USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 64
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B. A. PETERSON.
B. A. Peterson, senior member of the firm of B. A. Peterson Company, general merchants of Albert City, lowa, was born in Sweden on the 2d of January. 1876. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the new world. he emigrated to the United States in May. 1900. Subsequently he was employed as a clerk for one year by Lodine & Danielson, merchants of Albert City, and for three years was with Nanefeldt Brothers engaged in the same business in Hardin county, lowa, thus thoroughly acquainting himself with the business methods and customs of this country. On the 1st of October. 1907. in connection with his brother Carl, he established the moreantile firm of B. A. Peterson Company, of Albert City, in the conduct of which he has since met with a well merited and gratifying measure of prosperity. 1 well selected stock of goods. reasonable prices and straightforward business methods are all factors in the success of the establishment and the proprietors are numbered among the representative and enterprising merchants of the county. Their stock of groceries and dry goods is valued at seven thousand dollars.
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B. A. PETERSON
A. D. PETERSON
C. D. PETERSON
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In June, 1908, ocenrred the marriage of B. A. Peterson and Miss Wilhelmina Swenson. Mr. Peterson is a republican in his political views, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran Church.
Carl Peterson, junior member of the firm of B. A. Peterson Company, is also a native of Sweden and when nineteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He performed the duties of clerk in a store at Alta, Iowa, until he entered upon his present business connection. His views on politics and religion are the same as those of his brother, and both young men are numbered among the energetic, enterprising and progressive citizens of Buena Vista county.
RICHARD W. ROBERTS.
Richard W. Roberts has for twenty-two years been a resident of Storm Lake, where for sixteen years he has been engaged in the draying and transfer business. While there have been no unusual chapters in his life record it is that of a man who is reliable and trustworthy in his business relations, pro- gressive in his eitizenship and faithful to the duties which devolve upon him in other relations. He was born in Jennings county, Indiana, in 1866.
His father, Albert W. Roberts, was a native of Pennsylvania and, tracing back the aneestral history, it is found that earlier representatives of the name came from Scotland and founded the family in the new world. Albert W. Roberts was both a carpenter and farmer and following his removal to the middle west became the owner of a large tract of land in Indiana, to which state he went with his parents in his boyhood days. In early manhood he wedded Katherine E. Rawson, who was born in Indiana and is a representative of one of the old New England families, her ancestors living for several generations in Vermont. Members of the family were soldiers of the Revolu- tionary war and Mrs. Roberts had three brothers who were advocates of the Union in the Civil war. Her husband who was a member of the Home Guard at Indianapolis, during the period of hostilities between the north and the sonth, was wounded in service. Ile, too, had a brother who wore the blue uniform and defended the stars and stripes in the south. The death of Albert W. Roberts occurred in 1876. when he was thirty-seven years of age. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Baptist church and belonged to the Masonie fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He voted with the republican party and was called to a number of township offices. His widow still survives and is now living in Storm Lake, at the age of sixty years. Their family numbered three sons: Richard W., of this review; Francis, who is deceased; and Wesley. a photographer, making his home in Minnesota. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Roberts became the wife of O. P. Jenkins, a well known business man of this city.
Richard W. Roberts spent the period of his minority in Indiana, working upon the home farm and learning in the school of experience many valuable
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lessons. His mental training was received in the public schools, while he was taught the worth of industry, economy and perseverance upon the home farm. Ile arrived in Iowa in March. 1886, at which time he took up his abode in Storm Lake and entered the lumber and machinery establishment of J. P. Diekey. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, becoming a contractor, and erected a number of honses in this eity but for the past sixteen years he has been engaged in the draving and transfer business, which he finds profitable, for he has a liberal patronage in this connection, which brings him annually - a good financial return. IIe also owns a half section of land in Minnesota.
In September, 1891. Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Louisa E. Fanning, a native of Sae county, Iowa. born in 1876, a daughter of E. S. and Hannah Fanning. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have two sons and a daughter: Edward. who is in school ; Orrin M .; and Incille.
Voting with the republican party. Mr. Roberts thus expresses his political preference. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. His name, however, is on the membership rolls of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges. the Modern Woodmen camp and the Court of Honor and he is in sympathy with the beneficent and helpful spirit upon which these orders rest. As the years have gone by he has worked diligently to achieve the success which is his and his genuine worth as a man and citizen commends him to the regard and good will of those with whom he is daily brought in contact.
JACOB F. ENGELKES.
Jacob F. Engelkes, a well known and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser residing in Lincoln township, was born in Amsterdam, Holland, on the 17th of September, 1858, his parents being John and Anna (Steillwacht) Engelkes. The father, who was a baker by occupation, passed away when his son JJacob was but two years of age. The mother, however, survived until 1893, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Unto this worthy couple were born three children, namely: Jennie, deceased; Jacob F., of this review; and Andrew, who follows farming in South Dakota.
