USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 37
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A. J. Sharp grew to manhood on his father's farm. dividing his time in his childhood between his studies at the district school and work as assistant in the operation of the homestead. He remained with his parents until after his mar- riage and then purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres on section 20. At that time this was an entirely uncultivated tract with not even a fence upon it, but with characteristic energy he set himself to improve and develop it, erecting modern and substantial buildings and installing the necessary machinery. His previous experience having made him a practical and progres- sive farmer, he met with success from the beginning and his property is today one of the finest in this section, a visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and well directed labor. Mr. Sharp also does an extensive business as a buyer and shipper of cattle and this branch of his activities has become profitable and important under his able management.
MR. AND MRS. A. J. SHARP
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On the 24th of November, 1884, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Headington, who was born in Canoe township in 1863. She is a daugh- ter of Jacob and Martha ( Powelson ) Headington, natives of Ohio and early settlers in lowa. The father has passed away, the mother making her home in Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have become the parents of nine children : Floyd, who resides in Sugar Creek, Missouri; Harry and Arthur, at home; Stella, the wife of Roy Tillotson, of Canoe township; Walter ; Ruby ; Myrtie : Fred ; and Clyde.
Fraternally Mr. Sharp is connected with the Masonic order at Decorah, also belonging to the Eastern Star, and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He takes an active part in local democratic politics and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility, including that of township treas- urer and member of the school board, which latter office he has held for the past fifteen years, his work being at all times conscientious, efficient and beneficial. Having resided in this township during his entire life, he takes a great interest in its advancement and upbuilding and anything tending to promote its progress receives his indorsement and hearty support. He is a public-spirited, able and progressive citizen and well deserves the high regard and esteem in which he is uniformly held.
P. J. SPILDE.
Among Winneshiek county's successful and progressive native sons is num- bered P. J. Spilde, who owns and operates a farm of eighty acres lying partly in Springfield and partly in Pleasant township. He was born in Pleasant township on December 16, 1873, and is a son of John P. and Julia (Spilde) Spilde, na- tives of Norway. The father came to America when he was nine years of age, locating in Winneshiek county, where he was reared and educated. Upon attain- ing his majority he purchased a farm in Pleasant township which he improved and operated for thirty-three years thereafter, becoming well known as a pros- perous and enterprising agriculturist and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen. Eventually he sold his property and retired from active business life, buying a ten acre farm in the same township, whereon he still resides, having reached the age of sixty-four. His wife is also living, being now sixty-two years of age.
P. J. Spilde was reared in Pleasant township, upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. He began his independent career at the early age of twelve and the independence and self-reliance developed in him by being thus early thrown upon his own resources have remained salient elements in his character since that time. Until 1895 he worked as a farm laborer and then rented land which he operated for two years, finally purchas- ing sixty acres 'on sections 3 and 4, Springfield township. He began the improve- ment and development of this property and as his financial resources grew added to his holdings, buying in 1907 twenty acres in Pleasant township, so that he now owns eighty acres of highly improved and cultivated land. His farm is pro- vided with an attractive residence, good barns and outbuildings and is among the most desirable properties in this section of the county. Aside from his agricultural
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pursuits Mr. Spilde also delivers cream four days a week for the Nordness Cream- ery Company and he is a stockholder in that concern as well as in the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Ilog Company of Decorah.
On the 10th of June, 1897, Mr. Spilde was united in marriage to Miss Ida Ystaas, a daughter of Iver and Sarah ( lomre ) Ystaas, natives of Norway. The father was a pioneer in Winneshick county, purchasing in early times the farin which the subject of this review now owns. He has reached the age of seventy-one and has survived his wife since 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Spilde have five children : Julia, aged fifteen ; Iver, thirteen ; Andrew, ten ; Ida, seven ; and Gustav, fourteen months.
Mr. Spilde gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Lutheran church. lle is interested in the development of the community and cooperates heartily in all measures and projects for its advance- ment and growth. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, active in busi- ness, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.
HENRY W. FUNKE, JR.
