USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 38
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The marriage of Mr. Harris to Miss Ella Laughlin occurred May 4, 1872. Mrs. Harris was born in Post township in 1855. on the farm which adjoins her present home. She is a daughter of John and Jane Laughlin, natives of Scotland, who became early settlers in this county, where the father attained prosperity as the result of a long, useful and active life as a farmer. Both he and his wife passed away on the farm located next to Mr. Harris' and which is now occupied by their son, J. R. Laughlin. Mr. and Mrs. Harris became the parents of six children: Warner, who married Miss Rachel Folsom and is now engaged in farming in Post township: Nina, the wife of Arthur W. Swen- son, an agriculturist of Franklin township: Hazel, who married Alonzo Folsom,
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who now has charge of the actual operation of Mr. Harris' farm; Mabel, the wife of Richard Folsom, a farmer of Franklin township; Gerald, at home ; and Roger, deceased. He was the youngest of the family and a promising young boy of ten years, who lost his life by being accidentally shot.
Although Mr. Harris has withdrawn from the most arduous labors in con- nection with farm work, he remains an important factor in the agricultural advancement of Allamakee county, to the development of which he has con- tributed in a considerable degree, while at the same time promoting his private interests. He is honored and respected in his vicinity as one who, by his own efforts, attained to a substantial place and one who always was as considerate of the interests of others as of his own.
SAMSON A. HARRIS.
Among the prosperous agriculturists of Allamakee county is Samson A. Harris, who has extensive holdings near Postville, owning a farm of three hun- dred and thirty acres. He is also interested in a number of important enter- prises. He was born at Caldwell, Ohio, March 24, 1862, and is a son of David McGary and Rosanna (Floyd) Harris. Both parents were also natives of Ohio, the father being born in Noble county. He always followed agricultural pur- suits in his native state and there passed away in 1892. The mother still makes her home in Ohio. David Harris made a distinguished military record in the war of the Rebellion, serving with valor and devotion for nine months and his death resulting from the effects of an affliction which he had contracted during the service. In his family were nine children, of whom our subject is the third in order of birth.
Samson A. Harris, in the acquirement of his education, attended public school in Noble county, Ohio, which state he left in 1881 in order to come to Iowa, where he accepted employment with his uncle, Elisha Harris, there remaining for four years. By thrift and energy he acquired the means which enabled him to purchase the farm upon which he now lives, the nucleus of his holdings consisting of sixty-seven acres, to which he has since added at various times until his property now comprises three hundred and thirty acres. He devotes his attention to general farming and also gives a good deal of his time to stock-raising. His buildings are modern and up-to-date and his equipment and machinery of the latest type. The appearance of his place speaks well for the methods he employs and stands as evidence of his prosperity. Mr. Harris has become interested in other enterprises and is a stockholder in the Postville Canning Factory and in the Clay Products Company. He also holds stock in the Farmers Implement Company of Plano, Illinois, and the Citizens Bank of Post- ville.
On September 22, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Harris and Miss Ida Smith. She was born in Post township in 1864 and is a daughter of John N. and Susan (Lee) Smith, both natives of New York. They came to Iowa before their marriage and the father resided a short time in Decorah before removing to Post township. Here he acquired land, to the cultivation of which he devoted
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the remainder of his life, passing away in 1895. His wife still survives, residing in Post township. In their family were eight children, of whom but two are now living, including Mrs. Harris. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have two daughters : Lila, who is teaching school at Waukon and resides at home; and Leone, who pursues her education in Toledo, Iowa.
Mrs. Harris and daughters are members of the United Brethren church, to which Mr. Harris gives his helpful support. His political faith is that of the republican party and, although he keeps intelligently informed upon all issues involved, he has never aspired to public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Starting out in life with no particular advantages, Mr. Harris has again proven the fact that success is but ambition's answer and that industry and honesty will win the day. While he has become one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his section, he has been a factor in the general advancement, and is recognized as a forceful element in the community, where he is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.
THOMAS FOLSOM.
Thomas Folsom, one of the most progressive and well known farmers of Post township, owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has resided since 1887. He was born in Ripley county, Indiana, on the 16th of April, 1849, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Web- ster) Folsom, both natives of that state, the former born May 15, 1816, and the latter on the 29th of May, 1818. In early life the father engaged in milling in Indiana. He came to Iowa in 1865, turning his attention first to farming and afterward to his former occupation, becoming connected with the Myron mill, wherein he remained employed for ten years thereafter. At the end of that time he secured a position in another mill a short distance down the river but after five years there was taken sick and retired from active life, dying on the 29th of October, 1883. In addition to his activity as a miller he was also a well known Baptist minister, preaching the doctrines in which he believed, at intervals, for many years although he never had charge of any church. His wife survived him a number of years, dying on the 5th of January, 1912. They had a large family of children, of whom the subject of this review was the fifth in order of birth. His oldest brother was killed during the Civil war on the Chickamauga battlefield.
