USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 59
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Left a penniless orphan at an early age, he has met many obstacles and difficulties in his path. but these have seemed to serve as an impetus to greater effort on his part. He made use of each and every opportunity that presented itself and in this way has attained to his present position as a substantial citizen of Buena Vista county. The ideals of men like this, the story of their lives and their deep sense of integrity, should serve as an inspiration to the young men of today who are compelled to start out early in life without means. for this has proved no barrier to Mr. Higgins' success.
JOHN YOUNGSTROM.
John Youngstrom owns and operates one hundred and eighty-two acres of land on section 2. Maple Valley township, where he has made his home since 1891. He was born near Gottenburg, Sweden. April 27, 1857, and was reared in his native land. emigrating to America in 1880, when a young man of twenty-three years. He first located in Cherokee county, Iowa, where he was employed for three years at farm labor, receiving for his services two hundred and fifty dollars per year. During this time he lived frugally and economically, so that at the end of that time he was justified in engaging in business on his own account. He then rented land, which he operated for right years, the sale of his crops bringing him the money which enabled him to purchase his present farm. comprising one hundred and eighty-two acres situated on section 2, Maple Valley township. At the time of the Pomeroy cyclone all his buildings were swept away, but in due time Mr. Youngstrom replaced these and now has a nice country home, good barn and outbuildings, and everything about the place is kept in a good state of repair. He feeds
MR. AND MRS. JOHN YOUNGSTROM
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from one to two earloads of shorthorn eattle each year and two earloads of hogs, while he also keeps good grades of horses and Shropshire sheep.
Mr. Youngstrom was married in Cherokee county, Iowa, December 29, 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Benson, who was likewise born in Sweden, May 7, 1863. She has proved to him a valuable helpmate and to her assistance much credit is due for the present prosperity of Mr. Youngstrom. Their family numbers six sons and two daughters: Alma, who graduated from Cedar Falls Seminary and is now engaged in teaching; William, Hilda, Osear, Frank, Rudolph, Alfred and John, Jr., all of whom are under the parental roof. They also lost a daughter in infancy.
Mr. Youngstrom is an independent republiean but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to do his duty as a private eitizen. He is a member of the Lutheran church and belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Alta. Coming to America, ignorant of the language and cus- toms of this country, Mr. Youngstrom soon adapted himself to the changed conditions and resolved that if energy and determination had anything to do with success, he would achieve it and that he has verified this belief is indi- eated by a glanee at his attractive and well kept farm. He is today numbered among the substantial citizens of Maple Valley township and is highly esteemed by neighbors and friends.
ROBERT S. RAE.
Robert S. Rae, a hardware merchant of Sioux Rapids, has made steady progress in his business career, noting and utilizing the legitimate business advantages which have come to him and winning success through straight- forward dealing, elose application and unfaltering industry. He was born September 1, 1856, near Rochelle, Ogle county, Hlinois, his parents being James and Beatrice Rae, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They arrived in America in 1848, settling first in Canada, where they remained for about one year and in 1849 became residents of De Kalb, Illinois. In 1850 Mr. Rae crossed the plains to California with an ox-team, making the long journey across the hot sands and over the mountains until he reached the land of promise but after three years of mining in the Golden state he returned to Illinois, having, however, in the meantime gained a considerable fortune through his search for the precious metal.
Returning to Illinois Mr. Rae then invested in nearly a thousand acres of Jand three miles north of Rochelle and for eight years devoted his time to agricultural interests. On the expiration of that period he moved to Rochelle. where he engaged in the lumber business in company with J. B. Young. A few years later the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Young selling out and re- moving to Clinton. lowa. Mr. Rae then continued the business alone until 1878, when he made some other business changes and gave his attention to the hardware trade. A few years later his son Robert S. was admitted to a partnership in the business and in 1882 they removed their entire stock of
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general merchandise to Sioux Rapids, Iowa. The firm of James Rae & Son then continued in business here for three years, when they sold out to I. B. Christensen. Soon after father and son purchased a half interest in a hard- ware business with Henry H. Hunter and the firm name of Hunter & Rae was assumed. Mr. Hunter died Mareh 13, 1907, while Robert S. Rae had previous- ly acquired his father's interests in the business, which is still eondueted under the firm name of Hunter & Rae.
Although James Rae had an interest with his son at the store in Sioux Rapids he never changed his place of residence but continued to live in Rochelle until his death. He passed away, however, in Chieago in 1886. He had gone to the city for a few days and met his death by falling from a window in the seventh story of the hotel in which he was a guest. His widow still survives and is now living in Rochelle at the advanced age of eighty-six years. James Rae was a very prominent and influential citizen of his eom- munity, a leading business man and a strong republiean. He gave active and substantial support to many measures and projects for the publie good and was a valued and exemplary member of the Masonie fraternity.
