USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 49
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Fraternally Mr. Clark is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Wankon and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility although he never seeks public office. In analyzing his life record it will be seen that persistent, earnest work has constituted the foundation upon which he has built his pros- perity and his diligence may well serve as an example for others to emulate.
GEORGE C. FERGUSON.
Unusual determination, natural ability, industry and good judgment have led George C. Ferguson to attain the substantial position which he now occupies in the farming fraternity of Linton township, Allamakee county, where he owns three hundred and thirty-three acres of valuable land. He was born in Monona township, Clayton county, this state, on December 29, 1860, a son of William and Mary (Bair) Ferguson. The father was born near London, On- Vol II-24
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tario, Canada, on December 3, 1832, and after a life rich in labors, but also rich in rewards, passed away October 6, 1909, in his seventy-seventh year. The mother, a native of York, Pennsylvania, was born May 6, 1837, her death oc- curring many years before that of her husband, on November 27, 1875. The father was educated and reared on a farm in Canada and crossed the border to the United States in 1852, coming directly to lowa, where he located in Monona township, Clayton county, one mile from Monona. He continued there until the 'zos, when he removed to Franklin township, where he bought land on which he resided for many years. He subsequently made his home with a daughter in Clayton county for about five years and then joined the household of Mr. Ferguson of this review, with whom he made his home until his demise. He was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him and on various occasions was offered public office, which he, however, always steadfastly refused.
George C. Ferguson was the second in a family of five children. He at- tended school in district No. I, Monona township, Clayton county, and upon his father's farm near that city passed his boyhood, remaining at home until twenty years of age, when he began his independent career by working for others, ac- cepting any work that came to hand until twenty-four years of age, when by strict economy and thrift he had accumulated sufficient means to buy one hun- dred acres of land, which is part of his present farm. For two or three years he also operated his father's farm and then built on his own land and moved thereon in 1894. He has since resided here, has put up substantial and well equipped buildings and brought his land to a high state of cultivation. When he arrived here all of his land was in a wild state but now his property, com- prising three hundred and thirty-three acres, is one of the most valuable in the county. He engages in general farming, giving attention to grain raising and also live stock. Moreover, he has a ginseng garden which he planted about fifteen years ago and from which he derives a handsome income. He is a stock- holder in the Monona Creamery Company and also in the Shipping Association of that city and holds stock in the Monona State Bank.
On March 5, 1889, Mr. Ferguson married Miss Hortense M. Haworth, who was born in Pennsylvania, on December 11. 1872, and died September 5, 1891, after only about three years of happy married life. She was a daughter of John and Frances ( Randall) Haworth, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of New York. John Haworth served during the Civil war for four years in the volunteer army, with Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Cavalry, as a private. He never received a wound during all that time, although he was in the hottest of fighting, and never was confined to a hospital. He later be- came a resident of Clayton county, owning a residence in Monona, where he died. There his wife still makes her home today. To Mr. Ferguson was born one child by his first wife, Walter, whose birth occurred on November 22, 1890, and who died on October 5, 1891. On September 14, 1892, Mr. Ferguson mar- rier Miss Chlista Jenkins, a native of Franklin township, where she was born near Lansing on April 9, 1874. She is a daughter of George and Mary ( Kascel) Jenkins, both natives of Virginia. They came to Iowa about 1852, locating first at Lansing, Allamakee county, where they remained about a year. They then removed to Franklin township, this county, settling on the Yellow river, where
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the father engaged in farming and became a prosperous landowner. He passed away in Franklin township on his homestead. The mother now resides in Monona. Mr. Jenkins was held in high esteem by all who knew him and was publicly active in various positions, having been honored with election to a num- ber of township offices. Mrs. Ferguson was the oldest of four children born to this marriage: Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson also have four children: Robert A., born June 4, 1893; Walter A., whose birth occurred July 29, 1895: William, whose date of birth was May 12, 1902; and Sidney Reid, born February 1, 1907.
Politically Mr. Ferguson is a republican, giving his stalwart support to the measures and candidates of that party. He has always devoted his attention to improving his valuable farm property, having never found time to actively participate in political affairs. He is however, public-spirited and progressive and gives helpful support to all measures undertaken in the interest of the town- ship or county. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 70, at Monona and a trustee therein, and since 1903 has belonged to Northern Light Lodge, No. 156, I. O. O. F., in which he has served in all the chairs. Mr. Ferguson enjoys in full measure the confidence and high regard of his fellow citizens and has gained in life not only a substantial position but the friendship of many who esteem him for those qualities of his character which make for the highest citizenship.
JAMES MELAVEN.
