USA > Iowa > Clayton County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 17
USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 17
USA > Iowa > Jones County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 17
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After coming to this country young Egger made his way direct from New York to the World's Fair City where he spent several years; his next move found him in Aurora, Ill., where he was engaged as a laborer. In 1870, however, he again took up the line of march and, accompanied by his family, came to Jones County, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres in Monticello Township, which he devoted to general farming purposes, making a specialty of dairying. Several years later Mr. Eg- ger became the proprietor of the old Rundle farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres, making his landed possessions to number two hundred and twelve acres, which he placed under the very best mode of cultivation. He was very successful in his farm operation and very soon made another addition to his tract, so that now he owns three hundred and forty acres, located on section 1, Mon- ticello Township, and this is one of the finest estates in the county.
Our subject made his home on the farm until 1890, when, having accumulated a handsome for- tune and feeling that he had earned a good rest, he removed into the city of Monticello, where he is living in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life in a comfortable home in the northcastern portion of the city.
Arnold Egger, Sr., and Miss Magdalena Freu- thordt, also a native of Switzerland, were united in marriage in 1864. The wife died June 28, 1894, in this city, where she had many warm friends to mourn her loss. Her son, Arnold, Jr., is now super- intending the operation of the home farm and is engaged extensively in stock-raising, having on the place some of the finest animals to be seen within the limits of Jones County. He has from thirty-six to forty good milch cows and disposes of the milk to the creamery near his home.
This son of our subject is the recipient of a good education, supplementing the knowledge gained in
JOSEPH SIMONES.
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the district school by a course in Montieello. He was married in September, 1892, to Miss Carrie, daughter of William Cline, of Palo Alto County, this state. To them were born two sons, John and Fred Grenezer.
Our subjeet has always been interested in the progress of education in his distriet, and for several years served as a member of the Board. He is also a stockholder and Treasurer of the Co-operative Creamery Company in Sand Springs. He is de- servedly popular, and the prominent position which he has attained in life has been reached by the force of his ability, integrity and industry.
OSEPH SIMONES. It is not ease, but effort, not luek, but labor, that develops character. There is perhaps no station in life in which difficulties are not to be met and conquered before suecess ean be attained. As the skillful mariner gains his best experience amid storms, so on the ocean of life it is obstaeles and adversities that develop self-reliance, courage and independ- ent thought. The experiences of many men go to prove that obstacles in the path of progress may be overcome by perseveranee, industry and energy. These elements in the character of the late Mr. Simones furnish us with a key to the suceess which erowned his efforts. It was through tireless energy that he achieved prosperity, and through incorruptible honor that he gained a high place in the regard of his fellow-citizens. His death was mourned as a loss to the city of Du- buque, where for a number of years he had made his home. But though his labors on earth have been closed, his eharaeter still lives, as a model for others, furnishing an example that posterity may well study and emulate.
A native of Switzerland, Mr. Simones was born in Bonaduz, Graubuenden, on the 3d of October, 1846. His parents, John and Anna (Hosang) Simones, were both natives of the same country, and there the mother is still living, being now (1894) eighty-six years old. The father is de-
ceased. Our subjeet attended the best schools in Switzerland up to his eighteenth year. He re- mained in that country until he had attained his majority, but then determined to seek a home in America, hoping thereby to benefit his finaneial condition. In the spring of 1867 he sailed for the United States and at once took up liis residence in Dubuque.
In 1871 Mr. Simones returned to Switzerland, and was there united in marriage with Miss Vic- toria Bideaux, a native of Switzerland, and a daughter of Alexis and Eliza (Boul) Bideaux. Her father was born in France and died in Switzerland at the age of fifty-two. Her mother, a native of Switzerland, is living in Bonaduz at the age of sixty-seven. Mrs. Simones is a lady of refinement and culture, and is one of the most accomplished women of Dubuque. In her native land she re- eeived an exeellent education in the French, Ger- man, Romansch and Italian languages, which Mr. Simones also spoke fluently. From 1872 to 1878 he was proprietor of the Jefferson House.
