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 58
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 58
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 58
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Jacob Clark was married in 1876 to Miss Caro- line Larson, a native of Iowa County, Wis., her birth occurring June 10, 1854. Her parents were Jacob and Johanna Larson, natives of Norway, whence they emigrated to the United States. They are now making their home in or near Ayoca, Wis., where they are engaged in farming.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born the following named children: Arthur J., Roy A., Warren A., Joseph A. and Millie F. Mr. Clark has been the recipient of many offices of honor within the power of his fellow-citizens to bestow, and has served as Road Supervisor, School Director and Township Trustee, of which position he is still the incumbent, and while living in Dakota was elected Justice of the Peace of his community, but refused to qualify, as his private interests occu- pied his entire attention. In religious affairs he worships with the United Brethren Church and is active in all good works in his community. The political relations of our subject are in accord with the principles of the Republican party, for whose candidates he at all times casts his vote.
S OREN OLSEN. Genial manners and strict integrity of purpose are traits of character that always make a man popular through- out the community in which he resides, and cer- tainly such has proved to be the case in the history
of Mr. Olsen, who is numbered among the most popular citizens of Wagner Township, this county. He is a successful agriculturist, and like many men who have risen to prominence lie commenced at the bottom of the ladder and has climbed solely by his own perseverance and industry.
Our subject was born in Norway, April 1, 1823, and is the son of Ole Sorenson and Clara Masdater. The father died in the above country, and the lat- ter came to the United States many years after our subject located here, and departed this life at his home when in her seventy-second year.
The parental household included five children, of whom threc are yet living. Soren remained at home until 1843, when, in April of that year, he boarded a vessel whose destination was America and landed here eight weeks later. It being his determination to locate in Iowa young Olsen came at once to this county, after which he went to Wisconsin, where he was employed for two and one-half years on a farm in Rock County. Later, in 1846, lic entered the employ of the Government at the Winnebago Agency, and for four years was stationed at Ft. Atkinson.
Upon returning to this state in 1850, our subject purchased his present farm of two hundred and forty acres, which was then in its wild state. Here he performed much pioncer labor and zealously aided in developing this portion of the county. He is possessed of those advanced ideas and progress- ive principles regarding agriculture which inva- riably lead to success when attended by thic strict integrity and will power that characterize him.
In June, 1850, Soren Olsen and Miss Isabella Nelson, who was also born in Norway, were united in marriage. She came to the United States in company with her parents and located in Wiscon- sin, where they died. By her union with our sub- ject Mrs. Olsen became the mother of five chil- dren, one of whom died when three years of age. The eldest of the family, Anna, is married and has six children; Clare is also married and is likewise the mother of a family of six; Ole S. is married and the father of three children; Nellie has four children.
When first locating in this county our subject and his family made their home in a log cabin,
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occupying it for six years. He has been very successful in all his undertakings and is now liv- ing in a comfortable residence surrounded by all of life's eomforts. In politics he never fails to cast a vote for the Republican candidates, and in re- ligious affairs is a regular attendant at the Luth- eran Church, with which body he has been con- nccted for many years.
R UDOLPH SCHROEDER, who is now liv- ing retired, making his residenee in Gut- tenberg, is one of the thrifty and industri- ous German-American citizens of Clayton County, to whom in a large measure is due the development and subsequent prosperity of this region. He has borne his share in. the work of improvement and in publie affairs, being a loyal and patriotic son of his adopted country.
The father of our subject, Henry Sehroeder, was born in Germany, where he grew to manhood and married Margaret Wilke, also born in the Father- land. Their son Rudolph is a native of Hanover, Germany, where his birth occurred November 5, 1818, and his carly years were spent under the parental roof, his time being mainly passed until arriving at his majority in obtaining a good pub- lie school education.
