USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 36
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Hans L. Hanson spent his entire life in Canoe township from the age of four years, having been reared on the old homestead, while soon after his marriage he took up his abode on the farm which is still owned by his widow, which comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres of land on section 23 and is known as the Canoe Dairy Farm, being devoted to the live stock and dairy business, making a specialty of Holstein cattle. Mr. Hanson developed the farm according to modern methods and carefully and systematically tilled the soil, bringing the land under a good state of cultivation, while his stock-raising and dairy interests constituted also a most important feature of the place.
On the 2d of June, 1892, Mr. Hanson was married to Miss Bertha L. Haugen, who was born December 6, 1858, on the farm which is still her home, her parents being Peter 1 .. and Anna Haugen, who settled upon this place in 1854, being among the pioneer residents of this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson became the parents of five children. Anna, Christina, Amanda. Bennie and Peter, all of whom were born upon the farm which the family still occupies.
In his political views Mr. Hanson was a republican, always voting for the men and measures of the party, yet never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He held membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and his was a well spent life, whereby he gained the respect, confidence and good-will of his fellowmen.
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His death, which occurred April 26, 1907, when he was in the fortieth year of his age, was deeply regretted by all who knew him. In his passing the community lost a loyal citizen, his associates a faithful friend, and his family a devoted hus- band and father.
ANTON KUHN.
The progressive farming and stock-raising interests of Winneshiek county find a prominent and successful representative in Anton Kuhn, whose fine farm of three hundred and four acres lies on sections 22 and 23, Jackson township, and is in its neat and attractive appearance a visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He is one of this county's native sons, born at Spill- ville on the 17th of October, 1870, his parents being George and Josephine ( Novo- tny) Kuhn, natives of Germany and Bohemia respectively. The father crossed the Atlantic when he was not yet one year and a half old and he spent his child- hood and youth in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Iowa in 1854. Since that time he has been an interested witness of its continued growth and development and is today well known and highly respected in Spillville where he makes his home. He and his wife became the parents of five children: Joseph P., who resides near Spillville; Mary, deceased: Anton, of this review; Josephine, who married Math Ludwig of Elma, Iowa; and George, who resides on the home farm.
Anton Kuhn grew up on his father's farm in Winneshiek county and by assisting his father with the work of the homestead became in his youth thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. Upon his marriage in 1894 he pur- chased land of his own, buying one hundred and twenty acres on section 23, Jackson township, to which he added, first, sixty-four acres and then one hundred and twenty, his holdings now comprising three hundred and four acres, lying on sections 22 and 23. Since he acquired this property Mr. Kuhn has steadily carried forward the work of its development and cultivation along progressive, modern lines, the farm responding to his careful supervision and practical methods by constantly increasing productiveness. Substantial improvements have been made upon it, including fine barns and outbuildings and two silos, the capacities of which are one hundred and ten and fifty tons respectively. Mr. Kuhn has never neglected anything which will add to the attractiveness or value of his place and it is today one of the finest, most productive and best managed properties of its kind in the county. Upon it he carries on general farming and stock-raising and he intends in the near future to increase his herd of shorthorn milch cows and engage in the dairy business on an extensive scale.
On the 30th of January, 1894, Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ludwig, a daughter of John and Mary (Mikota) Ludwig, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Bohemia. The father, who spent his entire life engaged in farming, has passed away but his wife survives him and resides near Spillville. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn have become the parents of ten children : Albert J., who was born on the 26th of March, 1895; Andrew, born August 30, 1896; Edward, born July 21, 1898; Anna, whose birth occurred on the 9th of July. 1900: Adolph, born November 11, 1902; Frances, born December 15.
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1904: Antonia, born January 4, 1907; Regina and Clara, twins, born August , 1900: and Elizabeth, born January 13, 1912.
Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he is connected fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has rendered his township excellent service as school director. He is now acting as township trustee and is discharging his duties capably and efficiently, his record reflecting credit upon his energy and his public spirit alike. In Winneshiek county where his entire life has been spent he is well and favorably known as a man reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to all ties and obligations of life.
