USA > Iowa > O'Brien County > Past and present of O'Brien and Osceola counties, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 53
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
ROHLF FRUHLING.
Ancestry does not count for more than personal worth, but it is often a guarantee of the latter. The casual reader of the history of Rohlf Fruhling cannot help but feel that he is a descendant of a worthy father and mother. Rohlf Fruhling and his father have led eminently honorable and industrious lives and have never shirked from their duties when worthy movements were proposed for the public good.
Rohlf Fruhling, a stock buyer and shipper of Sibley, Iowa, was born February 29. 1870, in Friesland, Germany, and is the son of Andrew and Elsie Katrina ( Frederickson ) Fruhling. Andrew Fruhling was born in Germany August 27. 1831, and is still living with his son Rohlf in Sibley. In 1882 Andrew Fruhling and his family, consisting of his wife, two sons and four daughters, came to this country and settled in Champaign county, Illinois. Ten years later they moved to Osceola county and settled on a farm in West Holman township, where they lived until 1907, when they moved to Sibley, where the mother died July 2, 1912. Andrew Fruhling and wife were the parents of nine children : Mrs. Lizzie Smith, born January 29. 1868, and died in 1889; Mrs. Kate Erdmans, of Concordia, Missouri: Frederick, died September 19, 1895; Mrs. Jennie Harberts, of Brewster, Minnesota: Mrs. Christina Kruger, of Little Rock, Iowa; Mrs. Carry Bruns, of Sibley. Iowa ; Mrs. Hannah Grimm, of Long Beach, California: Mrs. Reka Wublena. of Foreston, Illinois, and Rohlf, whose history forms the theme of this narrative.
Rohlf Fruhling was twelve years of age when his parents came to this country, consequently he had already received some elementary schooling in his native land. He received very little in this country, due to the fact that he came here without any knowledge whatever of the English language. He continued to reside at home until his marriage in the fall of 1912. although he began farming for himself in 1895. In 1907 he became interested in the live
1210
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
stock business and has continued to buy and sell stock since that time. He now handles about one hundred and twenty-five car loads of stock annually. most of which is purchased in this county. He has also bought and sold con- siderable land the past few years and now owns three hundred acres in Os- ceola county, and one hundred and sixty acres at Worthington, Minnesota.
Mr. Fruhling was married December 4, 1912. to Etta Frey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Frey. Mr. and Mrs. Fruhling have a fine home in the eastern part of Sibley where they extend hospitalities to their numerous friends and acquaintances. Politically, Mr. Fruhling is a member of the Republican party, although he voted for Woodrow Wilson in the fall of 1912. Re- ligiously, he and his wife are members of the German Reformed church and render it their earnest support at all times. Mr. Fruhling has always taken an active interest in work of the county and town and has always stood for those measures which might in any way benefit the community in which he lives.
BENJAMIN JONES.
We who live in a Christian era and during an age when men are better morally and intellectually, and are possessed of a wider and more intimate knowledge of the world's affairs than in past ages, are somewhat in- clined to take a philosophic view of misfortunes which are visited upon us. When one near and dear to us is called away from his hearth and home to lie down in the bosom of Mother Earth and his immortal soul is wafted upward and onward to the heavenly realms of which man knoweth not, except from Holy Writ, there to be embraced by his Creator and to meet with a just reward, we cannot help but feel an ineffable sadness sweeping over our souls because of our great loss and we grieve deeply that never more on this earth shall we see his kindly visage or be able to profit from his wise, fatherly advice, nor sit at his feet imbibing of the stores of his wisdom, garnered from a long and fruitful life with his fellow beings here. The demise of Benjamin Jones, pioneer settler of O'Brien county, and the first citizen of the city of Sheldon, while not un- expected, came as a profound shock to his family and the community in which he was so widely and favorably known. The county in which he was such an important factor likewise misses him and his absence leaves an aching void in the hearts of loving relatives and friends which time alone
i. b. [ W. ams & Bro MY
Benjamin Jones
12II
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
can heal. but which the passing years can never wholly efface. His life was a just and diligent one : he was truly an honest man, high minded and of sterling integrity ; he was a strong man among a race of virile pioneers. We are apt to remember a fitting phrase which can be applied to the passing of this character from our midst, and in the words of the apostle quote, "O death, where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy victory?"
