USA > Iowa > Lee County > Story of Lee County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 25
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starting out in life on his own account he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 17, Harrison township, which he subsequently sold, buying instead two hundred acres on sections 16 and 9, which he still owns. He devoted his time to general farming and his stock-raising interests were quite extensive. He applied the rules of good business to the conduct of his farm, while, as far as agriculture in itself is concerned, he was progressive and always willing to try any new methods that gave promise of value. His well directed labors brought him good profits and he is now able to live retired on the competence won in former years.
Mr. Hemmings was married February 27, 1884, to Miss Jessie Beard, a daughter of William and Mary ( Bristow) Beard. Her father was born near London, England, August 29, 1819, and as a young man came to the United States. His marriage to Miss Bris- tow occurred in St. Louis on the 23d of October, 1847, and the fol- lowing year the young couple came to Lee county, where Mr. Beard purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land. He cultivated his land until 1891, when he retired and removed to Bonaparte, Iowa, where his death occurred July 25, 1893. His widow survived him
for several years, dying in October, 1900. Twelve children were born to them, of whom Mrs. Hemmings was the fifth in order of birth. She was born June 14, 1859, at Big Mound, Iowa, and re- mained at home with her parents until her marriage. She became the mother of three children, of whom the eldest, Clarence W., born May 10, 1888, died April 12, 1889; Ethel Joyce, born December 17, 1892, and Archie William, born February 8, 1896, are both at home.
Mr. Hemmings is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Big Mound, and is a republican in his political allegiance. In the years of his residence in the county he has won many friends and enjoys the unqualified respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
J. A. TOWER.
The name of Tower has long been identified with business enter- prise and activity in Fort Madison and is a synonym for reliability as well as progress. He of whom we write was born in Evanston, Illinois, November 16, 1875, and is a son of J. A. and Laura (Simons) Tower, both of whom were natives of New York. Throughout his entire life the father was connected with commercial interests and
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as a salesman upon the road traveled out of Chicago for twenty-nine years. In 1893 he located in Fort Madison, where he embarked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with H. B. Hamm for the sale of dry goods. That relation was maintained until 1895, when the firm dissolved and Mr. Tower opened a store of his own at No. 739 Second street, his son and namesake, J. A. Tower, join- ing him in the undertaking. At a later period they sought more com- modious quarters in order to meet the growing demands of their trade, occupying a store at No. 729 Second street. The business pros- pered from the beginning and gave indication of the enterprising spirit and practical methods of the founder and owners. The father continued in active connection with the business until his death, which occurred August 4, 1904, and in his passing, Fort Madison mourned the loss of one of her representative and valued citizens. In politics he was an earnest republican, but, while he was a firm believer in the principles of the party as factors in good government, never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty. He was in sympathy with all movements put forth for the upbuilding and benefit of the city. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Edith, the wife of C. L. Van Valkenberg, a resident of Cedar Rapids; J. A., of this review; Lyman H., residing in Chicago; and Elizabeth, at home.
J. A. Tower, Jr., became associated with the business in early man- hood and following the death of the founder and promoter the busi- ness was reorganized in 1905, at which time the son became co-partner and manager. In 1906 he removed the store to Nos. 728 to 730 Second street, while the rear of the building extends back of No. 732. He has a frontage of fifty feet and a depth of ninety feet and in addition to the first floor he has a stockroom in the basement. He employs fifteen people and the establishment constitutes one of the important commercial enterprises of the city.
JAMES RICHEY.
James Richey, deceased, was for many years a farmer and stock- raiser of Van Buren township, Lee county, where he owned a large farm. He was born in New York, September 24, 1811, and died September 25, 1894, upon his farm in this county. He was reared in Paterson, New Jersey, by a family which adopted him at his mother's death, which occurred when he was quite small. He
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learned the shoemaker's trade, but after coming to Lee county, Iowa, in 1837, he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in Van Buren township, and turned his attention to the cultivation of his fields and to the raising of stock, both branches of his business prov- ing highly profitable as he was industrious and enterprising. His place was well improved and the latest devices and discoveries in the field of agriculture were utilized, Mr. Richey being known as one of the progressive farmers of the county.
