USA > Iowa > Lee County > Story of Lee County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 24
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In his youthful days, Fred C. Wiesemann attended the public and high schools of Warsaw, pursuing his studies to the age of four- teen years, when he became self-supporting. When sixteen years of age he served as deputy postmaster under his father, who was filling the office of postmaster during the administration of President Cleve- land. He continued to act as deputy under Edward Becker under the administration of Benjamin Harrison. After leaving the post-
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office he resumed his old trade of coopering, which he had learned as a boy in his father's shop. At the age of twenty-two years he was appointed deputy sheriff under his father, filling that position during the term of four years. He next engaged in the liquor business in Warsaw for about three years and then went to Canton, Illinois, where he continued in the same line of business for one year. On the expiration of that period he sold out and came to Keokuk about 1902. Here he engaged in the liquor business with his brother, Frank M., on Twelfth street, but after four years sold out to his brother and bought on Main street between Sixth and Seventh. In January, 1911, he removed to his present location.
Mr. Wiesemann was married in St. Louis on the 23d of May, 1912, to Mrs. Eva Thompson, nee Hall. He belongs to the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Moose and the Eagles, and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has a wide acquaintance and those with whom he comes in contact find him genial and cordial in manner.
NORMAN E. COLBY, D. D. S.
Mr. Norman E. Colby, a graduate of the Keokuk Dental College, has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in Fort Madi- son since 1912 and in the brief interim to the present time has become well established in his chosen calling through the ready recognition of his learning and ability. Dr. Colby was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, on the 27th of August, 1882, and is a son of Eli and Helen Colby, the former a farmer by occupation, which pursuit he con- tinuously followed in order to provide for his family.
At the usual age Dr. Colby entered the public schools and passing through consecutive grades as the years advanced was ultimately graduated from the high school. He decided to enter upon the prac- tice of dentistry and with that end in view became a student in the Keokuk Dental College, where he completed a course with the class of 1908. He then located for practice in Mason City, Iowa, where he remained for a short time, after which he returned to Keokuk. There he practiced until August, 1912, when he removed to Fort Madison, where he has since continued. He is now dentist for the state peni- tentiary and in addition has a large private practice. He is well qualified for the work that he has undertaken by reason of his broad
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study and the thoroughness which he has manifested in all of his work.
On the 15th of February, 1905, Dr. Colby was married to Miss Alma Childers, of Nauvoo, Illinois. They are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church and Dr. Colby holds membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and also in the national, state, and county dental societies and the Phi Omega. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party.
MARTIN SCHOENE.
Investigation into the history of Lee county shows that the family of which Mr. Schoene is a representative figured prominently in connection with the pioneer settlement and development of this section of the state and members of the family since that time have taken an active and helpful part in the work of progress and improve- ment. Martin Schoene, whose name introduces this review, is now a well known farmer and live-stock dealer residing upon the old home place on section 29, West Point township.
He was born April 28, 1861, on a farm a mile south of Dover, in Lee county, and is a son of J. P. and Ernestine ( Kudebeh ) Schoene. His paternal grandfather was Martin Schoene, who after living for a considerable period in Union county, Pennsylvania, removed west- ward with his family and established a home in Jefferson township, Lee county, Iowa, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was seventy-five years of age. He had but one sister, Mrs. Henry Judy, who is now living in Denmark township and whose family is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. As an early settler Martin Schoene, grandfather of our subject, took an active interest in the development and improvement of this section of the state. His wife said that only fifteen cents in actual cash was expended in building their first cabin home in Lee county, this being paid to a blacksmith for making nails with which to build the door. The lumber was cut in this district and the neighbors aided in the log raising. The family experienced all of the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life, but as the years went on changes occurred, and in the work of general improvement and develop- ment members of the Schoene family have always taken an active and helpful part.
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J. P. Schoene, born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, was but three years old when brought by his parents to the west and was reared here amid the wild scenes and environment of pioneer life. He served nine months in the Civil war and later purchased a farm of eighty acres in West Point township, to which he added from time to time until the place now contains two hundred and fourteen acres. He erected thereon a substantial stone residence, also good barns, and made other improvements upon this property, which is now owned by his son Martin. He continued for an ex- tended period as one of the leading and influential agriculturists of his district.
Martin Schoene of this review was reared upon the old home- stead and attended the district schools, but his educational oppor- tunities were somewhat limited. He has, however, always been a great student and reader throughout his entire life, and thus has become well informed, adding also to his knowledge the many les- sons which he has learned in the school of experience. He was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and producing crops, and remained at home until twenty-eight years of age. He then removed to Sedgwick county, Kansas, where he purchased a farm, but eventually he traded that property for a farm in Macon county, Missouri. Finally he sold out there and returned to Lee county, where fourteen years ago he purchased the old homestead. He has since given his attention to general agricultural pursuits and his labors have been crowned with substantial and satisfactory results.
