USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 50
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Mr. Behrens gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving for the second term as trustee of Post township, making a creditable record in this connection. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church at Postville. He has been straightforward and honorable in all his dealings, has manifested public spirit in matters of citizenship and has been loyal to the ties of home and of friendship. These qualities, there- fore, have made his record one of honorable manhood well worthy of emulation.
CORNELIUS SELECTOR STILWELL.
The name of Cornelius Selector Stilwell is inseparably interwoven with the history of Waukon, where for more than forty years he has made his home. His life work has been the expression of ability in educational circles and in the practice of law and along other lines he has contributed to public progress, his work being an element for growth and development in the city of his residence and in much of its beneficent and charitable work.
Mr. Stilwell is a native of New York, his birth having occurred at Holland, Erie county, June 26, 1838. His father, Ezra Graves Stilwell, the second son of Ard and Anne (Fairchild) Stilwell, was of Scotch ancestry, and was born at Fairfield, Vermont, on the 6th of August, 1806. His death occurred at Fulton, Wisconsin, December 19, 1852, while his wife survived him for about forty years, passing away on the 27th of March, 1892, in Waukon. She was born at Alstadt, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, April 2, 1809, and was the youngest daughter of Calvin and Jemima (Todd) Howe, of English descent. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of C. S. Stilwell removed with their families to western New York, settling in Allegany and Wyoming counties. Ezra Graves Stilwell and Polly Howe were married on the 4th of May, 1828, and unto them were born the following named sons and daughters: Calvin; Ard A .; Eliza J., who became the wife of U. F. Lewis; Sophronia A., the wife of L. N. Lewis; Cornelius S .; Hilas H .; Alonzo C .; and Ezra G.
Cornelius S. Stilwell, whose name introduces this review, received careful home training and enjoyed the educational opportunities offered in the public schools of New York until thirteen years of age, when the family left the Empire state for the middle west, arriving in Rock county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1851. The family home was established in Janesville and C. S. Stilwell. then but thirteen years of age, secured a clerkship in a store owned by a Mr. Shumway, in whose family he lived while thus engaged. In 1852 the Stilwell family settled at Fulton, Rock county, Wisconsin, and the father and two of his sons, Ard and Cornelius, were employed in a large flouring mill at that place. the last named acting as grist clerk. It devolved upon him to weigh and number
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the grists, weigh back and deliver the ground product to the proper customer, make the necessary entries in the "custom" book, which included entering the name of each customer ; the kind of grain, the number of pounds, the number of the grit, the number of the sacks, the date the grist was received and the date it was to be ready for delivery; the weight of the ground product, and the date the grist was actually delivered to the owner.
Thus much responsibility devolved upon Mr. Stilwell, who was then not yet fourteen years of age. The position was an important one, for on occasions there were as many as forty or more grists in the mill at one time, each awaiting its turn for grinding.
While in Fulton Mr. Stilwell attended the village school during the winter seasons from 1852 to 1855, inclusive, the summer months being spent in the mill and at work at the carpenter's trade in connection with his brother Ard. His two sisters were married in Fulton and in 1856 the others of the family removed to Evansville, where was located a seminary in which Cornelius S. Stilwell became a pupil. The seminary was then conducted by Professor Smith, and later he attended the college of which Professor D. Y. Kilgore was president, pursuing a literary, scientific and normal course. He was graduated third in the normal department in 1861, at which time only twelve of the fifty-six men and women passed the rigid requirements of the Wisconsin state board of Normal regents. Mr. Stilwell during his connection with the school often occu- pied the place of teacher during the enforced absence of one or another of the teaching force, and his work in that connection proved profitable in giving him short reviews in Latin, French, mathematics and rhetoric. His college work was done during the summer seasons, while the winter seasons were devoted to teaching in Rock, Dane and Green counties of Wisconsin, that he might thus provide the funds necessary to enable him to continue in school.