Through the years of an active business career and in every relation of life James Melaven commanded the respect and enjoyed the confidence and friend- ship of all with whom he came in contact. His life measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood in all things and thus his death was the occasion of deep sorrow and regret. He had made many substantial contributions to the agricultural development of Allamakee county, for he came here in 1855 and was continuously identified with farming until his death, which occurred June 9, 19II.
James Melaven was born in Canada, August 12, 1826, and was a son of Thomas and Catherine Melaven, natives of Ireland. He came to Allamakee county with his parents in 1855 and the family settled on one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Taylor township. This was all wild land and the father and son set about improving and developing it, carrying forward the work along practical and progressive lines. Upon the death of his parents Mr. Melaven came into possession of the homestead and for many years thereafter continued to operate the property, meeting with that success which always follows earnest, well directed and persistent labor. During the years of his residence here he not only promoted his individual interests but cooperated heartily in all movements for the general advancement, so that his death in 1911 deprived Allamakee county of a valued and representative citizen.
At Wexford, Iowa, Mr. Melaven was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Healy, who was born in Upper Canada, September 3, 1839, a daughter of John and Bridget Healy, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Canada. In 1854 they
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removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, and settled in Lafayette township, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Melaven became the parents of twelve chil- dren: Thomas William, who resides in Harper's Ferry; Mary, the wife of John Kernan, of Chicago: Pelagia, who married P. J. Sullivan, of Sioux City ; James A., of Oregon : John, who resides in Texas; Katie, who is now Sister Isabel in a convent at Dubuque ; Peter, who makes his home at Harper's Ferry ; Elizabeth Ann, who died at the age of nineteen years; Gregory, residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Urban V., at home ; Winifred, who is in a monastery at New Orleans, Louisiana ; and Felix, of Portland, Oregon. Urban V. Melaven is operating the homestead and will soon come into possession of the property. He was born on the 5th of July, 1879, and was educated in St. Joseph's parochial school. He married Miss Mary O'Neil, a daughter of T. J. O'Neil, of Taylor township, and they have three children, Leonard, Catherine, and Elizabeth. Mrs. James Melaven survives her husband and resides upon the homestead. She is one of the pioneer women of Allamakee county and is widely and favorably known here, her many excellent qualities of mind and character having gained her an extensive circle of friends.
Mr. Melaven gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was very prominent in local party affairs, holding all of the township offices. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and helped to organize St. Joseph's church, for which his father donated the land. He passed from this life honored and respected by all who knew him, for he dealt honestly and honorably with all men and his name came to be regarded as a synonym for integrity in business circles. He was never so busy but that his township could call upon him for cooperation in public affairs and any project which he believed beneficial to the community received his earnest endorsement and hearty support.
A. G. HAGEN.
Farming has always been one of the principal sources of wealth in Allamakee county and the men who give their energies and activities to scientific agriculture in this region are representative citizens. One of the most careful and systematic farmers of Paint Creek township is A. G. Ilagen, who is now engaged in the cultivation of a large farm, in which field of endeavor he is meeting with well merited success. He is a native of Paint Creek township, born April 22, 1870, on what was known as the Hagen homestead. He is a son of Gilbert and Agnette (Coldor) Hagen, natives of Norway, extended mention of whom is made on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of Peter G. Hagen.
In the district schools near his parents' home A. G. Hagen acquired a good education, while broad practical training came while assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farmn. He was only thirteen years of age when his father died and six years later, upon the death of his mother, he was left to fight the battle of life alone. Being thus early thrown upon his own resources he developed an independent, resourceful disposition which stood him in good stead in later years. Going to North Dakota, he spent one year working there, and then, returning to Allamakee county, Iowa, was employed by various farmers in Paint
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Creek township for a few years. Later he worked for one year in the tin shop conducted by Hans Vold, at Waukon, and the succeeding year in Fisher's grocery store of that city. When the Spanish-American war broke out his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he became a member of Company I, Forty- ninth Iowa Volunteers, in the capacity of a private. He accompanied his regi- ment to Jacksonville, Florida, but there was taken ill with typhoid fever, and after spending seven weeks in the hospital at that city was brought back to Iowa and received an honorable discharge.
After he had fully recovered his health Mr. Hagen accepted employment on the farm of Mrs. Ed. Leyse, in Paint Creek township, being thus engaged for about a year, after which he married Mrs. Leyse's daughter and for one year rented his mother-in-law's farm. Wishing, however, to engage independently in agriculture and feeling that his careful savings warranted such a move, he purchased what was known as. the old James Tracy farm, comprising two hun- dred acres on section 19, Paint Creek township, which has since remained his home. Although at one time this had been an improved tract it had been allowed to run down and was in poor condition at the time it came into Mr. Hagen's possession. Nothing daunted, however, he at once applied himself with char- acteristic energy to its recovery and soon brought it into excellent condition, greatly enhancing its value by remodeling the house, the building of a large barn and neat fences and outbuildings and the introduction of modern and up-to-date machinery to facilitate farm labor. He was successful from the outset and later was able to purchase an adjoining tract of ninety-two acres, so that he now has a highly cultivated farm of two hundred and ninety-two acres which stands as a monument to his life of industry, thrift and enterprise.
