USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 33
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One of this great number is James Boyle, farmer, of Kellogg, Jasper county, whose birth occurred in county Sligo, Ireland, December 25, 1848. He is the son of Patrick and Alice ( Fitzpatrick) Boyle, both born in county . Sligo, the father in 1820 and the mother in 1803. The father spent his entire life in his native country, dying in 1860 at the age of forty years; the mother came to America and her death occurred in Davenport, Iowa, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. For many years Patrick Boyle was a professor of various schools in Ireland, being a highly educated man and of excellent char- acteristics. His wife was a remarkable woman in many respects. There were
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seven children in their family, four sons and three daughters, namely : Mich -. ael, John, Patrick, James (of this review), Maggie, Kate and Mariah.
James Boyle was ten years old when he emigrated to America. He re- mained in New York City until 1866, when he came west and secured em- ployment as foreman on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, on which he worked for a period of thirty-nine years in the same capacity, being re- garded by the officials as one of the most efficient and faithful employes. Finally tiring of railroading, he purchased his present farm of sixty acres in sections 26 and 27, Kellogg township, Jasper county. This land was bought by him in 1903, but he did not turn his attention to active farming until 1905, and since then he has devoted his attention exclusively to his place which, under his able management, is yielding abundant harvests. He maintains his dwelling in the town of Kellogg.
Mr. Boyle was married in 1875 to Anna McGuire, who was born in New York City in 1858, the daughter of Patrick McGuire, who was born in Done- gal, Ireland, in 1828, and who died some ten years ago at the age of seventy- two years. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyle, four sons and one daughter, namely : Earl, Jay, Charles, Harry and Bessie. 1
Politically, Mr. Boyle is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic order and Woodmen lodge. He is a worthy member of the Catholic church.
BENJAMIN LUFKIN.
The record of an honorable, upright life is always read with interest, and it better perpetuates the name and fame of the subject than does a monu- ment, seen by few and soon crumbling into dust beneath the relentless hand of time. So far the record of Benjamin Lufkin, one of Jasper county's pro- gressive citizens, has been of such a consistent nature as to give him a lasting good name among those with whom he has come into contact.
Mr. Lufkin was born in Lynn Grove, this county, November 7, 1860, and he is the son of William and Nancy (Adams) Lufkin, an old and highly honored family who were prominent here in the days of the early settlement of the county, the father having been a native of Freeport, Maine, and the mother was born in New Jersey. They left their far eastern homes when young and came to Jasper county, Iowa, where they were married. William Lufkin, in early life, was a ship's cabinet-maker, working on the interior finish of ocean vessels, and, being very skilled, his services were in great demand. After coming to Iowa he turned his attention to farming, at which he was very
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successful, becoming the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Elk Creek township and he was one of the leading citizens of that locality for many years, his death occurring on December 31, 1881, when fifty-seven years of age. The mother died when their son, Benjamin, was but a small child. It was in 1857 that William Lufkin came to Jasper county, Iowa, and, as inti- mated, he soon became one of the stalwart citizens of the community, taking an abiding interest in the great advancement of his day. As a young man he made several trips to the West Indies as an ordinary sailor, and it was very interesting to listen to his reminiscences of such voyages. He became well-to- do in later life, owning at one time a considerable interest in the Jasper County Bank. There were but three children in his family, Benjamin, of this review; William, who died in infancy, and a sister, Eva, who also died in infancy.
After receiving a good common school education, gained by alternating schooling with work on the home farm, Benjamin Lufkin, in the spring of 1882, began working for himself by renting a farm for a year, after which he purchased a place. He worked almost unceasingly, and by energy, thrift and economy became the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under excellent improvements and a high state of cul- tivation and which is considered one of the best farm's in the vicinity of Reas- nor, Palo Alto township, besides which he has other interests of considerable magnitude. He has a beautifully located and neatly kept home, which is presided over by a lady of fine qualities, known in her maidenhood as Joanna Robinson, with whom Mr. Lufkin was united in marriage on December 10, 1882. She is the daughter of S. D. and Ann (Robinson) Robinson, both natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Iowa as young people and were married in Henry county and took up farming for a life work. Mrs. Lufkin has two brothers and one sister living, William and Charles Robin- son are farming in Jasper county ; Mrs. Elizabeth Pumroy, widow of Milton Pumroy, resides in Reasnor.