On the 2d of October, 1862, in Green county, Wisconsin, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stilwell and Miss Elizabeth M. Bowen, the youngest daughter of John and Isabella (Stewart) Bowen. On the same occasion was celebrated the marriage of his brother Hilas H. Stilwell to Eliza M. Bowen, and after the wedding feast was over the two grooms and their brides were accompanied to Evansville by their many guests and were there entertained by the Stilwell family, after which they started on a round of festivities which included various visits to relatives and friends. A half century later the two couples celebrated their golden wedding at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Stilwell in Waukon, on which occasion were present nearly forty relatives and hundreds of friends. It was indeed a notable occasion and it is a matter of interest to know that all four are still living, also a number who participated in the original wedding festivities.
Following his marriage Mr. Stilwell was elected principal of the schools of Albany, Wisconsin, and removing to that place entered upon his duties there. Two years later he came with his family to Iowa, settling in Allamakee county, and for a short time engaged in the milling and lumber business at Buckland. He was first called to public office in an appointment from his brother to the position of deputy treasurer of Allamakee county, and since that time he has made his home in Waukon. He has been recognized as an able and faithful public official during more than twenty-three years, serving as justice of the
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peace, and it is a widely recognized fact that no man has been more loyal to a public trust than has Mr. Stilwell. Since 1870 he has been numbered among the members of the Allamakee county bar, having in the meantime read law in the office of C. T. Granger, late chief justice of the Iowa supreme court. Following his admission to the bar Mr. Stilwell began practice and his record has been notable in a number of cases which he has won. He would never enter upon a cause for the sake of the fees, nor would he undertake a case that he did not believe in the justice of his client's position. His success is undoubtedly due in considerable measure to the fact also that he would allow himself to accept no more business than he could handle honestly, thoroughly and for the best inter- ests of his clients. No practitioner at the Allamakee county bar has been more careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics, and for more than forty years he has been recognized as an able and conscientious min- ister in the temple of justice, and now, although over seventy-five years of age, Mr. Stilwell is giving close attention to the law business of the firm of Stilwell & Stilwell, besides giving his personal attention to his outside affairs.
Moreover, Mr. Stilwell's efforts in other connections have constituted a valuable asset in growth, development and public prosperity in Waukon. In 1874 he was elected the first secretary of the Waukon & Mississippi Valley Railway Company, an enterprise that has done more than perhaps anything else to make Waukon the thriving little city it is today. This railroad was later merged into and became a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system. In January, 1888, he became mayor of Waukon, Iowa, and was reelected in 1889, holding the office to the end of the second term.
As the years passed eight children were added to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Stilwell, including five sons and three daughters. The eldest, Mary Frances, was born at Ridott, Illinois, December 13, 1863, was graduated from the high school of Waukon in the class of 1881, and makes her home in this city. John Harrison, born at Buckland, August 23, 1867, died at Waukon, January 19, 1885. He was a bright and promising young man, making excellent progress in his studies at the time of his death, which occurred when he was but seventeen years of age. Cornelia Isabella, born at Waukon, July 31, 1869, attended the high school until graduated with the class of 1890. She was married in her father's home December 27, 1892, to Professor F. A. Wildman, who has engaged in teaching, has served as county superintendent of schools, and is now engaged in Chautauqua work. Mrs. Wildman was also a teacher prior to her marriage. Their children are: Metta June, who was graduated from the Waukon high school in the class of 1912; Harry N .; and Wayne. Charles Edgar, born at Waukon, September 9, 1871, was graduated from the Waukon high school in the class of 1884, took up the study of law under his father's direction, was admitted to the bar in (893 and is now a leading lawyer of Maryville, Missouri, where he also takes a prominent part in public affairs. He was married August 20, 1902, to Angie Weed Nokes, of Malone, New York, and their children are Cornelius Bowen and William Weed. Cornelius Howe, born at Waukon, Novem- ber 4, 1874, attended the public schools, became a member of the Iowa National Guard and went to the front in 1898 as a soldier in the Spanish-American war. He is now a member of Albert M. Stewart Camp of the United Spanish War Veterans. He was married at Waukon, January 19, 1910, to Mary Clark
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Spencer, and is now engaged in contracting and building at Waukon, making a specialty of iron and cement bridges and road work. Calvin Stewart, born at Waukon, October 1, 1877, was also a member of the Iowa National Guard and a soldier in the Spanish-American war, and now belongs to Albert M. Stewart Camp. He has held the position of junior vice commander in the state depart- ment of the United Spanish War Veterans. He read law under his father, was admitted to practice May 2, 1905, and is now the junior member of the firm of Stilwell & Stilwell. He was married December 16, 1904, to Martha Helen Falby and their children are Falby and John Calvin. Jessie Edith, born at Waukon, December 21, 1880, was graduated from the high school in the class of 1900, took a course in a kindergarten college in Chicago and was married December 27, 1905, to M. J. Barthell a financier. They have one child, Barbara, and are now living in Waukon. Lewis Bowen, the youngest of the Stilwell family, was born at Waukon, April 22, 1884, was graduated from the high school and is now engaged in construction and road work, taking charge of the construction of bridges, sometimes for his brother and at other times for various ironworkers and builders. He makes his home at Waukon. although business often calls him into other states.
