USA > Iowa > Lee County > Story of Lee County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 21
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Dr. and Mrs. Starkweather have gained many warm friends during the period of their residence in Fort Madison. He belongs
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to the Masonic fraternity and is a past master of Herrick Lodge, No. 193, A. F. & A. M., of Pontoosue, Illinois, having filled the position of master for several years. He has attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite, and he belongs also to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he does not ally himself with any party, and he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties, which are of growing volume and importance.
JOSEPH R. FRAILEY.
Joseph R. Frailey, who was born in Fort Madison, March 2, 1876, is today recognized as one of the strong and able lawyers of his native city, where since 1905 he has served continuously as city attorney. His professional record has been characterized by continuous ad- vancement, bringing him into closer and closer relations with the litigated interests of his part of the state. His parents, Peter H. and Rebecca (Robinson) Frailey, were both early settlers here, the latter being a daughter of Joseph Robinson, who brought his family to Lee county about 1855, while Peter H. Frailey arrived about 1867. Following their marriage they established their home in Fort Madison and here reared their family.
Joseph R. Frailey passed through the consecutive grades until graduated from the high school. His more specifically literary education was acquired in the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898, winning the Bachelor of Philosophy degrec. He continued his studies there in preparation for the bar and in 1900 became one of the alumni of the law depart- ment. Following his graduation and his admission to the bar hc was with the Santa Fe Railway Company in its legal department for five years. In 1905 he came to Fort Madison, where he entered into partnership with Judge Hamilton, a relation that was main- tained until 1908, since which time Mr. Frailey has practiced alone. His clientage is now large and distinctively representative, connect- ing him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district. Moreover, he is city attorney, and his ability in this direction is indicated in the fact that he has filled the office continu- ously since 1905.
In October of the same year Mr. Frailey was united in marriage to Miss Genevieve Albright, of Fort Madison, and they have a
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daughter, Margaret Louise. Mr. Frailey belongs to various fra- ternal organizations, including the Masons, the Elks, the Eagles, the Moose, the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen, and the Ancient Order of United Workman, and to the teachings of these organizations he is most loyal, being in sympathy with their beneficent spirit and their underlying principle, which is the recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.
Moreover, he has an interesting military chapter in his life history, having served with the rank of second lieutenant as a member of Company F, Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish- American war. Five years before the outbreak of hostilities with Spain he joined the Iowa National Guard, with which he was con- nected until 1905. He was captain of Company A, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard, when he resigned. He has also been regimental quartermaster and held other prominent positions in the state military organization. These wide and varied interests have brought him an extensive acquaintance and his social qualities and sterling worth have firmly established him in the high regard of his many friends.
VAL T. DOERING, M. D.
Dr. Val T. Doering is one of the younger representatives of the medical profession in Fort Madison, where he has been engaged in practice since 1912. In the intervening period, however, he has made continuous progress and has become well established in his chosen work, for his ability is proven in the success which attends his medical ministrations. He was born in Lee county in 1880, a son of George J. and Mary Elizabeth Doering, who came to this county in the '40s, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers. The father was a butcher by trade and engaged in that business for a consider- able period.
The son, Dr. Val T. Doering, pursued his education in St. Mary's parochial schools of Fort Madison, in which he completed a course. He afterward attended Johnson's Business College of that city and then, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he entered St. Louis University, in which he completed the medical course, and was graduated in the class of 1911, at which time his
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professional degree was bestowed upon him. He put his theoretical knowledge to practical test in fourteen months' service as interne in the City Hospital of St. Louis, gaining thereby the broad, varied and practical experience which only hospital work can bring. In August, 1912, he came to Fort Madison, opened an office and has since followed his profession in this city. A creditable measure of success has been achieved and his labors have been productive of good results to those whom he has served.
Dr. Doering is a member of the Catholic church, of the Knights of Columbus and the Iowa Mutual Protective Society, of which he is medical examiner, as well as a stockholder and medical examiner for the New World Life Insurance Company. His political alle- giance is given to the democratic party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire public office. He belongs to the various local and state medical societies and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession. He holds to high standards and is continually utilizing every advan- tage that will promote his skill and advance his efficiency.
HON. EDWARD JOHNSTONE.
