USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
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tend to advance the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community, and as a representative of the farming interests of the county was very widely and favorably known. Mrs. Blair, who sur- vives her husband, belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps at Lake City and enjoys an extensive acquaintance throughout the commu- nity in which she has now resided for more than four decades. She maintains her home in Yetter but spends considerable of her time with her children.
FRANK P. HUFF.
Frank P. Huff, cashier of the First National Bank of Roekwell City, was born in Buchanan county, Iowa, June 21, 1867, a son of Elisha C. and Lueinda ( Pieree) Huff. The father was born in Bed- ford county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and the mother in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1836, and their marriage oeeurred in the latter state, to which the father removed in early manhood. About 1866 they emigrated westward, loeating in Buchanan county, Iowa, where the father followed the wagonmaker's trade and also engaged in the lumber business. He was a republican in polities and held member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church. He passed away in 1900 and his wife died in 1890. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living, those aside from our subjeet being: Esther, who married Henry C. Unbehaun, a hardware merchant in Buchanan county; Sarah, the wife of John C. Kershner, who resides in Bu- ehanan county; Mrs. Emma Riseley, whose husband is postmaster at Rockwell City; and C. A., a successful merchant of Roekwell City. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Isaac Huff, a native of Pennsylvania, who served in the Union army during the Civil war. The family is of German deseent. The maternal grandfather, Arzel Pieree, was born in New England but became a resident of Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits and where his demise oeeurred.
Frank P. Huff was edueated in the publie sehools and when eighteen years of age was a clerk in the county treasurer's office. Hle was subsequently for a time employed in the auditor's office, after which he entered the Farmers Bank. He was rapidly advaneed and in a comparatively short time became cashier of that institution. In 1889 he became connected with the First National Bank of Rockwell City, being made its vice president at its organization. In November
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of the same year he became cashier of the institution and has since served in that capacity, proving capable in handling the routine work of the institution and prudent in deciding the questions that come up concerning the policy of the bank. He is at once conservative and progressive, safeguarding fully the interests of the depositors and at the same time earning good dividends for the stockholders. Lle owns stock in all three banks of Rockwell City and is a director in both the Savings Bank and the First National. He also owns an excellent farm and holds title to considerable city real estate.
In 1888 occurred the marriage of Mr. Huff and Miss Clara Gregg. of Rockwell City. They had six children: Grace, now the wife of E. M. Corwin, who is farming near Waseca, Minnesota; Harry, who is taking his third year in the business course of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania; Irene, who is attending school in Cedar Falls: Clara, at home: and Frank, Jr., and Clarence, both in school. The wife and mother died in October, 1903. She was a devout mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and was held in warm regard by those who knew her. In March, 1909, Mr. Huff married Miss Charlotte Bacon, of Waterloo, who was born and reared in the state of New York. She held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and her demise occurred in 1912.
Mr. Hoff is a republican, has served on the town council and was for years town treasurer, and he has likewise been school treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonie blue lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is an active factor in the advance- ment of his community along many lines, as he co-operates in move- ments seeking the public welfare, and his interest in the general good has added to the respect in which he is held. He is also recognized as a bank official of ability and integrity, and his personal characteristics are such that he has the warm friendship of many. When he began his business career he was without capital but he has now gained a substantial measure of material success.
ROLLIN BURCH.
Rollin Burch was born April 10, 1836. on a farm near Westfield, New York, that was settled by his grandfather, Jonathan Burch, in 1813, a farm afterward owned by his father, Oliver W. Burch and now the property of his brother Hiram Burch. He was one of nine brothers and sisters. six of whom are still living. His great-grand-
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY 51
father on the side of both his parents served in the Revolutionary war, and on the side of his mother, he is a descendant of one who came to this country on the Mayflower. He obtained his education in the common schools with the exception of two terms in the Westfield Academy. His mother, Mary Sprague Tower, died in 1851 when he was only fourteen years of age. His father attained the ripe old age of eighty-two years.