C. S. Stilwell is well known as a representative of fraternal interests in Waukon. He joined both the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies in 1870, becom- ing a member of the lodge and chapter at Waukon and the council at Dubuque, and the lodge and encampment of Odd Fellows at Waukon. In both organiza- tions he has retained his membership to the present time and has represented his district in the Odd Fellows grand lodge and grand encampment many times and for many terms has held the office of deputy of his district. He has likewise been greatly interested in charitable work. Soon after coming to Waukon he was elected president of a society for the express purpose of raising and distrib- uting funds for the relief of the poor. This work was later taken up with the churches of Waukon and much good has been accomplished in relieving distress. Mr. Stilwell displays a helpful spirit toward all movements and organizations that tend to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate, and his broad humanitarianism is again and again manifest in all his relations with his fellowmen.
WILLIAM H. SEBASTIAN.
One of the most prominent and progressive young farmers of Allamakee county is William H. Sebastian, who owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and ten acres in Franklin township, constituting the farm upon which he was born on the 18th of July, 1886. He is a son of Frank and Maggie (Meyer) Sebastian, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Spring- field, Clayton county, Iowa. The father crossed the Atlantic when he was a young man and settled in Clayton county, where he resided for a number of years, becoming well known as a progressive and successful farmer. About 1882 he moved to Allamakee county and settled on the farm whereon the subject of this review now resides. Later he moved to a smaller property just south of
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Postville, and after three years took up his residence upon another tract of land just west of Postville, in Winneshiek county. Upon this he continued to reside until 1908 or 1909, when he moved into the city and retired from active business life. He is still an extensive landowner, managing valuable holdings in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties. Hle and his wife became the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the fourth in the order of birth.
In the acquirement of an education William H. Sebastian attended district school in Winneshiek county and was a student in the public schools of Hardin for one term. In his childhood he assisted his father with the work of the farm and before he had attained his majority was a progressive and able agriculturist. At the age of twenty-one he hired out as a farm hand, working in the employ of others for three years and then taking up his residence upon the family homestead in Franklin township, upon which he has since resided. His hold- ings comprise one hundred and ten acres and he here engages in general farming, success steadily attending his well directed efforts. He has made many substan- tial improvements in buildings and equipment and, following always the most practical and progressive methods, has made his farm one of the finest in this part of the state.
Mr. Sebastian married, on the 26th of January, 1910, Miss Amanda Gericke, who was born in 1890 and is a sister of John Gericke, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian are the parents of a son, Harold, who was born May 19, 1912.
Mr. Sebastian is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store in Post- ville and his ability is widely recognized in business circles of that city. In the community where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he is well known and highly respected, his genuine personal worth commanding the confidence and regard of all who come in contact with him.
EDWARD G. HAGEN.
