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 27
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 27
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 27
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Sinee eoming hither Dr. Gawley has built up an extensive and growing praetiee and is often called
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upon to visit patients in adjoining states. He al- so conducts a sanitarium for the accommodation of those placed under his care. He is rarely adapted to his profession by nature and tempera- ment, possessing, as lie does, fine, sympathetic feel- ings, a high sense of honor, a clear brain, steady nerve and the other essentials of a true physician. The Doctor has a finc library of medical works and a well equipped office.
In 1879 our subject was married to Miss Mamie C. Coats, of Dubuque. The Doctor, socially, is a member of the Iowa Union Medical Society and in 1885 was appointed, during Cleveland's admin- istration, Secretary of the Pension Board of Exam- iners, which position he holds at the present time. He is a man of practical business talent and fi- nancial ability, and by judicious investment of his money has become well-to-do.
OHN S. BELKNAP occupies no unimportant place among the business men of Anamosa, where lie is engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons and is one of the old- est in that trade in the city. He is the owner of valuable property in Anamosa, besides farming lands in Butler County, this state.
Mr. Belknap was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 4, 1828, and is the son of Thomas E. and Edith (Stoneman) Belknap, the former of whom was born in Vermont. Thomas Belknap was a tanner by trade, which he followed during his early life, but after moving to Harrison County, Ohio, where he was one of the pioncer settlers, lie took up farm pursuits, which he followed during the remainder of his life. He served as a soldier in the late war, belonging to what is known as the Graybeard Regiment.
John S. Belknap was educated in the common schools of his native state, and assisted his father in the tanncry until reaching his sixteenth year. He was then. apprenticed to learn the harness- maker's trade, which he followed for three years and in 1850, when coming to this state, he located
in Anamosa and began the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He first formed a partnership.with B. Huggins, operating under the title of Huggins & Belknap, but a number of years later our sub- ject sold out his interest to J. E. Griffith and re- tired from active business, devoting his time to looking after his varied interests.
In February, 1894, Mr. Belknap bought out Mr. Griffith, and taking two of his nephews as partners, John A. and Thomas M. Belknap, again estab- lished in business and is now in the enjoyment of a good trade in the manufacture of carriages, wagons and harness. In 1854 our subject was mar- ricd to Miss Olive E. Gates, who was born in New York and is the daughter of J. B. Gates.
Mr. Belknap is an important member of the local government and for some time was Town Trustee. He owns a good farm in Butler County, Iowa, and two business houses in this city which he rents. He is a member of Anamosa Lodge No. 40, I. O. O. F. With his wife he is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he takes an active part. A peaceable and law-abiding citizen, a kind neighbor and a good business man, Mr. Belknap receives his due meas- ure of respect from those about him.
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H OWARD MARSHALL REMLEY, attor- ney-at-law residing in Anamosa, was born in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, Va. (now W. Va.), January 17, 1843, the place of his birth being in the vicinity of the White Sulphur Springs. The family of which he is a member has long been identified with the history of that coun- try. His grandfather, Elias Remley, was born in Pennsylvania in 1766, and came to Virginia in 1789, becoming a pioneer of Greenbrier County. Throughout the community he was highly es- teemed, and his generous hospitality and innate love of justice were as widely known as his name. In his family there were five sons and five daugh- ters, all of whom attained years of maturity and married, and all lead honorable and useful lives.
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One son was graduated from Princeton College in 1820, and was a minister of the Presbyterian Church for nearly seventy years.
The father of our subject, Rev. James Remley, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., in 1811, and was educated in William and Mary College, Vir- ginia. For a time he was a law student, but turn- ing his attention to the ministerial profession, he was for forty years an honored minister of the Baptist Church. His death occurred at Iowa City February 6, 1875. Upon his mother's side our subject is descended from the Rev. John Alderson, who was a Baptist minister in Yorkshire, England, in 1699. His son, John, was impressed on board a British man-of-war, and brought to New Jersey. There he united with the Baptist Church, and was ordained to the ministry. In 1755 he migrated to Rockingham County, Va., and in August of the following year organized the Smith-Lyn ville Creek Church, which was the third Baptist Church or- ganized in the Old Dominion.
