USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 15
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On the 1st of June, 1905, Mr. Ausborn was married to Miss Helena Zierke, a daughter of Theodore Zierke, who emigrated to this state from Germany and for many years was engaged in farming in 4
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Logan township, Calhoun county, but is now making his home in Rockwell City. To Mr. and Mrs. Ausborn have been born four chil- dren, Glenn, Helen, Letha and Vendora.
In his political views Mr. Ausborn is a republican. IIe takes an active part in public affairs and has been a member of the city coun- cil since Yetter was incorporated in 1904. He has also served as school director and for two years was president of the school board. in his religious belief he is a Lutheran and his life is in harmony with his profession. The superiority of business opportunities and ad- vantages in America was a faet recognized by Mr. Ansborn and mak- ing every possible use of advantages as they have come to him he has worked his way upward to success.
ROLAND EDWARD MOSELEY.
Roland Edward Moseley, who was highly esteemed in Lake City as a business man and public-spirited citizen. was born in Bureau county, Illinois, October 20, 1853, a son of Frederick and Frances (Bryant) Moseley. There were seven children in the family, of whom three brothers are still living, namely: Bryant, a resident of Chicago; Douglas, of Princeton, Illinois; and Raymond, of Los Angeles. California.
Roland Edward Moseley was reared under the parental roof and after graduating from the Princeton high school attended the State University of Illinois at Champaign for one year. He was then in Dallas county, Iowa, for one year and in 1881 came to Calhoun town- ship, Calhoun county, where he bought a half section of land, which he broke and placed under cultivation. He then located in Lake City and in addition to looking after his agricultural interests engaged in the lumber business and other enterprises. He was very successful in his various undertakings and among other things established the local telephone system. He was actively engaged in business until 1895, when he retired to a large extent, although he continued to look after his investments. In 1903 he suffered a nervous breakdown. from which he never recovered, and he passed away in January, 1911, at Cherokee, where he had gone for treatment.
On the 7th of October, 1882. Mr. Moseley was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Huff, of Lake City, a daughter of Thomas B. and Ellen (Gothrope) Huff, and a native of Cass county, Michigan. IIer father, who was born in Ohio in 1827, died in 1897. He came
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to Lake City in 1868 and followed the mason's trade in addition to farming. His wife, who was born in 1832, died in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Moseley had two children : Frances, the wife of Dr. G. L. Pray, of Lake City; and Frederick R., at home.
Mr. Moseley was a Fellow Craft Mason and the principles that guided his conduet were further indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. His political allegiance was given to the demo- cratic party, and he always took a praiseworthy interest in public affairs. The high esteem in which he was universally held was given expression at the time of his demise by the Lake City Graphie, which said of him as follows:
"In the death of Mr. Moseley Lake City loses a citizen of the type that a community ean ill afford to lose. A man of fine character, with a high sense of honor and of strict integrity, with firm convic- tions, he stood for and advocated those things which, in the life of a town, are for the best. His tastes and inclinations were essentially domestic, and he found in his home and family circle his chief delight. To those whom he honored with his friendship he was loyal and de- voted; he was the friend of his fellows, and truly a 'poor man's friend.' "'
CHARLES I. TAYLOR, M. D.
Dr. Charles I. Taylor is one of the younger representatives of the medieal fraternity in Calhoun county and since the fall of 1902 has successfully practiced his profession in Pomeroy. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, February 9, 1871, a son of Charles G. and Belle (Chrissinger) Taylor. The father was born in the state of New York but was reared on a farm near East Saginaw, Michigan. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in the Sixteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years, and then re-enlisted, serving until the close of hostilities. Following his return from the front he located in Burlington, Iowa, where he became foreman in the building of railway bridges, and later he became a contractor and builder, with headquarters first at Indianola and later at Valley Junetion. Ile passed away in the latter city in October, 1913, at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother, who was born in Pennsylvania, came in her girlhood days to Burlington and it was there that she formed the acquaintance of Charles G. Taylor. She still survives and now makes her home in Valley Junction. Vol. 11-10
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Dr. Taylor spent the first few years of his life in Burlington and later accompanied his parents on their removal to Indianola when he was eight years of age. It was in the public schools of the latter city that he acquired his education, completing the high-school course. Subsequently he pursued a course in Simpson College at Indianola, and when starting out in the buisness world he was for several years employed as a clerk in a dry-goods and clothing store, working in this way during the summer seasons, while the winter months were devoted to his collegiate studies. In the meantime he had decided to enter the field of medicine and to this end entered the medical depart- ment of the State University at Iowa City in 1898, there spending two years. He next attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, where he spent a similar period, and from which he was graduated on the 20th of May, 1902. He then returned to Indianola. where he opened an office for the practice of his profession but in the fall of the same year, believing that Pomeroy offered better pros- pects for him in his chosen calling, he removed to this place, where he has now built up a large practice.