Upon becoming of age Rollin Burch removed to St. Clair county, Michigan, where he lived for two years, and then went to Linn county, Iowa, in 1859. Ile taught school there until August 19, 1861, when he enlisted as a private soldier in Company D. Eighth Iowa Regi- ment of Volunteer Infantry. He was captured at the battle of Shi- Ich and remained a prisoner for about seventy days. Later he served under General Grant in the Vicksburg campaign and at the expira- tion of his first term, re-enlisted January 10, 1864, at Pocahontas, Tennessee. He was promoted to corporal and later was made ser- geant, and served in all for four years and seven months, being mus- tered out at Selma, Alabama, on the 23d of April, 1866.
In October of that year Mr. Burch came to Calhoun county, Iowa. and settled on a farm six miles west of Lake City. This was in the truly pioneer days of the county, and as assessor of Jackson township, he traveled over the four western townships of the county, for it was all known as Jackson township at that time. In 1874 he removed with his family. to a farm five miles southeast of the present site of Rockwell City, which town had not yet been founded. For some years thereafter it was necessary to haul coal for fuel from the Des Moines river, a distance of about thirty miles.
Mr. Burch was one of the charter members of Opedyke Post, No. 261, G. A. R., and took an active interest in the work of that patriotic organization. His politieal allegiance was with the repub- lican party. Though not a member of any denomination he believed the teachings of a universal religion. In 1879 to 1881 he served the county on the board of supervisors and in the autumn of 1881 was elected treasurer of the county, a position which he filled for four years. Without asking for a third term, he then retired to a farm one mile south of Rockwell City, which continued to be his home un- til his demise, which occurred March 20, 1915, when he was nearly seventy-nine years of age.
Mr. Burch was married May 1, 1867, at Westfield, New York, to Miss Esther C. Hulbert, who is still living. She was born October 20. 1842, the daughter of Caleb A. and Catharine ( Brown) Hulbert. who never resided west of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Burch were
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the parents of three sons: Guy W., born May 30, 1868, married Miss Julia Michaels in September, 1905, and is living on the home farm near Roekwell City. They have no children. Edwin W., born November 5, 1869, has resided in Rockwell City continuously sinee 1881. Ile was married June 30, 1897, to Miss Lillian Longhhead, and to them have been born two sons and one daughter. Denton L., who has been living in Port Arthur, Texas, for several years, mar- ried Miss Nettie Light in 1907, and to them have been born one son and one daughter.
Mrs. Rollin Burch is one who takes an interest in everything for the good of the community and for one of her age is very active. She is a charter member of the Baptist church, the Woman's Relief Corps and the local Pioneer Club, and she has ever been faithful in attending the meetings of these and kindred organizations. Few families there are who have lived in Calhoun county for practically a half century, and the Bureh family surely take their places among the really "old settlers."
HERMAN ARNDT.
Herman Arndt, living on section 20, Elm Grove township, is bus- ily engaged in the operation of a farm comprising one hundred and sixty aeres of rich and productive land. His birth occurred in Coon Valley township, Sae county, Iowa, on the 5th of November. 1881, his parents being Fred and Caroline ( Kussman) Arndt, both of whom were natives of Prussia, the former born August 13, 1842, and the latter January 16, 1856. Emigrating to the United States, Fred Arndt first took up his abode in Black Hawk county and subse- quently established his home in Sae county, Iowa. His wife passed away in March, 1913.
IIerman Arndt acquired his education in the schools of his native county and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the fields until past twenty-four years of age, when he was married and began operating the farm of his father-in-law in Elm Grove township, Calhoun county, having cultivated this prop- erty continuously since. He carries on his farming interests in accord with the most practical and progressive methods of agriculture and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
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On the 21st of February, 1906, Mr. Arndt was united in mar- riage to Miss Ida Rieman, a daughter of John and Mary ( Reuder) Rieman, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work. To them have been born three children, namely : Arvilla, whose natal day was June 14, 1908; Frances, whose birth occurred February 24, 1911: and Marcella, born May 14, 1915.
