USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 5
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Das m. Emmal
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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engaged in teaching. In 1854 he came to the United States, spending his first year in Wisconsin working on various farms, and in 1855 came to Iowa, after which time his life was identified with the history of Winneshiek, Clayton and Allamakee counties. The next few years were spent in teaching during the winter months and in work for various people during the summer. In 1860, like many another adventurous youth, he became inspired with the desire to go to the west and court fortune in a search for precious metals. He spent a year prospecting in the vicinity of Pike's Peak and it was there that fortune stood at his elbow, but he knew it not. Working with meager results, he became dissatisfied and sold for five dollars a claim which in a short time made wealthy the man who bought it. What would have been Mr. McEwen's history had he worked that claim but a few days longer, no man may know, but this we do know -that while this good fortune was withheld from him, it was still reserved for him to lead an honored, helpful and useful life and fill an important place in the history of development of Allamakee county.
Returning to Iowa, the next winter found him at Milliken's Bend, Mississippi, chopping wood, for he was not afraid of work, and teaching, for that was second nature to him. This time, however, he taught little colored children and the children of the planter with whom he lived. It was unlawful to teach the negro children in the state of Mississippi in those days, but he did it, and we believe he never regretted that he broke the law. At this time came the outbreak of the great war. It was unsafe for a northern man and an abolitionist, such as Mr. MeEwen was, to remain in the south, and upon the friendly advice of the planter, he hastened to leave Mississippi, running the blockade on the last boat that came north. He returned to Iowa and resumed his former work. He was not a naturalized citizen of the United States at that time and he did not feel it his duty to enter the army. He attended Fayette College for a short time, being in the same class with Hon. D. B. Henderson, but war conditions closed the school and Mr. McEwen returned to work.
On the 17th of October, 1863, Mr. McEwen was married to Miss Maria Styles, a daughter of Timothy and Hannah (Shaw) Styles, well known pioneers of Allamakee county. They were from New York state and Mrs. McEwen was born at Whitesville, that state. At the time of her marriage to our subject the family lived at Henderson Prairie, a postoffice in Fayette county. The young people went to housekeeping on a farm, Mr. MeEwen still engaging in teaching during the winter months. In 1867 they purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty aeres about a mile east of Postville and here they lived and prospered, moving to the city in 1878. Mr. McEwen entered into two partnerships about this time. Under the name of Styles & McEwen he became interested in a drug business which was conducted at Postville for about a year, when the stock was removed to Calmar. At the same time he was also interested in a dry-goods store under the firm name of Skelton & McEwen in Postville. To this latter enterprise he gave his personal attention, succeeding well as a mer- chant. In 1887 several business men of Postville established the Northeastern Iowa Loan & Trust Company and Mr. McEwen succeeded to the management of this concern, which was in successful operation for about five years. At the end of this time the charter expired and the business had grown to such an extent that it was considered best to carry on its affairs through the medium Vol. II-3
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of a bank, and the Citizens State Bank of Postville was accordingly organized, Mr. McEwen being made the cashier upon the establishment of the institution and serving as such to the time of his death. He gave to the bank his personal and careful attention and there was no detail connected with the business too unimportant to be solicitously considered. He became one of the foremost financial men and one of the largest factors in the life of Postville and could always be found in the front rank of those promoting the interests of the city --- material, moral or intellectual-although he was too modest to seek political honors and too philosophical to care for their possession. However, he never shirked responsibility and, being especially interested in the cause of education, served his community faithfully and well as a member of the school board for thirty-five years, as mayor of the city, as alderman, and in many capacities, gain- ing him the confidence of the people. All these offices came to him unsolicited, it being a case of the office seeking the best man available. His influence was always for good and helpful measures. He was liberal in his support of civic improvements, church and school. He was a deep reader, but not only a reader of books but also a reader of human nature and a student of life.
It was in the year 1877 that great grief came into his life, a grief which tinged all his succeeding years, although time ameliorated its cutting edge, making him a tenderer, truer. more sympathetic man than he had even been before. It was before the discovery of antitoxin had robbed diphtheria of much of its terror that the black "scourge" fell upon the land, fifty little graves in the Post- ville cemetery marking the visitation of the grim destroyer and three of these marking the resting places of his beloved children : Frederick Eugene, in his four- teenth year : Bertha May, aged eight, and Omar Lee, aged five, all of whom were taken within three weeks. It was one of those staggering, unfathomable blows of fate that time may mellow but cannot cure, and only faith and hope can mitigate. Two children remained to them in the later years: Mrs. Ethel Marsh, of Chicago ; and Lynn Shaw McEwen, now assistant cashier of the Citizens State Bank.
