USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 30
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On the 10th of June, 1882, Mr. Crissinger was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Shrader, a sister of Dr. J. C. Shrader, who is a profes-
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sor in the medical department of the Iowa State University. To this union were born three children, namely: Clinton, who is deceased; Lillian: and Donald, a praetieing dentist of Farnhamville, lowa. The wife and mother passed away on the 25th of January, 1890. and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. In 1893 for his second wife Mr. Crissinger married Nettie J. Crary, by whom there were two children: Eugenia and Bruce.
By his ballot Mr. Crissinger indorses the principles of the repub- lican party and is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He has been called upon to fill a number of publie positions, serving as justice of the peace, as mayor of Farnhamville and as postmaster for nine years. He has also been a member of the school board for twenty years and indorses all plans that seem feasible for the development and improve- ment of the schools. Aside from his commercial interests he has been manager of the telephone company for twelve years. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 390, Farnhamville Lodge, No. 296. K. P., and the Modern Woodmen camp at Farn- hamville. IIe is alert to the opportunities of the day, both for busi- ness and in behalf of the public welfare, and he is never so taken up with trade interests that he eannot give aetive eo-operation to meas- ures and movements which have elaim upon his time because of the duties of citizenship.
ANDREW BAIRD.
Andrew Baird, a wholesale and retail dealer in butter, eggs and poultry at Lohrville, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 8, 1854, his parents being Andrew and Agnes (McAllister) Baird, who were likewise natives of County Antrim. The father was born in 1831 and passed away in 1854, being then but twenty-three years of age. Hle was a farmer by oceupation and he died three months before the birth of his son Andrew. The mother afterward married again and lived in Ireland to the time of her death, which oceurred when she was fifty-eight years of age. Both were members of the Presbyterian church.
Their only child, Andrew Baird, attended the common schools and when fifteen years of age was apprentiecd to the blacksmith's trade, his term of indenture covering four years. He afterward continued to work at his trade for five years in Ireland and then sought a home in the new world, coming to the United States in 1878. He took up his
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abode in New York city, where he worked at his trade for a year, and in 1879 he came to Iowa. settling at Reinbeck, Grundy county. There he followed his trade for a brief period, but afterward went to Chi- cago, where he continued until 1881, when he returned to Iowa and followed his trade at Hudson for about five years. The town was at that time a village containing only about twenty-five families. In 1888 he removed to Lohrville, where he established a blacksmith shop, and carried on work at his trade for fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the produce business, in which he has since engaged, and in 1914 he established a creamery and a cold storage plant. His business has steadily grown and his equipment is excellent. He now furnishes employment to from fifteen to twenty people and conducts a wholesale, as well as retail, business in butter, eggs and poultry, devoting practically his entire time and attention to this undertaking. However, he is also one of the stockholders and a director of the Commercial Savings Bank of Lohrville and he owns Canada lands.
Mr. Baird was married in Ireland in 1878 to Miss Elizabeth Hus- ton, who was born in that country, a daughter of Hugh and Mary (Hamilton) Huston. Her father was a farmer and never came to the United States, spending his entire life on the Emerald isle, where he died at the age of sixty years. His wife there passed away at the age of fifty. Mr. Huston was active in all public affairs of his com- munity and was an earnest, faithful member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Baird became the parents of five children who survive. Hugh, who is associated with his father in business, married Margaret Wight, a daughter of a Presbyterian minister, and they have two children. James Alexander is engaged in the life insurance business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Minnie is the wife of Dr. Hibbs, of Lohrville. Agnes is the wife of Harry Cummings, proprietor of the Fair store of Lohrville, and they have two children. Ruth is attend- ing the Iowa State College at Ames. The mother of these children passed away in October, 1914, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate family.
In his fraternal connections Mr. Baird is a Mason and has served as master of Nekoda Lodge, No. 597, F. & A. M. His political alle- giance is given to the republican party and he desires to bring about all those wholesome and purifying reforms which are growing up in connection with the political conditions of the country. His coopera- tion can be counted upon as a factor in the affair for the betterment of the community and he is an active and earnest member of the Presby- terian church, in which he is serving as elder. Those who have come in
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contact with him know that he is a man to be depended upon in any emergency, that he is loyal to high standards and that his word is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.
JOHN HENRY JANSEN.
John H. Jansen, auditor for the W. T. Joyce Lumber Company, is an lowa prodnet and his education was acquired in the public schools. Since 1900 he has occupied his present position as anditor of the W. T. Joyce Lumber Company, which is one of responsibility as the company owns several yards in Iowa, and that his duties are promptly and capably performed is indicated by his long connection with the company.
DEWITT W. AULT.