Benjamin Jones was a pioneer. To the mind of the historian or biog- rapher the term "pioneer" appeals with a logic and force which latter- day annals do not inspire. It invites new investigations which are productive of a wealth of historical material that inspires the general reader as no other records can. To have been a pioneer and one of the great and noble army of men who have created a wealthy and prosperous community out of a raw prairie wilderness is the height of successful attainment. The aged pioneer belongs in a class of his own creation. Around him and his cluster the memories of bygone halcyon days when. the wilderness awaited the magic touch of the empire builders from the East, whose optimism and mighty endeavors have transformed the virgin lands into a smiling landscape of productive farms and beautiful towns and cities. Benjamin Jones, of whom these words are transcribed. was the pioneer settler of the city of Sheldon and an early settler of O'Brien county, who enjoyed the esteem and universal respect of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In many ways he was tenderly regarded as the oracle and final authority on the happenings which took place after his first advent into the vicinity of Sheldon. He was the first and oldest living settler of the city. His prestige was not based in its entirety upon his pioneer experiences but his career was a long and honor- ed one in mercantile lines. He ranked high as one of the most substantial and the kindliest of the citizens of Sheldon.
Benjamin Jones was born June 15, 1833. on a farm in Oneida county, New York. He was the son of John J. and Margaret ( Pritchard) Jones. who were natives of Anglesey, Wales. They emigrated to America in 1830 and settled in Oneida county, New York. John J. Jones was a mill- wright by trade and located in the city of Chicago in 1836. In 1841 he came to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he tilled a large farm. John J. Jones died on August 12. 1855. His wife, Margaret, died September 4. 1854. They were the parents of the following children: Edward Jones. Mrs. Jane Lewis. Mrs. Elinor Williams, Mrs. Ann Jones, William P. Jones, Joseph F. and Benjamin. It is recorded of John J. Jones that he was a pronounced Whig in politics and in his native land belonged to the Independent Order
I212
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
of Odd Fellows. He was a member of the Congregational church. He was instrumental in bringing a large number of Welsh settlers to the vicinity of Des Moines county when the Welsh settlement was created. A church was instituted by the Welsh immigrants and Elder Jones was constituted their virtual leader.
Benjamin Jones spent his boyhood days on the farm and received his education in the local schools and in the city of St. Louis. In 1851 he journeyed to Wausau. Wisconsin. and engaged in the lumber industry for a period of twenty years. He had charge of a very large force of men. be- ing foreman of the crews engaged in the mills and logging operations in the virgin forests of Wisconsin. He was also pilot of the fleets rafted down the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, where the lumber was sold. During his residence in Wausau he took an active part in civic affairs and was a member of the first council in the city of Wausau. He erected one of the first dwelling houses in the city. In 1869 he made a purchase of land in Buena Vista county. Iowa. In 1870 he located in Cherokee and was engaged in the lumber and grain business for two years. coming to Sheldon in 1872. He was in fact the first settler of the new town and built the first dwelling house and the first warehouse. He engaged in the business of retailing and wholesaling grain. coal. machinery and live stock. A few months later he formed a partnership with E. F. Parkhurst. and was senior member of the firm of Jones & Parkhurst for eighteen years. when Mr. Parkhurst went west. Mr. Jones built the first grain elevator in Sheldon in 1878. He built. in all, three elevators, one on the Omaha road. one on the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul, and one on the Illinois Central railroad, as they were completed through the city. The firm conducted the largest grain business west of the Mississippi river at that time, having elevators in the town of Sanborn. O'Brien county, and also in Boyden and Calliope, in Sioux county. His activities have been varied and he has partic- ipated in many other business ventures which have become prosperous fix- tures in the city. He was one of the original organizers of the Sheldon Bank and served as its president for several years. He served his county as super- visor for four terms of three years each. twelve years in all. Mr. Jones was the first school director of Sheldon and served as president of the school board for some years. He resided at the time of his death in the original home, which he erected when he came to Sheldon. He retired from active participation in business affairs in 1893.
