USA > Iowa > O'Brien County > Past and present of O'Brien and Osceola counties, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 45
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C. F. MEYER
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has been fortunate in attracting hundreds of German settlers and without an exception they have proven among the most worthy citizens of the county, and among them there is no one who occupies a more honored place than C. F. Meyer, who is now living a retired life in Paullina.
C. F. Meyer, the son of Christopher and Marie (Plelcke) Meyer, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1848. His father was a farmer and lived all of his days in the land of his birth, his father and mother both dying in Germany in 1873. They reared a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living.
C. F. Meyer received a good education in his native land and when twenty years of age came to this country to seek his fortune. He first settled in Minnesota and later went to Wisconsin, where he remained a short time. after which he went to Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for ten years, and while living in that state was married, after which he rented a farm in Illinois and lived on it for three years, and by true German frugality and thrift saved enough money so that he was enabled in 1880 to come to O'Brien county and buy one hundred and sixty acres of land. He located in Caledonia township, and paid three dollars and a half an acre for his quarter section of unimproved land, and today his farm is worth at least two hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre. He and his wife started in to make a home for themselves on the wide prairie and within a few years had one of the most substantial homes and attractive farms in the county. He has prospered as only German settlers do prosper and has added to his land holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of six hundred acres of fine farming land in O'Brien county, this state, and six hundred and fifty- two acres in Minnesota. In addition to his land holdings he is a stockholder and director in the Farmers State Bank at Paullina and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company. of the same place.
Mr. Meyer was married in 1877 to Alvina Hoermann, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1854, and to this union there were born four chil- dren : Frederick, deceased : William, who is now farming his father's home place in Caledonia township: Emma, at home with her parents, and Albert H., the present cashier of the Farmers State Bank at Paullina.
Politically, Mr. Meyer is a stanch Democrat, but, owing to his extensive agricultural and business interests, he has never had the time to participate in active politics. Religiously, he and the members of his family are loyal adherents of the German Lutheran church and he was for a long time a trustee of his church in Germantown, Caledonia township. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Meyer retired from the farm and moved to Paullina, surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of modern life.
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Albert H. Meyer, who was born in 1887 in Germantown, this county, is still living with his parents in Paullina. He was given a good education and when only eighteen years of age became a bookkeeper in the bank at Marcus, Iowa. and a year later he came to Paullina, where he assumed a similar posi- tion in the Farmers State Bank. He rapidly acquired the details of the banking business and within two years was promoted to assistant cashier. a position which he held until made cashier in June, 1914. He owns seven and one-half acres in the Isle of Pines, near Cuba, and is the owner also of one hundred and sixty acres of land near Pipestone. Minnesota. He adheres to the same political faith as his father. is actively interested in the civic and political affairs of his home town and is now acting as city clerk of Paullina. He is a zealous member of the German Lutheran church and is treasurer of his church in Paullina. He is very much interested in music and is now president of the Paullina Concert Band, an organization which has more than a local reputation. Mr. Meyer is still unmarried and has a bright and promising future before him.
ELMER C. FOSKETT.
The history of O'Brien county would be incomplete were mention not made of Elmer Foskett, one of the early settlers of the county and one who for many years gave his time and his best efforts for the service of the people of Center township. In fact. he enjoys the unique distinction of having held every official position within the gift of the people of that locality, and when we consider the various services he has rendered and the position he has at- tained for himself in the community. it is with pleasure that we now can say, he is enjoying an age of ease. Mr. Foskett has lived long and well. and now. having far passed the allotted span of man's days, the proverbial three score years and ten, and having reached the ripe age of seventy-seven years. he is still a remarkable man whose memory for things in the past could fur- nish us with untold pleasure.
Mr. Foskett was born in the year 1837 in the town of Athol. Massachu- setts, the son of Elbridge Foskett. This latter gentleman first saw the light on the 5th day of May, 1815. also in the state of Massachusetts. He spent his youth upon the farm, assisting in its various activities, and as he reached manhood's estate he also mastered the trade of blacksmithing. When about fifty years of age he retired from active labor, and was enabled for a season
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to enjoy the fruits of his earlier years of toil. In his youth he was married to Thankful Carpenter, the daughter of Consider Carpenter, and her birth occurred also in the year 1815, on the 22d day of March. Two children were born to this couple, being Emily, now Mrs. Murdock, who resides in the state of Maine, and the honored subject of this sketch.
