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 61
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 61
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 61
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County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick has been blessed by the birth of three children. The eldest, Matilda, is the wife of William A. Mayer, of Giard Township, and they have three chil- dren, Otto, Gilbert and Clifton; Clara, the younger daughter of the family, married Rev. George Wes- sel, a minister of the German Methodist Church, now located at Dubuque, Iowa; they are the par- ents of one child, Lorena. The only son is named Theodore; he is a graduate of the Bayless Business College, and a young man of superior education and ability.
In religious connections Mr. Hartwick and his family are identified with the German Methodist Church, in which he has served as Steward. He is especially interested in the work of the Sunday- school and has served as its Superintendent. For the past twenty-five years he has voted the straight Republican tieket. In local affairs he is a man of prominence and has served as Constable of the township, alsoin other offices. He is Treasurer of the Giard Creamery Company, and for a time was one of its Direetors. His energy and perseverance have brought to him the success he so riehly merits, and in faet, he deserves the credit of winning much from little. His labors are meeting with a well earned meed of praise and he is eounted among the repre- sentative citizens of the county.
ACOB REIFF, an active business man and one of the eity fathers of Dyersville, Du- buque County, was born in the kingdom of Prussia, February 7, 1859. He is the son of Jolın and Elizabeth (Enrich) Reiff, the former a potter by occupation. He died when our subjeet was but twelve years of age, after which his mother was again married, becoming the wife of Peter Mater. Our subjeet was the second child in a family of five, and in 1870 came to America with his mother and stepfather, who located in Dubuque, in which city he attended school for some time,
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after which he worked on a farm for a number of years. He next entered the employ of Holscher Bros., as a clerk, and February 10, 1885, mar- ried the daughter of Henry, senior member of the firm, who was one of the wealthiest citizens of the community. Mrs. Reiff borc the Christian name of Theressa, and to her has been born four children, two sons and two daughters, Mamie, Clara, Albert and William.
Our subject engaged in business for himself and has been quite successful in his efforts. He is practical, sagacious and far-seeing, these qualities joined with his industry having brought him large returns. He was reared in the faith of the Catlo- lic Church, of which he is a member, and belongs to the Mutual Benefit Association connected with the church. He is one of the present Board of Aldermen of Dyersville, and deposits his ballot in favor of the nominces and principles of the Demo- cratic party.
P HILIP FOELL, whose sketch we now have the pleasure of presenting, was born of German parents. He grew to man's cstate in this, his native county, and commenced at an early age to cultivate the soil and learn the princi- ples of successful farming. His cducation was lim- ited, but natural ability and a fondness for knowl- edge can more than atone for the lack of what is commonly called "schooling."
Our subject was born March 21, 1844, in Du- buque County, and is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Spalcrys) Foell, botlı of whom were natives of the Fatherland. The former was born near Stuttgart, on his father's farm, where he re- mained until attaining his majority, when, as is the custom of his country, he was compelled to go into the army, serving as a soldier for a period of twelve years. On returning home at the expira- tion of that time lic began working in a grist mill and followed the business of a miller for eiglit years.
In 1830 Christian Foell decided to emigrate to America, and engaging passage on a vessel for
himself and family, arrived in this country after a dangerous voyage of three months, during which time they nearly starved to death, as the provis- ions on the boat gave out before reaching port. The family remained in tlic metropolis for two days, when they made their way directly to this county, where Christian Foell took up a quarter- section of Government land, to which he later added another one hundred and sixty acres. This last tract, however, he gave to his brother-in-law. Hc built the first sod house in this section and there the family made their home for seven or eiglit years, when they moved into a log house 17x20 feet in dimensions. In 1852 this rude structure gave way to a howed log cabin, in which the elder Mr. Focll resided until his decease, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was very successful in his ventures in the New World and left to his family a fine estatc. Like most of the carly set- tlers he had to put up with numerous inconveni- ences, but finally made good headway, and rapidly gaincd a competence and friends. Indians and wild game often annoyed the pioncers, although the numerous animals about their home enabled tlicm to supply the family with fresh meats. For four years they lived without bread and threc years had not the luxury of potatoes. Christian Foell was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and a truc Christian gentleman. He was a stanch Democrat politically and was recognized as one of the county's best citizens. The mother of our subject also passed away on the old farm at the age of seventy-six years.