Accompanied by his family, Mr. Simones in the year 1878 left Dubuque for Switzerland and remained at his old home for three and one-half years. John, the eldest son, passed away while there, and two sons, John and Paul, were born. In September, 1881, he returned to the United States and came direct to Dubuque. A few months later the Iowa Coffin Company was or- ganized, and he became the largest stockholder in the enterprise. At the time of his death he was Secretary and General Manager, and its growth and progress were due largely to his fine business and executive ability. He was also Vice-President and a Director of the Citizens' State Bank, a Di- reetor of the Key City Fire Insurance Company, the Dubuque Pressed Briek Company, and the El- gin Silver Plate Company, of Elgin, Ill.
In 1884 Mr. Simones established a large store on the corner of Sixteenth and Clay Streets, where he ereeted a fine three-story brick bloek with four stores. There he carried a full line of general dry goods, elothing, boots and shoes, the business being now in charge of his widow. He possessed a dauntless spirit and determined purpose, and ear- ried forward to a successful completion everything
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that he undertook. Thus he became quite wealthy, accumulating a handsome competency. In his politieal views he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Catholic Church, to which his wife and family also belong.
To Mr. and Mrs. Simones were born twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Anthony, Assistant Manager of the Iowa Coffin Company; Alexis, who is also connected with that firm; Mary, John, Paul, Joseph and Louis, who are in school; and Leo, who is at home. Those deceased are, John, Annie, Leo and Jo- sephine, the latter of whom died August 7, 1894. The children have received the best educational advantages afforded by the schools of Dubuque, and all of them speak three languages. The fam- ily resides on Sixteenth Street, where they have a pleasant home.
The death of Mr. Simones occurred November 17, 1893, and he was deeply mourned by all with whom he had entertained business or social rela- tions. His striet integrity and sterling worth made him one of the most highly respected eiti- zens of the community, and gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was bronght in eontaet.
A S. MCDERMOTT, dealer in agricultural implements, is the senior member of the firm of MeDermott & Biggins of Dubuque. In this eity he was born on the 18th of Septem- ber, 1834, and is therefore one of its oldest resi- dents, his parents being among the honored pio- neer settlers of the county. His father, James McDermott, was a native of Ireland, and on emi- grating to the United States, took up his residenee in Pottsville, Pa. He was united in marriage with Priscilla Lendeman, whose father was a French- man and his mother a German lady. The year 1833 witnessed the arrival of James McDermott in Dubuque. Here he engaged in lead mining until 1837, when he removed to Prairie Creek Township and began farming, which occupation he followed
until his death in 1877. Ile was born July 4, 1804. Hle took an active part in public affairs, did all in his power to promote the growth and upbuilding of the community, and in politics was a supporter of the Democratic party. His wife, who was born in 1812, was called to her final rest in 1883, at the age of seventy-one years.
A. S. McDermott has the honor of being the first male child born in the city of Dubuque. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm and was early in- ured to the arduous task of developing wild land. Ilis educational privileges were limited, but his training in the fields was by no means meagre. When he entered upon a business eareer for him- self it was as a farmer, and to the improvement and cultivation of his land he devoted his energies un- til 1854, when he came to Dubuque and learned the earpenter's trade. On the 5th of June, 1855, he left this eity and went to Riee County, Minn., with a squad of men under Gen. James Shields, who went thither in order to establish a settle- ment and became the pioneers of that locality. They founded a trading post and engaged in trad- ing with the Indians all through the country as far up as Lake Superior. Mr. McDermott learned the language of the redmen, with whom he could converse fluently in their own tongue. He re- mained in Minnesota until the fall of 1857, when we again find him in Dubuque. In the spring of 1864 he went to Montana. On the 1st of Marelı he left home and crossed the plains to Virginia City, where he arrived on the 10th of July, 1864. He was there engaged in gold mining until the 15th of October of the same year, when he crossed the mountains into Idaho and made his way to Idaho City; there he opened a earpenter shop, earrying on business along that line for a time. Later he traveled throngh Oregon, Washington, California and British America, and on the 31st of October, 1866, returned to Dubuque. He then resumed farming, which he carried on until 1881. He was regarded as one of the leading agrieulturists of the community, a reputation which was sustained by the neat and thrifty appearance of his place.
