USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 42
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On the 4th of February. 1890, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Meyer, and they have become the parents of seven children, Viola, Amy, Lucy, Carlos. Helma, Marie and Golda. Mr. Meyer is one of the leading members of the Lutheran church of Castalia and he is now serving as cashier of the Farm- ers Association. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is eminently progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship, giving active and hearty cooperation to movements for the general good. For eight years he rendered the township excellent service as trustee and at the end of that time was reelected to office, refusing. however, to serve. He is an efficient member of the school board and a councilman, and in these capacities is doing capable, far- reaching and effective work, his influence being always on the side of progress and advancement. He is counted as a valuable addition to the ranks of earnest and loyal citizens in Bloomfield township and is widely and favorably known in his part of the county, commanding and holding the respect and esteem of all who are associated with him.
EUGENE A. HOWARD.
Eugene A. Howard, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a fine farm on section 27, Orleans township, was born upon this property. April 26, 1870. His parents were John and Maria (Fleming) Howard, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Illinois. The father came to America when he was eight years of age and located in Elmira. New York, where he grew to manhood. He later moved to Illinois and from that state enlisted in the Ninety- fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving for four and one-half years in the Union army during the Civil war. Shortly after he received his discharge he purchased a farm in Orleans township. Winneshiek county, and upon this prop- erty he resided until his death, which occurred September 18, 1893. He took a very active interest in public affairs and held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a capable, farsighted and progressive way. Ilis wife survives him and makes her home in Dubuque, Iowa To their union were born four children : Eugene A., of this review ; Nellie, who is now sister Eugenia Maria in a convent at St. Marys, Indiana ; Edward, a priest in Dubuque, lowa ; and Emmett, deceased. a twin to Edward.
Eugene A. Howard acquired his education in the district schools and later attended Abingdon Commercial College at Abingdon, Illinois, where he remained one year. At the end of that time he turned his attention to teaching and after his father's death took charge of the homestead, managing its affairs for six years. He then moved to Cresco, where he engaged in the machine business but after about ten years abandoned this, returning to the home farm which he
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has since owned and operated. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and has met with a most desirable success in both branches, his prosperity com- ing as the direct result of his energy, practical methods and untiring industry.
On the 14th of June, 1898, Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Luana Stockman, a daughter of John W. and Sarah (Eddy) Stockman and a representative of a well known Winneshiek county family. Mr. and Mrs. Howard become the parents of a son, Edward Eugene, who was born May 8, 1900.
Mr. Howard is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and is con- nected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Colum- bus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Ile is a democrat in his political be- liefs and is now serving as assessor of Orleans township and as president of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a loyal and earnest supporter. His has been a most commendable record and he has the good-will and confidence of his business associates, and in other relations of life he enjoys to the fullest extent the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact.
FRANK KUNT.
Frank Kunt is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon a fine property of two hundred acres lying on sections 8 and 9. Jackson town- ship, and in addition to the work of its cultivation and improvement is serving in a capable and able way as township assessor. He has proved himself far- sighted and discriminating in business and progressive in citizenship and, al- though he is still a young man, has already made his influence felt upon local agri- cultural and political development.
He was born on a portion of the farm he now occupies April 7, 1884, a son of Mike and Anna ( Hrezda) Kunt, natives of Bohemia, who came to America about the year 1871 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where for seven years the father engaged in the lumber business. He went from there to Pocahontas county, where he spent three years engaged in farming, coming at the end of that time to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 2Ist of January, 1901. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review. To their union were born five children : John J., of Jack- son township; Mary, the wife of Joseph Slifka, of Howard county; Tena, who married Joseph Kalishek, of Chickasaw county; Anna, the wife of William Swhela, of Mason City, Iowa ; and Frank, of this review.
The last named was reared upon his father's farm in Winneshick county and in his childhood aided with the work of its operation. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years of age and then turned his atten- tion to railroad work as a fireman, engaging in this occupation for a short time and eventually resigning his position in order to return to the farm, where he has since resided. He owns two hundred acres of fine land lying on sections 8 and 9, Jackson township, and upon this property carries on general farming and stock-raising, success steadily rewarding his well directed labors. His farm is improved with a fine residence and excellent barns and outbuildings and it re-
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flects everywhere the care and supervision of its owner, who is a practical and able agriculturist.
On the 7th of November, 1906, Mr. Kunt was united in marriage to Miss Stella Zobal, and they became the parents of two children, Adeline Cecilia and Helen Antonette. Mr. Kunt is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to the office of assessor of Jackson township and he is now serving in that position, discharging his duties in a creditable, far- sighted and able way. He is a progressive, loyal and public-spirited citizen and a young man of rare ability, his industry and firm determination assuring his future success.
HENRY L. MEYER.
