USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 46
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GUSTAV FREDRICK RESSEL.
Among the worthy representatives of farming interests that Germany has furnished to Allamakee county, is numbered Gustav Fredrick Ressel, who owns and operates a well improved farm of eighty acres, located in Fairview town- ship. He was born in Silesia, Germany, January 24, 1863. a son of August and Eleanor (Pool) Ressel, who were likewise natives of Silesia. The father owned a small tract of land and engaged in farming in his native country, and he also was employed by others at various times. The parents spent their entire lives in Germany and both are now deceased.
Gustav Fredrick Ressel acquired his education in the schools of his native land, attending until he had reached the age of fourteen, when he began learning the carpenter's trade. Believing that he might enjoy better business opportuni- ties in the new world, he accordingly set sail for America in 1883. He spent about eighteen months in Chicago, working at his trade, and also worked at his trade in McGregor for about six months after coming to Iowa. He then pur- chased his present farm, comprising eighty acres in Fairview township and from that time to the present he has given his attention to its further development. He is engaged in general farming and follows the most progressive ideas in his work, so that he is meeting with success. He also raises stock to some extent and this branch of his business adds not a little to his annual income.
Mr. Ressel established a home of his own by his marriage in November, 1893, to Miss Augusta Kegel, who was born in the province of Pomerania, Ger-
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many, July 22, 1863, the marriage ceremony being celebrated in Chicago. Her parents have always lived in their native land. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ressel has been blessed with two daughters, Catharine, who was born November 12, 1895, pursued a business course in the Dubuque Business College, and is now employed as a stenographer in that city. Mollie, born July 10, 1897, gradu- ated from the same institution and is at home.
Mr. Ressel's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stanch support to the democratic party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has never been active in political affairs and the only public office he has ever held has been that of school director. Possessing all the traits and characteristics of his German ances- try, he is withal loyal to American interests, for he has found here the oppor- tunities he sought, and having availed himself of the advantages here to be found he is working his way upward to success.
JOIIN MELCHER.
John Melcher owns a well equipped and highly profitable farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Linton township, Allamakee county. He was born in the same township on May 7, 1875, a son of Nicholas and Amelia (Stiert) Melcher, both natives of Germany. The father is now a resident of Clayton county. He was born in 1844 in the fatherland and soon after serving in the army came to America, settling in Linton township, where he became a well known farmer, residing here until 1883, when he sold out and moved to Clayton county, locating on a place just across the line. He still owns land in Franklin township, this county, but lives practically retired in Clayton county, his sons operating the farm for him. The mother was born May 17, 1854, and died May 16, 1912. In her family were five children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
In the acquirement of an education John Melcher attended school in this township. For a time he worked upon the home farm and also cultivated some land at Walnut Grove, just over the county line in Clayton county. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then worked for a time as a farm hand in Franklin township until he married, when he bought the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He has greatly enhanced the value of his holdings by making valuable improvements and his property is well equipped. He engages in general farming and also gives con- siderable attention to the breeding of live stock. He is a stockholder in the Monona Creamery Company.
On December 21, 1904, Mr. Melcher was united in marriage to Miss Effie Leas, who was born in this township July 27, 1886. She is a daughter of George and Sarah (Thias) Leas, also natives of Linton township. The father has always followed farming and grew to manhood upon the homestead where he now resides. He has practically retired from active work, leaving the more arduous duties to his sons. Ile served as township trustee, as school director and in various other local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Melcher have become the par-
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ents of four children : George Lester, who was born October 17, 1905; Wilma Merrill, born July 11, 1907; Glenn Arthur, born in August, 1909; and Amelia Sarah, born September 1, 1911.
Mr. Melcher served for one term as school director of his district, giving thereby evidence of his interest in the cause of education. He has otherwise, however, never aspired to political office, preferring to give his entire attention to his private interests. His views incline toward the republican party and he stanchly upholds its candidates. Fraternally he is a member of the Volney lodge of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Melcher has attained to a prosperity which is remarkable for one of his years, and his achievements have come to bim as a result of good judgment and honest labor. All who know him respect and esteem him for his success and for those qualities of his character which have made possible his prosperity.
M. T. PHIPPS.
M. T. Phipps is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. located on section 32. Lafayette township. He is a native of Canada, born December 31, 1856, the third in order of birth in a family of five children, whose parents were Thomas and Maria ( Francis) Phipps, both natives of England. On leaving his native land, the father located first in Canada and in 1853 es- tablished his home on one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, which he pur- chased in Allamakee county-the farm on which our subject now resides. On this land the father erected a log house and began life in true pioncer style. He was permitted to enjoy his new home for but a brief period, however, passing away here soon after his arrival. The mother continued to make her home on the farm for many years but is now deceased, her death occurring at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Tisdale, in 1908. The five children in the family are: Harriet, the wife of Edward Tisdale, a resident of Lafayette township; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Murray Bacon, but is now deceased ; M. T., of this review; Mary, the wife of L. P. Stillman, of Emmetsburg, Iowa; and Theresa, the deceased wife of G. M. Gemmel.