In 1894 occurred the marriage of Dr. Taylor and Miss Georgia E. Gordon, a native of Madison county, Iowa. They have one son, Charles G., who completed the high-school course in 1915 and on May 18, 1915, married Gladys Schneck.
The Doctor is a republican in his political affiliation, and always deeply and actively interested in the cause of education; he has for four years served as school director. He has membership relations with Solar Lodge. No. 475. A. F. & A. M., at Pomeroy and with Lodge No. 306, B. P. O. E., at Fort Dodge, and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In the line of his profession he is identi- fied with the County and State Medical Societies. He holds to high ideals both as a professional man and as a citizen, and he and his esti- mable wife have a host of warm friends in the city in which they now reside.
WALTER RAYMOND EAKIN.
Walter Raymond Eakin, senior member of the firm of Eakin & Smith, who are engaged in the grocery and dry goods business in Lake City, is a native of this county, born in Jackson township, Feb- rnary 26, 1888. Further mention of his parents. Smith and Mary (Jones) Eakin, is made elsewhere in this work. The son attended the
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country schools in the acquirement of his elementary education and was later a student in the Lake City high school, of which he is a grad- uate. He also took a business course in the Capital City Commercial College in 1909 and after leaving school followed agricultural pur- suits for a year. He then became a partner of HI. J. Hansen and for a year and a half they conducted a grocery and dry-goods business. At the end of that time Mr. Eakin and Lloyd Smith formed the firm of Eakin & Smith and opened their present store in Lake City. They deal in fruits, staple and faney groceries, dry goods and notions. They carry a large and well selected stoek and have been accorded a liberal patronage by the people of Lake City and the surrounding country. They also conduct a milk station. Although Mr. Eakin is one of the younger business men of Lake City, his ability and sound judgment are generally recognized, as is his energy and initiative.
Mr. Eakin was married January 5, 1911, to Miss Neta Foley, who was born in Lake City, Illinois, on the 5th of January, 1892, a daughter of James and Mary (Todd) Foley. Mr. Eakin's religious faith is that of the Christian church, in the work of which he takes a helpful interest, and he gives his politieal allegianee to the republican party. His entire life has been passed in this county and the fact that those who have known him intimately from earliest boyhood hold him in the highest esteem is proof of his genuine worth.
AUGUSTUS A. GOFF.
Augustus A. Goff, who is successfully conducting a meat mar- ket in Yetter, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 1, 1852, a son of Albert and Eunice (Pangborn) Goff. After the son completed his education he started out in the business world on his own account by farming in Calhoun county, having arrived here from Michigan in the fall of 1873. At the end of two years he took up his abode in Lake City and for one year was employed in a livery barn and for a while in a lumber yard at that place. He then removed to Cadillac, Michigan, and for two years was engaged in the meat business, after which he returned to Lake City, where for nine and a half years he was in the employ of the Eastman-Gardner Lumber Company. During that time he spent two years in Mississippi with the firm, and on the expiration of that period he returned to Lake City. Iowa, and spent one year in the grocery store of J. O. Smith. He next went on a prospecting tour through New Mexico, spending
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two and a half years there, when he once more returned to Lake City and entered the employ of the Northern Grain Company, of Chicago, condueting a branch establishment at that place. He spent seven and a half years in that way in Lake City and for two years there- after was at Lidderdale, this state. For a similar period he managed an elevator at Lake City and then removed to Yetter to become man- ager for the Farmers Grain Company at this place, remaining in that connection for four years. He afterward established a meat busi- ness on his own account at Yetter and his is one of the successful enterprises in this community. He carries a nice line of fresh and cured meats, studies the needs of his patrons and through his honor- able dealing, fair prices and courteous treatment has built up a good trade. He also still owns stoek in the Farmers Grain Company here.
