The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 81

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915

USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 81

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MoCULLY, H. M .- Mayor. Was born in Carroll county, Ohio, October

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

10, 1830 and was raised there. He was raised on a farm and received a liberal education and had recourse to the occupation of aspiring youth, school teaching, which he followed twelve years with a good degree of success. In 1857 he came to Iowa and settled in Mahaska county, and in 1863 came to Marion county. He was a member of the firm of Bennett, McCully & Gamble, who established The Copperhead. After publishing it three months it was removed to Ottumwa, and Mr. McC. remained connected with it three years. Since his residence here he has been engaged in the lumber business, also land and insurance business. He has held various township offices and at the present time is mayor of the city, a position his long ex- perience eminently qualifies him to fill. He married Miss Mary E. Potter, July 1, 1857; she was born in Carroll county, Ohio. They have two children: Euphrasia L. and Emma A.

MAASDAM, L .- One of Pella's successful men, was born in the Nether- lands, on the thirteenth day of September, 1845, and in 1849 emigrated with his parents to the United States and settled in Marion county, and was raised on a farm. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1868 and then engaged in his present business, and in which he has been very success- ful. He is largely interested in the city mills of this place. He married Miss Mary E. Hagens, in 1870; she was born in Marion county. Their family consists of seven children: Jacob, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Abraham,. Mary, Leonard and Grarles.

MAASDAM, J. G .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Pella. Was born on the thirtieth of July, 1847, in Netherlands, and came to this coun- try in 1849, with his parents. He was raised in this county on a farm, and received a common school education. In March, 1871, he commenced farming for himself and moved on the farm on which he now resides, con- sisting of 150 acres, and he is quite an extensive stock-raiser. He married Miss Johanna Dielman on the twentieth of March, 1871. She is a native of York State, and was born the thirty-first of January, 1853. By this un- ion they have four children: Mary, Susanna, Elizabeth and Johanna.

MAREN, H. VAN-Wagon and carriage-maker, and agent for McCor- mick reapers and harvesters, also for B. D. Buford's plows, of Rock Island, and Furst & Bradley of Chicago. Is one of Pella's representative business men. He was born in the Netherlands on the fifteenth day of May, 1836, and in 1847 emigrated with his parents to America and settled in Marion county. His father commenced the manufacture of brick, and the son worked at this business and farming until twenty-three years of age, and then learned the trade of blacksmith. After working at the business for two years he commenced business for himself, and an incident in his expe- rience is worthy of mention. The first customer he had after he commenced business is still one of his best patrons. Mr. van Maren is a good type of one of Iowa's self-made inen. He commenced life without means. His capital was his trade, his health and his hopeful heart, and he is a good il- lustration of what an industrious man can accomplish by giving his time to one subject, and bending his energies in one direction, and his character as a business man may be inferred from the success which has attended his ca- reer. He married Miss Johanna Dunik in 1859. She was also born in the Netherlands. Their family consists of six children: John, Johanna C., Newton, Ira, Henrietta and Mary.

MARKEL, JACOB-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1, P. O. Pella. Was born April 26, 1830, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and was taken to Tippeca-

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

noe county, Indiana, by his parents, when five years of age. Was raised on a farın, and in 1855 he emigrated to this county, settling on the farm he now occupies, which consists of 300 acres, well improved. He also owns 120 acres in Mahaska, and 160 acres in Adair counties, and forty acres in Indiana. Mr. Markel is vice-president and one of the directors of the First National Bank of Pella. He is one of the most successful agriculturalists and most extensive stock-raisers in the township. He commenced in lifes poor boy, and has been the architect of his own fortune, and stands among Iowa's self made men. He married Miss Salina Earl, on the thirteenth of January, 1850. She is also a native of Ohio, and was born on the seven- teenth of September, 1830. They have seven children: Asa E., Florence V. Ida (now Mrs. N. C. Towne), Lizzie, Eddie, Dora and Clarence. Lost one. Joseph. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 55. Is also a member of the I. O. O. F.

