USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 49
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On the 9th of June, 1864, Mr. Schissel was united in marriage to Miss Philo- mena Huber, a daughter of Frank Joseph and Mary Ann (Gaertner ) Huber, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of France. The parents came to America about 1833 and after spending some time in Indiana came to Winneshiek county, locating here in the latter part of March, 1849. They made their home in what is known as Old Misson, lowa, and the father afterward devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on November 23, 1888. Ilis wife has also passed away, dying in 1901. To their union were born fourteen children : Philomena, the wife of the subject of this review ; Phillip. deceased; Louis, who resides in Calmar ; Mary and Barbara, who have passed away; Annie, the widow of Conrad Geising, of Wisconsin ; William Henry, deceased; George Henry, of Calmar; Caroline. the wife of Antone Koch, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin : Rose, who married George Hauber, of Calmar ; Louisa.
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the wife of Charles Broghammer, of Decorah; Frank, of Old Mission. Iowa : Josephine, the wife of Charles Krumm, of Fort Atkinson; and Rosina, who married Henry Ettledorf, of Ossian. Mr. and Mrs. Schissel became the parents of seventeen children : Julia, deceased ; Clara, the wife of George Broghammer, of Dell Rapids, South Dakota; Joseph, of Calmar ; Philip, who has passed away ; John P., of Adams, Minnesota ; Eugenia, the wife of J. Lassance, of Dubuque ; Louisa, who married Charles Stortz, of Decorah ; Rose, who became the wife of Fred Einwalter, of Fort Atkinson ; William, of Alberta, Canada ; Wilhelmine, twin to William, who married L. Meyer, of Fort Atkinson; Charles, a druggist in Gilmore City, Iowa; Matilda, who lives at home; George, a resident of Vincent ; Felicita, the wife of William Donald, of Burr Oak, Iowa ; Alphonse and Raymond, who reside in Fort Atkinson ; and Bertram, now engaged in farming on the Schis- sel homestead. Of these Eugenia, now Mrs. Lassance, has five children, Ethel, Raymond, Ralph. Mildred and Mary Dorothy.
John Schissel was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. The cause of education found in him a stanch supporter and for many years he did able and effective work as a school director. He passed away upon his farm March 14, 1901, having spent the best and most forceful years of his life in Winneshiek county, where his many excellent qualities of mind and character won for him the kindly regard of all who knew him.
HENRY SCHEIDEMANTEL.
Henry Scheidemantel, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon two hundred and fifteen acres of land in Military township, near Ossian, is a native of Winneshiek county, born January 25, 1867. He is a son of Henry and Kunigunda ( Meyer) Scheidemantel, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1848 and after spending two years in Wisconsin settled in Winne- shiek county, where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1888. His wife survived him many years, dying on the ist of November, 1911. To them were born eleven children: Eva, the wife of Joseph Brown, of Humphrey, Nebraska ; William, who lives in Clear Lake, Minnesota; Theodore, a farmer living near Ossian; Mary, the wife of Theodore Lamm, of Cannte, Oklahoma; Clement, who resides in the same city; Andrew, of Calmar, Iowa; Carrie, who is a sister in a convent at La Crosse, Wisconsin ; Ilenry, of this review ; Edward: Joseph, who lives in Winona, Minnesota ; and Emilie, the wife of Julius Gernes, also of Winona.
llenry Scheidemantel was reared upon his father's homestead and from his childhood aided in its operation, becoming before he had attained his majority a practical and able agriculturist. At twenty he formed a partnership with his brother and for a few years they rented the homestead, which is called the Silver Springs Stock Farm and is one of the finest agricultural properties in this section of the state. After the father's death Henry Scheidemantel inherited two hundred and fifteen acres and this he still owns and upon it is carrying on
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general farming and stock-raising, making both branches of his activities im- portant and profitable.
Mr. Scheidemantel married Miss Barbara Schissel, and they have become the parents of two children, Caroline and Victoria, who live at home. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally Mr. Scheide- mantel is affiliated with the Order of Foresters. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and has rendered the township excellent service in important official capacities, acting as trustee for nine years and as president of the school board for twenty years. He is one of Winneshiek county's most substantial and progressive native sons, well known throughout Military township for his dili- gence and enterprise.