While Elmer Foskett was but a child. he was taken by his parents to the town of Northfield, Massachusetts, and there his schooling was received. After passing through the elementary grades, he continued to study until the high school course was completed, working in his spare time to assist in the payment of his expenses. When he attained his majority, he decided to leave the home of his parents and seek for new scenes and enlarged opportunities, so he emigrated to the state of Connecticut. While in that place he learned the trade of locksmith, and finally became foreman of the company by whom he was employed. There he met and married Celia M. Darrin, the daughter of Daniel Darrin, of Hillsdale, New York. The grandparents of this young lady were residents of the state of New York, and there her father. Daniel. was born on December 21, 1794. His wife was Harriet Mead, whose birth occurred in the same year, on the 30th day of May, and who was a native of Connecticut.
After his marriage, Mr. Foskett was employed in the armory of Spring- field. Massachusetts, where he was in charge of the fire arms and supplies of that institution. He remained in this position but a short time, however, soon returning to his former occupation in Connecticut.
Meantime, Mr. Foskett had heard much of the golden opportunities open to the home seeker in the broad prairies of the state of Iowa, and in the year 1870 he made the journey westward with his family, locating in O'Brien county, where he took up a homestead in Center township. This became their abiding place for thirty-two years, a homestead in truth, hallowed by all the memories which cluster about the life of a family, both of joy and of sorrow. In the year 1902, however, Mr. Foskett felt that he was entitled to the rest which is earned by many years of toil, so the homestead was disposed of and he moved to the city of Primghar. In this place he invested in a home and five city lots, and part of his capital he invested in the state of Minnesota.
Five children came to brighten the lives of Mr. and Foskett, but three of whom are now surviving. These are Herbert L .. who lives in Minnesota ; Leslie D., at this time cashier of the State Bank of Crockston, Minnesota : and Myrtle, now Mrs. Moller, of Laurens, Iowa. A daughter, Grace. became the wife of Mr. Hinz, but death called her from her family while a resident of
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Primghar. One child was taken from Mr. and Mrs. Foskett in infancy by the Grim Reaper.
Mr. Foskett is still a progressive man, taking an interest in all move- ments for the public welfare, and when the new Independent party came into existence, he was one of the first to espouse its cause. He attends the Con- gregational church of Primghar, where he is well known and highly honored, and is also affiliated with the order of Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. In the early days of the county he was actively engaged in the ad- ministration of its affairs and was the first incumbent of the office of town- ship clerk of Center township. Following this he was the holder of many official positions, and personally set out the beautiful evergreen trees which adorn the grounds of the county poor farm.
Mr. Foskett has lived an active life. laboring not only to amass a competence for himself, but has given largely of his energy in the service of the people of O'Brien county. Now. in the eventide of life, the weight of years sits lightly upon him and he enjoys the aftermath of an abundant harvest. May he remain with us many years, a benediction to his many friends throughout the county.
JOSEPH DEN BESTE.
The tide of immigration has brought to American shores men from many countries, each adding to the general character of our citizenship his mite of influence, and to this constantly changing tide is due much of the strength of the American nation. Among these, perhaps none has added more stability, the trait which maintains poise and balance in the character of a man or a nation, than have those gentlemen who owe their birth or their ancestry to the land of dikes and wind mills. These are men whose fathers for centuries have toiled and persevered and watched unceasingly lest the cruel sea reclaim what they have continued to wrest from her grasp, and these traits of vigilance and industry and patience have been transmitted from father to son.
One of these families in our midst has exemplified these traits, and they have brought success to both father and son. Joseph Den Beste was born in the year 1881 in Sioux county, Iowa, the son of John H. Den Beste, a native of Holland. This latter gentleman was born in the year 1842, and spent the first twenty-four years of his life in the land of his birth. Here he was em- ployed in various ways, but found no vocation which appealed to him as a
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life-time employment. In the year 1864, however, he resolved to seek for larger opportunities in the agricultural belt of the New World, and, leaving the land of his fathers, he found his way directly to the broad stretches of unbroken prairie in the central western part of our own America. In Marion county, Iowa, he rented a quarter section of land and for a short while cul- tivated it diligently, but, seeing an opportunity to purchase a tract for hint- self. he moved to Sioux county. Iowa, where he invested in a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of unbroken prairie. Here he toiled with all his energy, breaking the ground and improving same, and at the expiration of three years was enabled to dispose of it at a profit. In 1872 he journeyed to South Dakota and claimed a homestead, which he cultivated and improved. Here buildings were erected and a comfortable abode was established, and six years later he brought to his home a bride. Marie Markus, of Pella, Marion county, Iowa, and henceforward he was encouraged and aided by a faithful friend and unfailing ally. In the year 1895 he brought his family to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he rented a farm for two years. In 1902 he purchased a quarter section of land in Sioux county, Iowa, and this became their home for nine years. In the year 1911, however, this also was sold and they returned to O'Brien county, where a tract of one hundred sixty acres was purchased in Floyd township. Eighty acres were later added to his holdings here, and now he is the possessor of a handsome homestead.
