USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 4
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In 1901 Mr. Ramsay was united in marriage to Miss Millie Lynne, who was born in Glenwood township, February 23, 1883, a daughter of Edward and Katherine Lynne, of Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have five children, Elling, Thelma, Aaron, Margery and Peter.
Mr. Ramsay affiliated with the republican party until 1912, in which year he joined the ranks of the progressives. He has rendered his township excellent service in various capacities, serving as trustee for twelve years and as treasurer
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of Independent school district No. 7. He is interested in the cause of education and in addition to his work as treasurer has served for several years on the school board. In the section where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he holds the esteem and high regard of all who are associated with him, and his management of the Old Homestead Farm has given him a place among the township's progressive and successful agriculturists.
EDWARD H. HOVER.
The progress of Winneshiek county-material, political, intellectual and moral -has found a champion in Edward H. Hover who, recognizing the fact that each has its place in the scheme of the world, has labored earnestly for the develop- ment of this section along all those lines, his efforts proving potent forces in the growth of the community in which his entire life has been spent. He was born on the okl homestead adjoining his present place of residence on the 23d of April, 1876, a son of Edwin and Bertha Maria ( Christian) Hover, natives of Norway who were brought to the United States in early life by their respective parents. They are mentioned at length on another page of this volume. The subject of this review was the third in order of birth and the eldest son in a family of nine children, of whom two passed away in infancy. The surviving members are: Matilda, the wife of Edwin Quisel, a resident of Toronto, South Dakota ; Clara Helena, who married Edwin Nordheim, of Pleasant township; Edward H., of this review; C. Elmer, residing at Newburg, Minnesota; Alice Sophia, the widow of Albert Lodahl, who makes her home with her father ; Idella, also residing at home; and Alma, engaged in school teaching.
Upon the old homestead on which his grandfather located in pioneer days and which originally included his present home farm, Edward H. Hover was reared to manhood, devoting the period of his boyhood and youth to the acquire- ment of an education and the gaining of practical experience under the direction of his father. He early became acquainted with the best methods of farming, his training being thorough and comprehensive, and the lessons of energy, in- dustry and thrift thus instilled into his mind have proven of vital importance in his subsequent success as an agriculturist. He remained at home with his father until his marriage, in 1900, when, wishing to take up farming independ- ently, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres from his father, to the further improvement of which he has since given his attention. This tract, lying on sec- tions 8 and 5. Pleasant township, is a part of the old home place and under his direction has been brought to a high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and, being progressive in his ideas and employing modern methods in the cultivation of his fields and the care of his live-stock, he has attained marked success, his well directed efforts being rewarded by a substantial annual income.
In 1900 Mr. Hover was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Thorson, who was born in Highland township, this county, on the 4th of January, 1874. a daughter of Ole and Anna Thorson, natives of Norway who came to Iowa at an early day. The father is deceased but the mother survives and makes her
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home in Highland township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hover have been born two children, Maurice and Lucile.
Like his father, who is one of the honored and valued residents of this section, Mr. Hover has never given his attention exclusively to his individual affairs but has found time and opportunity to take an active part in the public life of the community and manifests a keen interest in all those projects which tend to promote the general welfare. His political views are in accordance with the principles of the republican party, and on that ticket he was elected to the office of township clerk, which he has occupied for the past eight years. For a number of years he served as president of the township school board, in- dicating his championship of the cause of education, and he is also a strong advocate of good roads, doing all in his power to further the work in that direction. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, believ- ing that the moral development of a community should go hand in hand with its material and intellectual growth, and thus his efforts along various lines are proving of material value in the substantial improvement of Winneshiek county, which numbers him among her native sons.
PAUL ODE.
Paul Ode is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres lying on section 13, Springfield township, and upon this property was born December 23, 1878, a son of Peter and Jorend (Riesty) Ode, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the property which he now operates and acquired his early education in the district schools of the vicinity, later taking a course at Valder's Business College in Decorah. When he left home he went to South Dakota, where he worked for his brother for one year. Returning home at the end of that time, he entered his father's employ and con- tinued therein until 1901, when he rented the homestead. This he developed and cultivated for nine years thereafter and in 1910 purchased the property which he still owns. The farm comprises two hundred acres lying on section 13. Springfield township, and is highly improved and developed, the owner follow- ing the most practical and progressive methods. His well directed efforts have been rewarded by a gratifying measure of success and he is well entitled to the high place which he holds among the section's substantial and representative agriculturists.
