USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 22
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SAMUEL F. KUNTZ.
Samuel F. Kuntz, whose activity in the development of his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on section II, Lincoln township, has contributed not only to his own advancement but to the general development of this locality, was born near Batesville, Indiana, February 1, 1868. He is a son of Andrew and Barbara (Butz) Kuntz, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Germany. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Winneshiek county in 1890 and located near Ridgeway, where he lived until the time of his death, which occurred August 28, 1912. His wife had passed away a few weeks before, dying on July 3d of that year. To their union were born ten children : William, who resides in Lincoln township; Edward, who makes his home in Cresco; John, of Luck; Samuel F., of this review; Emma, deceased; Charles, who resides on the old homestead; Wesley, living in Wisconsin; Carrie, who married John Reinhardt, of Lincoln township; Albert, a teacher in Iowa City ; and Frank, of Lincoln township.
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Samuel F. Kuntz was reared in Batesville, Indiana, and there acquired his education. He came to Winneshiek county in July, 1898, and while making his home here bought one hundred and seventy acres of land in Minnesota and one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota. He never lived on either of these properties and in 1903 disposed of all his holdings, buying two hundred and eighty acres on section HI, Lincoln township. Of this he has since sold forty acres but retains the remainder, which is well improved property. classed with the finest farms in this locality. Upon it Mr. Kuntz has made substantial im- provements, erecting buildings and installing labor-saving machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and by his energy and capable management has won a substantial and well deserved success.
On the 21st of January, 1890, Mr. Kuntz was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Klein and to their union were born seven children: Carl, whose birth occurred December 13, 1890. and who is engaged in the machinery business in Edmonton: Lauretta, who was born September 25, 1893; Roy, who died in infancy ; Mabel, born November 6, 1898; Lillian, born February 2, 1902 : George, born January 3, 1904; and Milton, born February 22, 1906.
Mr. Kuntz is a member of the German Methodist church and gives political allegiance to the republican party, serving as treasurer of the school board. In all of his dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to many movements for the public good.
A. A. HAWKS.
Though a native of Maine, A. A. Hawks has spent practically his entire life in Winneshiek county, coming here when but seven years of age. He well remembers the trip from the Pine Tree state to the middle west, leaving on a Monday morning and arriving in Decorah on Saturday morning. There they hired a farmer to drive them to Burr Oak, the trip being made on a cold evening, the date being March 11, 1865, and all suffered much with the cold. especially the seven-year-old, whom the intense suffering caused to shed many a tear. There was no railroad crossing the Mississippi at that time and the women of the party were taken across the ice in a sleigh, while the men and boys crossed on foot. In the winter of 1896-7 Mr. Hawks returned to his native state, but at that time the trip was made in a comfortable railroad coach and no occasion pre- sented itself for the shedding of tears.
Born in St. Albans, Maine. December 17, 1857, A. A. Hawks is a son of Joseph S. and Deborah W. (Goddard) Hawks, also natives of Maine. Both families were of English descent, the grandfather and great-grandfather having come from the mother country. They settled here soon after the United States government was established. Moses Hawks, the grandfather of our subject. was a millwright by trade, and the grandfather on the maternal side was a farmer. Joseph S. Hawks, the father, also followed agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1865, A. A. Hawks with his parents came to Winneshiek county, the family
A. A. HAWKS AND FAMILY
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locating in Hesper township. They resided on two different farms until the spring of 1883, when they located on the land which is now the property of our subject. Both parents died on this place, the father in November, 1902, at the age of eighty, and the mother in 1909, when eighty-seven years of age. Both were active and helpful members of the Friends church. They had two children: S. G., of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and A. A., of this review.
A. A. Hawks received his education in Winneshiek county, attending district school in Hesper township, and he early became acquainted with agricultural pursuits under the guidance of his father. He has practically resided all his life in that township and now owns one hundred and seventy-six acres on sections 15, 21 and 22 and also ten acres of timber land. He is a breeder of registered polled cattle and his farm is widely and favorably known as the Union Springs Stock Farm. The prosperity which he now enjoys is entirely due to his own efforts and there is no one who begrudges him the substantial position which he has attained in life.
On January 12, 1899, Mr. Hawks was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Lyon, a native of Wisconsin, born September 5, 1867, and a daughter of A. A. and Carrie E. (Davis) Lyon, who were natives of New York and were married there. The father was of Irish descent and the mother's family originally came from England. They settled in Wisconsin in 1866 and died there, the mother passing away in 1895 at the age of sixty-four, and the father in January, 1911, when eighty years old. They had four children: Alice A., the wife of A. E. Shore, of Wisconsin ; Mary F., the wife of our subject ; Anna C., of Wisconsin ; and Charles, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hawks have three children, Avis Ellen, Loren Raymond and Carol A.
