USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
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In 1877 Mr. Dahly was again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline Shuttleworth, a daughter of Henry and Caroline ( Nutt) Shuttleworth, both natives of England. They went from London to Toronto, Canada, where Mrs. Dahly was born, and later removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in which city Mr. Shuttleworth owned and conducted a jewelry store, going from there to Elyria, that state. In that city he also owned a store which he subsequently traded for land at Cresco, Iowa. However, he was not satisfied with the prospects his place offered and he subsequently sold out and preempted prairie land, going back to Ohio to bring his family to Iowa. Mrs. Shuttleworth suddenly died ten years later and her husband sold the farm and moved to Cresco, where he engaged in the livery business. He died at the home of his daughter, the wife
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of our subject, in Decorah in 1903, having made his residence with Mrs. Dahly three years before passing away. Mr. Dahly by his second wife became the father of four children, as follows: Charlotta Cotilia who died at the age of sixteen; Amelia, who died when but six months old; Henrietta, who passed away very suddenly at the age of eighteen; and Charles Lewis, who cultivates the family farm and is married to Miss Josie Fuller, of Cresco. They have four children, Henrietta, Joseph, Dorothy and Katie.
Progressive and public-spirited, the welfare of Decorah was always near the heart of Mr. Dahly, who championed every moment or measure undertaken to benefit the city along moral, intellectual or material lines. In politics he was a republican but not an office seeker. He gave his allegiance to the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he was a member and in the work of which he took an active and helpful interest. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Decorah. Mrs. Dahly carries on the important business interests left in her charge upon the demise of her husband and guides the establishment with a steady hand, the annual increases in business being evidence of her ability. She attends and supports the Episcopal and Congrega- tional churches of Decorah, being always deeply interested in charitable causes. She is highly respected and esteemed by all who know hier, her sweet womanly qualities having won the friendship of many. Mr. Dahly's memory is still en- shrined in the hearts of the people who knew him and who cannot forget his kindly, open-hearted ways, his pleasing personality, his true manhood and the spirit of helpfulness which prevaded all his actions. As a pioneer merchant he played an important role in the history of Decorah and his name is among the honored ones in the annals of the city.
JOHN F. KORBEL.
John F. Korbel, who for the past seven years has served as assessor of Calmar township, is also operating his own well improved farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Calmar township. He was born here, his natal day being August 18, 1875. His parents, Frank and Johanna ( Michall ) Korbel, were both natives of Bohemia. Upon his emigration to America, the father chose Winneshiek county as his place of abode, and in a short time thereafter made a purchase of the farm which is now owned by the son. The land was raw and unimproved when it came into his possession but he eventually made it one of the valuable farm properties of his part of the township. He continued actively in the work of the farm until the time of his death, which occurred April 28, 1895. The mother still survives and now makes her home in Spillville.
John F. Korbel was reared under the parental roof, being employed at work on the home farm from an early age. In the winter months he pursued his education in the district schools of Calmar township and also attended the Conover school. He assisted his father on the home place until the latter's death, and subsequently he purchased of his mother the home farm, since which time he has made improve- ments and now has an up-to-date farm property. In addition to this he also owns
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residence property in Spillville. He is likewise a stockholder in the Calmar Creamery Company and is a director and stockholder in the Calmar Savings Bank.
Mr. Korbel was married in September, 1898, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Taylor, a daughter of Michael and Catherine ( Bruka) Taylor, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Bohemia. Mr. Taylor is engaged in farming in Jackson township. Mr. and Mrs. Korbel have become the parents of a daughter and two sons, Mary. Joseph A. and William J., aged respectively fourteen, twelve and nine years.
Mr. Korbel gives his political support to the democratic party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. He is like- wisc affiliated with the Western Catholic Union. He is an upright and honest man, as is indicated by the fact that his fellow townsmen have so long continued him in the office of township assessor. He is devoted to his home and his family and through the able assistance of his wife he has met with well merited success.
OLAUS RUEN.
Olaus Ruen is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 25, Glenwood township. Here he engages in the cultiva- tion of the crops best adapted to soil and climate and also raises stock. His entire life has been passed in Glenwood township, save for a year spent in Minnesota. He was born in this township March 2, 1868, his parents being Ole and Carrie (Egge) Ruen, natives of Norway.
