USA > Iowa > Fayette County > Past and present of Fayette County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 51
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ful and earnest labors have been abundantly rewarded, the present congrega- tion being numbered among the most prosperous in this section of the country.
Patrick S. O'Connor was born at Castlelack, near Bandon, county Cork, Ireland, January 21, 1863, and is a son of John and Ann (Hurley ) O'Connor. These parents, who were farming people and in fair financial circumstances, enjoyed the respect of the community and reared a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the oldest. Patrick S. was reared under the parental roof and received his elementary education in the local na- tional schools, which he attended until the age of fourteen years. He then studied classics in a private school at Bandon and later went to Skibbereen, in southwestern Ireland, to further pursue his classical studies. After nine months at Skibbereen, the Bandon Classical School was re-opened, and the subject pursued his studies there one and a half years longer. He then be- came a student in St. Finbarr's Diocesan College, Cork, where he graduated in the classical, literary and scientific courses. He had long previously de- termined to consecrate his life to the most sacred of callings-the ministry of his church-and to this end he entered the Theological Seminary of All Hallows, at Dublin, where the following four years were given to faithful and conscientious preparation. At the end of that period he was ordained priest and assigned to the diocese of Dubuque. After a vacation of eight weeks, he set sail from Queenstown September 14, 1889, and arrived at Dubuque, Iowa, September 22nd following. After a few weeks at Dubuque, Father O'Connor was appointed assistant at the Cathedral, under Archbishop Hennessey, where . he remained about a year. In October, 1890, Father O'Connor was ap- pointed the first resident priest at Oelwein, and has remained here ever since, his pastorate being remarkably successful in every way. When he came here the town had a population of less than a thousand persons and the Catholic church was a small structure, that would scarcely accommodate one hundred persons, while the ground now occupied by the church, school and parochial residence was a mere brush patch. However, the new pastor brought with him an enthusiasm and energy that augured well for the future and it was not many months before there were tangible evidences of the fruits of his labors. A year after his arrival a parochial residence was built, it being a large, well arranged and comfortable building, costing five thousand dollars. A year later the little church was superseded by a larger one, costing ap- proximately eight thousand dollars and located immediately north of the pa- rochial residence. This remained the church home of the congregation until July, 1908, when it was removed to First avenue, to make room for the mag- nificent building which is now in course of erection. The new church, which,
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when completed, will have cost fifty thousand dollars, has a fine, substantial stone foundation, and the iron work and girders of the first floor alone cost seven hundred dollars. When completed the building will be one hundred and thirty-five feet long, the transepts being thirty-two by seventy-five feet, and the building will seat one thousand persons comfortably and can accommo- date fourteen hundred. The building will be heated by steam, supplied by two boilers. The basement will be used for various purposes, a part being devoted to an auditorium seating four hundred persons, also a "work room" where the records, paraphernalia, etc., will be kept. There will also be toilet rooms and other accommodations in connection. It is the intention to install in the new building a library of at least two thousand volumes, which will be open to the use of all who may become members of the library association.
In 1904 the Sacred Heart school was erected on the church grounds, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. In this school, which has an average attendance of two hundred and sixty pupils, all grades are taught, from the lowest to the highest, the same standard of studies being maintained here as in the public schools. The school is free, being maintained by the generosity of the congregation. In connection therewith, there is also a musical direct- ress, who gives instruction in both vocal and instrumental music. The con- gregation of the Sacred Heart at Oelwein numbers nearly twelve hundred souls, being by far the largest Catholic church in Fayette county, and it has exerted a strong and beneficent influence in the community.
Father O'Connor possesses marked business and executive ability and his material accomplishments here have been recognized by his superiors in the church. A polished gentleman, possessing a warm heart, broad views and generous impulses, he has won many warm and loyal friends among all classes, who have not been slow in recognizing his personal worth. In the pulpit, Father O'Connor has shown great strength, being a forceful and effec- tive speaker and an able sermonizer. He has done great things in Oelwein and the future holds in promise still greater things for this congregation.