In his politics Mr. Hawks is independent, giving his support to whatever candidates he considers best fitted for the office to which they aspire. He is a member of the Friends church, taking active and helpful interest in that organ- ization. He has done his share and more than his share in promoting agricul- tural development in Winneshiek county and has attained individual success through his own efforts, always following the principle to do well whatever he found to do. He has been interested in the general growth of his district and county and has always led a busy and useful life, having done as much toward promoting the common interests as he has in furthering his own fortunes.
LUTHER REED.
Luther Reed, a representative of a well known and highly respected family of Winneshiek county, was for many years a powerful factor in promoting the general agricultural development of this section of the state, owning a fine farm of three hundred acres on sections 19 and 30, Hesper township. Upon this property he lived from the time he was eleven years of age until he retired from active life, and the years brought him success, prominence and substantial fortune-benefits which he has well earned and richly deserves.
Mr. Reed was born in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, February 25, 1851, and is a son of Ezra and Phoebe (Cross) Reed, the former a native of
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Vermont and the latter of Lawrence county, New York. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, went to Wisconsin at a very early date and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1850, when he moved to Iowa, settling in Allamakee county. He there purchased land from the government, developing it into a profitable farm, which he sold in 1862, coming in that year to Winneshiek county. He bought land in Hesper township and here resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1887, having survived his wife since May, 1882.
Luther Reed began his education in the district schools of Allamakee county and continued it in Winneshiek county, whither he came with his parents when he was eleven years of age. He attended district schools and the public schools of Burr Oak and Waukon, and from his childhood spent his time, when not engaged with his books, in assisting his father with the operation of the home- stead. For some years after his father's death he had entire charge of this property, which Ezra Reed deeded to his son before his demise. The farm comprises three hundred acres of fine land lying on sections 19 and 30, Hesper township, and upon it Mr. Reed engages in general farming and stock-raising, for many years steadily carrying forward the work of improvement and de- velopment, making it by his practical, progressive methods and his well directed labors a valuable, well equipped and productive property. He accumulated by his own efforts a substantial fortune and in 1902 retired from active life and moved into Decorah, where he has since lived in enjoyment of the fruits of a long, prosperous and worthy life. Three years after he took up his residence here he was appointed constable and in 1906 was elected to the position which he has filled by reelection since that time. In this connection, as in all the relations of life, Mr. Reed discharges his duties capably and conscientiously, winning the approval and commendation of the people whom he serves.
On the Ist of January, 1875, Mr. Reed was united in marriage to Miss Celia L. Kellam, a daughter of Andrew J. and Mary E. ( West ) Kellam, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of four children : Ezra G., a farmer in Burr Oak township: Luther Oliver, who is engaged in the livery business in Decorah ; Alma, the wife of John Curo, county surveyor, with residence in Walker, Minnesota ; and Cora, the wife of George II. Baker, a coal and grain dealer in Decorah. Mr. Reed's first wife passed away June 18, 1901, and on the 30th of December, 1908, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Ann Amelia Mather, a daughter of Eusebius and Hannah (Deming ) Mather. Eusebius Mather was born in New York state and was a prominent railroad contractor and upon coming west, he built the railroad from McGregor to Conover in this state. He was for many years city clerk of Decorah and also a justice of the peace and actively interested in all that per- tained to the welfare of this city.
Mr. Reed is connected with the Great Lights Lodge, No. 181, A. F. & A. M., and is past master of Cement Lodge, No. 567. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has always taken an active interest in public affairs, being progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship. He served for a number of years as justice of the peace and as assessor of Hesper township, and was for ten years secretary of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a loyal and able champion. Living in lowa from his birth to the present time and in Winneshiek county for over fifty years, he is one of the
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best known men of this locality, being widely recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, of business enterprise and unfaltering diligence, and now that he has gained success and substantial fortune he is enjoying a well earned rest, for it is fitting that his former business career should bring to him this period of leisure to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. His fellow townsmen honor and respect him and wherever he is known he has an extensive circle of friends.
JOHN B. MACAL.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise John B. Macal has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county. He owns four hundred and eighty acres of well improved land on section 29, Mad- ison township, and has spent practically all of his active life in this locality, dur- ing which time his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have proven effective forces in advancing the general welfare. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, June 24, 1861, and is a son of John and Barbara ( Mashek) Macal, natives of Austria. The parents came to America and settled in Dubuque in 1857 and for eight years thereafter the father engaged in the hardware busi- ness in that city. At the end of that time he came to Winneshiek county, buy- ing one hundred and ninety acres of land in Washington township and setting about improving and developing this farm. He operated it until 1882 and then retired from active life, moving to Fort Atkinson, where he and his wife have since resided, being respectively seventy-eight and eighty years of age.