Thomas Folsom acquired his education in the district schools of Indiana and came with his parents to Iowa in 1865. When he was fifteen years of age he began working as a farm hand by the day and month and so continued until he was twenty-eight years, when he married and rented a farm in Post town- ship which he developed and improved for some time, buying in 1887 the land in Post township upon which he still resides. The years have brought him steadily increasing success in his farming operations, for his methods have been at all times practical and progressive and his industry unflagging. He is a successful grain grower and an extensive stock-raiser and his farm is one of
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the finest in this part of Allamakee county, its excellent condition reflecting his many years of care and labor. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Co- operative Store at Postville and in the Cooperative Creamery and is known as a far-sighted, reliable and discriminating business man.
On September 30, 1877, Mr. Folsom married Miss Eliza N. Ewing, who was born in Post township, this county, October 24, 1857. She is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Clark) Ewing, natives of Hamilton county, Indiana, the father a plasterer and mason by trade. They came to Iowa in the spring of 1858 as pioneers and located on Yellow river, in Post township, where Thomas Ewing purchased land. He later sold his holdings and thereafter worked at his trade until his death, which occurred on the 22d of September, 1887, when he was sixty-one years of age. He and his wife became the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Folsom is the fifth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Folsom have ten children. Lonnie, who was born August 10, 1878, married Hazel, a daughter of George Harris and they now reside on the Harris farm. Rachel. born September 4, 1879, married Warner Harris, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. William, born September 25, 1881, is a painter by trade. He married Miss Josephine Getkins and they re- side in Postville. Lee, who was born September 20, 1883, married Miss Bertha Hammel and they make their home on a farm two miles southeast of Postville. Richard, whose birth occurred on the 3d of February, 1886, married Mabel Harris, a daughter of George Harris, and they reside on a farm near Hardin, in Franklin township. Melbert, who was born February 9, 1888, resides at home. Austin, born May 3, 1890, is also at home. Angie, born September 5, 1892, is the wife of Earl Hammel, a farmer in Ludlow township. Gilbert, born November 16, 1894, is residing on the home farm. Milo. the youngest member of the family, was born August 19, 1897.
Mr. Folsom affiliates with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He devotes practically his entire time to his farm and his labors during the twenty-six years of his residence upon it have been rewarded by success, so that he stands today in the front ranks of successful and progressive agriculturists.
JAMES T. BULMAN.
James T. Bulman needs no introduction to the readers of a history of Allamakee county, for his name has long been an honored one in this section of Iowa, to which his father came as a pioneer and where he himself has through his industry, honesty and success won a high place among the pro- moters of its agricultural development. He is at present operating a fine farm in Union City township and gives a great deal of his time and attention to its further cultivation. He was born in Allamakee county, October 6. 1857, and is a son of Thomas Bulman, whose birth occurred in Thetford, Cambridgeshire, England, on the 6th of April, 1828. The father spent his boyhood and youth in that country and there worked as a farm hand and at railroading. On the 6th of October, 1848, he married Miss Phoebe Stocks, also a native of Cam- bridgeshire, and on the 31st of the same month they sailed for America on the
MRS. J. T. BULMAN, AND DAUGHTER
J. T. BULMAN, FATHER, SON, AND GRANDSON
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W. V. Kent, a sailing vessel, which arrived at New Orleans on the 9th of De- cember, it requiring five weeks and four days to make the voyage. After re- maining in that city for a short time they went to Evansville, Indiana, in the spring of 1849 and there Mr. Bulman served an apprenticeship as a bricklayer and plasterer, at which occupations he worked until October 6, 1854, when he started for Iowa, driving overland by team and arriving in Union City township, Allamakee county, on the last day of October. There Mr. Bulman entered land and at once began the construction of a log cabin. He continued to live upon that farm until his retirement from active business life in 1888. He had in the meantime accumulated eight hundred acres and this property he sold in that year to his two sons, James and Thomas, and took up his home in Waukon, where he now resides, having reached the age of eighty-five. His wife passed away in 1892. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Mary, the deceased wife of William Cummings: Mrs. Alice Green, the widow of L. M. Green, of Montana ; Emma, who married Alfred Beardmore; James T., of this review ; Thomas S., who resides in Pawnee county, Oklahoma ; Carrie, the wife of Benjamin Hartley, of Allamakee county ; Jason C., who resides in Waterloo township; Walter W., an attorney of Chariton, Iowa; Anna P., who married William Rayburn, of Portland, Oregon; John, who has passed away ; Samuel, who died in infancy, and Phoebe, who is also deceased.