The parental family numbered twelve children, only five of whom are now living. Philip, of this sketchi, was educated in the district school of that day and was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabethı Conrad, who was born in Prussia, and emigrated to the United States nearly forty-nine years ago. For a period of ten years slic lived in Chicago with her parents, when they came to this county; botlı arc now deceased, dying at the respective ages of seventy-seven and forty-eight years. They bore the names of John and Elizabeth Conrad, and were also natives of the Fatherland.
To Mr. and Mrs. Foell has been granted a fam- ily of eight children, only one of whom is deceased.
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Those living are Elizabeth, George, Louis, Adam, John, Peter and Louisa. After his marriage our subject rented land for a twelvemonth, after whichi he moved to East Dubuque, where he engaged to work for a transfer and ferry linc. A year later we find him in Dubuque occupied in handling farm machinery. This business not proving as success- ful as he had anticipated, he soon abandoned it, and purchasing a wagon and team was engaged in the transfer business for four years and also in operating a steam thresher through the farming district. He has made the latter his business much of the time for a period of thirty-seven years and has thus a wide acquaintance throughout Dubuque and surrounding counties.
In 1870 Mr. Foell bought a farm of five acres, which he later sold and became the proprietor of a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. This he cultivated for three and one-half years, when, hav- ing met with an accident, he was obliged to aban- don farm life for a time, and moved into Sher- ritt's Mound, where he ran a saloon and meat mar- ket. At the expiration of four years he came to his present place, which he purchased in 1894, and now devotes his time and attention to its cultiva- tion. He favors improvements of every kind, con- tributing liberally to the advancement of the same, and has held many of the local offices. In relig .. ious affairs he is a devoted member of the Presby- terian Church.
H ENRY WIEGAND. The prosperity of Iowa cannot be attributed entirely to the efforts of her native-born sons, for much has been accomplished by those of foreign birth who have sought a home in America. England has contributed of its thrift, France of its economy, Germany of its perseverance, and Norway and Sweden of their patient industry. Among the na- tives of Germany who have gained a competence in the United States and have here attained inde- pendence and prosperity may be mentioned the name of Henry Wiegand, a prominent farmer of
Clayton County, residing on section 31, Mendon Township.
The parents of our subject, John and Catherine (Halwig) Wiegand, were born, reared and married in Hessen, Germany, where they died when ad- vanecd in years. In the same province, March 22, 1818, occurred the birth of the subject of this no- tice, who was the eldest member of the family. Ile had one brother and two sisters, namely: John, who married Lizzie Snyder and died in Germany at the age of fifty years; Christina, Mrs. William Prunt, who died in Germany, and Trelia, Mrs. John Peters, who died in her native land.
The boyhood years of our subject werc unevent- fully passed in the land of his birth, and there, March 22, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of Conrad and Martha Helwig, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany. Mrs. Wiegand was one of five children, the others being named as follows: John, who dicd in boyhood; Elizabeth, who married Conrad Butts, and who both died in Germany; Gertrudc, Mrs. Conrad Sharp, who is deceased; John, who mar- ried Elizabeth Smith and came to America, where both he and his wife died.
Ten years after his marriage Mr. Wiegand came to America, landing in New York in 1857, and thence proceeded direct to Iowa, where for nine months he sojourned at McGregor, Clayton Coun- ty. He then rented a small farm in Clayton Town- ship, on which he lived for six months. His first purchase was that of twenty acres, located in the vicinity of his present property. Afterward he sold the place and bought one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has since engaged in general farm pursuits. He also bought six acres on section 35, Giard Township, and carried on a country hotel in addition to his farm work, but after conducting the enterprise a short time, he sold the placc. He raises corn, oats and general farm products, and also devotes considerable attention to the stock business, having a number of cattle and hogs on the place.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand consists of five children. John, who is unmarried, is a ma- chinist by trade, and formerly was proprictor of the Helwig Machine Shop at McGregor, but after
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being thus engaged for two years, the shop burned down; he then went to Chicago, where for four years he was in the employ of C. H. McCormick & Co. Since 1890 he has resided in Montana, where he is engineer in a malt house. Elizabeth, who was born March 16, 1850, lives with her parents; Con- rad married Augusta Heilman, and operates a farm on section 35, Giard Township; Louis and Henry are at liome. The family attends the Methodist Church at Giard, in which Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand are active members. In polities he gives the in- fluence of his ballot to the cause of the Republican party. He is devoted to the interests of his adopted country, and Clayton County has no eitizen more loyal than he.
