USA > Iowa > Lee County > Story of Lee County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
L. H. Van Ausdall attended the common schools in the acquire- ment of an education and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. After attaining his majority he carried mail for a period of six years and subsequently purchased twenty-three acres of land on section 2, Jackson township, taking up his abode thereon in 1913. He makes a specialty of the production of fruit and berries and because of their excellent quality finds a profitable and ready market.
In 1908 Mr. Van Ausdall was united in marriage to Miss Ellen C. Atterburg, a native of Lee county and a daughter of August and Gustava Atterburg, who are natives of Sweden. They emigrated to the United States in an early day, settling in Lee county, Iowa, where
429
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
they still reside. Our subject and his wife have three children, namely: Kenneth E., Esther D. and Arnold. Mr. Van Ausdall gives his political allegiance to the democracy and now holds the office of assessor, making a most creditable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife have always remained within the borders of Lee county and are a very well known and popular young couple.
HENRY C. LANDIS.
Henry C. Landis, who has passed to his reward, was one of the old-time residents of Keokuk and served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He was a sutler in the Union army and was stanch in his allegiance to the northern cause. He was born in Cir- cleville, Ohio, about 1827 and came to Iowa with his parents when he was quite young. The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Germany and died at La Grange, Iowa, and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Eva Murphy, was a native of Circleville. To them were born five or six children. The family home was main- tained in Ottumwa for a year, after which they removed to Keokuk. The subject of this review received an excellent education, attending the public schools and also college. He was a baker by trade and after coming to Keokuk hired out in that capacity to a Mr. Rapley and to others and won their approval by his faithfulness and by his skill at his trade. At the time of the Civil war he was a sutler and performed well the duties allotted to him. The proper provisioning of an army is a task of no small magnitude and importance and those who aid in its performance should be given credit accordingly. After the close of the war he returned to Keokuk and resumed his trade and he became the owner of considerable realty, holding title to property on High and Fulton streets and also upon the boulevard.
Mr. Landis was married at St. Francisville, Missouri, in 1850 to Miss Mary Rogers, born in Antioch, Ohio. Her father was James M. Rogers, also a native of Ohio and a son of a distiller. When his father married a second time he ran away from home and later be- came a proprietor of a general store in Antioch. When his daugh- ter Mary was about twelve years of age he removed to Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, and one year later came to Keokuk. He carried on farming operations after his removal to Iowa and passed away in Knoxville, this state. He and his wife were the parents of
430
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
six children. Mrs. Landis was educated in Keokuk and by her mar- riage became the mother of one child, William, who is deceased. He was a well known theatrical man and married Miss Bertha Husuker, by whom he had one child, Mayme Edna.
Henry C. Landis was a Lutheran in his religious belief, and his widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served in the volunteer fire company and always manifested a praiseworthy interest in public affairs. His demise was much regretted by many, who had learned to value him highly for his fine traits of character.
AMOS HENKLE.
Amos Henkle, deceased, was a progressive and prosperous farmer and a man of many admirable traits of character, which won him a host of friends. His demise, which occurred at his home in Van Buren township, this county, on the 3d of October, 1909, was widely regretted and deprived the county of one of its respected and sub- stantial citizens. He was born on the 15th of June, 1817, in Pendle- ton county, West Virginia, and in 1829, when but twelve years of age, he accompanied his parents, Abraham and Mary ( Harper) Henkle, on their removal to Vermilion county, Illinois. Seven years later, or in 1836, the family came to Lee county, Iowa, and located in Van Buren township. They were among the very earliest pioneers of the township as only one family, that of Josiah Roberts, had preceded them there. Mr. Roberts had entered government land here previous to the arrival of the Henkle family. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Henkle lived in this county for some years but later removed to Taylor county, Iowa. They passed away at the home of Mrs. Mary Hoover, their youngest daughter.