One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lufkin, William, whose birth occurred August 30, 1883, and who resides upon the place where he was born. He married Florence Rater, and they have one child, Omer, a sturdy little fellow of three years.
Fraternally, Mr. Lufkin is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and he has been manager of the local lodge for seven years, but at present does not hold that position. He is well known all over the county and is a man of high ideals and upright principles. He has traveled considerably over the United States and has a fund of practical information, having always been a keen observer and a wide reader.
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FRED ALLAN.
In looking over the records of Jasper county farmers we find none who furnish a worthier example of the wide application of sound business princi- ples and safe conservatism than Fred Allan, of Independence township. The story of his success is not long nor does it contain any exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most valuable secrets of the prosperity which it records; his career is replete with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in drama- tic action, it being the record of a life consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular.
Fred Allan was born in the township where he still resides on August 20, 1877, and here he grew to manhood, was educated and has spent his life en- gaged in. agricultural pursuits. He is the son of James and Joan (Davidson) Allan, the father born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1835, and she was also a native of Scotland. They emigrated to America in early life and settled in Jasper county and they are still living on the home farm in Independence township. Their family consisted of eleven children, seven of whom are living, named as follows: John, born July 7, 1861, is residing on the home farm in Independence township; Mrs. Margaret Yule lives in Newcastle, Colorado; Mrs. Charles Davey lives in Baxter; William lives in Seattle, Washington; Charles lives in Newcastle, Colorado; Fred, of this sketch; Mrs. Jessie Cool, born January 22, 1885, lives in Baxter, Iowa. Four children died in early childhood. The elder ones were born in Scotland, and all were reared in Independence township.
Fred Allan was married on January 29, 1902, to Leota Cool, who was born in this township, August 12, 1880, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education, having graduated from the Baxter high school with the class of 1899. She is the daughter of Peter J. and Lusina B. (Stone) Cool. Her father came with his parents to Jasper county in 1853, when a year old, his birth having occurred in Freeport, Illinois, July 1, 1852, thus being among the early settlers of this county; Mrs. Allan's mother was born in Wisconsin, June 16, 1860, and came here when young. These parents reside in a com- fortable home in the town of Baxter, Jasper county.
There were six children in the Cool family, all of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Agnes Workman, born December 15, 1878, lives in Baxter; Leota, wife of Mr. Allan, of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Goodwin, born January 27. 1882, lives in Independence township; Mrs. Winnifred Curyea, born De- cember 16, 1883, lives in Parker, South Dakota: Mrs. Alphone Gallagher,
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born August 2, 1887, lives at home; Mrs. Ethel Dodd, born November 30, 1891, of Eden township, Marshall county, Iowa. All these children were born and reared in Jasper county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Allan has been born one son, Arnold Alphond, whose birth occurred on August 2, 1910.
Politically, Mr. Allan is a Democrat and his wife is a member of the Congregational church at Baxter. He belongs to Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, at Baxter, while she is a member of Temple No. 202, Pythian Sisters.
Mr. Allan is the owner of eighty-five acres of good land in Independence township, and he tills seventy-five acres in addition to this. He has a good farm, well improved and he carries on general farming and stock raising suc- cessfully. He has good live stock, and his home is a new, commodious and nicely furnished one, surrounded by excellent outbuildings. They are promi- nent in the social life of the community and are well known over this part of the county, having spent their lives here and each representing sterling old families. They have worked hard, been economical and managed well so that they are now very comfortably established.
THOMAS HELMING.
Life is pleasant to live when we know how to make the most of it. Some people start on their careers as if they had weights on their souls, or were afraid to make the necessary effort to live up to a high standard. Others, by not making a proper study of the conditions of existence, or by not having the best of all trainers, good parents, are side-tracked at the outset and never seem thereafter to be able to get back again on the main track. Much depends on the start, just as it does in a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being equal, will almost invariably win the race. So in the race of life ; if you are properly started with suitable grooming, such as good edu- cational and home training, you will lead in the race in after years and enjoy your existence. Such home influences were thrown around Thomas Helming, well known contractor of Baxter, Jasper county. Both father and mother were people of sound principles and exemplary habits and at their deaths, a number of years ago, there was no word of reproach spoken by any one, and they left a name revered by all their many friends.