When seventeen years of age Jacob F. Engelkes crossed the Atlantic to the United States, believing that the new world offered better opportunities for business advancement. He first worked as a farm hand for five dollars per month but the second year received twelve dollars and the third year twenty- five dollars per month, his wages being increased as his services became more valuable. Carefully saving his earnings, he at length procured enough capital to bring his brother and sister to the United States. When twenty-seven years of age he took up his abode near Rochelle, Ilinois, while the year 1886 witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county, lowa, where he has since resided. He now operates a rich and productive farm of three hundred and twenty aeres, the fields annually responding to his care and labor by yielding a golden harvest. When he first arrived in this country he found the struggle
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IIISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
for a livelihood very difficult and through one whole winter subsisted on oat- meal. Nothing daunted, however, he worked steadily and perseveringly on and was at length rewarded with the success which always erowns untiring and well directed effort.
Mr. Engelkes was united in marriage to Miss Augustine Daegner, a native of Germany, who came to America when a maiden of thirteen years. Their children are William and John, both at home.
In his political views Mr. Engelkes is a stanch republican, while his relig- juos faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identfied. He has never had occasion to regret his determina- tion to seek a home in the new world, for here he has gained the prosperity which he sought and has now long been numbered among the progressive and enterprising agrienlturists of his adopted county.
L. C. ANDERSON.
L. C. Anderson is a representative of a family who elaims the distinction of being the largest landowners of Buena Vista county if not in the entire northwestern part of the state. He owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of highly improved and valuable land, on which he has made his home sinee 1893 and he is also well known throughout the county as a breeder and raiser of fine grades of stock. Mr. Anderson was born near Kankakee, Illinois, November 18, 1870, and is a son of Johannes and Martha (Anderson) Anderson, both natives of Denmark, where they were married. In 1868 the parents emigrated to the United States and located in Kankakee, Illinois, where the father worked in a stone quarry and also engaged in farming. His family numbered six children, of whom L. C. is the eldest.
Mr. Anderson was given the advantages of a good education, completing his studies in the Alta high school. In 1883 he removed with his parents to Buena Vista county, where the father opened up and developed a new farm, the son assisting in this work. Eventually he began business on his own account by renting three hundred and twenty acres of land from his father, operating the same for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the traet which is still his home. Since becoming the owner of this property he has made many valuable improvements, has built a nice modern home. substantial barns and outbuildings, has installed a gas engine by which water is forced to the house and various parts of the farm, so that his place is one of the model properties of this section of the state. In addi- tion to his home farm he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Burke township. which is also well improved. He gives the major portion of his time to the raising of stock, keeping thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Shropshire sheep. He ships each year to the city markets from three to four carloads of cattle and the same amount of hogs. He also owns a fine Percheron stallion. He is a stockholder and director of the elevators at Linn Grove and Alta ; is also a director in the creamery and State Bank of
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Alta; is a promoter of the Farmers Cooperative Bank of that place; and is secretary and treasurer of the Merchants Telephone Company. He takes an active interest in every enterprise that accelerates the betterment and con- venience of his home locality and is regarded as a man of enterprise, push and progress.
Mr. Anderson chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Maggie Langlet, whom he wedded on the 23d of August, 1893. She is a native of Chicago, Illinois, but was reared in Buena Vista county, and by her marriage has become the mother of six sons and a daughter, Mabel, Howard, Irving, Merritt. Earl, Harold and Lloyd.
Mr. Anderson casts his ballot for the men of the democratic party at national elections but locally casts an independent ballot. He has filled some minor offices in the township and at the present writing is acting as secretary of the school board. He is a member of the Baptist church in Elk township and is now serving as an official in the organization. He has been practically reared in Buena Vista county and therefore takes just pride in the progress that this section of the state has made within the last few years. His home is a most hospitable one and he indulges his love of driving through the use of a fine automobile. He is popular in social circles, while in business relations he is known for his straightforward methods and honorable dealing.
SEWARD CROUSE.
Seward Crouse, who is one of the active and successful farmers, stock feeders and shippers of Buena Vista county, owns and operates a neat and well improved farm of two hundred and seventy acres ou section 27, Storm Lake township, within one mile of Storm Lake. He was born in Montgomery county, New York, March 31. 1843. in the same house in which the birth of his father and grandfather occurred. The Crouse family were pioneers of Montgomery county, New York, settling there as early as 1715. The grand- father of our subject did valiant service as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. and Henry I. Crouse. the father, participated in the war of 1812.