MIDDELKOOP, GERRET-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6, P. 0. Pella. Was born August 22, 1825, in South Holland, and was there raised on a farin and received an education in the common schools. In 1847 he crossed the ocean with the Holland colony, came to Pella and settled on the land on which he now resides. Owns ninety-nine acres of fine land, on which he has good, comfortable buildings. The K. & D. M. railroad rons within a few rods of his dwelling. He married Miss Cornelia Rietveld in 1853. She is a native of South Holland, and was born May 31, 1831. By this union they have six children: Eva (now Mrs. Waechter), Dirkie. Bar- bara, Nicholas and Cornelia. Lost one. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Pella.

MUNTINGH, JAMES-Merchant. Among the most prominent of the representative business men of Marion county, and one who has been s leader in all that tended to build up Pella and Lake Prairie township, may be mentioned Mr. Muntingh. He was born in the Netherlands. on the fourteenth day of November, 1820, and was raised there. He received ex- cellent educational advantages in his youth, and for some years was engaged in teaching. He was one of the original members of the Holland colony that settled in Pella, and contributed his full share in making the town what it is. In point of residence he is one of the oldest merchants in the city. After coming to the United States he followed teaching for three years and then engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has been very successful. He is no political aspirant, but has always manifested a commendable interest in public affairs and has served as a member of the city council and town clerk. His public spiritedness is evinced in the most substantial block in the city. But few men have a better record. He is known asa man of sterling integrity and decided character and his charac. ter as a business man may be inferred from the success which has attended his career. He married Miss Christine Anbert in 1843. She was born in Prussia.

N EYENESCH, H .- Iowa is largely indebted to Europe for its rapid settlement, and among these settlers are found some of Marion coun- ty's most successful business men and best scholars. Among them the subject of this sketch is deserving of special notice. He was born in the kingdom of the Netherlands, on the twenty-fifth day of October. 1823. He enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his youth and was for some years engaged as an instructor in his native country. In 1855 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Pella, where for fourteen

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

years he was engaged in teaching. In 1870 he commenced his journalistic experience as editor of the Weekblad, a nine column paper published in the 1 Holland language and with a circulation larger than any paper in Marion county. He is also the owner and publisher of the Pella Blade of which his son William is the managing editor, and recently he has commenced the publication of a religious paper in the Holland language and known as the Christian Herald. This paper, as are the other papers under Mr. Neyen- esch's supervision, is a model of mechanical execution and in editorial ability will compare favorably with any of the religious issues of the day. Mr. Neyenesch has been prominently identified with the interests of the city and county since he has made his home here, and has favored all improvements that have a tendency to advance the material prosperity of the county. In 1860 he was elected city recorder and held this position eleven years, and " in 1874 was elected mayor and held this office five terms and was justice of i man can accomplish by giving his time to one subject and bending his the peace for eleven years. He is a good illustration of what an industrious energies in one direction, and he richly merits the esteem. in which he is held.' He married Miss Anna M. Neuwenhuysen in 1863. She is also a native of the Netherlands. He is the father of seven children: Hattie, Herman, William, Henry, Amanda, Mary and Julia.

3 NIEUWERF, N .- Dealer in groceries and provisions. Was born on

the eighth of August, 1839, in South Holland and was there raised and educated in the common schools. His father was engaged in the nursery business. In 1857 he crossed the ocean with his parents and settled in Buffalo, New York, and engaged in the nursery business. Nicolis resided with his father some three years and came to Pella in 1860. He commenced " clerking in G. Dingeman's store and staid with him some two years, and * then took a position as clerk in Snow & Huber's warehouse. He worked

E with them some twelve years and then commenced business on his own

account. He married Miss H. A. Gralengar in 1860. She is a native of

Holland and was born in 1842. By this union they have nine children: Mary, Annie, Peter, Charlie, William, Herman, Henrietta, Carrie and Emma. Lost three.

NOLLEN, JOHN-Cashier of the Pella National Bank. Was born at " Didam, Netherlands, April 4, 1828, and was raised there. He received " excellent educational advantages and for ten years was engaged in teaching. He came to the United States in 1854, and settled in Pella. He com- " menced his banking experience in 1857, and no man in Marion county or central Iowa stands more prominent as a successful financier, and he has " the unlimited confidence of those with whom he has business transactions, and he thoroughly merits the esteem in which he is held by those who 'know him best. The bank with which he is connected is one of the soundest financial institutions in the West. Mr. Nollen has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, and his advice, counsel and good judgment have gone far towards raising the standard of the Pella schools. He married Miss S. J. S. Scholte, a daughter of the late Rev. H. P. Scholte, in 1862. She was born in the Netherlands, June 3, 1842. Their family consists of four children, Henry, John S., Sarah M. and Gerard H. Mr. and Mrs. Nollen are members of the Second Reformed Church.