NICHOLAS RICHERT.
Nicholas Richert, a progressive agriculturist and an extensive stock breeder and dealer, owns the Prairie Grove stock farm, a fine property of one hun- dred and twelve acres on section 20, Hesper township. Ile was born in Alsace- Lorraine, when that country was a French possession, July 29, 1867, a son of Nicholas and Mary ( Gitz ) Richert, who came to America and Winneshick county in the fall of 1881. They are now living retired in Decorah.
Nicholas Richert spent his childhood in his native country and was four- teen years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. After his arri- val in Winneshiek county he spent a number of years working as a farm laborer, receiving eighteen dollars per month in the summers and ten dollars per month during the winters. By the exercise of thrift and economy he saved a small sum of money and with it purchased a milk route, hauling cream for the Hesper creamery for three years thereafter. After his marriage, which occurred Octo- ber 11, 1893, at the Locust church, he rented a farm in Hesper township and after operating it for two years purchased his present property. In 1896 he located upon his farm and has maintained his residence there to the present time. He has been most practical and progressive in his methods of operation and his property has come to be one of the most valuable and productive in this lo- cality. Upon it he has made substantial improvements, erecting an excellent residence, fine barns and outbuildings and planting a splendid grove of trees of different varieties. Mr. Richert's stock-raising interests engage the greater part of his attention and he has become well known throughout the county as an extensive breeder and dealer. For a number of years he has raised Poland China hogs and of late years has added Duroc Jerseys, his animals command- ing high prices and ready sales. He has recently begun breeding Hereford cat- tle and has exhibited with great success at a number of fairs. His stock-rais- ing interests are extensive and he keeps in touch with scientific methods of breeding through his membership in the Duroc Jersey Swine Association of America. In addition to his home farm he owns also a fine tract of timber land on section 9, Hesper township, and his affairs are all carefully conducted, bring- ing him a gratifying measure of success.
October 11, 1893, at Locust church, Mr. Richert was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Kenyon, who was born in Hesper township in August, 1866, a daugh-
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ter of Oliver and Lavina Kenyon, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Richert have become the parents of two children, Elsie Lucinda and Robert Roy.
Mr. Richert is a member of the Lutheran church and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in community affairs, although not an active politician. Hesper township numbers him among her most able and successful citizens and the prosperity which he enjoys is well deserved, having come as the result of well directed labor, untiring industry and sound busi- ness judgment.
JOHN J. SOUKUP.
A native of Austria, John J. Soukup was brought by his parents from that country to Winneshiek county, where they located in 1868, and here he has ever since made his home, attaining success along agricultural lines, now owning a valuable farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres on section 11, Sumner town- ship. He was born in the Austrian Empire, May 21, 1862, and is a son of Frank and Mary ( Cheitk) Soukup, natives of Austria, who came to America in 1868, locating in Calmar township, near Spillville, where the father engaged in agri- cultural pursuits and where he passed the remainder of his life until his death, which occurred on November 1. 1896. The mother died about a decade later, on the 22d of February. 1906. To their union were born five children: Frank, who remains on the old homestead in Calmar township; John J., our subject ; Joseph F., of Sumner township: Martin, of Decorah; and Celia, the wife of William Berry, of Chicago.
John J. Soukup was reared under the parental roof and remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he rented one hundred and twenty acres in Sumner township, farming there for about twelve years, or until 1897, when he bought his present farm, comprising one hundred and fifty-four acres on section II. He has ever turned his labor to good account, has undertaken a number of valuable improvements and has enhanced the value of his farm in various ways. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, deriving a gratifying income from both undertakings.
