USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
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William O. Higgins acquired his education in the schools of Glid- den, Cottonwood and Lake City and after putting aside his text- books secured a position as grocery clerk with J. O. Smith. During the past fifteen years he has been manager of the J. H. Queal Lum- ber Company of Lake City and his work in this connection has proven
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an element in the continued growth and success of the enterprise, for he is a man of excellent business ability, sound judgment and keen sagaeity.
In 1893, in Lake City, Iowa, Mr. Higgins was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna L. Nelson, a native of Denmark. In polities he is a democrat, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. He has won the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated and is popular in both business and social circles of his community.
ADOLPH H. RIEMAN.
Adolph H. Rieman, a worthy native son and enterprising agri- culturist of Calhoun eounty, owns a tract of land embracing one hundred and sixty-one acres on seetion 17, Elm Grove township. His birth oeeurred on the 28th of October, 1878, his parents being John and Mary (Reuder) Ricman, natives of Germany. A sketeh of the father, who died on his farm in Elm Grove township in the year 1900, appears on another page of this work. Adolph H. Rieman remained under the parental roof until past twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Gen- eral agricultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies through- ont his entire business career and he now owns and resides upon one hundred and sixty-one aeres of land on seetion 17, Elm Grove town- ship. about half of which is drained and tiled. There are good fences, substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stoek and an attractive residence, and the place in its neat and thrifty appearanee indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Rieman is the secretary of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the successful agricul- turists and representative eitizens of the community.
On the 26th of February, 1906, Mr. Rieman was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Arndt, who was born in Coon Valley township, Sac county, Iowa, August 28, 1887, her parents being Adolph and Mary (Linneman) Arndt. The father was born in Germany on the 26th of October, 1858, while the mother's birth oeeurred in Cook county, Illinois, February 28, 1865. Adolph Arndt is actively engaged in farming in Sae county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Rieman have three children, namely: Rinehart, born November 9, 1909;
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Velman, whose natal day was January 13, 1912; and Elvira, born December 28, 1913.
In his political views Mr. Rieman is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church, and in the community which has always been his home he has many friends and acquiantances who entertain for him the highest regard and esteem. In motoring he finds needed recreation, owning an automobile.
MARION F. MULLAN.
Marion F. Mullan conducted a drug store in Pomeroy for a period of thirty-six years and is the oldest business man of the town in point of years of continuous connection with mercantile interests. For about fifteen years he has also been a factor in financial circles as vice president of the Pomeroy State Bank, which institution he assisted in organizing.
His birth occurred in Waterloo, Blackhawk county, Iowa, on the 8th of March, 1855, his parents being Charles and America (Virden) Mullan, the former a native of Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, and a representative of an old Pennsylvania family of Scotch descent. He was reared on a farm in the Keystone state and there educated, also learning the blacksmith's trade in youth. By teaching school he procured the funds necessary to pay his way through college. He settled in Blackhawk county, Iowa, in an early day and served as its first county surveyor and as the first postmaster of Waterloo, giving the name to the postoffice and town. Subsequently he became the owner of considerable land adjoining Waterloo and there carried on farmnig and stock-raising with excellent success until called to his final rest at about the age of seventy years, the community thus losing one of its prominent and honored pioneers. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was a Methodist in religious faith. His wife, a native of Kentucky, was taken by her parents to Illinois when still very young, being reared, educated and married in the latter state. She came to Iowa with her husband in an early period in the development of the state and was one of its worthy pioneer women. Her demise occurred when she had attained the age of eighty-four years.
Marion F. Mullan, the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children, spent his boyhood on the home farm adjoining Waterloo and acquired his education in the public schools of that town. When
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twenty-one years of age he left the parental roof and eame to Pom- eroy, Calhoun county, being here employed as elerk in a drug store for one year. On the expiration of that period, in 1877, he purchased the establishment, remaining its proprietor for thirty-six years or until he sold out in January, 1914. He carried an extensive line of drugs and druggists' sundries and was aceorded a most liberal patron- age. Since disposing of the store he has devoted his attention to the supervision of his real-estate, banking and other interests. For about fifteen years past he has served as vice president of the Pom- eroy State Bank, which he assisted in organizing and in the continued growth and success of which he has materially aided.
On the 23d of May, 1882, Mr. Mullan was united in marriage to Miss Narcissa Swan, who was born in Illinois and was brought to Iowa in early childhood. They have one son, Donald G., who is now a practicing attorney of Sioux City, Iowa.
Mr. Mullan is a staneh republiean in politics but has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Solar Lodge, No. 475, A. F. & A. M., of Pomeroy, while his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. He is a self-made man in the highest and best sense of the term, having attained his present prosperity through the exercise of industry, energy and unfaltering perseveranee. The period of his residence in Calhoun eounty now eovers nearly four decades and he enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
GEORGE L. BROWER.