Winneshiek county has its full quota of progressive farmers who have con- tributed their share toward the upbuilding and development of the community. Among their number is Henry W. Funke, Jr., now living in Springfield town- ship, where his time and energies are fully occupied with the care and cultivation of a farm of one hundred acres, which presents a neat and attractive appear- ance and is a visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift. Mr. Funke is a native son of this part of Iowa, born in Springfield township, June 20, 1885, his parents being Henry and Maggie ( Eggstuler ) Funke, the former born in Germany, April 4, 1853. He was brought by his parents to America in the same year and in 1854 to Winneshiek county, where he grew to manhood and where he is now a prosperous and successful farmer. In his family are nine chil- ' dren : Maggie, the wife of Castro Buchied, of Washington township; Annie, in a convent at La Crosse, Wisconsin ; Barbara, also a nun in a convent at La Crosse ; Mary, who lives at home ; Henry W., of this review ; Albert H., Herman C. and Otilda, all of whom live at home ; and Agnes, who is in a convent at La Crosse.
Henry W. Funke, Jr., was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Springfield township. From his childhood he assisted with the operation of the farm and in 1908 began his independent career, buying one hundred acres of land, of which eighty are in Springfield township and twenty in Military township. Upon this land he still resides. Ilere he carries on general farming and stock-raising and both branches of his business under his able management have proven extremely profitable. Substantial improve- ments have been made upon the farm, everything is kept in good repair and the machinery is of the modern and labor-saving kind. Mr. Funke gives practically all of his attention to making his farm productive and profitable and the result of his care is seen in the neat and attractive appearance of the place, which is one of the finest agricultural properties in his section of the county.
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Mr. Funke married Miss Johanna Zweibahmer, a daughter of Fred and Annie Zweibahmer, natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Funke were born five children : Joseph, who lives at home; Rosie and Regina, twins; Hugo; and Victoria.
Mr. Funke is a member of the Roman Catholic church, holding membership in the Roman Catholic Association, and he is a democrat in his political beliefs. He is interested in all that pertains to the general progress and cooperates in many movements for the good of the community, being at all times a progressive and public-spirited citizen as well as a farsighted and discriminating business man.
HENRY J. GIESEN.
A foremost representative of commercial life in Calmar, lowa, Henry J. Giesen has for many years owned the only exclusive grocery store in the city and is also extensively engaged in the real-estate and insurance business here. Moreover, he has given evidence of his public spirit by efficiently acting in various public positions, making a creditable record and giving valuable service to the community. Since April. 1912, the grocery store has been conducted under the name of The H. J. Giesen Company, Herman J. Busch becoming a partner in the enterprise and the manager.
Henry J. Giesen is a native of Winneshiek county, being born in Conover on May 6, 1874, a son of Conrad and Anna C. (Huber) Giesen, the father a na- tive of Germany and the mother of Indiana. He was brought to this country by his parents when he was but six years of age, the family locating in Allamakee county. this state. The grandfather of our subject served as captain in a col- ored infantry regiment in the Civil war, coming at the end of hostilities to Win- neshiek county and engaging in the drug business at Conover, but subsequently removed to Fort Atkinson, this state, where he lived retired until his demise. Conrad Giesen, the father, was reared and educated in Conover, attending the public schools, however, for only three months in his life. However, he im- proved his limited education by studying and reading and became a well in- formed man upon many subjects. In 1875 he came to Calmar. Iowa, and engaged in the lumber business, so continuing until 1896 with gratifying success. He also maintained a lumberyard at Fort Atkinson. In 1896 he engaged in the general mercantile business in the same building in which our subject is now located, having bought the establishment in 1892 but not becoming connected with its active operation until the aforementioned year. He conducted the store until 1900, when he disposed of his interests and went to Superior. Wis- consin, again returning to the lumber business, being so engaged until his death, which took place in June. 1909. The mother still makes her home in Superior. Wisconsin.
