USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 43
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He is engaged in general farming and also raises shorthorn cattle and Duroe Jersey hogs, feeding all the grain he raises. Ile is likewise a stockholder in the creamery at Alta.
Mr. Robar was married in October. 1875. to Miss Julia Deno, their mar- riage occurring in Walworth county, Wisconsin. She is a native of MeHlenry county, Illinois, and a daughter of Lewis Deno, who died during his service in the Civil war. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Robar has been blessed with eight ehildren : Wesley Il., who wedded Matilda Krum, of Lake county, South Dakota, has two children, and is engaged in farming his father's land in that state; George E., who is married and has three children and is also farming in South Dakota; Eugene A., who is a barber of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Irene, Jay, Homer, Clifton and Garrett, all at home.
Mr. Robar has cast his presidential ballot for the republican candidates since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but at local elections casts an independent ballot. lle has been identified with the school board for a number of years and for one year was its president. He is a member of the Knights of l'ythias lodge at Aurelia, has served through all of the chairs in that order and has twice been a delegate to the grand lodge. He attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church at that place. He has made a cred- itable record in the business world, for he started out in life empty-handed, so that all that he today possesses has been acquired through his own labor and economy. Ile has a wide acquaintance in both Buena Vista and Cherokee counties and his estimable wife shares with him in the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
EDWARD J. NITZKE.
Edward J. Nitzke, who is one of the younger representatives of farming interests in Buena Vista county, is the owner of one hundred and sixty aeres of land, situated in Coon township. He was born May 4, 1879, a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nitzke, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The son attended the district schools to the age of seventeen years and assisted in the operation of the home farm until he established a home of his own by his mar- riage on the 22d of February, 1906. the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. Grunewald, who was born in Germany, October 23, 1881, and was a little maiden of twelve years when she accompanied her parents to this country, the family home being established in Storm Lake, lowa. The other children of the family are: Ernest, Albert, William and Fred, all of whom follow farm- ing in Minnesota; Augustine, the wife of Chris Richter; and Bertha at home. The father died in December, 1907, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Minnesota.
Following his marriage Mr. Nitzke purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres in Coon township, this property having been improved by his father. With his young bride he took up his abode here and has sinee been actively engaged in its cultivation. Ile follows practical methods in his farm
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work and each year his labors are rewarded by the large erops which he har- vests. In addition to his farm work he also gives much of his time to stoek- raising, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nitzke is graced by an interesting little son, Sidney Walter, who was born June 2, 1907. Mr. Nitzke's study of the politi- cal questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Methodist church. Ile and his wife are estimable young people, popular among a wide circle of friends. and the hospitality of their own pleas- ant home is enjoyed by all who enter its door.
GEORGE KIDMAN.
George Kidman, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist residing on section 28, Lee township, was born at St. Ives, twelve miles from Cambridge, England, on the 2d day of October. 1852, his parents being Francis and Susan (Conson) Kidman, also natives of England. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, passed away July 1, 1890, at the age of seventy-three years, while the mother was called to her final rest on the 4th of August, 1892, when eighty-five years of age.
Unto this worthy couple were born thirteen children: Francis, whose birth occurred September 20, 1843, wedded Miss Harriet Cousins on the 21st of September, 1864. To this union were born the following children : Frank ; Thomas; James; Susan, deceased; Arthur; Anna; Dora, who has also passed away; George; Mary; and Frank. The wife and mother died October 10, 1893, and Franeis Kidman subsequently married Miss Nelson, by whom he has three children, Richard, Benjamin and James. He is now a resident of Milbank, South Dakota. James, the second son of Franeis and Susan Kidman, is a saddler by trade and makes his home in London, England. He married Miss Louise Elwig, by whom he has four children : Salena, George, Fred and Anna. William, twin brother of James, is a carpenter by trade and lives in London, England. He first wedded Miss Eliza Nemman, by whom he had two children and after her death married again, also having two children by his second wife. 3 Mary is the wife of George Meadows, who is engaged in the contracting business in St. Ives, England. John, who is a saddler by trade, is married and makes his home in London, England. Richard, who is a painter by trade, is likewise married and resides in London, England. George, of this review, is the next in order of birth. Walter, who married Miss Laura Bags, is a carpenter by trade and makes his home in London, England. Arthur died in infancy. Four others also died in infancy.
In 1867, when a lad of fifteen years, George Kidman crossed the briny deep to the United States, locating at Henry, Marshall county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for about two years. On the expiration of that period, in the fall of 1869, he came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and was successfully engaged in the operation of a rented farm near Newell, Iowa, until 1876.
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE KIDMAN
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Returning to his native land, he resided there for about three years and then onee more came to the United States in 1880, making his home near Inde- pendence, Iowa, for three years. He then spent one winter in England and on again coming to America, in the spring of 1884, he took up his abode in Buchanan county, Iowa.