NELSON COBB SPENCER.
A name that is too well known in West Union and Fayette county to need extravagant comment here is that of Nelson Cobb Spencer, a man who has had the interests of his community at heart and, while advancing his individual interests. has labored to further the things that benefit the people in general,
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thereby winning their confidence and esteem; a man whose long career has been interesting, though devoid of much of the spectacular, and he has en- deavored to live his life in a manner that would not give offense to anyone.
Mr. Spencer was born in Portage, Livingston county, New York, September 23, 1839, and is the son of R. H. and Olivia (Cobb) Spencer. The father, who was a native of Rutland county, Vermont, came to Fayette county, Iowa, in 1855, buying land near West Union; it was wild and rough, but he improved it and placed it under cultivation-in fact, he devoted his life to farming. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was selected to repre- sent the people of his community on several occasions, but he preferred home life and spent most of his time on his farm. He was an Episcopalian, but there was no church of this denomination here. He was well known in this part of the county and was regarded as a fairly successful man of affairs, honest and neighborly. His death occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. The Spencer family were of old New England stock, which originated in Europe. When the family came to Union township, this county, they found a sparsely settled community and much undeveloped land, there being but one store in West Union.
Olivia Cobb was born in the Catskill mountains, New York, in which state she grew to maturity and married, and there her four children were born, namely : Laura Shannon, now deceased; Elizabeth Sheppard, who lives in Texas; Nelson C., of this review; Julia, deceased. The mother of these children died when sixty-five years of age. The Spencer family came to Fayette county, Iowa, in an immigrant wagon from Illinois.
Nelson C. Spencer was practically an invalid during his early boyhood and his schooling was interrupted, he having had scarlet fever. After com- ing to this county he assisted in clearing the home place and placing it in cultivation, this, the south part of the county, then being known as Patch Prairie. He remained at home until he was about twenty-seven years of age, when he started in life for himself, and he has never done anything but farm. When he attained the age mentioned above, he married Catherine Brewer, who was born at Porter Rock, Wisconsin, in October, 1846, her family having come to the Badger state from New York, and they came on to Fayette county, Iowa, about 1855, being among the well known early settlers here.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer : Fred died when eight years old; Gertrude married C. L. Chapman and lives in Union town- ship; Mabel married C. H. Hidinger and lives in West Union.
Mr. Spencer still lives on the place on which he located thirty-eight years ago; however, on account of his advanced years he rents out most of
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the place. He has been very successful as a general farmer. He has spent most of his married life on this farm, and he still owns a part of the old homestead. He has a neat and comfortable home about two and one-half miles from West Union in section 27, and he is regarded as one of the sub- stantial men of his community; in fact, he has done remarkably well con- sidering his opportunities, handicaps and the times. He has never taken any part in public life, having always been a home man. He is a well read man on all current events and is a good conversationalist, and well preserved for a man who has lived out the psalmist's allotted three score and ten. Mrs. Spencer is also hale and cheerful in her old age, and they are both highly esteemed in their community for their integrity, kindness, generosity and hospitality.
JAY COOK.
The subject of this sketch has worthily earned the proud American title of a self-made man in that he began without inheritance of wealth, present or prospective, without the assistance of influential friends, without any of the adventitious aids which tend to smooth the road to eminence; he was obliged to make his own way in the face of many obstacles and the notable success which he has achieved may well serve as an inspiration and incentive to young men who still look to the future for the maturing of their plans and for the reward of their efforts. He inherited from his ancestors a strong and healthy constitution, well balanced mental capacity and a frank and generous disposi- tion, not at all a poor endowment with which to overcome inhospitable en- vironment and make the most of such opportunities as he encountered during the formative period of life, when so much depends upon a proper disposition of time and circumstance. Every step in his progress has been the result of well defined purpose and his continued advancement is directly attributable to an inborn determination which no discouragement could check nor any ad- verse circumstance hinder. Few young men situated as he was in early life have accomplished so much in the same length of time and, as already indi- cated, it is with much satisfaction that the following brief outline of his career is herewith presented as an incentive to those whose capital, like his own, consists of a strong mind in a strong body with the ability and disposition to use both to the best advantage.