Dewitt W. Ault is the manager of the Farmers Elevator Company at Farnhamville. No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the cause of success, he minst ultimately reach the conclusion that advancement is won through close application and unfaltering determination. Such have been the salient qualities dis- played by Mr. Ault and few men enjoy in larger measure the con- fidence of the business public. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, November 13, 1867, and is a son of F. W. and Clarinda M. Ault, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer hy occupation and on coming to Iowa settled at Marshall- town, in Marshall county, in the year 1869. There for seventeen years he engaged in general farming or until 1886.
The boyhood days of Dewitt W. Ault were spent in the usnal manner of farm lads, his time being divided between the work of the fields. the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the play- ground. In 1886 he left Marshall county and went to Jasper county. where he secured employment as a farm hand. spending about two years in that way. In the fall of 1888 he arrived in Calhoun county and for about sixteen years he was engaged in general farming, living upon several rented farms during that period. In 1904 he purchased a livery and feed barn, which he conducted for two years, and on the 29th of July, 1906, he assumed the management of the Farmers Ele-
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vator Company, at Farnhamville, in which connection he still con- tinues, covering a period of nine years. That his work has been thor- oughly satisfactory is indicated by his long connection with the posi- tion. He has intimate knowledge of the grain trade and carefully and wisely direets the business at this point in the interests of the company which he represents.
On October 25, 1893, Mr. Ault was united in marriage to Miss Viola Earhart, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 30th of March, 1871, her parents being George W. and Adaline Earhart, early settlers of Calhoun eounty. To our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows: Fern, who gave her hand in mar- riage to Irvin Jackson, of Seranton. Iowa; and Orville. George, Donald and Hazel, all at home.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Ault is an Odd Fellow and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party, and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious belief is that of the Methodist church, and he has guided his life according to its teachings, so that the course which he has pursued is one which awakens confidence and high regard on the part of his fellowmen.
W. H. GREEN, M. D.
Dr. W. H. Green, engaged in the general practice of medicine at Farnhamville, was born in Clayton county, Iowa, on the 7th of Decem- ber, 1874, his parents being Thomas and Enna Green. The father, who was born in England on the 14th of February, 1849, came to America in 1869, when twenty years of age, and settled in Clayton county, Iowa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. His death oceurred in June, 1911, but his widow survives and is now a resident of Farnhamville.
Dr. Green was reared in Clayton county, Iowa, to the age of twelve years and began his education there in the public schools. His parents then removed with the family to Green county, Iowa, where he lived for about three years, after which he beeame a resident of Lohrville, Iowa. At twenty-four years of age he began studying medicine, entering the medieal department of Drake University at Des Moines. He spent four years there and afterward put his theo- retical training to the practical test in a year's experience in the Meth-
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odist Hospital at Des Moines, gaining that valuable knowledge which only hospital training can bring. He then came to Farnhamville and opened an office, since which time he has engaged in general practice here. He is careful in diagnosing his cases and the sound judgment which he has displayed has led to excellent results.
On the 9th of November, 1902. Dr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Marohn, a daughter of Fred and Eva Marohn, of Des Moines, Iowa. They have one child, Margaret Emma. Dr. Green is a republican but without political aspirations and leaves office hold- ing to others. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and to the Mod- ern Woodmen eamp, and of the former is secretary. In religious belief he is a Methodist and he sets up before him high standards which he is constantly striving to reach. He is conscientious in the performance of his professional duties and equally so in his connection with his fellowmen, who esteem him because of his stalwart adherenee to high principles. He has ever been a elose and discriminating stu- dent of his profession and he keeps in touch with modern thought and progress along that line.
J. F. ADAMS.
J. F. Adams has since 1905 been at the head of a sueeessful furni- ture establishment in Lohrville, although since the 1st of April, 1915, the management of the business has been assumed by his son Ray, who is a most practical and enterprising young man. Mr. Adams is a native of Green county, Wisconsin, his birth having occurred June 8. 1834, and in the maternal line he comes of English ancestry. He is one of a family of three sons and two daughters, born of the mar- riage of John and Ellen (Clark) Adams, the former a native of Mansfield, Ohio. In that state he was reared and married, and in 1851 removed to Green county, Wisconsin, where the family home has been maintained for many years.
J. F. Adams was reared in the county of his nativity, and it was there in the public schools that he acquired his education. After he had reached the age of twenty-one years, or on the 25th of November, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Vanpelt, a native of Saratoga county, New York, and a daughter of Potter and Phoebe (Burcalow) Vanpelt. Subsequent to their marriage the young couple established their home upon a farm in Green county. Wisconsin, where they spent three years. As farming did not appeal to Mr.