GEORGE GUNWALL.
George Gunwall, who is engaged in farming in Sumner township. Win- neshiek county, is a son of a pioneer who came to this region when there was but one log cabin in Decorah. George Gunwall was born on June 14, 1864, in Lin- coln township, Winneshick county, a son of Gunwall Olson and Isabel ( Strau) Gunwall, both natives of Norway. They crossed the Atlantic in search of bet- ter opportunities in 1848, locating for three years in Wisconsin, whence in 1851 they came to Winneshick county, settling in Lincoln township. There was only a log cabin in Decorah, where now stands a flourishing city, when they came to this county. The father during his active life successfully followed agricultural pursuits. Both parents are now deceased. In their family were eight children: Tilda, the wife of I. Ingrebreitson, of North Dakota; Ole. of Williston, North Dakota; Carrie, also of that state; Nels, of Lincoln township; a son and a daughter, both of whom died in infancy; John, who resides in North Dakota : and George, of this review.
The last named remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he became self-supporting by collecting cream through the section, being so oc- cupied for three years. He then followed agricultural pursuits for two years. removing at the end of that period to North Dakota, where he made his home for ten years. The following three years he spent in Winnebago county. Iova, and then returned to Winneshiek county, where he acquired forty acres of land on section 2, Sumner township. He has since given his sole attention to the improvement of this property with excellent success, his fields yielding him annually valuable crops.
Mr. Gunwall was united in marriage to Miss Julia Vaagan and to this union were born ten children : Ruth. Alma and Clara, deceased : Selma, John and Wil- liam. at home: Arthur and Beatrice, deceased : Wallace; and one son, a twin brother of John, who died in infancy.
Although Mr. Gunwall has of late devoted himself entirely to his farm labors, he is a stone mason by trade and followed that pursuit for some time. He is now doing general farming and as he is diligent and industrious, his labors bring him gratifying returns. Ile follows the best approved methods, his fields are well under cultivation and his buildings in good repair. Politically he is
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independent, preferring to reserve his own judgment in his support of candi- dates. He has been road supervisor of his township and has also served on the school board, doing as much as was in his power for the promotion of educa- tional facilities. He is a member of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. A man of worthy character, he is highly esteemed and respected in his locality and has made many friends.
FRANK LEIBOLD.
Frank Leibold is engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon two hun- dred and sixty acres of land on sections 20 and 21, Washington township, and by constantly following the most progressive and practical methods in its cultiva- tion has in the course of years surrounded himself with an enviable degree of prosperity. This property constitutes a portion of the farm upon which his parents settled in 1868 and here he has lived since that time, his residence cover- ing a period of the state's greatest growth and development. He was born in Minnesota, on the 13th of January, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Mary Cath- erine G. Leibold, natives of Germany and early settlers in Winneshiek county, of whom further mention is made on another page in this work. The father died July 5. 1913.
Frank Leibold was only two years of age when he was brought by his parents to the farm in Winneshiek county and here he has since resided. In his child- hood he aided with the work of its operation and in 1903 he purchased two hnn- dred acres of the homestead, to which in 1912 he added sixty acres. Upon this property he has made substantial improvements, installed modern, labor-saving machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Everything about the property is in excellent condition and it reflects in its neat and attractive appearance the owner's careful supervision and capable management.
On the 3d of June, 1003, Mr. Leibold married Miss Mary W. Dobridensky, and they are the parents of four children, Edward, Irvin, Della and Eveline, all at home. Mr. Leibold is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. In local affairs he has taken considerable interest and served for a number of terms as secretary of the school board. He is now in the prime of life and, being progressive and a man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards, he justly deserves the full measure of confidence and respect now entertained for him by all who know him.
PHILLIP JOSEPH HUBER.