Amos Henkle had been trained by his father in the work of the farm and never saw fit to follow any other occupation, devoting his life to agriculture. He became one of the prosperous farmers of Van Buren township, and was recognized by those who knew him as a man of ability, industry and absolute integrity. He was married on the 21st of February, 1839, to Miss Martha McGreer, of Harri- son township, who was born February 13, 1821, in Fayette county, Indiana, and died on the 11th of November, 1848, leaving two chil- dren: Anna, who was born January 12, 1842, and is now the widow of Daniel Hoover and a resident of Warren, this county; and John, who was born November 29, 1843, and resides in Union county, this
431
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
state. One child died in infancy. On December 31, 1848. Mr. Henkle was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah McGreer, a sister of his first wife. She was born February 5, 1826, in Fayette county, Indiana, and by her marriage she became the mother of the following children : Mary J., of Donnellson, this state, who was born October 9, 1849, and is now the widow of Butler Chap- man; and Albert, who was born June 23, 1853, and is now a farmer of Van Buren township; and W. L., now living in Donnellson, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. John Henkle was in the Union army during the Civil war, being a member of Company A, First Illinois Volunteer Cavalry.
Amos Henkle served for a number of years as justice of the peace and was at different times township trustee, proving an able official. He first belonged to the Cumberland church and when it dissolved he joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In his early life his political allegiance was given to the republican party but he later voted the democratic ticket and supported Cleveland. As before stated, he died at his home farm on the 3d of October, 1909, having for almost two years survived his second wife, who passed away on the 15th of December, 1907.
HENRY STELLERN.
Henry Stellern, a representative of a well known and honored family of Lee county, which has been identified with agricultural and industrial interests of the community since 1869, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 5th of September, 1861, and is a son of John G. H. and Charlotte Stellern. He was only eight years of age when the family arrived here and has, therefore, been identified with the interests of Fort Madison during the greater part of his life. He was principally educated in the German Catholic schools, but also at- tended a business college in Chicago for a time. He is now the owner of a good farm adjoining the corporation limits of Fort Madi- son on the north, and there he has made his home since his marriage, occupying a fine brick residence. In connection with agricultural pursuits, he is also engaged in the manufacture of brick, his plant having a capacity of twenty thousand per day. He has given con- siderable attention to this industry since 1910, although he still en- gages in farming and is the owner of a fine tract of land in Caddo county, Oklahoma.
432
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
On the 28th of November, 1897, Mr. Stellern was united in mar- riage to Miss Bertha White, a native of Buffalo, New York, who was born in 1871 and in childhood came to this county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick White. Her father was a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Stellern have two children, Harry P. and Mabel Bertha.
As a democrat, Mr. Stellern has taken quite an active interest in public affairs and at one time was the candidate of his party for county supervisor. For six years he has acceptably served as treas- urer of the West Point Agricultural Society, and as a public-spirited citizen does all in his power to advance the general welfare. He is a member of the Catholic church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Moose and the Eagles.
JAMES BURWELL PAUL.
On the list of Keokuk's honored dead appears the name of James Burwell Paul, who was one of the pioneer lumbermen of Lee county and a man who enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 1, 1832, a son of James Paul, who died when his son, James Burwell, was but seven years of age. The latter was thus early thrown upon his own resources and when still quite young entered upon an apprenticeship to the car- penter's trade, mastering all of the details as well as the principal features of the business. For a time he followed his trade in Cin- cinnati and at certain seasons of the year he would go south and con- tract for the building of homes on southern plantations. About the year 1851, however, he heard the call of the west and made his way to Keokuk, where for years he was prominently known as a con- tractor and builder. He erected the first sawmill in the city and operated it until the hard times of 1856 and 1857. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he obtained the privilege of selling sup- plies, as a sutler, to the Third Iowa Cavalry, and while in the south with the troops from this district he also saw and improved his op- portunities of making money in other ways.