He was married to Miss Rebecca South, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of December, 1812, and died No- vember 23, 1892. She was educated in Pennsylvania and came to Lee county with her father. She was one of a family of eight children and by her marriage became the mother of six children, as follows : Robert, who was born January 20, 1845, died September 19, 1891. Mary J., born September 24, 1846, is represented elsewhere in this work. Louis C., born October 7, 1848, died in 1850. James, a farmer of Argyle, Iowa, was born November 10, 1850, and married Mary E. Dougherty, by whom he has five children. Henry, who was born May 25, 1853, and died September 9, 1892, married Bernie E. Kellogg and had six children. John W., born August 16, 1856, has been engaged in the practice of law in Chicago for fifteen years.
The father was a Presbyterian in his religious belief and a demo- crat in his political affiliation. He served as school director but held no other office, concentrating his energies upon his private affairs, which were well managed and which yielded him a gratifying in- come. He was one of the substantial and respected citizens of Lee county and his demise was the occasion of much sincere regret.
EDWIN URFER.
Edwin Urfer is at the head of a growing business conducted under the name of the Fort Madison Pump Company. This was estab- lished in July, 1911, and in January, 1912, was given its present name. The rapid growth of the business has led to the establish- ment of two stores and the trade now covers a large territory. Mr. Urfer was born in Lee county, Iowa, September 22, 1877, and is a son of Christian and Martha (Ezelle) Urfer, who were early set- tlers of this section of the state, where the father followed farming.
The son supplemented his public-school instruction by a busi- ness course and in 1899 embarked in the implement and general
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merchandise business, with which he was connected until 1902. He then turned his attention to the insurance and real-estate business and in July, 1911, entered upon his present connection, forming a partnership with Arthur Perks. This relation was maintained for but a brief period when the partnership was dissolved, and in Janu- ary, 1912, Mr. Urfer organized the Fort Madison Pump Company, of which he has since been the head. The business has developed rapidly and along substantial lines. He now has two stories, one being located at No. 705 Second street, where he handles a full line of pumps and farm implements. The other store is at Nos. 104-108 Pine street, and there is carried a large line of electrical goods. He also takes contracts for electrical work and the business in both of these branches is proving profitable, owing to the enterprising spirit, the careful management and the unfaltering diligence of the pro- prictor. Mr. Urfer is thoroughly conversant with all branches of the trade through both practical and scientific knowledge and is con- stantly studying along lines that promote his efficiency and broaden his understanding of the business.
On the 18th of January, 1900, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Urfer and Miss Caroline Queisner, of Lee county, and they have become the parents of six children, four daughters and two sons.
Mr. Urfer belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Order of Moose. In politics he is an independent democrat. While he usually votes for the men and measures of the democratic party he does not consider himself bound to do so, but casts an independent ballot if his judgment so dictates.
SETH COOK.
Seth Cook is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county and his interests are thoroughly identified with those of the locality, every movement looking toward the betterment of the county being certain of his support. He owns and operates a fine farm on section 10, Harrison township, and was born in that town- ship, November 11, 1856, a son of Benjamin and Susanna ( Hill) Cook. The Cook family came originally from Holland. Stephen Cook, the grandfather of our subject, was married September 2, 1812, to Miss Elizabeth Evans, who was of Welsh descent. He was born in Virginia but was taken to Ohio when a child and was there reared. In 1844 he came to Lee county, Iowa, and soon entered
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land in Harrison township, a part of which was owned by his son Benjamin and is now owned by the subject of this review. Stephen Cook and two of his sons took up altogether about six hundred and forty acres of land in Harrison township, and began the improve- ment of their property. The father passed away shortly after the close of the Civil war at an advanced age. He was a Quaker in religious belief.