In 1897 Mr. Schoene was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Judy, a daughter of Henry Judy, Sr., who died August 12, 1910, when almost ninety years of age. He passed away at his home in West Point township. There he had long resided, having secured land from the government, and when it came into his possession it was a raw and undeveloped tract, but his persistent labors transformed it into highly cultivated fields. His first wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Cooney and died in this county, leaving the following children: H. H., now deceased; Mrs. Mary Horton, who resides in Fort Madison; and Mrs. Emily Bullard, who has also passed away. For his second wife Henry Judy chose Elizabeth Emmett, who died in this county in February, 1913. Ten children were born of that marriage, of whom two sons died when seventeen or eighteen years of age, while two daughters died at the ages of seven and nine years, respectively, and others died younger. Three of the family are now living: G. W., who makes his home in Jefferson township; W. S., of Central City, Colorado; and Mrs. Martin
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Schoene. John Judy died soon after his father's death, in Clark county, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Schoene became the parents of four children: Raymond, at home; Ruth; Irene, who died at the age of one year and a half ; and Ethel Catherine.
Mr. Schoene has always been interested in measures and move- ments for the public welfare, and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. He has served as school director and also as secretary of the board. In his political views he is an earnest republican and has never faltered in his allegiance to the party. He is equally loval as a member of the Memorial Presbyterian church of West Point township, of which he is an elder. He was treasurer of the building committee at the time of the erection of the house of worship in 1902, when seven dollars and a half in actual cash was expended for mechanical labor to erect this structure, worth two thousand dollars. The minister was an architect and superintended the building, which was constructed with the aid of many volunteer workers. Mr. Schoene took the initiative in the organization of the congregation, there being a dozen others interested in the project, all of whom had been members of the old German Presbyterian church, but the membership of that organization had diminished and services were discontinued. The membership of the Memorial Pres- byterian church is now about forty. The church, built in 1902, was destroyed by fire in 1908 and by adding to the insurance nioney the present comfortable structure was erected and furnished.
ALEXANDER E. JOHNSTONE.
Alexander E. Johnstone, son of Edward and Elizabeth V. R. Johnstone, was born at Fort Madison, Lee county, Iowa, June 5, 1856, and in September, 1868, the family moved to Keokuk, when he was a lad, not yet reaching his teens. He attended the public schools of Keokuk and later was a student at the Iowa State Uni- versity. Returning to Keokuk he entered the employ of Taber & Company, large lumber dealers, in April, 1875, and in 1878 acquired an interest in this establishment with which he continued until the latter part of 1894. From this date until 1898 he was not engaged in any active business.
On May 27, 1891, he was elected one of the directors of the Keokuk Savings Bank, February 5, 1895, was elected vice president and February 7, 1898, was elected president and has been actively
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ALEXANDER E. JOHNSTONE
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engaged as the executive head of this prominent banking institution ever since.
Mr. Johnstone was one of the original stockholders in the Keokuk & Hamilton Water Power Company, an organization formed to pro- mote the erection of a dam across the Mississippi river at Keokuk for the purpose of securing electric power for commercial purposes. It was a mammoth and tedious undertaking, requiring ability, tact, persistency and strenuous work. He was in at the birth of this great undertaking, and he remained with the gigantic enterprise at every stage of the progress from its inception to the end and worked with zeal, energy and ability for its success. He was vice president of the company, and at the death of the late Hon. John N. Irwin Mr. Johnstone was elected to succeed him as president of the company.
The success of the enterprise appeared wavering and a master effort seemed imperative. Finally John N. Irwin, then president, A. E. Johnstone, vice president at that time, and William Logan were delegated to go to Washington, D. C., Congress being in session, and make a strong effort for sanction of the enterprise by the national government in the granting of a franchise by Congress. They went, and in that earnest and masterful struggle with Congress Mr. John- stone, in common with his colleagues, labored with tact, ability and untiring energy. The efforts were successful. As a result of the diplomatic and forceful campaign waged by the committee Congress granted the franchise and the people of Keokuk today are grateful, as they should be, for the good work so well done by its representa- tives.
At the time the stock was turned over to Engineer Hugh L. Cooper, representing the new building company, preparatory to pushing the work on the dam, Mr. Johnstone was still president of the original company. His work was then finished as the executive · head of the great enterprise which now furnishes power for countless industries in a large number of cities and towns in several states in the great Mississippi valley. For his part in helping to bring this about Mr. Johnstone will always be held in grateful remembrance by the people of Keokuk and surrounding territory.