Hon. Edward Johnstone, for fifty years one of the most prominent residents of the state of Iowa and a leader in all movements intended to better conditions affecting the general interests of society, was born in Kingston, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1815. In the paternal line he came of ancestry from Annandale, Scotland, the family having been founded in America by Robert Johnstone late in the seventeenth or early in the eighteenth century. Alexander John- stone, father of Edward Johnstone, was born in Ireland in 1772 and came to America in 1796. In this country he wedded Miss Eliza- beth Freame, also of Irish descent and a native of the Keystone state. They had ten sons and two daughters. The two eldest sons were educated at West Point and served in the regular army. Another son, William F. Johnstone, was the third governor of Pennsylvania, while still another son, James Johnstone, well known as a scholar and poet, served in the Mexican war and was one of the prominent mili- tary men of western Pennsylvania. Still another, John W. John- stone, served in both the Mexican and Civil wars, attaining the rank of colonel, while the youngest son of the family, Richard Johnstone, was a lieutenant in the regular army and met his death in the Mex-
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
ican war. The father, who was a man of notably fine physique, died at the remarkable age of one hundred years.
Edward Johnstone was educated in his native town and read law in Greensburg, in the same county. Admitted to the bar when twenty-two years of age, he made his way immediately afterward to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and in the fall of the same year went to Burlington, then the capital of Iowa, where he served as clerk in the territorial legislature. During that session he was appointed one of three commissioners to gather testimony regarding titles to what were known as "half-breed" lands. The discharge of this duty was facil- itated by his removal to Montrose, where he remained for one year. When the law under which he had been appointed was repealed in 1839, he went to Fort Madison, where he entered the service of the St. Louis Land Company in connection with General Hugh T. Reid to institute proceedings to secure a division of the lands under the partition laws of the territory. This resulted in the Decree Title under which the lands are now held.
Mr. Johnstone became not only a recognized leader at the bar but also in shaping the public history along many lines in Iowa. In 1839 he was elected to the legislature and for two successive terms was speaker of the house. He was an excellent parliamentarian, his decisions being at all times strictly fair and impartial. In 1840 he was elected to the council and during President Polk's administra- tion was United States district attorney for the judicial district of Iowa. In 1851, when the board of county commissioners was estab- lished, he was elected judge of Lee county and served upon the bench for four years. In 1857 he was chosen a member of the state con- stitutional convention and as such did much in forming the present organic law of the state. His knowledge of judicial principles served him in good stead and he was guided, moreover, by a spirit that had its root in a deep interest in the welfare of the commonwealth. Upon his retirement from the bench he turned his attention to the banking business as a member of the firm of McMurphy, Johnstone & Bacon, which later became Johnstone & Bacon on the withdrawal of the senior partner. In 1868 Mr. Johnstone came to Keokuk and assumed management of the Keokuk Savings Bank, the policy of which he directed until his death, on the 17th of May, 1891.
Mr. Johnstone was married in April, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth V. Richards, and they had three sons and a daughter, Alexander E., Edward R., Hugo R. and Mary M. Those who came within the close circle of Mr. Johnstone's acquaintance found him a most com- panionable and congenial man. His ability at all times fitted him Vol. II- 14
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for leadership and many there were who followed his advice, recog- nizing the unselfish spirit which actuated him. He was a most honest man, honest not only in the observance of certain well known rules, but honest in facing a situation squarely and informing himself thoroughly concerning it. He was as honest in thought as in deed and never allowed himself to entertain a prejudiced view of any vital question. He was constantly alert to assist in works of public benefit and it was largely through his influence that the first state insane asylum was established at Mount Pleasant. When the Iowa Com- mission was appointed for the World's Columbian Exposition he was made a member and was chosen its president. During President Cleveland's administration he refused his consent to a movement which was inaugurated to have him called to a cabinet position. The Pioncer Lawmakers' Association of Iowa honored him with its presi- dency and throughout his career he felt that his profession was one of the highest standing, nor ever deviated from its most advanced standards which recognize the law as the conservator of the rights and privileges, the life and liberty of the individual. Keokuk's pres- ent standing is due in no small degree to the work of this man and Iowa's fair fame has been heightened by his efforts and his public- spirited devotion to her welfare.
CAPTAIN FERNANDO C. OVERTON.
Captain Fernando C. Overton, who for a number of years has been identified with the insurance business in Keokuk, with every phase of which he is thoroughly familiar, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Hancock county, on the 22d of September, 1844. His parents were John J. and Rebecca (Rigdon) Overton, both of whom have long since passed away. The latter was a daughter of Sidney Rigdon, who was an unusually interesting character and a power among the early Mormons. He was one of the so-called prophets and was a rival of Joseph Smith for leadership of the sect. Because of his better education and his knowledge of the printer's trade he set up the type and printed the book of Mormon. He seemed to be infatuated with the theories of the belief and among other activities introduced into Mormonism baptism by immersion, planning the fountain to be used in baptising in the temple at Nauvoo. About six months before the death of Joseph Smith, Mr. Rigdon became disgusted with the way affairs were being handled, more
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particularly on account of the proposal to adopt polygamy, renounced his faith and returned to the Baptist church, remaining in active connection with that church to the end of his days.