At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Sehroeder set sail for America, his destination being New Orleans. On arriving in the Crescent City he continued his journey up the Mississippi and thenee went up the Ohio River to Cineinnati, where he remained engaged in various oceupations for several years. In 1855 he came to Iowa, making a settlement in Jefferson Township, where he im- proved and eultivated a good farm. He was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits for nearly thirty years in Clayton County, becoming well to do and laying up ample means with which to pass his de- clining days, surrounded by the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. During his active
career he was very industrious and persevering, managing his farm and business affairs with good ability and being always strictly honest and trust- worthy in all his dealings with his fellow-men. He is now retired, having sold his farm.
On the 3d of July, 1844, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage with Mena Kruse, who, like her husband, was born in Hanover, Germany; of the fourteen children who came to bless their mar- riage, all but two still survive. Of those living there are eight sons and four daughters, their names in order of their birth being as follows: Margaret, Sophia, John, Rudolph, Jr., Mary; Fred, who is a farmer; Harmon, who also follows agri- eultural pursuits; Louis, George, who lives in Da- cotah; Ade, Mena and August. Sophia is the wife of Fred Kreger, a resident of Daeotah; Rudolph lives in Garnavillo; Margaret, the eldest daughter, beeame the wife of Herman Wolke, their home being in Jefferson Township, this eounty. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which they have reared their children. In politics our subject supports the Democratic party. He is a worthy man of sterling qualities, who merits the high esteem in which he is held by those who know him best.
DWARD CHARLES EHRHARDT. The subjeet of this sketch, although not a na- tive of Iowa, has spent almost his entire life in this state, and is recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of Clayton County. He is engaged in general farming pursuits in Boardman Township, where he owns and operates two hun- dred and fifteen acres of highly cultivated land, bearing all the improvements of a first-class farm. Still on the sunny side of life, he has already gained considerable sueeess, and by good manage- ment in the conduet of his affairs, and by exercis- ing prudenee in his personal expenditures, he has become known as a eapable and efficient farmer.
The parents of our subject, Johann and Henri-
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etta (Kaiser) Ehrhardt, were of German, birth, born in the kingdom of Prussia. The father came to the United States about 1853, and for a timne resided in New York, where he met and mar- ried Miss Kaiser, their wedding being solemnized at the bride's home near Rochester, N. Y. They settled upon a farm, but about 1859 disposed of the property and came west to Iowa, making the journey by rail to Prairie du Chien, Wis. His first purchase consisted of one hundred and forty-one aeres of wholly unimproved land, to the cultiva- tion of which it was necessary to give the elosest attention for a number of years. For two years the family lived in a log cabin, but later a more substantial house was built, containing needed comforts. Later this place was sold and three liun- dred and twenty acres bought. The latter purchase, like the first, consisted of land in almost the pri- meval condition of nature, and one of the first tasks of the father was the erection of a frame building, which still stands on the original site of its ereetion.
As the years went by, Mr. Ehrhardt, Sr., con- tinued to add to his original pureliase, buying one hundred and twenty aeres and other valuable property still later. At the present time the family owns over eleven hundred aeres, the most of which is under cultivation and bears excellent improvements. That he is a man of energy and judgment will be judged when it is stated that on reaching New York he had but fifty cents. Such has been his industry that he is now well-to-do, able to spend liis deelining years in ease and in re- tirement. He is now visiting the seenes of his boyhood in Germany. His wife died in 1885, aged fifty-two years.
Of the eight children in the family five are now living and all are farmers by occupation. E. Charles was born in New York, February 26, 1857, and coming to Iowa in early childhood passed the years of youth in the locality of his present resi- denee. He remained at home until June of 1884, at which time he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Christ and Mary Broekman, old settlers of Clayton County. There have been born to them five children, of whom four are yet living, as fol- lows: George C., Carl R., Frederik J. and Edward
H., all of whom were born on the farm where Mr. Ehrhardt still lives.
For four years previous to his marriage our sub- jeet cultivated this farm, working for his father, but after his marriage he bought the place and has sinee made it his home. To the original tract he lias added thirty-two aeres, his possessions now aggregating two hundred and fifteen aeres. Not only is he successful in the conduet of his personal affairs, but his abilities adapt him for the efficient discharge of publie duties, and he has been elected to numerous local offices. In 1892 lie was elected Township Trustee, and is still filling the position. His first Presidential ballot was east for General Hancock, and he has since continued to support the candidates of the Democratic party. In edu- eational matters he is interested and has served as Sehool Director of his district. With his family he attends the Lutheran Church. Both of his pa- rents and those of Mrs. Ehrhardt were identified with the early history of Clayton County, the lat- ter having come here early in the '40s and settled- in Farmersburg Township, where they still reside. Both families are highly esteemed among the eiti- zens of the county where for so many years they have made their home.