George L. Brower, of Roekwell City, has been prominently eon- neeted with a number of industrial concerns of Calhoun county, owns considerable land and has gained suceess in the abstract and money- loaning business and is likewise eonneeted with banking interests. He was born in Jackson, Michigan, ou the 16th of December, 1850, a son of David D. and Abbie ( Morehouse) Brower, both of whom were natives of New York state. They were married in that state but not long afterward emigrated westward, locating near Jackson, Michigan, where the father carried on farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was a republican in politics, fraternally was connected with the Odd Fellows and gave his religious allegiance to the Methodist Episcopal church. He passed away in 1896, when
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eighty years of age, as he was born in 1816, but his wife died in 1857, when comparatively young. To them were born ten children, but only three survive, those besides our subject being: Mrs. C. A. Nor- ton, of Stockbridge, Michigan; and Josiah M., who is farming near that place. Three brothers of our subject, Joseph, William and Charley, died while serving in the Union army or shortly after return- ing home, of disease contracted while in the military service. Another brother, Samuel, also served in the Civil war.
George L. Brower attended the common schools of Michigan and continued his education in the schools of Iowa Falls, this state. He came west when but fifteen years of age and first found employ- ment as clerk in a store at lowa Falls. When nineteen years old he went to Dubuque, where he remained for some time. He was a graduate of The Bayless Commercial College at Dubuque and for three years taught bookkeeping and commercial arithmetic. IIe then became a traveling salesman, representing a house dealing in notions, for seven years, and after leaving the employ of that com- pany engaged in general merchandising at Fonda, Iowa, where he remained for five years. In connection with the store he conducted a creamery, which was the first one established in Pocahontas county. In 1884 he removed to Rockwell City and for two years dealt in lumber. He then purchased a set of abstract books and has since carried on an abstract business and at the same time has engaged in loaning money. He also places farm loans for insurance companies and in all of his business activities has met with a large measure of success. In October, 1891, he established a private bank. which is now known as the Security State Bank and which is capitalized for sixty thousand dollars. In 1896 he purchased a large tract of land in Rockwell City, paying therefor one hundred thousand dollars, and upon this site erected a caming factory, a bottling works and a large brick and tile factory, becoming the president of the above named concerns. He also erected a modern hotel in the city and in addition to the interests already mentioned he has invested quite heavily in real estate, owning both farm and city property.
Mr. Brower was married in 1876 to Miss Ella J. Busby, a daugh- ter of Mrs. Jane Busby, of Dubuque, Iowa. To this union five chil- dren have been born, one of whom survives, namely: Mrs. C. C. Hatcher, who is living in Atlanta, Georgia, where her husband is suc- cessfully engaged in the insurance and money-loaning business.
Mr. Brower is a republican in politics and is loyal in his support of that party at the polls. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge, the Royal Areh chapter, the Knights Templar com-
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mandery, the Scottish Rite, the Mystic Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star, and he is also a Knight of Pythias. He has always taken an active part in the work of the Presbyterian church and was one of the organizers of the church of that denomination at Rockwell City. He helped to build the old edifice of that congregation and was one of the heaviest contributors to the building fund when the new house of worship was ereeted. For years he served as superin- tendent of the Sunday school and has at all times aided in every possible way in promoting the influence of Christian teachings. When he first engaged in business on his own account he had practically no capital but he possessed the great assets of energy, sound judgment and unswerving integrity and these qualities have enabled him to win a comfortable fortune and at the same time to hold the unquali- fied respect of all who have been associated with him in business or in other relations.
CHARLES L. DROMMER.
Charles L. Drommer, a prominent agriculturist of Calhoun county, owning and operating a well improved farm comprising two hundred and forty acres on section 13. Butler township, has made his home in the community for the past forty-four years and is widely recognized as a representative and substantial citizen. His birth occurred in Fort Dodge, Webster county, Iowa, on the 15th of July, 1864, his parents being John and Marietta (Collins) Drommer. The father, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States and took up his abode among the pioneer citizens of this county, here devoting his attention to farming until called to his final rest about 1890. His widow now makes her home in Pomeroy.
Charles L. Drommer was about seven years of age when he aecom- panied his parents to this eounty in 1871 and he was reared on the home farm in Butler township, attending the public schools in the acquirement of an education. He assisted his father in the work of the fields and after attaining his majority operated the home place of three hundred and twenty acres as a renter for several years. Sub- sequently he operated the property in association with his brother, Lewis W., for three or four years or until the estate was divided and the two brothers purchased the interests of the other heirs, our sub- jeet coming into possession of the northeast quarter of section 13, Butler township, while Lewis took the southeast quarter. Charles
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L. Drommer has sinee purehased an adjoining tract of eighty aeres, so that his holdings now embraee two hundred and forty aeres of valuable land, in the cultivation of which he is meeting with a grati- fying and well merited measure of success.