On the 7th of September, 1885, Mr. Kidman was united in marriage to Miss Gertie A. Wengirt, a daughter of Ulrich and Johanna (Wagner) Wengirt, both natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Wengirt arrived in the United States on the 1st of September, 1865, settling in Buchanan county, łowa, where the father still resides, being successfully engaged in farming. Mrs. Wengirt was ealled to her final rest on the 8th of April, 1890, when she had attained the age of sixty-one years. Mrs. Kidman was the eldest in a family of seven children, the others being as follows: Rose, the wife of William Clough, who is mentioned on another page of this work ; John, whose demise occurred August 11, 1904; Charles, who passed away on the 22d of August, 1889; George, who resides on the old homestead in Buchanan county, lowa; Anna, at home; and Leonard, whose death occurred June 12, 1896, when he was eighteen years of age. Unto our subject and his wife have been born the following children: George, whose natal day was October 28, 1886; Carl, whose birth occurred October 14, 1890; Rose, born September 17, 1888, who is engaged in teaching school; and Anna, born June 10, 1895.
For about two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kidman resideu. on a farm near Independence, lowa, but in 1888 came to Buena Vista county, settling on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Lee town- ship, which has since remained their place of abode. The land is all under a high state of cultivation and the farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance, while a handsome residence adds to the attractiveness of the surroundings. Mr. Kidman devotes his time and attention to general farming and stock- raising and his success in these undertakings well entitles him to representa- tion among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of the community.
In his political views Mr. Kidman is a stalwart republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, with which his wife is also identified. Ile is likewise connected with Logan Lodge, No. 510, Court of Honor, at Sioux Rapids. Starting out in life empty handed, the prosperity he enjoys is attributable entirely to his own untiring and well directed labor and he has long been numbered among the substan- tial and respected citizens of his adopted county.
SAMUEL W. HOBBS.
No history of Buena Vista county would be complete without a personal and extended reference to the history of Samuel W. Hobbs, who for many years has been prominently connected with the events which have shaped its annals. He was Storm Lake's first mayor and has filled various offices, the duties of which have been discharged with promptness and fidelity. He is
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now engaged in the real-estate business and his enterprise and diligenee have constituted the factors in his well merited success.
Mr. Hobbs was born in Pelham, New Hampshire, in 1841. His father, Franeis Hobbs. also a native of that place. was of English descent and
belonged to a family represented in the Revolutionary war. Ile devoted his life to the occupation of farming and during his later days, with his son Samuel, removed from the old Granite state to Massachusetts, where he resided until his death. He met with a fair degree of success and was respected in the community as a citizen of worth. He gave his political support to the whig party and held several township offices, including that of seleetman. IIe married Jane E. Hobbs, who was born in Pelham. New Hampshire, and was her husband's cousin. She died in 1865, in the faith of the Congregational church, of which she was a devoted member, while Francis Hobbs passed away in 1869. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Samnel W. Hobbs was third in order of birth.
Upon the home farm Samuel W. Hobbs was reared to the age-of seventeen years and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. After attending the distriet schools he continued his studies in an academy at Framingham, Massachusetts, and later engaged in teaching school for two years, subsequently he became a bookkeeper for a Inmber company on a wharf near Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained for three years.
Mr. Hobbs arrived in the west in 1867. settling first in Adel, Dallas county, Iowa, where he secured a position as solieitor for a business house. Ile afterward formed a partnership in Dexter, lowa, for the conducting of real-estate business, and in May, 1870, he and his partner, L. J. Barton, came to Storm Lake, where they opened a real-estate office. This partnership was continued for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Barton retired and Mr. Hobbs continued in business alone. He is one of the best known real-estate men in northwest lowa. From the time of the dissolution of the partnership until 1885 he was local agent for the lowa Railroad Land Company, handling lands granted to railroads in this section of the state. He also had control of the business of the lowa Falls & Sioux City Town Lot & Land Company, but in 1885 was called from private business pursuits to take charge of important official dnties.
In the meantime, Mr. Hobbs had demonstrated his capability and fidelity in publie office. He was one of the early county surveyors and was the first mayor of Storm Lake, being elected to that office in 1872, his administration was businesslike and progressive, for he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the publie good. He has been assessor, mem- ber of the city council and a member of the school board. In March, 1885, when a vacancy occurred in the postoffice at Storm Lake, he was selected to fill the position of postmaster, through the appointment of President Grover Cleveland, and so continned until 1889. In the meantime he had been elected county treasurer on the democratic ticket and he therefore resigned his position as postmaster to accept the other office. He was the enstodian of the county funds for one term and when he retired from the office he again took up the
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real-estate business. in which he has since continued. Ile has handled much property in the county, has negotiated many important realty transfers and his efforts have been attended with success. His own holdings inehide some town lots and a comfortable dwelling.