On the 20th of June, 1907, Mr. Ode was united in marriage to Miss Clara Matilda Nelson, a daughter of Halvor and Bergit ( Kjonaas) Nelson, natives of Norway, who, together with Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ode, parents of the subject of this review, celebrated in 1912 their golden wedding anniversary. They were pioneers in Wisconsin, where they settled on coming to America, afterward re- moving to Winneshiek county. Here the father purchased land in Springfield township and continued to operate and improve it until his death, which occurred on the 2d of April, 1913, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife survives him, having reached the age of sixty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Ode have
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become the parents of three children : Gustave, aged five ; Elsie Helen, aged three years ; and Henry P., aged four months.
Mr. Ode is a stock-holder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Union Produce Company of Ossian, and his ability is widely recognized in business circles. He is a devout member of the Lutheran church and gives his allegiance to the republican party, being eminently progressive and public-spirited in mat- ters of citizenship. His entire life has been spent in Springfield township, where he is widely recognized and favorably known.
BENJAMIN E. JEWELL.
Benjamin E. Jewell needs no introduction to the readers of the history of Winneshiek county for his name has been an honored one in this section of the state since early times and he himself is today one of the progressive and sub- stantial agriculturists of Decorah township. He owns and operates four hundred and forty acres of land on section 6, a property which his well directed efforts have made productive and profitable.
Mr. Jewell was born in Ohio on the Ist of February, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Emily (Headington) Jewell, natives of Ohio, who came to Win- neshiek county, Iowa, in 1860, the father purchasing land in Decorah town- ship. He bought an unimproved tract which he at once set about clearing and developing, adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned twelve hundred acres, one of the most extensive tracts in this section of the state. For the remainder of his life he gave practically all of his attention to the improvement of his farm and his activities had an important effect upon the agricultural upbuilding of the community. He died in 1909 and is survived by his wife, who resides upon the homestead, having reached the age of eighty- seven years.
In the acquirement of an education Benjamin E. Jewell attended public school in Ohio and when he was ten years of age accompanied his parents to Iowa, completing his studies in the district schools of Winneshiek county, where the family settled. In his childhood he assisted with the operation of the homestead and for many years after laying aside his books remained with his parents. When he was thirty-five years of age he took up his residence upon a farm of one-hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Decorah township, land which he had purchased some years before, and this he set about clearing and improving. He later bought more land and upon the death of his father inherited an additional one hundred and twenty acres. He now owns four hundred and forty acres of fine land lying on section 6, Decorah township, and upon this he carries on general farming and stock-raising, success steadily attending his well directed labors. Upon his property he has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has neglected nothing that would add to its attractive appearance, the farm being today one of the best agricul- tttral properties in this part of the state.
In September, 1885, Mr. Jewell married Miss Kate Elliott, a daughter of John and Kate Elliott, natives of Ireland, who came to Winneshiek county in
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JJACOB JEWELL
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early times. Here the father purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Decorah township and has since improved and operated this property. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell became the parents of six children: John J., aged twenty- seven, an attorney at law in Hobson, Montana: Lola, the wife of George Coughlin, bookkeeper for Ben Bear; Catherine, who lives at home; Walter and Marjorie, who are attending school in Decorah; and Benjamin, who died in 1900, at the age of three years. Mr. Jewell and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Jewell is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is well known in fraternal circles of Decorah. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is interested in the growth and welfare of the sec- tion in which he has resided since his childhood. He rendered the county excellent service for two terms as supervisor and made a notable campaign for the office of state senator but was defeated by a few votes by Dr. Jewell, of Decorah. Well known throughout Winneshiek county by reason of his long residence and his honorable and upright life, Mr. Jewell is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of Decorah township and has the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire community.
JOHN A. JEWELL.
John A. Jewell is engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon two hundred and forty acres of land lying on section 7, Decorah township. He has resided within the borders of Winneshiek county since his infancy but was born in Ohio, January 13, IS60, a son of Jacob and Emily ( Headington) Jewell, of whom further mention is made in connection with the sketch of Benjamin E. Jewell. He was only a few months old when the family moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and he here grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the district school and at Breckenridge Institute in Decorah. During his childhood he aided with the operation of the homestead and for a number of years after laying aside his books assisted his father, finally rent- ing the homestead which he continued to operate for some time. After his father's death he came into two hundred and forty acres of land on section 7, Decorah township, and to its operation he now gives practically all of his time and attention, success attending his well directed labors. He rents one hundred and twenty additional acres and the entire tract is under a high state of cultivation, reflecting everywhere Mr. Jewell's careful supervision and practical methods. In addition to general farming he is also extensively inter- ested in stock-raising, specializing in the breeding of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, which prove a profitable source of income to him. He has im- proved his land and has now a good home and substantial outbuildings, the place presenting a neat and attractive appearance.
