USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
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Mr. Vontrees purchased land, using a land warrant issued to his father, Jacob Vontrees, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, and who served in three campaigns under General Jackson. Having entered his claim, Mr. Vontrees built a log cabin and broke his land, but sold it before he began its cultivation. He then purchased land in Worth township, was married and began farming there, taking an active and helpful interest in bringing about the improvement of the county along agricultural lines. He converted his own place into a rich and productive traet, on which he planted trees and improved his place generally, adding all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. He has lived to see remarkable changes and improvement. It was in 1884 that he removed from Boone county to his present home in Cedar township, Calhoun county, which was then a sparsely settled district.
On September 3, 1862, Mr. Vontrees was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Patterson, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1845, and who passed away in Calhoun county, Iowa, in 1910, at the age of sixty-five years. They became the parents of four children, one who is deceased: Elvira B., now the wife of E. J. Woodcock, of Cedar township; and William and Ross, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
In the early days Mr. Vontrees belonged to the Union League. He was an opponent of the system of slavery and a stanch advocate of the Union cause, and he voted for the first republican of his county who ever ran for office. He has always been loyal to the party and still advocates its principles by casting his ballot for its candidates. His has been an active, useful and well spent life, gaining for him the respect. confidence and goodwill of all who know him. He has lived long to witness the development and progress of this part of the state and is justly accounted one of the worthy pioneers.
D. J. TOWNSEND, M. D.
Dr. D. J. Townsend has been a representative of the medical pro- fession at Lohrville for the past third of a century, and in fact, was the first physician of the town. He has likewise been an active and prominent factor in public life and from 1900 until 1904 ahly repre- sented his district in the state legislature. His birth occurred in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 9th of December, 1856, his parents being John and Sarah (Valentine) Townsend, the former a native of
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY 317
Vermont and the latter of New York. The family was represented among the early settlers of western New York. John Townsend and Sarah Valentine were married in Erie county, New York, and in 1856 moved to Illinois. At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted for service with the Union army as a member of the Fifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, continuing in Sherman's command until the cessa- tion of hostilities between the north and the south. On the 22d of February, 1866, he took up his abode near Fort Dodge, lowa, and a little later purchased and began the operation of a farm in Webster county. To him and his wife were born five children. In 1887 Dr. D. J. Townsend was graduated from Drake University. He is a life member of the Surgeons Club at Rochester, Minnesota, and attends its clinies. It was on the 8th of August, 1881, that he had opened an office in Lohrville, of which town he was the first physician and which has always remained the scene of his professional labors. Since 1902 he has held the position of surgeon for the Chicago Great Western Railway Company.
On the 15th of May, 1884, Dr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Myra M. Hawthorne, of Blackcreek, Wisconsin, a daughter of George H. and Mary J. ( Whorton) Hawthorne. To them have been born four children. Blanche, whose natal day was December 8, 1885, is a graduate of the West Side Hospital of Chicago and is now connected with that institution as a nurse. Orville J., born January 18, 1888, served in the United States navy for four years and made the trip around the world with the fleet. On the 23d of December, 1914, he wedded Miss Vida Griffin, of Des Moines, and he is now fore- man for the Dingur Auto Repair Company, of Odebolt, Iowa. Irwin H. was born in February, 1895, and the birth of Dewitt J. Townsend occurred on the 6th of July. 1899.
In politics Dr. Townsend is known as a stand pat republican, and his public career has been characterized by faithful, able and conscien- tious service. He acted as president of the school board for five years, was a member of the county board for four years and for a similar period held the position of coroner, while he was further honored by election to the state legislature, representing the interests of his con- stituents in that body from 1900 until 1904. Fraternally he is iden- tified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the following organi- zations: Nekoda Lodge, No. 597, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member; Cypress Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., of Lake City; and Rose Croix Commandery, No. 38, of Sac City, Iowa. He like- wise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a charter member and the first presiding officer of the Lohrville lodge.
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Ile owns a handsome residence in Lohrville and has long been mim- bered among its foremost representatives in both professional and publie life.
I. E. BABCOCK.
I. E. Babcock, deceased, was a well known and representative farmer of Calhoun county, and his death was deeply regretted by many who knew him. He was born in Geauga county, Ohio, on the 21st of March, 1842, and after leaving the Buckeye state went with his parents to Elkhorn, Walworth county, Wiseonsin, where he as- sisted in the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm, his attention being there given to general agricultural pursuits until after the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south, when his patriotie spirit was aroused and he enlisted as a member of Com- pany A, Tenth Wisconsin Infantry. He served for two years with that command and later reenlisted as a member of Company I, Missis- sippi Marine Brigade. He was discharged one year from the follow- ing January and returned home with a creditable military record, having loyally and valiantly defended the Union cause.