Robert S. Rae started out in the business world when about twenty-three years of age. He has since been conneeted with the hardware trade and in over twenty-nine years has not lost sixty days' time from the business. His (Jose application, his unfaltering energy, his unabating industry and his straightforward business methods constitute the basis of his prosperity.
In May, 1880, Mr. Rae was married in San Rosa, California, to Miss Stella Weeks, and unto them were born three children, but one died in infaney. The son. Guy W., married Miss Mattie Bright, a daughter of A. N. Bright, of Sioux Rapids, and they have one son. Robert. Eva is the wife of Wiley E. Baker, a resident of Vona, Colorado, where he is editing a paper. The death of Mrs. Rae occurred in 1889 when she was thirty-two years of age and was deeply regretted not only by her immediate family but also by many friends.
Mr. Rae votes the republican ticket and is a stanch advocate of the principles of the party but has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of publie office. Ile has preferred to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with signal suceess, owing to his capable management and his straightforward business principles. Ile is held in high esteem here and enjoys the warm regard of all who know him.
E. M. JJ. MILES.
E. M. J. Miles, a substantial and well known agrienlturist residing on section 23, Hayes township, where he owns a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, July 13, 1858. His father. Edward Miles, who was a native of County Meath, Ireland. was there reared to manhood. In the year 1849 he crossed the briny deep to the new world and located in the state of New York. In 1852 he journeyed westward to Illinois and was married in Springfield, that state, to
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Miss Eliza A. Gleason, who was born and reared on the Emerald isle. She was employed in the family of Abraham Lincoln at the time of her marriage. Edward Miles was a boatman and for several years freighted down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. Subsequently he took up his abode on a farm in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in 1866, and through the sue- feeding decade was there successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits. In 1876 he came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Newell in Coon township. With the aid of his sons he opened up and developed the farm, gradually transforming it into a valuable and productive piece of property.
E. M. J. Miles was a young man of eighteen years when he came to Buena Vista eounty and he continued to assist his father in the work of the home farm until the latter's death. Subsequently he operated the home place for a few years but in the fall of 1898 bought the farm on which he has since resided. When it came into his possession the place was in a badly run-down condition but he at once set to work to repair the buildings. fence the fields and bring the land under a high state of cultivation. Though he now rents almost the entire farm he still gives careful supervision thereto. and is recognized throughout the community as a most enterprising and pro- gressive citizen.
On the 29th of August. 1894. in Newell. oeeurred the marriage of Mr. Miles and Miss Anna MeTigue, of Sae county, lowa. She is a daughter of Patrick and Elnora (Hathaway) MeTigue, both natives of New York. 1868 they became residents of Dubuque county, Iowa, and about six years later removed to Sac county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father died in November. 1891, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother departed this life August 14. 1908, at the age of seventy-six. On the maternal side her great-grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miles have been born five sons: James A., Ed Gleason, JJoseph William, Raymond P. and Arthur B.
Mr. Miles gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has been elected by his fellow citizens to various positions of trust and responsibility. Having resided in this county for almost a third of a century, he is well known here. while his upright and honorable career has gained him the esteem and regard of all with whom he has been associated.
CHARLES A. PONSER.
Through struggle and adversity Charles A. Ponser has worked his way and today he is classed among the well-to-do and retired citizens of Albert City, having for many years been identified with the agricultural interests of Buena Vista county. He is a native of Sweden, born November 20, 1548. and when a young man of twenty years accompanied his parents. Andrew and Anna Ponser, on their emigration to the United States. When the family reached American shores they at once made their way into the interior of
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the country and located at Watertown, Illinois. There the father and sons secured employment on the government dam in the Mississippi river.
In March. 1869, the father having secured a claim in Buena Vista eounty, with his sons started on the journey here, stopping at Fort Dodge. They had accompanied a colony of settlers and leaving their families at that eity, nine men out of the party started for their new homes. It was a rainy season and the whole country was flooded. The father and his son Charles finally loeated his elaim and started on the return trip to Fort Dodge to secure their household goods. There was not a single house to be seen on the journey from what was called the Norwegian settlement near Sioux Rapids until they were within sight of Fort Dodge. On making the return trip to their elaim they had to cross the North Sigard, which on account of the wet season, was very high. In doing so they lost their team and household effects and barely
escaped with their lives. The son fell between the two horses and would have been drowned had his father not thrown to him the whip, by which he was reseued. This proved a trying experience. They were strangers in a new country, without friends and without money. The father instead of being able to improve his tract of land was forced to go to work on the Illi- nois Central railroad, which was then in course of construction west of Fort Dodge. In this way he earned the money to get his family from that eity to their new home in Buena Vista county. This was a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie, situated on section 20. Fairfield township. The father developed and improved the place and made it a valuable property, which he cultivated until the time of his death in 1901. The mother, how- ever, still survives and makes her home with her only daughter, in Fairfield township.