On November 8, IS91, Mr. Jewell was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hatton, a daughter of John and Mary Hatton, natives of England, who spent their entire lives in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have three children :
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Fred J., aged twenty; Beatrice D., aged eighteen; and Clarence E., twelve years of age. The family are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Jewell is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company of Decorah and is well known in business circles of that community. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, giving his hearty and active cooperation to progressive public projects. In the town- ship where he has resided since his infancy he is widely and favorably known, his honorable, upright and useful life having gained him the confidence and esteem of all who have come in contact with him.
FRANK JEWELL.
Frank Jewell, one of the most progressive and successful farmers and stock-raisers in Winneshiek county, owns one hundred and twenty acres and rents three hundred and twenty on sections 8 and 9, Decorah township, the property constituting a portion of the farm upon which he was born on the 7th of February, 1864. He is a son of Jacob and Emily ( Headington) Jewell, of whom more extended mention is made in connection with the sketch of Benjamin E. Jewell.
Frank Jewell was reared in his parents' home and acquired his education in the district schools and in the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. He has never left the homestead, for a few years before his father's death he rented the property, which he operated until the estate was divided. At that time he inherited one hundred and twenty acres on section 8 and this he still owns, operating it in connection with his mother's three hundred and twenty acres which he rents. All of this land lies on sections 8 and 9, Decorah town- ship and he has the entire tract in a high state of cultivation, his ability being evidenced in the excellent results which have attended his labors. He has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and keeps every- thing in excellent condition, being practical in his methods and farsighted in all of his business dealings. In addition to general farming Mr. Jewell also buys, sells and breeds stock on an extensive scale and at present has upon his farm about fifty head of cattle and one hundred and sixty sheep lle owns extensive tracts of land in Canada and North Dakota and his business interests are all carefully and capably conducted, bringing him a substantial income.
In September, 1891, Mr. Jewell was united in marriage to Miss Ida Moore, a daughter of Charles and Gustavia ( Erickson) Moore, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Norway. The father came in his childhood to Winneshiek county and grew to manhood in this part of Iowa, afterward turning his attention to farming, operating a fine property in Decorah town- ship until 1911, when he retired and moved to Decorah, where he and his wife now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have become the parents of three children : Emma, aged twenty ; Nellie, seventeen ; and Charles, eleven years of age. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
Fraternally Mr. Jewell is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic lodge. lle gives his political allegiance to the demo-
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cratic party and is interested in the growth and welfare of this section, although never active as an office seeker. He stands high in his native community in both a business and social sense and well deserves mention as one of the repre- sentative agriculturists of Winneshiek county.
WILLIAM R. SHEA.
On the roster of county officials in Winneshiek county appears the name of William R. Shea, who was elected to the position of county auditor on the 5th of November, 1912. His birth occurred in Decorah, Iowa, on the 17th of June, 1881, his parents being Daniel and Mary A. (Waters) Shea, both of whom were natives of New York. The father was born in Schenectady, New York, on the 18th of February, 1855, and when a youth of fourteen came west with his parents, the family settling in Winneshiek county, Iowa, on the 17th of March, 1869. He attended the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah and his excellent train- ing in this institution is indicated in the fact that he later became one of the best teachers of this county. He first taught in the country districts and sub- sequently became an instructor in the West Side school, where he made an excel- lent record and won a reputation which led to his nomination and election on the democratic ticket as county superintendent of schools, in which position he ably served for six years or from 1885 until 1891. Prior to this time he had studied law in the office of Levi Bullis and had been admitted to practice in Iowa courts, but it was not until 1892 that he became an active practitioner at the local bar. Among his professional brethren he was known as an able attor- ney and safe counselor. He served the city as its legal adviser for four years and had just begun to enjoy a gratifying and lucrative practice when stricken with disease. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he was well known as an active worker in the local ranks of his party. Several years prior to his death he became afflicted with what then seemed a trivial ailment but which specialists later declared to be incurable cancer. He passed away on the 4th of April, 1908, when fifty-three years of age. The period of his residence in Winneshiek county covered almost four decades and his acquaintance was a very wide one.
On the 28th of December, 1875, Daniel Shea was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Waters, by whom he had eight children, six of whom survive, namely : May ; William R., of this review; Mrs. Jennie Weiser, of Minneapolis, Minne- sota ; Parnell; Lester ; and Bernadine. Walter, the eldest son, passed away soon after attaining his majority, while the third daughter, Marjorie, died in 1904.
William R. Shea was reared and educated in Decorah, attending the par- ochial school, the Decorah high school. Valder Business College and normal school. Going to St. Paul, Minnesota, he was there employed as clerk in a rail- road office for some time and subsequently accepted a position as bookkeeper in that city. From St. Paul he made his way to Seattle, Washington, where for some time he was employed as clerk in an abstract office. After returning home he accepted a position as deputy county auditor in 1911 and on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1912, was elected county auditor of Winneshiek county. In that capacity
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he has already proven himself an able official and one eminently fitted for his duties.