John B. Macal acquired his education in the schools of Dubuque and in district school in Winneshiek county. He assisted his father with the work of the homestead and remained with his parents until after their retirement, when he assumed full charge of the property in Washington township. He purchased the land and cleared eighty acres of it, erecting substantial and modern build- ings and adding to the machinery and equipment. For twenty-two years there- after he carried on general farming and stock-raising upon the property but at the end of that time sold it to his eldest son and moved to Madison township, where he had in 1893 purchased three hundred and twenty acres on section 29. After he took up his residence upon it he turned his attention to its further development and upon it he has since made his home. From time to time he has added to his holdings and now owns four hundred and eighty acres in the home tract as well as another two hundred acre farm in Mower county, Min- nesota. He is a representative and progressive agriculturist and his labors, being always practical, have been rewarded by excellent results.
On the 24th of January, 1882, Mr. Macal was united in marriage to Miss Annie Mashek, a daughter of Wenzel and Katie Mashek, natives of Austria. The parents came to America at an early date and located in Dubuque, Iowa, where Mrs. Macal was born in the same house in which her husband's birth occurred. Her father worked for a time in Dubuque but after two years went to Wisconsin, buying land in La Crosse county, near La Crosse. This property he operated for the remainder of his life, dying in 1905. having survived his
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wife for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Macal have become the parents of seven chil- dren: Edwin, who is engaged in farming in Washington township; John M., who follows farming in Madison township; Maurice, a farmer of Mower county, Minnesota ; William, Otillie and Arthur, all at home ; and Frank, who died June 19, 1897, at the age of thirteen years.
Fraternally Mr. Macal is affiliated with the Western Bohemian Brotherhood, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church and a stanch republican in his political beliefs, rendering the township capable and able service as trustee at the present time. He is an active and willing worker for the upbuilding and advancement of the county along many lines and stands high in the regard of all who know him.
CHARLES W. BURDICK.
The activities of the late Charles W. Burdick touched upon many phases of public and private development in Winneshiek county and Decorah and in their effect were of vital importance in bringing about the prosperous condi- tions which are enjoyed by the present generation. His death, which occurred on the 7th of March, 1913, was the occasion of deeply felt and general mourn- ing in Decorah and a loss to the community which cannot be easily replaced. As state and municipal officer Mr. Burdick was instrumental in bringing about a number of reforms which greatly benefited his community. As pioneer builder and banker he, in no mean way, contributed to the commercial expansion of his city, and as soldier, following the flag on the battlefields of the south, he rendered meritorious service to his nation.
Born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1838, he was a son of Nelson and Elmira ( Mason ) Burdick. The Burdick family is generally sup- posed to be of Scotch origin but there are some who assert that Robert Burdick, the original emigrant to America, was a Welshman, and this was inferred from the fact that he came over with John Cromwell, who came from the little rock- ribbed principality of England's west coast. Nelson Burdick, the father of our subject, was born in Cayuga county, New York, and in the spring of 1833 moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until 1852, in which year he made a trip to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and there located a tract of land. In the following spring he brought his family westward and, settling on his farm, tilled the soil until 1862, when he moved into Decorah, where he passed the remainder of his days, surrounded by his children and esteemed and respected by the many friends which his admirable qualities of mind and character had won him. He passed away after a twelve days' illness, on July 1, 1885. On January 1, 1831, he was married, in New York, to Miss Elmira Mason, the mother being born in Preble, Cortland county, New York, December 29, 1807. She was a true and faithful helpmate to her husband in establishing his fortunes, a true wife and a good mother, widely beloved by all who came in contact with her. Her death, which took place in 1903 at an age of nearly ninety-six years, was an occasion of deep and widespread regret.
CHARLES W. BURDICK
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Charles W. Burdick was fourteen years of age when he came with his parents from Crawford county, Pennsylvania, to Winneshiek county. He re- ceived his education in his native state and in the schools near his new location, passing his leisure hours and vacations in work on the home farm. There he remained occupied with agricultural pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he became one of the first to respond to Lincoln's call for troops and although it had been his desire to join the first regiment sent out of the state, it was found when he came to Keokuk, the point of rendezvous, that both the first and second regiments had already their full quotas of men and hence he was mustered into the service on June 8, 1861, as a member of Com- pany D of the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His term of enlistment was for three years, at the end of which time he received his honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, after participating in many of the greater battles and sharp skirmishes, distinguishing himself for fearlessness in conduct and faithfulness to duty. There is no better proof of his meritorious conduct than the fact that he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant during the conflict.
