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 43
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 43
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 43
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The subject of this sketch was born in Hesse- Cassel, Germany, April 11, 1822, and is the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Fogal) Stuhler, also natives of the Fatherland, where the former was a shoe- maker by trade, in which business he trained his sons. George, of this sketch, was onc in a family of five children, and attended the model schools of his native land until a lad of fourtecn years, when he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a shoemaker. After working at the business for three years, hc traveled for two years in the villa- ges and towns surrounding his home.
In 1849, believing that he could better his fort- unes in the New World, Mr. Stubler embarked on a vessel whichi landed him in New York City sev- cral wecks later. He remained in the metropolis for ten months, after which lic went to Pittsburg, Pa., and for the following two years prosecuted his trade in that city. At the expiration of that time we find Mr. Stuhler in Muscatinc, this state,
and after a residence there of five years he made his advent into this city. He immediately opened a shop and was engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes for many years, giving employ- ment to six or eight men. He soon became recog- nized as one of the leading business men of the county, and was probably as well known as any other merchant within its bounds. The large es- tablishment over which he presided until 1892 is well fitted and supplied with a complete line of carefully chosen footwear, which is unsurpassed in quality and reasonable in price. The business is conducted under the style of George Stuhler & Sons.
In the year 1852, our subject was married to Miss Catherine Rice of Wittenberg, Germany, wlio at the time of her union with Mr. Stuhler was re- siding in Muscatinc, this state. To them have been born three sons, bearing the respective namcs of George W., William and Fred P.
Our subject has always taken a prominent part in local affairs, and is especially interested in the cause of education. His fellow-citizens recog- nizing this fact placed him on the School Board, where he rendered valuable service for one year. He has been a member of the City Council and in various ways has aided in the upbuilding of his community, and although in the seventy-third year of his age, is still hale and hearty.
B ENJAMIN H. MILLER. There is in the history of every successful life a lesson for all; for if a man be industrious, per- severing and ambitious, he will undoubtedly rise to prominence in 'his chosen vocation, whether he start in life with the influence of wealth or handi- capped by poverty. Among the citizens of Jones County who have gained positions of prominence solely through their personal exertions and whose genial characteristics have gained the esteem of all, we present the name of B. H. Miller, attorney- at-law, residing at Olin, and one of the native-born citizens of the county.
Both the maternal and paternal ancestors of our
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MONROE R. AMSDEN.
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subject were of German extraction, but the fami- lies have been represented in America since an early day. His father, Jacob, was the son of Christian Miller, and was born in Virginia, but at the age of two years was taken by his parents to Ohio, set- tling in Fairfield County. There, amid primeval scenes and privations incident to life in a new country, he grew to manhood. As a companion on life's journey he selected Mary Keller, a native of Pennsylvania, who came with her father, Henry Keller, to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County, there growing to womanhood. They came to Jones County in 1844, and here the father died July 16, 1881, aged eighty-one years. The mother is still living, at the age of ninety-one years.
At the family residence in Rome Township, Jones County, Iowa, on the 10th of April, 1845, a son was born who was named Benjamin H. He grew to manhood on the old homestead, receiving good educational advantages in the district schools. Later he was a student in the Lisbon High School, from which he was graduated in 1861. He then taught afew terms of school, and saving his earnings, was enabled to embark in the photograph business, which he continued a short time. Meantime he commenced the study of law, and in March, 1875, was admitted to practice at the Bar in Anamosa. Opening an office in Olin, he has since carried on a general practice in all the courts.
In political affairs, as in all matters of general interest, Mr. Miller keeps thoroughly posted and affiliates with the Democratie party. As a mem- ber of the School Board he has assisted in raising the standard of education and promoting the grade of scholarship. His fellow-citizens, realizing his fitness for public office, elected him to the higli- est position within their gift, that of Mayor, in which capacity he was instrumental in introducing some needed reforms and promoting the general welfare of the city. He has also served as Chair- man of the County Democratic Central Committee.