EVI R. BROWNE. Taylor Township, Du- buque County, is a rieh agricultural eenter, and the men who conduct its farming in- terests are enterprising, self-reliant and shrewd. Oecupying an important place among these is the subject of our sketch, who is the possessor of five hundred broad aeres on seetion 14.
Like a number of the best residents of this county, our subjeet was born in Maine, October 24, 1830, and is the fourth in order of birth of the family born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Wardrell) Browne. The father of our subject was a native of Massachusetts, whenee he accompanied his par- ents when a mere boy to the Pine Tree State. Later in life he became a prominent and wealthy lum- berman, and spent the remaining years of his life in that state, dying in 1874. His good wife was a native of Maine, and survived her husband several years, departing this life in 1882.
When attaining his majority our subjeet went to West Point, where he completed his education, receiving his diploma after attending the institu- tion at that place for four years. He was a class- mate of G. W. C. Lee, son of Gen. Robert E. Lee, who was Superintendent of the sehool. Previous to this, however, he had pursued his studies in the
various academies of his native state. He is thus finely educated, and as such is regarded by his fellow-townsmen.
When ready to embark in life for himself, Mr. Browne made a tour of the west, and finding a suitable location in Iowa, took up his abode in this eounty in 1856, on a tract of land near liis present estate. He taught school for some time after coming here, and for a period of five years held the responsible position of Principal of the Epworth schools. Previous to this, however, he worked out on farms for a time, receiving the magnifieent sum of $10 per month for his services, in the same township where is now located liis valuable farm.
Mr. Browne is considered one of the rich and substantial citizens of the township, and is still ably managing his agricultural interests. He is in the enjoyment of good health, and says if lie had to live his life over, he would pursue the same course. He has fulfilled all the duties of good citizenship with the exeeption that he has never married. He has always adhered to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected for many years, and is an active worker in the congregation near his home. In political affairs he is a strong Republican, al- though in local elections he votes for the inan who in his judgment will best fill the office. He has served frequently on the School Board as Di- rector and Treasurer, and has interested himself mueh in educational matters.
HARLES H. MONGER. For centuries the art preservative was limited to the stylus and parehment, and the engrossed records, seeured only as the result of greatest exertions, were stored away in places where they were acces- sible to but few. When, however, the printing press was invented, a wonderful transformation was wrought, and the results have been visible in
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the marvellous improvements of modern times. There is nothing which furnishes a better exponent of the progress achieved by the present age than the newspaper of to-day, with its chroniele of events from far-distant lands, with its items of local interest, its review of questions of publie im- port, and its influence in moulding the sentiment of the people.
To him whose life has been passed in advaneing these important interests, whose career has been that of an honest, intelligent, efficient newspaper man, the world owes a debt of gratitude that money cannot repay. Such an one is Charles H. Monger, who is well known, not only in Anamosa, but throughout this section of the state as well. For twenty years he has been editor and proprie- tor of the Anamosa Journal, and is still at the head of this popular paper, which is a welcomed guest in many homes of Jones County.
The subject of this sketch was born in the vil- lage of New Market, near the eity of Toronto, Canada on the 20th of October, 1849. In early childhood he was for a time a resident of the city of London in the Canadian Dominion. In 1857 he came with his parents to Iowa. In 1860 the family settled in Cedar Rapids, and thence re- moved to Independence, this state, where his fa- ther, John Monger, an attorney by profession, died during the year 1866. Charles H. received his education less in the school room than in the print- ing office, and as it has been often said that the school of experience is the one in which the most valuable lessons may be learned, it was perhaps through the early years spent in hard work that he gained the habits of industry and energy that liave been prominent among his characteristics.