It was in the afternoon of October 31, 1912, that Mr. McEwen died. In the midst of a busy day he sat down to read and rest ; a favorite magazine was in his hands, and the wife, loved companion of so many years, was close beside him, when there was a little gasp and life had flown, bringing to an end a career rich in usefulness, rich in attainments-a life which had contributed much toward elevating the fellow spirit in humanity.
BRADSHAW W. RATHBUN.
An excellent farming property of one hundred and thirty acres stood as an evidence of the industry and well directed efforts of Bradshaw W. Rathbun when on March 4, 1910, he was called to his final rest after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits. Practically his entire life was spent in this part of Iowa, in either Winneshiek or Allamakee counties, for he came here as a child, grew to manhood here and became known as a man of excellent business ability, sound judgment and high standards of honor and integrity.
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Ile was born in New York state in February, 1836, but when still a mere boy was brought by his parents to lowa, the family settling on a farm three miles west of Postville. In the district schools of Winneshiek county he ac- quired his education, studying during the winter months and in the summers aiding his father with the operation of the homestead. In this way he early became familiar with the best agricultural methods and was a practical farmer before he reached maturity. After the death of his parents he became the sole owner of the farm and continued to carry forward the work of its develop- ment, his success coming as the logical result of industry, energy and perse- verance. As he was able he added to his property holdings until at the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of rich and valuable land. He also owned extensive tracts in Canada which, however, he sold before he died. He early realized the fact that labor is the basis of all success and his close application and sound judgment enabled him to acquire a competency which left his family in the comfortable circumstances they now enjoy.
Mr. Rathbun was twice married. He wedded first Miss Libbie Hall and six children were born to their union: May, who resides in Los Angeles where she is assisting her brother who is in the mercantile business; Hall, a merchant in Los Angeles; Fred, who makes his home near Ossian where he works in the employ of others; Bessie, who became the wife of Welton Cornell, a farmer near Ossian ; Blake, who resides on the home farm; and Charles Herbert, who is engaged in general farming five miles northwest of Postville. Mr. Rathbun married for the second time' in July, 1900, when he wedded Mrs. Florence Lozette (Clark) Miller, who was born in Waukon, a daughter of John Thompson and Elizabeth ( Blakesley) Clark, natives of New York. The parents were married in that state and in the late '30s came west to Iowa, where the father took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar and took up the practice of his profession in Waukon where he remained until 1849 when he went to California, making the journey overland. After two years, however, he re- turned to Iowa, having been unsuccessful in the California gold fields, and in this state again began practicing law, being located at different times at Lansing, Decorah, Fort Atkinson and Waukon. He never made a permanent location, always following where favoring opportunity led the way, and thus he became well known throughout the state, building up a large, representative and lucra- tive practice in criminal law of which he made a specialty. That he was well known and favorably regarded in professional and public circles of the state is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen a member of the committee appointed to draw up the first Iowa constitution. Until within a short time before his death he was practicing at Cresco but when he became ill he came to Postville where he died about the year 1883. He was at one time an extensive landowner in this part of the state, but before he passed away disposed of all of his hold- ings. His wife survived him for four years, dying in 1887. In their family were ten children of whom Mrs. Rathbun is the youngest in the order of birth. She was reared in this section of lowa and in 1880 married Thomas M. Miller, a native of Ohio, born February 29, 1848. When he was a mere boy he came to Iowa with an older sister and her family and in this state grew to manhood, learning the carpenter's trade which he followed for many years. He afterward turned his attention to sawmilling and engaged in this occupation until his death
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which occurred in May, 1881. He was at that time a resident of Postville, where he owned a comfortable home, a number of town lots and the mill property. By this marriage Mrs. Rathbun had three children : Emma, who was born January 10, 1881, and who became the wife of Frank Handgartner, a farmer residing five miles southwest of Postville; Katie, who was born August 16, 1883, and who married John Laros, who with his father and brothers owns a carriage factory in Grinnell ; and Florence, who was born January 10, 1887, and who is a teacher in the Onawa high school, making her home with her mother. Fraternally Mr. Miller was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Legion of Honor and the Modern Woodmen.
Mr. Rathbun gave his allegiance to the democratic party but he never desired political honors, as his interests centered in his farming operations, which under his able management brought him a gratifying and richly deserved success. His great business ability would have won him prosperity in any voca- tion that attracted his interest and in the one which he chose he made sub- stantial contribution to growth and development. He was a kind parent, a true friend and a firm upholder of the law-a citizen whose life and work made a lasting impression upon those with whom he came in contact and upon the progress of the region where he had so long resided.