Mr. Giesen was reared under the parental roof and educated in Calmar, attending public school there. To improve his education he then attended Val- der's Business College of Decorah, graduating with the class of 1891, and then entered his father's establishment, remaining in the store until 1898, when he engaged in the grocery business in Calmar, having been so occupied ever since.
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The store is located in the building which was used by the father, and the struc- ture, which is a two-story brick building, is also the property of our subject. He has the only exclusive grocery store in town and carries a large and complete stock of fancy and staple groceries, enjoying a large patronage which insures him of a gratifying income. He conducted the enterprise alone until April, 1912. when he took Herman J. Busch into partnership, the latter now being manager of the store. Since that time the concern has operated under the firm name of The H. J. Giesen Company. Mr. Giesen is also engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, to which he now devotes most of his time. Ile owns con- siderable real estate in Calmar and vicinity, including his fine residence.
On September 10, 1895. Mr. Giesen married Nellie Bernatz, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Bernatz, of whom more extended mention is made in con- nection with the sketch of George Bernatz on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Giesen had eight children: George, who died August 25, 1897: Ethel, who passed away April 3. 1809: and Willis, Donald, Phillip, Mary, Helen and Dolores, aged twelve, nine, seven, five, three and two years, respectively.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Giesen has become closely connected with the public life of his locality, having served as city treasurer. At present he is clerk of Calmar township, having held this office for twelve years and also served for two years as deputy sheriff. His faith is that of the Catholic church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, in whose principles and platform he steadfastly believes. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Decorah lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. While he has attained commendable material success, Mr. Giesen has been a serviceable factor in the upbuilding and development of his locality and stands always ready to support any movement undertaken in the interest of the people. A man of strong character, he enjoys the high regard and confidence of all who know him.
HIELGE H. AAKER.
Among the men who have promoted agricultural progress in Winneshiek county is Helge H. Aaker, who holds title to three hundred and fifty acres. com- prising the old home farm, which he acquired from the other heirs by purchase, his father having originally bought the property from the government. One hundred and sixty acres of it is located on section 1, Sumner township, eighty acres in Lincoln township and one hundred and twenty acres in Calmar town- ship. Mr. Aaker was born on this farm on December 21. 1859, a son of Hans O. and Rachel ( Juve) Aaker, both natives of Norway. The parents came to America in 1848, locating in Wisconsin, but in 1851 they removed to Winneshiek county, where the father took up land on section i in Sumner township. There he passed his life, gradually bringing his land under cultivation until in the place of wild prairie land he owned a productive farm. The old log house which served as the first family home, and which the father himself built shortly after he had taken up the land with the government, still stands. At his death he left three hundred and fifty acres. He passed away in September, 1900, his wife
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having preceded him by over five years, her death occurring on February 27, 1895. To their union were born ten children : Rachel, deceased; Alice, who mar- ried G. G. Gilbertson, of Ada, Minnesota; Ole, of Twin Valley, Minnesota ; Helge H., of this review ; Hans, of North Dakota; Maria, who married Gilbert Botkins, of Lincoln township, this county ; Annie and Isabelle, deceased ; and a son and daughter who died in infancy.
Helge H. Aaker has spent practically his whole life upon the old homestead, where he was reared and educated, early becoming acquainted with thorough agricultural methods. After the death of the mother, in 1895, he bought out the other heirs and now owns all of the three hundred and fifty acres. His fields are in a high state of productivity and his buildings substantially constructed and modernly equipped. The latest machinery can be found upon his place and he ever follows the most approved methods in order to increase his yield and enhance the value of his land. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and along both lines has been more than ordinarily successful. His political affiliation is with the republican party and he has given evidence of his interest in the cause of education by serving as a school director. He continues in the faith of his fathers, being an attendant and member of the Lutheran church. Highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors, Mr. Aaker occupies an enjoyable position among his fellow citizens, and such prosperity as has come to him is well merited, as it is the outcome of his own continuous efforts.
JOHN A. GOSSMAN.