Mr. Johnstone is a quiet, practical, cultured man. He is genial and courteous in all his associations with the world. There is not the slightest trace of the vainglorious in his nature. Quiet, modest and of the strictest integrity, he pursues the even tenor of his way, seeking no ostentatious praise, and rather shrinks from publicity. His spare moments are by no means idle moments. They are used frugally and this is one of the principal factors in placing him Vol. II-16
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before the public, and in the minds of those who know him best, as a leading representative man and citizen, whose word is his bond, hold- ing the respect and confidence of all who have social intercourse or business transactions with him.
The Keokuk Savings Bank, the first savings bank established in Lee county, is of towering financial strength under his management, to which he gives the major portion of his attention and energies, though he is a stockholder and official with several other prominent and prosperous enterprises, to which he finds time to give valuable counsel and assistance. His name is a synonym for safety in business and when his name is seen connected with any business enterprise it is taken at once to be a safe and sound business. He takes an inter- est in the civic and other affairs of his city and state.
He is an ideal home man and his residence is a model of elegance and comfort, bespeaking a life of intelligence and culture, furnished with everything to make a home pleasant and intelligent.
On December 10, 1880, Mr. Johnstone was married to Fannie F. Williams, a prominent and popular young lady of Keokuk, who died May 12, 1884. Two children were born to this marriage, Mrs. John R. Irwin and Mrs. Don L. Galusha. On November 1, 1887, he was married to Clara E. Knox of an old and prominent family of War- saw, Illinois, who was also prominent and popular at her home city and in Keokuk. She died July 19, 1914. To this marriage one son survives, Edward Knox Johnstone, a promising young man just budding into a prosperous career.
In religion Mr. Johnstone is an Episcopalian; in politics, a democrat.
FRANK B. KENT.
Among the prosperous business men and representative citizens of Fort Madison is numbered Frank B. Kent, who was born in Belle- fonte, Center county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1839, and is a son of Josiah and Anna Maria (Rothrock) Kent, also natives of the Key- stone state, the former born in York county, March 30, 1805, and the latter in Center county, November 7, 1815.
Leaving Bellefonte, the father came to Iowa in 1842, the journey being made by way of the railroad and river route. He had traded his property in Bellefonte for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jefferson township, this county, three and a half miles west of
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Fort Madison, and the first summer here was spent in a little house on the banks of the river. For sixteen years he made his home upon that property and then purchased eighty acres in Madison township, upon which he built a good residence in 1858. In 1877 he took up his residence in Fort Madison, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred on the 22d of June, 1880. His wife survived him for some years, passing away December 14, 1893. By trade he was a plasterer and for many years followed that occupation in con- nection with farming. He took great interest in the raising of fruit and flowers and in his later days devoted much of his attention to his garden. Public affairs also claimed considerable of his attention and he represented his county in the state legislature at the time the state was admitted to the Union. In politics he was a democrat. He was a charter member of Claypole Lodge, No. 440, A. F. & A. M., of Fort Madison, in which he held the office of master, and to which his great-grandson, Lloyd F. Kent, now belongs. In his family were six children as follows: Charles Carroll, who died in Pennsylvania in infancy; William G., who died in this county; Frank B., of this review; Susan F., who died at the age of twenty-one years; George M., who died in infancy; and Ellen Iowa, who was born December 18, 1848, and died at the age of five years.
Frank B. Kent was only three years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, and he was reared upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits, to which occupation he has devoted the greater part of his life. From 1896 to 1904, however, he also owned and operated the flour mill now conducted by Krebill Brothers. At one time he was the pos- sessor of a half section of valuable land in this county, which is now owned by his sons, while he devotes his attention to looking after his city property.
On the 11th of February, 1864, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Skyles, who was born in this county, June 4, 1844, and died here on the 23d of December, 1897. She was a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Peak) Skyles. Her father, who was a native of Tennessee, came to this county about 1835 and here engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Kent has two sons. Harry J., the elder, was born in Madison township, November 9, 1864, and still resides on the farm there. He married Josephine Knock, and they have had nine children, namely : Helen ; Gertrude, deceased ; Frank ; Beatrice; Le Roy; Harry; Celia; Minnie; and Marion. Fred B., the second son of our subject, has also spent his entire life in Madison township, where he was born, January 21, 1868. He followed farm-
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ing until 1898, after which he traveled for a number of years, but is now conducting a cigar store, pool room and lunch counter in Fort Madison. On the 11th of September, 1889, he married Letitia Drol- linger, a daughter of Benjamin Drollinger. By this union were born two children : Lloyd F., and Fay T., at home. The former, now a fireman on the Santa Fe Railroad, married Helen Stenger and they have one child, Frederick W. Their home is in Fort Madison at No. 1235 Second street, and with them our subject now makes his home.
Since casting his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860, Mr. Kent has been a staunch supporter of the democratic party and has taken quite an active interest in public affairs. He was a member of the school board of Fort Madison at the time of the erection of every school building in the city, with the exception of the Lincoln school, and he has also served on the city council with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1852 he attended the first county fair held in this state, which was con- ducted at Keokuk, lowa, and he recalls many interesting incidents of pioneer life, for he has practically witnessed the entire develop- ment and upbuilding of this state and has ever borne his part in its advancement. In business affairs he has prospered, and his life has been such as to gain him the respect and honor of those who know him.
