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 42
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 42
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 42
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In February, 1863, Dr. Guilbert aided in found- ing the Union League and served as President of the state organization and also of the local order, but it is in eounection with the Masonie fraternity that he is most widely known. In June, 1851, he beeanie a Master Mason of Union Lodge No. 78, A. F. & A. M., of Waukegan, Ill., and in 1854 was elected Master of the lodge in Elgin. From that time on he has rapidly advanced in the order. He was elected Master of Dubuque Lodge in 1857, and has served that lodge in that eapacity sixteen years. He was the organizer of Key City Lodge No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of which he served as Master during four years of its existence. He was elected to the Grand Lodge in the year 1858, and for two years served as Junior Grand Warden. In the year 1861 he was elected Senior Grand Warden, and in 1862 was appointed Deputy Grand Master. In October of that year he beeame aeting Grand Master, for his superior entered the army, and the following year was elected to the offiee. He served the Grand Chapter of Iowa as Grand High Priest in 1871 and 1872, and has held the various important offices in the local organizations with which he has been connected. The thirty- third degree in masonry was conferred upon him by the celebrated Albert Pike at the triennial meeting of the Knights Templar in 1868, at St. Louis, Mo. His contributions to Masonic literature have been voluminous, frequent and of great in- terest to the members of the order. Feeling tlie need of a Masonic paper in Iowa he editcd and pub-
lislied the Evergreen, at Dubuque, for three years, and it was the best edited paper of the north west, being an efficient means of promulgating the theory and practice of true Masonry. He has also held sehools of instruction for the benefit of Masonic brethren. His literary tastes are of a high order and had he devoted himself to literary work in other lines, he would have undoubtedly beeome a prominent and widely known writer. He was Grand Commander in 1874.
Dr. Guilbert has ever manifested a patriotism and love of country which make him one of the leading citizens of this commonwealth. During the war he gave his influence to eneourage enlist- ments for the volunteer serviee, and in the spring of 1862 was appointed Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for the Third Iowa Congressional Dis- triet. In 1864 he was chosen Captain of Company A, Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry, in which eapacity he served five months in western Tennessee. After leaving the army he was re-appointed on the Board of Enrollment.
In polities the Doetor was a Liberal Republican, and presided over the first Liberal Republican Con- vention held in Iowa. In 1874 he was strongly talked of as the eandidate of the party for Gov- ernor, and would have been nominated had he not refused the honor. In business dealings he has ever been honorable and upright; in his profession, has ever labored for its best interests; in social or- ganizations, has been an earnest worker. and in eon- tact with his fellow-men, has ever been a courteous gentleman, devoid of all egotisin and ostentation. Few men will leave behind them a higher eharac- ter, a better reputation or a brighter example of a pure life than Dr. Edward Augustus Guilbert.
M ICHAEL KENNEDY. For about forty years the subject of this sketch has been intimately connected with the growth and development of Clayton County, as he settled on a farm in Volga Township in the early days of
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its history, the land being then but little broken and there being few settlements within its limits. For ten years he engaged in improving and cul- tivating his farm, making it one of the valuable ones of the township; he never spared his energy in any direction when he believed it might be di- rected to the advantage of his place. In 1866 he retired to some extent from active cares, removing his family to Elkader, where he resided for threc years.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Kennedy was born in County Tipperary September 26, 1816, being a son of Michael and Jude (Stapleton ) Kennedy, also natives of the Emerald Isle. In the schools of his native land he acquired a good general education and there continued to make his home for many ycars after reaching his majority. In 1844 he car- ried into effect a resolution which had been grow- ing within him for some time to seek his fortune in the United States, and therefore he set forth in one of the slow sailing-vessels of that period and in due course of time arrived in New York City. Going to Syracuse, N. Y., he made that city his place of abode for a period of ten years, when in 1854 he departed for the west and for one year was a resident of Dubuque, this state, after which, as previously stated, he came to this county.