James T. Bulman spent his childhood upon his father's farm, attending dis- trict school, and when not engaged with his books, assisting with the cultivation of the homestead and becoming in this way before he had attained his majority a practical and able agriculturist. He began his independent career by renting a portion of the home farm and this he continued to develop until after his father's retirement, when he purchased three hundred and sixty acres, which he still owns. Upon it he has made substantial improvements, erecting the necessary barns and outbuildings and installing modern machinery, and he has by his well directed and practical labors made the farm a productive and profitable property, evidencing everywhere the care and skill of an able agri- culturist. Mr. Bulman has six hundred and forty acres of Canada land. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Waukon and is well known as a resourceful, far-sighted and progressive business man.
In 1880 Mr. Bulman was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Hartley, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of Francis and Hephzibah Hartley, who were born and married in England and who came to America in a sailing ship, being seven weeks at sea. They landed in New York and, making their way inland, settled in Wisconsin and came to Iowa in the early '50s, living in Allamakee county until their deaths. Of the large family of children born to their union five survive besides the wife of the subject of this review: John W., who lives in Allamakee county; Susan, who married Henry Allpress, of Nebraska; Alice E., the wife of Thomas Henderson, of California; James W., of Lansing, Iowa; and Francis, who lives in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Bulman became the parents of seven children: Frank T., now serving as county treasurer of Allamakee county ; Ethel and Mabel, who died in infancy ; Nellie, who married Robert Weymiller, of Allamakee county ; and Leonard J., Alfred C. and A. J., who live at home. The family are members of the Pres- byterian church.
Vol. II-19
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Mr. Bulman is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a republican in his political views and has served in various important official positions, including those of township trustee and sheriff of Allamakee county. He is interested in all that pertains to the general progress and growth of his native community, being at all times a progressive and public-spirited citizen. and in his business life he has illustrated the value of integrity and industry, having won his prosperity through intense and well directed energy.
JAMES W. HARRIS.
James W. Harris, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pur- suits throughout his entire business career, is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 10, Post township. His birth occurred in Noble county. Ohio, on the 24th of March, 1860, his par- ents being David M. and Rosanna ( Floyd) Harris, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father spent his entire life in Ohio and followed farming during his active business career. At the time of the Civil war he valiantly defended the Union as a member of an Ohio regiment. His widow still resides in that state.
James W. Harris, who was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, obtained his education in the schools of his native state and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he worked as a farm hand for about five years and then purchased a tract of land in Post township, Allamakee county, lowa. continuing its cultivation for about ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought the farm on which he has resided continuously since and which comprises two hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land on section 10 in Post township. He operates the place as a general stock farm and has won a gratify- ing measure of success in his undertakings. It is a model and modern farming property, and all of the improvements thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. Mr. Harris is a stockholder in the farmers' store and the Post- ville creamery and is widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community.
On the 17th of February, 1887, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Segrist, a daughter of Louis and Mary Ann (Joyce) Segrist. The father's birth occurred in Ohio in 1832, while the mother was born in Indiana on the 20th of September, 1842. Louis Segrist, whose father died before he was born, came to Iowa in boyhood. He followed agricultural pursuits during his entire business career, being first employed as a farm hand and later becon- ing a landowner in Post township, where his demise occurred on the 22d of January, 1902. His widow now makes her home with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of nine children, as follows: Martin E., who was born on the 14th of May, 1888, and resides at home ; Mae Rose, born February 6, 1800, who is the wife of Joseph Evans, of Postville; Ethel M., whose birth occurred on the 6th of June, 1891, and who gave her hand in marriage to William
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Fast, of Zanesville, Ohio; Obert, born January 13, 1893, who wedded Miss Clara Klein and follows farming in Post township; Ella Caroline, who was born on the 3d of April. 1894, and is the wife of Fred Lawson, a farmer of Post township: Dora Irene, who was born March 19, 1899, and is attending school ; John Frederick, whose birth occurred on the 22d of January, 1901, and who is likewise attending school; Florence, whose natal day was December 21, 1903 : and Marie Lucile, whose birth occurred June 13, 1911.
In politics Mr. Harris is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has many friends in the community which has been his home for more than a quarter of a century, and well merits the regard and esteem which are uniformly accorded him.
JAMES H. BEARDMORE.
