USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 25
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Thos. Palpolo
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publication of the paper. From 1888 until 1896 he was also county superin- tendent of schools of Buena Vista county and under his guidance the schools made substantial progress. In 1895, however, he sold the Advertiser and in 1896 purchased the Storm Lake Tribune, which he consolidated with the Pilot under the name of Pilot-Tribune, with A. C. Smith as a partner. In 1904 he purchased Smith's half-interest and in 1906 sold a third interest in the paper to C. H. J. Mitchell and has since continued in active connection with the paper, which is one of the leading country newspapers of this part of the state. In 1898 Mr. Walpole was again called to office, being appointed postmaster at Storm Lake, and in 1902 and again in 1906 he was reappointed. so that he is now serving for the third term. His administration of the affairs of the office has been entirely satisfactory to the general public and that he has the endorsement of the authorities at Washington is indicated by his reappointment.
On the 11th of May. 1887, Mr. Walpole was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Darnell, of Alta, Towa. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors of Mrs. Walpole were represented in the Revolutionary war. There have been four children of this marriage. Elsie, Fay. James Wilbur and Eileen.
Mr. Walpole is identified with several fraternal organizations. In 1895 he became a Mason and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor. He attends the Presbyterian church and as has already been indicated is a republican in his political views and affiliations. His public service has been characterized by a continued loyalty and progressiveness that is most commendable, while through his journalistic interests he has done much to promote substantial progress in the county. He has an extensive and favorable acquaintance, while those who come within the closer circle of his friendship find him a most congenial and warmhearted gentleman.
LOREN GREEN.
Loren Green is a successful agriculturist of Coon township, operating one hundred and sixty aeres of land. He was born in Sauk county. Wisconsin, February 12, 1877, and attended school in his native eity to the age of twelve years. At that age he came with his mother to Buena Vista county and has here made his home to the present time. The mother, Mrs. Jemima J. Williams, hore the maiden name of Hutchins and was born in Indiana. Her father was a farmer and his family numbered ten children, the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Williams being : Samuel, a farmer of Kansas ; William and Elza, who follow farming in Wisconsin; Hannah, the wife of Nathan Davis; Rebecca, the wife of D. Miller; Ella, the wife of Roy Carpenter; and four who died in childhood.
As above stated. Loren Green began his education in the Wiseonsin schools and after coming to Buena Vista county he continued his studies in the common schools to the age of seventeen years. subsequent to which time
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he spent two years in Buena Vista College. Having obtained a good practical education he then engaged in teaching for two years and subse- quently was employed for a similar period as a clerk in a store. Indoor life did not prove congenial to him, however, and he decided to take up farming and to this end took up a homestead claim in Coon township. Each year he harvests good erops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.
Mr. Green chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Etta Ellis, who was born in Buena Vista county. September 22. 1878, a daughter of Il. and E. I. Ellis, who now make their home in Storm Lake, the father being a retired farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Green have an interesting little son, Marvin E .. who was born October 10, 1901.
Mr. Green gives his political support to the republican party and has served as a school director, while at the present writing he is serving as township clerk. Ilis fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In every relation of life in which he is found he is known to be the same honorable and honored gentleman, who fully merits the confidence and esteem in which he is uniformly held, while his estimable wife, who has spent her entire life in Buena Vista county, is also well known and shares in the high regard in which her husband is held.
EDGAR EUGENE MACK.