The life work of Mr. Monger has been that of an editor. For several years he was city editor of the Dubuque Herald, and for six months filled the position of editor and part proprietor of the Even- ing Freeman of Peoria, Ill. His name, however, is connected principally with the Anamosa Journal, with whiel, as before stated, he has been eonneeted for twenty years. To this paper the best years of his active life have been devoted, and in its sue- cess he has reaped his richest reward. Aside from his editorial duties he has found his chief recrea-
tion in the society of his family, to whom he is de- voted. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss Katie L., seeond daughter of Hon. S. P. Adams, of Dubuque, and their family consists of two sons and five daughters.
T HE GARNAVILLO SENTINEL. One of the newly established papers of Clayton County, which is rapidly winning its way to a front rank among the journals of this part of the state, is the Garnavillo Sentinel, an independ- ent, non-partisan weekly, devoted to the general interests of the people in this seetion. It is a six- column paper, containing interesting social items and short, erisp editorials. Through its columns the business inen of the town also find a medium of communication with the people.
The initial number of the paper was issued on the 14th of December, 1893, and since that time it has been rapidly gaining the favor of the public by its fearless and candid treatment of the ques- tions of the age. In this respect it differs from other country papers. The typographieal appear- ance of the paper is neat and attractive, and in every way it proves the ability of its editors. There is no doubt that as the years pass by it will wield an ever-inereasing influence in the eom- munity and become a power for good throughout the county.
The editors are among the youngest of their profession. The senior editor, Oscar E. Maurer, was sixteen years of age on the 22d of January, 1894, but notwithstanding his youth he is filling with efficiency and suecess the responsible position of editor-in-chief and foreman of the large job- bing rooms. W. Irving Maurer, the junior mem- ber of the firm, is fifteen years of age and to him is given charge of the press room; he also does most of the typographieal work on the paper.
The boys are the sons of Prof. Jacques D. Maurer, who for many years has been the Principal of the Garnavillo High School. He was born in
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New Bremen, Ohio, September 5, 1852, and at the age of four years accompanied his parents to Clay- ton County, Iowa, where he received a good edu- cation in the common schools and afterward was graduated from Briggs' Academy. In 1871 he began teaching, and continuing in that profession for the succeeding twenty-three years, is now recognized as one of the most influential and sue- cessful instructors in the county. In 1877 he married Miss Loretta E. Wirkler, and they have four children, Oscar E., W. Irving, Norma and Lloyd. The elder sons were graduated from the Garnavillo High School June 15, 1894, and are young men of superior ability, whose prospeets for future prominence and success are the bright- est.
R EV. GEORG HEINRICH FUEHR, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Sebald, Clayton County, was born in Muenchen, kingdom of Bavaria, September 13, 1838. Orphaned at the age of three years, he was at four years taken into the home of his maternal relatives, Leonhard and Wilhelmina Rosenbauer, who tenderly cared for him, training him to hab- its of usefulness and maintaining the deepest inter- est in his physical and spiritual growth. Before he was five, he entered a school at Aufkirehen, and there remained until fourteen.
Christened in the Lutheran Church, our subjeet was confirmed by Rev. Mr. Aufsberg on Palm Sun- day, 1852. After his confirmation he learned his foster father's trade, an occupation for which he had no natural inelination, but which he learned in obedience to the fourth commandment. From ehildhood he was devoted to books, and often un- til after the midnight hour was engaged in road- ing religious and historical works. At that time all were obliged to spend eight years at a school of apprenticeship, and for the four years following
to attend the Sunday-school. The scholars were obliged to write a letter to a friend who wanted to emigrate to America, and try to influence him against it. Among all his schoolmates he was most successful, and his pastor urged him to eou- tin ue his studies, doubtless recognizing in him talents of a superior nature. His foster parents were willing that he should study for a teacher, but, in addition to the faet that they could ill afford the expense, he had no desire to enter that profession.