About 1869 Mr. Kennedy went to Highland Township and there conducted a farm until 1894, when he once more retired to make his home in Elkader. His hard-earned money, which he has acquired through years of honest and industrious effort, he has invested mainly in real cstate. He has never regretted the fact that he decided to cast in his lot with the inhabitants of this favored region, for his efforts have been blessed with suc- ccss far beyond his expectations, and he lias laid up ample mcans whereby to spend in comfort his declining years.
In 1848, while a resident of Syracuse, N. Y., Mr. Kennedy married Miss Catherine Burke, who was called from this life in the spring of 1855, leaving five children to mourn her loss. In the latter part of 1855 our subject was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Mooney, who was a faithful and de- voted helpmate and companion to her husband for about thirty-five years. She departed this life on
the 7th of August, 1891, leaving many loving friends, who decply lamented her loss. In politics Mr. Kennedy is independent, preferring not to be bound by party ties but to vote for the man whom he considers best qualified in every way to carry out the wishes of the people.
ATRICK H. HIALPIN. Among those who occupy positions of public trust in Du- buque is the gentleman whose name heads this record. He is serving as Clerk of the District Court and proves an efficient and trustworthy officer. He was born December 25, 1849, on thic placid waters of the Atlantic, when his parents, Michael and Mary (Hehir) Halpin, werc en route for the United States. They landed at New York and took up their residence in Brooklyn, where they resided for six years. They then came with their family to Dubuque, locating in this city in 1856. Here the father died in November, 1884, but the mother survives him and is yet living in Dubuque. They became the parents of ten chil- dren, but only four are living.
Patrick Halpin is the second in order of birth. He has resided in Dubuque since his sixth year and in the public and selcet schools of this city he ac- quired his education. In 1865, when a youth of fifteen, he entered upon his business career. He began to carn his own livelihood as a clerk in the grocery store of P. T. Bronat, and afterward was employed by John Dunn. Hc thus worked until he had obtained some capital of his own, when in 1868 he embarked in the grocery business for him- self. He has since conducted operations along that line in a successful and profitable manner and yet carries on his store, at the same time attending to his official duties. Ilis business is located at the corner of Jones and Locust Streets, where he car- rics a full stock of staple and fancy groceries. He is now well established in business, and from the public receives a liberal patronage which is well deserved. He earnestly desircs to please his cus-
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tomers and in all his dealings is straightforward and honorable, and in consequence lie has gained the confidence and good will of the community. In 1890 lie was elected Clerk of the District Court and re-elected in 1892, so that he is now serving his fourth year in that office.
In 1879 Mr. Halpin was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daugliter of James Robison, Esq., of Dubuque. Unto them nine children were born. In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Halpin is a Director in the Dubuque County Bank, and Director and stockholder of the Excel- sior Brass Works, of this city. He is a member of the Catholic Church and also of the executive committee of the Personal Liberty Association of Dubuque. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat and takes an active interest in furthering the cause of Democracy, doing all in liis power to insure the success of the party.
ILLIAM H. SANFORD is one of the native sons of Jones County and is now engaged in carrying on a general store in the small but thrifty village of Amber, Wayne Township. The Sanford family have been promi- nent factors in the development of Jones County and have borne their share in everything relating to its progress. William Sanford, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came here as early as 1852 and entered sixteen hundred acres of land from the Government. The main part of this tract was located in Wayne Township, near Edenburg, the old county seat, which is located near the geo- graphical center of the county. Later in life the grandfather returned to his former Ohio home, where his death occurred in 1870. He was a native of Vermont and could trace his ancestry back to 1620, when one Thomas Sanford emigrated from England, making a settlement in Connecticut. One of his descendants, Oliver Sanford, was a soldier in
the war of the Revolution and many in this line have been noted in public affairs.
The parents of William H., of this sketch, were Allen and Catherine (Hartman) Sanford, both na- tives of Ohio. The father was a prosperous farmer, who came to Jones County in 1854, this being previous to his marriage, which occurred three years later. His wife's father, Tilman Hartman, was the founder of Amber and a well-to-do business man who located in this community in 1852. Allen Sanford was the third of four children and caine to this county with his father, settling at first on a farm on section 26. This tract comprised two hun- dred and forty acres in Wayne Township and was mainly unimproved. He engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising, making a financial success of his undertakings. His death occurred in 1872 and afterwards his widow removed from the farm to Amber, buying a store of her brother, Peter Hartman, which she operated several years.