Following the close of hostilities Mr. Paul returned to Keokuk and in partnership with A. Hosmer continued the operation of his sawmill for a few years. At the end of that time Mr. Hosmer was succeeded by Captain Taber and the business was then managed under the new partnership relation. At a later date Messrs. John-
433
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
stone and Baldwin acquired an interest and for years the business was conducted under the firm name of Taber & Company. At length the interests of Mr. Paul, Mr. Johnstone and Mr. Baldwin were absorbed by a stock company formed by Captain Taber and at that time Mr. Paul virtually retired from active business. He had ad- hered most closely to his industrial activities and by capable manage- ment, close application and persistent effort had gained a place among the more substantial residents of his city. He was seldom if ever at fault in matters of business judgment and his energy, deter- mination and ambition carried him beyond the point of mediocrity to success.
In 1853, in Cincinnati, Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Elizabeth Taber and unto them were born five children : Emma Hiatt and Harry Burwell, both of whom are now deceased; Thomas Stevens; and Annie Winslow and Allen Taber, both of whom have passed away.
Mr. Paul was a stanch republican in politics and attended the first convention of the party ever held in the state of Iowa. He twice served as alderman and for one term filled the position of mayor, giving to the city a public-spirited and businesslike adminis- tration. He was importuned to run again for the latter office but refused. At all times he was public-spirited and cooperated in many efficient plans and purposes for the public good. He died Novem- ber 30, 1903, and in his death the county lost a worthy man and citizen. His wife has also passed away. Mr. Paul was a liberal con- tributor to many worthy enterprises and benevolent projects. His life was broad in its sympathies, honorable in its purposes and straightforward in conduct, and he received the respect and good- will that are instinctively given as a reward of noble conduct.
THOMAS S. PAUL.
Thomas S. Paul, son of James B. Paul, was for some years in charge of lumber yards, thoroughly learning the business, but since his father's demise has not been engaged in active business interests in Keokuk. He was born in this city, December 7, 1856, and here wedded Miss Mary E. Tigue, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Tigue. Their children were: Sidney, now deceased; E. A., of Des Moines; and Irvin, who has also passed away. Like his father Mr. Paul is interested in public affairs and his cooperation can be
434
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
counted upon to further many progressive public movements. He is stalwart in his support of republican men and measures but does not seek office as a reward for party fealty.
DAVID WELLS KILBOURNE.
No history of Lee county would be complete and satisfactory were there failure to make prominent reference to David Wells Kilbourne, who was one of the first white men to locate where the city of Keokuk now stands. He arrived here when but one or two buildings had been erected upon the present site of the city and much of Keokuk's early growth and development was brought about through his activi- ties.
New England claims Mr. Kilbourne as a native son. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and spent his youth in the east. At Albany, New York, he was married to Miss Harriett Rice. He became a commission merchant, operating in New York city until he suffered heavy losses through a disastrous fire. He became interested with others in western lands and as a representative of several prominent eastern business men of that day made his way to the Mississippi val- ley, taking up his abode where the city of Peoria, Illinois, now stands. Later he came to Keokuk and here acquired large property holdings,
investing in real estate when land sold at a nominal figure as compared with the prices of the present. As the years passed on this property grew in value and he profited thereby. Mr. Kilbourne died in 1876, leaving behind a large circle of friends, whose good-will and respect he enjoyed in an unusual degree. He was one of the real pioneers, those who blazed the way for others to come after, and his work as an early settler was of material advantage to the city of today.
GEORGE ERSKINE KILBOURNE.
George Erskine Kilbourne, son of David Wells Kilbourne, was born in New York city, May 26, 1832, and was brought to Iowa by his parents, after which his remaining days were passed in Keokuk. In 1854 he married Augusta Wells, a daughter of Albert Wells, who is now one of the oldest living pioneers of the county. The death of George E. Kilbourne occurred February 26, 1889, after a residence
1
TLC
GEORGE E. KILBOURNE
1.
.