September 12, 1869, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Eva Foreman, a native of Jones County, to which place her father, Jacob Foreman, migrated from Illinois in 1844. They have had six children, and of these five are still living, four
sons and one daughter, namely: Merton M., Earl F., Harry W., Luelle B. and Ruby Adell. Socially Mr. Miller is popular with all classes, his genial and courteous manners having won for him the friendship of his associates. His life is worthy of emulation by the rising generation, for he started in his profession with limited means, and through tireless exertions has become well-to-do. His ex- ample will doubtless encourage many to greater efforts for success in life and to noble deeds of generosity for the public good.
M ONROE ROSELLE AMSDEN, General Manager and Treasurer of the Large & Amsden Company, wholesale dealers in boots, shoes and rubbers, is one of the enterprising and successful merchants of Dubuque. The busi- ness with which he is connected is among the oldest industries in the city, having been estab- lished by the senior partner, William P. Large, in 1856.
Mr. Amsden was born in Belvidere, Ill., on the 12th of April, 1849. His father, Noah C. Ams- den, was born in Westfield, N. Y., September 6, 1820. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah S. Hulbert, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., August 13, 1825. There were seven children, six of whom were twins. C. M. Amsden, the twin brother of the subject of this sketch, is General Manager of the Minneapolis & Northern Elevator Company of Minneapolis, Minn. In 1856 the family removed to Dubuque, Iowa. N. C. Amsden engaged in the commission business, which he continued until 1889, being one of the leading business men of the early days. He died in Minneapolis, Minn., No- vember 16, 1891.
Having completed the course of study in the public schools of Dubuque, M. R. Amsden, in the summer of 1863, entered the employ of Joseph N. Waggoner, dealer in books, music and wall paper, and remained with him seven years. In 1870 he began business for himself in general merchandis-
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ing at Le Mars, Iowa. In August, 1874, he sold out, and returning to Dubuque, formed business relations with W. P. Large that continued up to the death of the latter, which occurred on the 21st of November, 1893. The first four years he was employed as traveling salesman, and in July, 1879, became a partner in the business. Upon the death of Mr. Large, the Large & Amsden Company was incorporated without change of interests. This house has always enjoyed a good patronage in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Mr. Amsden is Director in the First National Bank of Dubuque, and is connected with other important industries of the city. He is a wide- awake, progressive business man, whose well di- rected efforts and careful management have brought him a success which is richly deserved. Politi- cally, he has always been a Republican. He is a Deacon in the First Congregational Church.
November 8, 1888, Mr. Amsden was united in marriage with Miss Frank Iowa Hinds, daughter of Franklin Hinds, who for thirty years was one of the most successful hardware merchants in the city. They have one child, a daughter, Donna Hinds Amsden.
1 OHN BATES owns and operates a good farm on section 4, Wayne Township, Jones Coun- ty. Since he was twenty years of age, for a period covering over forty years, he has been a resident of this portion of the state, and has been identified in everything relating to its develop- inent and progress. He was born in Fulton Coun- ty, N. Y., in the town of Oppenheim, April 25, 1833, being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wood) Bates. The former was a native of Fulton County, while the mother's birth occurred in Saratoga County, N. Y. She grew to womanhood in her native county, and was the daughter of John Wood, a worthy and respected citizen of that com- munity. The paternal grandfather of our subject
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was Jacob Bates; his birth took place in Massachu- setts and he was of English descent.
In 1853 Thomas Bates decided to try his fort- unes in the state of Iowa, and accordingly removed hither with his family. After some prospecting he determined to settle permanently in Delaware County, and made his home near Sand Springs; he came here in 1860, and passed his last years with his son, John, at his present home. His death oc- curred in 1874, but his wife preceded him to the better land about four years. They were the par- ents of seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters, and of this number five still survive.