William H. Sanford was born in Wayne Town- ship, March 12, 1859, was reared to farm life and educated in the district schools until he was six- teen years of age. He then removed to this village and for ten years was an active grain merchant. In 1878 lie purchased an interest in, his mother's store and continued its management for about two years when he became sole proprietor. He carries a full stock of general merchandise, and being al- ways thoroughly reliable and upright in his deal- ings with his customers, receives a large trade. In addition to this Mr. Sanford is also interested in other enterprises and assisted in the establishing of the Amber Creamery in this portion of the county, and later purchased the one in Jackson Township. His fine farm, which comprises four hundred acres and is one of the best in the locality, he now leases to a tenant, preferring to give his own time to com- mercial pursuits.
In 1878 Mr. Sanford married Miss Maggie Cook, of Monticello. She is a daughter of John Cook, who was a soldier in the late war of the Rebellion, and was killed at the battle of Atlanta. A son and daughter grace the marriage of our subject and his worthy wife. Jennie, the elder, is still pursuing her studies and William A. is a schoolboy. Fra- ternally Mr. Sanford is a member of Anamosa
.
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Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A. M. Allen T., a brother of William H., is a graduate of the Iowa State Uni- versity and is now pursuing a course of legal study at Harvard University, being a young man of marked ability and natural talent. Mr. Sanford has in connection with his store a cold storage building for eggs, in which he is doing a large busi- ness, having at present about thirty-five thousand dozen now in store.
R EV. JOHN McCORMICK, Reetor of the Church of the Saered Heart at Monticello, is a man of superior education and attain- ments, highly respected and esteemed, not only by his own congregation, but by all who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance. Though not of American birth, he is loyal to the institutions of our country, and is a progressive, liberal-spirited citizen, favoring all measures tending toward the advancement of the people. Sinee coming to Montieello he has labored with devotion and un- wearied fidelity in the interests of the eause at this place, and his efforts have been rewarded, for the congregation has increased numerieally, and its spiritual growth has also been quite gratifying.
The subject of this sketch is a young man, hav- ing been born in 1860. In Ireland, the land of his birth, he grew to manhood, meantime carrying on his studies in the parochial schools, and after- ward entered Mt. Milleran Seminary, where he remained a short time. His education was eom- pleted at Carlow College. Thus well equipped for a successful career in whatever profession he might enter, he decided to give his life to the holy order of the priesthood. There was need of workers in the growing towns in the western and middle states of our country, so, in 1883, he erossed the ocean, and on arriving in America, made his way directly to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was placed in charge of St. Raphael's Church. For two years he labored in that eapaeity, and afterward for a few years he held the pastorate of the church at
Britt, Hancock County, Iowa, at the same time having charge of adjoining missions. His next location was in Harper's Ferry, Allamakee County, where he preached to large congregations.
In December of 1886 Father McCormick was appointed pastor of the Church of the Saered Heart at Monticello, where he now has a eongre- gation consisting of forty families. The church is in a flourishing condition, and its harmonious working proves the skillful oversight of the pas- tor. He also has charge of the church at Sand Springs, Delaware County, in which are to be found representatives of several different nation- alities, but, notwithstanding this faet, they all work harmoniously together. Ever uppermost in his heart is the welfare and progress of the work in which he is engaged. Sinee accepting this po- sition he has made many improvements in the church, which indicates a praiseworthy spirit among the people and earnest effort on the part of the Rector.
H IRAM ARNOLD; for a number of years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, at present devotes his attention to the buying, selling and shipping of stock, in which line of business he displays great energy, capability and foree of character. Since the elose of the war he has been a resident of Jones County, and during much of this time has made his home in Wyo- ming, where he now resides. He is numbered among the influential citizens of the place, and by his marked public spirit has enhanced the material development and growth of the eity.