Ten children were born to this couple, who are now located as follows : Edward and John, both farming in O'Brien county ; Henry, his father's able assistant on the homestead; Ada, now Mrs. Hays; Ben, at present employed as a farm hand ; Jacob and Josie, who are twins; Mamie, now Mrs. Groot, of Sanborn; Etta, assisting her mother at home. It is worthy of note that among so many children, none have left the vicinity of their home, but have re- mained in O'Brien county near their parents.
Joseph Den Beste, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained with his father until he reached the age of maturity, assisting in the various activi- ties of the farm, and at the expiration of that period he rented a quarter section which he cultivated for himself. Here he has labored diligently and has proven himself a successful agriculturist. He now owns a portion of his father's farm, and is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Ritter, O'Brien county. He has, for a number of years, engaged in the pur- chase and sale of hogs and cattle, and has many times demonstrated the sound- ness of his judgments in selecting these animals.
In the year 1910 Mr. Den Beste was united in marriage to Alice Lyftogt,
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in Sioux county, Iowa, and one child has come to bless their home. little Marion J.
Mr. Den Beste is a firm believer in the tenets of the Republican party, and is a faithful member of the Dutch Reformed church at Sheldon. He is affiliated with no lodges nor secret societies, preferring to use his time and his energies for the upbuilding of his home. One of the substantial, reliable young men of the community, he has won the respect of those with whom he has been associated. He has proven himself a dutiful son, a devoted husband and father and a valued member of the community.
WELLVILLE DANFORD FINCH.
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is a broad- ininded, intellectual gentleman who has found, in the pursuit of agriculture, a vocation and a profession worthy of his best efforts. In this profession he has not worked blindly, but has exercised the same judgment and discrimina- tion in his labors which he would have given to the practice of law or medicine or a similar profession. When, to this discriminating sense, unbounded energy and vitality are added, success is inevitable, and so it has proven in the case of Mr. Finch.
Mr. Finch was born in the year 1851 in Mercer county, Illinois, the son of Pettis Finch. a native of the sunny South, whose birth occurred in 1833. The father was also a successful farmer and stock man, and to his precept and example the son is, without doubt, largely indebted for his full and compre- hensive knowledge of agricultural affairs.
Pettis Finch was thrice married, his second wife, the mother of the sub- ject, being Esther Rader. To this couple were born six children, now located as follows: Walter, who resides in the state of Illinois; Warren S., a resi- dent of Iowa: Mandia (Mrs. Noble). in Colorado: Esther (Mrs. Ives). whose home is in Harper, Kansas; and Mellville Danford, the immediate subject of this article.
Mr. Finch spent his boyhood on the farm of his father in Mercer county. Illinois, attending the schools of the vicinity and assisting in the labors of the farm. When he reached his majority, however, he wished to obtain a start in life for himself and, with characteristic aggressiveness, he left the old homestead and came to Marshall county, Iowa, where he rented one hundred
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twenty acres of land, which he farmed until the year 1882. Meantime, in the year 1879, he was married to Almeda Brundage, daughter of Philip Brund- age, of Marshall county. Iowa, and henceforth he worked with still higher ambition and renewed energy, always aided and encouraged by the wife whom he had chosen. In 1882 he brought his little family to O'Brien county and, after renting land here for two years, he took up a homestead claim. consisting of a quarter section of land. This he has cultivated assiduously, erecting a beautiful home and all the necessary buildings for carrying on the work of the place : also planting five acres of orchard and grove and making other improvements as needed, aggregating probably nine thousand dollars' worth of improvements. He has also purchased forty acres of valuable onion land in Texas, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Sheldon, lowa, and has an interest in the Farmers Telephone Company of Carroll township. From his childhood he was always taught the value of fine live stock and he has found the breeding and sale of choice animals one of the most profitable departments of his work. At all times, also, has he been interested in the purchase and sale of stock of various kinds.
Five children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Finch, all of whom have had every educational facility in the power of the father to give. The eldest son, George W., at attorney of Sioux City, Iowa, attended the high school in Sheldon. Morningside College of Sioux City and the Le- land Stanford University of California. The daughter, Nellie, attended Morningside College at Sioux City and Drake College of Des Moines. She is now an instructor in schools and resides with her parents. Pettis, following in the footsteps of his father, is farming in O'Brien county. Harry is a resi- dent of Montana, while Mellville D., Jr., is in Wyoming.
Politically, Mr. Finch is allied with the Democratic party and is a well- known member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is affiliated with the order of Masons, being a member of the blue lodge. and is also numbered among the members of the American Order of United Workmen at Sheldon, Iowa.
Mr. Finch has, all his life, labored earnestly and wisely, and now he is in a position to rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his toil if he so desires. A substantial, highly-respected citizen himself, he has also given to the community and to the world a family of intelligent children who. in prob- able generations to come. will perpetuate the teachings and principles of an honored father.
