USA > Iowa > O'Brien County > Past and present of O'Brien and Osceola counties, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 44
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The entire business career of Mr. Wilkinson has been noteworthy be- cause of the remarkably aggressive character of his undertakings and the tireless energy and sound judgment brought to bear in their execution. Some disappointments there may have been, but these served only to give him riper experience and renewed strength for the next venture, and now, in the realiza- tion of the hopes of earlier years, he is in a position to look forward to an age of ease, a fitting ambition for one who has labored tirelessly and long.
Three children have brought joy into the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin- son, all of whom are now residents of O'Brien county. within easy reach of their parents. The eldest son. Ralph, was born in Marshall county, Iowa, in 1882, but was taken by his parents to Buena Vista county while still an infant, and there his childhood and youth were passed, and there his schooling was received, in the schools of Alta. After completing the elementary and high school grades, he attended college at Ames, for a year's study in scientific agriculture. This course was completed in Madison, Wisconsin, after which he actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture for himself. He is now the owner of a large farm in O'Brien county and is very successful, both in the cultivation and production of the various products of the soil, and also as an extensive breeder of fine cattle. He owns the old Salisbury ranch of four hundred and eighty acres of land in Highland township, near Gaza, a finely improved farm. He put up the first brick silo in the county. He is now a feeder of graded stock. feeding five to six hundred at a time. also Jersey Red hogs. He married Elsie Stevens, of Sheldon, and has two girls, Greta and Marie. Forest, the younger son, married Ella O'Donell and has one child, Larue. He has also wisely noted the advantages of the wholesome life of the farm, and is a successful agriculturist of O'Brien county, having purchased the old C. S. Clark farm, in Highland township, at a cost of one hundred
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and fifty dollars per acre. The only daughter. Ethel. now Mrs. Grending, is a resident of Gaza, a source of comfort to her parents. They have one child. Howard.
Politically, Mr. Wilkinson is an adherent of the principles of the Re- publican party. He is a member of the Congregational church, and is affil- iated with the blue lodge of Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
In all of these connections. Mr. Wilkinson enjoys the highest respect of his associates, and the thought of all with whom he comes in contact is "Here truly is a man of sterling worth."
WILBERT C. METCALF.
It is with pleasure that we call the attention of our readers to one of the most prominent families of O'Brien county, the men of whom, for many generations, have proven themselves citizens of sterling worth and integrity.
The immediate subject of this article, Wilbert C. Metcalf, is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Eldora in the year 1872. His father, John, was born in 1842 in England, and his grandfather, Thomas Metcalf, was also a native of that country. This latter gentleman was born in the year 1820, and there, in the mother country, upon his father's farm, his childhood and youth were passed. As he grew to manhood, however, the limited oppor- tunities of the agriculturist in the congested sections of his native country palled upon him, and he joined the westward tide of emigration, reaching the shores of the New World in the year 1849, bringing with him his family. Still journeying westward, he came directly to the mining territory of Wis- consin, seeking to acquire for himself and family a competence in the lead mines of that locality, and here he met his death. His son John spent his youth in this section. after the death of his father, but when he arrived a: the age of maturity he came to the state of Illinois, and when the secession of the South was attempted and the disruption of our Union was threatened. he responded to the call for volunteers to maintain the integrity of our gov- ernment and uphold the honor of her flag. He enlisted from Galena. Illi- nois, in Company A, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was later transferred to Company B, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry. He accompanied his regiment to eastern Tennessee and later to San Antonio, Texas, where he was given his discharge.
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In the year 1868 he was married to Mary A. Simpson, who was born in 1848, in the state of Iowa. Three children were born to this couple, viz. : Wilbert, of whom we have spoken; Nettie V., now at Morning Side, lowa, and John T., a resident of Paullina. In the year 1893 the faithful wife and mother was called from her family by the grim death angel. In 1894 the father again married, taking for his wife Belle Raw. This lady's birth oc- curred in the year 1863 in Sioux City, Iowa, where she now resides. Two children were born of this union. Lucile and Marion.
