USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 44
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On the 12th of January, 1909, Mr. Heffernan was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Kelly, who was born in Linton township, February 15, 1857, a daughter of John and Bridget ( Birmingham) Kelly, the former a native of County Gal- way and the latter of County Fermanagh, Ireland. Mrs. Heffernan's mother is a descendant of one of the noted families of Ireland. The Birminghams were of Norman origin and came to Ireland at the time of the English invasion. The grandfather was a nobleman but lost his property on account of religious perse- cution at that time when Ireland was steeped in internal troubles. John and Bridget Kelly crossed the Atlantic at about the same time that Mr. Heffernan's parents made the journey and they settled in Ohio, where for a number of years the father worked in a hotel. After coming to Linton township, this county, he purchased land and turned his attention to farming, following this occupation until his retirement. He and his wife now reside in Linton township. Both are highly respected in Allamakee county and all of their living children, four sons and three daughters, are well-to-do. In their family were nine children, of whom two, however, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are widely known for their generosity, hospitality and kindness which qualities they practice in their old age as they have done during their entire life. Mr. and Mrs. Heffernan have an adopted child which they secured from a Catholic orphan's home in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Heffernan are members of the Cherry Mound Roman Catholic church, and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, having served in a capable and efficient way as road supervisor. He is a stockholder in the Waterville Creamery Company and in the Farmers Telephone Company of Paint Creek township and is a business man of known reliability and worth. Through- out the township where his entire life has been spent he is well and favorably regarded and holds the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire community.
P. J. QUANDAHL.
P. J. Quandahl, an honored and respected citizen of Waterloo township, was born in Norway, March 25, 1851, and is a son of Jacob N. Quandahl, also a native of that country, who came to America with his wife and family in 1854 and settled first in Winneshiek county. From there he moved three years later to Waterloo township. Allamakee county, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, a property which he afterward sold, buying another farm on section 30. Here he operated a grist mill and a mercantile store in partnership with his two sons, the subject of this review and his brother Nels. They were very successful in the conduct of this enterprise and the father became one of the prosperous and prominent business men of this vicinity. He died in Waterloo township at the age of sixty-eight, having survived his wife only a short time. Three children were born to their union, of whom only one, the subject of this review, now survives.
P. J. Quandahl was reared in his parents' home, having come with them to America when he was three years of age. When he had attained his majority he joined his father and his brother Nelse in the conduct of a grist mill and a general store and also in the operation of one hundred and eighty acres of land
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in Waterloo township. Their association continued for seventeen years, at the end of which time the property was divided between the two sons. P. J. Quandahl now owns one hundred and sixty acres of improved land and gives a great deal of his time to its cultivation, although he also follows his trade as a millwright. He has recently turned over eighty acres of his land, and his mill, to his two oldest sons. He has at all times conducted his business interests in a careful and capable manner and has gained recognition as one of the resourceful and far- sighted business men of this locality.
In 1873 Mr. Quandahl was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Severson, a native of Norway, and they became the parents of nine children. Jacob and Knut are in partnership with their father, operating the mill and part of the homestead. Both are married and Jacob has two children, Evelyn P. and Truman J. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Quandahl are as follows: Helen, who married Alfred Opheim, of Montana; Sarah, the wife of Michael Bakkum, of Spring Row, Minnesota; Clara, the wife of George Burnett; Martha, who married S. Johnson, of Mckenzie county, North Dakota ; Bertha P., who resides at home; Elmer, of Montana ; and Olaf S., also at home. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Quandahl is a republican in his political beliefs and is interested in com- munity growth and advancement. He has served in an able and efficient manner as trustee of Waterloo township and never neglects the duties of citizenship. He has now made his home in Allamakee county for fifty-six years and his life record, ever honorable and upright, has gained for him the warm esteem and unqualified confidence of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER NICHOLSON.
Proof of the success to be gained in the cultivation of land in Allamakee county is found in the fact that so many of her native sons remain within her borders and choose this vocation as a life work. This is true of William Alexander Nicholson, who was born in Fairview township, November 23, 1868, a son of William and Mary (Galagher) Nicholson, both of whom were natives of Ire- land, the former born in County Galway, and the latter in West Meath. In early life the father learned the tanner's trade, and coming to America when a young man, worked in a tannery in Amsterdam, New York, where he remained for a few years. Eventually, in connection with his father-in-law, he pur- chased a tannery near that city and operated the same until 1862. His plant was destroyed by fire, and he subsequently came to Iowa, being for one year employed in McGregor. He then purchased land in Fairview township and made his home thereon until the time of his death, which occurred February 6, 1894. The mother died September 26, 1909.