M. T. Phipps was a little lad of seven years when he was brought from Canada to Allamakee county. He was trained to work on the home farm, assisting his mother subsequent to his father's demise. He eventually came into possession of the homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Lafayette township and through his own well directed labors has made it a valuable farm. He and his family occupy a comfortable home, while his barns and outbuildings are sub- stantial and kept in good repair. In addition to general farming he is engaged in stock-raising, having recently purchased six full-blooded Percheron mares and expects to raise registered horses.
Mr. Phipps chose as a companion Miss Elizabeth Valentine, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Job and Lucy Valentine, both of whom are de- ceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have been born ten children, as follows: Charles, who died when only two years old; Harry and William, who are now in Canada : Grace, the wife of Lewis Drake, a resident of Center township : Alice,
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the wife of Percy Bailey, of St. Paul; Mildred, the wife of Joe Mortimer, also of St. Paul; May, the wife of Early Bailey, who likewise makes her home in St. Paul; Theresa, Irvin and Le Roy, all of whom are with their parents.
Mr. Phipps is a republican, giving stanch support to the candidates of the party in which he has firm faith. He is an industrious, honest man, fully meriting the high regard which is everywhere accorded hin.
MICHAEL MARTIN WALSH.
No farmer in Allamakee county has achieved greater success in agricultural pursuits than Michael Martin Walsh, whose attractive homestead is situated on the exact spot where the old Winnebago mission once stood and comprises four hundred acres of valuable land. Through his own industry and enterprise he has risen to prominence as a farmer, each step in his career being a step forward until today he ranks among the men whose individual success has been an important factor in general agricultural development. He is a native son of Allamakee county, born in Fairview township May 21, 1875, his parents being Mathias and Honorah (King) Walsh, natives of Ireland. The father came to New York city in 1845 and moved from there to Iowa, where he settled upon the farm upon which he is still residing, being now in the eightieth year of his age. He is honored as a veteran of the Civil war, having served for ninety days as a member of a New York regiment. His marriage occurred in that state on New Year's day, 1859, and three of his children were born there. He has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs and since coming to Iowa has served capably and conscientiously in various public offices, including those of justice of the peace and township assessor.
Michael M. Walsh was reared at home and acquired his education in what is now called the Nicholson school. When he was fifteen years of age he secured a position as farm laborer and soon afterward joined his brother Joseph in the purchase of a tract of land in the vicinity of the family homestead. Be- cause the brothers werc under age the deed had to be made out to the father but the sons developed and improved the property for a number of years. When Michael M. Walsh was twenty-one years of age he purchased another farm in Fairview township and after seven years bought a tract of eighty acres adjoin- ing his present homestead. He has since added to his holdings from time to time and although he has disposed of some of his land, still owns four hundred acres. He operates this with the aid of hired help and is especially interested in stock-raising, keeping high grades of cattle and shipping a great deal of stock every year. His property is well improved in every particular, the build- ings being substantial and in good repair and the equipment modern. Mr. Walsh devotes practically all of his time to the development of his farm and has won that success which follows earnest and persistent labor.
On the 4th of February, 1907, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Helen Thirza Buxton, who was born in Fairview township, one and one-half miles from her husband's birthplace, on May 13, 1889. She is a daughter of Stephen Luther and Thirza Ellen ( Hoadley) Buxton, natives of Vermont, the
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former born June 19, 1839, and the latter November 26, 1844. In his early life the father followed agricultural pursuits and upon the outbreak of the Civil war left the farm and enlisted as a volunteer in the Eleventh Regiment, Ver- mont Cavalry. He served for three years and then enlisted for a second time, receiving his honorable discharge at the end of one year. He took part in many of the most important engagements of the Civil war and was twice wounded and once had his horse shot from under him. He was twice taken prisoner and held seven months in Andersonville prison and about six weeks in Libby prison. He was confined in Andersonville at the close of the war and after his discharge returned to Vermont, where he again turned his attention to farming. Ten years later he came west and settled in Clinton, Iowa, securing employment as a tie inspector for the Northwestern Railroad Company. In the meantime, however, he had taken up a soldier's claim in Dakota, and having made the necessary improvements, returned to Clinton for his family. Upon his arrival in South Dakota, however, he found that his claim had been jumped, the agent having purposely misinformed him, and his eight hundred dollars' worth of improve- ments became a total loss. He again returned to Clinton and after two years moved to Fairview township, where he located upon a small farm upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred September 19, 1906. His wife survives him and resides on a large stock ranch which she owns at Tarrizazo, New Mexico. He had always been interested in public affairs and especially in the cause of education, which he did much to promote during his term of service as school director. His daughter, Mrs. Walsh, is the youngest of four children and she acquired her education in what is now known as the Wachter school and in a business college at St. Louis, Missouri. She and her husband have become the parents of a son, Stephen Michael, who was born February 17, 1908. .