After his return to Decorah Mr. Burdick at once engaged in the real-estate business associated with his father, the firm name being N. Burdick & Son, under which style they continued in business for ten years, at the end of which period the father retired, our subject continuing and adding an abstract of title department to his activities. During this time Mr. Burdick had well acquainted himself with the various phases of the business and his knowledge of land values was such that many profitable deals came to fruition under his able manage- ment. The years brought him prosperity and, reaching out for new fields of endeavor, he became one of the prime movers in the organization of the Citizens Savings Bank, which institution opened its doors for business on February 10, 1884. He was the first president of this financial institution and guided the affairs of the bank with circumspection and ability until about six years ago, when he retired. The prosperous condition of this bank is largely due to the efforts of him who launched it on its way and carefully guided its policies through the first years of struggle, avoiding pitfalls and difficulties and being principally instrumental in making it the stable and solid business which it is today. He retired only after he had seen to it that it was safely and firmly established. Mr. Burdick was also closely connected with building operations in Decorah, having erected several of the largest business blocks in the city, selling the same to good advantage.
On February 20, 1867, Charles W. Burdick was married to Miss Violetta E. McMurtie, a daughter of Henry and Violetta (Leach) McMurtie. On October 8, 1892, only about a half year after their silver wedding anniversary, Mrs. Burdick passed away, deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of devoted friends who esteemed her for her many high womanly qualities. Of this union were born two children, Allie Susan and May. On November 21, 1894, Mr. Burdick married Mrs. Ida M. Stone, a daughter of Dr. Louis Pagin, of South Bend, Indiana. On November 30, 1899, Mr. Burdick was again married, his third union being with Miss Noble Dixson, of Dubuque, Iowa, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Burdick always took a deep interest in public and political matters, giving his support unflinchingly to the republi-
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can party. He held various important political positions, among them that of internal revenue officer for the district comprising Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fay- ette and Howard counties, a federal appointment, for six years. He also served efficiently as a member of the Soldiers' Home Commission by appointment of Governor Larrabee and subsequently was reappointed, serving for eight years. Decorah profited through his service as councilman and he also had the honor of filling the position of mayor, giving the city a progressive and businesslike administration. His religious inclinations were toward the Christian Science church and his only semi-fraternal connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Colonel Hughes Post.
The Burdick family residence, which he erected in 1883. is one of the finest mansions of Decorah and there he and Mrs. Burdick extended a warm-hearted and sincere hospitality to their many friends. Until his death Mr. Burdick was vigorous and active, finding interest in all matters that affected his community and participating in all movements undertaken for moral or material advance- ment. A prime factor in making this section what it is today-one of the richest agricultural regions in the country-he always led a busy and useful life to which indolence and idleness ever were foreign. Not only did he encompass his own success but was one of those who by their labors could lay claim to the title of country builder, having been a serviceable factor in the growth and upbuilding of Decorah and Winneshiek county, which had no more loyal advocate than Charles W. Burdick during his lifetime. His memory will long be cherished and his name remains a synonym for loyalty and uprightness.
ANDREW LANE.
Andrew Lane owns a valuable and productive farm of eighty acres in Decorah township and has won well merited success in its operation. His birth occurred in Norway on the 19th of February. 1854, his parents being Robert and Annie (Rygg ) Lane, likewise natives of that country. The father, who followed farm- ing in Norway throughout his active business career, there passed away in 1880. The mother was called to her final rest in 1898.
Andrew Lane was reared and educated in Norway and remained in his native land until twenty years of age. In 1874 he set sail for the new world, having determined to take advantage of the opportunities which he had heard were here to be enjoyed. Making his way direct to Winneshiek county, Iowa, he was employed as a farm hand until 1879 and then started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing a tract of eighty acres just over the line in Allamakee county. He devoted his attention to its cultivation and improvement for two . years and then leased the property, renting a farm two miles from Decorah, which he operated for some time. Subsequently he purchased the farm of eighty acres in Decorah township which he now owns and the operation of which has claimed his time and energies continuously since. He erected a handsome residence and has made many other substantial improvements on the property. which is lacking in none of the accessories and equipments of a model farm of the twentieth century. Prosperity has steadily attended his labors as an agricul-
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turist and he is numbered among the successful and representative citizens of the community.
On the 19th of February, 1887, Mr. Lane was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Bye, a daughter of Ole B. and Ida ( Hofgaard) Bye, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father, who passed away in that country in 1880, held an office which is similar to that of sheriff in America. His widow afterward emigrated to the United States and resided in Decorah, Iowa, until the time of her death, which occurred in November, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are the parents of four children, as follows: Ida, who is twenty-four years of age ; Anna, a young lady of twenty-two; Roy, who is twenty years old ; and Albert, a youth of fourteen.
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