Mr. Metcalf, in the year 1884, settled in O'Brien county, at Paullina, and here for years he was engaged in banking, also dealing largely in grain and live stock. He was known as a man of sound judgment, keen business acumen and unquestioned integrity. His investments in real estate were characterized by the same discrimination which led to his success in other lines, and in time he became one of the largest owners of this class of prop- erty in O'Brien county. His death occurred on the 28th day of November, 1908, and his last resting place is at Paullina, the scene of his successful labor.
Wilbert Metcalf received his education largely in the schools of O'Brien county, but after his graduation from the local high school, a three years'. course in the University of Minnesota was completed. At the age of twenty- two years, he left his father's home and emigrated to California where he engaged in the photo and engraving business. Two years later, however, he returned to Paullina and entered into partnership with C. C. Cannon in the grain business, dealing largely in this commodity, as had his father. Later he became associated more intimately with his father's affairs, gradually relieving him of some of the arduous duties of his undertakings and taking complete charge of some departments of the various interests. In this man- ner he became his parent's most valued assistant.
At the early age of twenty-two years Mr. Metcalf was married to Mavis Pratt, a native of Pennsylvania, whose birth occurred in the year 1876. Their happiness was short lived, however, for the hand of death was laid upon her in the year 1895. leaving him alone, for they were without children. Fourteen years later he met and married Bonnie Core, whose birth occurred in 1878 at Grand Ridge, Illinois.
Mr. Metcalf has inherited his father's fine business qualities and public spirited policies. Broad minded, progressive and energetic, his activities reach far beyond the confines of the locality in which he resides. He is director of his father's large estate, a position which, of itself, would tax the abilities of many able business men. In addition, he holds the respon-
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sible position of president of the Bank of Merrill, Iowa, and is also vice- president of the Bank of Paullina. A member of the board of trustees of Morningside College. he is deeply interested in the various activities of this institution. In all of these capacities the same fidelity to duty and aggressive interest is manifested which has characterized his private undertakings. All movements looking toward the general welfare and improvement of the community at large, both physically and morally, find in him a ready adherent, and his zeal in political affairs is conscientiously manifest. He has been a firm adherent of the tenets of the Republican party, and in the year 1907 was selected by this body to represent his district at the national convention at Chicago. Though not a communicant of any church. he is in sympathy with religious work in the community and a frequent attendant at the services. He is affiliated with the order of Masons, among whom he is widely known and highly honored. Truly a representative man, O'Brien county claims with pride his fealty and his loyalty.
FREDERICK W. GRENDING.
One of the thriving merchants of Gaza. O'Brien county, is worthy of our notice at this time because, being a young man, he has risen rapidly to the position he now occupies, and stands for the progressive spirit which is abroad among our young people.
Frederick W. Grending was born in the year 1885 in the city of Col- fax. Illinois. His father. August Grending, is a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. In his youth he longed for new scenes and new faces and for the larger opportunities of which he had heard in the New World, and in the year 1862 he undertook the journey across the broad Atlantic, going, directly after landing on American shores, to the city of Joliet. Illinois. Here he remained for thirteen years, plying the trade which had been taught him in the fatherland, that of harness making. While here. he met and married Julia Frohnhoff. In the year 1877 he migrated with his family to the little town of Chatsworth, Illinois, where he remained until 1881. continuing his vocation. In this year he removed to Colfax. and for nine years more continued to labor at his trade of harness making. All these years he had labored at the one occupation and as the years went by he wished for a change. and when the opportunity presented itself, he purchased a confectionery, which has proven a successful venture for him and where he is still engaged in business.
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Six children were born to this worthy couple, as follows: Emma, now Mrs. White, who resides in Colfax, Illinois: Ida and Carl, both of whom were called from their parents by the grim death angel; Ricka and Edwin, both of whom are residents of Colfax, and Frederick, of Gaza, Iowa.