An enumeration of the men of the present generation who have won honor for themselves and at the same time have honored the state which they repre- sent would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to Edgar E. Maek, who resides in Storm Lake, but has not confined his activity to local interests. Ile has extended his efforts to varions lines wherein the commonwealth at large has benefited and throughout his entire career there has never been an esoterie phase. His business and political record will alike bear close serntiny and he will gain thereby the confidence and respect of his colleagues and associates. Ile was born in Leicester. Addison-county, Ver- mont, June 14, 1850. In the paternal line he comes of Seotch Irish ancestry. although prior to the emigration to America the Macks lived in the north of Ireland, whence they made their way to Londonderry, New Hampshire. in the eighteenth century. The Family was represented in the colonial army during the Revolutionary war, Robert Mack, the great-grandfather of our subjeet. being a non-commissioned officer in a New Hampshire regiment. James Madison Mack. father of E. E. Mack, was born in Leicester, Vermont, and died in June. 1905, at the age of eighty-seven years. In early life he served as a colonel in the state militia of Vermont and in possession of his son Edgar are various military commissions. Throughout much of his business career he followed the occupation of farming, but during the last twenty-six years of his life he lived in honorable retirement from labor, making his home with his son in Storm Lake. In the east he was recognized as a citizen of prominence
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and influence, who in 1859 was elected to represent his district in the Vermont legislature. He left the impress of his individuality in other ways upon puh- lie thought and action and was well known as a progressive man whose labors were of marked benefit to the community in which he lived. His early politi- cal allegiance was given to the whig party. while later he became an advocate of republiean principles. His religions faith was that of the Congregational church. He married Betsey Maria Parks, who was born in Goshen, Vermont. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and died July 2. 1879. at the age of fifty-four years. The family of this worthy couple numbered six children, all sons, including twins. Two of the number died when sixteen years of age.
Edgar E. Mack, the second in order of birth, was in his eleventh year when his parents removed to Lake county, Illinois, in April, 1861. There they remained for two years, after which they went to Alden, Iowa, where they lived until May, 1870. In that year they took up their abode in Newell township. Buena Vista county, where James M. Mack seenred a homestead claim then lying in Coon township. Mr. Mack of this review accompanied his father on his various removals and in the passing years assisted him more and more largely in his business duties.
In the fall of 1874, however, he was elected clerk of the district and eir- enit court, at which time he removed to Sioux Rapids, then the county seat. He had acquired his edneation in the country schools and in the high school of Alden, and had manifested special aptitude in his studies. At the age of six- teen years he began teaching school but, not content with the educational advantages he had himself enjoyed, he studied Latin and other branches dur- ing this period, reciting his lessons to ministers in the vieinity. It was his ambition to become a member of the bar but this plan was frustrated by the illness of his mother and financial causes. As it was necessary that he pro- vide for his own support, he secured a situation in a store at Newell, but later the store failed and Mr. Mack was appointed assignee of the stock. He then sold out the business to good advantage. the firm settling with its creditors. after which business was resumed, Mr. Maek remaining with the house until 1875. In the fall of 1874 he had received the nomination for clerk of the courts and no higher testimonial of his capability, fidelity and methodical, sys- tematie discharge of his duties can be given than the fact that he was reeleeted six times, holding the office for fourteen years. Ilis name in the community became a synonym for official integrity and faithfulness. In October, 1878, the county seat was removed from Sioux Rapids to Storm Lake and in order to discharge his official duties he also became a resident of the latter city. where he has sinee remained.
A man of resourceful ability and undaunted enterprise, Mr. Mack has watched his opportunities for legitimate advancement and has been a promi- nent factor in the business development and progress of the city and county. While still in office he erected the Mack block and upon his retirement from the position of clerk of the courts in January. 1889. he opened a real-estate, abstract and loan office in his own building. In 1590 he entered into partner- ship relations with James De Land, under the firm style of Maek & De Land,
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and the business was further extended in its scope by adding a law depart- ment. Business was maintained by these two gentlemen until JJuly, 1907. when Mr. De Land retired to devote his entire attention to the practice of law, and Mr. Mack was then joined by his eldest son. Guy E. Mack, under the firm style of Mack & Mack. the junior partner now having offices at Newell, for the operations of the house have not been confined to Storm Lake, but have covered a wide territory in the conduet of a constantly growing and remuner- ative business. Edgar E. Mack was also instrumental in organizing the Elec- trie Light & Power Company, which was incorporated in March, 1892, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. Ile became president of the company, with E. C. Cowles as vice president and C. W. Seidel as secretary. Since that time Mr. Maek has acquired the interests of his partners in the business and is today sole owner of the plant, which is an enterprise of much worth to the city. as well as a source of substantial revenue to the owner. It is well known that what Mr. Mack undertakes he accomplishes, for he has the ability to improve opportunities to their best advantage and to shape complex and even diversi- fied interests into a harmonious and unified whole.
