Harold Dudley Baldwin, a well known druggist of Hampton, was born in
this city December 11, 1884, a son of Emmet V. and Sarah Jane (Cook) Baldwin, the former a
native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Wisconsin. When the father was eighteen years of
age he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and for a time engaged in farming in the vicinity of
that city. He afterward passed his examination and became a registered pharmacist,
establishing a drug store in Hampton in partnership with Dr. J. H. Hutchins. Eventually he
purchased his partner's interest and erected a fine brick store, the first floor of which
he used as his pharmacy, the second floor being occupied by business offices. Emmet V.
Baldwin conducted this enterprise successfully until his death which occurred in August,
1911. He is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Hampton. To their union were born
two children: a daughter, who died in childhood; and Harold Dudley, of this review.
Harold Dudley Baldwin acquired his education in the Hampton grammar and
high schools and afterward attended the University of Illinois, graduating from that
institution in 1908. Immediately afterward he became connected with his father's drug
store and after the latter's death assumed charge of the enterprise which he has since
conducted. He carries a full line of drugs and sundries and controls a large and
representative patronage.
Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Congregational church, is connected
fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Elks and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise
and will undoubtedly be carried forward into still more important relations with
mercantile interests of the community.
J. M. Barker
It is fitting that after many years of active, persistent and
successful effort J. M. Barker should enjoy -a period of rest through the evening of life.
For many years he was actively engaged in farming but is now living retired, for the
fruits of his former toil are sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and
comforts, and some of the luxuries of life. He has now reached the venerable age of
seventy-five years, his birth having occurred in Oneida county, New York, on the 5th of
May, 1838., He is a son of Miles and Melinda (Brace) Barker the former a native of New
York and the latter of Connecticut. Joab Brace, a brother of the grandfather of our
subject, was a Presbyterian minister devoting his life to his holy calling through a half
century in one church, a length of service in one pastorate which-is rarely equalled in
this generation. Some of his children also became identified with the work of the
ministry.
Miles Barker was a cooper by trade and also a farmer, devoting his life
to the dual occupation. He always continued a resident of the Empire state and there
passed away May 16, 1838, when his son, J. M. Barker, was but two weeks old. His widow
survived him for more than four decades and died in Illinois, December 29, 1878. In the
family were four, children: A. B., and Sophia, both now deceased; Martha, the widow of N.
Smith, of Chicago; and J. M.
J. M. Barker, reared to the occupation of farming, decided to make it
his life work and his early training and experience well qualified him for his later
labors. In 1856, when eighteen years of age, he left New York and made his way to
Illinois, where he followed farming until 1861. He was thereafter connected with
mercantile interests in Chicago for ten years and later was upon the road as a traveling
salesman, representing sewing machine supplies. In 1874 he came to Sheffield, Iowa, and
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land and in 1875 purchased one hundred and sixty
more. Four years later in 1879 he moved from Chicago to Franklin, Iowa. He added to this
property by additional purchases and thereafter continued to carry on general farming more
or less successfully on three hundred and forty acres of land which he cultivated and
improved, transforming wild land into richly productive fields.
He continued to reside upon the farm until 1896, when he built a fine
residence at No. 603 Reeve street, and removed to Hampton, where he now resides. Year by
year while upon the farm he carefully cultivated and cared for his crops and annually
gathered good harvests of corn, wheat and other cereals. He also raised cattle and hogs.
The products of the farm found a ready sale, upon the market, and thus year by year he
was- able to add to his financial resources.
Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Smith, a native of
Illinois, and unto them have been born three children: C. Maude, now deceased; Bertha B.,
at home; and Cariola, who is in the state library at Iowa City. They have one grandchild,
Thelma B. Watt, of Sheffield. Mr. Barker gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and although he does not seek nor desire office, keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church,
and he stands at all times in support of progressive public measures having to do with the
material, political, intellectual and moral progress of the community.
William Barry
Among the successful pioneers of Franklin county William Barry occupies
a conspicuous position by reason of his progressive work along
agricultural lines. Mr. Barry has not only attained individual success but
has contributed toward agricultural standards of the state and has always
been a leader in accepting new ways and means toward reaching the farmer's
goal of success. He was born on the 13th of August, 1845, a son of Edmund
and Elizabeth (Kirby) Barry, both natives of County Cork, Ireland.
Together they emigrated to America in 1840 and first located in Syracuse,
New York, where the father found employment in a salt works. By reason of
his ability, close application and faithfulness to duty he soon rose to a
prominent position. However, the call of the west had its charm for him
and about two years later he departed, making his way to Green county,
Wisconsin, where he embarked in agriculture. He at first rented two
hundred and forty acres on shares, which he cultivated with such good
results that he was later enabled to purchase one hundred and sixty acres.
Close application and good judgment resulted in continued prosperity and
he increased his holdings until he finally owned eight hundred acres. He
was one of the foremost agriculturists of his district in Wisconsin and
stood high in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs.
Edmund Barry had nine children. Those living are John, who is located on
the homestead in Green county; William, our subject; and Frank, who is a
business man of Long Beach, California. Both parents died in Wisconsin
about 1899, their demise occurring but a short time apart.