On the 18th of January, 1911, at Mason City, Iowa, Mr. Shea was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Fitzsimmons. Fraternally he is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being now esteemed loyal knight of Lodge No. 443, of the latter organization. He is a democrat in politics and a Catholic in religious faith. His salient char- acteristics are such as are worthy of emulation and have gained for him the respect and good-will of a large circle of warm friends.
OGDEN CASTERTON.
The name of Ogden Casterton is in various ways closely connected with the history and the development of Winneshiek county, where for forty years he successfully pursued agricultural occupations in Highland township, and he has also become connected in an influential way with banking, social and real-estate interests of this county. Living in well earned retirement in Decorah, at the age of eighty-three years, he is highly esteemed and honored as one of the pioneers by whose labors the present prosperous conditions have been brought about. Born in England, April 22, 1830, Ogden Casterton is a son of Zachariah and Jane Casterton, both natives of that country. There the father followed agricultural pursuits during all his life and passed away, as also did the mother.
Ogden Casterton received his education in his native country, where he grew to young manhood, but in 1852 came to America, and locating in Illinois rented a farm in that state, which he operated for four years. In 1856 he removed to Winneshiek county, moving on eighty acres of land which he had previously bought and setting about to clear and improve his property. As results attended his labors he increased his holdings from time to time until he at last owned a magnificent farm of thirteen hundred acres, all of which land was located in Highland township. As the years passed he brought this vast tract to a high state of productivity and instituted such improvements and equipment as he considered necessary for profitable cultivation. Prosperity attended his labors and in 1896 he was enabled to retire from the arduous work of the farm and removing to Decorah there purchased a fine home, but later built according to his own plans a mansion in which he now resides and which is considered one of the finest residences in the city. He has since become closely connected with various business interests of the city, in which he has become an important figure. He at present serves as vice president of the Citizens Savings Bank, beside holding bank stock of various kinds outside of Winneshiek county. He is also a substantial stockholder in the Winneshiek Hotel Company and the Swenson Valve Company. Moreover, he has heavily invested in city real estate, owning several valuable business blocks in Decorah.
In 1852 Mr. Casterton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kew, a daughter of William and Jane Kew, natives of England. The father occupied himself as a laborer in his native country, but on coming to America engaged in the
OGDEN CASTERTON AND FAMILY
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
operation of a farm in Illinois until his death. The family then removed to Rockwell, Iowa, where a few days later the death of the mother occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Casterton were the parents of ten children, namely: William O., a farmer of Winneshiek county; Emma J., the wife of Samuel Ilalse, who farms near Florence, South Dakota; Ellen, who married Isaac Fawcett, resid- ing at Maple, Minnesota; Mary A., the wife of Thomas Ryan, residing at La Crosse, Wisconsin; Carrie, the widow of J. F. Humphrey, residing in North Dakota ; Claire, who married Gordon F. Humphrey and they reside in North Dakota; Bertha, the wife of Archibald H. Bryant, an agriculturist of High- land township, Winneshiek county; Grace, the wife of William Aiken, who resides in Ventura, California; Charles O., who has agricultural interests in Highland township, this county; and Nettie, the wife of Granville Fawcett, of Maple, Minnesota. Mrs. Casterton passed away May 23, 1910, at the age of nearly eighty-one years, having been born August 12, 1829.
However, Mr. Casterton's activities have not only been confined to busi- ness interests, for he has also served effectively for a number of years as justice of the peace, filling this position with such fairness and impartiality that high commendation has been accorded him. While living on his farm he also served in various minor capacities, always manifesting a helpful interest in carrying responsibilities of American citizenship. Politically he is a demo- crat and his religion is that of the Episcopal church. A resident of Winneshiek county for nearly six decades, he has not only been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred, but has been a helpful and cooperant factor in the general advancement, and the honors which come to him on account of his attainments and on account of his long years of assiduous labor are well earned and well merited.
WILLIAM EHLER.
A valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres is the property of William Ehler, whose home is on section 12, Washington township. He has resided here since his birth and is today classed among the progressive farmers and exten- sive stock-raisers of his native community, his success coming as a direct result of his industry and ability. He was born on the 3d of March, 1873, and is a son of Barney and Johannah (Hunker) Ehler, natives of Germany, who came to America and settled in Washington township, upon the farm where the sub- ject of this review now resides, in 1859. The father engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life, dying June 10, 1888. His wife resides upon the homestead at the age of eighty-seven years. To their union were born four children: William, of this review; Lizzie, who married Frank Thuente, of Washington township; Joseph, who resides in Ossian; and Henry, of Kings- bury county, South Dakota.
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