On February 23, 1892, Mr. Drommer was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Kruchten, who was born in Pomeroy, this county, and edueated in Pocahontas eounty. She is a daughter of John Kruchten and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, as fol- lows: Nellie May, who is the wife of Swan Nelson, an agrieulturist of Sherman township; and John E., Charles Leroy, Mildred, George Herbert and Clare, all at home.
In polities Mr. Drommer is a staneh republiean. He was chosen a member of the board of county supervisors in 1902, took the office in January, 1903, and was eontinned therein by reeleetion for three terms or until 1906. During this period most of the drainage ditehes of the county were dug and at one time diteh bonds were sold to the value of four hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Drommer also served as trustee and in other positions, making a most ereditable and com- mendable reeord as a publie official. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Solar Lodge, No. 475, A. F. & A. M., of Pomeroy, and he is likewise a member of the Modern Woodmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also affiliated. At all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every relation of life and therefore well merits the esteem and goodwill which are uniformly aecorded him.
WILLIAM T. SPEAKER, M. D.
Dr. William T. Speaker has been engaged in the practice of medieine in Manson sinee 1887, or for a period of more than twenty- eight years, and during his long service here he has built up a large and Inerative practice and has become the loved family physician in many a household. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, June 12, 1851, and in the paternal line comes of German aneestry, his great- grandfather having been born in the fatherland. The grandfather, Samuel Speaker, was born in Virginia but from that state removed to Maryland and still later located in Illinois. He was a earpenter and eabinet-maker by trade and made fancy stairs, working at his trade throughout life. His son Noah, who became the father of our
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subject, was born in Maryland in 1820 and was a young man of twenty-four years, when, in 1844, he located in Illinois. He was married in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1849, to! Miss Catherine Garvin, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1827, a daughter of John Garvin, who was likewise born in the Keystone state but at an early day took up his abode in Ohio and passed away in Springfield, that state. He was of Scotch descent and was a weaver of grain sacks. Noah Speaker was a farmer by occupation and became a prominent man in Ogle county, Illinois. He took an active part in the develop- ment and improvement of his locality in an early day and for years served as a member of the school board. He was a demoerat in poli- ties and belonged to the United Brethren church, in the faith of which he died January 5, 1908, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in 1902, when about seventy-five years of age. In their family were four children: William T., of this review; Alice, who became the wife of John Harmon and is now a widow residing in Los Angeles, California; Rosa J., who became the wife of W. W. Wil- liams, a prominent real-estate man of Iowa, but who later removed to Los Angeles, where his death occurred; and Marian A., who died many years ago.
Dr. William T. Speaker was reared in the county of his nativity and began his education in the common schools of his home locality, after which he pursued a course in Roek River Seminary at Mount Morris, Illinois, and also in an academy at Rockford, that state. Deciding upon the practice of medieine as a life work, he then read medicine for a time in Rockford with Dr. D. S. Clark as his pre- ceptor. Subsequently he entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he was graduated March 5, 1878. He immediately located for practice in Mount Morris, Illinois, where he remained for nine years, when, in 1887, he came to Manson and has since occupied the same office here. At that time the country was not as thickly settled as it is today and the roads were not improved as they now are, so that the long weary drives made his duties most arduous. However, he was always found ready and willing to answer any call that was made upon him for professional service, and he has built up a large and lucrative practice that now ranks him with the leading physicians of Calhoun county.
Dr. Speaker was married April 4, 1878, to Miss Inez E. Beecher. Her father, Ransom Beecher, was a relative of Dr. Henry Ward Beecher. He wedded Miss Sarah A. Drake, who was a descendant of Sir Francis Drake. Mr. Beecher still survives at the very advanced
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age of ninety-five years. Mrs. Speaker's mother passed away many years ago. To Dr. and Mrs. Speaker have been born four children. Clifford B., after completing the high-school course, pursued a course in Rose Polytechnic School at Terre Haute, Indiana, from which he graduated as a civil engineer in 1904. He is an athlete and dur- ing his college career was a member of the football team. He is now located in Portland, Oregon. Faith is the wife of C. J. Jackson, assistant cashier of the Calhoun County State Bank. Ethel G., for- merly a physical director in the San Diego (California) high school, is now the wife of Dr. W. A. Goode, of San Francisco. Lelia is the wife of Chester A. Duncan, who is engaged in the jewelry business in Manson.