His son, Benjamin Cook, father of Seth, was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 12, 1825, and came with the family on the removal to Iowa. He was a farmer and stockman by occupation and was very successful in his undertakings. His political belief was that of the republican party and he was reared a Quaker. He died on his home farm on section 11, Harrison township, February 10. 1898. An older brother, Jason Cook, carried on farming on section Io, Harrison township, and passed away in February, 1894. Susanna (Hill) Cook, the wife of Benjamin Cook, was born January 2, 1832, at Richmond, Indiana, a daughter of William and Zylpha Hill, the latter of whom was left an orphan at an early age. William Hill came with his family to Lee county in the early '40s and they were among the first settlers of Harrison township. Mr. Hill died during the Civil war, but his widow survived until 1894, when she passed away, having attained the ripe old age of more than eighty years. She, too, was a Quaker in her religious belief. She was the mother of three daughters and two sons, including Mrs. Cook. Of these Edmund died while serving in the Civil war; Robert, who was a farmer and stock-raiser of Harrison township, is also deceased; and the three daughters are deceased. Mrs. Susanna (Hill) Cook was called to her reward September 16, 1901, and her demise was deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, as follows: Evans, who was born Oc- tober 24, 1852, and resides in Califronia; Robert, who was born October 13, 1854, and is now a resident of Murray, Iowa; Seth, of this review; Elizabeth, born November 11, 1860, who became the wife of Joel McCulloch, and at her demise left two sons; and Ella, who was born April 5, 1862, and became the second wife of Joel McCulloch, passing away June 1, 1913.
Seth Cook was reared upon the home farm in Harrison town- ship and acquired his education in the common schools of the neigh- borhood. He has spent his entire life in his native township and is today known as one of the progressive and well-to-do farmers of the county. His well kept buildings and grounds and the splendid
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crops growing in the fields are all indications of his energy and business ability.
Mr. Cook was united in marriage on the 21st of December, 1881, to Miss Maggie Williamson, who was born at Primrose, Harrison township, December 21, 1860. Her parents were Francis and Sarah Elizabeth (McKeehan) Williamson. Her father is now a resident of Fort Madison, having reached the eighty-second milestone on life's journey in February, 1914. He was reared in Coshocton county, Ohio, but came to Lee county, Iowa, many years ago. He was a stock dealer while actively engaged in business and resided at Prim- rose. His wife was a native of Harrison township, born February 17, 1842, and was a sister of Isaiah McKeehan, a resident of that township. She was called to her reward April 9, 1899, at Fort Madison when fifty-seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson were married February 19, 1860, and had five children, of whom Mrs. Cook is the oldest. The others are: Dollie, the wife of Norris McGoun, of St. Louis; Jennie, now Mrs. Sylvester Griffis, of St. Louis ; and Ora and Roy, of the same city. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have a son, Benjamin Rex, who was born May 29, 1896, and is still at home. Politically the father gives his allegiance to the republican party and manifests a laudable interest in everything pertaining to the progress of Lee county.
WILLIAM BALLINGER.
William Ballinger is a native of the Blue Grass state, his birth occurring at Barbourville, Knox county, Kentucky, on the 10th of March, 1844. Frank Ballinger, his father, was a lawyer and served as a member of the state legislature and also as judge. While himself a slaveowner, he was an active supporter of Casius M. Clay in his candidacy for governor of the state and made speeches in behalf of the gradual abolishment of slavery. As Kentucky was a strong pro- slavery state, the public did not take kindly to his plan for the abol- ishment of the institution, even if done gradually. In 1853 he came to Iowa, locating in Keokuk. Judge Samuel F. Miller, who after- ward was a member of the United States supreme court, had read law with Mr. Ballinger and it was through the Judge's advice that he was induced to locate here. He made his home on a farm about halfway between Keokuk and Montrose, and there passed the bal- ance of his life. He was one of the first to apply scientific princi-
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ples to agriculture and, always a student, he read much along various phases of farming. He was far in advance of his time in this regard and his influence was an aid in stimulating more intensified study of agricultural problems. He passed away in 1870 when about sixty-nine years of age, his birth having occurred in April, 1801. He married Miss Jane Adams, and to them were born thirteen chil- dren. He was a whig in politics until the birth of the republican party and was ever afterward an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. He was a member of the Christian church and his religious principles were a potent force in shaping his life. Per- sonally he was genial, affable, approachable and the soul of hos- pitality. He was unusually well informed on all the issues of the day and attracted to him the best, as he himself was of the best. To the day of his death his mind remained unimpaired in its clarity and force.