Since 1891 Henry L. Meyer has been an esteemed and respected resident of Bloomfield township and during the entire period has engaged in general farm- ing, his holdings now comprising two hundred and fifty-three acres on sections 15 and 16. He was born in Clayton county on the 28th of October, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Wilke ) Meyer, natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1854 and settled in Clayton county, Iowa, where the father turned his attention to farming. In his early years he had followed the tailor's trade, but during the latter period of his life he gave all of his attention to agricultural pursuits, dying upon his farm in October, 1884. His wife has also passed away, her death having occurred in October, 1911. To their union were born nine children: Charles H., of Allamakee county; Theodore H., of Minden, Nebraska : Lavina, the wife of Fred Wild. of Benton county, Iowa ; Ilenry L., of this review : J. P., of Clayton county, Iowa; Mary E., the wife of Fred Misner, of Elkader; Emma, who married George Englehart, of Luana, lowa : Fred, deceased; and August C., of Castalia.
Henry L. Meyer remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and after laying aside his books became a teacher, following this occupation for eight years after attaining his majority. He came to Winneshiek county in 1891 and in Bloomfield township purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, turn- ing his attention to general farming. He has since added ninety-three acres to this property and his land lies on sections 15 and 16 and constitutes one of the finest farms in his locality. Mr. Meyer has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has neglected nothing that will add to the attract- iveness or value of his place, the appearance of which is evident of his careful management and constant supervision. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he is also extensively interested in stock-raising and this branch of his activities forms an important source of income to him.
On the 26th of June, 1890, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Senholz, a daughter of Carl and Barbara ( Beck) Senholz, natives of Bavaria. who came to America in 1852, locating in Clayton county, Iowa. The mother passed away September 4, 1912, but the father survives, making his home in Postville. To this union were born seven children: Minnie, the wife of Henry
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Garnes, of Charles City, Iowa; Anna, who married Christ Salzgaber, of Post- ville; Fred, who passed away in 1886; George, who resides in Griswold, Iowa; Lizzie, the wife of the subject of this review ; Emma, who married Will Thoma, of Postville; and Charles, of the same city. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have four chil- dren, Velma. Lester, Ruby and Valder.
Fraternally Mr. Meyer is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Modern Wood- men of America and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is a devout member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the dem- ocratic party. He is widely known throughout the county as a representative citizen and commands and holds the confidence and high esteem of all who are associated with him.
M. J. DONLAN.
M. J. Donlan is an enterprising and industrious farmer, owning a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Burr Oak and Bluffton townships. He was born in Dover. Racine county, Wisconsin, May 3, 1862, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann ( Begley) Donlan. The father was born in Ennis, Ireland, March 17. 1829. while the mother claimed Vermont as the state of her nativity. They were married in Racine, Wisconsin, whence they came to Winneshiek county in 1869, establishing a permanent residence in Bluffton township. For one year he rented land and then purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Burr Oak township, whereon the remainder of his life was passed. He spent about three months in the service of his country, serving during the latter part of the Civil war. He was a democrat in his political views, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donlan were born eight children, as follows: Mary Jane, who died at the age of fourteen years; Sarah Agnes, the wife of R. F. Lyons, of Vermil- lion, South Dakota: Catherine, the wife of John N. Grossman, a resident of Burr Oak township; M. J., of this review ; Ann, who died at the age of six years; Edward, who died when three months old; John F., who owns the old home- stead farm; and Caroline, the wife of J. W. Hanlon, of Prosper, Minnesota. The wife and mother departed this life on the 15th of January, 1874. at the comparatively early age of forty years. The father survived for many years, passing away October 7, 1909.
M. J. Donlan was a little lad of seven years when he was brought from Wis- consin to Winneshiek county, so that he has spent practically his entire life here, although for twelve years at intervals he has been in South Dakota, where he was employed by R. F. Lyons, a brother-in-law, who is engaged in the grain business. Mr. Donlan is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning one hundred and sixty acres of land, forty acres of which are on section 3, Bluffton township, while the remainder lies on sections 22 and 23. Burr Oak township. He also rents of his brother the one hundred and twenty acres which formerly con- stituted the old home place. He leads a busy and active life and his well directed labors are bringing him success.
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Mr. Donlan was married on the 13th of April, 1896, to Mary Josephine Ryan. who was born in Fremont township, Winneshiek county. November 28, 1875, a daughter of Martin and Catherine ( Whalen) Ryan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They were married, however, in Winneshiek county, becoming two of the earliest settlers of this section of the state. The mother is deceased, but the father survives and makes his home in Cresco, this state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Donlan have been born six children: Mary Josephine, who died at the age of three months ; Walter Joseph ; Leonard Michael: Mary Josephine, the second of the name: Catherine Agnes ; and Alice Loretta. In his political views and affiliations Mr. Donlan is a democrat and he is a communicant of the Catholic church. His fraternal relations connect him with the Yeomen of America. Through his industry and economy, and the assistance of his estimable wife, he has acquired a fine farm property from which he derives a good annual income and he bids fair to attain still greater success in the future.