Henry Cook. father of the subject, was born December 5, 1805, in
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Hagerstown, Maryland, and traced his descent in a direct line from Francis Cook, of the sturdy Pilgrim Fathers who came to America in the "May- flower" and bore an active and influential part in the planting of the first English colony in the New World. The descendants of this pioneer became quite prominent in the affairs of the Plymouth colony and later the name ap- pears frequently in connection with the founding and subsequent growth of various other settlements of Massachusetts, one of the family, Lemuel Cook, great-grandfather of the subject, having served with a distinguished record in the Revolutionary war.
Matilda Cook, wife of Henry and mother of the subject, was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where she was born February 16, 1815; she too belonged to an old and highly esteemed family whose history in this country is very closely interwoven with the settlement and development of the county in which she first saw the light of day.
Jay Cook was born in Fayette county, Iowa, March II, 1857, and spent his early life on a farm in Illyria township, where, amid rugged surroundings and active duties, he grew to maturity, attending in the meantime the public schools of Wadena. The training thus received was afterwards supple- mented by a course in the Upper Iowa University and later he taught school and studied alternately until the spring of 1880, when he took up telegraphy and within less than a year had made sufficient advancement in the profession as to secure the position of operator and station agent on the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul railroad, which branch of service he continued for a period of nine years. Having early conceived a decided preference for the legal pro- fession, he severed his connection with the road at the expiration of the time indicated and entered the law department of the State University at Iowa City, graduating with honors in the class of 1891.
Mr. Cook immediately thereafter opened an office at Mason City, where, by diligence, tact and a deep interest in the business entrusted to him, he made substantial progress in his profession and gained worthy prestige among the rising young attorneys of the local bar. After success came there was no relaxation. He continued to be the untiring student, keeping himself in close touch with his profession, and as a result his business has continued to grow until he now ranks high at a bar long noted for the superior order of its legal talent, besides gaining considerable reputation among the leading lawyers in other than his immediate field of practice. After three years at Mason City, he removed, in the summer of 1894, to Oelwein, where he soon won recognition as a safe and reliable counsellor and successful practitioner and where he is still forging steadily to the front, his clientele at this time being
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quite extensive and numbering many of the wealthy and influential men of the city and county. Aside from his chosen calling, Mr. Cook takes an active interest in all efforts to promote the social and moral advancement of the community, and as a citizen is typically representative of that large and emi- nently respectable class to which the public looks for leadership in all that makes for the progress and permanence of the body politic.
During his childhood and youth Mr. Cook was quite popular among the young people of his community, and as he grew to manhood rose to a prom- inent place in social life, which position he still holds. Those who know him best are lavish in their praise of his many estimable qualities, the confidence reposed in him, professionally and otherwise, giving him a prestige and in- fluence such as few exert. Fraternally, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Mutual Benefit Association, in all of which orders he has been an active and prominent worker and to his efforts is due much of the success which the lodges enjoy.
On June 10, 1885, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Belle L. Smith, of Janesville, Wisconsin, who has borne him four children, Rollin J., Ethel B., Harold B. and Willard L., all living and affording their parents many fond hopes for the future. Like her husband, Mrs. Cook is well known in the social life of Oelwein and popular in the circles in which she moves.
CHARLES E. McALAVEY.
Each man to his occupation, and may he have that one in which he is con- tented, can do his work best, and make life comfortable with the monetary reward. The livery man has a business in some respects peculiar and adapted only to certain temperaments, but which seems to appeal to farmers, judging from the number of those who leave farming to follow this business. The livery business, like all others, has its agreeable and disagreeable sides. The livery man is necessarily more or less of a lover of horses and so the treatment which his horses receive at the hands of some of those who hire them must be disagreeable to him. Very useful he is, yet the traveling man and the young man. who used to be his best customers, are forsaking him for the automobile garage. To succeed he must possess a knowledge of horses, a knowledge of men, and must be a good manager above all else. Evidently Mr. McAlavey fills all of these requirements.