Captain Overton's mother died when he was but ten years of age and later his father went to Arkansas. From there he journeyed to the west and helped to establish what is now the town of Long Beach, California. He there died and was buried.
Captain Overton was still a youth in his teens when the war between the north and south was declared. He enlisted for the defense of his country as a member of Company C, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, under command of Colonel Belknap, and served throughout the conflict as a member of Sherman's famous division. When peace was declared Sherman's army was at Raleigh, North Carolina, and when he had been honorably discharged from the army in September, 1865, he returned to Keokuk.
Captain Overton had first visited this city in 1863 and following the war he removed to Davis county, where he became agent for the Iowa State Insurance Company. Still later he went to Des Moines, but in 1899 returned to Keokuk. Soon thereafter he formed a part- nership with H. W. Klein and established the Overton-Klein Insur- ance Agency, Inc. Since the retirement of Mr. Klein from the firm in 1910 Captain Overton has continued the business with his son. He is familiar with every phase of insurance and his thorough under -. standing of its principles and purposes, as well as the minor details,
have splendidly qualified him for the successful conduct of his inter- ests along that line. In 1904 he joined with several other prominent business men in organizing the Standard Fire Insurance Company and from the beginning its officers were: Captain F. C. Overton, president; W. C. Howell, vice president; Oscar W. Wise, secretary ; Henry Strickler, and Peterson Brothers. In 1910, because of un- usual and unavoidable conditions, this company ceased operations, not, however, owing a single dollar to anyone. Out of this concern sprang the Overton-Klein Agency, Inc., and since that time Captain Overton has secured a good clientele in the insurance field.
On the 12th of July, 1866, Captain Overton was married to Miss Mattie Hardin, a daughter of Thomas J. Hardin and a descendant of the well known Kentucky family of Hardins. To Captain and Mrs. Overton have been born two sons, Fred H. and Harry, the latter a theatrical manager and the former his father's partner in business.
Aside from business affairs Captain Overton has found time to cultivate the social interests of life and has become a Knight Templar
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Mason and a well known Odd Fellow. He is also identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. In politics he is a republican, but has never sought office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his private interests. In religious faith he and his wife are Presbyterians and take an active interest in promoting the growth of the church and extending its influence.
JACOB GEORGE HONADEL.
Jacob George Honadel is one of the well-to-do farmers of West Point township, where he resides upon a highly improved place of one hundred and sixty acres. He also owns forty acres in Jefferson township and has that also under a high state of cultivation. He was born February 16, 1856, on section 31, West Point township, a son of Jacob and Carolina ( Krautwasser) Honadel. The father was a native of Strassburg, Germany, born November 30, 1824, when that city was still a French possession. He was taken by his parents to New York city in 1827 and the family home remained there until 1829, when a removal was made to West Point township, this county. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, paying the small sum of a dollar and a quarter per acre. At that time, how- ever, there was an abundance of wild land and the government was anxious to secure settlers who would develop this region and so offered unusual inducements to its citizens to locate upon the prairies. Mr. Honadel began the cultivation of his land and improved it from year to year until he was in possession of a valuable farming property. His wife was also a native of France, born March 26, 1825, and spent her childhood in the land of her nativity, coming to Lee county, Iowa, with her parents in 1852. The family home was established in West Point township and there the daughter Carolina met Jacob Honadel, whom she married in 1852. She became the mother of five children as follows: Jacob George, the subject of this review; Frederick, who was born July 25, 1857, and died September 6, 1894; Carolina, who was born December 25, 1858, and is now the wife of Jacob Graber, a resident of Calhoun county, Iowa; Mary, who was born September 24, 1860, and married Theodore Abel, a resident of Donnellson, Iowa; and George, whose birth occurred June 5, 1862, and who married Anna Speize and is living in West Point township.
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Jacob George Honadel enjoyed the educational advantages of the pioneer boy, attending the district schools and receiving instruction in the fundamental branches of learning. He was the best speller in his class and won many prizes at spelling schools. He not only acquired a knowledge of books but was given excellent training in the work of the farm and remained at home assisting his father until grown. He has continued to engage in the same pursuit since starting out in life for himself and he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 31, West Point township, and a forty acre tract on section 6, Jefferson township. He carries on mixed farming and his well directed labors bring him a'gratifying annual income.
