He relates many an interesting tale concerning the early days and the changes which have occurred as time has passed on. He was born in Clayton county, Iowa, near Monona, December 14, 1858, a son of Charles Wesley and Anna (Calkins) Bender. The father was born April 18, 1832, and in early life be- came a carpenter, following the trade for a number of years. In fact, he was connected with that pursuit much of his life, although at different times he en- gaged in farming. The family was established in this section of Iowa by his father, David Bender, who secured a tract of government land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. In June the prairie was starred with a million wild flowers and in December was one dazzling and unbroken sheet of snow. Charles W. Bender related many an interesting tale concerning the early days and the experiences of the pioneers. The family had come from Wisconsin to Iowa and after nearly a week spent at the new home the boy, who was acting as the party cook, began to feel very homesick. One Saturday his father called him: "Charlie, bake up something today and we will start home tomorrow." The thought flashed across his mind, "I'll make some fried-cakes just like mother used to." Ile knew she put eggs in them, but where to get eggs was the problem as there were no hens within several miles. Just above the Pagin spring was a slough and wading in he found blackbirds eggs on the grass. He used the eggs but years afterward described the fried- cakes as "just about as blue as the line on the paper which my pen follows and
MR. AND MRS. ALBERT D. BENDER
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as heavy as lead . . . By main strength I fired them on the prairie." Mr. Bender in later years also described the first Fourth of July celebration held on Washington prairie, saying that as the national birthday of 1852 approached patriotic feelings thrilled in the breasts of the pioneers and a few made ar- rangements to celebrate the day. Mr. Bender, with a yoke of oxen, went to a grove of pine trees, cut two, peeled them and made a flag pole between sixty and seventy feet high. At Moneek red and white cloth was purchased and a yard of blue cloth and the mothers of the neighborhood cut out white stars and made a fine flag. the first that ever floated over Washington prairie. This was hauled to a high ridge and everything made ready to raise the pole and unfurl the flag on the Fourth. The programme was carried out as planned and someone proposed: "Now let us name our beautiful prairie Washington prairie." After some years spent in Allamakee county, C. W. Bender again became a resident of Clayton connty. He also lived in Nebraska for a short time-and after about a year spent in Clayton county he again came to Alla- makee county, settling in Franklin township. He soon afterward became a landowner and remained upon his farm for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to Dickinson county, Iowa, near Milford, where he continued for about five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Allamakee county, making his home in Franklin township until his death, which occurred March 26, 1913. He was one of the best known pioneer settlers of this part of the state, honored and respected by all with whom he came in contact. He had long survived his first wife, who was born November 21, 1837, and passed away November 21, 1865. For his second wife he chose Miss Mary Jane Young, who lived near Monona, Clayton county, and who died May 9, 1903. In early life the father engaged in merchandising for a short period at Frankville, but dur- ing the greater part of his life had been connected with the building business and had also been numbered among the enterprising farmers of his district. By his first marriage there were four children: Arthur, who died in 1908; Albert D. ; Honora, the wife of Louis Monty, of McGregor, Iowa ; and Flora, who died September 14, 1903. There were seven children of the second marriage: Henry Ward, who was born July 28, 1867, and is a farmer, residing in Luana ; Welthy May, who was born April 1, 1869, and died May 16, 1869; Orlen Bert, who was born in November. 1872, and passed away December 6, 1875; Owen L., born April 9, 1874, residing at Forest Mills, where he follows carpentering ; William Cressy, who was born May 8, 1876, and is a master mechanic of Waukon, Iowa ; Elmer C., who was born June 25, 1878, and is a farmer and landowner, living at Forest Mills; and Percy Lee, who was born September 16, 1881, and makes his home at Forest Mills.
Albert D. Bender began earning his own living in the spring following the ninth anniversary of his birth. He was employed at trapping for two years. Pocket gophers were plentiful in those days and he received a bounty of ten cents a head from the farmers in the vicinity in addition to his board. In the winter time he worked for his board and the privilege of attending school. Subsequently he was employed as a farm hand and later engaged in clerking in a general store. When sixteen years of age he began contracting in a general way, employing men even at that early age. He possessed natural mechanical ingennity and in carrying on that business was following in the business foot- Vol II-18
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steps of his father. He was thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, which occurred when he was in his twenty-fourth year. He rented a farm for one year and then purchased a small farm near Forest Mills, making his home thereon for two years. At the end of that time he sold out and removed to Dickinson county where he cultivated a rented tract for two years. He after- ward spent a similar period in the herding business and later leased a ranch of ten thousand acres, on which he had fourteen hundred and fifty head of cattle under his care, employing three men to assist him. Because of failing health he was obliged to sell his lease and then returned to Franklin township, purchasing a small farm which he operated. He also engaged in contract work and in 1898 he established a general store, of which his daughters took charge. He con- tinued his operations there until the fall of 1910, when he disposed of his property and business interests at Forest Mills and purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty-three and forty-two hundredths acres. He carries on general farming, but gives the greater part of his attention to the live-stock business. He also still continues in the contracting business, with which he has been identified from the age of sixteen years. He now handles contracts in road building and devotes the greater part of his attention to contract work. his son looking after the farming interests. His has been a very active, busy and useful life. He has accomplished what he has undertaken and his life work shows what may be done when energy and determination lead the way.