Mr. Arndt gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. A progressive and public-spirited young citizen, he assists in all worthy movements which have for their purpose the promotion of the perma- nent interests of the neighborhood.
ALFRED F. DEAN.
Alfred F. Dean is now the president of the Rockwell City Sav- ings Bank and also gives some attention to the conduct of a real- estate business. He has other important interests in Calhoun county and is one of the men of affluence of his city, where his business acumen and integrity are generally recognized. He was born in Clinton county. Iowa, on the 20th day of January, 1867, and is a son of Horace F. and Electa ( Pelham) Dean. both of whom were born in the state of New York. the father in 1839 and the mother in 1844. Both are now deceased. the former dying in 1910 and the lat- ter in 1905. They were married in Clinton county, Iowa, where the father owned a valuable farm. Ile removed to that county in 1859 and remained there until 1872, when he went with his family to Car- roll county. Some time before his death he took up his residence in Dunlap and there passed away. He was successful in business and was well and favorably known in his community. During the Civil war he served for three years as a member of the Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and was a color bearer. He was twiee wounded. Ile held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and in the Masonic order, and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born nine children, of whom six survive: Frank, a druggist of Idaho; Alfred F .: Jessie, who married E. II. Barrett, a banker of Omaha, Nebraska; Daisy, the wife of M. L. Barrett, an attorney located at Logan: Horace, who is engaged in the produce business in Terril, Iowa; and Baron, who is in a drug store in Los Angeles, California.
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Alfred F. Dean was edneated in the publie schools of Westside, Crawford county, Iowa, and after putting aside his textbooks found employment in a drug store. At length he became the owner of a drug store and upon removing to Roekwell City established himself in the drug business here. After conducting business for thirteen years he sold out in November, 1904, and turned his attention to real estate. He owned a large amount of land personally and dealt in land in various parts of the state of Iowa, negotiating many important realty transactions. He prospered financially and in March, 1915, purchased a heavy interest in the Roekwell City Savings Bank, of which he is now president. He still deals in real estate to some extent and personally owns eight hundred aeres of excellent land. He is also a director in the First National Bank and for years owned the city light plant. He is a prominent factor in local commercial and financial cireles. He has made the greater part of his money sinee coming to Rockwell City and his success is due altogether to his own enterprise and excellent judgment.
Mr. Dean was married in 1893 to Miss Clara Harris, of Westside, and they have one son, Ceeil, who is now a junior in Grinnell College. Mr. Dean is a republican in politics but has never desired publie office. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonie blue lodge and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. For many years he was secretary of the Business Men's Association and his life has always been characterized by public spirit and a readiness to place the general welfare above his individual interests. He is widely and favorably known throughout Calhoun county and there are many who hold him in warm regard.
EDWARD CYRUS CLARK.