The immediate subject of this article, Frederick Grending, attended the elementary and high schools of Colfax, and soon after his graduation ac- cepted employment as an assistant to the depot agent for the Illinois Central Railroad in his home city. In the year 1905 he was promoted to the position of relief agent, working at various places along the line. He remained at this work but a year, when he was again promoted to the position of depot agent at Edna, Lyon county, Iowa. In 1907 he was given the position of depot agent at Gaza, and this position he filled with great credit until the year 1912. But the monotony and confinement of this position began to pall and he sought for an opportunity to establish a business for himself, he hay- ing had some experience in mercantile life while attending high school at Colfax. At that time he worked during his spare time in a general store, and as he saw the growth of the town of Gaza and the opportunity which ap- peared to open before him, he resolved to attempt the promotion of such an enterprise here. Hence, in 1912, the store was opened, and its proprietor has spared no amount of energy and time to build up the business and establish himself in a permanent position for the future. Success is sure to follow where industry is directed by sound judgment and business acunien, and the steady growth of the store owned by Mr. Grending is no exception to this rule.
In the year 1909 Mr. Grending was united in marriage to Ethel Wil- kinson, of Gaza, she being the daughter of Noah Wilkinson, of that place. Three years later a little son, Howard, came to bless and brighten their home, and one more incentive to labor with the best effort possible was given to Mr. Grending.
Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Grending are very popular in the circles of Gaza. They are members of the Congregational church of this place and deeply in- terested in the various departments of its work.
Politically. Mr. Grending is a strong adherent of the principles pro- mulgated by Jefferson and consistently votes the Democratic ticket. Fra- ternally, he is a member of Rising Star Lodge No. 496, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Primghar.
In manner Mr. Grending is genial and unassuming, and by his upright business methods has won the confidence and respect of the community in which he resides. Having shown so well his capabilities at an early age, we predict for the young man increasing prosperity and affluence.
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DR. BURLINGTON J. MAYTUM.
It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life and whose career has been such as to command the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such in brief is the record of the well known man whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more popular man could hardly be found within the borders of O'Brien county. Doctor Maytum has made many friends through his skill as a dentist and his position as mayor of Paullina for three terms kept him prominently in the mind of the public and won for him many friends by reason of the manner in which he discharged the duties devolving upon him. His life has been one of unceasing energy and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted in obtain- ing for him the enviable degree of esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
Burlington J. Maytum was born on March 13, 1869, at Toronto, Can- ada. being a son of Charles and Emma (Fagg) Maytum, both of whom were born in London, England. the former on March 31. 1837, and the latter in the year 1846. They were married in 1864 and became the parents of twelve children, one of whom is deceased. The year of their marriage they left England, going directly to Canada, where they remained but a short time, when they took up their residence in New York state. After a time they came westward to Iowa, locating in Wayne county, where Mr. Maytum en- gaged in the flour milling business and also followed the vocation of farm- ing. He prospered in a gratifying degree and in the year 1900 retired from active business and moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he and his wife are passing their riper years in quiet enjoyment.
The subject received a good education in his youth and when twenty- two years of age accepted a school in Wayne county which he taught for three terms. However, this occupation was merely a stepping stone for him, as he had higher ambitions in life and in 1893 matriculated at the State University of Iowa, where he took a course in dentistry, being graduated from that institution in 1897. He took keen enjoyment in athletics and while in college played base ball in different leagues, retaining his interest in the national sport even after leaving school. He chose Paullina as the field for his future labors in his chosen profession and since coming here has grown completely into the life of the community. He has succeeded admirably in every respect and in addition to the real estate he owns in Paullina, consist-
DR. BURLINGTON J. MAYTUM
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ing of six business lots and one residence lot, he has acquired three hundred and twenty acres in Colorado and also owns twenty acres on the Isle of Pines, Cuba. Doctor Maytum takes considerable interest in politics, especially pertaining to local matters, and during the three terms he served Paullina as mayor a gratifying impetus was observed in all matters pertaining to the better phases of civic life. He is a man well posted on current events and takes more than ordinary interest in the affairs of the Progressive party. being one of its stanch supporters in this section. While not a member of any church, Doctor Maytum's religious sympathies are with the Presbyterian church. which the family attends and in the support of which he does a com- mendable part. His fraternal affiliation is with the ancient order of Free- masonry.