On the 12th of January, 1882, Mr. Bender was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Smith, who was born in Franklin township. December 18, 1863, and is a daughter of Robert and Clara (Clark) Smith, who were also natives of Allamakee county and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father, who was a farmer and landowner, is now living in Emmet county, Iowa, but the mother has passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bender were born four children: Edith M., the wife of Frank Russell, who is engaged in merchandising in Forest Mills ; Clara A., the wife of Ernest Decker, a farmer of Franklin township: Arthur F., who married Dottie Gibson and is residing on his father's farm in Franklin township; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Bender holds membership with the Modern Woodmen. He is a very prominent and influential citizen, having spent his entire life in this section of the state. The years have brought him success as a reward of his industry, determination and unabating energy. He well deserves mention among the leading citizens and worthy pioneer settlers. and few men are able to speak with more authority or accuracy concerning the early events which shaped the history of this part of the state.
LEONARD ALDEN HOWE.
The educational advantages which qualified Leonard Alden Howe for the duties of life were only such as the public schools afford. Although not educated for any special line of work he has never feared to venture where opportunity has led the way, and the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important relations. As president of the Waukon State Bank he ranks with the leading business men of the city, in which he has made his home
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for nearly a half century, for although born at Lansing, Iowa, he was only about a year old when brought to Waukon, where he has since lived. His birth occurred March 11, 1863, and he is descended from a long line of New England ancestry. His father, Leonard Henry Howe, traced his lineage back to John Howe, who settled in Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1639, while the mother, Char- lotte E. (Spooner) Howe, is a descendant of William Spooner, who settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1637. Leonard Henry Howe, son of Eli Howe, was born April 30, 1831, at Springfield. Vermont, and in the spring of 1857 became a resident of Lansing, Iowa, where he entered upon the study of law in the office and under the direction of Samuel Kinne. In January, 1858. he was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice in Lansing with good success until 1861, when he was elected treasurer and recorder of Allamakee county, the duties of both positions being at that time entrusted to one incumbent. He proved most capable and faithful in office, making a creditable record in that connection to the time of his death, which occurred July 27, 1863. It was on the 3Ist of January, 1861, that he had wedded Charlotte E. Spooner, a danghter of Colonel Jeduthan and Betsey (Webb) Spooner. Her father was born at Hardwick, Massachusetts, July 6, 1799, and for many years was the publisher of The Repository, a weekly paper which he removed from Burlington to St. Albans, Vermont. He continued a resident of New England until 1837, when he sought the opportunities of the growing west and took up his abode upon a farm in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1853, when he went to Waterville, Iowa. At that place, in company with his son Alden, he engaged in merchandising and also conducted a tannery and gristmill, the latter being still seen in the town, although long since abandoned for milling purposes. On the death of his son Alden on the 17th of April, 1857, Colonel Spooner removed to Lansing, Iowa, and afterward came to Wankon, where he died March 9. 1867. His wife survived him for six years, passing away at Waukon, September 29, 1873. Colonel Spooner was a brother of Wyman Spooner, who served as lieutenant governor of Wisconsin from 1864 until 1870. Mrs. Charlotte (Spooner) Howe was born in St. Albans, Vermont, September 6, 1836, and accompanied her parents on their removal to Wisconsin and later to Iowa. After the death of her first husband, Leonard Henry Howe, she became the wife of his brother, Lewis Eli Howe, on the 10th of May. 1865. Her long life has been spent in active and useful work, her influence being one of positive uplift in the home and the church and an influence for good among all with whom she has come in contact. She is still living near her children in Wankon. Iler second husband, Lewis Eli Howe, was born in Norridgewock, Maine, Sep- tember 13, 1822, and with his brother Leonard went to Lansing, Iowa, in 1857, removing to Waukon in 1865. He served as deputy county treasurer under his brother Leonard and afterward engaged in the real-estate business in Waukon for many years. He was an influential participant in many of the changes that took place during the early settlement of Allamakee county and was everywhere recognized as a man of sterling integrity and character. He died May 1, 1885, leaving three children : Lewis L., who was born April 17, 1866, and died August 27, 1889; Bessie S., who was born June 25, 1868, and was married September 27, 1892, to Arthur E. Pratt, their home being in Waukon ; and Horace A., who
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was born December 14, 1875. He married Evy Gibbs, November 2, 1898, and for a number of years has been engaged in the life insurance business.