NOSSAMAN, WELLINGTON-Owner of the Nossaman Honse. Was born in Monroe county, Virginia, April 12, 1817, and removed with his parents to Pike county, Kentucky, when two years of age. He was raised

-NEminmann Al

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

on a farm and attended the common schools. In his sixteenth year he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining there nine years, and in 1849 came to Iowa, settling in Jefferson county. Resided there one year and ca the seventeenth of March, 1842, he married Miss Sarah Welch, a native df North Carolina, born February 26, 1825. On the first of May, 1843, le came to this county, took up his claimn, and on the eighteenth of the same month brought his family. They settled on the Des Moines River, about three miles south of Pella, built a cabin (which, to Mr. N.'s knowledge was the second one in the county), and broke a piece of ground. He but the first horse-mill for grinding corn in the county, and in partnership with his father-in-law started the first pottery, in 1845. Started a horse saw-mil on the first of September, 1845. He was elected the first coroner, and by virtue of his office acted as first sheriff of Marion county. He was a men- ber of the first jury that sat in Mahaska county. Bought an interest in Joseph Porter's first saw-mill of Pella and in 1851 he opened the Franklin Mill in Pella, running it for about three years. He commenced the mercu- tile business the same year and was thus employed for ten years. Next engaged in making lime and started the first perpetual lime-kiln in Ion In 1872 he moved to Pella and commenced hotel keeping. In 1875 he built the house which now bears his name, which he operated until the fall d 1880, then renting it to his son-in-law, J. W. Todd. His family consists d twelve children living: Mary E. (now Mrs. J. W. Todd), Eliza J. (now Mn Theodore Thomas), John C., Isabella (now Mrs. W. C. Hyler), W. W., Frank, Eva C. (now Mrs. John Shupe), Caroline, Sallie, Harmon, Allen J., and William J. Lost one, Emina. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church of Pella, they being its founders.

NUTT, MRS. M. A .- Farmer, Sec. 7, P. O. Otley. Was born on the & of November, 1826, in New Jersey, and removed from there to Ohio in 1837. She married W. L. Nutt in 1848. They came to Iowa in 185%. Mr. Nutt died on the 23d of February, 1878, leaving Mrs. Nutt with seven children: W. C., J. M., A. J., L. J., M. E., E. E., and J. A. She owns 100 acres of land, and has a fine residence. Is a member of the Baptist Church. The third son, A. J., resides with his mother at present, and superintends the farm. He was born on the 5th of February, 1855, in Delaware county, Ohio, and was brought to this county by his parents in 1856. He spent his boyhood days on a farm and received a common school education. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Anna Doyle on the 31st of October, 1877. By this union they had one child, Joseph W. (born on the first of February, 1879). Mrs. Nutt died on the 24th of September, 1879. On the 29th of December, 1880, he married Miss M. E. Boot. She was born Sep- tember 2, 1858. They are members of the Baptist Church of Otley.

O VERKAMP, I .- Whose portrait appears in another part of this work is one of the leaders of the original Holland colony who settled here in 1847. He was born in the Netherlands February 26, 1810. He received excellent educational advantages in his youth and followed the occupation of teaching. In 1847 he emigrated with the colony to the United States and was one of the number that selected Lake Prairie township as their home. He was the first teacher in Pella, and has always been interested in educational matters, and there is no one in the city whose life has been more closely identified with its interests. He has held the position of city treasurer since Pella was incorporated, excepting the time he was serving as mayor. He has held the office of township clerk and postmaster. He

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

is an elder in the First Reformed Church, and one of its staunch supporters and most liberal contributors. He is a man whose standard of morality is high, and whose convictions of duty are strong, and in all places and under ill circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right, and he justly rates his own self-respect and the deserved esteem of his fellow citizens of more ralne than gold. His social powers are admirable and his moral character rreproachable. At over three score and ten his step is still tirin, his form rect, and his countenance cheerful. He married Miss H. den Beste in 1850. She was born in the Netherlands in 1828, and died in Marion county in 1854, leaving one daughter, Artie (now Mrs. John D. Gaass), with whom Mr. Overkamp finds a pleasant and happy home.