Doctor Maytum chose as his life companion Gertrude Loucks, born in 1879 in Sandwich, Illinois, to whom he was united in marriage in 1903. To their union have been born two sons, Francis and Clyde, both of whom are attending school. The family moves in the best social circles of the town and are well liked and highly esteemed. So far. Doctor Maytun has acted well his part in life and, while primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not been unmindful of the interests of others, but has ever sought the ad- vancement of the public good and the welfare of his fellow men. Per- sonally, he is a man of pleasing address, sociably inclined and enjoys a wide acquaintance and a large circle of warm and loyal friends.
WARNER W. BONDERMAN.
Warner W. Bonderman, a prominent citizen of Carroll township, is a typical example of the modern farmer and stock man-energetic. aggressive, directing the labors of his hands by the active itse of his mental powers, and combining the qualities of a successful business man with a thorough knowl- edge of agricultural methods.
This gentleman was born in the year 1872 in Mercer county, Illinois, the son of William Bonderman, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whose birth occurred in the year 1824. The father spent his childhood and youth in his native place, trying various occupations, but settling definitely nipon no one vocation. When he reached maturity he felt that time for him was wasted in the city, and that his opportunities for the future would be found in the vast farming territory then being developed in the West. Hence he
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moved. with his family. to Mercer county, Illinois, and here he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until 1881. At this time he continued his journey westward and located in O'Brien county, Iowa. Here he purchased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of land, and with all his energy he set about the cultivation of the soil and the erection of suitable buildings for the comfort of his family and the housing of live stock, implements and produce. Soon he had a comfortable homestead and here the remainder of his life was spent. He was twice married, his second wife being Jane M. Hiett, of Illinois. Four children were born of this union, viz. : John S., who is now a successful farmer of Carroll township. O'Brien county: Effie. now Mrs. Blunt, whose home is in Nebraska: Martha. now Mrs. Mateer, a resident of O'Brien county, and the subject of this review.
W. W. Bonderman. the immediate subject of this sketch, remained on the home place throughout the life of his father. first assisting in the labors of the farm and eventually taking entire charge of the place. Under his care a grove of seven acres of mixed orchard and shade trees has been set out. Four hundred acres of land are now included in this tract. and the cultivation and care which it receives are evident to the most casual observer. Mr. Bonderman has always been interested in the breeding of fine live stock and the farm is at all times well stocked with the choicest specimens of horses. cattle and hogs. For the past twenty years, also, he has been actively engaged in the purchase and sale of these animals.
In the year 1897 Mr. Bonderman was united in marriage to Inez M. Davis, a daughter of Edgar J. Davis, a retired farmer of Sheldon, Iowa. Five children have come to bless their home. all now under the parental rooftree. These are Earl, Lee. Leslie. Elma and Grace.
Notwithstanding the arduous duties connected with the administration of the farm. Mr. Bonderman has not limited his work to these affairs alone. but has taken an active part in carrying on the work of the township. That his associates have the utmost confidence in his probity and sound judgment is evidenced by the fact that he has been called upon to administer justice to the community in the capacity of justice of the peace. He has also acted as township assessor and as a member of the board of school directors. In each of these positions he has rendered efficient service, giving of his time and energy with the same diligence which he has shown in the administration of his private affairs.