Mr. McDermott was married December 21, 1858, to Miss Margaret MeDermott, a native of Ireland. To them have been born eight ehildren, five sons
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and three daughters: H. J., who is now living in St. Paul, Minn .; C. J., also of St. Paul; Ambrose, of Butte City, Mont .; Gus P. and John A., of Du- buque; Mary and Maria, at home, and a daughter deceased.
In the spring of 1881, Mr. MeDermott formed a partnership with Ilon. James MeCann and to- gether they engaged in the sale of agricultural implements until Mr. McCann was elected Sheriff of Dubuque County. The connection was then discontinued and Mr. MeDermott was alone in business until 1893, when he was joined by Thomas F. Biggins. Under the firm style of MeDermott & Biggins they now conduct business and are enjoying an extensive trade which they well merit. In 1871 our subject patented the MeDermott Cultivator and has sinee manufactured the same. He was one of the organizers of the MeDermott Cultivator Company, and as early as 1868 he had attached a spring to the cultivator which he patented. He has also issued several other patents and his inventions are useful and are now much used. He possesses much genius as a meehanie and is a man of more than ordinary ability, who well deserves mention among the best citizens of Dubuque. He has traveled extensively over this country, especially in the northwest, and is a well informed man. In polities he is a Demo- erat. Hle and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
F RED PAHLAS for the past five years has been retired from aetive cares, his residence being at Elkader. The competence which he has acquired for old age was made by years of hard and earnest labor, for he was long numbered among the enterprising and industrious farmers of Clayton County, and now he is enjoying the fruits of his former toil surrounded by comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His sueeess is well merited as he commenced life as a poor man and persistently and bravely has fought its battles, becoming victorious. He has money invested in
various enterprises and is the owner of considera- ble land in this vicinity. In all local affairs he has been interested and active, being especially iden- tified in securing good roads and educational fa- eilities.
A native of Germany, the birth of Mr. Pahlas oe- curred in 1822, and his father, whose Christian name was Peter, passed his entire life in the Fa- therland. The boyhood of our subjeet was passed in his native land, and in his mother tongue he se- eured a good education. He continued to reside in Germany until he was thirty years of age, when he decided to try his fortunes in the New World; accordingly in 1852 he bade adieu to the scenes and friends of his youth and after many weeks on the briny deep landed at his destination, New York City. Going to the coal regions of Pennsyl- vania he settled at Maueh Chunk, Carbon County, where he was employed in the coal industry for five years. Learning of the opportunities afforded in the west to an ambitious and industrious young man he started for Iowa in 1857, becoming the owner of land in Clayton County. He improved and operated a large farm successfully until 1889, when he found that he had acquired a sufficient fortune to last him during the remainder of his years, and he then retired, making his home in Elkader, where he has a pleasant residence.
In 1852 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pahlas and Amelia Seholse, a native of Germany, and to them were born seven children, three of whom are liv- ing: Henry; Amelia, who is the wife of William Schulte; and Sarah, who is the wife of John Mil- ler. The children have all received good school advantages and have been reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which their parents are members. In regard to polities Mr. Pahlas uses his ballot and influence in support of the Demo- eratie party. For over forty years Mrs. Pahlas has been a devoted and faithful helpmate to her husband along the journey of life, and has ably seconded his efforts for acquiring a competence, and in every other way has endeavored to cheer and and him. They are both much respected early set- tlers of Clayton County, in whose welfare they have always taken great interest and have been important factors in its growth and progress. Mr.
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Pahlas has endeavored in his life to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule and has been strictly exact and just in all his business dealings with his fellows. He possesses the characteristics which are so often found in the sturdy Germans, uprightness of purpose, thrift and industry in business affairs. He is truly a self-made man, as when he landed in America he was almost entirely without capital and has only arrived at his present condition of prosperity through years of hard and un wearied toil.