MRS. AUGUSTA WELLS KILBOURNE
439
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
of many years in Keokuk. His widow still resides here. She has been a witness of wonderful changes in this section. She knew all the famous Indians of the early days and, while she has now reached an advanced age, she possesses a remarkable memory and relates many interesting incidents concerning events which occurred in her girl- hood.
GEORGE MARKLE.
George Markle, city weighmaster of Keokuk for the past five years, was born on Carroll street, between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets, in Keokuk, in the old Markle home which was built by his father sixty or more years ago. He is a son of Christian and Christina Markle. The father was born near Wittenberg, Germany, and in early manhood came to the United States, bringing with him his wife and children. He settled in Keokuk, when the city contained only a few log cabins and gave little indication of ever reaching its present attractive condition and proportions. His home, too, was a log cabin, which he built at what is now the corner of Sixteenth and Oak streets. Throughout the period of his residence in the city .he was actively and helpfully interested in its upbuilding and development and contributed to its growth and progress along various lines. He was one of the builders of the German Evangelical church and acted as one of the officers in that denomination for a number of years. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. Both he and his wife died in Keokuk when eighty-four years of age.
George Markle, who was one of a family of twelve children, began his education in the old Carey school on Des Moines street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, his first teacher being Miss Lottie Mooney. He continued his studies there until twelve years of age, when the family removed to a farm a mile and a half north- west of the city. He then became a student in what is known as the White Oak school, taught by a Mrs. Gorgas. He was eighteen years of age when he put aside his text-books, but throughout life he has learned many lessons in the school of experience. Through the periods of vacation and after leaving school he worked in the truck garden of his father, remaining at home until twenty-nine years of age.
On the Ist of January, 1881, Mr. Markle was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Leslie, of Keokuk, a daughter of Christian and Johanna Leslie, the former a well known florist of this city. Mr. Vol. II-25
440
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Markle spent five years in the milk business, purchasing about the time of his marriage the old Occidental dairy. He afterward bought a farm of eighty acres in Jackson township and continued its cultiva- tion for two years. He then leased the farm and joined his father- in-law, who was engaged in the florist business, this association being maintained for two years. For twelve years thereafter Mr. Markle conducted a retail oil business and during that period was called to public office, serving for six years from the sixth ward on the city council, to which he was elected on the democratic ticket, his oppo- nent being Edward Booth, a strong republican, whom Mr. Markle defeated by a vote of about forty-three. While in the council he served on important committees, including streets, lights and wharves, and was chairman of the committees on sewers and fire. He was again called to public office when he was made bailiff in the superior court, acting in that capacity for one year and nine months. On the expiration of that period he was elected to his present position and for five years has been the efficient weighmaster of Keokuk, making a creditable record in this office, as he had done in his previous con- nections with the public service.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Markle is well known, holding membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Loyal Order of Moose. He has never faltered in his allegiance to the democratic party, and he is equally faithful as a member of the German Evangelical church. His entire life has been passed in this county and that his life record is a creditable one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
WILLIAM E. SLOAT, M. D.
Dr. William E. Sloat has been a practicing physician and sur- geon of Denmark for about three decades and is widely recognized as an able and successful representative of the profession in Lee county. His birth occurred in Westchester county, New York, in 1842. his parents being William B. and Elizabeth D. (Closson) Sloat, the former born at Vergennes, Vermont, July 4, 1814, and the latter in Rockingham, Vermont, on the 5th of July, 1818. The family comes of Holland ancestry. William B. Sloat, the father of our subject and a son of Platt Sloat, of New York, New York, was a marble cutter by trade. He passed away on the 10th of September,
DAVID W. KILBOURNE
443
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
1 842, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 28th of March, 1875.