The father was born October 14, 1825, and was in his twenty-fifth year when in 1850 he came with his parents to the United States, settling first in Racine, Wisconsin. The spring of 1851 witnessed his arrival in Glenwood township, Winneshiek county, and in 1855 he took up his abode upon the farm now owned by his son Olaus. His mother died while they were crossing the ocean and his father passed away in 1879. Ole Ruen continued a resident of this county to the time of his demise, which occurred in October, 1893. While in his native land he had learned the shoemaker's trade and he followed it for many years after coming to the new world, but at the same time was engaged in farming, to which he made shoemaking a side issue. At one time he was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land, which he cultivated, and was numbered among the enterprising agriculturists of the community. In politics he was a democrat and filled the offices of township trustee and justice of the peace. He was also treasurer of the school board for a period of years and took deep interest in the educational wel- fare of the community. The Lutheran church found in him an active and influ- ential member and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, justice and truth. He became connected with the Mutual Insurance Company, a local organ- ization, of which he was one of the directors. His wife was born in Norway, May 25, 1830, and in company with her sister Martha came direct to lowa in 1854. It was in October of that year that she gave her hand in marriage to Ole Ruen, since which time she has resided in Glenwood township, now making her home with her son Olaus. Her children were eleven in number: Peter, a resident of Kenyon, Minnesota ; Amelia, living in Decorah ; Henry, who will make his home in
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Steele county, Minnesota until December, 1913. when he will move to a farm which he has purchased in Frankville township. Winneshiek county ; Cornelia, the wife of John Moe, of Glenwood township ; Olaus: Maria, the wife of O. C. Evans, of Glenwood township ; Margaret, who is the widow of Andrew Haugen and lives in Frankville township; and four children who died in infancy.
Olaus Ruen has been a lifelong resident of Glenwood township, save for the period of a year spent in Steele county. The educational opportunities accorded him were those afforded by the public schools. He was early trained in farm work and became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In his youth he worked as a farm hand and since starting out in independent business has carried on general agricultural pursuits, being now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25. Glenwood township, which includes the old homestead and an additional tract of forty acres. Here he carries on general farming and also makes stock-raising a feature of the place. His farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and gives evidence of the progressive spirit of the owner.
On the 23d of May, 1900, Mr. Ruen was married to Miss Amanda Egge, who was born in Glenwood township, June 14, 1880, a daughter of Hans and Emmer- ense (Dahlen ) Egge, who were natives of Norway but are now residing in Decorah. The four children of this marriage are Lawrence, Olgar. Eleanor and Adolph, all born upon the home farm.
The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and have long been help- fully interested in its work, Mr. Ruen serving as church treasurer for the past twenty years. His political views were in accord with the principles of the repub- lican party for an extended period, but he is now a progressive. For two terms he served as township trustee and made a good officer, but has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which capably directed, have brought him substantial and well merited success.
MARION F. PRICE.
Marion F. Price is an enterprising farmer, operating a farm of two hundred and forty acres, located on sections 26 and 27. Burr Oak township. He is one of the county's native sons, for his birth occurred in Locust, Pleasant township, November 19. 1869. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight chil- dren, the parents being Daniel and Nancy ( Wise) Price, the former born in Vestal Center, New York, May 17, 1832, and the latter in Venango county, Pennsylvania. November 26, 1835. Mrs. Price went to Illinois with her parents, Samuel and Phoebe ( Meriman ) Wise and after spending two years in the Prairie state they continued their journey westward, locating in Winneshiek county, the year of their arrival here being 1857. Mr. Price had come to the county the previous year and they were married here February 24, 1859 He died here on the 29th of November. 1907. at the advanced age of seventy-five years, but the mother still survives and yet resides on the home place with our subject. Although she is now seventy-eight years of age, she is very active for one of her years. During the past two years she has caught two hundred and sixty-seven gophers
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on the farm, receiving from the county the usual bounty of ten cents per pair for the front claws. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, namely : James, of Decorah, Iowa; Lucy, twin sister of Jaines, the wife of E. HI. Van Vliet, of Stevensville, Montana ; Robert, a resident of Decorah; Marion F., of this review ; Jane, the wife of E. E. Elingson, of Charleston, North Dakota ; Edward, who died when a young man of twenty-four years; George. of Reed- point, Montana : and David, also a resident of Decorah, Iowa.
Marion F. Price was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, assisting in the work of the fields and the cultivation of crops during the planting and har- vesting seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools. He is now operating the home farm for his mother, having under his direction two hundred and forty acres, located on sections 26 and 27, Burr Oak township. He thoroughly understands his work, uses modern methods in carrying on his agricultural pursuits and his labors are annually rewarded by golden harvests.
It was on the 12th of March, 1895. that an important event in the life of Mr. Price occurred-that of his marriage to Miss Alice Landon, who was born in Burr Oak township, February 25, 1870, a daughter of Z. B. Landon, now residing in Burr Oak. She has by her marriage become the mother of one daughter. Florence.
Mr Price supports the men and measures of the republican party and at the present time is serving as township assessor, while he has also filled the positions of clerk and trustee of the township. His fraternal relations connect him with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.' He has spent his entire life in Winneshiek county and his present place of residence has been his home since 1874. He therefore has a wide acquaintance and is well liked wherever he is known.