It was on the 22d of November, 1899, that Mr. Hagen was united in mar- riage to Miss Karen Leyse, and unto them have been born four children : Grant, Leonard, Mabel and Cora. The parents are members of West Paint Creek Norwegian church, while the political views of Mr. Hagen are in accord with the principles of the republican party. He has been called a "good farmer," a phrase which speaks for itself and indicates progressive methods and practical ideas.
JOHN G. LAIRD.
John G. Laird, an influential and prosperous resident of McGregor, is ope- rating a sawmill and deals in lumber and fuel. He is also the owner of eleven hundred acres of land located near that city, which is a well improved and valu- able tract, the greater part being now under cultivation. Mr. Laird is a native son of this state, born in Bradford township, Chickasaw county, September 5, 1857, his parents being George and Catherine (Grant) Laird. They were both born near Montreal, Canada, the father in 1831, and the mother in 1835. In early life the father worked at the carpenter's trade and also engaged to some extent in farming. In May, 1857, he started for the middle west, traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by rail and boat. From that city he made his way to McGregor, Iowa, and thence to Chickasaw county, purchasing land in Bradford
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township, which he cleared and improved and when not engaged in the cultiva- tion of his farm he worked at his trade, being thus employed for fifteen years. He then sold his farm and removed to Bradford, devoting his entire time to carpentry. His last years, however, were spent in Nashua, and he passed away there in 1906. His first wife died in 1861 and he was married a second time. By the first union there were three children, of whom John G. Laird is the eldest, and of the second marriage six children were born, but only four survive.
John G. Laird acquired his education in the public schools and also in Brad- ford Academy. At the age of eighteen he began work in the sawmills, being employed in the timber during the winter months for two years. At the end of that time he rented a sawmill in Nashua, operating the same for one year, after which he built a steam sawmill at that place, equipping it with all the machinery necessary for carrying on a successful business. After about twelve years, because of failing health, he disposed of his mill and for about eighteen months lived practically retired in the hope of recuperating his health. He then established a general hardware business and also handled plumbing and heating apparatus. He continued in that line for thirteen and a half years, when he disposed of his interests in Nashua and removed to Allamakee county. Here he purchased a tract of timber land, erected a sawmill and began dealing in lumber and fuel. He not only cut the timber from his own land but made extensive purchases from others, which he manufactured into bridge timber, furniture and lumber for interior finishing. He has built a switch for loading his products, which are shipped throughout this state and the Dakotas. He is now the owner of eleven hundred acres of farm land, all of which is enclosed with fences and the greater part of it is under cultivation. He keeps on hand from one hun- dred to one hundred and fifty head of cattle, which range on the land from which the timber has been cut. He has been highly successful in all his business ven- tures and is now in comfortable financial circumstances. He and his family spend the summer months on the farm, while the winter seasons are spent in McGregor, that his children may have the advantage of the city schools. In addition to his other interests Mr. Laird holds stock in the water power company at Nashua, the power being supplied from the Big and Little Cedar rivers.
Mr. Laird made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage October 7, 1883, to Miss Elizabeth M. Richardson, who was born near Mont- pelier, Vermont, October 7, 1861. Her parents, Henry A. and Arlett ( Pickett) Richardson, removed from the Green Mountain state to Nashua, Iowa, where the father established a saddlery business. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Laird have been born five children, as follows: Catherine A., who was born July 7, 1885, and is now the wife of Ralph L. Brown, registry clerk in the postoffice at Charles City, Iowa; Marjorie E., who was born Sep- tember 2, 1896, and graduated from the McGregor high school with the class of 1913; Burton F., who was born December 24, 1898, and is now in school ; Charleton G., born March 16, 1902, and now in school; and Elton H:, whose birth occurred in 1904, and who is also in school.
Mr. Laird votes for the candidates of the republican party. He served for eleven years as clerk of Bradford township, Chickasaw county, and then resigned the office, while for three years he served as supervisor of that county.
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He is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Nashua. He is not identified with any religious organization but attends the Congregational church. He is a capable business man, of sound judgment and honesty of purpose, and while he has not confined his attention to any one line of activity, his knowledge of the various lines in which he has engaged has been such that he has met with pros- perity in each and every undertaking, and he now takes rank with the prosperous, influential and substantial citizens of McGregor and Allamakee county.