OVERKAMP, G. H .- Retired merchant. Was born in De Hague, Hol- and, February 15, 1808, and was taken from there to Leersdam when two 'ears of age. Was there raised and educated and learned the painter's rade, and at the age of twenty-one he opened a shop and worked at his rade until 1847. Then came to this country with his parents, being in the irst Holland colony. He was the first Hollander to erect a house in Pella. in 1850 his second son, Isaac, started a furniture factory, continuing that business until 1857, when he died. Mr. Overkamp, in company with Mr. G. H. Wormhoudt, was his successor, and they conducted the business intil 1880, Mr. Overkamp then retiring. He married Miss Aafje Kruyt on Id of January, 1830. They have lately celebrated their golden wedding. She was born on the 6th of September, 1804, in Holland. Their family consists of four children living: Aafje (now Mrs. G. H. Dingeman), Hendrina (now Mrs. Henry Hospers), Antje (now Mrs. H. Wormhondt), Marie (now Mrs. J. Vos). Himself and wife are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella, in which he holds the position of elder. Being one of the first settlers here he has taken an active part in the early settle- nent of this county.

DORTER, JOSEPH-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 25, P. O. Pella. Was born in Kent county, Delaware, August 10, 1818, and spent his youth on a farm, with his father, until nineteen years of age. Then walked :o Lafayette, Indiana, a distance of 900 miles, and made the trip in twenty- six days. There worked on the Wabash and Erie Canal and at odd jobs. [n 1841 he commenced farming, and followed that occupation seven years. in 1847 he emigrated to this county, purchased a claim, and after residing ipon it about five years he moved to Pella and built a saw-mill, which was bont the first in the county. Two years afterward he built a second mill n Pella, and a grist-mill in the township, and he sawed most of the lumber or the first buildings in this part of the county. In 1857 he traded his nills to John B. Hamilton for part of the tract of land on which he now esides. He owns 300 acres of fine land, well improved, and he has a hand- ome brick residence and one of the finest barns in the county. Has about even miles of fence on his farin, and also owns three farms in Mahaska :ounty, containing in all 270 acres; also owns one-third interest in 320 acres D Kansas. He has held office of township trustee about fifteen years, and chool director, off and on, for some twenty years, and has always discharged jis official duties with scrupulous care and fidelity. He married Miss Mary A. Chezern December 31, 1840. She is a native of Indiana, and was born July 22, 1821. By this union they have nine children living: James, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Wm. Millison), Mariou, Nancy (now Mrs. N. Wray), William, Charles, Mary F. and Joseph F. (twins), and Margaret Catharine.

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY

They lost fonr. He owned the first reaper in the county, and also run one of the first threshing machines. He commenced life without much capital, and by his honesty and industy has been the architect of his own future, and belongs to that noble army of self-made men of whom Iowa can so proudly boast.

POST, M. H .- Was born in St. Francisville, Missouri, on the sixteenth day of Angust, 1840, and is the son of Rev. M. J. Post, deceased, men- tion of whom is made in another place. His father being a Baptist min- ister, they lived in varions places until 1847, when they removed to this county, and the settlement of the Holland colony was made in Pella at the suggestion of Mr. Post's father, who had traveled the trackless prairies on his mission. His father died the following year. Here the subject of our sketch was reared and educated. For a long time was engaged in the hotel business, in which he was satisfactorily successful. He married Mis Nancy Mortimer in 1862. She was born in Indiana, and died in 1869, leaving one daughter, Nancy J. He married for his second wife, Mis Nellie van der Linder, in 1871. She was born in the Netherlands. By this union they have two children: Helen and Julia. Lost one daughter, Hattie.

PROUTY, S. F .- Professor of Latin and natural sciences in the Central University. Was born in Delaware county, Ohio, January 17, 1854, and came to this county in 1855. He was raised a farmer, and his time wa divided between farm duties and attending school. He was educated at Central University and graduated in the class of 1877, and it is a high compliment to his scholarship that his "Alma Mater" has selected him for his present position. In 1879 he was elected by the Republican party to the lower house of the State Legislature another compliment for one so young. He married Miss A. E. Livingston in 1878. She is also a native of Dels ware county. They have one child.