A son of the above named gentleman, John Alderson, was born in Bethlehem, N. J., March 5, 1738. In 1775 he was ordained pastor of the Smith-Lynville Creek Church, but two years later went to Greenbrier County, Va., where in 1781 he organized the Greenbrier Baptist Church. In 1845 the Rev. James Remley was pastor of this church, and two hundred and fifty persons were added to the membership by baptism. Joseph Alderson, the son of John Alderson, Jr., was born June 17, 1771, and died July 24, 1845. His son, George Alder- son, our subject's grandfather, was born Novem- ber 20, 1789, and was an officer in the War of 1812; he served later as a member of the State Legislature, and became a prominent public man, numbering among his personal friends the talented statesman, Henry Clay. He died in 1872, at the age of eighty-four years.
Jane C., daughter of George Alderson, was born March 12, 1816, and became the wife of James Rem- ley September 11, 1838. Eight sons and three daughters were born to them. Lycurgus, the first- born, and George A., next in order of birth, bravely laid down their books to take up their muskets in defense of their country, and gave their lives for its life. H. M. was the third member of the house-
hold. Hon. Milton Remley, the fourth son, is now a resident of Iowa City. A daughter and two sons died in youth, and another son just before graduating from college. The remaining members of the family are: Mrs. Senator Glass and Miss Clara Remley, residents of Mason City, Iowa, and the Rev. F. A. Remley, now of Leipsic, Germany.
During the year 1855, the Rev. James Remley removed from Virginia to Johnson County, Iowa, and remained there until he died. H. M., of this sketch, resided on the home farm until he attained his majority. The war interfered with his studies, and after he was twenty-one he earned the money and unaided paid his way through the last three years of his college course, graduating as salutato- rian of his class from the Iowa State University in 1869, and receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1872 he completed the law course in the uni- versity, and the degree of Bachelor of Laws was then conferred upon him.
The marriage of Mr. Remley occurred in 1873, at which time Miss Mary Underwood, of Musca- tine, Iowa, became his wife. Mrs. Remley is a direct descendant of the Underwood and Allen families of Rhode Island, which have been promni- nent in that state for six generations. She was graduated in June, 1873, from the Iowa State Uni- versity with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and on the 23d of December following was united in marriage with Mr. Remley. In 1874 they both re- ceived the degree of Master of Arts from the State University. Since their marriage they have been residents of Anamosa, and have a family of five sons and five daughters. The eldest, Bertha, was graduated from the high school in 1894, and is a young lady of superior culture and intelligence. Notwithstanding her domestic duties, Mrs. Remley completed the Chautauqua course, and is an active member of the Fortnightly Literary Club.
For the past seventeen years Mr. Remley has been in partnership with T. R. Ercanbrack, and the law firm of Remley & Ercanbrack is well known throughout the state. Mr. Remley is interested in religious work, and is connected with the Baptist Church. For fifteen years he has been teacher of - a Bible class of about twenty-five members, and is very successful in Sunday-school work. He was
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the first President of the State Sabbathi-school As- sociation, and has also served as President of the State Sunday-school Convention. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, keen in discrimina- tion, sound in judgment and successful in the management of the many intricate cases in which he has served as counsel.
EORGE SCHINDLER, a wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of New Wine Township, is a native of Iowa, but of German de- scent. He was born September 21, 1849, on the farm where he now resides. His father, George Schindler, Sr., was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and followed the occupation of a weaver in his native land. He emigrated with his family to America in 1842, and located in Buffalo, N. Y. In about 1845 he moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he remaincd one ycar, but thinking he could better his fortunes by going farther west he decided to come to Iowa, and in 1846, with several of his friends, came to Dubuque County, and settled in New Wine Township. He took up Government land which at that time was in a wild, uncultivated statc. He immediately set about cultivating and improving the same, and in a short time had a home ready for his family. Like all pioneers of the western states he first built a small log cabin, in which he lived comfortably if not elegantly. In a few years he was enabled to erect a morc com- modious dwelling, and before his death, which oc- curred in 1888, he had accumulated a large fort- une and retired from active work, spending eleven years of his life in Dyersville, where he made his home after giving up the hard work and ardu- ous duties of farm life until 1881, when he returned to the farm. His excellent wife had preceded him to the better land two years.