Mr. Babcock then again went to Wiseonsin, but eame to łowa in the year 1865, settling in Tama county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid five dollars and a quarter per acre. He then engaged in general farming for fifteen years and wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his place during that time. Later he removed to Calhoun county and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, on which his son now resides, on section 25, Reading township. He again engaged in general farming and his labors were rewarded by good erops that reached the proportions of general harvests.
On the 31st of October. 1866, Mr. Babcock was united in marriage to Miss Helen S. Rushton, who was born September 16, 1847. her parents being J. H. and Sarah A. ( Martin) Rushton. They lived near Bangor, Maine, and subsequently took up their abode among the carly settlers of Tama county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock were born nine children, as follows: James, who is deceased: Charles, twin brother of James, who follows farming in Reading township, Calhoun eounty; Edith Rose, Edward E. and Albion C., all of whom have passed away: Daisy May, who gave her hand in marriage to Frank
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Theis, a druggist of Ames, Iowa; R. R., who is a resident of Farnham- ville: Lettie E., deceased : and E. A. Lynd, who has also passed away.
In his political views Mr. Babcock was a republiean and filled the offices of township trustee and road supervisor. He also served as sehool director and was interested in advaneing the cause of public instruction. His religious belief was that of the Methodist church, and in that faith he passed away on the 22d of December, 1908, leaving behind him many warm friends who have sincerely mourned his death. He possessed many sterling traits of heart and mind which endeared him to his friends, while in his own family he was honored as a loving and devoted husband and father.
WILLIAM VONTREES.
William Vontrees carries on general farming on section 14, Logan township. He was born in Boone county, Iowa, January 22, 1871, a son of George Washington and Sarah ( Patterson) Vontrees, who were natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father, who was born July 6, 1833, is still living in Calhoun eounty. He came to Iowa in 1834, settling in Boone, where he lived for a considerable period and then came to Calhoun eounty.
William Vontrees pursued his edueation in the district sehools of Calhoun county, and when he started out in life on his own account began farming in Cedar township on a small tract of land which he owned and now constitutes the town site of Rinard. In 1900 he removed to Logan township, where he owns and cultivates two hun- dred acres of rich and productive land. He earries on general farm- ing and stock-raising, devoting his entire time to this business, and his elose application and persistent energy are important factors in his growing success.
In 1910 Mr. Vontrees was married to Miss Hannah Wolfe, a native of Boone county, lowa, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wolfe, who were natives of Germany, and still live in Boone county. They came to the United States in childhood and arrived in Iowa in 1860, settling in Boone county. Mr. Wolfe was a very energetie and eapable business man and became the owner of three hundred and twenty aeres of excellent land, which he devoted to the eultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and elimate and to stoek-raising. He was very active in township affairs and aided in advancing many measures for the public good, but was never an office seeker. He also assisted
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in organizing the church near his home. At the present time he is living retired from active business, and he and his wife oceupy a pleas- ant home in Boone.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vontrees has been born one daughter, Erma. The family is well known in the community, Mr. and Mrs. Vontrees having many warm friends. He is an Odd Fellow, holding member- ship in the lodge at Somers, in which he has filled all of the offices. IIe is likewise an active member of the eneampment. Other than this he eoneentrates his energies upon his business affairs and his diligence and determination have been the guiding forces in his life and consti- tute the secret of his sueeess.
FRANK A. WHITNEY.
Frank A. Whitney is the efficient cashier of the Somers Savings Bank. He was born at Fonda, Iowa, September 3, 1878, a son of Charles and Louisa ( Blakeslee) Whitney, both of whom were natives of New York. The father devoted his life to the work of the farm and upon leaving the east established his home in Minnesota, whence he afterward removed to Iowa, settling in Sae county, where he east in his lot with the pioneer settlers. He took up his abode on Coon river, becoming a resident of Iowa in the early '60s. He afterward removed to the vieinity of Fonda, Pocahontas county, and took a helpful part in promoting the early development and upbuilding of that region. His aid and cooperation could always be counted upon to further plans and measures for the general good, and his name became associated with the material, intellectual and moral progress of his eommmity. He was one of the organizers of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church of that loeality, and his interest in church work proved a foreeful element in its advancement.
Frank A. Whitney received good educational opportunities. He supplemented his early training by a high-school course in Fonda and afterward pursued a commercial course in Valparaiso, Indiana. His initial step in the business world was made as a clerk in a grocery store at Pomeroy, where he remained until 1901, when he came to Somers and was made assistant eashier of the Somers Seeur- ity Bank. In 1911 this institution was incorporated under the name of the Somers Savings Bank. of which he became the cashier and also one of the stockholders and direetors. His business ability, his spirit of enterprise and his determination have been strong elements
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in advaneing the growth of this institution and establishing its busi- ness upon a sure foundation.