J. C. LEWIS, M. D.
Dr. J. C. Lewis, one of the most prominent and deservedly successful phy- sicians and surgeons in Waukon, has been a resident of the state of Iowa since 1864. He is, however, a native of Wisconsin, born in Dunkirk, April 20, 1858, a son of U. F. Lewis. The father was a native of New York state and went as a pioneer to Wisconsin, where in the early days he engaged in carpentering. He there married Miss Eliza J. Stillwell, a sister of C. S. and H. H. Stillwell, of Waukon. In 1864 U. F. Lewis moved to Iowa and located at Buckland, where he worked at his trade for some time, later establishing himself in the grocery business there. He continued to make his home in Buckland until he moved to Waukon, where the last years of his life were spent. His wife survived him only a short time. In their family were two children: Dr. J. C., of this review ; and Jessie M., who is well known in educational circles of this county as one of the most efficient teachers in the Waukon schools.
Dr. Lewis was still a child when he came with his parents to Waukon and he was here reared and educated, supplementing a course in the public schools by four years' attendance at the State University, where he completed a medical course, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1889. He immediately afterward located in Ridgeway, in Winneshiek county, where he began the practice of his profession and where for twenty-two years he continued to reside, becoming well known as an able and successful physician. While still a resident of that city he served as a member of the town council and as mayor and was for some time a member of the board of health. In 1911 he returned to Waukon where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has demonstrated his skill in the successful handling of a number of complex medical problems
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and has already built up a good practice. Dr. Lewis is a far-sighted business man as well as an able physician and has made some excellent investments in Florida lands as well as in Waukon city property and in Iowa farms, and has now extensive and important real-estate holdings.
In 1886 Dr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss May B. Lowe, who was born, reared and educated in Waukon. She is a daughter of Hosea Lowe, a pioneer merchant in that city, who was identified with the hardware business here for a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of two children. The elder, Laura J., was educated in the Ridgeway high school, where she finished the course and was graduated. She died August 18, 1908, at the age of seventeen. The other daughter, Elizabeth M., is now a student in the Waukon high school.
Dr. Lewis is a Master Mason and well known in the local lodge of the fraternity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Lewis being a member of the auxiliary societies and an active Sunday school worker. Dr. Lewis is a member of the official board and is also acting as steward. He is a man of exemplary life, of generous standards and high principles, and his industry, ability and enterprise have found a rich reward in the high esteem his acquaintances place upon him as a man and a physician.
JAMES W. STEELE.
One of the most prominent of the younger business men of Postville is James W. Steele, now engaged in the conduct of a large restaurant and confectionery store in the city. He was born here, January 2, 1880, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Ryan) Steele, natives of Illinois, where the father followed farming for many years. The parents came from that state to lowa and located on a tract of land about one mile and a half northeast of Postville, where the father still owns and operates a farm, to the conduct of which he gives his entire time and attention. His wife passed away March 2, 1913. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom the subject of this review is the fourth in the order of birth.
James W. Steele acquired his education in the district schools of Post town- ship and in his childhood divided his time between his studies and work upon his father's farm. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age and then went to South Dakota, where for two years he engaged in farming. When he returned to Postville at the end of that time he established himself in the restaurant and confectionery business, to which he still gives his entire attention. By close application, energy and careful supervision of his business he has secured a large patronage and is now the proprietor of one of the leading restaurants in the city. The confectionery department has also proven profitable and is an important source of income to him. The entire enterprise is carefully and systematically conducted and has brought to Mr. Steele a degree of success which places him among the representative and sub- stantial business men of his native city.
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On the 25th of April. 1911, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miss Frances Bromelkamp, a native of Monona, Clayton county, born April 29, 1882. She is a daughter of Bernard and Christina ( Miller ) Bromelkamp, natives of llanover. Germany, whose marriage occurred in McGregor, lowa, six weeks after the father's arrival in America in the spring of 1881. Ile worked in a carriage factory for one summer and then turned his attention to carpentering, later removing to a farm in Clayton county, where he and his wife still reside. In their family were four children, of whom Mrs. Steele is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Steele have one son, Joseph Bernard, who was born February 25, 1912.
Mr. Steele is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Politically he is identi- fied with the democratic party and, although he never takes an active part in public affairs, is yet loyal in matters of citizenship. He devotes his entire time, however, to his business and, although he is still a young man, he has already gained that success which follows earnest, persistent and well directed labor.
WILLIAM LEUL.