Our subject received a common school education in the district schools of his vicinity. His whole life has been spent on the farm where he was born and reared, making agriculture a life study. He has also given much attention to stock-raising, and
is one of the most successful men in that linc in the country. Mr. Schindler in the last few years has accumulated quite a large fortune, and is now the possessor of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, most of which is highly cultivated.
Mr. Schindler was married January 25, 1870, to Miss Catherine Steger, a daughter of George and Mary Steger, who were early settlers of Dubuque County. Mrs. Schindler was born in this county. Her father departed this life January 19, 1883, but her mother is still living, and makes her home with her daughter and our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Schindler are the parents of three children, Frank X., Joseph and Mary. They were educated in Dyersville, and are all at home with their parents. Our subject has filled many offices of honor and trust. He was one of the original stockholders in the creamery of Dyersville, and in 1894 was elected Superintendent and General Manager of the busi- ncss. He is a man of good business ability and highly respected in the community in which he lives. His family occupies a high position in the social circles of Dyersville and vicinity.
A LPHEUS L. POLLARD, M. D. Among the varied and. numerous professions in which men may arise to eminence, there is not one known to the civilized world that claims a higher place in the csteem of all than does the "art of healing." The physician is generally con- ceded to be the family friend, and it is to him that troubles of cvery nature may be safely confided. Such is the experience of our subject, who is a prominent doctor in Anamosa.
The original of this sketch was born March 3, 1855, in Indianapolis, Ind., and is the son of David A. and Felicia (Dawkins) Pollard, the parents of whom were born in Kentucky. He was a farmer by occupation, and the son of Henry Pollard, of English and Irish extraction. In the year 1858, the parents of our subject came to Iowa, when the latter was only three years of age, and took up their abode on a tract of land in Boone County.
HON. RICHARD BONSON.
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This D. A. Pollard placed under excellent tillage, and is residing upon that purchase to-day, having made of it one of the finest farms in the county.
Alphous L. passed his boyhood days in attend- ing the distriet school, and during vacations aided his father in carrying on the work of the farm. When leaving home, in 1880, he engaged in the retail lumber business in Boone, carrying on that line of trade for about nine years, the greater por- tion of the time in Anamosa. At the end of that time he disposed of his interest in the business and began the study of medicine, it having been his desire and ambition from a boy to follow a profes- sional carcer. He began reading medicine with Dr. T. L. Hazard, of Anamosa, after which he en- tered the Medical Department of the State Univer- sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he con- ducted his studies for two years. He then became a student in the Iowa State University in Iowa City, and was graduated from the Medical Depart- ment in 1893.
After receiving his diploma Dr. Pollard returned to Anamosa, and has since been engaged in the successful practice of his profession. The Doctor was married in 1876 to Miss Amy Gillett, of Boone County, this state. Our subject in social affairs is a member of the Eastern District of the Iowa Homeopathic Association, also of the Iowa State Homeopathic Association. The Doctor is now the County Physician, this being his second year as such.
H ON. RICHARD BONSON. On the 1st of February, 1883, at his beautiful country home, Burnage Villa, ncar the city of Du- buque, there passed away one of Iowa's noblest and most venerated citizens. For a period of al- most fifty years he had made his home in Dubuque County, with the history of which his name is in- timately associated. Coming here in early man- hood, without other capital than a clear brain, quick intelligence and willing hands, he worked his way unaided to a position of influence as a wealthy, progressive and liberal-spirited citizen.
From the record of his life may be gleancd many lessons worthy of emulation by the young.
