USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 65
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
-
MR. AND MRS. OLE VANERSTROM
641
IHISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
that enables him to enjoy life's comforts without further recourse to arduons labor. In 1906 he removed to Alta, where he purchased a pleasant home but still looks after his farm and sees that it is kept up in good condition.
Mr. Vanerstrom was first married in 1870, in Des Moines, and there were four children by that union. He was again married in Des Moines about 1889, his second union being with Albertina Erickson, also a native of Sweden. His children are: Charles, a blacksmith in Detroit, Michigan, who is now married and has one child; Alfred, who is living in the state of Wash- ington ; David, of North Dakota, who is married and has two sons; and Lester II., living in Washington.
Mr. Vanerstrom votes with the republican party for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. IIe is a member of the Free Mission church of Alta and has always been a supporter of pro- gressive measures for the publie good. It seems hardly possible that when he arrived in Iowa, Storm Lake and Alta had no existence, while Des Moines was but a small town. The growth of this section of the state has been rapid and it is laeking in none of the advantages and opportunities known to the old east. Iowa leads today in the number of its public schools and its progress has been equally marked in other directions. At all times Mr. Vanerstrom has been in sympathy with the development of the county and has borne his full share in promoting its agricultural progress.
JAMES T. NORTON.
James T. Norton is president of the Bank of Newell and has been a resi- dent of this state since November 30. 1873. £ His career has been successful chiefly by reason of his natural ability, his thorough insight into each busi- ness situation with which he has become connected and the unfaltering industry which he has brought to the mastery of each business problem. A native of Canada he was born in the province of Quebec, September 11, 1850, a son of Arunah and Fannie (Huntoon) Norton. The paternal grandfather was Shadrack Norton, who more than a century ago removed to Canada with his father and there followed the occupation of farming as a life work. Ilis death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years. Ilis wife was also of that age at the time of her demise. They reared a family of four sons and several daughters, including, Arnnah. Porter, Martin, Arthur, Amelia, Sarah Loraney and Julia.
Arunah Norton followed farming in Stanstead county, Canada, near Coaticook. He married Fannie Huntoon, a native of New Hampshire, in which state her parents lived for many years. She was an Episcopalian in religious faith, while Mr. Noron was a Methodist. He commanded a com- pany of volunteers in Canada and by reason of his military service was usually called by his title of captain. Ile died at the age of seventy-one years, while his wife died in January, 1902. when nearly eighty-two years of age. Their family numbered three sons and a daughter who reached adult
642
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
age : Ernest V., living at Coaticook; Osmore A., a manufacturer of the Nor- ton lifting jack, at Boston, Massachusetts; Annie M., the wife of P. T. Baldwin, of Coaticook, Canada; and James T. Norton.
The last named was reared in Stanstead county, Canada, upon the home farm and in the acquirement of an education attended the distriet schools. the high school and St. Francis College at Richmond, in the province of Que- bec. He resided at home until twenty-two years of age, when he entered the employ of a lumber company as bookkeeper and general overseer. Believing that better opportunities were offered beyond the border where competition is greater and advancement is more quickly secured. he came to the United States in 1873 and, settling at Waterloo, Iowa, was appointed assistant book- keeper in the master mechanic's office of the Illinois Central Railway Company. After filling that position for about two years he came to Newell, Iowa, in September, 1875, purchased a grain business and conducted a warehouse in company with Harris & Parker for about two years. He next purchased a general store in partnership with J. R. Welch and they also bought grain and stock for six years. They likewise built one of the first creameries in the state and business enterprise and commercial activity were largely promoted by their efforts. At length Mr. Norton purchased the interest of Mr. Welch and conducted the business alone for several years, after which he closed ont the store and joined P. H. JJudge in purchasing an interest in the Parker Bank. Mr. Ilarris having retired. The firm name was then changed to Parker, Judge & Norton but several years later Messrs. Judge and Norton purchased Mr. Parker's interest and the bank was then conducted under the name of Judge & Norton. Later Mr. Judge retired and the name of the Bank of Newell was assumed, Mr. Norton being then sole proprietor. This is a private banking institution and is accorded a liberal patronage, for it is well known that the business methods of the honse are sound and reliable and that progressiveness characterizes the conduct of the bank in its various departments.