Leonard Alden Howe, who was the only child of his mother's first marriage, was brought to Waukon by his mother and maternal grandfather soon after the death of Leonard Henry Howe. At the usual age he entered the public schools of this city and advanced through consecutive grades. In the school of experi- ence he has learned many valuable lessons, and has made his life one of use- fulness and activity. While he has advanced his personal success, he has also contributed to the general welfare in his advocacy and support of many meas- ures for the public good. His initial step in the business world was made on the Ist of January, 1883, when he entered the Waukon Bank as clerk and book- keeper, since which time he has been continuously connected with financial inter- ests. The bank was then a private institution owned by L. W. Hersey, G. W. Stoddard and C. T. Granger. In April, 1892, the business was incorporated under the state law as the Waukon State Bank, at which time Mr. Howe became a stockholder and the assistant cashier. Two years later he was promoted to the position of cashier and so continued until the death of Mr. Hersey in 1903, when he was elected to the presidency of the bank and is still at the head of the institution. He recognizes the fact that that bank is most worthy of public confidence which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors and his progressive methods are tempered by a conservatism that maintains an even balance. Mr. Howe has been interested in other business enterprises in Waukon, and is recognized as a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and unfal- tering energy. From 1885 until 1888 he was associated with E. J. Spaulding in the lumber business, and from 1892 until 1900 he was in partnership with R. J. Alexander in the clothing business. However, his attention was largely given to the banking business, while his association with other concerns was that of an investor. In 1887 he became the local agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee and won success along that line, but in 1901 turned this agency over to his brother Horace.
Mr. Howe has been twice married. On the 14th of June, 1892, he wedded Miss Vesta Greer, who was born in Waukon on the 23d of September, 1872. her parents being Isaac and Ann ( Hatch) Greer. She was a graduate of the Waukon high school in the class of 1891. By her marriage she became the mother of a daughter, Vesta, whose birth occurred April 14, 1894, and who passed away on the 4th of May following. The wife and mother died April 22. 1894. only a few days after the birth of her child. Ten years later, on the 15th of September, 1904, Mr. Howe was again married, his second union being with Miss Blanche Hinkley, who was born in Cherokee county, Iowa, on the 31st of August, 1876, her parents being Myron and Anna ( Briggs) Hinkley, of Mount Vernon, lowa. She is a graduate of the Le Mars Normal School of Le Mars. Iowa, and also graduated in the three years' course in the college at Cedar Falls. In 1902, on the completion of the regular classical course, she won the degree of B. A. from Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa. For two years prior to her marriage she acted as assistant principal of the high school at Waukon. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have one child, Alden, born May 3, 1909.
Mr. Ilowe belongs to Waukon lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he was master in 1903 and 1004, and he has also been high priest of Markwell Chapter,
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R. A. M .. for eight years. He joined the Iowa National Guard in 1882 as a member of Company I of the Fourth Regiment, organized at Waukon. He remained a member of the company for about five years and afterward served as a non-commissioned officer on the staff of Colonel Thrift and of Colonel Stewart for about five years longer. Mr. and Mrs. Howe hold membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee, while for thirty years he has been a church treasurer. His influence is always on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He has faithfully and capably performed the duties that each day has brought, and in every relation of life has measured up to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship.
R. G. MAY.
Various important business interests have at different times elaimed the attention of R. G. May, and all have profited greatly by his energy, enterprise and ability. Today he is not only one of the progressive farmers, successful stock-raisers and extensive landowners of Iowa township, where he has resided since 1879, but he is likewise prominent in local politics and is classed with those citizens whose sterling worth, earnest purpose and fidelity to duty make them valued members of the community.
Allamakee county numbers Mr. May among her native sons, his birth having occurred on May's Prairie in 1858, his parents being John and Juliana May, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Delaware. Their marriage occurred in Ohio. and in 1852 they came to lowa. settling in Lansing township, Allamakee county, where the father engaged in farming, buying a large tract of land, which he improved and developed until his death, which occurred when he was sixty- five years of age. His wife has also passed away, having survived her husband for a number of years. Of their family of thirteen children five still survive: Henry and Roan C .. of New Albin ; Margaret, who married Charles Feuerhelm, of May's Prairie; and Lois E., the wife of E. W. White. of Nebraska.
R. G. May was reared upon his father's farm on May's Prairie and acquired his early education in district school No. 2, supplementing this by a course in business college at New Albin. After laying aside his books he turned his attention to farming, having already gained a practical knowledge of the best agricultural methods by aiding his father with the work of the homestead. He had also learned the carpenter's trade and this he followed in conjunction with agricultural pursuits until 1885, abandoning both lines of activity in that year in order to establish a drug store in New Albin, an enterprise which he success- fully conducted for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in carpen- tering and contracting in that city and secured a large and profitable patronage as his abiliy and skill became widely known. In 1891 he disposed of all his business interests in New Albin and purchased, in partnership with C. N. Steel, a portion of the farm which he now owns. Their association still continues. and together they are the proprietors of over twelve hundred acres of well improved land, upon which they make a specialty of raising stock, their animals being of high grade and commanding a ready sale on the market. Mr. May
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owns also a great deal of improved property in New Albin and is connected with many of the most important business concerns in that city, being secretary of the New Albin Cooperative Creamery, secretary and a stockholder in the New Albin Manufacturing Company and a director in the New Albin & Irish Hollow Telephone Company. His business interests are at all times carefully and capably conducted and have been a source of great individual prosperity besides consti- tuting valuable elements in community advancement.
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