On November 23. 1885, Mr. Soukup was united in marriage to Miss Josie Zoulek, a daughter of John and Mary ( Knutz) Zoulek, natives of Austria, who came to Iowa in 1864. The father for many years followed farming but was a stone mason by trade. He died in July, 1893, but the mother is still living at the age of eighty-four and makes her home with her son, John J. Mr. and Mrs. John Zoulek became the parents of ten children: Mary, the wife of Joseph Mekish, of Spillville; Joseph, who died in childhood ; Annie, who married John Fisher, of Spillville; Rosie, deceased; Katie, the wife of Frank J. Soukup, of Calmar township; Josie, the wife of our subject; Tena, the wife of Clements Herold, of Sumner township; Frances, the widow of Joseph Swhle, of Spill- ville ; John J., of Sumner township; and Lena, the widow of W. J. Shevik, of Spillville. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Soukup have six children: William F., born
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August 30, 1886, of Lincoln township: Emma, born October 18, 1888, at home ; Mary, born March 26, 1891, the wife of Joseph Luzum, of Calmar township; Martin, born August 7, 1893, at home; Carl, whose natal day was April 8, 1896, and who resides at home; and Louisa, born January 13. 1904, also at home.
Mr. Soukup is a devout communicant of the Catholic church. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is now serving as township assessor, while he has also done valuable work as a member of the school board. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, taking an interest in all that affects the community and ever ready to support worthy public enterprises.
ADOLPH G. GUNDARSON.
Since Adolph G. Gundarson was twenty years of age he has been connected with mercantile interests of Ossian, his native city, and is now in control of an important and lucrative trade in drugs, jewelry, paints, oil, wall paper, etc. Upon his own industry, enterprise and ability he has founded his success and it places him today in the front ranks of the city's progressive and reliable business men.
He was born on the 26th of February, 1886, and is a son of Andrew and Anna ( Olson) Gundarson, natives of Norway. They came to America in 1863 and settled immediately in Ossian, where the father turned his attention to mer- cantile pursuits, conducting a general store in that place for thirty-two years and becoming during that time a leading figure in the promotion of mercantile development. He died in Ossian on the 18th of August, 1910. He had been three times married. He wedded first Miss Clara Stangland and they became the parents of one child, Mrs. Pegg, of Valva, North Dakota. His second wife was Miss Anna Olson, who died in 1889, leaving one son, the subject of this review. Andrew Gundarson then married Miss Olena Olson, sister to his second wife and to this union were born three children: Lenora, who is studying music in Minneapolis, Minnesota : Clara, who is in school at St. Olaf, Minnesota ; and Marguerite, of Red Wing, Minnesota.
Adolph G. Gundarson acquired his early education in the public schools of his native town and was afterward a student at Luther College of Decorah. When he began his independent career he turned his attention at once to the general merchandise business, but he continued in it only one year, selling his store at the end of that time and taking up the study of medicine. After a year he opened a drug store in Ossian, which he has since continued to conduct, carry- ing a full line of drugs, jewelry, paints, oil and wall papers. In recognition of his ability, the fine quality of the goods which he handles, his reasonable prices and his constant courtesy he has been accorded a liberal and representative pat- ronage and occupies a high place among Ossian's successful and enterprising merchants.
Mr. Gundarson was married on the roth of February, 1912, to Miss Mary Stangland and they have one daughter. Adolpha Marie, born December 29, 1912. Mr. Gundarson is a member of the Lutheran church, and fraternally is connected with the Masonic order and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is active and progressive in
ADOLPH G. GUNDARSON
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matters of citizenship, although his interest in public affairs never takes the form of office seeking. He prefers to concentrate his attention upon the development of his business and although he is still a young man he has already won a grat- ifying and well deserved success.
JACOB MEYER.
For many years Jacob Meyer has been connected with the commercial de- velopment of Winneshiek county and especially of Calmar, where for the last twenty-five years he has been extensively engaged in the grain and live-stock business as the principal owner of the firm of Meyer & Company. Moreover, he has participated in the puplic life of the community which he now efficiently serves as mayor, having held this office at different times for eight years and having also served with ability in a number of minor township offices, besides being, since August 9. 1913, the postmaster at Calmar. His career is proof of the fact that success is but ambition's answer and none begrudge him the fore- most position which he holds in his community because it is self-won and is the outcome of incessant industry and innate ability. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 20, 1845, Jacob Meyer is the son of Jacob and Margaret (Wis- mer) Meyer, natives of that country. The father was reared upon a farm and followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years before he was appointed superintendent of an old people's home, in which capacity he was active for the rest of his life, a period covering forty-four years. He died in 1890 and his wife followed him in death eighteen years later or in 1908.