Seward Crouse was reared in the county of his nativity and was afforded excellent educationaal advantages. After putting aside his text-books he became engaged in the manufacture of shoes at Little Falls, New York, and was connected with that line of activity for twelve years. In 1877 he re- moved westward to Cuming county, Nebraska, where he purchased three hundred and twenty aeres of land and, after opening up and improving the farm, successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and went to Bradshaw, Ne- braska, while later he took up his abode in Kearney, that State. The year 1892 witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county, lowa, where he purchased two hundred and seventy acres of land near Storm Lake and at once began to further improve and develop the place. He has likewise erected thercon a substantial and commodious residence and two good barns, while an or-
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chard which he planted enhances the attractive appearance of the property. In addition to the work of general farming he also makes a specialty of fatten- ing stock for the market. shipping from two to three hundred head of cattle and several carloads of hogs annually. He is a stockholder and director in the Commercial State Bank of Storm Lake, is also interested in the canning factory and is recognized throughout the county as a most substantial, pro- gressive and publie spirited citizen.
In Omaha, Nebraska, in 1879, Mr. Cronse was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. Rupert, a native of Montgomery county. New York, who was reared in Illinois. They have six children. namely : May: Harry, who is as- sistant cashier of the Commercial State Bank: Clara; Charles, a traveling man ; John; and Gertrude.
Mr. Crouse east his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and has voted for every nominee at the head of the ticket sinee that time. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Universalist church and fraternally he is a Mason. being a charter member of the lodge at Little Falls, New York, and identified with the BIne Lodge, No. 181. Ilis success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance. directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward, saying exactly what he means and his word has become a synonym for business integrity.
Ti ..
NATHAN HAWK.
Nathan Hawk. a well known and prosperous agrienlturist residing in Marathon. was born in Brown county, Ohio, March 7. 1829, his parents being William and Naney (Austin) Hawk, also natives of the Buckeye state. The year 1850 witnessed their removal to Champaign county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1856 when fifty-three years of age, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1854. Their family numbered twelve children. namely: John: Jacob; Nathan, of this review; Elizabeth ; Benjamin ; Silas; JJane; Susan ; William : George; and twins who died in infancy. All of these children are deceased with the ex- ception of Nathan and George.
When twenty-two years of age Mr. Ilawk started out in business life on his own account as an agriculturist and successfully followed that pursuit for thirty-three years. The year 1883 witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county, Iowa and here he has since been a well known representative of farm- ing interests. His farm at one time comprised five hundred and sixty aeres of rich and productive land but he has disposed of all except one hundred and sixty aeres on section 17, Poland township. and forty-eight acres in Mara- thon, where he is living at the present time. For nine years during his early manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade. When he first arrived in this county he had to contend with many of the hardships and privations incident
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to pioneer life but has lived to witness the wonderful transformation that has been wrought as the conditions of frontier existence have given way before an advancing civilization.
On October 9, 1851 Mr. Hawk was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dodge, a danghter of Alexander Dodge and a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio and passed away in that state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows : Emily Jane, deceased ; John B., a resident of Ore- gon ; Dr. Nathan F. Hawk, who wedded Miss Margaret O'Hare; Laura Ellen, the wife of D. S. Wycoff, of Story county. Towa; and Sarah Elizabeth, whose de- mise occurred when she was twelve years of age.
In his political views Mr. Hawk is a stanch republiean and while living in Illinois served as township treasurer. His life has ever been upright and honorable and he now receives the veneration and respect which should al- ways be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose actions have been above reproach.
JOHN F. KENNEDY.
John F. Kennedy, who is extensively and successfully engaged in agri- enltural pursuits in Lincoln township, where he owns a highly improved and productive traet of land of two hundred and fourteen acres, was born in Kentucky, December 12, 1855. His parents. P. F. and Johanna (Eagan) Kennedy, both of whom were natives of Ireland, are now deceased. The father, who emigrated to the United States in early manhood, took up his abode in Kentucky, where he followed his trade as a mechanic. His children were but two in number, namely: John F., of this review; and Mary, who has passed away. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were devoted members of the Catholic church. The former died when his son, John F., was but a year old and Mrs. Kennedy subsequently became the wife of P. Maloy, who came to Iowa and here purchased a farm.
John F. Kennedy acquired his odneation in this state but was only able to attend school for a few months each year, as his labors were needed on the home farm. When fourteen years of age he put aside his text-books and devoted his entire attention to the work of the fields, thus assisting his father until he was twenty years of age. He then started out in business life on his own account as a farm hand and later was employed at railroad construction, his unremitting industry and careful expenditure at length bringing him sufficient capital to purchase his present fine farm of two hundred and four- teen acres in Lincoln township, on which he has resided since 1904. Depend- ing entirely upon his own resources for the success which he hoped to attain, he labored earnestly, persistently and energetically and eventually gained the prosperity which now entitles him to recognition as one of the representative and progressive agrieulturists of Buena Vista county.