Through acquaintance with some whose opinions were similar to his own, and especially through the 'influence of an honest Lutheran pastor who lived near Aufkirehen, the attention of our subject was called to missionary work among those who had never heard of the Gospel. He was then but eighteen years of age. Shortly afterward he heard from a company who were working for home mis- sions, at the head of which was the well known Father W. Loehe. At first the youth had a pref- erenee for foreign missionary work, but as the time was approaching when he was obliged to enter military service, he saw no way to prepare himself in any institution, and therefore decided to enter the home mission field; in order to se- cure the consummation of his plans he was obliged to make arrangements to be released from his term of service in the army.
From March 2, 1860, until 1866 the young man was wearing a uniform. He was pleased with a soldier's life, though he was in active service but one and one-half years. At the expiration of that time he was relieved from active duty, but was subjeet to call upon the breaking out of war. In February, 1863, with the consent of his foster parents, he entered the mission house at Neuend- ettelsau, Bavaria, to prepare himself for the service of the Lutheran Church. His studies were con- tinued until the middle of April, 1866, with only five weeks' vacation in a year. He passed credit- able and satisfactory examinations, as evinced by his eertificate.
June 16, 1866, Rev. Mr. Fuelir took passage on the steamer "Bremen." The voyage was very stormy, which did not seem a good omen for his service in the church in America. July 2 he ar-
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rived with his intended wife in New York. The first 4th of July in this country he celebrated at his uncle's home in Philadelphia. The next day lic started for Toledo, Ohio, and not being ac- customed to American ways he found the journey a very expensive one. Rev. I. Deindoerfer, now President of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Iowa, was the one who received the candidates for the service from Germany, and by him our subject was entertained. At Berea, near Cleveland, Ohio, hc was given his first assignment. This was but a small congregation, numbering on New Year's, 1866, but fifteen heads of families. July 15, 1866, the young pastor was ordained by Rev. I. Dein- doerfer, and August 10 following he married Miss Christina Guthmann. His pastorate was successful and in a short time the membership had increased four fold.
After four years of happy married life, Rev. Mr. Fuehr was bereaved by the death of his wife. Two children had preceded her in death. In 1870 he was again married, choosing for his wife Philippina Elizabetha Schaaf, daughter of Michael and Elizabetha Schaaf, of Berea. They have had four sons and three daughters; two of the latter arc deceased.
After several years in this country Rev. Mr. Fuelir decided to become a citizen of the United States, and took out the first papers in Cleveland. He was treated as a Prussian citizen, because the officers could not understand that in Germany there was a kingdom of Bavaria still in existence. In 1876 he took out the second papers in Clayton County. After having spent nine years with his first congregation, in August, 1875, he accepted a call to St. Sebald Church, in Clayton County, and here he has held the pastorate since the middle of September, 1875. In 1878 some of the members established another congregation five miles away.
St. Sebald congregation, in Sperry Township, Clayton County, is one of the oldest congrega- tions of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Iowa. It was organized either in 1853 or the spring of 1854, under the care of I. Deindoerfer, before this synod was organized, which was August 24, 1854. The congregation now numbers over five hundred. From 1857 until 1874 it was the seat of a priests'
seminary. In politics Mr. Fuehr is independent, and although in clections he usually votes the Democratic ticket, he is not a partisan, and has expressed the wish that a new patriotic party would start from the two old parties and include the better element of the old.
Through his studies and manner of conducting his service for over twenty-eight years, God has with an all-wisc providence arranged that Rev. Mr. Fuehr should become a homcopathic physician. During his studies in the Old Country he be- came acquainted with the science; on locating in Berca, finding that the doctors there were not competent and the people needed the services of a good physician, he continued his studies still further. Years ago a law was passed in Iowa pro- hibiting persons from practicing medicine until five years in the state and thoroughly efficient; to such were granted state licenses. One of these he secured, not with an intention to practice the profession, but in order that he might be of assist- ance in cases of sickness in his own parish. Since accepting this pastorate there have been two epi- demics, one of scarlet fever and diphtheria in 1876, the other of diphtheria in 1891; at both times his sound medical advice and spiritual coun- sel made him an invaluable assistant in the stricken families.
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