OHN LARKIN was a prominent member of thie Clayton County Bar and occupied an enviable position in the respect of mem- bers of the profession as well as his fellow- citizens in general. For many years a resident of Elkader, his death occurred in that eity July 16, 1893, and was mourned as a public loss. Always active in local improvements and movements of progress, he was considered one of the leading men of the state, where he conducted a large and successful praetiee. A native of Illinois, he was born in Jo Daviess County in 1840, and was a son of William and Rebeeea Larkin. His father was one of the early settlers of Wisconsin, where he made settlement prior to the admission of the
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state into the Union. He improved a valuable farm, where he continued to reside until he was called from this life. His wife, who has reached the advanced age of eighty years, is still living on the old homestead in Wiseonsin.
The boyhood years of John Larkin were passed on his father's farm, where he received a practical training in every department of agriculture, and his early education was obtained in the public seltools. Subsequently he continued his studies in Sinsinawa College, at Sinsinawa, Wis., from which he was graduated, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Afterward he took up the study of law, and after completing the required course of reading, was graduated from a law school in New York City. In 1875 he eame to Elkader and entered into partnership with Judge Samuel Murdock, a leading attorney of this eity, and the connection continued for seven years, during which time the firm became well and fav- orably known throughout Clayton County. Sub- sequently the partnership was dissolved by mutual eonsent, and Mr. Larkin continued in practice alone, eondueting a constantly increasing business and numbering among his clients many of the prominent eitizens of Clayton County. In poli- tics he used his influence and deposited his ballot in favor of the nominees of the Democraey.
September 17, 1865, Mr. Larkin was united in marriage with Miss Mary Uriell, whose birth oc- eurred in Clayton County. Her father, Patrick Uriell, was one of the pioneer settlers of Read Township, having come to this section of the state about 1840 and taking an aetive part in its upbuilding and improvement. The inother of Mrs. Larkin was, before her marriage, Miss Mary Brazell. The girlhood of the former was passed in this, the county of her birth. She received a good education in St. Joseph's Academy, Dubuque. Ten children came to bless the home of our subject and his estimable wife, named in the order of birth as follows: Margaret, Mary, Elmer, William, Frank, Gertrude, James, Mattie, Bernard and Harry. Mr. Larkin was a member of the Catholic Church, to which his wife also belongs, and in that faith the children were reared. They are well known in this town, being numbered among her best peo-
ple, and have always taken a leading part in local social affairs. They have a pleasant home and take great delight in opening its hospitable doors for the entertainment of their many friends.
R EV. FREDERICK WILLIAM PAPE. In- separably associated with the religious his- tory of New Vienna is the name of the rector of St. Boniface Church. A gentleman of the highest eulture and loftiest principles, he lias been instrumental not only in promoting the spir- itual welfare of his parishioners, but also in ad- vancing the religious progress of the community. Moreover it has been one of his ehief ambitions in life to elevate and educate thic people, but especi- ally to aid young men in preparing for the priest- hood, and thus give to the people earnest, well edueated and consecrated Christian leaders.
The biography of a gentleman of so much prom- inence will contain for our readers more than or- dinary interest. He is of German birth, the eity of Buern, Westphalia, having been the place of his nativity, and January 27, 1844, the date of his birth. The family of whieli he is a member eon- sisted of four sons, and his mother by a previous marriage also had four sons. Of the latter, one is a retired farmer of Dyersville, another an exten- sive agriculturist of New Wine Township, the third deceased, and the fourth, Rev. Aloisius Meis, a prominent Catholic priest. Our subject's own brothers are, Herman, a farmer in Carroll County, Iowa; Henry, an agriculturist of Nebraska, and Conrad, of whom inention is made on another page of this volume. The father of this family, William Pape, came to Ameriea with limited means, but at the time of his death, in 1878, left a large estatc.