Mr. Walsh is a member of the Monona Farmers Shipping Association. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his native community. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church at Cherry Mound and are widely and favorably known in Fairview township, where their excellent qualities of heart and mind have gained for them the friendship of many and the high regard of all who know them.
CHARLES A. FETT.
Charles A. Fett, one of the successful farmers and representative business men of Linton township, owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 33 and in addition to its operation is proving able and far-sighted in the discharge of his duties as director and adjuster for the German Fire Insurance Company in Allamakee county. He was born in Pomerania, Germany, November 19, 1857, and is a son of Frederick and Henrietta ( Schroeder ) Fett, also natives of that province, the former born March 13, 1836, and the latter, March 12, 1832. In early life the father worked in the employ of others and later was a successful adminstrator. He came to America about the year 1883 and settled immediately
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afterward in Monona, Iowa, making his home with his son, the subject of this review, who at that time lived in Clayton county, near Monona. In this family were six children, of whom Charles A. is the oldest.
The latter acquired his education in the public schools of his native country and when he was nineteen years of age began working at farming in the employ of others. In 1881 he left Germany and crossed the Atlantic to America, set- tling first in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent one year employed as a carpenter in a lumberyard. At the end of that time he came to Iowa and, settling in Clayton county, entered the employ of a farmer with whom he was associated for six years thereafter. He married at the expiration of that period and pur- chased a farm of his own near the village of Sixteen, Linton township, a prop- erty which he continued to develop and improve until March 1, 1904. He then disposed of his first farm and bought the one hundred and twenty acres on section 33, Linton township, upon which he has since resided. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising and his well directed efforts have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. For more than nine years he has been connected with the German Fire Insurance Company as a director and adjuster in Allamakee county and he still holds these positions, discharging his duties in a capable and systematic way. He is in addition a stockholder in the Monona Creamery and in the Stock Shipping Association and his business ability is widely recognized.
On the 15th of December, 1887, Mr. Fett was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Kuester, who was born in Germany, May 6, 1868. They have become the parents of ten children : Elizabeth, who married Michael G. Bending, a resident of Chicago; Arnie, who is at home; Lydia and Minnie, both of whom are employed in Chicago: Elsie, who is filling a position in McGregor ; and Matie, Charles, Oscar, Alma and Lorena, all of whom reside at home.
Mr. Fett gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was for two years constable in this township and refused the office of justice of the peace. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen who takes a commendable interest in public affairs and during the period of his residence in Linton township has made a host of warm friends.
RICHARD KIELTY.
Fairvew township numbers among its most prosperous and progressive farm- ers and stock-raisers Richard Kielty, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of the old homestead, upon which his father settled in early times, and a half interest in a forty acre timber tract in the vicinity. He was born in Clayton county, near his present home, November 20, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Geraghty) Kielty, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, the former born in May, 1817, and the mother about five years later. The father crossed the Atlantic in 1852 and landed in New Orleans, whence he moved to Kentucky, then to Ohio and then to Virginia. He married soon after his arrival and in 1855 moved with his wife to Iowa, settling in Clayton county, where for a time he engaged in farming in the employ of others. In 1865 he purchased land of
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his own and upon it resided for eleven years, after which he moved to Fairview township, Allamakee county, and bought the farm upon which the subject of this review now resides. He operated this for a number of years, steadily carrying forward the work of its improvement until a few months before his death, which occurred in September, 1907. He was very prominent in local affairs, having held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a capable and conscientious way. His wife survives him and still resides upon the old homestead. She and her husband became the parents of eight children, five of whom are living.
Richard Kielty acquired his education in the public schools of his native township and in those of Fairview township, this county, whither he removed with his parents in his boyhood. He grew up on the homestead and in his youth aided in its operation, gaining a practical knowledge of the best agricultural methods. When he was about thirty years of age he and his brother John rented the home farm, operating it together until 1907, when they purchased the estate and divided it, Mr. Kielty of this review receiving as his share the one hundred and twenty acres which he still owns. He has also a half interest in a forty acre timber tract, which he owns in conjunction with his brother. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and his interests being carefully and prac- tically conducted, have proven profitable, so that he is today numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of this vicinity. He is a stock- holder in the Monona Creamery and in the Farmers Commission Company of Monona and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.