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Adams, and believing that he might more quickly attain success in the commercial world, he then removed to Lohrville, Iowa, and opened a general mercantile establishment, which he conducted for seven years. He then disposed of his store and engaged in the lumber busi- ness for thirteen years. In 1905 he opened a furniture store here, which has since claimed much of his time and energies. Throughout the greater part of this period he has been ably assisted in the store by his son Ray, who, after having enjoyed superior educational advan- tages and having graduated in embalming that he might take charge of the undertaking department, which is conducted in connection with the furniture business, has since April 1, 1915, practically managed the business and is proving himself capable of assuming responsibilities in this connection. In addition to his business interests Mr. Adams also owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Calhoun county, and has a large and substantial modern residence, it being one of the attractive homes of Lohrville.
To Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born three children, but the eldest, Ellen, died in infancy. Clara May and Percy Ray, twins, were born April 15, 1890, and both are still at home. The son is a graduate of Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, while the daughter pursued a musical course in Drake University of that city and is now engaged in teaching music.
The family are identified with the Presbyterian church, and in politics Mr. Adams is a republican. In all his business connections his efforts have been crowned with success-the success which may always with safety be predicted as the reward of steady, strong and well directed energy. He has now passed the sixty-first milestone on life's journey and has acquired a competence that will permit him to enjoy all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life throughout his remaining days.
DAVID W. NOEL.
In the history of Calhoun county it is imperative that mention be made of David W. Noel, who for many years was an active business man of Rockwell City, widely known and respected. He took up his abode there in 1883 and was connected with the lumber trade for more than two decades, or until his death, which occurred in 1904. His activity along that line and his support of many plans and movements
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which he deemed of value to the community led him to be recognized as one of its foremost citizens.
Mr. Noel was a native of Iowa, born in 1851. There were no unusual or exciting experiences in his life record. He came to cor- rectly value opportunities and advantages and realized that honor- able success is the direct result of carefully directed energy and intelli- gent purpose. Upon coming to Rockwell City in 1883 he established a lumberyard and for twenty-one years was active along that line of business, securing a very liberal and well merited patronage.
Mr. Noel was united in marriage to Miss Ella Houghan, now deceased, and they became the parents of two children: Don, who is editor of the Anaconda Standard, published at Anaconda, Montana; and Blanche, who is a teacher in the Seattle high school. David W. Noel married Myrtle Woodruff for his second wife and she is now a resident of Long Beach, California.
In addition to his lumber interests Mr. Noel was a stockholder in the First National and Savings Bank of Rockwell City. His busi- ness affairs were always carefully managed and the integrity of his methods was never questioned. He was equally prominent and active along other lines, for he never neglected the duties and obligations of life. He helped to organize the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school and took a very active part in advancing the work of the church. He helped to organize Twin Lakes Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was its first master. He advanced high in Masonry, becoming identified with all of its branches, and his life was the exemplification of those basic principles upon which the order rests. In politics he was deeply inter- ested as a supporter of the republican party, and he made speeches throughout the county in connection with E. C. Stevenson and J. F. Lavender, of Rockwell City. In a word, he was actively concerned with those things which are vital and significant in the life of the individual and the commity, and he ever took his stand in support of advancement, progress and improvement.
THOMAS PARSONS.
Thomas Parsons has been identified with public interests in Cal- houn county in many ways. He was formerly actively engaged in farming and has been active in promoting many progressive measures having to do with the substantial development and upbuilding of the distriet. He is now living practically retired from business, but his
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interest in community affairs has never ceased and his cooperation is a valued factor in many plans which are working out beneficially for the advancement of city and county.
Mr. Parsons was born at Reigate, County Surrey, England, on the 18th of February, 1855, his parents being Henry and Hannah Parsons, who were also natives of the same country. In the year 1867 they came to the United States, settling first in Chicago, and in 1868 they removed to Lee county, Illinois, establishing their home about half way between Sterling and Dixon on a tract of raw prairie land. Pioneer conditions existed all about them, and in the work of early development and improvement they took an active and helpful part. Mr. Parsons met a fair measure of success in his business interests and at a later date the town of Harmon was established near his land. He afterward retired with a competence, which had accrued from his labors and the sale of his lands, and was living at Wheaton, Illinois, at the time of his death.