Upon the roll of Winneshiek county's honored dead appears the name of Phillip Joseph Huber, a name that has been held in high honor and respect in this section of Iowa since pioneer times and which still stands as a synonym for integrity, honor and straightforwardness in all the relations of life. Mr. Iluber witnessed practically the entire development of this county, bearing in the work
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of upbuilding a worthy and useful part, and thus it was that in his passing the section lost one of its most valued and representative citizens.
Ile was born at Oldenburg, Franklin county, Indiana, March 19, 1847. and is a son of Francis Joseph and Mary Ann ( Gaertner ) Huber, the former born at Berne, Switzerland, in May, 1811. He came to America in a sailing vessel about the year 1833 and pushed westward to Ohio and thence to Franklin county, Indiana. where he married. His wife was born in France on the 28th of February, 1821, and her father served under Napoleon, taking part in the burning of Moscow. The family afterward came to America, making the journey on a sailing vessel which, after being pursued by pirates and meeting with other dangerous adven- tures on the high seas, landed safely at New Orleans, where the Gaertner family lived for a short time. They afterward moved northward to Franklin county. Indiana, where on the ioth of October, 1843. Miss Gaertner was united in mar- riage to Franeis Joseph Huber. Mr. and Mrs. Huber continued to reside in Indiana until 1849, when they came as pioneers to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating in what is known as Old Mission, in Washington township The Huber and Gaertner families built the first chapel in Winneshick county and on the 13th of June every year anniversary services are held there. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Joseph Huber lived for many years in Washington township, the father dying November 23, 1888, and his wife in October, 1901. Both were people of excep- tional qualities of mind and heart and many sterling traits of character and were widely known and highly respected in the community where they had resided sinee pioneer times. The father had always taken a prominent part in public affairs, cooperating heartily in all movements for the advancement of the county along any line, and for a number of years did able service as justice of the peace, being the first man to hold this office in Winneshiek county. He and his wife became the parents of fourteen children. Philomena is the widow of John Schissel. formerly a farmer in Winneshiek county. Phillip Joseph is the subject of this review. Louis, who was born December 8, 1848, now resides in Calmar. Mary, who was born at Old Mission, became the wife of Harvey Waters and is now deceased. Barbara, who passed away at Fort AAtkinson in 1911, was born at Old Mission on March 19. 1850, and became the wife of William Becker, of California. Anna, born November 18. 1853, married Conrad W. Geising, of Calmar, who passed away in June, 1909. Ilis widow now resides at Superior, Wisconsin, where a number of her children are located. Henry William was born at Old Mission on the 3d of July, 1855, and died in infancy. George Henry was born at Old Mission, August 21, 1856, and is now a resident of Calmar, Iowa. Caroline, whose birth occurred also at Old Mission on the 9th of November, 1858, married Antone Koch, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rose was born at Old Mission on the 9th of December, 1860, and married George Hauber, of Calmar. Louisa, born at Old Mission, July 31, 1862, married Charles Broghammer, a farmer residing north of Decorah. Frank, also a native of Old Mission, born December 14. 1864, married Veronica Sluka and they are residing on the old home farm. Josephine, born June 3. 1866, at Old Mission, married Charles Krumm, of Fort Atkinson. Julia was born January 12, 1868, and is now the wife of Henry Etteldorf, a merehant of Ossian, lowa.
Phillip J. Huber was brought by his parents to Jowa when he was but three years of age and was reared upon the homestead at Old Mission, acquiring such
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education as the schools of the newly-settled community afforded. AAmid condi- tions of pioneer life he grew to manhood and when he began his independent career naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared, following farming upon a tract of land ncar Fort Atkinson, known as the Huber homestead. Understanding his business thoroughly in principle and detail, success steadily rewarded his well directed labors and he became prosperous and successful, his farm reflecting everywhere his careful supervision and practical management.