Mr. Goff was married March 16, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Chaffec, a daughter of Allen Chaffee, of Lake City. To Mr. and Mrs. Goff have been born three children, but the only surviving member of the family is Daisy, the wife of Fred Wheat. a resident of MeIntire, Iowa. A democrat in principle and practice, he believes in a faith born of conviction and in the equality and broth- erhood of man. IIe is a Mason, belonging to Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 240, at Lake City, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is public-spirited, interested in the growth and development of Yetter and for one year he served as alderman of this place. He is pleasant and genial. although rather quiet and unassuming in manner, and his straightforward business methods have caused him to be looked upon as an exemplary man.
CHIARLES A. MARPLE.
Charles A. Marple, who is successfully engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Pomeroy, was born in Licking county, Ohio. September 2, 1872. His father, Abram Marple, was born in Pennsylvania but removed with his parents to Lieking county, Ohio, when about ten years of age. He was a son of Elwood and Annie (Marple) Marple, also natives of Pennsylvania, who about 1878 came to Calhoun county, Iowa, and purchased two hundred acres of land in Sherman township. Three years later the grandmother of our subject died when sixty-five years old and the grandfather within a few years at the age of seventy years.
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Abram Marple eame to Calhoun county, lowa, in 1871, but after a year returned to Ohio and farmed in that state until 1874, when he removed with his family to Jasper county, Iowa, where they remained for five years. At the end of that time they came to Calhoun county and the father purchased one hundred and sixty aeres in Sherman township and entered a forty aere traet adjoining. He improved and enltivated the two hundred acres for about thirteen years, after which he rented the place and removed to California. Abont a year later, however, he returned to Calhoun county and located in Pom- eroy, where he has since resided. He was married in 1871 to Miss Imeretia Boydston, a native of Cedar County, lowa, and a daughter of James and Mary ( Mahin) Boydston, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. They accompanied their respective parents to lowa when they were children, the Boystons settling in Cedar county and the Mahins in Museatine county. James Boydston became editor of the first paper published in Cedar county, and his daughter Mrs. Marple was reared there. Our subjeet is the oldest of five children, the others being: William H., who is agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Lohrville, Iowa; Lee, who is engaged in the meat business at Rolfe, Iowa; Roy, at home; and Elsie, the wife of George Swanson, a farmer of this county. The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church.
Charles A. Marple was two years of age when he was taken by his parents to Jasper county, Iowa, which remained the family home until 1879. In that year a removal was made to Calhoun county and the father homesteaded land in Sherman township. During his boy- hood and youth our subjeet assisted in the work of the farm and his education was acquired in the public schools. When eighteen years of age he began teaching, following that oeenpation for three years, and during that time he saved enough money to enable him to con- tinne his studies at the State College at Ames but was only there a few months when ill health compelled him to leave sehool. The fol- lowing summer he spent in Colorado and the next fall he went to Portersville, California, where he worked on a ranch during the win- ter. In the spring his parents joined him at Dos Palos in southern California, but after residing there for a short time went to Lodi, where they remained until fall, when they returned to Pomeroy, this county. A few months later our subject purchased the interest of IIerman Voss in his present store and became the partner of W. E. Dangerfield. At the end of five years Mr. Marple purchased Mr. Dangerfield's interest and since that time he has conducted the busi- ness alone. He carries a large and well selected stoek of furniture
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of good grade and his reasonable prices and fair dealing have gained him a high reputation as a business man. He also conducts an under- taking establishment. In addition to his business he has a third interest in three hundred and twenty aeres of excellent land in Poea- hontas eounty, this state.