Banking interests of Postville are ably and well represented by William Leui, one of the prominent and progressive citizens of that community and the presi- dent of the Postville State Bank. Forceful, active and aggressive, he is giving the large interests, of which he is the head, the strictest and most careful atten- tion. A native of the neighboring county of Clayton, Mr. Leui was born in Grand Meadow, September 5, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Susan ( Shield) Leui, well known and highly respected pioneers of Clayton county, where he was reared on his father's farm. In the acquirement of his education he attended the schools of the neighborhood and in his leisure hours and vacations helped his father with the work of the farm until he was nearly grown to manhood. However, there was in him a desire for better things and, always wishing for a better education than the locality afforded, he realized his ambition when he spent one year at Fayette College, taking a business and commercial course, from which he graduated, and also spending six months at the State University at lowa City. Better prepared for life's battle, he returned to Postville, where he clerked for four years in the general store owned by F. W. Roberts and then formed a partnership with Frank Orr, engaging in the hardware and implement business. He was so engaged for a number of years, during which time the firm prospered, and created for himself a splendid reputation among the people of the community. It was during this time that he bought his first farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, constituting part of the old home farm in Grand Meadow upon which he was born. His means increasing and expanding, he purchased two years later an additional one hundred and fifteen acres and the management of these farms and his other business interests kept him busily and successfully engaged until January 1, 1912, when he became president of the Postville State Bank. Under his able supervision the institution has continued to prosper and expand in remarkable degree and in May, 1912, one of the best business locations in the city was purchased and the ground broken for a fine two-story brick bank building to take care of the increased business of the
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institution. This building is now occupied by the Postville State Bank and gives it the very best quarters in the city besides adding greatly to the improvement and appearance of the community. An outlay of fifteen thousand dollars was necessitated for the completion of the new building, which stands as evidence of the stability of the institution, the bank being one of the strongest in this section and deservedly popular with the people, who have every confidence in it and its officers. It has a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and an undivided surplus of an even amount makes it one of the most responsible financial enter- prises of this part of the state. Its deposits now exceed four hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and are rapidly approaching the half million mark.
Mr. Leui was married in 1886 to Miss Jennie Orr, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Orr, highly respected pioneers, who came to Allamakee county in 1855 and who are now residents of Postville. To Mr. and Mrs. Leui two daughters have been born, Hattie S. and Helen M. Their home is one of the handsome residences of the city and there they often meet their extensive circle of charming friends, who delight to partake of their hospitality. In his political affiliations Mr. Leui is a progressive republican and although he is not active in politics, takes that interest in the affairs of the government that should be demanded of every right-minded citizen and is an ardent champion of all move- ments and measures undertaken in the interests of Allamakee county, his locality, and his city. As he is progressive in politics he is progressive in business, although he lets not one interfere with the other. The rapid advancement and development of Allamakee county is largely due to the individual efforts of such aggressive men as Mr. Leui, who by their efforts have made this one of the most prosperous sections in the country-a locality which not only excels for material wealth but which also carries high the banner of moral and intellectual advancement.
JOHN PEARL ELLIS.
John Pearl Ellis is the owner of a large and complete blacksmith shop in Postville and his success in the conduct of this enterprise is the natural result of his industry and enterprise. He was born in the city where he now resides, June 18, 1878, and is a son of Jonathan and Lydia A. (Dow) Ellis, the former born in Ohio in 1813 and the latter in New Hampshire in 1842. In his early years the father engaged in the hardware business in Postville but later turned his attention to dealing in real estate, becoming afterward identified with agricultural pur- suits in Post township. He continued farming until 1885. when he returned to the city and lived there retired until his death, which occurred in 1901. The mother survives him and makes her home in Postville. They were the parents of two children: Gertrude, the wife of W. Krambeer, a blacksmith in Charles City, Iowa ; and John Pearl, of this review.
In the acquirement of an education John Pearl Ellis attended public school in his native city but his advantages along this line were extremely limited, for he has been earning his own livelihood since he was fourteen years of age. The independence and self-reliance which his early life engendered in his character have remained among his most prominent qualities and constitute one of the
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chief sources of his present success. Before he was sixteen years of age he began learning the blacksmith's trade and after he had mastered it worked in the employ of others for about eight years and a half, at the end of that time embarking in business for himself with a partner. Their association continued for over five years and then Mr. Ellis purchased his partner's interests, becoming in this way sole proprietor of a large and well equipped establishment. He makes a spe- cialty of horseshoeing and plow repairing but he does also all kinds of repair work, employing two skilled mechanics to assist him. His shop is equipped with all the newest gasoline and electrical appliances, for he keeps constantly in touch with the trend of modern progress along the line of his business and never allows the work done in his establishment to be inferior because of in- sufficient equipment. A progressive and able business man and in addition a specialist in his chosen field, he has been accorded a large and liberal patronage and this is constantly increasing as the quality of his work becomes more widely known.
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