William Alexander Nicholson was reared on the home farm, assisting his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting during the spring and summer seasons, and in the winter months he pursued his education in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of
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twenty-eight years, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which at that time was unimproved. As the years have passed he has not only increased the fertility of the soil, but has erected a modern home and outbuildings, and now has one of the valuable farms of this section of Allamakee county. He is engaged in general farming, following the most pro- gressive methods in his work, and in connection with this he also engages in handling wood, shipping five thousand cords annually, supplying the excelsior companies of Guttenberg, Dubuque and Mason City, and he also ships to points in the Dakotas. He has engaged to some extent in the real-estate business, one year negotiating deals for local land amounting to eighty-five thousand dollars. He is a capable and wide-awake business man and has met with success in his various undertakings.
Mr. Nicholson was married August 26, 1902, to Miss Katie Kelly, who was born in Linton township, October 8, 1875, a daughter of John F. and Bridget Kelly. This union has been blessed with five children: Hazel Marie, who was born June 28, 1903; John William, born January 26, 1905; Thomas Edward, born February 2, 1907; Mary M., born May 22, 1909; and Bridget E., whose birth occurred on the 5th of August, 1911.
Mr. Nicholson is a democrat in his political belief and at one time served as constable, but has never aspired to political office. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Cherry Mound, and his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Brotherhood of America. His life has been one of con- tinuous activity and the success which has come to him is well deserved, for he has ever followed the strictest business methods in all his dealings with his fellowmen, and today he is numbered among the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of Allamakee county.
JAMES EGAN, JR.
James Egan, Jr., an active and progressive farmer, who in association with his two brothers owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of choice land in Linton township, was born upon this property, February 9, 1860, and is a son of James and Catherine (O'Brien) Egan, natives of Ireland, the former born in County Galway in 1828 and the latter in County Cork in 1838. The father followed the shoemaking trade and continued at this occupation during practically all of his active life. He crossed the Atlantic in 1843 and for a time worked at his trade in Boston, Massachusetts, whence he moved to Galena, Illinois, and then to Iowa, arriving in this state about the year 1850. Although he bought land in Allamakee county he had it operated by others and he himself continued to follow his trade, in which he is still active to some extent. He resides upon the farm which he acquired in pioneer times and is well known and favorably regarded in this section of the state. For some time he was active in local politics and held the office of township trustee for several terms. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, six of whom are living : James, the subject of this review ; Margaret, the wife of Daniel Maloney, of Esmond, North Dakota: Catherine, who married Michael Johnston, of Linton township ;
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Jane, who married James Brennan, of Dorchester; and Frank and Timothy, who are operating the home farm in association with the subject of this review.
James Egan was reared upon his father's farm in this township and early became familiar with the details of farm operation. For five years he worked in the employ of others and in 1889 went to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he secured a position with a grain dealer. He worked also in a wholesale flour and feed store, where he was employed for five years, after which he returned to the homestead. He and his brothers now control this property which com- prises three hundred and twenty acres of fine land and upon which they engage in general farming and stock-raising, their well directed efforts being rewarded with a gratifying measure of success.
Mr. Egan is a member of the Cherry Mound Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in his political beliefs, taking an active interest in community affairs and cooperating heartily in measures to advance the permanent interests of the township. For the past ten years he has been serving as assessor and he still holds this position, discharging his duties in a capable, far-sighted and progressive way. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, able in busi- ness, progressive in citizenship and at all times true to high and noble standards, so that he has won the confidence and esteem of all who are associated with him.
JAMES CONLEY.
James Conley owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fairview township, which constitutes one of the best equipped and most valuable properties in Allamakee county. Mr. Conley was born near Joliet, Illinois, August 25, 1864, and is the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children, born of the marriage of John and Bridget (McCunnon) Conley, both of whom were natives of County Monaghan, Ireland. The father emigrated to the new world about 1850 or 1851, and for a time worked in the mills of Massachusetts. Hle later continued his journey westward, locating in Illinois, while in 1865 he came to Allamakee county, renting a farm in Fairview township. He prospered in his work and in 1871 found himself in possession of a sum sufficient to pur- chase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fairview township. He spent the remainder of his life on this farm and became one of the substantial men of this section of the county. He passed away here on the 28th of July, 1911, having survived his wife for many years, her death having occurred in March, 1888. Of their nine children, two survive: James, of this review; and Anna, the wife of C. A. Spinner, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Waterville, Alla- makee county.
James Conley was reared on the farm which is still his home and he attended the district schools of Fairview township. He worked for his father, giving him the benefit of his services until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he rented the homestead and worked independently until his father's demise, since which time he owns the place, having acquired the same by pur- chase. The farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, improved
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with modern buildings, including a house and outbuildings, and here Mr. Conley is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He follows the most modern and progressive methods in his work and his labors are bringing to him a sub- stantial income.