Mr. Marple was married on the 16th of October, 1898, to Miss Carrie Parker, a daughter of Frank and May Parker, pioneers of Pocahontas county. Her father was for the last few years of his aetive life a real-estate dealer in Pomeroy. Mrs. Marple was born near Rockford, Illinois, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Raymond, Lola, Clifford, Kenneth, Doris and Roberta.
Mr. Marple is a republican in polities and for the last six years has been on the school board, while he is now serving his second year as a member of the eity eouneil. He takes the kcenest interest in everything relating to the eivie and commercial development of Pom- eroy and was one of the organizers and the first president of the Com- mercial Club, which has been instrumental in promoting the advanee- ment of the city along many lines. Fraternally he belongs to Solar Lodge, No. 475, A. F. & A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee, and their influence is always on the side of right and justiee. He has gained a large measure of material sueeess, whieli is the result of his enterprise, sound judgment and integrity, and he has also won the unqualified respect and the warm regard of his fellow eitizens.
WILLIAM MARIDIEUS LADD.
William Maridiens Ladd, who since the fall of 1914 has been engaged in the tailoring business in Lake City, was born in Gosport, Indiana, April 22, 1873, a son of William J. and Mary E. (Lowe) Ladd. The father followed agricultural pursuits in the Hoosier state until 1875, when he removed to Madison county, Iowa, and there farmed and worked at the mason's trade until his demise, which oc- curred in 1903. He was a republican in his politieal belief and held membership in the Christian church. His wife died in 1901.
William M. Ladd attended the public sehools of Winterset, Madi- son county, until he was about twelve years of age and then learned the tailor's trade, which he has since followed. He has engaged in
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business in Des Moines, Denver, Omaha, St. Paul and Minneapolis, and since November 3, 1914, has been located at Lake City. Although he has been here but a comparatively short time, he has already gained a fair share of the public patronage and has gained recognition as an expert workman. He carries a complete stock of fine cloth and his work is characterized by excellence in style and fit.
Mr. Ladd was married on the 4th of July, 1910, in Pueblo, Colo- rado, to Miss Rose L. B. Pederson, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Pederson. Mr. Ladd supports the candidates and measures of the democratic party at the polls and always takes a eitizen's interest in everything relating to the public welfare. The Methodist church has in hin a loyal member and he can be depended upon to support movements seeking the moral advancement of his community. He has not only gained a gratifying measure of success in business, but he has also won the respect and good will of his fellow citizens.
D. M. BASLER.
D. M. Basler is manager of the Farmers Grain Company at 6 Yetter and is also eondueting a pool hall at this place. He is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Coon Valley, Sae county, December 24, 1880, his parents being James and Ella ( Borders) Bas- ler. The father removed from Pennsylvania to Sac county fifty- seven years ago and was therefore one of the pioneers of that section of the state. He is now living retired in Yetter. In his family were eight children, of whom D. M. Basler is the fourth in order of birth.
D. M. Basler remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he started out upon an independent venture by farming for two years in Sae county. He then removed to Carroll, Iowa, and condueted a livery barn for two and a half years, on the expiration of which period he engaged in selling horses for a Nebraska firm for one year. He then spent some time in Yetter, after which he engaged in farming in Dickinson county, Iowa, for three years. He afterward returned to Yetter and for a time was employed by H. C. Reaman in his garage. In August, 1913, he as- sumed the management of the interests of the Farmers Grain Com- pany at this place and in this connection is busily and actively engaged. He thoroughly understands the grain business, is systematic and methodical in carrying on his work and ever safeguards the interests of the corporation which he represents. In May, 1914, he opened a
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pool hall here and is now eondueting this in addition to the grain business.
On the 23d of April, 1909, Mr. Basler was united in marriage to Miss Kate Yepsen, a daughter of George V. and Minnie J. (Blair) Yepsen, who are now living retired in Yetter. To Mr. and Mrs. Bas- ler have been born two sons, Charles and Lloyd.
Where national issues are involved Mr. Basler votes for the demo- eratie party but at local elections he votes independently considering only the capability of the candidate regardless of party ties. He takes a publie-spirited interest in community affairs and is now serving as alderman of Yetter. Through his business connections he has gained a wide acquaintance and all who know him entertain for him high regard.