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Thomas Helming was born in Waukon, Allamakee county, Iowa, Octo- ber 7, 1865. He is the son of Conrad and Wilhelmina Helming, both born in Germany, the father in the province of Lippe-Detmold, and there they spent their early lives, emigrating to America in the year 1842, and established a .good home in Allamakee county, Iowa, in the early days, and there they both died, the father at the age of seventy-four years. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Fred, de- ceased ; George lives at Alexandria, Minnesota; John lives in Chicago; Thomas of this sketch; Frederick and Albert are both deceased. These children were born and reared in Allamakee county.
Thomas Helming grew to manhood in Allamakee and Dubuque counties, being reared on the farm, and he received his education in the common schools. Upon leaving the farm he engaged in the implement business in Baxter for a period of four years, enjoying a good trade. In 1893 he moved to Jasper county and has since resided here. He engaged in the lumber business in the town of Baxter for a period of six years. He gave up this line of endeavor in 1899 and took up the implement business again, which he continued for five years. He is at present engaged as a contracting mason and bricklayer in Baxter and is kept busy with numerous big jobs.
Mr. Helming understands thoroughly every phase of the work in which he is now engaged and, being an honest, conscientious contractor, he has all the work be can do in all seasons.
The subject was married on December 6, 1889. to Ida Hager, who was born in Allamakee county, this state, October 17, 1867, and there she grew to womanhood and received her education. She is the daughter of Simon and Minnie (Krampe) Hager, both natives of Germany, the father born on July 7, 1835, and the mother in July, 1848. There they spent their earlier years, finally emigrating to Allamakee county, Iowa, where they established a good home and there the father is still living, the mother having died on May 4, 1900. They became the parents of ten children, named as follows, and all living in 1912: William lives in Waukon, Iowa; Mrs. Ida Helming lives in Baxter; Mrs. Mary M. Kanne lives in Malaka township, this county ; Mrs. Sophia Flage lives in Allamakee county ; Mrs. Minnie Toney lives in Waukon, Iowa ; Mrs. Sarah Bauercamper lives in Allamakee county; Mrs. Meta Krei- ger, of Allamakee county; Lizzie lives on the old home place in Allamakee county, on which Albert also lives; Mrs. Ella Ernst, wife of Rev. Ernst, of St. Paul, Minnesota. These children were all born and reared in Allamakee county.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Helming has been born one son, Arthur Benjamin, whose birth occurred in Allamakee county on August 31, 1892. He com- pleted the high school at Baxter with the class of 1906, then attended Drake University at Des Moines for two terms. He is at present engaged as clerk in the Baxter Mercantile Company's store at Baxter, and is a young man of much promise.
Politically, Mr. Helming is a Republican, but while he has always been interested in the progress of his community along all lines he has never been an aspirant for public favors. Fraternally, he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Baxter, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Waukon, Iowa.
Mr. Helming has a pleasant and well furnished home in Baxter, which he keeps well supplied with good literature.
CALVIN NOAH.
In the history of Jasper county as applying to business affairs, the name of Calvin Noah, well known hardware merchant of Baxter, occupies a conspicu- ous place, for through a number of years he has been one of the representative men of affairs-progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Noah they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well directed efforts, and while he has benefited himself and community in a material way he has also been an influential factor in the educational, political and moral uplift of the community.