Thomas Parsons attended the district schools of Lee county and continued his education in Dixon. He came to Iowa in 1878 with a brother, and they purchased adjoining farms on section 27, Cedar township, Calhoun county. Henry Parsons, however, rented a farm in Carroll county, Iowa, which he cultivated, while Thomas Parsons established his home in Calhoun county, Iowa, and broke the prairie on both his own and his brother's farms. He also engaged in teaching school in Reading. There was no school in Cedar during the first two years of his residence in the county and the settlers were widely scattered. In fact, various conditions of pioneer life existed and involved considerable difficulty in the establishment of a home. Mr. Parsons hauled his merchandise from Gowrie, and he had to take his products a long distance to market. ITis first purchase of land was eighty acres, for which he paid six dollars per acre. To this he kept adding from time to time until he now has seven hundred acres in Cedar township, constituting one of the valuable farm properties of the county. He brought his land to a high state of cultivation, and the fields returned to him gratifying harvests for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. He was always a large grain raiser, and likewise engaged quite extensively in raising and feeding stoek. As time passed on he cultivated his farm according to modern methods, introducing the latest improved machinery and facilitating the work of the fields in every possible way. Year after year chronicled for him increased success and at length, with a very gratifying and substantial competence, he retired in 1899 and took up his abode in Farnhamville, where he has erected a fine residence surrounded by beautiful shrub-
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bery, flowers and shade trees. The most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorably has it been earned and so wisely used. While he is not now actively concerned in business affairs, he is still a stock- holder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Farmers Tele- phone Company of Farnhamville, and is a director and stockholder in the Farmers Lumber Company. He is likewise a stockholder in the bank at Guthrie Center, and his investments have been so judi- ciously placed that he derives therefrom a substantial annual income.
Mr. Parsons was one of the three men who advocated the estab- lishment of a city park, and when the movement was carried through he was appointed park commissioner, and has served in that capacity for fifteen years. The town has now one of the most attractive parks to be found in any town of similar size in the state. Mr. Parsons has also served as a member of the city council, and for ten years was mayor of Farnhamville, direeting the policy of the city and introduc- ing many needed reforms and improvements. He was elected county supervisor from the fourth district and served in that capacity for six years. There has been no more stalwart advocate of the development of a modern drainage system than Mr. Parsons, who was especially active in support of the movement when it was a fighting issue in the state. His position almost brought him political defeat, but time has demonstrated the wisdom of his course and his opinions. Many new distiiets have been formed and today the people recognize the value that drainage has been to the state. His public service began the first fall after his arrival, when he was elected to the office of township clerk. Ile served for twenty consecutive years as justice of the peace and, as there was no preacher in the township, he married about thirty couples, many of whom are now numbered among the county's most prominent citizens. He also served as township assessor and in every public connection he has stood for progress and improvement, his labors bringing about many good things for the community.
In 1879 Mr. Parsons was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clutter, who was born in Ohio and died in Farnhamville in 1900. Her father, W. H. Clutter, was an carly settler of this state, and on removing to Calhoun county took up his abode in Reading township, where he was very active in commmity affairs as well as in business life. In polities he was a stalwart democrat and of the Congregational church he was a faithful and devoted member. Mrs. Parsons was also very active in church work and in her girlhood days she was instrumental in having religions services held in schoolhouses in her township before the building of churches. Her life radiated an influence for good that was strong and permeating, and her memory remains as a blessed
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benediction to those who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. Parsons were born four children. Alfred II., who owns and operates a farm in Cedar township, is married and has four children. John L., who attended Cornell ( Iowa) College, is now a civil engineer of Humboldt, Iowa, and is an associate member of the Western Society of Engi- neers. His work, Land Drainage, is a very complete treatise on drainage and the laws affecting it in Iowa. He is married and has two children. Flora E. is the wife of C. H. Beek, cashier of the bank at Guthrie Center, Iowa, and has one daughter. Bertha M., who at- tended Grinnell College, is now at home.
Mr. Parsons is a member of the Knights of Pythias. His politieal allegiance has always been given to the republican party, but he is not bitterly partisan, and he is always able to defend his political faith by intelligent argument because of his wide reading eoneerning the questions and issues of the day. An earnest member of the Con- gregational church, he has for the past ten years been superintendent of the Sunday school. His life has been actuated by high and honor- able principles, and the course that he has followed commends him to the confidenee, goodwill and respect of all.
GEORGE W. VONTREES.
George W. Vontrees needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. for he has long been a prominent and highly respected resi- dent of Calhoun county, his home being in Cedar township. He has lived in the county since pioneer times, and is now one of its most venerable citizens. He was born in Clay county, Indiana, July 6, 1833, and has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. IIe came to Iowa in 1854, making the trip on horseback from Indiana, being then twenty-one years of age. IIe made his way to Boone county, and there took up his abode in a small settlement near Boonesboro. The conditions of pioneer life existed in the dis- triet at that period. The homes were widely scattered and the work of development and improvement was yet in embryo. There were all kinds of wild game, including deer and all the feathered game. There were also bears and wild eats in the district, and it was a most common sight to see representatives of the Sae and Fox tribe of Indians. At the time of the Spirit Lake massacre there was a great feeling of unrest in that vicinity because of the Indians, but the war- fare upon the whites was not waged in that distriet. Vol. II-20
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