Charles A. Ponser of this review is the eldest of three children, his brother being Axel, a farmer of Fairfield township; and Mrs. Charles Anderson. also of this township. Charles A. Ponser as previously stated, was a young man of twenty years when he accompanied the family on their emigration to the new world and he remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years. He shared with the other members of the family in their struggle for an existence during the first years of their residence here, assisting his father in the development of a new farm. Eventually he himself took up a homestead elaim of one hundred and sixty aeres in Fair- field township and this proved the nucleus of his later snecess. Loeating thereon he developed a good farm, to which he later added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until his possessions now embrace five hundred acres, all in Fairfield township. For many years he was actively and busily engaged in general farming, whereby he acquired the competency that three years ago enabled him to retire, since which time he has made his home in Albert City. He derives a splendid income from his farm property and is numbered among the sustantial citizens of his home eity.
In 1873 Mr. Ponser was married to Miss Angusta Molmberg, their mar- riage being celebrated in Sioux Rapids, in the old courthouse that was four years later destroyed by fire. Mrs. Ponser was likewise born in Sweden and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Albertina, who
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died at the age of three months; Ellen, who makes her home with her parents; and Albert, a farmer of Fairfield township. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and they were prominent factors in the organization of the society, which formerly held services in the schoolhouse. Mr. Ponser is now serving as a trustee of the church.
Politically he is a republiean and for nine years served as township trustee, while for a long period he was also a school director. He is a stockholder and a director in the Security Bank of Albert City. He has en- countered many obstacles and difficulties in his path but each has seemed to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and gradually he worked his way upward until he is today classed with the substantial citizens of his com- munity. The ideals of men like this, their personality, the history of their lives, and their profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesson from which the young men of today could study success.
ROBERT EDWARD LEE.
Robert Edward Lee, a young man of energy and enterprise, follows farm- ing in Lincoln township. Buena Vista county, where he has made his home since March 7. 1903. He was born in Coles county. Illinois. April 5, 1887. the second in a family of seven children, born of the marriage of Joseph Reed and Mary Lonisa (Bowman) Lee. The father was born in Harrison county. Kentucky, March 4. 1858. while the mother's birth ocenrred in Perry county. Ohio, September 9, 1875. They were united in marriage on the 19th of March. 1884, and their union was blessed with seven children, of whom our subject is the second, the others being: John William, who was born June 12. 1885; Elsie Emma, born August 28. 1889; Clarence, who was born JJannary 29. 1897 and died in infancy ; Julia Armenta, born November 11. 1899: Henry Joseph. born March 3, 1902; and Samuel Reed. June 29, 1904. The father served for three years as a member of Company A, Fourth Regiment Illinois National Guards. He followed farming as a life work and removed from Illinois to Buena Vista county in March, 1903, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred at his home near Rembrandt. Jan- nary 13, 1906. at the comparatively early age of forty-eight years. Ilis remains were interred in Storm Lake Cemetery.
Robert Edward Lee, whose name introduces this record. acquired his ed- ucation in the district schools of his native county. completing the work of the eighth grade in 1902. The following year, then a youth of sixteen years. he accompanied his parents on their removal to lowa and assisted his father in the operation of the farm until March 7. 1906. when desiring to secure a more advanced education. he entered the academic department of Buena Vista College but had attended only seven days when the death of his father of- curred. This necessitated a change in his plan and he was obliged to abandon his books and assume the management of the farm for his mother, since which period his time has been fully occupied. He possesses a spirit of enterprise
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and determination and displays the ability of many a man of larger exper- ience in carrying on his farm work and managing his business affairs.
Mr. Lee became identified with the Modern Woodmen of America Feb- ruary 26. 1906, and was nominated to the office of chief forester in 1908. He also belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeoman, joining the order July 11, 1908. Ilis religions faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is popular among his many friends, for he possesses many excellent traits of character.
CHARLES KINZIE UMPHREY.
Charles Kinzie Umphrey, who is now living retired in a commodious and substantial home at Sionx Rapids, was formerly actively and successfully connected with the agricultural interests of Buena Vista county. His birth occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1859, his parents being Sammel and Sophia (Snelling) Umphrey. the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The maternal grandparents of our subject were John and Charlotte Snelling. Samuel Umphrey, the father, removed to Ohio in early life and remained a resident of that state until 1865, when he took up his abode in La Salle county. Illinois. All of his brothers participated in the Civil war. Unto Samuel and Sophia (Snelling) Umphrey were born three children, name- ly : Eveline, who is the wife of David Snelling and resides in La Salle county, Illinois; Annie, deceased; and Charles Kinzie, of this review.