On the 13th of September, 1875, Mr. Mack was united in marriage to Miss Ellen B. Ayers, who was born in Goshen, Vermont, May 1, 1848, and is of Scotch Irish lineage. She, too, was descended from Revolutionary stock, the family being represented in the Continental army. Mrs. Mack was a member of the Presbyterian church and a most estimable lady, whose circle of friends was almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance. She died Feb- ruary 6, 1906, leaving six children: Nellie E., the wife of John A. Van Wagenen, county attorney of Pierce county, Nebraska, by whom she has one child. Pierce; Grace E., who has been graduated in music and resides at home, Guy E., a lawyer by profession, who is a partner of his father, having offices at Newell. where he is mayor of the city. and perhaps the youngest mayor in northwest łowa; Frank W., a graduate of Ames Electrical School, who is man- ager of his father's plant; Burt W., a teacher by profession, who is studying music in Chicago ; and Beatrice JJ .. at home. All are graduates of the Storm Lake high school and the sons are graduates of the commercial department of the Buena Vista College.
While Mr. Maek has led an extremely busy life in his official and commer- cial relations, he has yet found opportunity to cooperate in movements that have been of distinct benefit to the community along various lines. He is a helpful member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as trustee. Ile has also been a member of the board of trustees of the Buena Vista Col- lege since its organization and for the past twenty years has been president of the Cemetery Association, and also member and president of the school board for nine years. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges and in the last named fraternity has attained the Knight Templar degree and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. His position on political matters has never been an equivocal one, for he is widely known as one of the leading republicans of his section of the state. Aside from the local offices which he has filled he has served as state senator, being elected in 1889 to represent the fiftieth district in the upper house of the lowa assembly
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for four years, the district then comprising Humboldt. Buena Vista and Poca- hontas counties. During the sessions in which he served he was connected with much important constructive legislation and with the active work of vari- ons committees of which he was a member. In 1890 he was elected a member of the republican state central committee and acted as its chairman in 1891-2. He was made a member of the state delegation and delegate at large and was then chosen chairman of the delegation at the national convention in Minne- apolis in 1892, the other delegates at large being Governor Gear, James S. Clarkson and Cady Chase. He has been most active in behalf of his party's interests and has served as chairman of the county central committee. understands the best processes of managing political interests to produce effective results and over the record of his official career as well as his private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Ile has an extended personal acquaintance with the leading men of this state and with many of national reputation, who give to him warm friendship and admiration. The terms progress and patriotism might well be considered the keynote of his character, for throughout his entire career he has labored for the improvement of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated and at all times has been aetnated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare.
HION. FRANK N. BUCKINGHAM.
HIon. Frank N. Buckingham, who in 1904 represented Buena Vista county in the state legislature, is a public-spirited man. doing all in his power for the betterment of his community and the country at large. He is also one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Elk township, owning three hundred acres of land on section 34 and seetions 2 and 3. Nokomis township. He was born in De Kalb county, Illinois, March 26, 1857, a son of A. W. Buckingham, who was born in Essex, Connecticut, whenee he accompanied his father, Nathan Buckingham, on his removal from that state to De Kalb county. He located on a farm near Somonank and there the son grew to mature years. He was married to Miss Mary Zerlina Cheever, a native of Hartwick. New York. A. W. Buckingham spent the remainder of his life in De Kalb county. Illinois, and passed away October 9, 1900. His wife still survives and now makes her home with her children.