D ELOS E. LYON, one of the oldest members at the Dubuque County Bar who is now successfully engaged in practice in Du- buque, claims New York as the state of his nativ- ity. He was born in Cattaraugus County, on the 14th of November, 1832, and comes of one of the old New England families. His grandfather, Joseph C. Lyon, was a native of Connecticut, was of Eng- lish descent and served in the Revolutionary War. Ilis son, Jonathan H., father of our subject, was also born in Connecticut, and became one of the early settlers of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he followed merchandising and manufacturing. He married Harriet Perkins, a native of the Em- pire State; she was a daughter of Caleb Perkins, who was also one of the heroes of the Revolution and was descended from an old English family.
We now take up the personal history of D. E. Lyon, who is both widely and favorably known in this locality. He is the fifth in order of birth in the family of six children. His boyhood days were passed in the county of his nativity, where he attended the public schools and later he entered the Buffalo Academy, there prosecuting his studies for some time. Subsequently he went west and entered Oberlin College, in which he spent the three succeeding years of his life. On the expira- tion of that period he returned to his home in New York, and was engaged in the commission and mer- cantile business for five years, during which time he also studied law, for it had become his deter- mination to enter the legal profession. He was
graduated in the same class with Grover Cleveland, on the 18th of May, 1858. After being admitted to the Bar he took a trip through several states and finally chose Dubuque as the scene of his future labors, locating in this city in the autumn after his graduation.
Mr. Lyon here opened a law office on the corner of Fifth and Main Streets, and has there done busi- ness for the past thirty-six years. He practices in all the courts, county, state and federal, and is one of the oldest members in years of continuous practice of the Dubuque County Bar.
In 1859 Mr. Lyon married Miss Cecelia A. How- ard, of Fremont, Ohio, who died in November, 1866, after having had three children. In Janu- ary, 1868, he was united with Miss Eunice A. Tay- lor, of Dubuque, and unto them have been born two children. They reside at No. 1005 Bluff Street, and there have a pleasant home, whose hospitable doors are ever open to the reception of their many friends.
Mr. Lyon is a stanch Republican in politics. He cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont and has since been a stalwart supporter of the principles of the party. Several public offices have been tendered him but were declined; he has never entered the political arena for office, preferring to give his entire attention to his law practice, which engrosses the greater part of his time. He is a most able practitioner and his high reputation is justly deserved.
F E. BEHRENS, a popular and well known citizen of Dubuque, now engaged in the practice of law, was born in Preston, Jackson County, Iowa, May 5, 1872, and is the son of Charles Behrens, a native of Germany, who settled in Jackson County at an early day. His wife bore the maiden name of Sophia Hasse, and was also a native of Germany.
In the county of his nativity the subject of this sketchi spent the days of his boyhood and in its public schools acquired his early education. He
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was graduated on the completion of the prescribed course of study from the Preston High School, after which he spent one year in the Normal School of Dixon, Ill. Wishing to enter the legal profession, in the fall of 1891 he became a student in the Law Department of the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1893. He was then admitted to the Bar, and in August of the same year he came to Dubuque, where he opened an office and has since condueted a general law prac- tiec. He is a young attorney but he possesses good ability, is enterprising and ambitious and will no doubt steadily work his way upward until he attains a prominent position at the Dubuque County Bar. In his political views he is a Demo- erat. In manner Mr. Behrens is genial and pleas- ant and the social qualities of his character make him a favorite with all with whom business or so- cial relations have brought him in contact.
T HOMAS J. PEAK is one of the pioneers and representative farmers of Jones Coun- ty, and is now making his home in Monti- cello, retired from aetive labor, and enjoying the rest he richly deserves after his long years of un- tiring and persevering labor. He has been a resi- dent of Iowa since 1837, and suffered the hard- ships and privations incident to life in an unde- veloped region, which can only be realized by those who have passed through similar experi- ences.
Thomas Peak was born in Jeffries, N. H., Sep- tember 9, 1813, being a son of Thomas J. Peak, a farmer and native of Lexington, Mass., and of English deseent. His wife was Bessie (Chaffin) Peak, who was born in Acton, Mass., and whose father, Robert Chaffin, was of English ancestry. This worthy couple became the parents of three children, of whom our subject was the second in order of birth, the others being Elizabeth, now a resident of Peacham, Vt., and Joseph, who for- merly resided in the same village, but who has
passed away. With his parents our subject re- moved to Peacham, Vt., when in boyhood, and at- tended the common schools, and subsequently the academy of the place, until sixteen years of age. Three years later he went to Boston, and when twenty years old went on a journey to Canada.