1213
O BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Politically. Mr. Jones had long been allied with the Republican party and had always taken an active part in political affairs, having been a delegate to several state and county conventions of his party at various times. Mr. Jones was fraternally allied with the various Masonic bodies, being a mem- ber of the blue lodge, Royal Arch chapter. Knights Templar, and the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Margaret Edwards, of Morn- ing Sun, Iowa, in 1861. His wife survives him and has the great dis- tinction of having been the first woman resident of Sheldon and is at pres- ent the oldest living settler of the city. Despite her long and active life through the pioneer days, she is still hale, hearty and active, and takes a deep interest in every-day affairs. In the year 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Jones celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an honor which falls to but few couples in a lifetime. Four children were born to them. One died in infancy, while the three surviving children are: Mrs. Margaret L. Egert, of Upton. Wyoming; Nellie Jones, of Sheldon, both graduates of St. Mary's College. Prairie Du Chien. Miss Nellie taught in the Sheldon high school for a period of eighteen years and was county superintendent of O'Brien county for seven years: Dr. Edward Frank Jones, formerly a student of Notre Dame University, a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and now a practicing physician in South Dakota.
Benjamin Jones passed away at his home in Sheldon, May 27. 1914, at the age of eighty years, eleven months and twelve days. His mortal re- mains were laid away in East Lawn cemetery on the Sunday afternoon follow- ing his demise. The funeral services were held at the residence, on the lawn and under the trees which he had planted. Rev. John McClain. pastor of the Congregational church, preached the sermon, being assisted by Dr. J. J. Bushnell, pastor of the Methodist church. The service was attended by a great body of people, many being present from the country and nearby towns. At the conclusion of the religious services the remains were taken to the cemetery, where the beautiful Masonic burial service was given. Mr. Jones had been a member of the Masonic fraternity fifty years, serving as treasur- er of the Sheldon lodge for twenty-five years. His membership in Malta lodge, Knights of Pythias, dated from the time of its organization in the city, he being a charter member, and he had been custodian of its funds for twenty-three years. He was also a member of the Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters. Large delegations of the members of each of the orders were present and all attested to their love and esteem and respect for the de-
1214
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
ceased by placing sprigs of green on the casket. Doctor Brackney, past master of Mistletoe Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, had charge of the Masonic burial service and it was given in a most impressive manner. One hundred and fifty Masons, members of the Sheldon, Primghar, San- born, Hull and other nearby lodges, and also large delegations of Knights of Pythias, Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters, followed the remains of their deceased brother to his last resting place. The services from beginning to end were beautiful and impressive and the floral offerings by friends and local orders were numerous.
Thus closed a life well spent in deeds of usefulness and kindness. This aged and highly respected pioneer enjoyed the sunset of his declining years, surrounded by comforts and ministered to by his faithful wife and loving daughters. He was the first and oldest citizen of the city which he had seen develop from the dwelling he built into one of the wealthiest and most beautiful cities in western Iowa. Honors to him to whom honors are due.
Benjamin Jones was a man of essentially sterling qualities. He proved true to his inheritance and all through his life developed the powers of a character which was his by inheritance and birthright. His actions were honest because he was honest in heart and he was never known to have been connected with a dishonest or dishonorable action. He used this inherent quality not only in his business affairs but throughout his entire life. He interpreted honestly his conceptions of life's duties and was likewise honest in his interpretations of the opportunities which came to him in the various activities of life. A man of far-seeing judgment, he foresaw the possibili- ties of development of this northwest country and was a leader in building for the future. and lived to see his broadest dreams come true. He was a natural leader but an unobtrusive one, who never sought official prefer- ment. Political and civic honors came to him as the natural result of the recognition by his friends and fellow citizens of his possessing the necessary qualifications which make for the accomplishment of desirable results. His friendships were deep seated and strong.