Jacob Meyer was reared and educated in his native country and after putting his text-books aside entered the employ of a mercantile and grain house with whom he remained for six years. Perceiving the opportunities which went begging on the other side of the Atlantic he came to America in 1866 and lo- cated in Winneshiek county, lowa, beginning his business career in this country in the humble station of farm hand and subsequently finding employment in a brewery. He was thus occupied until he rented the brewery in partnership with another party, operating this enterprise until 1868, when he sold out his interest. He then engaged as a clerk in a store at Spillville and remained in that capacity until 1870, when his employer J. J. Haug offered his nephew, J. H. Haug, and Mr. Meyer an equal share in the business and the firm became J. J. Haug & Company and so remained until 1876, when J. J. Haug retired, and the business was continued under the firm name of Meyer & Haug until 1878. when Mr. Meyer came to Calmnar, establishing a store in partnership with A. Dostal, which they conducted together until 1888. In that year Mr. Meyer engaged in the grain, seed and live-stock business which he has successfully fol- lowed ever since under the firm name of Meyer & Company, his son. G. A. Meyer, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this book, being connected with him in business.
In October, 1872, Mr. Meyer married Miss Bertha Bindschaedler, a daugh- ter of Jacob and Regula Bindschaedler, natives of Switzerland. Unto this union were born seven children: Gustav A., who is mentioned at greater length
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elsewhere in this volume; Carl, the manager of the sash and door factory at Calmar : J. H., who also resides in Calmar : Louise, the wife of Dr. R. R. Page, of Ponca, Nebraska; Matilda, at home; Ruth, who graduated from school at Grinnell, lowa, in June. 1913, and has been elected assistant principal of the high school at Calmar ; and Jacob, who passed away in 1885 at the age of eight years.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Meyer also has actively participated in the public life of his community. His political affiliation is with the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church of which he and his wife are members. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Wood- men and the Yeomen. Although born in a foreign country he has readily grasped the idea of American citizenship and, public-spirited and progressive, has largely contributed to the development of his section, at the same time attaining a pros- perity which assures him of a creditable position in the commercial life of the county.
PETER J. SMITH.
Among the successful and progressive farmers of Winneshiek county is num- bered Peter J. Smith, who owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Washington township. He is a native of lowa, born in Fayette county, November 15. 1870, and is a son of John and Margaret ( Schatz ) Smith, natives of Prussia, Germany, who came to America in 1856, locating first in Wisconsin. After two years they moved to Fayette county, lowa, and in 1880 came to Winneshiek county, the father buying two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 33, Washington township. This property he made a model farm, giving his entire attention to its improvement and develop- ment until his death, which occurred in 1898, his wife surviving him until 1907. To their union were born twelve children: Catherine, who married Christopher Nepper, of Gregory, South Dakota : Zita, the widow of John Henke, of Fayette county : Philip and Fred. who reside in Fayette county ; Annie, the wife of Ben Gardner, of the same county ; Barbara, the widow of C. C. Grimes, of Lelo, South Dakota ; Mary, who has passed away ; Frances, the wife of John Schleier, of Win- neshiek county; Peter J., of this review ; John, deceased : Clemence, of Fayette county ; and Frank, a resident of Fort Atkinson.
Peter J. Smith accompanied his parents to Winneshiek county in 1880, being at that time ten years of age, and he completed an education begun in his native section in the district schools. He remained with his father until he was twenty- six years of age and then began his independent career, renting one hundred and twenty acres of land in Fayette county. Upon this he resided for two years, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 33. Washington town- ship, Winneshiek county, upon which he has since made his home. There is an attractive dwelling upon the property, the other improvements are substantial and modern and the entire farm is divided into fields of convenient size by means of fences. Mr. Smith engages in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and both branches of his activities are profitable and important.