John Bates, the subject of this biographical sketch, was next to the youngest of his father's family, and was rcared from boyhood to agricult- ural pursuits, his time being passed on his father's farm in Fulton County until he had nearly at- tained his majority. As regards education, he re- ceived ordinary common-school advantages in the Empire State, but has never ceased his studies and extensive reading. After coming to Iowa he more seriously devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising, and was still quite a young man when he bought his first forty acres of land in Wayne Township. The boundaries of his home- stead have been constantly increased until his property now comprises two hundred and thirty acres. This is nearly all under constant cultiva- tion, and the place as it stands is a very desirable one, as it is exceedingly well equipped with a good residence, barns and outbuildings. The largest barn is 40x100 feet in dimensions, the hay mow having a capacity of one hundred and forty tons. As the farm is well adapted to dairy purposes, the owner keeps a number of cows, selling the milk to the creameries, and from this source derives a good income.
In 1865 John Bates was united in marriage with Helen, daughter of John A. and Julia M. Thomp- son, formerly of Delaware County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have two sons, Charles E., a thrifty farmer of Wayne Township, who married Miss Nettie E., the daughter of William Sutherland, and Chauncey T., the younger son, who is now living on the old homestead and is carrying on its work. He was born in this county November 4, 1869, and
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is one of the enterprising young agriculturists of the county. In the spring of 1893 he was married to Miss Franc, daughter of M. W. Herrick, one of the leading attorneys of Monticello.
A pronounced Republican, Mr. Bates is greatly interested in the success of his party, and by his neighbors and friends several times has been called upon to serve in local official capacities. For two terms he fulfilled the duties pertaining to the office of County Supervisor to the full satisfaction of all concerned, and was also Township Clerk and Trustee for several years. In all his business and general relations with his fellow-citizens he has endcavored always to carry ont his principles of right and justice, and in this way has made warm and trusted friends.
J ACOB MILLER. Prominent among the ag- riculturists of Clayton County, and a gentle- man who has been successful in the prosccu- tion of his vocation, is he of whom we write. Mr. Miller is residing upon his well improved farm of two hundred and fifty acres on section 5, Farm- ersburg Township, where he is industriously en- gaged in his vocation.
Jacob Miller came to this country when he was but ten years old, and has here resided until the present time. He was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, September 22, 1847. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Sheifele) Miller, were both natives of the same place. The father served six years in the German army, entering in the year 1815, and was stationed in France. He was married in Germany and in the year 1855 came to America, locating in Muskingum County, Ohio, until the year 1857, when he settled in Giard Township, Clayton County, Iowa. He was a shoemaker by calling and followed that occupation when he first came to this country; subsequently he located on his present farm and followed agricultural pursuits. At that time his farm was all prairie land, but with a strong heart and willing hands he undauntedly commenced the arduous task of improving it, and after a few years of toil he saw that his labor was
not in vain. Both now sleep in the cemetery on section 3 in this township. There were seven chil- dren born to them, four of whom are living and of whom we make the following mention: John lives in Cherokee County, Iowa; Jacob is our sub- ject; George resides on the Pacific Coast; Kate Schaller lives at Storm Lake, Iowa; Melchior was Corporal in the One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, and John served in the Twenty- seventh Iowa Infantry; both did gallant service in the late Civil War and died for the cause they loved.
Soon after his arrival in this country, our subject was compelled to go to work and engaged with a farmer. In the winter and early spring of 1865 he drove a team for the Government at Washing- ton, D. C., continuing at the same for some time. He then purchased from his father the old homc- stead, which he has improved wonderfully. In the year 1885 he erected a fine two-story and base- ment brick residence at a cost of $2,600, and a capacious barn 40x70 feet in dimensions which cost $1,600. Besides his regular agricultural pur- suits he raises fine thoroughbred horses, cattle and Poland-China hogs.
Our subject was united in marriage in 1877 witlı Miss Elizabeth Helwig, a daughter of Conrad and Dora Helwig, both of whom are old settlers in Giard Township. She was born there February 17, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller have seven children as follows: Emma, Clara, Grover, Nettie, Hulda, Ruth and an infant. The children are al- lowed the very best education and are regular at- tendants at school.
Mr. Miller is a member of the School Board and has been Assessor of Farmersburg Township for the past six years. In politics he is an earnest sup- porter of Democratic principles.