In early manhood Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Frances Meyer. a daughter of Andrew Meyer, who was a farmer of this county, and to their union were born the following children: Joseph, who is engaged in merchandising at Fort Atkinson: Regina, the wife of William Lansing, a farmer near Ossian ; Annie, who married Herman Hemsath also engaged in farming near Ossian : Leo. of Fort Atkinson ; Celia : Edward ; and Adelaide, who married Daniel Cassidy of New Mexico, deceased ; Clara, Michael, Albert and Edward, all of whom live at home ; and Fred, who is justice of the peace at Fort Atkinsor.
Mr. Huber gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and in matters of citizenship was eminently progressive and public spirited, cooperating in any movement or project for the advancement of the community. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and in his honorable and upright life exemplified the doctrines in which he believed. He will not soon be forgotten in the community where he had resided since pioneer times and where his neighbors and friends had learned to respect him for his energetic and progressive spirit and to rank him among the prominent men of his locality. His death in the midst of a useful career was regarded as a distinct loss not only to his family and friends but also to the community which his labors had aided so greatly in upbuilding.
HENRY OLSON.
The soil of Iowa is naturally rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor which are bestowed upon it, and thus an excellent farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Winneshiek county pays tribute to the well directed efforts of Henry Olson. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred at Decorah on the 18th of June, 1861. His parents, Peter and Jane ( Heynn ) Olson, were natives of Norway, the former born on the 10th of October. 1825, and the latter August 9, 1840. The father, who was twice married, brought his first wife and two children to the United States in 1853. Three years later, or in 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Heynn. He was a miller by trade, following that occupation in Decorah for nineteen years. He removed to Highlandville in 1866, and there conducted a mill until his retirement from active life. His death occurred on the 10th of September, 1899, but his widow long sur- vived, passing away on the 26th of October, 1912. They had become the parents of six children, as follows: Fred, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Henry. of this review : Sarah, the wife of Halver Bentley, a resident of Highland town- ship : Charles, of Highlandville ; Simon, who died at the age of fifteen years ; and Inlia, who passed away when ten years of age.
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Winneshiek county has ever been the scene of Henry Olson's business activ- ities. Early in life he began assisting his father in his mnill and was thus engaged until twenty-six years of age, when, thinking to find farming a more congenial field of occupation, he bought land in Pleasant township upon which he estab- lished his home. He is now the owner of three hundred and sixty acres located on section 3, Pleasant township, and section 35. Highland township, upon which he carries on general agricultural pursuits. Under his careful guidance the place has been highly developed and is a well improved property, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories for facilitating farm labor. M1. Olson is systematic in his methods and follows progressive measures, and as a result has been most successful in his agricultural pursuits.
It was on the 29th of September, 1886, that Mr. Olson was tinited in marriage to Miss Mary Stoen, a native of Winneshiek county, who was born in Highland township, October 12, 1858, and has always resided in this county. Her parents, H. H. and Carrie ( Bergs) Stoen, were natives of Norway, where the father was born July 16, 1831. He made the voyage to America in 1850, making his way first to Wisconsin, but shortly afterward came to Winneshiek county, Iowa. spending the remainder of his life on a farm in Highland township. He died August 6, 1910, and his wife passed away in October, 1907, at the age of eighty- five years. They were the parents of six children, namely : H. H., residing on the old home farm in Highland township; Isabelle, the wife of Ole Bidne, of Decorah ; Mrs. Olson; Tosten, deccased; Ole, who has also passed away ; and Julia, who married Thomas Jerry, of Highland township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olson were born three children, Perry, Hattie and Julia.
The religious faith of Mr. Olson is that of the Norwegian church while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has served as township trustee and school director, and, being public-spirited in citizenship, works earnestly for the development and growth of his native country. An active life in which has been manifest diligence, perseverance and thrift has found material reward in a gratifying degree of success, while high principles and honorable dealings have won for Mr. Olson the confidence, respect and good-will of all with whom he has come in contact.
PETER 1. ROCKSVOLD.
An excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 11 and 14, Glenwood township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its owner, Peter A. Rocksvold, who is numbered among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of his part of the county. It was upon this farm that his birth occurred January 15, 1874, his parents being Anton and Anna (Chase ) Rocks- vold, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and the mother came with her parents when about fourteen years of age. Anton Rocksvold devoted his entire life to farming and stock-raising and became the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land now in possession of his son Peter. He passed away in 1886 at the age of forty-two years, while his wife survives and
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has married Christian Kirkeby, their home being near Waukon, Iowa. By her first marriage the mother had four children : Peter A. ; Clara, the wife of Albert Johnson, living near Waukon; Emma, the wife of Albert Ash, of Mason City; and Albert, of Walsh county, North Dakota.
Throughout his entire life Peter A. Rocksvold has resided upon the farm which is now his home, his youth being spent in the usual manner of farm lads. His educational advantages were those afforded by the public schools and during his vacation periods he worked in the fields. During seven years in his early life he was employed by the month as a farm hand. He possessed much natural mechanical ingenuity and for the past twenty-one years has operated a sawmill and threshing machine and he also has a blacksmith shop upon his farm. When his labors had brought him a sufficient amount to enable him to purchase property he bought the old homestead of one hundred and forty acres to which he has since added until he now has a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres on sec- tions II and 14, Glenwood township. He has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation and in connection with the development of the fields and his other business interests he raises stock.
On the 12th of October. 1905, Mr. Rocksvold was married to Miss Ida Ran- dine Berge, who was born in Glenwood township, April 12, 1882, a daughter of Baard and Carrie Berge. of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Rocksvold have one son, Russel Anton Burton. In politics Mr. Rocksvold is an independent repub- lican, usually supporting the men and measures of the party yet casting an inde- pendent ballot if his judgment directs him in that way. He is a member of the First Lutheran church and for four years was one of its trustees. He is interested in all that pertains to the material and moral development of the region and is . regarded as one of Glenwood township's most respected and valued citizens.
PETER F. MEYER.
Among the most prominent and progressive residents of Ossian is numbered Peter F. Meyer, who since 1911 has served with credit and ability as county supervisor. He is a native of Iowa, born in Festina on the 19th of October, 1863, and is a son of Andrew and Regina ( Bechel) Meyer. natives of Alsace- Lorraine, Germany. As children the parents came to America, the father locat- ing in New York. but they were married in Cincinnati and afterward came to Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born eleven children: Mary, the widow of J. W. Cramer: George A., who resides in San Antonio, Texas ; Frances H .. the widow of P. J. Huber of Fort Atkinson ; L. A., who resides in Ossian : Agnes, the wife of H. A. Kout of St. Paul, Minnesota ; Philip J., of Kissimmee, Florida ; Catharine W., deceased : Caroline, the wife of F. W. Dessel, of Ossian; Lizzie, who has passed away: Julia, also deceased ; and Peter F., of this review.
Peter F. Meyer acquired a public-school education and spent his childhood on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the best and most modern agricultural methods. After his marriage he assumed entire charge of the old homestead, buying the property in 1893. This comprised two hundred and eighty
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acres of fine land, and upon it Mr. Meyer steadily carried forward the work of improvement and development, making it a valuable and productive property. This he sold in 1903 and removed to Ossian, where he erected a fine, modern home in which he has since resided, being numbered today among the most sub- stantial and honored residents of the town. He has of late years given a great deal of attention to public affairs and in 1911 was elected county supervisor, a position which he still holds. He has proven capable, reliable and conscientious in the discharge of his important duties, and his able management of the affairs of the office has reflected credit alike upon his ability and his public spirit.
Mr. Meyer was married on the 24th of September. 1889, to Miss Ida F. Des- sel of Festina. Iowa, and they became the parents of ten children: Bertha; Irma, of Rochelle, Illinois; Ursula; Wilfred, who has passed away; Marcella, George, Victor, Jerome, and Inez ; and Arthur, deceased.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Meyer is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Foresters. Always a progressive and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Meyer has rendered the township and county excellent service in various positions of trust and honor, having been township trustee for two terms, a member of the school board and census taker. In the office which he now holds he is proving entirely satisfac- tory and capable, and his official record is a conclusive evidence of the integrity, conscientiousness, industry and ability which have been the dominating forces in all of his success.
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