On the 21st of June, 1882, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Belle A. Miller. a daughter of the Hon. De Witt C. and Agnes ( Lawson) Miller. Mrs. Norton was born in Illinois and by her marriage became the mother of three sons and Tour daughters : Fannie A., De Witt A., Earnest R., Ruth E., JJ. Edgar, Caro- line and Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are prominently known socially and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. They own an attractive residence in Newell and Mr. Norton also owns farm land in Buena Vista county and a large traet in Conejos county, Colorado. Ilis political allegiance is given to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Episcopal church. while his wife is a member of the Congregational church. Throughout his entire business career he has always been the same genial, courteous gentleman whose ways are those of refinement and whose worth no man can question. Energetie, l'ar-seeing, honest and public-spirited, he has operated continuously in various lines of business and by the stimulus of his ambition has aroused the enterprise of others. For almost thirty years Mr. Norton has been a member of the town council and he has also served on the
643
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
school board, while throughout his business life he has held many important relations to the public trust and his commercial affairs have contributed to the general prosperity as well as to individual sueeess.
W. R. WOODWARD.
W. R. Woodward, who in connection with David Clarkson owns the Maple Valley Evergreen Farm, consisting of seven hundred and twenty acres, situ- ated in Maple Valley township, is numbered among Buena Vista county's well-to-do and prosperous citizens. Mr. Woodward is a native of the neigh- boring state of Illinois, born near Aurora, in Kane county, September 11, 1847. IIe grew to maturity in Kane county and acquired a limited education in the district schools but is largely a self educated man. He was a young man of twenty-two years, when, on the 28th of January, 1869. he was married in Cook county, Illinois, to Miss Deborah Roseerans, a daughter of Horace Rose- erans, and a distant relative of General Rosecrans, who won fame in the Civil war.
Following his marriage Mr. Woodward engaged in farming in Kane and Cook counties for several years and in 1876 made his way to Buena Vista county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land, situated on section 3, Maple Valley township. As he prospered in his undertakings and his finan- cial resources permitted he added to his original purchase from time to time until his farm embraced fonr hundred and forty acres. He built fences, set ont a grove and in other ways improved the place until it became a valnable property. After retaining possession of the same for nineteen years he sold the property and invested his money with Mr. Clarkson in a tract of land which is known as the Maple Valley Evergreen Farm. This tract consists of seven hundred and twenty acres, located in Maple Valley township and is one of the best improved farms in Buena Vista county. Their time is chiefly given to raising and feeding stock, of which they annually ship to market from one to four hundred head of cattle and from three to four car- loads of hogs. They are the most extensive feeders in Maple Valley township. bnving from twenty to thirty thousand bushels of eorn, in addition to feeding that of their own raising. In addition to his interest in this farm, Mr. Wood- ward also owns one hundred and sixty aeres on section 30. Maple Valley township, so that he is one of the largest landowners in this section of the state. In the spring of 1908 Mr. Woodward removed to Alta but still gives his attention to his stock-raising interests, making daily trips to the farm. This place aside from being one of the most valuable in the county, is also one of the most attractive, for it is supplied with a good residence, barns and outbuildings and has a large grove of evergreen, pine ash and maple trees.
Politically Mr. Woodward is a republican but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private busi- ness affairs. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church. while his fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has
644
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
spent a busy, active and useful life and his labors have been erowned with that measure of success which over comes by honest. earnest effort, and today he finds a place among the prominent citizens of Alta and Buena Vista County.
FRIEDRICH WILHELM FERDINAND HANKE.