In politics the Doctor is a republican, while in religions faith he is a Methodist. He keeps in touch with the advance that is being made in the medical profession through his membership in the County and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association and the Illinois Central and Yazoo Valley Railroad Association, and while still a resident of Illinois served as president and secretary of the Ogle County Medical Society. His energy is ever at the service of the community, and he has the love and respect of all with whom he is associated, not only in a professional way but as a citizen and friend of humanity who lives for the good he can render his fel- lowman.
MAXWELL W. FRICK.
Maxwell W. Frick is a prominent member of the bar of Rock- well City and Calhoun county and is highly respected by all who know him. His birth occurred in Dallas county, Iowa, October 27, 1859. and he is a son of John A. and Eliza M. (Work) Frick. His paternal grandfather, George Frick, was born in Pennsylvania and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The family is of Prussian descent. The maternal grandfather, Adam Work, was also a native of Pennsylvania. The Work family has resided in this country since pre-Revolutionary days and representatives thereof fought in the Colonial army in the war for independence.
John A. Friek was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 20. 1825, and passed away January 29, 1912. His wife was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and her demise occurred in October, 1913. Their marriage was solemized in the
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Keystone state in 1853 and two years later they emigrated to Dallas county, Iowa, where he became a farmer and landowner. He engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880. when he retired from active life, having accumulated a competenee. He was a republican in polities and in early life gave his religious allegiance to the Lutheran church, although he later became identified with the Presbyterian church. He was a quiet. unassuming man, but his genuine worth gained him many sineere friends. His wife was also a member of the Presby- terian church. To them were born four children: John C., who is engaged in the insurance business in Rockwell City; Maxwell W .; Sidney F., a real-estate dealer in Des Moines; and Belle, who is now living in southern California.
Maxwell W. Frick attended the high school at Adel, Iowa, and also Des Moines College and the Iowa Business College at Des Moines, after which he took some private work. After reading law in Des Moines and Adel he attended a law school in Des Moines for a short time and on the 3d of February, 1881, was admitted to the bar. He practiced in Adel as a member of the legal firm of Baugh & Friek until September, 1881, when he came to Rockwell City and opened an office here. He has since devoted his energies to the prac- tice of his profession and has been very successful, gaining a large and lucrative clientage. He practices in all of the courts and the records show that he has won a large proportion of the eases in which he has appeared as counsel. He has not only gained an excellent reputation professionally but he has also won finaneial independence and has made a number of well advised investments.
On the 3d of November, 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr. Friek and Miss Kate M. Marsh, of Adel. Two of the three children born to this union survive, namely: Harold C., now a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; and Stanley A., who is in partnership with his father. The wife and mother passed away August 12, 1898, in the faith of the Presbyterian church. On the 25th of October, 1900, Mr. Friek married Miss Minnic L. Holt, of Fort Dodge, formerly of Adel.
Mr. Friek is a republican and for three terms has served as a member of the school board, of which he is now president. He is also president of the library board and of the Chautauqua Associa- tion and has always taken an active interest in municipal affairs. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church, whose teaching's guide their conduct. Since beginning his indepen- dent career he has relied solely upon his own ability, having no influ-
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ential friends to aid him in gaining success, and he takes justifiable pride in what he has accomplished. He holds the confidenee and respect both of the general publie and of his colleagues in the legal profession, and his position at the bar is assured. He has also been able to serve his community well along a number of lines elosely affecting the general good and financially he has prospered.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM HARRISON FITCII.
In every community there are a few men who by the consensus of public opinion are recognized as leaders and who by reason of their superior insight, resolute determination and great energy accomplish mueh in furthering the development of their locality. Such a man was Captain William Harrison Fitch, of Calhoun county, who passed away on the 27th of July, 1907. in Lake City. In addition to holding an important place in the agricultural, commercial and politi- cal circles of the county he was known as a veteran of the Civil war and as a gallant officer.
Captain Fitch was born in Swanton, Franklin county, Vermont, on the 25th of March, 1840, a son of Mason and Sally ( Aseltine) Fitch, natives respectively of New York and Vermont, although both were deseended from old New York families. When our subjeet was about ten years of age the family removed to Canton, St. Law- renee county, New York, where they continued to reside until the close of the Civil war. The parents then removed to Woodstock. McHenry county, Illinois, where the father followed agricultural pursuits as he had done in the east. He passed away in 1880, when fifty-six years of age. Following his demise his widow became a resident of Lake City, Iowa, where she lived until she also answered the last call. They were the parents of five children, of whom Will- iam Harrison was the eldest. James C. was killed at the battle of Ringgold, Georgia, November 27, 1863, immediately following the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was orderly sergeant of Company A. Sixtieth New York Vohmteer Infantry, of which our subject was captain. He lived but a few hours after being shot. George, who served under General Sheridan, was a member of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery. He passed away in California. Alice is the wife of James Hartman, who is living retired in Lake City. Sarah J. is the widow of Norman Mead and also lives in Lake City.
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