CRAIG ELLIS.
Craig Ellis, who resides on section 9, West Point township, was born in Montrose, this county, September 18, 1881, a son of Edgar H. and Mary Jane (Shelly) Ellis. The father was a native of the same town, his birth occurring October 26, 1848, and he received his education at Montrose Institute. His marriage to Miss Shelly occurred in Montrose. The paternal grandfather was William Ellis, a native of Pennsylvania, who made the trip overland to Montrose by ox team. Later he emigrated to Oregon, residing there about seven years, after which he returned to Montrose, where he ran a grist mill until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-nine years of age. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Wendell and Elizabeth (Greer) Shelly, who settled near Montrose in the early '40s. She had three children: Addie, who is the wife of Russell Young, a button cutter of Fort Madison, lowa, by whom she has a daughter, Marguerite, born September 29, 1904; Clara, a graduate
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of the St. Joe school of stenography and a resident of Detroit, Michi- gan; and Craig.
The last named attended the schools of Montrose and also assisted his father with the work of the farm. He remained under the pa- rental roof until he was twenty-two years old and has continued in the occupation to which he was reared, finding farming not only prof- itable but congenial. His farm on section 9, West Point township, is one of the well kept properties of the locality and its neat appear- ance is an indication of the industry and efficiency of its owner. He carries on general farming and enjoys the prosperity which rewards the labors of every progressive Iowa farmer.
In 1904 Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Frances Fich- tenkort, a daughter of Chris and Elizabeth (Kampschneider) Fichtenkort, and they have become the parents of a son, Clarence Hugh, whose birth occurred on the 10th of November, 1905. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Episcopal church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.
ERNST BURSTER.
Ernst Burster, engaged in the wholesale liquor business in Fort Madison, was born here on the 27th of November, 1863, a son of Antone and Augusta (Henneberger) Burster, both natives of Ger- many. The father was born in Wurtemberg and the mother in Prus- sia. In 1847 he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, and after residing in St. Louis for some time removed to Chicago, and in 1851 came to Fort Madison. On her emigration to America his wife lived for a time in Ohio, but about 1855 came to this city, where they were soon afterward married. He died here in January, 1885, at the age of sixty years, and she passed away June 23, 1910, at the age of seventy-seven years.
During his early residence here Antone Burster engaged in con- tracting and building, but in 1866 established the Concordia Brewery and continued in that business until his death. On his arrival in the new world he was in limited circumstances, but gradually worked his way upward and became quite well-to-do. He took quite an active interest in public affairs, supporting the republican party dur- ing the war and later affiliating with the democratic organization. For some years he served as a member of the city council. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a number
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of German organizations. In his family were six children, namely: Adolph, who died in February, 1913; Otto, now a resident of Colo- rado; Julius, who died in Omaha in 1908; Louise, the wife of John Kettle, of Kansas City, Missouri; Ernst, of this review; and Emma, the wife of John Scholl, of St. Louis.
During his boyhood and youth Ernst Burster attended the public schools of Fort Madison and at an early age became associated with his father in the brewery business. On the latter's death he succeeded to the enterprise and today is one of the leading wholesale dealers in liquors in this city. He is an enterprising and progressive busi- ness man who gives his support to all worthy enterprises which he · deems of public benefit. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the democratic party, and he is an honored member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles and the Moose.
THOMAS W. HEMMINGS.
Thomas W. Hemmings is a retired farmer and stock-raiser who is residing on his farm on section 16, Harrison township, this county. He was born in Northamptonshire, England, May 17, 1856, a son of William Hemmings, who was born in the same locality, July 18, 1832. The latter was united in marriage to Miss Joyce Carrington in England in 1854, but in 1856 came with his wife and son to America, settling near Burlington, Iowa. He subsequently pur- chased forty acres of land near Denmark, in this county, which he subsequently sold, buying another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He made his home thereon until 1877, when he removed to Big Mound, Iowa, and bought two hundred and twenty-nine acres in Cedar township, this county. He carried on active farming operations until 1897, when he retired and moved to Mt. Pleasant and later to Hillsboro, Henry county, lowa. He passed away at Hillsboro, March 8, 1914, having survived his wife for six years, her demise occurring in 1908. They became the parents of six chil- dren : John Henry; Katherine, who is now the wife of W. W. Elder ; William Carrington; Caleb and Rose, both of whom are deceased; and Thomas W.
The last named was educated in the Denmark Academy and remained at home until he reached the age of thirty. He early learned through practical experience modern methods of agricul- ture, and he did much of the work upon the homestead. Upon
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