In the history of the men who have been prominently associated with agricultural interests in Buena Vista county mention should be made ot Friedrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Hanke, now deceased. For a long period he carried on general farming on section 2. Newell township. and his life of indus try, enterprise and honesty made his example one well worthy of emulation. He was born in Kneltz, Germany. April 24. 1843. Ilis father was Fritz Hanke, also a native of Germany, whence he came to America, settling in Wausau, Wisconsin. There he made his home with his son until his death. which oeeurred when he was about seventy-five years of age. His wife, who hore the maiden name of Minnie Schrader. died at a very advaneed age. They had a large family but only two are now living: Albert, who is a resi- dent of LeMars, lowa; and Charles, whose home is in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Friedrich W. F. Hanke spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native land and was indebted to the publie-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. IJe eame to America in the year 1870, attracted by the broader business opportunities and larger advantages of the new world. Making his way into the interior of the country he settled in Pocahontas county, where he resided until 1882, when he came to Buena Vista connty. Here he purchased forty acres of land. to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased, until at one time he was the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and sixty acres. He married Miss Wilhelmina Katharine Karoline Henrietta Strey, who was born in Germany, November 30, 1853. She was not quite thirteen years of age when she came to America with her father, brother and sister. The mother had died in Germany when Mrs. Hanke was not quite two years of age, leaving three chil- dren : Ernestina, who was killed in a cyclone; Carl, who resides in Wausau, Wisconsin ; and Mrs. Hanke. The father married again and there was one daughter by the second union, Augusta, who is the wife of Albert Hanke, and lives in LeMars, lowa.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. F. W. F. Hanke were born nine children, six sons and three daughters: Reinhold has operated the home farm since his father's death. He wedded Martha Porath and has one daughter, Bernice. Allie is the wife of Henry Witzke, a resident of Newell township. She has two chil dren, Wilma and Melvin. Martha is the wife of August Witzke, by whom she has a son, Wilbur. Lizzie is at home. Herman wedded Minnie Witzke. Samnel, Freddie and William died in childhood. James, who completes the family, is under the parental roof.
Mr. Hanke was a poor man when he came to Buena Vista county and east in his lot with the early settlers, but by hard work and good management and
645
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
a determination to succeed. he gradually worked his way upward until he became the owner of a valuable farming property of three hundred and twenty acres, so that he left his family well provided for. In all his business dealings he was straightforward and honorable and his success came as the merited reward of his diligence, industry and integrity. He passed away January 1, 1900, at the age of fifty-seven years and his death was deeply regreted by many friends as well as his immediate family. He held member- ship in the Lutheran church and his entire life was in consistent harmony with his religious faith. ITis widow, who still survives him, is also a Luth- eran. She is entitled to a good share of eredit for the upbuilding of the home and she still resides on the old homestead with her sons, Reinhold and James, and her daughter Lizzie. The farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land and is well managed by her son Reinhold. The son Herman has a farm of eighty acres adjoining and these three sons are all thrifty, energetic agriculturists, following in the footsteps of their industrious parents. The farm is a splendid property. well tilled and carefully improved, indieating in its excellent appearance the well directed labor of the former owner and the industry of the present occupants.
JAMES GILMORE.