Mr. Whitney was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Moore, who was born in Calhoun county, Iowa, a daughter of Thomas F. and Minnie (Cheselie) Moore. In 1875 the father arrived in Calhoun eounty and engaged in farming in this county until his retirement from active business life. He still owns land in this part of the state, but makes his home in Somers, and he is also a stockholder and director of the bank. He has long been an active worker and earnest supporter of the Odd Fellows society, being identified with the sub- ordinate lodge, the encampment and the eanton. He was quite active as one of the organizers of the lodge at Somers and has done much to further the interests of the order. Mrs. Whitney is an only child and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter, Mary Franees.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitney hold membership in the Methodist church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested, and in social eireles she is likewise very prominent. Mr. Whitney has become a well-known leader in the local ranks of the republican party, his opinions carrying weight in its eouneils. He has served as one of the city aldermen and has done much in support of a pro- gressive administration that will work not only for the immediate but for the future good of the town. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been active in all three branches of that order. In a word, his influence is on the side of advancement and improvement and he indorses all those measures and principles which have to do with the material, intellectual, political, social and moral progress of the community.
REUBEN AND CHARLES M. STENNETT.
The gentlemen whose names introduce this review are successful farmers of Jackson township, their holdings comprising two hundred and twenty aeres on section 34. The former was born in Cass county, Michigan, December 23, 1859, while the birth of Charles M. Stennett occurred on a farm in Jackson township, Calhoun county, lowa, March 9. 1862. Their father, John Stennett, was born in Ayrshire. Scotland, in February, 1831, and in the year 1852 made his way to Canada, where, on the 1st of May, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Wilson, of Thurl, Canada. In 1854 they removed to
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Cass county, Michigan, where they spent the succeeding seven years, subsequently coming to Iowa and settling near Oxford Mills in Jones county. Later they removed to Calhoun county and located on a farm in Jackson township, upon which they resided for fifty-three years, the father there passing away March 30, 1913, when he had passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. The mother had preceded him in death. having departed this life in 1911, when she too had reached an advanced age. Four sons of the family survive. the broth- ers of Reuben and Charles M. being William, who makes his home in Lake City; and Frank, who resides on the old homestead.
Reuben and Charles M. Stennett were reared in mueh the usual manner of farm lads, assisting in the work of the fields during the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons they pur- sued their studies in the district school of the locality. They are now engaged in farming on two hundred and twenty aeres on section 34, Jackson township, which they have operated for the past seven years. They have made all the improvements on the farm, which inelude modern and substantial buildings, and the appearance of the place indicates the thrift of the owners. In addition to general farming they raise shorthorn eattle and Duroe Jersey hogs, and this brnach of their business is bringing them a substantial and gratifying return. The younger brother. Charles M., is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Lake City.
The last named gives his political support to the republican party, while Reuben Stennett supports the principles of democracy, and his 1.fraternal relations connect him with Lake City Lodge. I. O. O. F. The name Stennett is an old and honored one in Calhoun county, and the brothers whose names introduce this review fully sustain the repu- tation which , the family have ever enjoyed and deserve to be classed among the representative agriculturists of this seetion of the state.
JAMES HI. BRADT.
In several lines of business activity James H. Bradt has gained prominence and he is one of the best known citizens of Rockwell City. Ile began his independent career as a poor boy but is now one of the men of affluence in his localit'y and it is greatly to his eredit that his success is duc entirely to his `own efforts. In winning prosperity he has at all times adhered to th'e highest standard of business ethies.
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A native of the Empire state, Mr. Bradt was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, on the 29th of November, 1847, a son of James and Abbie (Vanderhoof) Bradt. His paternal grandfather, Anthony Bradt, was a lifelong resident of the state of New York and there followed agricultural pursuits. He was of Holland Duteh descent, as was the maternal grandfather, Gilbert Vanderhoof, who also lived in New York throughout his entire life. James Bradt was born in New York on the 7th of November, 1807, and was married in that state, June 14, 1837, to Miss Abbie Vanderhoof, who was born on the 1st of February, 1812, and was likewise a native of New York. In 1871 they emigrated to lowa and settled in Calhoun county, the father purchasing a farm in Lake Creek township, which he eon- tinned to eultivate until he retired from active life and removed to Rockwell City, where his demise occurred. He was a republican in polities and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was an upright, massuming man and was well liked by all who knew him. To him and his wife were born five children, three of whom survive, those besides James H. being: Daniel R., who is living retired in Kelly, Kansas; and Mrs. Sarah E. Smith, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
James H. Bradt first attended the common schools of New York in the acquirement of his education and was later a student in the Whitestown Seminary of Whitestown, that state. In 1870 he removed to Calhoun county. Iowa. and engaged in farming for ten years. At the end of that time he was elected county reeorder with- out even knowing that he had been nominated as a candidate, and he served in that office for four years. At the expiration of his term as recorder he engaged in the real-estate and abstract business. He still deals in real estate and also places farm loans for a number of life insurance companies. He understands conditions in the eommereial world and as he has an accurate knowledge of the worth of land in Calhoun eounty he has been very sueeessful in both branches of his business, and in faet has gained a comfortable fortune. He is also president of the First National Bank of Rockwell City, an institu- tion which is conservatively managed and which is in an exeellent financial condition. It is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars, its surplus and undivided profits total sixteen thousand, four hundred dollars, and its deposits aggregate more than three hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Bradt also started the summer resort at Twin Lakes and established the hotel there.