In 1851 our subjeet accompanied his parents to the United States, and with them settled on a half section of Government land near New Vienna, Iowa. His early years were spent on the home farm, and his time was devoted principally to agricultural work, though in the short intervals during the winter seasons he was a student in the
Et BONIFACE, NEW VIENNA IOWA. F. W. PAPE RECTOR
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neighboring school. This was a primitive build- ing constructed of logs, and was utilized both as church and school. In 1858 he entered the em- ploy of Moreland & Morrissy, merchants at Dyers- ville, Iowa, and after serving a ycar's apprentice- ship with them became their clerk, remaining thus engaged until 1861.
The death of his mother somewhat changed the course of our subject's life. The father, discour- aged by the loss of his noble and devoted wife, re- solved to retire from active business and to divide his property among the four sons still remaining at homc. Frederick W. had promised to remain at the old homestead with his parents, but the death of his mother and the division of the estate left him free to choose for himself. It had been with him a long cherished dream to travel and see the world of which he had heard and read so much. He was, however, detained for a while from the consummation of his plans by the urgent request of his half-brother, Rev. Aloisius Meis, then pastor of St. Boniface Church at Lyons, Iowa, that he act as assistant teacher in the newly organized paro- chial school of that congregation.
After spending a very pleasant year in that oc- cupation, and Father Meis being now transferred to St. Mary's Church at Dubuque, our subject in company with several friends started on a tour of the east. After spending some time in New York he took passage on a steamer for Cuba, thence went to Matamoras and other places in Mexico, from there through Texas and journeyed along the Rio Grande to Bagdad, situated at the mouth of the river. After a six months' sojourn, he returned home via the gulf to New Orleans, and thence by steamer up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Cin- cinnati. At last he reached Lyons again, after an extensive tour that was of inestimable value to him in learning the character and habits of people and the contour of the country. At Lyons he en - gaged for a time in the general mercantile busi- ness, which in 1867 he sold to a brother, and set- tling all his business affairs prepared to enter the priesthood. Having thoroughly studied the sub- ject, and after thoughtful deliberation he resolved to devote the remainder of his life to the service of God and the welfare of mankind. To this holy
office he had been called in childhood, and his de- cision had been strengthencd by personal experi- ence, and especially by the wise counsel and good example of his brother, Father Meis.
In 1867 our subject commenced his studies at the University of Notre Dame, Ind., where he spent one year. He then entered St. Francis Sem- inary near Milwaukee, Wis., where he completed his studies. In that seminary, on the 25th of March, 1874, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Henney, and was appointed to attend to the spiritual wants of Catholic settlers scattered over western Iowa. In that capacity he spent six years, which he looks back upon as among the most blessed and useful of his life. The position was by no means a sinecure. Ilis duties were arduous and a severe tax upon his physical constitution. Having no home, he traveled with satchel in hand, securing lodging and meals at pri- vate houses. During this time lic organized and attended the charges at Hamburg, Shenandoah, Red Oak, Villisca, Malvin, Sidney, Nodaway, Blumer Settlement, Glenwood and Ncola (all in Fremont and Page Counties); Mt. Carmel, Car- roll, Rozell, Arcadia, Wall Lake, Odebolt and Ida Grove, in Ida County. He was the first priest who cver said mass in the county last named. Churches were built under his direction at Hamburg, Shen- andoah, Red Oak, Villisca, Carroll, Breda, Wall Lake, Ida Grove, Odebolt, Blumer Settlement and Arcadia.