Edward G. Hagen, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty-four acres on section 19. Paint Creek township, has to his credit a military record covering nine years' service and including participation in the Spanish- American war. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Allamakee county, his birth having occurred in Paint Creek township on the 31st of May, 1865. His parents were Gilbert and Agnette (Coldor ) Hagen, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Peter G. Hagen, a brother of our subject. His early education. obtained in the district schools, was supplemented by a course of study at Luther College of Decorah, lowa. When twenty-one years of age he made his way to Sioux Falls. South Dakota, there securing employment as clerk in a country store. A year later his employer sold out and went to Tacoma, Washington, being accompanied by Mr. Hagen, who worked for a short time in the store which the former there purchased. Subsequently Mr. Hagen was engaged in the manu-
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facture of tents, sails, awnings, etc., until eastern competition and improved machinery obliged him to abandon the enterprise.
On the 19th of December, 1895, he joined the United States army, becoming a member of Troop F. Fourth United States Cavalry, and spending three years at Boise Barracks, Idaho. He then reenlisted and went to the Philippine Islands, there participating in the following battles: Markeno Road, August 12, 1899; San Isidro, October 19, 1899; Aragat, October 12, 1899; Bangabon, November, 1899; Cebul, December 10, 1899; and Biacnabato, December 12, 1899. The period of his service in the Philippines extended from July 25, 1899, to August 28, 1901. Returning to the United States, he was located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, until finally discharged at the end of nine years' service. He enlisted as a private, was made corporal on the 5th of June, 1899, promoted to the rank of sergeant on the 31st of October, 1900, and became quartermaster sergeant in 1901.
On leaving the army Mr. Hagen entered the service of the Occidental Land & Improvement Company and remained with that concern for seven or eight years, becoming foreman on their ranch and later foreman of warehouses. He was next engaged in the butchering business for two years and on the expiration of that period spent a few more months in the employ of the Occidental Land & Improvement Company. In August, 1912, he returned to Allamakee county and the following month purchased one hundred and forty-four acres of land on section 19, Paint Creek township, taking possession thereof in March, 1913. In the work of the fields he is meeting with success, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. Throughout his native county he is well known and highly esteemed as an enterprising agriculturist and representative citizen.
JOHN E. LARSON.
Among the citizens of Allamakee county who have made substantial con- tributions to the general agricultural development of this section of the state is numbered John E. Larson, who was born in the township and on the farm where he now resides in 1861. He is a son of Easton and Johanna Larson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1854 and in the same year settled in Allamakee county, Iowa. the father turning his attention to farming. He purchased government land and added to it from time to time, being an extensive property owner and a prosperous farmer at the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. His wife survives him and resides upon the homestead, having reached the age of eighty-eight years. To them were born three children : Mrs. Dorothy Engan, of Winneshiek county ; Lucy, deceased; and John E., of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and from his childhood has been familiar with the best methods of farming, having assisted his father with the operation of the homestead. After the latter's death he purchased the farm, comprising one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Waterloo township, seventy-five of which are in a high state of cultivation. Here he engages in
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breeding and raising stock in addition to the cultivation of the fields and is meeting with that success which always rewards earnest and persistent labor.
In 1885 Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Swenson, who was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, a daughter of John O. Swenson, who came to this state in the early '50s, among the first settlers. He had previously attempted settlement in Jackson county, Minnesota, but had been driven away by the Indians. After his arrival in Allamakee county he turned his attention to farming here, residing on a valuable and productive property until his death. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, eight of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Larson were born six children, two of whom have passed away. The others are: Emelia, born in 1889; Carina, born in 1892; Edgar, whose birth occurred in 1900; and Ida, whose birth occurred in 1905.
The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Larson gives his -political allegiance to the republican party and for four years rendered the township excellent and effective service as trustee. He is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, among whom his entire life has been spent, not only by reason of the success he has attained along agricultural lines but also because of his many substantial qualities of manhood.
THOMAS CAVANAUGH.