The last named was four years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to La Salle county, Ilinois, where he acquired his education in the public schools and was reared to manhood. On the 24th of December, 1879. he was united in marriage to Miss Alma Miller, a daughter of Dennis and Ann (Bemer) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1841 they journeyed westward to Illinois with teams in company with eight other l'amilies, thus making a long caravan. They established quite a colony in the new and sparsely settled country and that much of the region was still un- claimed and undeveloped is indicated by the fact that they entered their lands from the government. Dangers of attack by hostile Indians and all the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier harassed these carly pioneers but they remained bravely on and many of them lived to see the dis- triet grow and develop into a highly civilized and prosperous community. Dennis Miller was the second in order of birth in a family of eight children, the record of whom is as follows: William, who died in early manhood; Dennis; Emily, who has also passed away; Andrew, living in southern Iowa ; Wesley, who wedded Miss Rebecca Carnahan and is a resident of Compton, Illinois; Henry, who enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the I'nion army but died while on his way to the front; Daniel, who makes his home in California; and Catherine, the wife of James Madden of Omaha. Mrs. Umphrey is one of a family of six children, namely : William, who died in infancy ; Jerome B., living in Paw Paw. Ilinois; Mrs. Umphrey; Nellie E.,
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who became the wife of Arthur Wells and passed away September 6, 1891. when twenty-four years of age; Edith, also a resident of Paw Paw; and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Umphrey became the parents of four children, the first born dying in infaney. The others are Floy, who was mar- ried to Harry P. Helms, December 28, 1908, now principal of schools at Rudd, Towa; Edith ; Edna Beatrice and Annie.
Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Umphrey carried on farming near Paw Paw, Illinois, until 1885, which year witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county, Iowa. Loeating two miles south of Sioux Rapids, on section 24, he first operated the farm as a renter but after a few years purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres, which he brought under a high state of improvement and cultivation. On selling that property he bought a farm near Rembrandt which still remains in his possession. In 1900. when his intelligently directed energy and capable management had brought him a goodly competence, he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Sioux Rapids, where he has since lived retired. enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Umphrey has given his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its prin- ciples will best conserve the welfare of the nation. Ile is a highly respected and worthy resident of Sioux Rapids and is also widely and favorably known throughout the county, where he has made his home for almost a quarter of a century.
STEPHEN CALLAHAN.
Stephen Callahan, who is now farming on the southwest quarter of seetion 10, Providence township, was born in Ireland. April 22, 1815. He represents one of the old families of that country. His paternal grandfather. John Callahan, was a shoemaker by trade, and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Ireland, where they reared their family of six children, namely : Peter, James, John. Philip, Mary and Ann. The maternal grandfather was Bernard MeDermott, who came to America. and spent his last days in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where he died when more than ninety-one years of age. Ilis death came without illness, as the result of the wearing out of the tissues. His children ineluded Stephen, Mary, Rosa. Ann. Bridget and Kate.
Peter Callahan, father of our subject, was born in Ireland and learned the shoemaker's trade after coming to the United Sates. He settled first in Albany, New York, and afterward removed westward to Lafayette county. Wisconsin. where he took up his abode on a farm. There he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1876. Ile married Miss Kate MeDermott, also a native of Ireland, who sur- viving him for several years, passed away at Omaha, Nebraska, in Iss1. They were both Catholies in religious faith. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Callahan
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were born nine children. five sons and four daughters: John and Bernard, both deceased : Stephen of this review; Mary Ann, the deceased wife of John Mehan; Augusta, deceased : Rosa, the wife of James Kinney, of South Dakota ; Harry, of Omaha, Nebraska; Peter, deceased; and Kate, who is living at Chicago.
Stephen Callahan was a youth of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin. There he was reared to manhood, living at home until nineteen years of age. He had attended school in the east, and in the west he worked on a farm, being identified with the labors of the field from the time of early spring planting until the erops were harvested in the late autumn. Hle then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he fol- lowed for eighteen years, during which time he traveled considerable over the country. Eventually he came to Iowa and purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Providence township, which he still owns. He has since carried on general farming and has made his place one of the attractive features of the landscape. He has always led a busy and useful life, and to his untiring industry he owes his present success.
In 1867 Mr. Callahan was married to Miss Bridget Rowen, a native of Pennsylvania, where her parents. Michael and Mary (Riley) Rowen, settled in early life, on their emigration from Ireland, their native country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Callahan were born seven children: Katie, who is a teacher of Clay county, lowa; Minnie, the wife of Neil MeLaughlin, by whom she has one son. Stephen ; Winifred, the wife of Timothy Toohey; Raymond, Leona, Harold and Walter, all yet at home. The wife and mother died in 1894, when about forty years of age. She was a communicant of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Callahan is also a member. He has usually voted with the republican party but is now giving his support to the democracy. His life has been quietly passed in the performance of daily duties that have come to him in connection with his business interests, and he is now devoting his time and energies to his Farming pursuits.
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