A tract of one hundred and forty acres, located on sections 7 and 17, Burr Oak township, pays tribute to the labor of John A. Gossman, in the splendid harvests which he annually gathers therefrom. He is a native son of the town- ship, his birth having occurred April 12, 1874. He is the second youngest in a family of eight children born unto Anthony and Elizabeth (Snyder ) Gossman, a complete record of whom is given in connection with the sketch of Jacob E. Gossman on another page of this work.
John A. Gossman was reared on his father's farm and by him was trained in the work of the fields, while he acquired a practical education in the district schools of Burr Oak township. He chose as his life work agricultural pursuits and now has in his possession a fertile tract of one hundred and forty acres, situated on sections 7 and 17, Burr Oak township. On his place are found a comfortable country home and substantial barns and outbuildings and Mr. Goss- man takes a just pride in keeping his place in a neat and attractive appearance. He is engaged in raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and in addi- tion engages to some extent in dairy farming. He has always led a busy life and his labors are bringing to him rich returns.
Mr. Gossman chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss . Minnie McCabe, who was born in Bluffton township, Winneshiek county, De- cember 13, 1877, a daughter of Terrance and Mary (Ryan) McCabe, who still make their home in Bluffton township. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gossman has been blessed with seven children, as follows : Clement ; Murland, who died at
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the age of fifteen months; Leland : Francis; Norbert, who also died in infancy ; Claudius; and Mildred.
Mr. Gossman is a democrat in his political views and affiliations and being a public-spirited man has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill various offices of trust. He has served as road supervisor and has been president of the school board for the past fifteen years. He is a communicant of the St. Agnes Catholic church. Alert and enterprising, he avails himself of every opportunity that pre- sents itself for advancement along agricultural lines, using the latest improved machinery in his work and making a close study of conditions of the soil. IIe is honest in his dealings with his fellowmen and is everywhere known as an hon- orable and upright citizen who fully merits the esteem and respect which is ac- corded him.
JOSEPH PHILIP KUHN.
Among the most able and progressive native sons of Winneshiek county is numbered Joseph Philip Kuhn, a prosperous farmer and prominent man of affairs of Sumner township and a representative of one of the best known pioneer families in this part of Iowa. He was born here, March 27, 1866, and is a son of George and Josephine ( Novotny) Kuhn, the former born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1832 and the latter in Bohemia, Austria. The father came to America when he was still a child and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew to man- hood. In 1854 he came to Iowa, settling in Calmar township, Winneshiek county, whence in 1865 he removed to Sumner township, where he still resides. He is a democrat in his political views and a member of the Roman Catholic church and is widely and favorably known in his locality. His father, John Kuhn, was the founder of the family in America. He was born in Bavaria and there grew to manhood, later coming to the United States and settling on a farm in Pennsylvania, whence he came to lowa in 1854. He engaged in agricultural pursuits near Spillville, Winneshiek county, for a number of years and became very prominent in agricultural circles. He was a democrat in politics and a member of the Roman Catholic church. In the course of a long and honorable career he made substantial contributions to the pioneer development of this county. On the maternal side Mr. Kuhn is a grandson of Frank and Katrina (Stebal) Novotny, natives of Bohemia, where the father engaged in farming for many years. He also was a democrat and a Roman Catholic. Mr. Kuhn's parents were married in Spillville in 1865 and five children were born to them, Joseph Philip, Mary, Anton, George and Josephine.
Joseph P. Kuhn was reared on his father's farm in Sumner township and acquired his education in the public schools here and in private schools at Spill- ville. When he began his independent career he naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared and since that time he has stead- ily prospered in his farming operations until today he stands in the front ranks of progressive and successful agriculturists of his vicinity.
At Spillville, July 22, 1890, Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ludwig, a native of that place, born July 2. 1865, and they have become the
JOSEPH P. KUHN
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parents of eight children : Joseph R., whose birth occurred on the 27th of April, 1891 ; Frank J., born April 1, 1893; Alois, born May 20, 1895; William, August 17, 1898; Mary, October 11, 1901 ; Agnes, March 8, 1904; Lucy, December 12, 1906; and Jacob, July 25, 1909.