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Charles E. McAlavey was born in Fayette county, Iowa, October 28, 1858, the son of William and Catharine (Coleson) McAlavey, both natives of Pennsylvania who came to this county in 1855 and settled at Mill Grove, where she died in 1859, and he in October, 1892, aged seventy-six. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living. Mr. McAlavey was always a consistent Democrat.
Charles E. McAlavey was brought up on the farm and educated in the common schools. For some time he farmed, then engaged in the livery busi- ness, first at Norton Center, Kansas, then at Republican City, Nebraska, later at Sioux City, Iowa, then at Wadena, in this county, and has been in Cler- mont for three years.
In 1884 Mr. McAlavey married Minnie Lucas, a native of Ohio, daugh- ter of John and Ann ( Hagel) Lucas, who came to Fayette county at an early day, and here both died. His married life has been very pleasant, and has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, Pearl and Cassie.
Mr. McAlavey is a stanch Republican. He has won a reputation for the character of the horses and turn-outs which are kept in his stable. He is a man of many good points of character and one who is hailed as a good com- panion by many citizens of the county and passing travelers.
WILLIAM A. MAGNER.
One of West Union's enterprising and successful merchants is William A. Magner. He has been prominently identified with industrial enterprises of considerable scope and importance and the name which he bears has long been one which has stood for progressiveness. Owing to his business rela- tions with the people of Fayette county, and the high confidence in which he is held, it is imperative that he be accorded recognition in a publication of the province assigned to the one at hand.
Mr. Magner was born at Elkport, Clayton county, Iowa, March 23, 1868. the son of Stephen and Honora (Fitzgerald) Magner, both natives of county Cork, Ireland, and both born in the year 1830. They came to America when young and were married in Boston, Massachusetts. About 1855 they came to Elkport, Iowa, and lived in that town until 1883, when they moved to West Union and remained here four years. In 1887 they moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where they both died, the mother in 1903 and the father in 1905. Ten children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy and Robert died
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when seven years old. The living are, Edward, Anna, John, Thomas, Eliza- l'eth, Stephen and William A. Edward is a contractor in Dubuque ; Anna (Sister Mary Cyprian) is in a convent at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John is in the life insurance business at Spokane, Washington; Thomas is in the real estate business in Denver, Colorado; Elizabeth is a milliner in Dubuque; Stephen is engaged in the real estate business at Lorimer, Iowa.
The father, Stephen Magner, was a cabinetmaker and he followed that and carpentering throughout his productive years.
William A. Magner was educated in the Elkport and West Union public schools and when only a lad he decided to devote his life to the mercantile business, and when fourteen years of age he began clerking and for two years remained in the employ of John Owens, who conducted a general merchandise store. For four and one-half years he was employed in a like capacity with G. H. Thomas & Sons, during which time lie mastered the "ins and outs" of the business, then went on the road as a salesman of dry goods for a Chicago wholesale house, remaining with the same for a period of nine years, giving the utmost satisfaction and selling an enormous amount of goods. Then. returning to West Union to make his permanent home, he purchased a half interest in the large mercantile business of G. H. Thomas & Sons, being as- sociated with Ed. H. Thomas for six years, when he bought out his partner and has been alone ever since, having built up a large and increasing business, his customers coming from all parts of the county. This store has been in constant operation at its present site for over a half century and is one of the best known in this part of the state. Mr. Magner always carries a full and carefully selected stock of up-to-date goods and his store is neatly arranged in every detail. He carries dry goods, cloaks, ladies' and misses' shoes, etc. He has a natural genius for this line of business and has been very successful.