Mr. Bonderman is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Archer. and here also his associates have demonstrated their confidnce in
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him by electing him treasurer of this corporation. Politically, he is a stanchi adherent of the Progressive party.
In manner. Mr. Bonderman is genial and kindly, inspiring confidence in all with whom he comes in contact, and his hospitality is proverbial. Al- though he has accomplished much for himself and for the community in which he resides, he is yet a young man, having barely reached the zenith of his powers, and even greater accomplishments may be expected of him in the future.
LEE MCELWAIN.
The history of the family of McElwain is closely interwoven with that of the state of Iowa. for three generations of the family have made it their home, and the growth and improvement which has taken place during the time of their residence has been watched with pride and interest.
Lee McElwain, of whom we wish in particular to write at this time, is a native of Washington county, Iowa, and here in this state his entire life has been passed. He. belonging to the third generation of the name to call the state home. can personally recall the days when O'Brien county was largely unbroken prairie. He first saw the light of day in the year 1879 upon the farm of his father in Washington county, and here, in his childhood, he be- came so inured to the free, wholesome life of the country. that he has devoted all his energies thus far to the cultivation of the soil, living near to the heart of Mother Nature and learning her secrets year by year.
His father, Oscar McElwain, was born in the year 1845 in the state of Vermont, but came west with his parents while yet in his boyhood. Here, in the little country school of the time, he received his education, and labored with his father upon the farm. At the age of eighteen, however, he heard his country's call for volunteers for the great army which should uphold the honor of the flag at the hazard of dangers and privations unspeakable, and if need be, meet death cheerfully for the honor of the nation. In the year 1863 he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Regiment, with which he remained throughout the war. When peace was declared, he returned to Washington county, where he rented farm land for himself. In the year 1869 he was united in marriage to Marietta Morrow, and henceforth his energies were redoubled to acquire, not only sustenance for the present needs of the family. but a competence for the future. In 1879 he heard of the splendid oppor- tunities offered the pioneer in O'Brien county, and, believing in the wonderful
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future which lay before it. he emigrated with his little family to this place. where he rented a quarter section of land and cultivated it for a time. In 1887 he was enabled to purchase for himself two hundred and forty acres of unbroken prairie land, and this was soon cultivated and improved until a comfortable home was established. Gradually, more and more improvements were made and necessary buildings were erected for the shelter of the stock and the housing of farm implements and produce, until now the improve- ments alone probably aggregate seven thousand dollars in value.
Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. McElwain, all of whom are living: Frank, the eldest, is a resident of Minnesota ; Alfred makes his home in the state of Oregon, while the daughter, Eva, now Mrs. Farquhar, has remained in O'Brien county: Lee is the subject of this sketch.
Lee McElwain has remained always on the old homestead. assisting his father until the latter reitred, since which time he has operated the farm himself. His interests are, of course, primarily in the development and im- provement of the farm, and in this line of work he is very successful, being especially well known as a breeder of fine horses. He is a stockholder, also, in the Farmers Elevator at Archer. He is, however, in touch with all move- ments for the public welfare in the community, and is affiliated with the lodges of Elks and Moose. Politically, he accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party and is interested in promoting its interests in the community.
In manner. Mr. McElwain is quiet and unassuming, but sincere in his friendships, and was a loyal and devoted son to the parents who reared him. Though not active in outside affairs, he has a large acquaintance and is uni- versally respected by those with whom he comes in contact.
C. F. MEYER AND ALBERT H. MEYER.
The German element in this country is one of great importance and has been one of the great factors in the growth of this country. The revolutions in Germany during the past century were the cause of thousands and hun- dreds of thousands of people leaving that country and making their homes in the United States. As is usually the case, it was only the most ambitious and energetic men who left their native land and the result was that this country received some of the best citizens of Germany, and wherever they settled' in this country they became prosperous and substantial citizens and influential factors in their respective communities. O'Brien county, Iowa,
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