Edward Cyrus Clark is successfully engaged in business at Jol- ley as the proprietor of a garage and is an extensive stoek buyer. His birth occurred on a farm on seetion 20, Sherman township, this county, February 28, 1871, his parents being Cyrus H. and Sarah A. (Chase) Clark, who were natives of New Hampshire and Massa- chusetts respectively. The father worked as a shoemaker in the east until the fall of 1868, when he eame west to Iowa and for one year resided in Keokuk county. He then made his way to Des Moines and from that place drove through to Calhoun county. locating on a homestead at the head of Twin Lakes, on seetion 20, Sherman town-
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ship. He erected a sod house on the property and during the early days of his residence here underwent many hardships and privations incident to life in an undeveloped and sparsely settled district. Sub- sequently he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional pur- chase and in 1874 leased the place and removed to Pomeroy, where he conducted a hotel for two or three years. He then returned to his farm, operating the same until 1882, when he disposed of the prop- erty and bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land in Twin Lakes township that is now in possession of George Ritz. On that place he made a number of improvements but disposed of it in 1891, having in 1888 purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty- five aeres adjoining his first farm. In the spring of 1891 he turned over the management of the latter place to his son and during the following two years lived retired in Pomeroy but on the expiration of that period returned to his farm and erected thereon a residence in which he made his home, leasing his land, however, until his wife passed away on the 4th of February, 1894, when fifty-eight years of age. During the remainder of his life he made his home among his children except during the winter seasons, which he spent in Florida. His demise occurred at the home of a son in Linden, Iowa, Septem- ber 9, 1906, when he had attained the age of seventy-six years. To him and his wife, who was a devoted member of the Methodist church, were born six sons, as follows: George E., who is engaged in the real-estate business at Garwin, Tama county, Iowa: Charles A., liv- ing in Redfield, Iowa, who served as county recorder for four years; Arthur I., who follows farming in Dallas county, this state; Bert W., an agriculturist of Clay county, Minnesota; Edward C., of this review; and William, who is engaged in the harness business at Gar- win, Iowa.
Edward C. Clark acquired his education in the district schools and remained on the home farm until his father put aside the work of the fields. When twenty years of age he spent six or eight months learning the butehering business in Dallas county and then opened the first meat market in Jolley, Calhoun county, successfully eon- ducting the establishment for a time. After selling out he was engaged in the hardware business in Tama county, Iowa, for three years and subsequently conducted mercantile enterprises at different places until 1909, also dealing in land in Minnesota and Missouri and devoting some attention to live-stock interests. In 1909 he returned to Jolley and during the years 1910 and 1911 operated the Farmers Elevator. He then purchasd an elevator here. He also owned a livery barn, which he rented. Both were wrecked by a Vol. IT-4
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cyclone and in 1914 he built a garage from the lumber which was left, having conducted this with excellent success to the present time. His activities as a stockman also materially augment his income, for he is extensively engaged in buying and shipping cattle and hogs.
In 1899 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Speiss, a native of this county, by whom he had four children, namely: one who died in infaney; and Lorraine W., Paul H. and Geraldine, all at home.
Mr. Clark gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has done able service for his fellow townsmen as a member of the council and of the school board. He enjoys an enviable reputation as a substantial and representative citizen of the community and both he and his wife have an extensive circle of friends within the borders of their native county.
GEORGE W. GEHRT.
George W. Gehrt, a retired citizen of Pomeroy, was long and actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Calhoun county and is still the owner of two hundred and eighty aeres of valuable land in Sherman township. His birth occurred in Stark county, Illinois, on the 11th of October, 1869, his parents being Chris- tian and Anna (Westensy) Gehrt. The father, born in Saxony, Ger- many, February 13, 1844, emigrated to the United States when a youth of eighteen years and took up his abode in Stark county, Illi- nois, where he secured employment by the month as a farm hand. Subsequently he cultivated rented land and at the end of eleven years' residence in Stark county removed to Champaign county, Illi- nois, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres. Later he extended the boundaries of his place by an additional purchase of one hundred and twenty acres and made many substantial improvements on the property, there carrying on general farming and stock-raising for ahout twenty-five years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the farm and came to Pomeroy, investing in lands in Butler and Sherman townships and spending the remainder of his life in honor- able retirement. When he passed away on the 15th of January, 1912, the community mourned the loss of one of its substantial and esteemed citizens. At the polls he supported the men and measures of the republican party, and his religious faith was that of the German Lutheran church. It was in Peoria county, Illinois, that he wedded
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Miss Anna Westensy, who was born in New York and has accom- panied her parents on their removal to that county in girlhood. She passed away May 31, 1900, in the faith of the German Lutheran church.