ELLISTON F. CHASE.
Elliston F. Chase, one of the enterprising and representative agriculturists of Winneshiek county, owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Fremont township, which he has operated continuously for the past thirteen years. His birth occurred in Springwater, this county, August 11, 1867, his parents being Lindley M. and Mary C. (Gove) Chase, natives of Weare, New Hampshire. The father was born in 1823 and was thirty years of age on coming to Iowa in 1853. He remained for a short time in Muscatine, coming to Winne- shiek county in 1855. He made his home in Canoe township and taught school in West Decorah in 1857, being the only teacher employed at that time. In 1862 he went to St. Anthony, Minnesota, as a passenger on a river boat to St. Paul and remained in St. Anthony one season sawing shingles. After his return to Winneshiek county he was married, in 1863, to Miss Mary C. Gove, who was born in 1833. In 1870 he removed to Clay county. Iowa, and took up a homestead of eighty acres near Spencer, which he improved, and was engaged in its operation for six years. On the expiration of that time he returned to Winnesheik county and resumed farming. From 1878 until January, 1885, he had charge of the county poor farm at Freeport and then engaged in the cultivation of rented land
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in this county until 1894. when he went back to Clay county, there purchasing a farm which he operated until 1010. Selling that place, he removed to Spencer, where he now makes his home. Besides filling the office of steward of the poor farm he was also assessor of Canoe township, this county, for two years and tax collector for the same length of time.
Elliston F. Chase was reared and educated in Winneshiek county, obtaining his early training in the district schools and subsequently attending Breckenridge Institute of Decorah for two years. He then taught in the country schools for three years and on the expiration of that period went to Lansing, Minnesota, where he spent two years as a teacher in the town school. During the following year he was engaged as an instructor at Racine, Minnesota, and then taught school at Barnum, that state, for five months, while later he spent three months as teacher in his own private school. Returning to Winneshiek county, he was here married and took up his abode on his wife's farm in Fremont township, which he improved and has operated continuously since or for a period of thirteen years. The property embraces one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 15 and is devoted to the cultivation of cereals. Mr. Chase likewise raises thoroughbred recorded short- horn cattle and in all of his undertakings has met with well merited success, being numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
On the 8th of November, 1899, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Ella Todd, a daughter of Christopher and Jane ( Gorman) Todd, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Her father emigrated to the United States in the early '50s and for a short time resided in Elgin but subsequently came to Winneshiek county, lowa, and entered the land which is now in possession of Mrs. Chase. He improved the property and was busily engaged in its cultivation until the period of the Civil war. In September, 1862, at Decorah, he joined Company D of the Thirty-eighth lowa Infantry and served with that command until the cessation of hostilities. After returning from the war he devoted his attention to the opera- tion of his farm until called to his final rest in August, 1893. His wife had passed away in June of the same year.
In politics Mr. Chase is an adherent of the new progressive party, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons at Canton, Minnesota, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Harmony, that state. As a patriotic citizen he keeps well informed on national and local affairs and his constant aim while advancing his own interest is also to promote to the extent of his ability the general welfare of the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chase are well and favorably known here, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
JOSEPH STEINMETZ.
Since 1800 Joseph Steinmetz has been engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his present farm and the years since that time have brought him success and prominence as a reward of his industry and careful management. He now owns three hundred acres of valuable land lying on sections 21 and 28, Orleans township, and one hundred and nine aeres on section 30, Fremont township,
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JOSEPH STEINMETZ AND FAMILY
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and is accounted among the most progressive and able agriculturists of his vicinity.
Joseph Steinmetz was born in Sumner township, this county, August 3, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Sophia (Miller) Steinmetz, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America in 1851 and the latter in 1855. The father located immediately in Iowa and engaged in farming in Sumner town- ship until his death, which occurred in 1865. His wife survives him and makes her home in Calmar. To their union were born six children: Mary, deceased; Regina, the wife of Philip Herold, of Howard county; Sophia, who married M. Herold, of Minnesota; Joseph, of this review; Margaret, who has passed away ; and Bernard, also deceased. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Steinmetz married Ulrich Frey, now deceased, and they became the parents of nine children: Albert and Charles, of Sumner township; Louisa and Cathe- rine, twins, the former the wife of Joseph Brockner, of Calmar, and the latter deceased; Anna, who married Robert Heiser, of Decorah; William, of Cresco; Katie, deceased; and Phillip and Bertha, twins, the former a resident of Spill- ville and the latter deceased.