Yorkshire, England, was the birthplace of Mr. Bonson, and October 23, 1814, the date of his birth. In his native shire he passed uneventfully the days of boyliood and youth, developing as lic grew to manhood a robust constitution, stalwart physique and habits of industry and thrift. In 1834 lic accompanied his parents, Robert and Mary (Spensely) Bonson, to America, and settled in Du- buque, Iowa, in July of that year. During the voyage up the Mississippi River the mother died of cholera. The father, a miner by occupation, erected in 1836, in or near Platteville, Wis., tlie first blast furnaces for smelting lead ever built in the United States. During the same year lie erect- ed two more, one in Wisconsin and the other near Dubuque.
For nearly fifty years Mr. Bonson was one of the most prominent and successful miners of Du- buque County, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits for a long time. In early days he was a member of the executive committee that arbi- trated and settled mining disputes over claims. While inseparably connected with the mining in- terests of this section of the country, he was one of those public-spirited citizens who believe that the public welfare demands the attention of every man. He therefore kept himself intelligently posted concerning the national issues of the age, and our Government has had no supporter more loyal than he. He was frequently elected to serve in township and county offices of trust. Nor did lis services end there. The state called upon him to fill a number of positions of responsibility, and among these was the office of State Inspector of Banks, which he filled for years. Twice he was elected to represent the district in the State Logis- lature, and in that capacity he was characterized by the same spirit of loyalty to his constituents and devotion to the public welfare that had al- ways been among his most notable traits. As eiti- zen, business man, public friend, father and hus- band, he was true and faithful to every duty, and no higher tribute can be paid to any man.
The first marriage of Mr. Bonson, occurring in 1838, united him with Miss Jane Burton, a native
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of Derbyshire, England. This lady died in 1866, leaving two children, Mrs. Priseilla Morgans and Mrs. Mary E. Simplot, deceased. Two years later he was a second time married, choosing as his wife Mrs. Harriet Pearson, a member of a family long very prominent in England. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Griffith) Watts, and was born in Manchester, England. Her unele, James Watts, was Mayor of Manchester during the Queen's so- journ in that city many years ago, and the latter spent one night under his roof, which was the first time that royalty ever slept beneath the roof of a eommoner.
Burnage Villa is a handsome and commodious country seat, and in architecture and environ- ments are all that the most critical taste eould de- sire. Both in exterior and interior arrangements it shows the oversight of a eultured mind and re- fined taste. Over the Villa Mrs. Bonson presides with a gracious hospitality that draws hither a host of warm friends and acquaintances. With her are her three children, Robert, William W. and Annie Watts, the latter an accomplished young lady. The two sons were edueated in the eom- mon schools and the Iowa State University, and are graduates of Columbia Law School, New York City. They are now practicing law in the city of Dubuque, under the firm name of Bonson & Bonson.
N ICHOLAS KAUFFMANN is a well known eontractor and builder of Dubuque, and is a worthy representative of that sturdy elass of Germans who are numbered among the best citizens of this Republic. The sturdy quali- ties of his German ancestors he has inherited and has become one of the thrifty and progressive citi- zens of his adopted land.
Mr. Kauffmann was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, August 13, 1836, and is the fourth in the family of six children whose parents were Theodore and Ann (Leven) Kauffmann. He has one sister now living in South Dakota, and four
of the children reached mature age. In accord- ance with the laws of Germany he attended the public schools until fourteen years of age, and in the following year he went to France, where he attended an evening school. During the day he worked at the carpenter's trade, serving an ap- prenticeship to the same, remaining with one em- ployer seven years. At length he determined to seek a home and fortunc in the New World and in 1860 boarded a westward bound sailing vessel, which after a long voyage of fifty-two days drop- ped anchor in the harbor of New York.