Mr. Honadel was married March 21, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Speize, a daughter of Henry and Mary Speize. Mrs. Honadel was born in Ohio, December 14, 1854, and died in 1897. By her marriage she became the mother of the following children: Dora K., born April 7, 1879, who is the wife of Jacob P. Graber, a resident of Laurier, Washington; Henry George, who was born October 28, 1880, and is now a resident of Menno, South Dakota; George C., who was born September 21, 1882, and lives at Edgemont, South Dakota; Louise, whose birth occurred August 31, 1885, and who married John Ott, a resident of Charleston, Iowa, by whom she has a son, born July 22, 1911 ; Theodore J., who was born September 18, 1888, and is a resident of Edgemont, South Dakota; and Arthur P., who was born August 11, 1893, and is residing at home. The mother was a member of the Evangelical church, was highly esteemed by the community and her demise was deeply regretted.
On the 9th of November, 1898, Mr. Honadel was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Dena (Engemann) Roth, who was born at Primrose, Iowa, June 18, 1859, a daughter of Henry and Hannah (Clousmann) Engemann. Her father was a native of Germany and located in Primrose, Iowa, about 1846. He was a shoemaker and farmer by occupation. His death occurred in 1863. His wife was a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1825, and came to Ohio with her parents in the early '40s. They were married in St. Louis, Missouri, and became the parents of the following children : Charles, born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1850, now lives in Fort Madison. Henry died at the age of sixteen years. Ernest and Dena, twins, born in 1859, were the next in order of birth. Ernest lives in Jeffer- son township, this county. Dena married George Roth on the 29th of May, 1884. He was born at Franklin, Iowa, in 1858 and died in 1890. To that union were born two children: Fred H., whose
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birth occurred February 28, 1886, and who resides at Charleston, Iowa; and Ida May, who was born October 29, 1888, and is the wife of Jacob M. Ott, a resident of Warren, Iowa. By his second mar- riage Mr. Honadel has one son, John C., whose birth occurred July 24, 1901.
Mr. Honadel is a member of the Evangelical church of Franklin and can always be depended upon to further all movements looking toward the moral betterment of the community. He is a democrat in his political belief and has held a number of local offices. He was for five consecutive years school director and has been for the same length of time township trustee. He has proven equally conscientious and trustworthy as a private citizen and as a public official and enjoys the esteem of his fellowmen.
ALBERT KAMMERER.
For six years Albert Kammerer has been prominently identified with the public affairs in Lee county and is now candidate for county treasurer on the democratic ticket. He has spent his entire life here, his birth occurring October 1, 1860, and he is a son of Mathias H. and Dorothea (Conradt) Kammerer, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and were reared in the village of Illingen. Coming to the new world in the early '4os, they were married in Columbus, Ohio, and from that city removed to Philadelphia and later to St. Louis. It was in 1851 that they became residents of For! Madison, and they spent the remainder of their lives in this locality. Here the father died in December, 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the mother in November, 1889, at the age of sixty-one.
At the age of fourteen years Mathias H. Kammerer learned the butcher's trade, which he continued to follow up to within the last four years of his life, when he lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He conducted one of the leading meat markets in Fort Madison for many years and was a man honored both in business and social circles. In his family were seven children, namely: Charles J., deceased; Caroline J., who married W. G. Gibbs and died leaving one child, Frank G .; Henry, who died at the age of nine years; Robert, who died in infancy; Albert, of this review; Edward, who died in infancy; and Emma, also deceased. When our subject reached the age of forty years he was the only member of the family living.
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Albert Kammerer passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Fort Madison and vicinity and is indebted to the schools of this locality for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He early became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm and through- out his active business life has carried on farming in connection with other enterprises. For the past six years he has most acceptably served as deputy sheriff and is now the candidate of his party for county treasurer.
In 1888 Mr. Kammerer married Miss Clara Junge, who was also born in Lee county, September 3, 1869, a daughter of John Junge, of Fort Madison. Mr. Kammerer was reared in the Evangelical church, to which his parents belonged, and he holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Moose. Since attaining his majority he has affiliated with the democratic party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to office. He has served as alderman of Fort Madison for two years and has been treasurer of the school district, besides filling his present responsible position. His career has ever been such as to command the confidence and respect of those who know him.
JOHN JUNGE.
Among the self-made men of Lee county is numbered John Junge, whose success in life is due entirely to his own unaided efforts, for he came to this country empty handed and has made his own way in the world from an early age. He was born in Schlesien, Prussia, Germany, October 5, 1841, his parents being Joseph and Johannah (Haesckel) Junge. The first fourteen years of his life were passed in his native land, but in October, 1855, the family emigrated to America and settled on a farm in Green Bay township, Lee county, Iowa, where the parents spent their remaining days. In their family were eight children who reached years of maturity, namely: Francisca, who became the wife of Gust Thomas and died in this county in 1913; August, who died in St. Louis; Josephine, the widow of Casper Koehler, of St. Louis; John, of this review; Carl, who died in Green Bay township, this county; Mary, the wife of Max Muelat, of Green Bay township; Joseph, who died in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Julius, who died in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1912.
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