J. II. McMILLEN.
Among the most prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county is numbered J. H. McMillen, who owns five hundred, eighty-two and a half acres on sections 10 and 15. Hesper township, with three sets of good buildings. His place is known as the Banner Stock Farm and is exceptionally well improved, there being three large barns and a large and commodious residence.
Mr. McMillen is a native of Hesper township. born April 11, 1865, and is a son of James and Nancy (McNaughton ) McMillen. The father was born in New York, October 3. 1832, and settled in Winneshiek county, June 1, 1852, among its first pioneers. He died here in February, 1905. The mother, a native of Pennsylvania, was born March 7, 1839, and in April. 1864. married Mr. Mc- Millen, having come to this county with her parents. Her death occurred March 6, 1907. All their married life they spent on the home farm in Hesper town- ship. The father owned two hundred and forty acres of land which had been secured by the grandfather, John McMillen. from the government. The latter was among the first to die and be buried in this county. His wife. Ann, also died here. Mr. and Mrs. John MeMillen had three children: Robert ; Jane H. Hallock ; and James, the father of our subject. All three are now deceased. J. H. McMillen is the oldest of eight children, the others being: R. A., of Es- mond. North Dakota; W. H., residing on the home place in Hesper township; George, who moved to Oregon, where he married and was drowned while ford- ing a river with a horse: J. C .. of Hesper, North Dakota: Anna, who married Fred Koppen, of Hesper township; Maggie, the wife of John Freeman, of Oregon ; and Jane, who married Guy Freeman, a brother of John, and they reside in North Dakota.
J. H. McMillen has always lived in Hesper township, where he received his educational advantages and early became acquainted with agricultural labors. He resided at home until his marriage and then for three years rented his grand- father's place. For the following five years he made his home on the Holloway place. He then bought his present farm, which he has extended as his means
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have permitted until it now comprises five hundred, eighty-two and a half acres located on sections 10 and 15, Hesper township. There are three sets of good buildings upon the property, which is known as the Banner Stock Farm. Mr. Mc- Millen for many years made a specialty of breeding pure Percheron horses and still gives much attention to raising high-grade stock and to general farming. There is a feed and sawmill on the place and he also runs two threshing out- fits, deriving from that branch of his business highly satisfactory returns. It is typical of his progressiveness that he is the owner of an independent telephone line here, which he uses for himself and which also communicates with other farms in the vicinity. He is the largest landowner and the most prosperous man in his section and during the season employs many hands. He is president of the Winneshiek County Farmers Institute Association.
On September 3, 1884, Mr. McMillen was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Olsen, who was born in Norway, in 1866, and came to America with her parents when twelve years old. She is a daughter of John and Annie Olson, residents of Allamakee county. Mr. and Mrs. McMillen have the following children : Charles, a farmer of Hesper township; Flora, the wife of Harvey Keltz, of Alberta, Canada ; Ralph, of Fillmore county, Minnesota ; and Jessie, Philip, Leland and Ruby.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. McMillen takes an active interest in the progress and development of the county and in political and public affairs. He is a republican and gives his support to the candidates of that party. He has done much good in promoting agricultural growth and is ever ready to give of his means to support worthy public enterprises, although he has never cared to accept official positions. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Such pros- perity as has come to Mr. McMillen is highly deserved, for it is but the out- come of close application, good judgment and modern and up-to-date methods. He has at all times been actuated by laudable ambition and this spirit to will and to win has carried him forward to success. He enjoys in high measure the confidence and regard of his fellow citizens and is recognized as a forceful ele- ment in his community. Not only has he been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here but a helpful and cooperant factor in bringing about the prosperous conditions that now prevail.
EDMUND POLLITT.
Edmund Pollitt, who owns and operates a fine farm of four hundred and forty acres lying in Burr Oak and Orleans townships, was born in Lancashire, Eng- land, April 14, 1852, and is a son of John and Richmal (Holt) Pollitt, also natives of that county. The parents came to America in 1855 and settled in Burr Oak township, this county, where the father engaged in surveying and civil engineer- ing until his death. His wife has also passed away, her death having occurred in Decorah. To their union were born eleven children: Alice, who became the wife of A. D. Thomas, of Decorah ; Martha, who married C. W. Freeman, of the same city; John and Joseph, who have passed away; Elizabeth, who mar-
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ried C. H. Pierce, of Burr Oak township: James, residing in Spokane, Wash- ington ; Edmund, of this review ; William, who lives in Decorah; Mary, who died in infancy ; Florence, deceased ; and Mary A., who died in England.