P H. E. SOMMERFELD is the President of the Dubuque Dye Works of Dubuque. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Prussia on the 12th of July, 1835, and is a son of Carl Frederick and Julia Sommerfeld,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
both of whom were also natives of Germany. The father was a manufacturer and also owned consid- erable land in that country. Under the parental roof our subject was reared to manhood, the days of his youth being quietly passed. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and in accordance with the laws of Germany he served in the army for a time. In 1859 he eame to Ameriea, hoping thereby to benefit liis financial condition. When the briny deep was crossed he landed in Maine, and from the Pine Tree State made his way to Ottawa, Canada, where he re- mained for a year and a-half. On leaving Canada he went to Chicago, and after residing there for a time, sought a home in the Hawkeye State. In Chicago he learned the trade of dying eloth and he has followed that business through mueh of his life.
Mr. Sommerfeld first located in Des Moines, and there obtained employment in a woolen factory where he remained for a year. In 1863 he came to Dubuque and established his present plant, con- ducting business along that line from that time up to the present. He is now at the head of the Du- buque Dye Works, and from a small beginning he has built up a most extensive business. He turns out a good grade of work and therefore his trade has steadily increased.
Mr. Sommerfeld has been three times married. In 1857 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Wil- helmina Raabe, a native of Germany, who died in 1858. The same year he married Albertina Raabe, sister of his first wife. She died in 1878 leaving five children: Minnie, Ewald. Bertha, Hat- tie and Adolph. In 1879 Mr. Sommerfeld mar- ried Louisa Freihofer; she was born in Connecti- cut. The family reside at No. 668 Iowa Street, and the parents are consistent members of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. Sommerfeld also holds membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In that fra- ternity he is a very prominent and aetive worker, and he is now serving as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, the Odd Fellows' society, and Humboldt Encampment, I. O. O. F. He also be- longs to the German Sangerbund. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, warmly advocating the
principles of his party. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and gives his hearty support and co-operation to those enterprises which are calcu- lated to benefit the community. It was a fortunate day for him when he eame to America and he has never had occasion to regret that he carried out his determination to emigrate, for in this coun- try he has been prospered and has worked his way up from an humble position to one of affluence.
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OHN E. KETCHAM for a period extending over a quarter of a eentury has been identi- fied with the development of Cass Township, Jones County. His residence is located on seetion 16, where he has a valuable and well im- proved farm of some four hundred aeres. In local political affairs and in all progressive movements which have for their objeet the betterment of this region, our subject is actively interested and lias been a leader.
John Ketcham, the father of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, in which state his son, John E., was born in 1824, his nativity oeeurring in Morris County. His mother's maiden name was Joanna Burnett, and she too was born in New Jer- sey. The early years of our subjeet were passed with his parents, and his education was that of the common schools, which he attended more or less until about nineteen years of age. He learned the blaeksmith's trade in Delaware County, Ohio, to which locality he removed about 1843. For a period of about twenty years he was employed at that voeation, and finally, in 1867, came to Iowa. Since that time, when he located on a farm in Cass Township, he has given his entire attention to the cultivation and development of his homestead. He is a practical and progressive agriculturist, and has made a good suceess of his life work. In ad- dition to general farming le has raised and fed cattle and live stock quite extensively, and by this means has also made a considerable fortune. As the years passed and his resources increased he ex-
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tended the boundaries of his farm until, as before stated, he is now the proud possessor of four hun- dred acres. The fences, barns and buildings be- speak the owner's careful attention and supervis- ion of every detail, and the place is truly a model onc.
In 1850 Mr. Ketcham was married in Ohio to Miss Martha Wheaton, who was born in the Em- pire State, and is a daughter of Squire Wheaton, formerly a prominent and leading citizen of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham have been born six chil- dren who still survive, three sons and three daugh- ters, namely: William, an enterprising farmer of this township; James and Elmer, who also follow agricultural pursuits; Emma, Joanna and Hattie. In local politics Mr. Ketcham has been of late years independent of party lines, and on questions of national import deposits his ballot in favor of Re- publican nominees. He is one of the stanchest supporters of the party, and is a great advocate of temperance principles. He has acquired his pros- perity and fortune by means of his own unassisted efforts and natural ability, and much credit is due to him for his honorable and upright career.