In 1873 Mr. Hobbs was married to Jemima C. Orswell, the wedding being celebrated on the 23d of January. She was born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, October 23. 1845, and comes of English ancestry, although the family was established here in colonial days and was represented in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Hobbs was a member of the Universalist church and a most estima- ble lady, whose many good qualities of heart and mind won her the love and friendship of those with whom she was brought in contact. She died Novem- ber 5, 1907, leaving a son, Samuel W. Hobbs, who married Harriet Peters, who is a practicing physician of Aurelia, Cherokee county.
Mr. Hobbs is a member of the Universalist church and he was the first man in the county to be made a Freemason, sinee which time he has attained the master degree in the lodge. In polities he has always been a democrat, active and earnest in the work of the party, and has been chairman of the democratie county committee.
Few, if any, are more widely or favorably known and none who have long been before the public enjoy in a larger measure the confidence and good will of those who know them. Whether in office, in business relations, or in social life Mr. Hobbs has manifested those sterling traits of character, which in every land and clime awaken confidence and good will. His activity has made him one of the upbuilders of the county and his worth is widely acknowledged.
T. G. THOMAS.
It is an important publie duty to honor and perpetuate as far as possible the memory of a prominent citizen-one who by his blameless and honorable life and distinguished career reflected eredit upon his entire county, and thus his death, which occurred October 14, 1906, was the occasion of deep regret to his many friends as well as to the members of his immediate household. Mr. Thomas was born in Wales in 1841, a son of Griffith and Catherine Thomas, who were likewise natives of Wales, whence they removed to America in 1845, loeating on a farm near Omro, Wisconsin. The father died in 1886 and the mother in 1892. both aged eighty-six.
T. G. Thomas was a little lad of four years when he was bronght from his native country to the United States. lle remained on the home farm until 1869, or until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years, when he came to Buena Vista county and settled on a farm within two miles of Sioux Rapids. Here he was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising for eighteen years. when, in 1887, he took up his abode in the city of Sioux Rapids and gave his entire attention to buying and selling stock. in which he met with gratifying success. Hle accumulated a valiable. farm property, in all about one thousand acres. For many years Mr. Thomas was connected with the business interests
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of this section of the state but the last few years of his life, owing to ill health, he lived retired. His death occurred October 14, 1906, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years.
Mr. Thomas was married September 20, 1865, the lady of his choiee being Miss Mary E. Silverthorn, danghter of J. P. and Freda (Fish) Silverthorn, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas there were born two sons : L. J., who wedded Miss Catherine Robinson, and is a stock buyer of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Raymond F., who wedded Miss Addie Skinner and resides in Sioux Rapids.
Mr. Thomas supported the men and measures of the republican party. The founders of a state are not merely the men who handle the reins of govern- ment and control the public policy but are also those who carry civilization into hitherto wild regions and develop the natural resources of the state. Such a one was T. G. Thomas, who came to Buena Vista county in pioneer days and from that time until his demise was an active factor in the upbuilding and development of his section of the state. Ilis purposes were ever kindly, his sympathy unbounded, and all who knew him felt honored by his friendship.
GEORGE M. WALROD. D.V.S.
In a history of the professional interests in Buena Vista eonnty mention should be made of Dr. George M. Walrod, who for fifteen years has practiced at Storm Lake and during this period has given evidence of his ability in his chosen profession. He was born in De Kalb eonnty, Illinois, in 1854, and is the eldest son of a family of seven children, whose parents were Jonas and Eliza (Eaton) Walrod, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The father was of German lineago and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. When a young man he removed westward to Illinois and settled upon a farm in De Kalb county, where he resided until 1877. when he took up his abode on a farm in Sae county, Iowa. There he lived for some time but before his demise removed to Lake View, where his remaining days were passed in honorable retirement from labor. He had prospered as the years had gone by, and by his industry and careful expenditure had gained a handsome com- petenee that enabled him to live retired in his later years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gave his politieal support to the repub- liean party. He died in 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife passed away in October, 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years. She had removed to Ohio in her girlhood days, but they were married in the state of New York.
Dr. Walrod was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads. He attended the country schools and alternated his time between the schoolroom and the fields for, as his age and strength increased he assisted more and more largely in the work of the farm until his marriage. He was abont thirty-one years of age when he withdrew from agricultural life and turned his attention to com- mercial pursuits, purchasing a drug store at Lake View, which he eondneted For four years. It was a logical step from that business to the practice of
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veterinary surgery, and in preparation therefor he entered the Ontario Col- lege at Toronto, Canada, in 1892. and was graduated in 1894. The same year he opened an office in Storm Lake, where he has since engaged in the practice of his profession with good success. He here conducts a hospital supplied with all modern appliances, and his ability places him with the ablest represen- tatives of the profession in Buena Vista county. Ile is a member of both the State and Ameriean Veterinary Associations.