Mr. Noah was born in Jasper county, Iowa, on March 31, 1877. He is the son of Henry and Frederika (Schuenelle) Noah. both residing in Baxter, where the father is one of the proprietors of the Baxter Roller Mills. He was born in Germany in 1847 and there grew to manhood. He was twenty years old when he emigrated to America, and his first place of residence here was in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where he remained six years, then came to' Jasper county, Iowa, and engaged in farming in Malaka township for a period of twenty-seven years. Leaving the farm in July, 1902, he entered the flour mill at Baxter in partnership with August Hager, and they have built up an extensive business. Henry Noah was married in 1873 to Frederika Schue- nelle, who was born in Wisconsin, on February 25, 1849, daughter of Fred- erick and Frederika (Bodkin) Schuenelle, natives of Germany, both emigrat- ing to this country and spending the rest of their lives here. Thirteen children
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were born to Henry Noah and wife, namely: Lydia, Clara, Anna, Selma, Calvin, Alma, Elvina, John, Rosa, Mrs. Nancy Raridon and Meta.
Calvin Noah grew to manhood in Jasper county and was educated in the public schools here. He assisted his father with the farm work until he reached his majority. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed two years, then worked in the mill at Baxter. In 1906 he became a partner in the hardware and furniture business in Baxter, and on March I, 19II, he became sole proprietor of the store. He is handling both lines in a very successful manner, enjoying an extensive and ever growing trade with the surrounding country, carrying one of the largest and most up-to-date stocks in these lines to be found in the county. By industry and close attention to de- tails he has met with a large measure of success and has secured a competency.
Mr. Noah was married on March 29, 1910, to Charlotta Wintermier, who was born in Jasper county, Iowa, on April 16, 1883. She grew to womanhood and received her education here. She is the daughter of Louis, Sr., and Lottie (Miller) Wintermier, both natives of Germany, where they spent their early years, finally emigrating to America and locating in Jasper county, where they prospered in agricultural pursuits. They are now residing in a comfortable home in Baxter. Their family consisted of seven children, three of whom are living, namely: Louis, of Independence township; Mrs. Lena Kruse lives in Malaka township; and Charlotta, wife of Mr. Noah, of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Noah are members of the German Reformed church.
W. T. THORP.
Among the men of Jasper county who have appreciated present-day op- portunities and have profited by their ingenuity and perseverance in the business world as a result of the favorable conditions existing in this locality is W. T. Thorp, well known and extensive grain dealer of Baxter, Independence town- ship. Although the major part of his busy and useful life has been spent in localities other than this, since coming here he has made a host of friends by his industry, his honest dealings and his manifest desire to assist in all worthy public movements.
Mr. Thorp was born in Plano, Illinois, August 22, 1858, and when ten years old he removed with his parents to near Jefferson, Greene county, Iowa, and there, in Franklin township, he grew to maturity, assisting on the home' farm during the summer months and attending the rural schools in the winter
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time. He is the son of O. L. and Jane (Welch) Thorp, the father born in Oswego, New York, on April 14, 1827, and the mother was born near Little Rock, Illinois, October 23, 1836. They are now living at Cooper, Iowa; they are now advanced in years and are spending a serene old age after an indus- trious, honorable and successful career, and they enjoy a large friendship there. They are the parents of the following children : George, born February 27, 1856, died at Mt. Pleasant, in 1901 ; W. T., of this review ; C. I., born in 1860, lives at Long Beach, California; Etta Winkelman, born December 25, 1868, lives in Jefferson, lowa.
Mr. Thorp, of this review, was married on December 14, 1880, to Nettie Colbert, who was born in Montpelier, Ohio, March 10, 1862. When sixteen years old she came with her parents to Iowa and settled in Greene county. She is the daughter of Jesse and Mary (McDonald) Colbert, both natives of Ohio; the father, a veteran of the Civil war, died in Audubon county, Iowa, in Feb- ruary, 1910, at the age of seventy-four years; the mother, who still resides in Audubon county, is now seventy-two years old. Mrs. Thorp's grand- mother reached the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. There were ten children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Colbert, all born in Ohio . except the youngest, Mrs. Thorp of this review being the eldest; the others are, Cash E., of Greene county, this state; Celesta Thorp lives near Cooper, Iowa; Oral lives near Coon Rapids, Iowa; Anna Caswell also lives near the last named place; Robert lives on the home farm; Clarence lives west of Scranton, Iowa; the youngest were triplets, all living, Wilkie, of Hastings, Nebraska; Wilson lives near Coon Rapids, Iowa; LeRoy lives on the home farm with his mother. All these children were reared in Audubon county, but it is the birthplace of the triplets only.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thorp four daughters have been born, also one son, namely: Lulu Buchanan, born in Greene county, December 10, 1881, is a graduate of the high school at Baxter and is now living in Valley City, North Dakota ; Lena Rose, born June 6, 1885, lives in Baxter ; Jay E., born Febru- ary 2, 1886, is assisting his father in the coal and grain business in Baxter ; Margaret, born in Baxter, October 20, 1895, attended high school in her native ' town: Irene was born in Baxter in 1901 and is now attending school.