Mr. Conley adheres to the democratic party in national issues but is some- what independent in local politics. He has never held nor desired public office, preferring to devote all of his time to his private business interests. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church at Cherry Mound. Having spent his entire life in Allamakee county, he is deeply interested in its welfare and in every movement tending to promote its advancement along agricultural lines. He has a wide acquaintance here and is respected by all who know him.
GUSTAV C. FRANCK.
For many years Gustav C. Franck has been successfully engaged as a car- riage and wagon maker, later taking up contracting and building and also engag- ing in the coal business, but since 1912 he has been connected with agricultural pursuits in Linton township, although he is still interested in his former line of business. He has turned to agriculture in order to give his sons the benefit of an outdoor life and healthful farm surroundings. Born at Carondelet, Mis- souri, August 4, 1860, Gustav C. Franck is a son of Martin and Mary (Arpe) Franck. The father was born in Bavaria, May 2, 1827, and the mother at Dob- beran, grand duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, December 9, 1837. The father crossed to America in the spring of 1850, first locating in New York city, where he engaged as a cabinet-maker and carpenter. Later he went to Clinton, Iowa, and Dubuque, subsequently removing from there to St. Louis and thence to Springfield, Illinois. After remaining there for a time he went to Kankakee, that state, and lastly to Chicago, where ended his active career, passing away in 1909, being engaged in his business until a week before his death, despite his ad- vanced age of eighty-two years. The mother passed away in 1903. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth.
Gustav C. Franck attended school in Springfield and Kankakce, Illinois. At the age of seventeen, in 1877, he was apprenticed to a carriage and wagon maker for four years and then followed that trade for an equal period of time in Chicago. He then engaged in the coal business and was active in the promo- tion of the Chicago Coal Association, with which he was connected for about four years. At the end of that time he became connected with contracting and building and continued in that business until 1912, when he came to his present farm in order to afford his sons a better opportunity for leading an outdoor life and to realize some ideas and ideals which he had formed in the city. Although he is now largely interested in farming, he is still connected with his former business in partnership with his son, Walter C. Franck, their establishment being in Oak Park, Illinois.
On August 27, 1883, Mr. Franck married Miss Hulda Gueneman, who was born in Westphalia. Germany, March 17, 1863. Her mother died when she was but six years of age and she was reared by an uncle in the old country. Mrs.
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Franck came to America in ISSI and until her marriage made her home in Chicago. By her marriage she became the mother of four children : Walter C., who was born June 21, 1884, and who is engaged in the contracting business at Oak Park, Illinois: Arthur L., who was born September 20, 1887, and who resides with his father; Hulda, who was born July 5, 1889, and who married J. L. Berger, a cutter in the employ of Hart, Schaffner & Marx of Chicago ; and Elmer, who was born January 29, 1898, and who resides at home.
Mr. Franck is a member of the Evangelical Association and his family has also been reared in that faith. He gives his adherence to the republican party but has never cared for public office. Fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge of Masons of Oak Park. Mr. Franck is a progressive and aggressive busi- ness man and no doubt will be as successful along agricultural lines as he has been in commercial life. He has distinctive ideas of his own and intends to try out some of them which have occurred to him as practical. His advent among the farming fraternity of Linton township, Allamakee county, must be con- sidered fortunate as no doubt he will take a leading part in promoting agricul- tural development in the section and in establishing new standards and in con- tributing to the prosperous conditions that prevail.
OSCAR COLLINS.
Oscar Collins, who has long been actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits in Allamakee county, is now living practically re- tired but still owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 16 and 21, Franklin township, which is one of the most highly improved and most modern properties in the county. His birth occurred in Montgomery county, New York, on the 27th of October, 1836, his parents being Josiah and Elizabeth ( Wright) Collins, the former a native of Montgomery county, New York, and the latter of Vermont. Josiah Collins followed farming throughout his active business career, and both he and his wife passed away in Montgomery county, New York. He was a member of the state militia. Our subject was the first born in a family of seven children, three of whom are still living and two of whom are residents of the Empire state.