Mr. Bradt was married in December, 1899, to Miss Kate San- ford. of Vermont, and they have beeome the parents of four children.
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of whom two are living: Stella, the wife of J. F. Hutchison, of Rock- well City, who until recently was president of the Rockwell City Savings Bank; and Lois G., at home.
Mr. Bradt is a republican and does all in his power to secure the success of that party at the polls. He served as delegate from the Tenth Iowa District to the national convention of his party held in St. Louis when Mckinley was nominated, and for a number of years he was mayor of Rockwell City, proving a capable and upright offi- cial. He has also held other municipal offices and as a member of the school board has done a great deal to promote the welfare of the public-school system, in which he takes the deepest interest. He keeps well informed on all questions and issues that come before the people for settlement at the polls, and his opinion on any matter of public policy is listened to with respect. He and his wife are not members of any church, but the daughter Lois is identified with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bradt belongs to Twin Lakes Lodge, No. 478, A. F. & A. M., of Rockwell City; Cypress Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., of Lake City: Rose Croix Commandery, No. 38, K. T., of Sac City; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S., of Des Moines, and is a past master of the blue lodge. He is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His personal char- acter is such as to inspire confidence in his integrity, and in all rela- tions of life he has proved faithful to the trusts reposed in him. His energy and business acumen have enabled him to accumulate much of this world's goods, but he has at the same time gained the sincere respect and the goodwill of all who have been brought in contact with him and he is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of his community.
VINCENT P. McMANUS.
Vincent P. McManus is an able and successful attorney of Manson, where he has practiced his profession continuously during the past twelve years. His birth occurred in Guthrie county, Iowa. on the 8th of November, 1878, his parents being Michael L. and Anna ( Kerrigan) MeManus, the former born in Madison. Indiana. in 1840, and the latter in England in 1845. Their marriage was celebrated in Scott county, lowa. Michael L. MeManus came to Iowa in 1859. settling in Scott county, and devoted his attention to merchandising and farming throughout his active business career.
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Success attended his undertakings and he is now living retired at Adair, Iowa. During the period of the Civil war he served for three years and six months as a member of Company A, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, being wounded several times. He is independent in poli- ties and has held some minor offices, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, of which he is a devout communicant. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subjeet were natives of Ireland. To Michael L. and Anna ( Kerrigan) MeManus have been born eight children, as follows: Ella, who is the wife of a Mr. Walsh, a merchant of Adair, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of William Walsh, who is engaged in the real-estate business at Adair, Iowa; Theresa, who is the wife of a Mr. Brennan, an agriculturist residing at Coon Rapids, Iowa; John, a banker of Adair: Loretta, at home; Vincent P., of this review; Joseph, a physician and surgeon of Par- nell, Iowa; and Alice, the wife of Joseph Walsh, who is engaged in the real-estate business at Adair.
Vincent P. McManus was graduated from the high school of Adair in 1897, and subsequently pursued a law course in the Iowa State University, being graduated from that institution in 1900. He practiced at Winterset, Iowa, for two years and for one year at Pomeroy, this state, while in 1903 he came to Manson and has here since remained. His clientage is now large and of an important character and he practices in all the courts.
In 1907 Mr. MeManus was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Arm- strong, her father being Samuel Armstrong. a horse buyer of Win- terset, lowa. In his political views Mr. MeManus is a demoerat and he has served for one term as county attorney of Calhoun county, making a most commendable record in that connection. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. In all the relations of life in which he is found, whether social, professional or public, he has been true to high principles of manhood, and his salient characteristies are such as have won for him the honor, respect and goodwill of his fellowmen.
JOHN J. COADY.
A record of absolute eapability and faithfulness in office is that of John J. Coady, who for fifteen consecutive years has filled the position of county supervisor from Lake City. Equal fidelity and trustworthiness had he previously displayed in business connec-
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tions, and this he has manifested traits of character which may well be emulated by those who read his life history. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, July 19, 1861, a son of Michael and Mary (Conlin) Coady, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was born in County Mayo and died in Story county, Iowa, in the year 1872.
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