R AMSAY, WILSON-Dealer in lightning rods. Was born near Pitti burgh, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1833, and was raised on a farm, receiving an education in the common schools. During the late war he enlisted, in the spring of 1864, in company D, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania infantry, s a private and at Nashville was made mounted-orderly for the quartermaster general of the supply train. He served some eight months and was die charged on account of sickness. In the spring of 1867 he came to Iom locating in Pella, and, in company with his brother, engaged in the agri- cultural implement and grain business. This they continned about five years, when he engaged in the pump and lightning rod business. Since 1875 he has confined himself to the latter, and runs from two to six team: every season. He owns a fine residence, pleasantly situated, and a conve- niently located warehouse. In 1851 Mr. R. went to California, spending two years in mining. He married Miss Eliza J. Smith on the fifteenth of June, 1858, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a native of that place. and was born on the seventeenth of April, 1836. By this union they have eleven children: Virginia A. (now Mrs. L. H. Springer of Prairie City! Parthenia A. (now Mrs. E. M. Cathcart of Pella), Howard N., Harry E. Ida M., Lilly B., George W., Florence M., Albert E. and Alfred E. (twins) and Anna B.

RENAUD, EDMUND C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19, P. 0. Pella. Was born February 6, 1854, in France, and was brought to this country, when about eight years of age, by his parents, who settled in this

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

county. Edinund spent his boyhood days on a farm. In 1877 he com- menced farining for himself, and cultivates 100 acres of land. He married Miss Johanna van Rees in 1877. She was born in this county, on the thirteenth of August, 1860. They have two children: Edmund J. and Aaron J. He is one of the rising young men of the county.

REUS, ARIE DE-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 8, P. O. Pella. Was born on the eighth of April, 1837, in the Netherlands, and was raised on a farm. He came to the United States in 1850 and settled in this county, and engaged in farming, and cultivates fifty-six acres of land. He has held the offices of school-director, secretary of the school board and consta- ble. He married Miss Margrette Bruggman in 1859. She is a native of the Netherlands and was born on the seventeenth of December, 1839. By this union they have nine children: Maggeltje, Arie, Peter, Henry, Nellie. Johnnie, Mary, Willie and Nelns. Lost four.

RIDDLE, W. S .- Moulder. Was born on the twenty-second of Sep- tember, 1853, in Mt. Pleasant, Henry county. Iowa, and was brought to Pella by his parents when six months old, and he has here been raised and educated. In 1874 he commenced to learn the moulder's trade, with the Pella Manufacturing Company, which he has since followed. He is cor- poral in Cox's light infantry company, and plays B flat cornet. He married Miss Hattie Horner July 16, 1878. She was born July 31, 1862, in Eddyville, Wapello county, Iowa. By this union they have one child, Clande L.

RHYNSBURGER, C .- Dealer in general merchandise. Is one of Ma- rion county's representative business men, and is deserving of more than a passing notice. He was born in the Netherlands, on the eighth day of Jan- uary, 1839, and lived in his native country until sixteen years of age. In 1855 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Marion county. He was raised a farmer and followed it until 1861, when he commenced his mercantile experience. In connection with his business as a dealer in gen- eral merchandise, he is also a jobber of notions, and as a business man has been eminently successful. He is upright in his dealings, prompt and en- ergetic, and has secured the esteem of all with whom he has had business intercourse. In every measure calculated to benefit the city he has been prompt to act and efficient to work. He has taken a deep interest in edu- sational matters, and has served for nine years in its school board. He 8 also a member of the State Board of Emigration. He married Miss R. van der Ley in 1863. She was also born in the Netherlands. Their family consists of seven children: Willie. Jennie, Mary, Nellie, Peter, Cornelia H. and Amelia E.

RHYNSBURGER, JOHN-Of the firm of G. van Vlick & Co., gro- bers, bakers, etc. Is a native of South Holland, and was born June 11, 1859, and was raised in his native country until ten years of age, and then emigrated to America and settled in Pella, where he has since made his 10me, and he is one of the rising young business men of the town.

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 81

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company Number of Pages: 915

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915