In the acquirement of an education Oscar Collins attended the district schools of his native county. His father died when he was a lad of but ten years and for the next eight years he lived with an uncle. When a young man of eighteen he began working as a farm hand and was thus employed in New York until the spring of 1857, when he came to Iowa, here working by the month as a farm hand until 1861. He was married in the fall of that year and subse- quently cultivated rented land in Monona township, Clayton county, until the winter of 1864. At that time he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company L, Seventh lowa Cavalry, serving as a private until June, 1866, when he was mustered out at Sioux City. He did hospital service and was fortunate in that he was never wounded. Returning to Monona, Iowa, he rented land and there made his home until 1870, when he took up his abode
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on an eighty-acre farm in Franklin township which he had purchased in 1868. He erected a small house on the place and continued to reside thereon for ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought the farm on which he now resides and which he had previously rented for two years. His original purchase comprised one hundred and sixty acres but he has since extended the boundaries of his place until it now embraces two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land and constitutes one of the best equipped properties in Allamakee county. His buildings are all of modern type of the best construction. Mr. Collins makes a specialty of dairying, keeping about fifty head of high-grade Guernsey cattle and other stock in pro- portion. He still devotes his attention to the management of the farm but is now practically living retired, leaving the active work of the fields to others. His residence is commodious and modern in every particular and, as above stated, his farm buildings are of the latest and most up-to-date construction. The dimensions of his cow barn are eighty-six by thirty-four feet and the building contains sixty-three windows and is fitted with adjustable stanchions, adjustable mangers and feed boxes. There are also ventilators to carry away foul air, and fresh air tubes extend to the center of the structure. The ceiling is of the hip- roof, self-supporting style and there are no posts or pillars to interfere with the feed space. The building has a capacity of one hundred tons of hay and there is also space for a car load of ground feed or bran. It is fitted with forty-one stanchions and two large box stalls at the north end. The barns have cement flooring and light is furnished by an acetylene plant.
Mr. Collins has been twice married. On the 14th of November, 1861, he wedded Miss Orpha Melissa Cummings, who was born in Monona township in 1840 and was said to be the first white child born in Clayton county. Her parents were natives of Illinois and her mother a Miss Hannah Rowe before her marriage. Her father became one of the earliest settlers of Clayton county, this state, and there both her parents died. Mrs. Orpha M. Collins passed away in January, 1873, leaving four children, namely: Joseph L., born August 13, 1862, who married Miss Sarah Ferguson and is a hotel proprietor and ex- railroad contractor of Forest Grove, Montana; Eunice, born in January, 1867, who is the wife of Charles Thornton, an agriculturist of Franklin township ; Retta, who was born on the 19th of December, 1868, and is the wife of Frank Bloxham, an extensive agriculturist of Franklin township; and Page Wright, born on the Ist of January, 1871, who wedded Miss Charlotta May Adams, and is a farmer residing at What Cheer, Keokuk county. On the 2d of April, 1874, Oscar Collins was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Marga- ret (Dickson) Osborn, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 18th of March, 1833. Her parents, William and Margaret (Carmichael) Dickson, were both natives of that country. In early manhood the father worked as a weaver. It was in 1850 that he and his wife emigrated to the United States, residing in New York city until 1857. Coming to Iowa in that year Mr. Dickson pur- chased a tract of land and made his home thereon until he passed away, his demise occurring during the period of the Civil war. His wife was called to her final rest about 1885. Mrs. Collins was the third in order of birth in their family of seven children, four of whom are still living. Unto Oscar and Marga- ret (Dickson) Osborn Collins was born one son, Lyman Robert, whose birth Vol. II-22
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occurred on the 4th of November. 1876, and who assists his father in the opera- tion of the home farm.
In his political views Mr. Collins is a stanch republican. He has ably served in the capacity of trustee and acted as school director for a period of fifteen years. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers fifty-six years and he is therefore well acquainted with its history and people. Mr. Collins always has been a pioneer in installing the latest improvements. He built the first modern house, the first successfully operated silo and was the first man in the county to have a milking machine which would milk four cows at the same time. His importance as leader in agricultural developments is well established by these signs of progressiveness. He has now passed the seventy-sixth mile- stone on life's journey and can look back upon an active, useful and honorable career.
WARNER McCLARY HARRIS.
A well cultivated and highly improved farm of one hundred and sixty- seven acres near Postville gives evidence of the successful pursuits of Warner McClary Harris as an agriculturist in Allamakee county. He is a native of Post township, having been born August 3, 1874, and is a son of George W. and Ella (Laughlin) Harris, the former a farmer of the Postville district, of whom more extended mention is made in another portion of this work.
Warner M. Harris, in the acquirement of his education, attended school in Post township and also the Postville high school. He remained under the par- ental roof until his marriage, although he had rented land and engaged in farm- ing five years before that event. When he married he bought the farm upon which he now resides, locating thereon the next day. His property comprises one hundred and sixty-seven fertile acres which he has improved with modern buildings and brought to a high state of productivity. He engages in general farming and also has extensive stock-raising interests. Mr. Harris is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and in the Canning Factory at Postville.
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