The Empire State has given to Iowa many of her best citizens, and Mr. Arnold is one of this elass. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., January 9, 1843, and is of Scoteh-Irish descent. The family has been represented in America for several generations, and Jacob Arnold, our sub- jeet's grandfather, himself a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., was one of the brave men who de- fended the interests of the Government against
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the encroachinents of the British that resulted in the War of 1812.
The father of our subjeet, Nathan Arnold, was born in Jefferson County and was trained to farm- ing pursuits. In 1850 he removed westward as far as Illinois, whence in 1854 he came to Jones Coun- ty, Iowa, and with the early history of this part of the state his name was elosely associated. He took a prominent part in the opening of roads and building of schoolhouses, and was instrumental in securing many improvements of a substantial na- ture. His death oeeurred in Rome Township, Sep- tember 20, 1890, when one of the pioneers of the county was removed from the seenes of his former activity. Politically he had been prominent as a loeal leader of the Republican party. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Calkin, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Seth Calkin, likewise born in that eounty. She is still living, and at the age of seventy-six years (1894), resides in Iowa.
When the family came to Illinois the subject of this sketeh was a lad of seven years, and the rudi- ments of his edueation were received in the schools of Roekford. In 1854 he came to Jones County, where he grew to manhood. When the war broke out he was only eighteen years of age, but fired with the ardor of youth and the patriotic impulses of a loyal citizen, he enlisted in the defense of the Old Flag. July 28, 1862, his name was enrolled as a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa In- fantry, which was assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps. With his regiment he participated in several of the most decisive engagements of the conflict, as well as many battles of lesser note. At the battle of Sabine Cross Roads he distinguish- ed himself by carrying ammunition and distrib- uting it all along the lines, where he was exposed to the hottest fire of the enemy.
At the close of the Rebellion, with a reeord as a brave and gallant soldier, Mr. Arnold was honor- ably discharged from the service. Coming to Iowa, he settled on a farm near Wyoming, and for four years engaged as a tiller of the soil. Sinee that time he has been a dealer in stock, which he buys extensively and ships to the large markets. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an inter-
est in the sueeess of his party. He is a member of the City Council and for nine years, beginning in 1878, filled the position of Deputy Sheriff of Jones County.
The marriage of Mr. Arnold, occurring in 1868, united him with Miss Armella Newell, who was born near Towanda, Bradford County, Pa. Her father, Elisha Newell, removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa and died in Jones County. Two sons and one daughter have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ar- nold, namely: Frederiek H .; Letta M., wife of R. B. Curtis, of Anamosa, Iowa; and Arthur J. In religious connections the family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wyoming, to the support of which, as well as all truly benevo- lent projects, Mr. Arnold is a generous contributor. Mr. Arnold is also engaged in raising sheep and furnishes numerous farmers with floeks to keep on shares.
OHN McCONNON, a highly respected resi- dent of Monticello, is engaged in the flour and feed business, having a well stocked es- tablishment, and follows a line of trade in which he is making a success. He was born in Boston, Mass., April 26, 1826, and is the son of Hugh and Ann (O'Donnell) McConnon, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and eame to the United States in 1819, loeating in Boston. The father worked as a slater while living in the Hub City, but after moving to New Hampshire carried on farm pursuits and there passed his last days.
Mrs. Ann McConnon came to Iowa in company with our subjeet in 1854, with whom she made her home until her deeease in Montieello, in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Hugh McConnon was only forty-five at the time of his death. The parents reared a family of four ehil- dren, May; John, of this sketeh; Sarah, the wife of John Matthews of this eity, and Ellen, the wife of W. H. Proetor, a merehant in Montieello.
The subject of this sketeh was given a good edneation in Claremont, N. H., after which he passed his years on his father's farm, until coming
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to Iowa in 1854. He at once made his home in this city, and for eighteen years was tcamster for his brother-in-law, W. H. Proctor. He then opened a flour and feed store, and since 1879 has been en- gaged in this line of business and thus commands a good trade.