Frank N. Bnekingham is the only son of the family, his sister being Jennie E., the wife of Watts A. Johnson, an attorney of Princeton, Illinois. The son was reared in his native county and when starting out in life on his own account he clerked in a store for three years at Somonauk and the last year aeted as manager of the enterprise. Ile was married there December 28. 1880, to Miss Olive Philpott, who was likewise a native of that county.
Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life npon a farm which Mr. Buckingham rented for two years. While in Illinois he bought ninety aeres in Towa county, Towa, which he later sold. and then came to Buena Vista county, where he has since lived. Ilis first purchase
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consisted of two hundred and forty aeres. There was not a fence on the place and only a erude dwelling when he took possession but in due course of time he transformed this into a cultivated tract, improved with good buildings. ITe has built a fine country residence, has one of the largest barns in the county and also has many substantial outbuildings upon the place, while a wind pump forces an ample supply of water to various parts of the place for the stock and for household use. lle has since added to his original purchase until the place now embraces three hundred acres, all in one body, on section 34. Elk township and sections 2 and 3. Nokomis township. With its many buildings and appointments the place presents quite the appearance of a little village. Mr. Buckingham gives his time to general farming and to stoek- raising, feeding about four carloads of cattle and the same amount of hogs for the market each year. Mr. Buckingham also finds time for outside interests and assisted in organizing the Fair Association, of which he is a director, and he is also a stockholder and director in the opera house at Alta.
A stanch supporter of the republican party. he was in 1904 elected a mem- ber of the legislature, in which he served two sessions, being on the committees of ways and means, pharmacy. municipal corporations, fish and game, mines and mining, and in this connection he gained distinction and honor not only for himself but for the state whose interests he was serving. Hle considers his greatest work in the legislature was as a member of the drainage commit- lee in connection with R. M. Wright, of Fort Dodge, and O. B. Courtwright, of Waterloo. I'p to this time the state had no drainage laws, and Mr. Buckingham was sent to Ilinois to investigate the subject. it being largely through his labors and efforts that the law passed both houses. He has also filled the offices of township clerk and assessor and for a number of years has been president of the school board. His entire politieal service has been in the interest of the people and he has won their confidence and high regard. lle has served them faithfully in the past in every capacity and this is the best recommendation any man can have for future claims.
Mr. Buckingham's family numbers three children : Cora, a young lady at home; Jay A., who is married and operates one of his father's farms; and Almus W., at home. Mr. Buckingham belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Alta and is also an Odd Fellow and a Mason.
LAARS E. BLADINE.
Lars E. Bladine, owner of the Marathon Republic since Angust, 1895, has continuonsly and capably filled the position of postmaster sinee December, 1897. He was born in Sweden on the 25th of February, 1875, his parents being John and Catherine Bladine, the former a furniture dealer.
Lars E. Bladine acquired his education in the schools of Alta, Buena Vista county. lowa. and subsequently, having determined to familiarize himself with the printing business, served his apprenticeship in the office of the Alta Advertiser. then published by Thomas Walpole. He left the Advertiser office
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to assist L. C. Bradford in resurrecting the Marathon Republic in 1892, at which time the paper was sold to Henry Stevens. Afterward he worked as a journeyman printer, and in August, 1895. bought the Marathon Republic, which he still owns. In December, 1897, he was appointed postmaster by Charles Emory Smith, postmaster general, was reappointed in 1900 by Presi- dent MeKinley and in 1904 and 1908 received the appointment to that office from President Roosevelt. Ilis long retention in the position stands in incon- trovertible evidence of his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties and he is widely recognized as one of the best public officials and news- paper men of the county.
On the 31st of May, 1900, at Newell, lowa, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bladine and Miss Inez W. Waterman, a native of Newell and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Waterman, her father being a pioneer settler and mer- chant of Buena Vista county. By this union has been born one son, Burrows.