For many years past Mr. Kuhn has been prominent and active in local public affairs and has rendered his township excellent service in various important capacities. He served for two terms as assessor of Sumner township and for the past eighteen years has been secretary of the school board, the cause of educa- tion finding in him an intelligent and able supporter. In November, 1912, he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors for a term of three years. A devout Catholic, Mr. Kuhn has taken an active interest in the affairs of the Roman Catholic church and has been for the past twelve years a member of the church committee. He is a man of exemplary character and high and honorable principles and in the course of a life spent in Sumner township has gained the esteem and respect of his neighbors.
GEORGE R. TAYLOR.
George R. Taylor, manager of a large grain elevator in Jackson Junction, was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, on the ist of October, 1878, a son of Oliver A. and Ellen ( Noon) Taylor, natives of New York and Illinois, respec- tively. They reside at the present time in Iowa, where the father gives his at- tention to the grain business. To their union were born seven children : Maud, who married Patrick Connelly, of Lawler, Iowa; George R., of this review ; Oliver B., also a resident of Lawler; Stella, of Waterloo; Joseph C., deceased ; Claude L., of Ionia ; and Ruth, who married Christ Osterwalter, of lonia.
George R. Taylor was reared in Chickasaw county and there attended dis- trict school, afterward taking a commercial and a normal school course at Nora Springs, Iowa. After completing his education he turned his attention to teaching but followed this occupation only six months, after which he joined his father at Ionia, where he became connected with the latter's grain and stock business. When he resigned this position he went to Tripola, where he worked as a grain buyer for Gilchrist & Company for some time, all the experiences of his active life contributing to make him thoroughly familiar with the line of work with which he is now connected. In 1901 he took a position as assistant in an elevator at Jackson Junction and after one year assumed entire manage- ment of the business, controlling today an important trade as a buyer, seller and shipper of grain. A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates him in all that he does and the influence of these qualities may be seen upon his business, which has increased steadily since he assumed control and is now of extensive and gratifying proportions.
On the 3d of April, 1903, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Lottie B. Trusty and to them have been born three children: Charles Oliver, who died in infancy : Clark Raymond; and Winifred Leon. Mr. Taylor gives his poli- tical allegiance to the democratic party. He is interested in everything that pertains to community growth and development and gives his active coopera- Vol. II-19
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tion to measures for the general good, but his public service has been largely along business lines, consisting of the building up and developing in Jackson township of a large, well managed and prosperous commercial institution, the growth of which has affected in a material way the business progress of the com- munity.
HOWELL P. NICHOLSON. JR.
One of the active, able and progressive young farmers in the vicinity of Ossian is Howell P. Nicholson, Jr., engaged in general farming, stock-raising and dairy- ing upon the Chestnut Hill farm, the property upon which he was born and reared. He is a native of Winneshiek county, his birth having occurred on the 14th of April, 1872. his parents being Howell P. and Caroline ( Woodward ) Nicholson. The father was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of January, 1831. and is a son of Harry and Mercy ( Martindale ) Nicholson, natives of Ver- mont. Howell P. Nicholson moved to Winneshiek county on the sith of April, 1855, and is thus counted among the earliest pioneers in this part of Iowa. He purchased two hundred acres of land on section 4. Military township, and section 33 Springfield township, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, becom- ing one of the most prosperous and substantial farmers of his locality, At all times a progressive and public-spirited citizen, he has taken an active part in promoting the development of the community in which he has so long resided and has held some important positions of trust and honor, including those of town- ship trustee and various school offices. He has now retired from active life and makes his home with his son. the subject of this review. llis wife also survives and has reached the age of eighty-five. To their union were born eight children : Elsie, who married John Matheson, of Rockford, Iowa: Ellis H., of Hamilton City, California ; Murry J., who lives in Fort Dodge ; Elvie, who married J. H. Logsdon, of Decorah : Elmie, the wife of Henry Emerson, of Bakersfield, Califor- nia ; Abel L., of Santa Maria, California : George W., also of Santa Maria ; and Howell P., of this review.
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