At two years of age William Ballinger was taken by his parents to Harrodsburg, Kentucky, where he lived until he was a lad of nine, when brought to Lee county, Iowa. He was reared on the home farm until eighteen and was a pupil of the district schools. These schools were much above the average at that time, owing to the fact that his father employed superior teachers, paying out of his own pocket the difference between the amount paid and the sum set aside for teachers' salaries by the school directors.
On the 9th of August, 1862, when he was but eighteen, William Ballinger enlisted in Company A, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, as a private and served for practically three years, being discharged July 10, 1865, at Mobile, Alabama. He participated in the engagement at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, where one hundred and ninety-eight men out of three hundred in his regiment were lost in killed and wounded. Following this battle he was in a raid on Van Buren and Fort Smith, Arkansas, and subsequently took active part in the siege of Vicksburg, being present at the fall of that rebel stronghold. After this he was sent to New Orleans, thence to Barrancas, Florida, then to Brownsville, Texas, to cut off the supplies for the Confederate army, and subsequently to Mobile, where he participated in the battles and skirmishes preceding the fall of that city. His bravery won him rapid promotion, being made first sergeant, then orderly sergeant and finally second lieutenant. He was often in command of a company and proved a gallant leader.
After the close of the war Mr. Ballinger entered the University of Kentucky and completed his literary education, following which he studied law under his father's tuition. He was admitted to the
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bar and in 1867 began practicing in Keokuk, which he continued to follow until 1882, when he was elected president of the Keokuk Canning Company, which position he still holds. He was for eight years president of the Western Packers Can Goods Association and was the author of its constitution and by-laws. He is at present the president of the National Pickle Packers' Association of America and has so served for fifteen years. As president of these associa- tions of progress he has done much to secure intelligent cooperation between the individual members thereof and to do away with many abuses of the trade. The information secured by these associations relative to methods and costs from various plants has been of great value to all of the members in bringing about the most efficient system for their own purposes.
Mr. Ballinger married, on the 20th of July, 1870, Miss Ellen Conn, and to this union four children were born, as follows: Mary, deceased; Elinor, now Mrs. William J. Fiffe; William, who has passed away; and Lees, residing at Lansing, Michigan, the manager of the Keokuk Canning Company for that district.
Mr. Ballinger is a republican in politics and for four years has served on the city council, where he is a factor for good govern- ment. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion, thus keeping in close touch with his comrades in arms. He has proven himself a worthy son of his distinguished father and has brought new honors to the name of Ballinger, which is held in the highest respect throughout this section of Iowa.
W. B. DANIEL.
W. B. Daniel was born in New Albany, Indiana, on the 29th of December, 1850. His father, Aaron Daniel, who was a pioneer of Lee county, arriving here in 1856, traveled for the dry-goods firm of Kremer, Irvin & Company. He was killed at Des Moines in 1883 at the age of fifty-seven, his birth having occurred in 1826. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Beeler and was a native of New Albany, Indiana. Her death occurred when her son, W. B. Daniel, was but six years of age.
At the age of thirteen W. B. Daniel came to Keokuk with his father and continued his education in the schools of the city. At the age of eighteen he became an employe of A. Weber, who was engaged in the hardware business. For seven years he was so occu-
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pied and was then a traveling representative for the Bonaparte Woolen Mills for two years. Later he engaged in the flour and feed commission business but gradually transferred his interests to the buying and selling of fruit, becoming a fruit commission merchant. In connection with that business he is now engaged in the candy business, being a manufacturer of confectionery. His plant is well equipped and turns out a high grade product. He employs three or four men, who sell his goods throughout Illinois, Missouri and south- castern Iowa.