CHARLES L. JONES.
Charles L. Jones, one of the best known pioneers of Calhoun county, who owned and operated a farm for a number of years, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1827. He grew to manhood in his native country and there received his edneation. At length he decided to take advantage of the opportunities which he had heard were offered ambitious young men in the United States and in 1855 he settled in New York, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he removed to Illinois and rented a farm there for eight years. In 1866, however, he eame to Calhoun county and en- tered eighty acres of land from the government. Later he purchased a forty acre tract from the government and continued to operate his farm during the remainder of his aetive life. He made many im- provements upon his place and brought the land to a high state of cultivation, while his labor yielded him good financial returns. He passed away November 6, 1876, but he is still remembered by the older residents of the county, who knew and esteemed him.
Mr. Jones was married in 1853, in Wales, to Miss Sarah James and to their union were born seven children: David J., whose birth oceurred November 19, 1854: Mary J., a widow, who resides upon a farm in this county ; Thomas F., a chiropractor of Fort Dodge; Eliza- beth, the wife of C. E. Story, of DeKalb, Illinois ; Mrs. W. C. Abner, of Sae county, Iowa; Lewis C., a farmer residing near Lake City, this eounty; and Arthur C., who is on the old homestead.
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Mr. Jones was a republican in politics but never desired to hold office. His religious allegiance was given to the Methodist Episcopal church and its teachings guided his conduet in all the relations of life. When he came to this county it was still in many respects a frontier district and he experienced the hardships incident to pioneer life but persevered and before his demise began to reap the reward of his labor, which was a factor in the development of the county.
Following the demise of her husband Mrs. Jones assumed the management of the estate and from time to time purchased addi- tional land. She now owns over three hundred and sixty aeres in this county, which fact attests her business ability. Her son, David Jones, operated the homestead until five years ago, when he and his mother removed to town, where they are now living. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Cooperative Grain Company and is proving very efficient and enterprising in that connection. Mrs. Jones is the only surviving charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Man- son and takes the keenest interest in everything relating to the welfare of that organization. She is one of the best known pioneers of the county and her reminiscences of the early days are of interest and of value. She has done well the work that has fallen to her lot and deserves the high esteem and warm regard in which she is universally held.
ALBERT J. ULVESTAD.
Albert J. Ulvestad has conducted a blacksmith and repair shop in Lake City since the spring of 1913 and in the comparatively short time that has intervened since that date he has built up a good busi- ness and has gained a reputation for excellent work. He has installed an oxy-acetylene welding outfit which enables him to repair all kinds of castings. He was born on the 20th of May, 1875, in Madelia, Minnesota, a son of Lewis O. and Annie S. Ulvestad. In 1869 they removed from Madison, Wisconsin, to Watonwan county, Minne- sota. The father engaged in teaching school during the winter months for a few years but subsequently devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits. He was very successful, leaving an unencum- hered estate of five hundred and twenty acres of good land in Waton- wan county and one hundred and sixty acres in Stevens county at his death in 1901. He was quite prominent in his community and held a number of county offices.
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Albert J. Ulvestad received a good education, having been grad- uated from the academy in Madison, Wisconsin. In his youth he learned blacksmithing and horseshoeing and on the 17th of April. 1905, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a blacksmith, which rating he held for three weeks. He was then promoted to ship-fitter. first class, which rank he held until he was honorably discharged April 17, 1909. His rating marks were excellent in all branches. On the 2d of January, 1912. he came to Lake City and he was em- ployed in J. H. Russell's blacksmith shop until the 10th of April, 1913. He then established a business of his own on a small seale but has since enlarged his shop to meet the inereasing demands of his business. He has installed an oxy-acetylene welding outfit and is thus able to repair satisfactorily all kinds of eastings. He not only makes the necessary repairs on farm implements such as plows and cultivators but also repairs wagons and buggies. Much of his busi- ness consists of horseshoeing, in which he is expert. and both in that line and in repair work he has given excellent satisfaction.
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