George W. Gehrt was reared to manhood on the home farm and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. Fol- lowing his marriage he started out as an agriculturist on his own account by cultivating rented land, thus operating his uncle's farm for eight years. Subsequently he rented his father's place until 1902 and then came to Calhoun county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Sherman township which he cultivated successfully until 1912, when he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in Pomeroy. He is still interested in stock-raising to some extent, however, and yet owns his farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which lies near Pomeroy and is excel- lently improved, the land being worth two hundred dollars an acre.
On the 8th of March, 1893, Mr. Gehrt was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Finch, who was born in Livingston county, Illinois, March 7, 1875, and was reared and educated in Livingston and Cham- paign counties. To them have been born two children, namely : Elmer Harley, who died in infancy; and Zella Estella, who is attending school.
In his political views Mr. Gehrt is a stanch republican and he has held the office of road commissioner, and is now street commissioner of Pomeroy. ITis fraternal relations are with Lodge No. 180 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Pomeroy, Camp No. 1447 of the Modern Woodmen of America at Pomeroy and the Royal Neighbors, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the leading agriculturists and respected citizens of Calhoun county.
JOHN FRANKLIN DALTON.
John Franklin Dalton, proprietor and editor of the Manson Democrat, has gained high standing in journalistic circles of west- ern Iowa and the fact that his paper, which is democratic in politics, has the largest circulation of any paper in the republican county of
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Calhoun is proof of its excellence. Its editorial poliey is broad and progressive and it has always been found in the front rank of all movements seeking the community advancement.
Mr. Dalton was born in Randall township, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, October 22, 1870, and is the only living son of John Loftus and Margaret ( Boyle) Dalton. His parents both beeame residents of Kenosha county in childhood and there grew to maturity. They continued to reside in that county until May, 1875, when they removed to Calhoun county, Iowa, and located on a farm near Pon- croy. John L. Dalton died in 1908 but his wife is still living and now resides in the town of Pomeroy. Although he was a native of Ballyhannus, County Mayo, Ireland, practically his entire life was passed in this eountry, as he was but twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. As he was born on the 10th of May, 1841, he was in the strength of his early manhood when the Civil war broke out and he went to the defense of the Union, serving on the Federal gunboat, Ouichita, on the Mississippi river. ITis wife was born in Racine, Wiseonsin, on the 19th of April. 1847. but was also of Irish stoek, as her parents were both natives of County Roseommon, Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. John L. Dalton were born four children: Joseph, who died in infaney: Aliee Winnifred, the wife of Thomas O'Boyle, of Clare: Florence Teresa, who married Edward J. Masterson, of Barnesville, Minnesota; and John Frank- lin, of this review.
The last named remained upon the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age and acquired his education in the public schools. In his early manhood he engaged in teaching school through the winter months for four years and during the summers worked on the farm with his father. In July, 1892, he became half owner of the Demoerat of Manson and on the 1st of December of that year purchased the interest of his partner, T. B. Lemoin. Sinee that time Mr. Dalton has published the paper alone and it has grown steadily in circulation and in influence. Its news columns are reliable and give a full aecount of the happenings of local interest, while its edi- torials are recognized as a force in the promotion of the community advancement. The Democrat now has the largest circulation of any paper published in Calhoun county. Mr. Dalton ean well take pride in the success which his paper has gained from both the journalistic and financial viewpoints. The printing plant is excellently equipped. In addition to publishing the Demoerat Mr. Dalton makes a spe- cialty of art calendars and other printed advertising novelties and his business in those lines has now reached quite large proportions.
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On the 12th of October. 1892. occurred the marriage of Mr. Dal- ton and Miss Lillian Ellen Ford, a daughter of Walter and Mary Ford. of Lizard township, Pocahontas county, of which her father was one of the earliest settlers. Her parents were both born in County Galway. Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Dalton have been born eight children: John Ford, twenty-one years of age, who is postmas- ter of Manson and the youngest postmaster in his class in the United States: Mary Florence; Lillian Margaret; Alice Rosalia: Walter Joseph: Charlotte Catherine: Florence Cecilia; and Dorothy Isabella.
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