The desire of the human race since time immemorial has been for a fu- ture existence beyond the tomb. This desire has been the buoyant hope and solace of humans for all time and will continue to be for aeons to come. Benjamin Jones truly and faithfully believed in immortality and that He who perished on Calvary would gather his spirit unto his bosom in the hereafter.
1215
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
HARMON H. RUNYAN.
One of the many distinguished veterans of Osceola county, who has answered the last roll call, signifying that his career is ended, is Harmon H. Runyan. Coming to this county in the early seventies, he participated in all of the struggles incident to the early development of the county. He hauled his first load of grain to Cherokee and brought back a load of coal. The Runyan family lived for several years in Baker township, with not a single house within twelve miles of them. Their home was a stopping place for travelers going to and from the mill at Milford. For a long time San- born, O'Brien county, was their closest trading point.
Harmon H. Runyan was born in New York state September 23, 1834, and died at Ocheyedan, Iowa, February 17, 1908. He left New York in 1856 and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa. At the time of the war he was farming in that county, having been married in 1858 in Iowa. He enlisted in 1862, on August 14th, in the Thirty-eighth Regiment Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, and was later transferred to Company K, Thirty-eighth Regi- ment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted for the three years' service, but after the taking of Vicksburg in the summer of 1863 he took sick and was sent home on a furlough. For a time his life was despaired of, but he finally recovered and in January, 1864, was ordered to the front again. While in the barracks at Davenport, Iowa, he was stricken with the small pox. His wife went to Davenport, brought him home by steamer and stage and nursed him back to health.
In the fall of 1872 Mr. Runyan and his family loaded up a wagon with bedding and after selling everything in Winneshiek county which they could not take with them, started out to find a good location. They remained in Clay county during the winter of 1872 and 1873. In June of 1873 they came to Baker township, in Osceola county, and decided to settle on section 2. They built a small twelve-by-fourteen house, and later added an addition measuring sixteen by twenty-four. They were practically alone in this sec- tion of the county, there not being a house in sight for twelve miles until several years later. They lived on the homestead until the fall of 1898 when they came to Ocheyedan and purchased a home. Later they bought another home in Ocheyedan and in 1901 remodeled it. Mr. Runyan owned two hun- dred and forty acres in Baker township, which he sold before his death.
Mr. Runyan was married March 31, 1858, to Martha Webster, who was born in Indiana January 17, 1840. Her parents, Samuel and Nancy Web-
I216
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
ster, were natives of Indiana and migrated to Iowa and settled in Winne- shiek county in 1854. Both of Mrs. Runyan's parents died in that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Runyan have been born four children: George W .. de- ceased: De Witt Clinton, who died of diphtheria in 1862, and Mrs. Arvilla Peter, of British Columbia, Vancouver Island. Mrs. Peter has four chil- dren. Bernice, Harmon, Daisy and Kenneth. Bernice married Mr. Mycock and has four children. William Henry, Harmon, James and Clarence. Harmon is married and has one child. The fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Runyan, Harry, died in infancy.
Mr. Runyan was a stanch Democrat and held several township offices during the course of his long and useful career in this county. He had charge of the postoffice in Baker township for some time in order to accommodate the immigrants. The little postoffice corner was dignified by the name of Runyan. Religiously, he was a faithful member of the Congregational church and gave it his earnest support at all times. Fraternally, he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons. Mr. Runyan was genial in manner, charitalle to the faults of others and during the course of his life in this county he endeared himself to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. His widow, who is now living in Ocheyedan, is remarkably preserved for her age and is a very interesting talker. She keeps well abreast of the times and shows that she has been a wide reader of current events.
WILLIAM EDWARD ELY, M. D.