James H. Beardmore, who has for seventeen years been prominently con- nected with farming interests of Allamakee county and who is today considered one of the most able and progressive agriculturists of Union City township, is a native of this section of Iowa, born in 1869. His parents, William and Sarah Beardmore, were natives of England and were married in that country, where their three eldest children were born. They came to America in 1853 and after about ten years spent in the eastern states came to Iowa, settling in Union City township in 1865. Here the father operated a ferry boat across the Upper Iowa river and at the same time conducted a blacksmith shop, dividing his atten- tion between the two occupations until he turned his attention to farming, at which time he abandoned the operation of the ferry but continued to manage his blacksmith and horseshoeing establishment. He made additional purchases of land from time to time, finally accumulating two hundred and sixty acres, which he developed and improved along modern and practical lines until his retirement in 1897. In that year he laid aside the cares of active business life and moved to New Albin, where he now resides. His wife passed away in April, 1896. They became the parents of ten children: twins, who died in in- fancy ; and three, Ambrose, Agnes and Laura, who have also passed away. The others are: William, Alfred and Lynn T., of Union City township; John, who is a butcher in Charles City, Iowa ; and James H., of this review.
After acquiring a good education in the public schools of Union City town- ship James H. Beardmore turned his attention to farming and in 1896 bought the family homestead of two hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has since resided, giving most of his time to its improvement and development. The farm is situated ten miles and a half above New Albin and Mr. Beardmore has one hundred and forty acres under high cultivation. Upon it he has made sub- stantial improvements, erecting the necessary buildings and installing the needed equipment, and his farm is today one of the finest in this section of Allamakee county, reflecting in its neat and attractive appearance the careful supervision and practical methods of its owner, who is a progressive and able agriculturist.
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In addition to general farming he is also a stock buyer and seller on an extensive scale and is connected as a director with the Farmers Store of New Albin.
Mr. Beardmore is affiliated with the republican party but, although he served for twelve years as a member of the school board, doing able and conscientious work, he never seeks public office. In the community where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he is well and favorably known and his in- dustry and enterprise have not only enabled him to attain prosperity but have won him a high place in the respect and esteem of his neighbors.
J. S. QUANDAHL.
J. S. Quandahl, owner of the Quandahl Mercantile Store, the largest enter- prise of its kind in Allamakee county outside of Waukon, is one of the best known business men in Waterloo township and his record in the control of his extensive interests is a credit to a name that has here been honored and re- spected since pioneer times. He is one of Allamakee county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Waterloo township in 1876, his parents being Nels and Julia Quandahl. The parents came to America in 1854 and after settling in Winneshiek county came from there to Waterloo township, Allamakee county, in the early '70s. In the community which is now known as Quandahl the father bought a mercantile store which since that time has been one of the strong and reliable commercial institutions in this vicinity. The father remained active in its conduct until his death in 1910, having survived his wife one year. To their union were born nine children: Lena, the wife of Henry Opheim, of Water- loo township; J. S., of this review ; Clara, deceased; Ella, the wife of Charles Johnson, of Canada ; Martha, who married Val Lopshire, of Minnesota ; Nettie. who lives at home ; Arthur, who has passed away ; Edward, a resident of Canada ; and Arthur, who lives at home.
J. S. Quandahl was reared in his parent's home and acquired his education in the public schools of Allamakee county, supplementing this by a business course at Decorah, Iowa. After laying aside his books .he entered into partner- ship with his father in the conduct of the Quandahl Mercantile Store and their association continued until 1906, during which time Mr. Quandahl of this re- view became known as a resourceful, far-sighted and progressive business man, thoroughly familiar with every detail connected with general merchandising. Upon the death of his father he purchased the entire stock and the store, and he is now carrying on the business alone, a large and constantly increasing patronage being accorded to him in recognition of his upright and honorable business methods, his known reliability and his earnest desire to please his patrons. Mr. Quandahl owns also the old homestead of sixty acres in Water- loo township and a fine modern residence. He is treasurer and a large stock- holder in the Arctic Springs Creamery Association and his ability is widely known and respected.
In 1904 Mr. Quandahl was united in marriage to Miss Petra Selnes, a native of Winneshiek county and a daughter of Edward and Anna Selnes. The par- ents were born in Norway and came to America in 1860, just before the outbreak
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of the Civil war. The father served for four years in that conflict and after receiving his honorable discharge returned to Iowa, settling in Highland town- ship, Winneshiek county, where he purchased land. He became a prominent and successful agriculturist, operating his extensive holdings until his death, which occurred in 1913. His wife survives him and resides upon the home- stead. To their union were born nine children, seven of whom survive, the wife of the subject of this review being the third in order of birth. She ac- quired her education in the public schools of Iowa, and was also for a time a student at an agricultural school in Minnesota. She and her husband have two daughters: Alma J., who was born in 1905; and Norma E., born February I, 1913. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Quandahl is a republican and always a stanch upholder of the prin- ciples and policies of that party. The cause of education finds in him an intelli- gent champion and he has done much toward its promotion through his able service as president of the Bear Creek school district. He has made an excellent record as a merchant and farmer and conducts his interests in such a way that each year adds to his prosperity. Energetic and efficient, always mindful of his duty to others and known as a progressive and useful citizen, he is a native son of whom Allamakee county has every reason to be proud.
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