James Gilmore is a substantial agrieulturist of Buena Vista county, own- ing and operating a well improved tract of three hundred and twenty acres. situated on section 24. Lee township. He was born in Dumfriesshire, Scot- land, in 1833. a son of James and Jeanette (Robinson) Gilmore, likewise natives of Scotland. In 1843 the father emigrated to Ameriea with his family. consisting of wife and twelve children. the trip from Liverpool to New York requiring thirty-two days, which was the fastest trip that had then been made across the Alantic. The captain of the vessel on which the family were passengers, urged Mr. Gilmore to locate in the United States and take up land but he chose Canada as his destination, owing to the fact that he had a brother living in the Dominion. The voyage was an ardnous one. The passengers had to furnish their own provisions and cook their own meals while on board. for the vessels were not supplied with the conveniences of the present day liners. The family home was established on a farm near Hamil- ton, Canada. and there the father spent his remaining days. The mother died there in 1888 and the father, surviving for about five years passed away at a ripe old age. The family is noted for its longevity and our subject now has an aunt, Mrs. Jeannette Thompson, who lives in Davenport, lowa, at the age of ninety-six years.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmore, Sr., numbered twelve chil- dren, the record being as follows: Jane, who became the wife of William Head and died at the advanced age of eighty-four years: John, who died when a young man; Christena, deceased, who became the wife of Charles Head, a resident of Canada; Mathew, who wedded Martha Lindsay and resides in
646
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
Canada; Jessie, who became the wife of William Forbes and lived in Canada but both are now deceased; Margaret, the widow of Alexander Leland, and a resident of Hamilton, Canada ; James, of this review; Thomas, who wedded Mary Schaffer, but both have departed this life; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of William Greive, a resident of Sioux City, Iowa; Andrew, who is married and makes his home in Davenport, this state; George, deceased, who wedded Mary Harper and lived in Canada ; and Richard, who wedded Margaret Finley and makes his home in Canada.
James Gilmore, the subject of this review, remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he began work as a farm hand. In 1867 he came to Story county, Iowa, and engaged as fore- man of the farm belonging to the Agricultural College, being thus engaged for a period of fifteen years. In 1884 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased of the Agricultural College three hundred and twenty acres of land, at two dollars and a half per acre. This was all wild and unimproved and there were but three houses in the neighborhood. He ereeted a niee country home, good and substantial outbuildings and now has one of the most valuable farm properties in Buena Vista county. Here he engaged in general farming and the soil, being very productive, yields abundant harvests each year as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.
Mr. Gilmore was married November 11, 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza MeNickle, a daughter of John and Jane (McNickle) MeNiekle, natives of Londonderry, Ireland, where they lived, and died when well ad- vanced in years. 3 Mrs. Gilmore was born April 11, 1834, and by her marriage has beeome the mother of five children, of whom four survive : John, who married Nina Gethrel, and lives in Poland township; George, deceased; Jane the wife of Charles Lawson, a Farmer of Clay county, lowa; Robert and Jessie, at home.
Mr. Gilmore's religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church but there being no congregation of his denomination near him he attends the Methodist Episcopal church at Marathon. Inheriting the sterling characteristics of a long line of sturdy Scotch ancestry and endowed by nature with an ex- cellent constitution, he has noted and improved the opportunities as they have come to him and today is numbered among the successful and substantial agriculturists of Poland township.
FRANK STEVENS.
Frank Stevens, a successful farmer and stockman residing in Lincoln township, was born in the province of West Prussia, Germany, November 18, 1862, his parents being Matt and Mary Stevens, both of whom are now de- ceased. The father, who was an agriculturist by oceuption, served as a soldier in the Russian army. Our subject has two brothers, John and Joseph, both of whom are engaged in farming in Poland.
647
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
Frank Stevens attended school in Poland until fourteen years of age and after putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. When twenty-nine years of age he set sail for the United States, wish- ing to take advantage of the broader business opportunities of the new world, and after arriving in this country he worked as a farm hand in Kane county for seven years. In 1900 he came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and has here since resided, being engaged in the cultivation of a rich and productive farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres in Lineoln township. He raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and is well known as an enter- prising and progressive agriculturist of the community.
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Stevens chose Miss Hattie Peterson, whose parents reside near Elgin, Illinois. Since becoming a naturalized American citizen he has east his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, believing its principles most conducive to good government. The hope that led him to leave his native land and estab- lish his home in the new world has been fully realized, for here he has gained the prosperity which ever crowns earnest and persistent labor and is now num- bered among the worthy residents of his adopted county.