In November, 1836, Thomas J. Peak of this sketeh proceeded as far west as Peoria, Ill., where he re- mained for about eight months, and the following year engaged in business at Buffalo Grove, Ill. In 1838 he eame to this county, where he entered eighty acres of land, and to this he added from time to time, until he possessed a fine farm of four hundred acres. For a number of years he carried on agricultural pursuits in Castle Grove Town- ship, where he raised cattle, horses and hogs ex- tensively. For twenty-five years he was one of the very industrious and thrifty farmers of that region, after which he removed to this city, start- ing in the lumber trade, and later, for nearly ten years, ran a grocery.
In 1839 Mr. Peak was married to Rebecea M. Beardsley, the ceremony being performed on Christmas Day. They were the first couple mar- ried in this eounty, and in order to obtain the license the groom had to go to Sugar Grove, Cedar County, sixty-five miles distant, the journey taking him four days. Mrs. Peak is a daughter of Ben- ajoh and Elspeth (Grant) Beardsley, the latter be- ing a distant relative of General Grant. The birth of Mrs. Peak oeeurred in Delaware County, N. Y., and she has been a devoted and faithful compan- ion and helpmate to her husband in their long journey of life together. They have become the parents of two sons and three daughters, William Wallace, Franees G., Maria A., Elspeth E. and An- drew J. William Hogg, a son-in-law, operates a poultry and egg business in this place; Maria A. be- came the wife of William Rosa; Elspeth E. married Edwin Price, a merchant of Rockford, Iowa, and Andrew J. is now making his home in Osecola.
Mr. Peak has been frequently ealled upon to serve in public eapaeities, having been for two terms a Collector, Justice of the Peace for six terms, Supervisor for several years, Assessor of the township, and for two terms served as a member of the City Council, having been elected by the
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Democratic party, which he supports by his bal- lot. His first Presidential vote was cast for Mar- tin Van Buren, and he is an admirer of Grover Cleveland, having worked for him in the last election.
J OHN DOUGHERTY is one of the natives of Ireland who have been prominent in the development and success of Linn County, where he has resided from its carly days. He owns a good homestead situated on section 7, Buf- falo Township, and to the improvement of this property he has devoted the past quarter of a cen- tury.
The birth of our subject occurred in the north- ern part of the Emerald Isle in 1836. He is a son of Michael and Anna Dougherty, who like him were natives of Ireland, where they passed their entire lives. The boyhood and youth of our sub- ject were passed near the place of his birth and he received such school advantages as the neighbor- hood afforded until he was fifteen years of age. He was a great reader and an ambitious young man and early made up his mind that he would try his fortunes in America. Accordingly in 1851, when in his sixteenth year, he took passage on a sailing-vessel bound for New York City. On reaching his destination he proceeded to Cam- bria County, Pa., and sccured employment for a time near Johnstown. As he was possessed of in- dustrious and persevering qualities, and was ready to work at whatever came to hand by which hc could make an honest dollar, he managed to lay aside regularly a small sum, and five years after landing in the United States a stranger without any means, he came to Iowa and secured a contract on railway construction work. In that linc of business he acted as a foreman for some years and made a good success of his undertakings. During this time his home was mainly in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but he kept his cyes and ears open to op- portunities, and becoming confident that Jones County was an ideal location for enterprising farmers, he came here in 1867 and became tlic
owner of a small tract of land. To this as the years have passed lic has continually added adjoining land until his farm now numbers two hundred and eighty acres. This property, which is very fertile, is fincly adapted for the raising of certain crops and brings in the owner a steady income, amply sufficient for the needs of his family; lie is also enabled to lay aside a certain sum for his declin- ing years. The property is well improved with good barns and a substantial residence and the owner takes great pride in keeping everything about the place in good order.
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