CARL A. SPINNER.
Carl A. Spinner needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has long been one of Waterville's prominent and representative citizens, having been for twenty years connected with important mercantile interests as a member of the firm of Spinner Brothers. Moreover, the high and upright principles of his life have gained him an enviable position in the public regard, commending him to the confidence and good-will of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a native son of Allamakee county, born in Village Creek, July 28, 1859, his parents being Peter and Katherine Spinner, natives of Germany and early settlers in this part of Iowa. A more extended mention of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Spinner is found on another page in this work. They became the parents of the following children : Carl A., of this review; Frank; Fred; Peter; William; Constantine, and Mary, who lives in Lansing.
Carl A. Spinner was reared in Village Creek and in his childhood learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. He worked at this until he had reached maturity and then came to Waterville, where he established a blacksmith and wagon shop of his own, conducting it successfully for thirteen years and at the end of that time selling out to form a partnership with his brother Frank in general merchandising under the firm name of Spinner Brothers. This is his present business connection and it has brought him prosperity and prominence, for he is today one of the best known business men in the city. The firm carries a complete line of general merchandise and has enjoyed a prosperous career. In 1912 the brothers built a fine business house, twenty-six by ninety feet in dimensions, with two stories and a basement. It is constructed of cement block and heated with a furnace and steam, being thoroughly equipped with all modern conveniences. Besides a complete line of general merchandise Spinner Brothers carry also a stock of harness, robes and horse blankets, and control a repre- sentative and growing trade along these lines. Carl A. Spinner was one of the promoters of the Waterville Savings Bank and is a stockholder in that institu- tion. He owns also a fine residence in Waterville and a three hundred acre farm near the city, now operated by his son. As the years have passed he has steadily prospered and is today a successful and prominent man, connected through his trade relations with important business interests.
Mr. Spinner was married in April, 1880, in Lansing, to Miss Rosa Kluge, who was born and reared in Allamakee county. She died in Village Creek, while on a visit there, and left three children : Victor, who is now in the west; Theo- dore, who is engaged in farming ; and Carl, bookkeeper for Armour & Company
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at Sioux City. Iowa. After the death of his first wife Mr. Spinner was again married near Waterville in 1895. In that year he wedded Miss Annie Conley, and they have one daughter, Esther.
Mr. Spinner gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been desirous of holding public office. He is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Yeomen, and he and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church. As a business man he has always kept in touch with the trend of modern progress and through the able management of his own concern has contributed in no small degree to the commercial development of the city. In his business career he has made steady and honorable progress but he is no less highly esteemed for the traits he displays in relations of social life and of citizenship.
ARTHUR BEHRENS.
Arthur Behrens, one of the substantial agriculturists and representative citi- zens of Allamakee county, owns and operates a well improved farm of two hundred acres on section 28, Post township. His birth occurred at Cedarburg, Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, on the 20th of August, 1862, his parents being Ahrend and Caroline ( Mintzlaff ) Behrens, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former born in Oldenburg on the 30th of September, 1832, and the latter in Pommern on the 18th of January, 1842. Ahrend Behrens emigrated to the United States when a youth of eighteen, while the mother of our subject was brought to this country as a babe of three months, her parents settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when it was a mere village. Making his way direct to Cedarburg, that state, Mr. Behrens secured employment as a farm hand but subsequently purchased land and engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own account with gratifying results. The last eighteen years of his life were spent in honorable retirement at Cedarburg, where his demise occurred in 1908. His widow there continued to make her home until she passed away in 1912, her death occurring while she was returning from a trip to California.
Arthur Behrens, the oldest in a family of seven children, acquired his educa- tion in the schools of Cedarburg township. At the age of twenty years, having learned the carpenters' trade, he began work at that occupation and was thus actively engaged until 1897. In that year he rented a tract of land in Garnavillo township, Clayton county, Iowa, continuing its cultivation for five years, at the end of which period he purchased the farm of two hundred acres in Allamakee county which has since remained in his possession. The property is one of the best equipped in the county and is highly improved and developed, the well tilled fields annually yielding generous harvests as a reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them. Mr. Behrens has long been widely recognized as one of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of the community and is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Mercantile Association of Postville. the Postville Citizens Bank and the Luana Bank.
On the 2d of February, 1892, Mr. Behrens was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Meier, who was born in Garnavillo township, Clayton county, on the 31st
MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR BEHRENS
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of October, 1867, her father being H. W. Meier, of whom more extended men- tion is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Charles H. Mejer, a brother of Mrs. Behrens. She is now the mother of three children, as follows: Arbe, whose natal day was May 20, 1895; Lorene, whose birth occurred in 1902 and who is attending school; and William, who was born January 19, 1909.
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