C. L. JONES.
C. L. Jones owns a well improved farm of two hundred and fifty-one aeres, located in Nokomis township and throughout a long period was extensively engaged in stock-raising but is now living in a niee home in Alta. He was born near Springfield in Sangamon county, Illinois. December 24, 1849, a son of T. P. and Eleanor (Boyd) Jones. the former a native of Delaware and the latter of West Virginia. Their marriage, however, occurred in Indiana. T. P. Jones removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1854. Coming to Iowa he took up his abode in Jasper county, where he entered three hundred aeres of land from the government, improved the place and made his home thereon until 1892, when he removed to Colfax and there his death occurred the fol- lowing year, while his wife survived for only a year, passing away in 1894.
C. L. Jones, whose name introduees this review, is one of a family of five daughters and four sons, of whom but one sister survives. The son was a little lad of five years when the family removed from Illinois to Jasper county, Łowa, and there he was reared and educated. In 1872 he went to Cherokee county and spent one year. subsequent to which time, in 1873, he continued his journey to Buena Vista county. He first purchased forty aeres of raw land in Maple Valley township and after improving the same bought an addi- tional forty aere tract. He later added more land and became the owner of one hundred and one acres, which he eventually sold and bought one hundred and sixty aeres in Cherokee county. He likewise developed and improved this farm, erected a good house and other substantial buildings and made his home thereon for some years. In 1889 he rented his land and removed to Alta, where he built a nice home. He later disposed of his farm and invested his
648
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
money in two hundred and fifty-one acres on section 31, Nokomis township. Mr. Jones improved this place with substantial buildings and a windmill. Ile also tiled and fenced the land, so that the soil has been made arable and pro- ductive. He was formerly extensively engaged in raising and feeding cattle, horses and hogs, handling several carloads annually.
Mr. Jones was married in Jasper county, Iowa. August 22, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary C. Lentzinger, who was born in Germany but was reared in this country. They have two danghters: Effie, the wife of W. Q. Burgett, a druggist of Newell. Iowa, by whom she has a son, Kenneth Jones Burgett ; and Iva, the wife of S. N. McGowan, a lawyer of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Politically Mr. Jones is independent and is a Master Mason, belonging to the lodge at Alta, while both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Jones is an officer. Mr. and Mrs. Jones spent two years in travel through North Dakota. Montana, Idaho, Washington, British Columbia, Oregon and California. whenee they made their way home in September, 1907. During the present year they enjoyed an automobile tour in the state of Iowa. Mr. Jones and his estimable wife are highly esteemed pioneers of this state, for when they located here the country was still largly unimproved while much wild game was still to be found in this district. They worked hard and long in the acquirement of a competeney and now in the evening of their days they can look back over a life well spent and enjoy the fruits of their former toil.
JAMES M. HOSKINS
No history of northwestern lowa would be complete withont extended mention of James M. Hoskins. for he is classed with the leading citizens of this part of the state. Becoming a soldier of the Civil war when yet a youth in his teens, the same spirit of loyal devotion has characterized his entire life, while in his business career he has manifested an undaunted enterprise that has enabled him to work his way steadily upward, obstacles and difficulties seeming to serve as an impetus to renewed effort rather than a har to progress.
James M. Hoskins was born in North Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio, JJanuary 2, 1846, and was about four years of age when his parents, Amasa and Jane (Murdock) Hoskins, natives of New York, removed from Ohio to Rich- land county, Wisconsin. The family home was established upon a farm and for some years the father carried on general agricultural pursuits there, while later he removed to lowa county and eventually became a resident of Richland Center.
Remaining under the parental roof during the period of his boyhood James M. Hoskins after the removal to Richland Center, entered upon an appren- tiveship at the printer's trade in the office of the Richland County Observer. where he was employed until May, 1864. No longer content to remain at home while his country was still engaged in Civil war, he enlisted for active service
-
JAMES M. HOSKINS
651
HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY
although only eighteen years of age, becoming a member of Company F, Forty-first Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry for one hundred days. He was honorably discharged about October Ist of that year but in February, 1865, reen- listed as a member of Company H. Forty-sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry. He was at Memphis when General Forrest made his attack upon that place, but most of his service was spent in provost duty in northern Alabama.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.