Mr. Kauffmann then set foot on American soil and was soon travelling across the country to the city which was to be his future home. After loeating in Dubuque he scoured work in breaking land and received for his services $8 per month. Later he went to Lamont, Jackson County, and there engaged in farming, but after a time sold his property and returned to this eity. Here on Jan- uary 18, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Kieffer, who was born in Luxem- burg, Germany, March 24, 1839. He was in the em- pioy of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, building bridges, depots, etc., for twenty-one years, at the end of whieli time he took a contraet for the erection of the Wurtemburg Seminary. Since that time he has been successfully engaged in contracting and building.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kauffmann have been born eight children, Catherine, who died at the age of two years; John M., who is now engaged in earpen- tering; G. F., a merchant of Dubuque; Phyllis M., Frank, Catherine, Mary M. and Maggie. In his political views Mr. Kauffmann is an independent Demoerat, but he has never been an aspirant for offi- cial lionors, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with good suecess. On all sides may be seen his handiwork, for he is one of the leading contractors and builders of the city and many of the most important structures in Dubuque stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has never yet had occasion to regret his emigra- tion to America; his hopes of seeuring a good home have been realized and he is at the head of a good business which yields to him' an income
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that supplies him with all the necessaries and many of the luxurics of life. Mr. Kauffmann was one of the organizers and founders of the German Catholic newspaper, Luxemburger Gazette, of Du- buque.
J OHN TREXLER, the senior member of the well known firm of J. & A. M. Trexler, gro- cers of Dubuque, was born in the city which is still his home in 1856, and is of German descent. His father, J. B. Trexler, was a native of Bavaria, Germany. With the desire to try his for- tune in the New World he crossed the briny deep to the United States, and made his way to Dubuque in 1855. He is still living in this city and has now reached the ripe old age of seventy years. He was a carpenter and contractor, and for some time carried on business along that line, but is now living retired, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Catherine Eichman, a native of Ba- varia, Germany, who died in Dubuque in the year 1892.
In the city of liis nativity, John Trexler was reared to manhood, and in the parochial schools acquired his literary education. He afterwards pursucd a commercial course of study in the Bay- less Business College of Dubuque, attending that school at night, while in the day time he was cm- ployed as a clerk. He entered upon his business career at the early age of twelve years, at which time he secured a position with the mercantile firm of N. Eichman & Co. From that time he has made his own way in the world, and for his success in life deserves great credit, as it is the reward of earnest application, persistent effort and good man- agement.
Mr. Trexler continued his connection with the firm above mentioned for some time, or until 1877, when he embarked in the grocery business on his own account. He began operations on a small scale, but increased his stock to meet the growing demands of his trade, and his facilities were con- stantly enlarged until he found himself at the head
of an extensive business. He was sole proprietor of the store until 1890, when he admitted to part- nership his brother, A. M. Trexler, and the busi- ness has since been carried on under the firm style of J. & A. M. Trexler.
In 1878 our subject led to the marriage altar Miss Josephine Schwind, of Dubuque, daughter of Jacob Schwind, one of the early settlers and mer- chants of this city. Their union has been blessed with two children, both sons, Clarence and Lester. The parents are both members of the Catholic Church.
In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Trexler owns a part of the Trexler livery stable. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles, and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. In 1886 he was elected on the Dem- ocratic ticket to represent the Third Ward in thic City Council, and so ably did he discharge the du- ties of that office that he was twice re-elected, serv- ing in all for six years as an efficient and faithful member of the Council. He takes an active inter- est in the work of public improvement, and with- holds his support from no enterprise that is calcu- lated to advance the general welfare. His entire life has been passed in Dubuque, where he is both widely and favorably known.
J OSEPH COOK. The annals of Dubuque County, which contain upon their records so many worthy citizens and prosperous far- mers, would be incomplete if the name of our subject were omitted. He is a man who from small beginnings has worked his way steadily up- ward, and by his own unaided efforts and natural ability attained that success which is only the fort- une of a few to enjoy. He is a prominent agri- culturist residing in Jefferson Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, and was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., July 15, 1830.
Our subject is the son of Thomas and Jane (Bennett) Cook. The father was born in Dur-
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ham County, England, in the year 1804. Eleven children came to bless this union, as follows; John, William, Joseph, Walter, Mary, Robert, Thomas and Jane (twins), Elizabeth, Richard and Martha. Thomas Cook came to the United States in the year 1830 and landed in New York City. Re- maining there but a short time he went to Penn- sylvania and about five years later, in 1835, he came to Dubuque County, Iowa, and engaged in farming and mining here for four years. In 1839 he re- moved to Jefferson Township, the same county. Here he was the superintendent of a lead mine, but thinking that he could do better he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming.
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