Joseph Steinmetz spent his childhood upon the home farm and at an early age became familiar with the best agricultural methods. At eighteen he began earning his own livelihood, working as a farm laborer, and in 1890 he bought one hundred and forty acres lying on sections 21 and 28, Orleans township. To this he later added one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, and he has also purchased one hundred and nine acres of valuable land on section 30, Fremont township. He has made substantial improvements upon his homestead, erect- ing barns and outbuildings and neglecting nothing which would add to the value or appearance of the place. His general farming and stock-raising interests are extensive and his success places him in a high position in the agricultural circles of this part of the state.
On the 2d of July, 1894, Mr. Steinmetz was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Prinz and they have become the parents of six children, Luella, Leonard, Clinton, Joel, Elmer and Catherine. Mr. Steinmetz is a member of the Lutheran church and is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and has made an excellent official record as a member of the school board and as road supervisor.
JOSEPH K. SCHREIBER.
Joseph K. Schreiber, well known in commercial circles of Fort Atkinson as buyer and manager for the Farmers Produce Company, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on the 6th of January, 1854, and is a son of Anton and Christina Schreiber, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Holland. The father came to America as a young man and settled in Oldenburg, Indiana, whence in 1854 he came to Winneshiek county, where he engaged in farming during the remainder of his life, dying on the 14th of August, 1878. His wife survived him many years, passing away on the 29th of January, 1891.
Vol. II-16
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Joseph K. Schreiber acquired his education in the public schools of Winneshiek county, whither he was brought by his parents when he was still an infant, and from early boyhood assisted with the operation of the homestead. At the age of twenty- two he assumed entire management of this farm and after the death of his father remained in control until he was thirty years of age, at which time he made an entire change in his active pursuits, turning his attention to the mercan- tile business in Fort Atkinson. He formed a partnership with his brother Frank and continued in association with him for twelve years, after which he sold his interests and returned to his farming operations, again cultivating the family homestead. After two years, however, he came again to Fort Atkinson and bought a livery business there, which he successfully conducted for six years, selling it at the end of that time in order to engage in farming. He has now six hundred and forty acres of land in the Panhandle of Texas, a property which is bringing him a gratifying annual income. Mr. Schreiber, however, does not give it his personal attention for in 1912 he became connected with the Farmers Produce Company of Fort Atkinson as buyer and manager. In this position his excellent business and executive ability has been called forth and he has accom- plished a great deal of important work for the concern, being numbered today among its most trusted and worthy representatives.
On the 18th of June, 1875, Mr. Schreiber was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kabla and to their union were born eleven children: Anton, a jeweler of Fort Atkinson ; George F., who is associated with his father in business ; Annie, the wife of William Burns, of Phoenix, Arizona; Edward, of Wagner. South Dakota; Frances, who married F. C. Smith, of Fort Atkinson; Cecilia, who follows the profession of nursing at Fargo, North Dakota; Philip of Miles City, Montana ; Catherine, a Sister in a convent at Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; Eleanor and Cornelius, both at home ; and a child who died in infancy.
Mr. Schreiber is a member of the Roman Catholic church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Although not an active politician he is interested in the growth and development of Fort Atkinson and in his business capacity has already done a great deal of work which is important as a factor in promoting general commercial activity.
PETER K, NESTE.
Peter K. Neste is one of the highly respected citizens of Winneshiek county, owning a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, located on section 36, Madison township. He was born on the farm which is now his home, November 24, 1854, a son of Knute K. and Ingie ( Hambre ) Neste, both of whom were natives of Norway. Upon his emigration to the new world. the father located first in Koshkonong, Wisconsin, the year of his arrival being 1853. He spent but a few months there, however, soon removing to Winneshiek county. Here he purchased a tract of eighty acres, which he at once set about clearing and improving, and as he prospered in his undertakings he was at length enabled to add to his holdings a tract of one hundred and five acres, making in all one hundred and eighty-five aeres, which constitutes the tract now in possession of
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the son, who is the subject of this sketch. The father made farming his life work and died on the old homestead in 1889. His wife survived five years, departing this life in 1894.
Peter K. Neste was reared to habits of industry and frugality on the home farm, assisting in the work of the fields during the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district school near his home. He remained with his father until after he had reached his majority. when in 1877, he went to Worth county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. This land he improved and cultivated until 1892, when he rented the place and returned to the old homestead, having in the meantime pur- chased the latter. He has since given his attention to the cultivation of the place and has also made some improvements since taking possession, so that he now has one of the model farms of Madison township.
Mr. Neste has found a valuable helpmate in his wife, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Sarah MI. Thorgeson, and to whom he was married in March, 1874. Her parents, Torger and Rangel ( Hoyne) Bakke, natives of Norway. came to Winneshiek county at an early day. They, however, upon their emigra- tion to the new world, spent a short time at Port Washington, Wisconsin, prior to their removal to Winneshiek county. Their last years, however, were spent in Winnebago county, Iowa, where both passed away, the father in 1899, and the mother in 1909.
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