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On the 15th of November, 1899, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Hein and they have become the parents of five children, Nora, Irvin, Her- bert, Louis and Bertha. Mr. Smith is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party, taking an active and public-spirited interest in community affairs, although never seeking office for himself. He early learned that industry is the basis of all success and he has labored diligently and earnestly throughout the years to gain a comfort- able competency and to win for himself a creditable position in agricultural circles. The many sterling qualities of his character have commended him to the confidence and good-will of all and he has an extensive circle of friends in the community where practically his entire life has been spent.
THEODORE FLEISCHER.
Theodore Fleischer, engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Ossian, was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on the 6th of December, 1853, and is a son of Adolph and Gertrude (Cremer) Fleischer, natives of Germany. They came to America in the carly '30s and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the father afterward following the carpentering trade in various parts of that state until his death in 1872. His wife survived him some years, her death occur- ring in 1898. To their union were born seven children: Theodore, the subject of this review; Fredricka, deceased; William and Mary, who have also passed away; Nicholas, who resides in San Diego, California; Carrie, the wife of Frank Beffel of Racine, Wisconsin; and Lizzie, who resides in Butte, Montana.
Theodore Fleischer was reared in Racine and acquired his education in the city schools. After laying aside his books he took up cabinet work, following that trade in his native city for about twelve years. At the end of that time he went to Nebraska and there spent about four months before coming to Ossian. After his first settlement in that city he remained there for two years and then returned to Racine whence, after one year, he came again to Ossian, estab- lishing himself in the furniture and undertaking business in 1881. He has since conducted a large establishment of this character and in the course of years has met with a gratifying success. He carries a full line of furniture which may be relied upon both for style and workmanship and he has built up a flour- ishing and growing trade along this line, his business methods being at all times reliable and straightforward and his business integrity above reproach. The undertaking department is also well managed and profitable and Mr. Fleischer stands today among the representative and substantial business men of the city where he makes his home.
Mr. Fleischer has been twice married. On the 13th of January, 1880, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Meyer who passed away August 4, 1886, leaving three children: Andrew, who resides in Chicago; and Julia and Carrie, of the same city. Mr. Fleischer's second wife was in her maidenhood Miss Pauline Hel- wig, a native of Winneshiek county, and to this union were born three chil- dren, Rose C., Amanda and Tepherine.
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The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally, Mr. Fleischer is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Order of For- esters. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is progres- sive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship, having served with credit and ability as township trustee and for three terms as a member of the town council. At all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every relation of life and he well merits the esteem and good-will which are uniformly accorded him.
A. J. SHARP.
A. J. Sharp, one of the prosperous farmers and successful stock dealers of Canoe township. is a native son of Winneshiek county, born December 9, 1859. His parents were William and Sarah ( Smith ) Sharp, natives of Yorkshire, England, where they were reared and married. About the year 1850 they came to the United States and, locating in Canoe township, Winneshiek county, Towa, made their home upon a farm whereon they continued to reside until their deaths. Their property was at first raw and unimproved but the father set himself with characteristic energy to develop the homestead, from time to time adding to his holdings until he owned about three hundred acres of fine land lying on sections 19 and 30, Canoe township, and on section 30. Bluffton township. lle was one of the most extensive landowners and progressive agriculturists in this community and held the high esteem and respect of all who knew him. He was a member of the Episcopal church and a republican in his political beliefs, taking part in public affairs and serving in various respon- sible positions of trust and honor. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Sharp, as follows: Elizabeth, who makes her home with her brother, Edward J. ; Sarah, the deceased wife of Milo Emery : Clara, who married Philip Halse. of Canoe township; William, who resides with his brother Charles ; A. J., the subject of this sketch ; Ralph, of Bluffton township: Ella, the wife of William Headington, of Canoe township; Josie, who resides in Chicago; Tillie, who mar- ried Lewis Burrack. of Detroit, Michigan: Edward J., who resides in Canoe township ; and Charles, cultivating the old homestead.
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