A stanch republican in his political views. Mr. Bladine has always taken an active part in the local work of the party and for ten years has been a men- ber of the county central committee. of which he served as chairman in 1901. Fraternally he is connected with Universal Lodge. A. F. & A. M., of Marathon. lowa, Sioux Rapids Chapter. R. A. M., Crusade Commandery. K. T., Cherokee and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. O. N. M. S., of Des Moines, lowa. He is likewise president of the Corn Belt Editorial Association. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bladine are widely and favorably known throughout the entire community, having gained many friends during the long period of their residence here.
HENRY JOHN BEHRENS.
Like many a man of foreign birth, Henry John Behrens, fully appreciat- ing the advantages and possibilities which the new world offers, has through the inherent force of his character, worked his way upward until today he is classed among the substantial agriculturists of Buena Vista county, owning four hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Coon. Fairfield and Lincoln townships. He was born in Germany. October 26. 1833, a son of Dietrick and Dora (Meinking) Behrens, both of whom were born in Germany but are now deceased. The other children of their family are: William and Diek, both residents of Chicago, Illinois; Mary, the wife of Henry Papen- houser : Louise, the wife of Henry Timke; and Lena, the wife of William Scharkopf.
Henry John Behrens, the other member of the family, was reared in his native land and attended school to the age of fourteen years. He then started ont to make his own way in the world. working as a farm hand for ten years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a small tract of land and estab- lished a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Sophia Brackman, who was likewise a native of Germany. Believing that he might better provide for himself and family in the new world, Mr. Behrens eventually decided to emi- grate to America. Upon arriving in the new world he located near Chicago.
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Illinois, but later, in 1880, he removed to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and look- ing around for a favorable location decided upon Coon township as a place of permanent abode. He here purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. to which he has added as the years have gone by, so that his farm property now embraces four hundred and forty acres. All this is well improved with good buildings and the land has been made very productive through the rota- tion of crops and the practical methods of agriculture which he follows.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Behrens has been blessed with six children but two died in infancy. The others are: Diek. residing in Minnesota; Dora, the wife of John Severs; William. living in Fairfield township; and Henry. at home.
Mr. Behrens is a member of the Evangelical church and in polities is a republican. He has filled the office of road supervisor but otherwise has never sought nor desired publie office. He is a man of excellent business ability and foresight as is attested by the success which he has achieved since taking up his abode in America, for the fine farm which he today possesses is the result of his own labor. economy and careful management.
BARTON B. BRIDGE, M. D.
Dr. Barton B. Bridge, endowed by nature with strong intelligence, has so used his native talents and powers that he is ranked today as one of the most snecessful physicians of Buena Vista county. He is located at Albert City, where he has a large and growing practice, his comprehensive energy and knowledge of the medical science well qualifying him for the onerous duties that devolve upon him in this connection.
A native of Canada. he was born in Ontario, November 29. 1871. His l'ather, Andrew Bridge, residing at Utica. New York, was formerly owner of an extensive aviary but is now living in retirement. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mahala Ann Smith, also yet survives. Dr. Bridge traces his ancestry back in unbroken line to Anetje Jans Webber, who was born in Holland in 1604, and was a granddaughter of King George III or IV of Holland. She was married first in Holland to John Roelloffson in 1628, and
in 1630 they came to America. They had four children, and John Roelloffson died in 1637. after which his widow. in 1638. became the wife of the Rev. Everadus Bogardus. There were four children by this marriage, of whom William Bogardus was born December 15. 1639. He married Wgntie Sybrant Angust 30. 1659, and they had a daughter. Anetje Bogardus, who was born October 3, 1663, and was married January 29. 1682, to Jacobus Brower. Of this marriage there was a large family including Adam Brower, who was born May 29. 1696, and was married July 15. 1717. to Deborah Allen. Their son, Lazarus Brower, who was born June 23. 1731. wedded Frances Morris and had a son Aaron Brower, born Jannary 30, 1760. Aaron Brower had a daughter Elizabeth, who became the wife of William Jackson, and their daughter, Elizabeth Jackson, born February 18. 1819, married William Smith.
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