During 1880 Father Pape was called from the western part of the state to the east, and appointed to the charge at Lansing. Six months later he was sent by the Bishop to Dubuque to form the con- gregation in the northern part of the city, where, in 1881, the Church of the Sacred Heart was built. Later, the pastor's residence was erected and the school organized. Father Pape's health being somewhat impaired, he desired to be relieved from his charge in Dubuque, and was thereupon trans- ferred to his former home in New Vienna. For twelve years he has had charge of the church at this place, and meantime has greatly promoted the welfare of the congregation. In addition to reor- ganizing and building up a large and flourishing school, he was instrumental in securing the erec-
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tion of the house of worship. This is a commodi- ous stone structure, one of the finest edifices in the statc. The interior decorations are beautiful, and display the most refined taste on the part of Father Pape, who is one of the best art critics in the state.
New Vienna lias been justly named the home of priests, for from that place sixteen young men have gone forth into active priesthood, and there are now ten students preparing for that holy office. By the Catholics of the state Father Pape is well known and highly esteemed for his devotion to duty and superier ability. By the people also, ir- respective of denominational preferences, he is highly respected as a citizen of broad and noble spirit and liberal culture.
5
G
H ON. SAMUEL MURDOCK, of Elkader, has been for more than half a century a conspicuous personage in the history of Iowa, as the first lawyer of Clayton County, the first Judge of thic Tenth Judicial District, and on account of the very prominent place he has ever occupied in the political and social affairs of this region. Self-made and sclf-educated, he deserves the admiration of all, and has certainly made the best of such opportunities as came in his way. He is an orator and writer of no small ability, being well posted on history, astronomy, geology, archæe- ology and other branches of science and litera- ture. In 1845 Mr. Murdock was elected a member of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, and re- mained in that body until Iowa was admitted as a state. In 1855 he was elected to the position of Judge of the Tenth Judicial District, and held the first courts in several of the ten counties then comprised within the district. Though in early life he was a Democrat, he assisted in the forma- tion of the Republican party, and has ever since been one of its stalwart workers.
The parents of our subject were of Scotch an-
cestry, but were born in County Armaglı, Irc- land. They cmigrated to America in 1812, set- tling near Pittsburg, Pa., where their son Samuel was born, March 13, 1817. Ten years later the family removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and finally located on a farm ncar the city, in the town of Rockport. Here it was that the boy passed the remainder of his youth. His schooling was ob- tained principally in the neighborhood, although he later attended a two years' term in a Cleveland academy. After arriving at his majority he taught several terms of school in Ohio. In his younger years he became acquainted with the Hon. Reu- ben Wood, at that time one of the Supreme Judges of the state, and who afterwards became Governor. With his family the lad lived for several years, and is indebted to the worthy Judge for many of his early lessons in history and law. In the fall of 1841 he left Ohio, going by way of the lakcs to Chicago, and thence procceded across Illinois on foot, sometimes riding for a few miles on wag- ons drawn by oxen. When he reached Rock River he followed it down to Rock Island, and then crossed the Mississippi to the then small village of Davenport. After resting for a few days to re- cruit his strength, he started on foot to Iowa City, proceeding the main part of the way on an Indian trail. As that place had been fixed as the future capital of Iowa, the young man determined to make his abode there, and was soon pursuing his studies in the law office of Bates & Harrison. When a few months had elapsed he went into the office of the Hon. Gilman Folsome, and in 1842 hc was admitted to the Bar of Johnson County, which then numbered only the firms of Bates & Harrison, Reagan & Clark, Patterson & Carlton, and Gilman Folsomc, H. D. Lce and a Mr. Calkins, all of whom were able and brilliant lawyers.
Before finally locating, Mr. Murdock went to Dubuque with letters of introduction to some of her principal citizens, and while there learned for the first time of the rich prairies of Clayton Coun- ty. Starting overland, he arrived at what is now Garnavillo August 9, 1843, and being much im- pressed with the natural beauty of this locality, staked a claim one mile south of the town. This farm he cultivated for nearly forty years, and for-
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merly it was considered the model farm of the state. On account of the many pine, spruee and fir trees which he planted around his home, the place was known as Evergreen Farm. For years the owner has been considered one of the best hor- tieulturists in Iowa, and has written extensively on the subject. During his long residenee on his farm, Mr. Murdoek still kept up his law praetiee, and, with few exceptions, has been present, aeting in one capacity or another at every term of eourt held in his county for over half a century, making for himself a most remarkable record.
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