F RED H. SCHMIDT is a member of the firm of Schmidt Bros., proprietors of the rolling mills of Elkader, who have succeeded in building up a large general and local trade. Our subject is an enterprising and progressive young business man, being numbered among thic leading citizens of this thriving town. He is a native of Clayton County, having been born in Read Town- ship, in 1863; he has passed his entire life in this region, and is identified in every respect with its welfare.
The subject of this narrative is a son of Wolf- gang and Paulina (Thoma) Schmidt. The father is a native of Germany, and many years ago left the Fatherland, coming to America and making a settlement in Clayton County in the early days of its history. He owned and improved a good farm
in Road Township, and has long been numbered among the patriotic citizens of his adopted land. Fred H. received a good common-school education in the public schools near his home, and later at- tended those of Elkader. On commencing thic active duties of life lie went into partnership with his father and uncle, J. B. Schmidt. The firm name is now Schmidt Bros. & Co., including him- self, brother Christian and cousin Robert.
In the roller mills in which our subject is inter- ested may be found the latest improved machinery used in the trade. The mills arc run by water power and turn out upwards of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour per day. Their repu- tation is constantly growing and is an enviable one, as they turn out the best quality of flour, which is uniformly good. They make a specialty of thrce brands, which are known as the "Acmc," "Pansy Blossom" and "Extra Bakers." Farmers from all parts of this and adjoining counties bring their wlicat to this mill to be ground, as universal satisfaction is guaranteed, and the proprietors, who are courteous and obliging, have their customers' interests at heart and mect their demands as far as possible.
The marriage of Mr. Schmidt occurred in 1884, when Miss Mary Mcisner became his bride. She was a daughter of Edward Meisner, one of the early settlers of this county. Mrs. Schmidt, who was educated and grow to womanhood within the boundaries of Clayton County, was called from this life in September, 1891, leaving a little son, Er- win. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Schmidt also belongs, and was a lady who won the friendship and love of all who were thrown in contact with her.
Politically Mr. Schmidt is identified with the Democratic party, to which he gives his active support. He comes of sturdy German stock, and in his own life lias manifested many of their char- acteristics of industry, perseverance and business sagacity. He lias become well-to-do through the exercise of these qualities, and is rapidly laying by a snug little fortune, though he has not been engaged in business for many years. He is a man of intelligence and wide information, being partic-
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ularly devoted to self improvement and study, and makes a point of keeping thoroughly posted on the affairs of the day. He numbers many warm friends in this locality, and not the least among these are his customers.
H ENRY S. PATTERSON, M. D., who re- sides in Elkader, is a native son of Clay- ton County, and is one of her enterprising and progressive citizens. He has made an earnest study of his profession and lias not allowed his studies to cease as so many physicians do on leaving their Alma Mater. Instead he keeps in touch with the most advanced thought of the medical profes- sion, takes the best journals, and in every way keeps abreast with the times.
Our subject was born in 1851, being a son of Wesley and Lucy A. (Shuman) Patterson. The father was a native of Ohio, his birth having oe- curred in Wyandotte County, and the year before the birth of his son, Henry, he concluded to try his fortunes in the west, aeeordingly settling in Clayton County in 1850. His father, John Pat- terson, was a native of Ireland, who settled in the Buekeye State in the early part of this eentury. Our subject's mother was born in Pennsylvania, where she grew to womanhood, later removing to Ohio. Both parents are still living though now well along in years, their residenee being in North Dakota.
The boyhood of Dr. Patterson was passed in the county of his nativity, and his early education was afforded by the publie sehools. While still quite young lie determined to adopt the medical profession, and accordingly read and studied un- der the tutelage of Dr. Bass, of Elkader, who was one of the pioneer physicians of this loeality. In 1885 Dr. Patterson entered the Hahnemann Medi- cal College at Chieago, from which he graduated after completing the entire course of study, in 1888. On beginning his practice he located at Toledo, Iowa, where he remained for two years,
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