Thomas Cavanaugh, prominently connected with financial interests of Har- per's Ferry as cashier of the Bank of Harper's Ferry, was born in Waterloo township, this county, May 24, 1879, a son of Michael and Mary (Danaher) Cavanaugh, natives of Ireland. The father emigrated to America in 1840 and lived for a time at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and afterward at Galena, Illinois. He was one of the pioneers in Allamakee county, coming to this part of Iowa in 1853 and buying one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Waterloo township. Upon this he made substantial improvements, and continued to make his home thereon until his death in 1888. He was married in Wexford, this county, to Miss Mary Danaher, who as a child came from Ireland with her parents and settled in that locality, where she grew to womanhood. She sur- vives her husband and lives upon the old homestead which has been increased by purchase to two hundred and eighty acres. She is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, to which her husband also adhered, he having been one of the organizers of the church at Dorchester. To them were born five children : Anna, the wife of William Ward, of Hanover townhsip; Morgan, who resides on the home farm; Margaret, the wife of Henry Mccullough, of Union Prairie township; Nellie, at home; and Thomas, of this review.
Thomas Cavanaugh acquired his education in the district schools of Waterloo township, in Valder College, Decorah, and in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. After laying aside his books he turned his attention to teaching, remain- ing active at this occupation for seven years thereafter. In 1909 he aided in organizing the Bank of Harper's Ferry and was elected its cashier, a position which he has since held. This concern is capitalized at fifty thousand dollars and W. F. Daubenberger, of McGregor, is its president ; J. F. Daubenberger
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acting as vice president. It does a general banking business and, having been founded upon safe and conservative lines, has had a steady and rapid growth, Mr. Cavanaugh's energy and financial ability being accounted among the most helpful factors in its development.
At Harper's Ferry Mr. Cavanaugh was united in marriage to Miss B. M. Guthnick, a daughter of Herbert Guthnick, of that place. They have two chil- dren, Mary and Angelo. Mr. Cavanaugh is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in politics. He has, however, never been eager for office, preferring to do his public service in other ways. He is inter- ested in the welfare of Harper's Ferry and as the years have gone by has won for himself a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man.
CALVIN AUGUSTUS ROBEY.
Returning from service in the Civil war with a creditable military record, Calvin Augustus Robey purchased one hundred and three acres of land on sec- tion 32, Paint Creek township, and upon this property he has since carried on the work of improvement and development, making it today one of the model farms of the locality. In the course of years he has gained success, prominence and a substantial fortune and he is ranked today among the representative and able citizens of this part of Iowa. He was born in Monongalia county, West Virginia, September 27, 1843, and is a son of Hezekiah and Caroline ( Porter) Robey, the former a native of Ohio, born in 1812, the latter a native of West Virginia. The grandfather of C. A. Robey was Loyd Robey, who emigrated direct from Scotland to Ohio, in an early day. The subject of this sketch came to Allamakee county with his parents in 1855, and the father farmed on rented land until his death, four years later. His wife survived him many years, dying in Jefferson township at the age of eighty. To them were born seven children : Calvin A., of this review ; M. L., Sarah and J. C., all of whom have passed away ; E. W .. of Dickinson county, Iowa ; James, deceased ; and one who died in infancy.
Calvin A. Robey acquired a grammar-school education in his native state and in Allamakee county, and while still pursuing his studies enlisted at Rossville in Company K, First Iowa Cavalry, and went south with his regiment. He spent two and one-half years in the Western Army, engaging in scouting and in charg- ing on towns, firing on the rebels and expelling them from their strongholds, and with a creditable military record returned to Allamakee county after peace was declared. He purchased one hundred and three acres of land in Paint Creek township containing a few log buildings but destitute of other improvements. With characteristic energy Mr. Robey set himself to develop this property and has carried forward the work throughout the intervening years, his farm being today one of the model properties of this vicinity. In addition to it he owns a con- trolling interest in three hundred acres of fine timber land in Linton township, probably the largest tract of the kind in Iowa. Mr. Robey has engaged in the lumber business for a number of years and has cut, sawed and piled about four hundred thousand feet of good hardwood lumber. At the age of seventy he is
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