Mr. Magner is a Republican in politics and he has very ably and faithfully served in the council of the city of West Union for the past twelve years. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, as were his ancestors. Fra- ternally, he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Oelwein council.
On June 20, 1894, Mr. Magner was married to Helena Wonnenberg, daughter of Henry Wonnenberg and wife, a prominent family of West Union, and to this union two children have been born, Robert, born May 21. 1895. and Marian, the daughter, born April 24, 1899, who are both living at home.
Mr. Magner is emphatically a self-made man, having begun his life career without a dollar and he is now rated as one of the leading merchants of Fayette county. He employs regularly six people and in busy seasons
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fifteen or more. He is a very pleasant gentleman, generous, kind, courteous and straightforward and honest in all his relations with the world, consequent- ly he is deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
WILLIAM ALLEN DORLAND.
The gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection is a native and life-long resident of Fayette county and easily ranks among the enterprising business men and honored citizens of West Union, which city for a number of years has been his home. Daniel W. Dorland, the subject's father, was born at Ashland, Ohio, in 1828. He married, in his native state, Rachel D. Shaffer, whose birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and in the fall of 1851 this couple moved by team from Ashland, Ohio, to Fayette county, Iowa, there being but one house in West Union at the time of their arrival. They were among the earliest settlers of the county and spent the remainder of their days within its borders, the father dying May 15, 1904, after seeing the country developed from a wilderness into one of the finest and most progressive sections of the Hawkeye state.
D. W. Dorland and wife reared a family of ten children, whose names are as follows: George W., of Salt Lake, Utah; Anna, now Mrs. Robert Hansen, of Spencer, Iowa; William, subject of this review; Clara Alice, who married Ernest Barr, and died at Oelwein, this county; H. Lincoln, who died in 1898; James Franklin, of Basin, Montana; Edward Allison, whose home is in Minnesota ; Elizabeth May, a teacher in the public schools of Great Falls, Montana ; Eva, wife of Ed Cole, of Clay county, Iowa, and Della, who mar- ried Rufus Turner, and lives at Spencer, in the latter state.
William Allen Dorland was born in West Union, Iowa, December 25, 1856, and received his education in the public schools and Ainsworth Acad- emy. On attaining his majority he engaged in teaching, but after two years in the school room discontinued the profession and turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits, which he followed with varying success in his native county for a period of nineteen years. In 1897 he left the farm to engage in the real estate business and after conducting an office alone during the seven years ensuing, formed, in 1905, a partnership with H. T. Weed, the firm thus con- stituted lasting until 1909, building up a large and lucrative business the meanwhile in real estate, loans and insurance. The above partnership being dissolved in 1909, Mr. Dorland has been alone since that year and is now one
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of the leading real estate dealers in Fayette county, his patronage in the loan and insurance business also being extensive, far-reaching and steadily grow- ing in volume and importance.
Mr. Dorland is an enterprising, wide-awake man of progressive ideas and stands in the front rank of those whose business is similar to his own. He keeps in touch with the times on all matters of public interest and wields a strong influence for his party. At one time he was an aspirant for the office of sheriff, but failed to secure the nomination although strongly supported in the convention. He is a Master Mason, belonging to West Union Lodge No. 69, and is also indentified with the Modern Woodmen of America, being a charter member of Clermont Camp No. 3015.
On December 5, 1878, Mr. Dorland and Eva L. Skinner were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, the wife being a native of McHenry county, Illi- nois, and a daughter of Harvey and Anna Skinner. Mr. and Mrs. Dorland are the parents of children as follows: Blanche, for a number of years a popular teacher in the public schools, is now the wife of Luther Herrick, of Anaconda, Montana ; Max Allen, born in 1880, was graduated from the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri, since which time he has been practicing his profession at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Doris Atlanta, the youngest of the family, whose birth occurred in 1891, was graduated from the West Union high school in 1909 and is a young lady of intelligence and culture, with a bright and promising future.
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