On the 19th of November, 1874, Mr. Daniel married Miss Ella M. Meek, of Bonaparte, lowa, who is a woman of excellent edu- cation, having graduated from college at Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. Daniel is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Keokuk Coun- try Club. He is an enthusiastic golfer and greatly enjoys motoring and other out-door recreation. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is one of the successful business men of the town and his establishment adds appreciably to the prosperity of the city. He is public-spirited as a citizen and does all in his power to advance the best interests of his city and county.
HENRY G. HAESSIG.
Henry G. Haessig, proprietor of a cigar store at No. 835 Second street, Fort Madison, has spent his entire life in this city, being born here on the 16th of December, 1866, a son of George Haessig, a native of Germany and one of the early settlers of Lee county. In early life the father learned the carpenter's and cabinetmaker's trades in his native land and continued to follow those occupations after com- ing to the new world. He took quite an active interest in public affairs and at one time served as alderman of the third ward of Fort Madi- son. He met with success in business affairs and became the owner of some good property in this city. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. He married Christiana Rhode, also a native of Germany, and they became the parents of the following children: George G., a resident of Fort Madison; Charles, of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia; William, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Edward, deceased ; Henry G., of this review; Albert, also deceased; Otto C .; Catherine, de- ceased ; Amelia, the wife of Henry Smith, of Fort Madison; Oscar, a resident of Washington, Pennsylvania; and Frederick.
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Reared in Fort Madison, Henry G. Haessig is indebted to the public schools of this city for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In 1881 he began learning the cigarmaker's trade and has since en- gaged in that occupation, having carried on business for himself along that line since January 9, 1897. He enjoys a good trade and now employs five hands in his factory. He also conducts a pool and billiard room. On the 13th of August, 1889, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Pauline A. Meiers, who was also born in this county and is a daughter of J. B. Meiers, now deceased. They have lost three children, namely: Marie, Catharine and Margaret.
Mr. Haessig has taken quite an active and prominent part in military affairs, being identified with the state militia for seven years. He entered the service as a private of Company F, Second Regi- ment, but was soon promoted to corporal, and was afterward made quartermaster, sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant and captain. He is a member of the Commercial Club, and one of the directors of the Fort Madison First Association. He is also identified with the Elks and the Eagles and casts his ballot with the democratic party. He was reared in the Lutheran church and stands high in the community where he has so long made his home.
JOHN. F. WALLJASPER.
John F. Walljasper, a worthy native son and enterprising young citizen of Lee county, is already a factor in financial circles as cashier of The Farmers & Citizens State Bank of West Point. His birth occurred in that town on the 7th of February, 1890, his parents being John and Catherine ( Hesse) Walljasper, who are still residents of West Point. The father is successfully engaged in the fire and life insurance business. To him and his wife have been born the follow- ing children : John F., of this review; Joseph J., a young man of twenty-one, who is employed as a machinist by the Santa Fe Rail- way at Fort Madison; Mrs. Charles B. Supers, of Stuttgart, Arkan- sas, who has one son, Charles J. R., and whose husband conducts a large rice farm; and Cecilia and Helene, who are still under the parental roof.
John F. Walljasper was reared at home and attended the parochial schools of West Point in the acquirement of an education. When a youth of thirteen he accepted the position of assistant manager at the local lumber yard, which was a branch of the S. & J. C. Atlee yards
JOHN F. WALLJASPER
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at Fort Madison, ably serving in that capacity for four years. On the expiration of that period, in 1908, he became assistant cashier of the Farmers & Citizens Bank of West Point, a private institution established in that year. In the spring of 1914 it was organized as The Farmers & Citizens State Bank, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, and Mr. Walljasper was chosen cashier. In this position he has already demonstrated his ability and has won an enviable reputation as a capable and courteous official of the insti- tution.
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