On the 29th of July, 1907, Mr. Kielty was united in marriage to Miss The- resa Schofield, who was born in Linton township, Allamakee county, November 6, 1874, a daughter of Peter and Ellen (Joyce) Schofield. Mr. and Mrs. Kielty have become the parents of two children: John Richard, who was born May 14, 1908; and Ellen Catherine, born June 15, 1910.
Mr. Kielty is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and is a demo- crat in his political beliefs, having served for two consecutive terms as township assessor. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has resided in this part of Allamakee county ever since boyhood and has became widely and favorably known. For a number of years he has been influentially associated with business and agricultural interests here and is a man whose high moral character and unquestioned integrity merit the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.
WILLIAM THOMAS LLOYD.
William Thomas Lloyd owns three hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in Linton township and by constantly following the most progressive and practical methods in its cultivation has surrounded himself with an enviable de- gree of prosperity. Upon this property he has resided since his childhood but was born at l'rairie du Chien, Wisconsin, June 12, 1870, a son of James and Mary (Johnston ) Lloyd, natives of Ireland, the mother born in West Meath and the father in County Cork. When a young man the latter crossed the At-
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JAMES LLOYD
MRS. JAMES LLOYD
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lantic to America and for a time worked in the employ of others in New York city, later going to New Jersey and thence to Chicago, where he arrived in the fall of 1866. He became connected with the St. Paul railroad and an idea as to his worth, reliability and capability can be gained from the fact that with only nine other men he was held over during the winter when all others were dis- charged, simply because their employer, a Mr. Lawler, had recognized their abil- ity for the work for which he had them selected. Mr. Lloyd then became con- nected with the Chicago station of the St. Paul road and ran his first train from Madison, Wisconsin, to Prairie du Chien, where he was made yardmaster, a posi- tion which he held until 1871. In that year he moved to Iowa, having purchased a farm in Linton township, and this property he began to clear and improve, en- gaging in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred February 2, 1910. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review.
William T. Lloyd acquired his education in the district schools of Linton town- ship, having been one year old when his parents removed to this part of Iowa. He was reared upon his father's farm and in his youth learned the best agricultural methods by assisting his father with the operation of the homestead. Upon reach- ing maturity he assumed entire charge of the property and after his father's death succeeded to it, making it by his able management one of the finest and most productive in this vicinity. He owns three hundred and forty acres and here car- ries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his enterprise being extensive and important. He is a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery of Waterville and in the Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company of Paint Creek and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.
On the 6th of June, 1899, Mr. Lloyd was united in marriage to Miss Kath- erine Kane, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 6, 1880, an adopted daughter of William Hart. She was brought to Allamakee county when she was less than seven years of age and grew to womanhood here. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd became the parents of five children : John Joseph, who was born May 21, 1900; Mary Lillian, born May 28, 1901 ; James Leo, born March 13, 1903; Wil- liam Searle, born June 15, 1908, who died July 7, 1908; and Francis Mallick, born April 6, 1910, who died September 17, 1912.
Mr. Lloyd's religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. His long residence in this township, extending from his infancy to the present time, has made him widely known and his many sterling traits of character have won him the respect and esteem of his neighbors and friends.
JOHN H. HERMANSON FRETHEIM.
John H. Hermanson Fretheim, or as he was better known in Allamakee county, John H. Hermanson, proved his loyalty in citizenship by active and able service in the Union army during the Civil war, his reliability in business by his many years of close connection with farming interests of Allamakee county, and his faithfulness to all ties and obligations by his upright and honorable Vol. II-23
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life. He passed away on his farm in Waterloo township, July 6, 1904, and his death was widely and deeply regretted, for in his passing Allamakee county lost a pioneer citizen and a man who during the half century of his residence here made tangible and substantial contributions to the agricultural development and general upbuilding of this part of the state.
Mr. Hermanson was born in Norway, in which country the family name was Fretheim. He came to America with his parents in 1854 and the family remained for a short time in New York where the father and one brother of the subject of this review passed away. Afterwards the mother and the remain- der of the family came west and after spending one year in Wisconsin, settled in Allamakee county, Iowa, where they took up government land and also added to their holdings by purchase. Assisted by her sons the mother operated this tract for many years thereafter and under her able management it became a productive and valuable farm. Eventually she retired from active life, selling the land to her sons, and a few years later passed away. She and her husband became the parents of nine children, three of whom survive: John, of Decorah ; Mrs. Christina Ellingson, of Austin, Texas; and Mrs. Ellen Peterson, of Alla- makee county.
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