William E. Sloat, their only child, removed to Wisconsin at the age of twelve and after spending five years at Patch Grove, that state, took up his abode in Lancaster, Wisconsin, where he continued his studies in the Lancaster Institute. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and was serv- ing as first lieutenant when discharged, in September, 1864, on account of wounds received in action. Later he served as sheriff of Grant county, Wisconsin, during the years 1871 and 1872. Having determined upon a professional career, he entered the Long Island College Hospital Medical College of Brooklyn, New York, and was graduated from that institution with the degree of M. D. in 1873. He then located for practice at Mount Hope, Wisconsin, which remained the scene of his professional labors for ten years. In 1885 he came to Denmark, Lee county, Iowa, and here he has continued to the present time, having built up an extensive and lucrative prac- tice that has been accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability in the field of his chosen profession.
On the 19th of August, 1874, Dr. Sloat was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Kirk, of Huntington, West Virginia, her parents being Joseph S. and Charlotte Elizabeth (Meyer) Kirk. She has one brother and two sisters, namely: Joseph L., who is a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Mrs. S. B. Dewey, living in Sawyer, Iowa; and Mrs. George S. Dye, who makes her home in Carson, this state. Dr. and Mrs. Sloat are the parents of seven chil- dren. William E., Jr., who was born June 11, 1875, and is now a professor in the Northwestern Territorial Normal School, of Alva, Oklahoma, was married on the 2d of September, 1912, to Miss Agnes Bond, of Morrisville, Missouri. Joseph Wilbur, whose birth oc- curred July 17, 1877, and who now resides at Woodriver, Illinois, is employed as clerk by the Standard Oil Company. He married Miss Emily Lucile Wempen and has two children: Ellen, born March 10, 1910; and William Preston, whose natal day was August 28, 1913. Charlotte Elizabeth, born August 11, 1880, gave her hand in marriage to Joseph H. Moffitt and resides in Denmark, Iowa. Charles Justus, whose birth occurred on the 25th of December, 1883, wedded Miss Lucy E. Arnold, on the 29th of March, 1906, and has a son, Will Emerson, born July 1, 1907. Olga Celestia was born July 27, 1890, and is still at home. Edwin Kirk, whose birth occurred March 1, 1895, is also yet under the parental roof. Esther Alida, who was born September 27, 1897, is likewise at home.
444
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In politics Dr. Sloat is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and can look back upon an active, useful and honorable career. The period of his residence in Lee county covers almost three decades, and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a prominent and able medical practitioner as well as an esteemed and representative citizen.
RALPH N. ROUSSEAU.
Many business activities are found as features in the commercial life of a city and all if wisely and honorably conducted add to the commercial stability and the commercial upbuilding of the city in which they are situated. Well known among the enterprising busi- ness men of Keokuk is Ralph N. Rousseau, engaged in the manu- facture of ice cream and ices. He comes of a country famous for its products of that character, being a native of Portiers. France, born September 10, 1888. His parents were Louis and Albertine (Johan) Rousseau. The father was assistant manager of a large bakery in Paris to the time of his death and the mother still resides in that city. They had a family of four children.
Ralph N. Rousseau was educated in one of the Catholic schools of Paris, to which city his parents removed when he was but two years of age. His text-books were put aside when he reached the age of fourteen, and he then learned the ice cream and candy-making trade. Thinking to find still broader business opportunities in the new world, he came to the United States in 1906, when a youth of eighteen years, and after landing in New York made his way to Washington, D. C., where he worked at his trade in the employ of Raucher, a well known and prominent French caterer of the capital city. He went from Washington to Minneapolis in 1910 and there opened the Roddeson Hotel and engaged in the ice-cream business as a manufacturer. Soon afterward, however, he removed to Esther- ville, Iowa, where he worked at his trade for three years. In March, 1913. he purchased a half interest in the Hartman ice cream business at Keokuk and on the 24th of December, 1913, took over the entire business, of which he is now the sole proprietor. In June, 1914, he bought a dairy and milk plant, known as Solwerdell's Milk Depot. and is now conducting both lines of business. He has become promi- nently known as a manufacturer of fine ice creams and ices of every
445
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.