John McConnon was married in 1855 to Miss Sally A., daughter of Alex and Betsey Graham. Their union has resulted in the birth of threc sons and two daughters, namely: William, an electri- cian, who makes his home in Albany, N. Y .; John, who is also an electrician, and is engaged in busi- ness in New Orleans; Frank, who is a student in Ames, Iowa; Anna G., the wife of T. F. Beving- ton of Sioux City, this state, who died in 1883 when twenty-four years of age, and Nellie, who afterward married her brother-in-law, T. F. Beving- ton.
In politics Mr. McConnon is strongly in sympa- thy with the Prohibition party and always votes that ticket, believing that the day will soon come when they will elect a President. In religious affairs he is a devout member of the Catholic Church.
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J JOHN F. SCHUMACHER, the genial proprie- tor of the Garnavillo Hotel, is a native of Iowa, and was born in Read Township, Clay- ton County, November 21, 1855. His father, Henry Schumacher, was born in Hanover, Germany, December 1, 1821. He learned the trade of a blacksmith in his native land, and for a number of years worked at that hard, though honest, labor. In 1846 he emigrated to America, landing first in New Orleans, where he remained a short time, but having friends in Iowa, he came to Read Township and located on section 15. Here hé purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, and soon had a comfortable home and as good and well im- proved a farm as could be found in the township. For almost twenty years, Henry Schumacher and his family remained on this farm, but in 1865 he moved to McGregor, this county, and went in
partnership with J. L. Hagensick in the brewery business. He continued in this occupation for one year, and then sold out and bought another farm near Postville, where he remained for a short time. In 1867 he purchased the brewery at Garnavillo. Mr. Schumacher was very successful here, and con- tinued in the business until his deatlı, which oc- curred in 1881, at the age of sixty-nine years.
Henry Schumacher was married on the 24th of December, 1852, to Miss Margarethe Hagen- sick, and by this union there were born ten chil- dren, seven of whom are living: Mary, the wife of J. H. Tangeman, who is the proprietor of a first- class grocery store in Garnavillo; Christopher W., who married Rozcna Thoma and makes his home in Garnavillo; Jolin F., our subject; Maggie, Mrs. Roebken, also of Garnavillo; Amelia, the wife of William Mohreman, also a resident of the same place; Henry, Jr., who married Martha Schulte and lives in Garnavillo, and Bertha, who married Ed- ward Tangeman, and makes her home on a farm in Read Township.
Our subject was married February 25, 1880, to Miss Paulina Brumm, who was born on the 26tli of January, 1860, a daughter of William and Carolina (Rcchow) Brumm, natives of Germany. They came to America in 1852, and settled in Jcf- ferson Township, this county. The children that gathered around this fireside were six in number. Emil, the first in order of their birth, married Miss Minnie Neiter, and lives in Palo Alto County, Iowa. Emma, the wife of Fritz Neiter, makes her home at Spirit Lake, Iowa. Otto, who married Bertha Sigg in 1880, died May 5, 1886, leaving a widow and two children. Matilda married Gustave Ingerson, who lives in Dubuque and is connected with the Norwegian Plow Works; they are the parents of four children, Caroline, deceased, Olga, Freddie and Ralph. Paulina is the wife of our subject. Willie, who married Emma Mauer, is a carpenter and makes his home in Dubuque.
Mr. Schumacher took charge of the Garnavillo Hotel of Garnavillo in 1880, and is doing a very successful business in that line. He keeps a first- class hotel, is pleasing in his manners and is popu- lar with all his guests, well known in the commu- nity and highly respected by all who have the honor
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of his acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher are the parents of two boys, Realto, a bright boy of thirteen, who is a great help to his father in the hotel business, and Arnold, born May 21, 1885. Our subject is one of the Trustees of Garnavillo Township, and has served in that office for thrce years. Socially, he is a member of Lodge No. 29, I. O. O. F., also a member of the Masonic order and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with his estimable wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat of the old type, voting for and working in the interest of that party.
EORGE STUHLER is one of the promi -. nent and influential business men of Monti- cello, and has done his full share toward the development and improvement of the city since his residence here. Formerly the proprietor of a large boot and shoe establishment, he is now living retired and his business interests arc carricd on in a most satisfactory manner by his three sons. The store is a large double room stocked with every variety and grade of footwear.
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