No other profession has accomplished, during the last half century, the progress and development that has been made by the medical. The man of original thought and action, whose textbook forms but the basis of future work, has ever moved forward. taking advantage of and utilizing new dis- coveries in the science and looking always for better methods, surer means to the desired end. Such a man is he whose name forms the caption to this sketch. In considering the character and career of this eminent member of the medical fraternity, the impartial observer will not only be disposed to rank him among the leading members of his profession in his locality, but also as one of those men of broad culture and mental ken who have honored mankind in general. Through a long and busy life, replete with honor and success, he has been actuated by the highest motives, and to the practice of
1217
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
his profession he has brought rare skill and resource, his quick perception and almost intuitive judgment enabling him to make a correct diagnosis, always necessary that proper treatment may be used. He has always been a close student of medical science, keeping in close touch with the latest advances along that line, and he has been uniformly successful in the practice. Be- cause of his high atttainments and his exalted personal character, he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.
Dr. William E. Ely, who has practiced his profession for more than a quarter of a century in Ocheyedan, Iowa, was born March 6. 1861, in New York City. His parents, Joseph E. and Elizabeth ( Driffiele) Ely, were natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. Joseph E. Ely was a carpenter by trade and after his marriage went west and located in Kala- mazoo, Michigan, in 1864. He lived there and followed his trade until his death in 1876.
Dr. William E. Ely was educated in the schools of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and immediately entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1885. He began practice in Battle Creek, Michigan, and two years later located in Ocheyedan, Osceola county, lowa, where he has since remained. He has built up a large and lucrative practice in this city and the surrounding country and has been one of the prominent factors in the development of the locality which has been honored by his residence. He keeps well abreast of the times in his chosen field of endeavor and is recognized today as one of the most successful practitioners of this section of the state. He has invested in land in this county and now owns four hundred acres, having recently sold a quarter of section of land at a good price.
Doctor Ely was married in 1890 to Alice Kirby, of Kalamazoo, Mich- igan. He and his wife are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Doctor has been a member of the board of trustees for many years. They take an active interest in all kinds of church work and have been influential factors in promoting the moral welfare of their community.
Dr. William E. Ely has always been identified with the Republican party and has taken a prominent part in the activities of this party since com- ing to this county. He has served as county coroner of Osceola county for three terms and was the first mayor elected in Ocheyedan when the town was incorporated in 1890. He has also served in several city offices in an efficient manner. In fact no measure which has had for its purpose the welfare of his community has had more enthusiastic support than that which is given by Doctor Ely, and in every way in which he thought he could advance his
1218
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
city's interests, he has been found willing to lend his influence and support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America; he is also a member of the Eastern Star at Ocheyedan. He belongs to various medical associations, among which are the Osceola County, Iowa State and American medical associations, and in each of these he takes an active interest. The career of Doctor Ely since coming to Ocheyedan, twenty-seven years ago, shows him to be a public-spirited man who is interested in the welfare of his community and never lets an opportunity pass to help it in any way. Such men are a benefit to the community in which they live and for this reason Doctor Ely is rightly regarded as one of the representative men of his city and county.
ARTHUR H. SCHNEIDER.
It is the farmer who makes it possible for men in other occupations to live. Farming was the original occupation of man, and it is the only pro- fession which could exist independently of any other. Indeed, every other occupation is dependent upon the farmer. The products of the soil have made our railroads what they are today, and the great bulk of manufactur- ing is made necessary because of the farmer's needs. The people of the city could not live a week without the farmer's products. He holds not only the purse strings of the nation, but even the very life of its people. For this reason the farmer has, in reality. the most important profession of all. O'Brien county, Iowa, has as fine farms and good farmers as can be found in the state, and among them is Arthur E. Schneider, whose life is here set forth.
Mr. Schneider was born in Carroll township, in this county, in 1888, and is a son of William and Barbara ( Herzog) Schneider. William Schneider was born in Wisconsin in 1863. He came to O'Brien county with his parents when he was sixteen years of age. Here he grew to maturity and became one of the most successful farmers in the county. He pur- chased land in Carroll and Baker townships and now owns eight hundred and eighty acres of finely improved land in this county. He retired from active farm life in 1913, and moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he is living surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of life. His wife, Bar- bara (Herzog) Schneider, was born in Germany in 1859. They are the parents of six children, all of whom are still living.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.