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ALFRED A. STOELTING.
Alfred A. Stoelting, an able and progressive merchant of Paullina and widely known throughout the county, was born in the year 1876 at Daven- port, Iowa, being the son of Christian Stoelting, a native of Hamburg, Ger- many. The birth of this latter gentleman occurred in the year 1832, and here. in the home of craftsmanship, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. As he approached the years of maturity, however, he longed for the enlarged opportunities for growth and development of which he heard in the New World, and he decided to join the westward tide of emigration and leave the home of his birth. Consequently he took the long and tiresome journey, making his way directly to Davenport. Iowa. Here he found no employ- ment for the time being in his own profession, but his knowledge of wood working stood him in good stead and he was soon employed as a wagon maker. In this occupation he continued for many years, perfecting him- self in his work and living with characteristic thrift. During this period he was united in marriage to Augusta Herrling, also a native of Germany, whose birth occurred in the year 1847. In 1881 he moved, with his little family, to the town of Glad Brook, Iowa, and here the remainder of his days were spent. Three children were born to this couple, viz : Louise, now Mrs. Fedderson; Clara, now Mrs. Gotsch, and the immediate subject of this article. all of whom are now residents of the state of Iowa. In the year 1901 the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and a year later the father fol- lowed.
Alfred A. Stoelting received his education in the schools of Glad Brook, and here he remained with his parents until he attained the age of eighteen, at which time he obtained employment as a clerk in a general merchandise store at Peterson, Iowa. The year following he was enabled to purchase a half interest in the store, and for the three successive years his time and energies were given without stint to the upbuilding of the business. In 1908, however, he took advantage of the opportunity to dispose of his hold- ings here, and moved to Paullina, O'Brien county, where he was employed for three years as a clerk. At the expiration of this period he purchased the stock of A. Hanson and here again all his energies were enlisted for the upbuilding of the business, and success has abundantly crowned his efforts. He now carries a stock of goods representing an annual investment of about ten thousand dollars, and so judiciously has he managed the concern and in- vested the profits therefrom that he has been enabled to invest largely in
ALFRED A. STOELTING
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profitable farm land. He is now the owner of a tract of four hundred and forty acres in the state of Minnesota.
In the year 1901 Mr. Stoelting's marriage to Oma Evans, a native of Peterson, Iowa, was solemnized. Two sons have come to bless their home, Robert and Arthur, both of whom are in school.
Politically, Mr. Stoelting is a stanch believer in the principles of the Republican party, which ticket he consistently votes. He is a liberal sup- porter of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a member and where he is well known and highly respected. He is affiliated, also, with the order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is allied with all movements for the betterment of the community at large.
A hospitable host, a devoted father, a business man of sound judg- ment and integrity, he is deserving of the success and popularity which he enjoys throughout the county.
ELBERT MCCLELLAN.
The following is a brief sketch of the life of one who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs and risen to an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with which his interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky accident and no tragic situation. Mr. McClellan is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety. which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contem- poraries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality upon the age in which they live.
Elbert McClellan, a farmer of Carroll township and now living a retired life in Sheldon. O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in 1853 in Pennsylvania. His parents were Marcellus and Rachel (Brush ) Mcclellan. Marcellus Mc- Clellan was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and was a farmer and stockman in his native state. In 1868 he came west with his family and settled in Cedar county, Iowa, where he rented a farm until 1871. Then he homesteaded in Carroll township, O'Brien county, where he lived for about twenty years, dying in O'Brien county in 1889.
Elbert McClellan was fifteen years of age when his parents left their (73)
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native state of Pennsylvania. He had already received a good common school education in the schools of his native state and when his parents came to Iowa he immediately began to work upon the farm. He remained at home, working for his father, until he was twenty-two years of age, and then mar- ried and began to farm for himself on the old homestead. He set out eight acres of orchard and grove and has made extensive improvements on the place. He owned two hundred and forty acres of land, which he sold in 1913.
Mr. McClelland was married in 1875 to Kitty Riddell, and to this mar- riage have been born five children, three of whom are living: Marcellus G., a farmer of Wyoming; Frank Elbert, a resident of Sheldon, and Florence G., now Mrs. H. H. McGruder, of Denver, California.
The Republican party has claimed the support of Mr. McClellan ; while he does not always agree with all of its policies, yet he has never felt inclined to break complete with his party. He and the members of his family are regular attendants of the Methodist church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Be- fore retiring from active work and moving to Sheldon, he had been very much interested in the public schools of Carroll township, where he had served as secretary of the school board for several years. Mr. McClellan is well known throughout the county and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He has always taken an active interest in such measures and enterprises as he felt would benefit his community and has been a sympathetic helper in everything which he felt would make a better community for his family and fellow citizens.
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