Edmund Pollitt was three years of age when his parents moved to Winne- shiek county and he grew up upon his father's farm, acquiring his education in the district schools and spending his time, when not engaged with his books, aid- ing in the operation of the homestead. At the age of thirty-one he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Burr Oak township and eighty acres of his father's property, operating this land for four years thereafter. At the end of that time he moved to Minneapolis, where he spent several years engaged in teaming and railroad work in the employ of the American Express Company. Returning to Winneshiek county at the end of that time, he bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 9, Orleans township, to which he later added another tract of one hundred and twenty acres. He still retains his property in Burr Oak town- ship and his holdings now aggregate four hundred and forty acres. Upon his property he has carried on general farming and stock-raising, and he has met with that success which always follows earnest and well directed labor.
Mr. Pollitt married Miss Lydia G. Landon, of Burr Oak township, and they have become the parents of seven children : Harry Edmund, who lives in Cresco; Guy Raymond, of the same city ; Florence Mabel, the wife of Walter G. Dascom, of Fremont township; Nellie Richmal, who lives at home; Frances Harriett ; Fred Clifford; and George Glen.
Mr. Pollitt is a member of the Methodist church and is a democrat in his political views. He has rendered his township excellent service as justice of the peace, trustee and member of the school board and he is always ready to cooper- ate in any progressive public movement. Having resided in this part of Iowa almost continuously since his childhood, he is widely known here and his integ- rity of character and genuine personal worth have gained him an extensive circle of friends.
FRITZ J. MEYER.
Fritz J. Meyer, who since 1893 has owned and operated a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 34. Bloomfield township, is one of the most progressive and energetic farmers and stock-raisers of his locality, his success being founded upon his practical methods and thorough familiarity with every detail of farm operation. He is one of the many enterprising and industrious citizens whom Germany has given to America, his birth having occurred in that country on the 29th of September, 1853. His parents, Louis and Charlotte ( Martin) Meyer, were natives of Germany and in the fall of 1870 came to America, settling in Clayton county, where the father lived retired. Both parents passed away in 1893. To their union were born five children: Louis, who resides in Postville ; Charlotte, the wife of William King, of Winneshiek county ; William, who makes his home in Castalia; Minnie, who married Henry Dahms, of Postville; and Fritz J., of this review.
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The last named acquired his education in Germany and spent his childhood and carly youth in that country. In 1870, when he was sixteen years of age, he came to America alone and settled in Clayton county, where in the fall he was joined by his parents. He turned his attention to general farming and this occu- pation has since engaged his attention. In the year 1893 he came to Winneshiek county and purchased two hundred acres of fine land on section 34, Bloomfield township, upon which property he has since continued to reside, carrying on the work of its development along progressive and practical lines. Upon it he has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has now a pro- ductive and well managed property, classed with the model farms of this part of the state. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising and both branches. of his business have become profitable and important under his able management.
On the 22d of June, 1888, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Char- lotte Schroeder, a daughter of Louis and Wilhelmina ( Van Hunt) Schroeder, natives of Germany, who came to Iowa in 1892. They were the parents of six children: William, who resides in Postville; Charlotte, the wife of the subject of this review ; Louis, also a resident of Postville; Louisa, who married William Fisher, of Clermont, Iowa; Christ, of Allamakee county; and Fritz, of Well- man, Iowa. Louis Schroeder was twice married, his second wife being Wil- helmina Checky, by whom he had seven children : Wilhelmina, who married Rube Brainard, of Allamakee county ; Henry, who resides in Winneshiek county ; Carl, of Fayette county ; Sophia, who lives at home; Louis, who makes his home in Wellman ; Mary, who lives at home; and William, also of Wellman. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have become the parents of twelve children : Fred L., who resides. in Winneshiek county; William L., of Allamakee county; Henry L., also of Allamakee county ; Christ C., who lives at home; Emma, deceased; Louis H., Mary Minnie and Edward W., all at home; Walter and Clara, deceased ; Ella R .; and Helen L.
Mr. Meyer's religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. In all of his. business dealings he has proven thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to measures for the public good.
FRED J. FIGGE.
Fred J. Figge is a central figure in banking circles of Ossian, for as presi- dent of the Ossian State Bank he controls the destinies of one of the sound- est, safest and most conservative financial institutions in that part of Winneshiek county. A spirit of enterprise and initiative actuates him in all that he does and has been the dominating element in his rise to the responsible position which he occupies and which he is well qualified to fill.
Mr. Figge was born in Ossian on the 16th of June, 1871, and is a son of Frank and Catherine (Gleisner) Figge, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father crossed the Atlantic in the early '6os and eight years later settled in Ossian, where he erected the first brick building in
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