Mr. Thorp and family moved to Bondurant, Iowa, in 1892 and there successfully conducted a grain business until 1894, in which year he moved to Baxter and has been engaged in the same business continuously to the present time, becoming widely known in this part of the county and enjoying a large and constantly growing business, earning for him a very comfortable income.
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Aside from the vast amount of grain fed by the farmers in the vicinity of Baxter annually, Mr. Thorp shipped, during the year preceding this writing, forty-three carloads of corn and fifty-two carloads of oats, besides disposing of fifty-two carloads of coal.
Politically, Mr. Thorp is a Democrat. He is a charter member of Active Lodge No. 516, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Baxter, having occu- pied all the chairs of the same, and he has been its treasurer for the past few years ; he is a member of Encampment No. 224, at Baxter ; he also belongs to Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, and has occupied all the chairs in the same and is at present keeper of records and seal of the same; he is a member of Baxter Camp No. 5642, Modern Woodmen of America, at Baxter, having occupied all the chairs, and for the past eight years has been its efficient clerk.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have a pleasant and attractive home in Baxter, selling their original dwelling in 1911 and purchasing another soon after- wards. They have given their children the best educational advantages and keep their home well supplied with choice current literature, being broad- minded, liberal and hospitable, and are in every way deserving of the esteem in which they are so widely held.
PHILIP S. HILL.
The name of Philip S. Hill is too well known to the farming community of Malaka township to be formally introduced here, since he has long made his residence in Jasper county, in fact has spent nearly all his life here, having been born in Henry county, Illinois, May II, 1869, and in 1872 he came to Jasper county, Iowa, where he has since resided. He is the son of W. E. and Rebecca (Emmert) Hill, the father born in New York, September 15, 1843. They lived for some time in Henry county, Illinois, emigrating from there to Jasper county, Iowa, in 1872, and here they established their home. The father is now living in Newton, the mother having died in Illinois. Philip S. Hill, of this sketch, is the only living member of the family; a sister, born in Malaka township, died in infancy.
Philip S. Hill grew to manhood here and received his education in the local schools. He was married on October 21, 1896, to Ida Ogg, who was born in Jasper county, Iowa, September 2, 1875, and here she grew to woman- hood and received her educational training. She is the daughter of John W.
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and Elnora ( Miller) Ogg, both natives of Ohio; there they grew up and were married, emigrating to Jasper county, Iowa, among the early settlers, estab- lishing their permanent home: the father is now living in Kellogg township and the mother died in this county on March 22, 1909. They were the par- ents of four children, all living as follows: Dottie. born January 3, 1871, lives on the old home farm near Kellogg; Charles W., born May 24, 1873, lives at Newton, Iowa; Ida, wife of Mr. Hill, of this sketch; Frank E., born August 24, 1879, lives on the home farm near Kellogg. These children were born and reared in Kellogg township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born five children, all living, named as follows: Ethel Mazoe, born December 22, 1897 ; William Wesley, born July IC, 1899: Bessie Elnora, born October 12, 1901 ; Roy Edward, born February 29. 1904: Dorothy Aileen, born June 7, 1911. These children were all born on the Hill farm in Malaka township, which consists of two hundred thirty and forty-eight hundredths acres, on which are two sets of improvements and on which stands a modern home.
Politically, Mr. Hill is a Republican. He has been township trustee for a number of years, and he has been a member of the board of education of Malaka township, and is now president of the same. His father was a town- ship trustee for a number of years. Fraternally, Mr. Hill belongs to the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows at Baxter, being a charter member of the same, as well as its first noble grand. He is also a member of Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, of Baxter, and the Yeoman Lodge No. 432.
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