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Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Celia Waldron, whose parents were farming people but are now deceased. Unto this union have been born the following children : Mary C., the wife of P. Brown; Josie, who is the wife of Richard Smith; Patrick, at home; Burdith, who is the wife of William Krout, an agriculturist of Buena Vista county; Alice, who became the wife of Elia Krout ; and Veroniea, John J., Gertrude, Winnifred and Leo, who are at home.
In his political views Mr. Kennedy is a stalwart republican, while in religious faith he is a Catholic. He is a man of charitable disposition and broad views, whose honorable life commends him to the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen, gaining him warm admiration and many friends.
E. D. REHNSTROM.
E. D. Rehnstrom, who for the past two years has served as trustee of Elk township, is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to Buena Vista county, and he is numbered among the progressive and up-to-date agriculturists of this section of the state. He was born in Sweden, August 19, 1871, and in that country made his home to the age of sixteen years, having in the meantime acquired a common-school education. At that age, or in 1888, he emigrated to America, for he had an aim in life that he believed could be more quickly realized in the new world than in his native country. Upon reaching the United States he made his way to Iowa, where for eight years he was employed by the month at farm labor. During this time he carefully saved his earnings in the hope that he might some day become the possessor of land and engage in farming on his own account.
On the 25th of March, 1896. Mr. Rehnstrom established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Anna C. Blomstrom, a native of Rockford, Illinois, although she was reared in Elk township, this county, being a daughter of A. G. Blomstrom, a resident of Elk township. Following his marriage Mr. Rehnstrom operated rented land for seven years and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 10, Elk township. He remodeled the house, built a good barn, cribs and other outbuildings, tiled and fenced the land and altogether made it a valuable property. In course of time he added to it a forty are tract, so that he now has two hundred acres of well
improved land. In addition to carrying on general farming he also raises good grades of stock, shipping about a carload of stock each year to the market. He is also a stockholder in the elevator and the creamery at Alta.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rehnstrom has been blessed with two sons and three daughters, Reuben, Helen, Orville, Violet and Esther. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Elk township and Mr. Rehnstrom is serving as secretary of the church. In national affairs he sup- ports the men and measures of the republican party. but at local elections easts an independent ballot. He was elected to the office of township trustee. which position he has filled for two years and is the present incumbent. He
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has resided in Buena Vista county for the past twenty years and during that time has seen many changes. as this section of the state has been placed on a par with the older east. Ile began life in this country empty-handed and therefore deserves much eredit for what he has accomplished, while at the same time through his honorable and straightforward methods he has gained many warm and admiring friends.
OLE VANERSTROM.
Ole Vanerstrom, numbered among the early residents of Buena Vista county, has resided within its borders since the spring of 1869 and three years previous to that time came to Iowa. He was born in Sweden on the 12th of April, 1837, and spent his youthful days on the farm there. He was educated in his native language but his knowledge of English has been self-acquired. He remained in Sweden through the period of his minority, being about twenty-nine years of age when he crossed the briny deep to the new world. He had heard favorable reports concerning America, its business opportunities and the wages here paid for labor, and he believed that he could more rap- idly aequire a competence in the United States than if he remained in the land of his birth.
Mr. Vanerstrom first located in Boone county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand, and in 1867 he went to Polk county, being there employed on a farm near Des Moines, Jowa, until 1869. The latter year witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county and he found a largely undeveloped district, much of the land being still in possession of the government. There were still traces of Indian occupancy here and on the prairie were occasionally seen wild animals, while wild game could yet be found in abundance. The country was almost one unbroken prairie, covered in June with millions of wild flow- ers, while in December there was one unbroken: dazzling sheet of snow. The absence of trees and buildings allowed the wind to sweep unbroken and the blizzards of those early days were things never to be forgotten. Land could be obtained from the government at the usual price and Mr. Vanerstrom secured eighty aeres, on which not a furrow had been turned, but after enter- ing his claim the plowshare soon broke the sod and he continued the work of tilling the fields until the entire tract was under cultivation. His first home was a big sod house and he lived in it until he had opportunity and funds with which to ereet another. As he prospered in his undertakings he bought one hundred and twenty acres of uncultivated land adjoining his original claim. This he also broke and improved and upon it erected a neat dwelling, two barns, cribs and a granary. Ile also set out a good orchard, fenced his fields, secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the cultivation of his erops and altogether made a neat and well developed farm, pleasantly located within less than five miles of Alta. Year after year ho tilled the soil and gathered into his barns rich harvests. The sale of his erops brought him a good financial return and now he is in possession of a handsome competence
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