In 1882 Dr. Walrod was married to Crilla Wilcox, who was born in the state of New York in 1862. They are the parents of five children: Cora, wife of G. W. Foley, connected with railroad interests; Cuthbert ; Perry; Eugene; and Frances. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Dr. Walrod is now serving as a member of the board of stewards and is also active in the work of the Sunday school. In politics he is somewhat independent. supporting both the republican and prohibition parties as his judgment die- tates, but he is a man of strong temperance principles as indicated by his membership in the Independent Order of Good Templars and he likewise belongs to the Court of Honor.
ARA B. HEATH.
Ara B. Heath, a practical and progressive farmer of Providence township. his home on the northwest quarter of section 26, was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, November 17, 1868, his parents being James and Jane (Ayer) Heath. The former was a son of Chandler Heath, a native of Maine and a well-to-do man, whose success in business enabled him to live retired for many years. Ile was almost a nonagenarian at the time of his death. Ifis son. James Heath, was also a native of the Pine Tree state, and devoted the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits. He became an early settler of Wis- consin and there reared his family. He married Miss Jane Ayer, who was also born in Maine and was one of several children, whose parents were Jonas and Leah (Nutting) Ayer. They, too, were natives of Maine and lived to an old age. Mr. Ayer followed the vocation of farming. The death of James lFeath occurred in 1876, while his wife survived him until December, 1903, and passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were Methodists in religious faith and their lives were guided by honorable principles. Mr. Heath served his country as a soldier in the Civil war, and with Brackett's command was largely engaged in fighting Indians on the frontier. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, four sons and three daughters: Jonas, deceased ; Georetta, the wife of Charles Campton, of Providence township; Frances, the deceased wife of L. A. White; Chandler, living at Mineral Point. Wisconsin ; Leah, the wife of William Huxtable, of Newell township; Ara B. ; and James, whose home is in Manzanola, Colorado.
Ara B. Heath was reared in Wisconsin to the age of sixteen years, spend- ing his youthful days on the home farm, his time being divided between the
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work of the fields, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the play- ground. In the spring of 1885 he and his mother and youngest brother sold the old homestead and came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, settling on the farm which is now his place of residence. They purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and Mr. Heath has improved this property until it is today one of the finest farms of the neighborhood. attractive in its appearance by reason of its substantial buildings, its well kept fenees, its good grades of stock and its richly cultivated fields.
On the 28th of October. 1891. Mr. Heath was married to Miss Amy D. Wheeler, the daughter of John W. and Lovina Wheeler, who came to Jowa in 1881 and purchased land in Providence township, where they are still liv- ing. They have but two children, their son being John F. Wheeler. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Heath has been blessed with five daughters: Florence, Mildred, Stella, Genevieve and JJeannette (twins). Mr. Heath belongs to Newell Lodge, No. 232. 1. O. O. F., and the Modern Woodmen of America. His politi- cal endorsement is given the republican party and he is known as a stalwart friend of education. He has filled the position of school director for several terms. He has also acted as treasurer of the school board. In community affairs he is interested to the extent of giving his cooperation to many move- ments that have been beneficial to the community at large and he is everywhere known as a progressive, energetic farmer, whose success is attributable to his own labors.
JOHN A. JOHNSON.
What is so friendly as a nickname? It is an indication of cordialty and good will on the part of those with whom the individual comes in contact, and that John A. Johnson is familiary called "Gus" by the majority of those who know him, plainly proves his popularity and the warm esteem in which he is held in northwestern lowa. He is now living a retired life in Alta, but for many years was one of the prosperous farmers in Maple Valley township, where he and his brother-in-law, David Clarkson, owned seven hundred and 1wenty acres of land, which they broke, cultivated and improved, transform- ing the property into a very valuable farm. They also engaged extensively in raising, feeding and fattening cattle and hogs for the market, being among the largest l'eeders as well as the most extensive landowners of Maple Valley township. The importance of his business interests and the straighforward methods which Mr. Johnson always employed in his business career gained him recognition as one of the representative citizens of Buena Vista county.
A native of Sweden. he was born JJanuary 18, 1842, and came to the new world with an uncle in 1856 when a lad of fourteen years. Reaching the shores of the new world they made their way westward to Chicago, where the unele left Mr. Johnson, and from that time forward he had to shift for him- self. Ile was a poor boy among strangers in a strange land, and with the language of the people was unfamiliar, but there had been impressed upon his mind the
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