William Barry received his early education in the country schools of
Wisconsin and had the usual experiences of a farmer lad, beginning early
to assist his father in his extensive farming operations. He showed
unusual qualifications for this kind of work and applied a number of new
ideas in working the farm. While yet assisting his father he made his
first investment by buying one hundred acres in Green county, Wisconsin,
at the rate of ten dollars per acre, and he later sold this tract at a
handsome profit. Shortly thereafter Mr. Barry made his first trip to Iowa,
walking from Ackley, this state, to what is now Franklin county, and
looking for possible investments in land. Although a friend who had
accompanied him purchased property Mr. Barry decided to wait, but in 1870
he returned and with his brother traded a horse as a first deposit on land
in Ingham township. There they together bought one hundred and sixty acres
of rich prairie land. This was at a time when practically every farmer
gave his attention to raising wheat and the first two crops of this cereal
were so bountiful that all continued along that line. However, in the
third year the wheat turned out to be an utter failure, and while most of
the other agriculturists continued in trying to raise the same cereal for
several years thereafter Mr. Barry and his brother grew timothy and their
hay crop was probably the largest ever seen in their part of the state.
They had in the meantime bought cattle to a considerable extent, and while
the farmers around them were falling and were forced to give up they
succeeded and derived large profits from the cattle business. They
disposed of their stock in the Chicago market. Mr. Barry subsequently made
numerous and advantageous trades in land, always increasing his holdings,
until finally in 1894 he moved to Hampton. He today still owns nearly five
hundred acres of land and has ever followed the rule of investing his
surplus in good Iowa agricultural property. He has for a number of years
been considered an authority on land values and has never risked his
capital in dubious investments. He has made his money in Iowa and believes
in home investments. His spirit of attachment to the soil has not only
brought him prosperity but has left the money where it was made and in
that way he has been a great factor in the upbuilding of the prosperous
state, of which he is a successful citizen. He has ever shown
extraordinary judgment in all business transactions, and his reputation is
of the highest on account of his fair methods, which underlie all his
business deals.
On February 11, 1873, Mr. Barry married Miss Mary E. Walker, a lady of
Kentucky parentage. They have two children: Frank, who is connected with
shipping interests in Oregon; and Joseph, at Hampton. The second son was
born September 2, 1878, and received his early education in the country
and district schools, later graduating from the high school at Hampton. He
spent some years in traveling in the west and was also connected with a
wholesale house of Spokane for a time. Later he returned to Hampton and is
now assisting his father in looking after the properties which they
jointly own. He married on November 9, l912, Miss Lulu Ferris, a daughter
of Benjamin F. and Adeline (Forrest) Ferris, the former a native of
Binghampton, Broome county, New York, and a prominent nurseryman of
Hampton. Mrs. Barry's father is a veteran of the Civil war and in 1861
enlisted as a soldier in Company F, First Colorado cavalry, remaining in
the service three years and three months. He participated in the battle of
Pigeon's Ranch and in that of Apache Canyon, New Mexico. In the first
battle he lost his horse, and in the second he received a wound in the
leg. However, for the greater part of the time he was engaged in service
against the Indians, and in scouting. From 1866 to 1868 he took part in
the war which the Mexicans waged against Maximilian and was in the battle
in which Maximilian was captured. At the conclusion of the war in Mexico
he removed to Texas.
Politically Mr. Barry is a democrat and has always taken a deep
interest in the progress of his section. Political honors have .been
offered him, but he has always declined preferment of a public character.
However, he for years was a trustee of Ingham township. When he arrived
here there were twenty-five voters and of these two were democrats, he and
his brother bringing the representatives of this party up to the number of
four. Mr. Barry has watched the onward march of civilization and has
always participated in activities that have made Iowa the foremost
agricultural state of the Union. He is highly esteemed and respected in
Hampton for what he has done and for what he is. Physically and mentally
he appears to be a man many years younger than his record shows, and he is
still intelligently interested in all objects which have for their purpose
the development and advancement of the people in a moral, intellectual and
material way. The honors which are accorded him are highly merited.
William F. Becker needs no introduction to the readers
of this volume, for he is one of the successful and representative farmers
of Osceola township, owning and operating one hundred and twenty acres on
section 13. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 17, 1870,
and is a son of August and Wilhelmina Bertha (Brammer) Becker, natives of
Germany, the former of whom came to America in 1868 and the latter in
1861. The father located in Wisconsin and later moved to Butler county,
Iowa. He took up his residence in Butler county, Washington township, this
state, in 1871 and in 1887 moved to Franklin county, where he passed away
July 2, 1889. His wife survived him some years, dying December 23, 1912.
To their union were born ten children: William F., of this review; Ida,
the wife of J. Aldinger of Rowan, Iowa; a son who died in infancy; Louisa,
the wife of F. P. Sailer of Osceola township; a daughter who died in
infancy; Bertha, the wife of Fred Sailer of Hardin county; Herman, a
resident of Ackley; a son, who died in infancy; Martha L., also deceased;
and Olga, the wife of F. Miske of Ackley. After the death of her husband
the mother of the subject of this review married F. Bulson, and to this
union were born two children: Martha, the wife of H. Lepine, of Hartford,
Wisconsin; and Anna, who married F. Uble, also of Hartford.
William F. Becker remained at home throughout the
period of his boyhood and youth, was reared to farm labor and early became
familiar with the best and most practical agricultural methods. His entire
active life has been devoted to farming. At the age of twenty-seven he
rented one hundred and twenty acres of land in Butler county and after
developing this for two years moved to Franklin county, where he rented
one hundred and sixty acres. At the end of one year he bought one hundred
and twenty acres on section 13, Osceola township, and here he has since
continued to reside, operating the property along practical and modern
lines. In addition to general farming he also raises and feeds stock, and
has managed his interests so capably and intelligently that he has met
with rapid and well deserved success.
On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. Becker was united in
marriage to Miss Maggie Stoher, a native of Franklin county and a daughter
of John and Becky (Barger) Stoher, natives of Germany. The father came to
America in 1868 and the mother crossed the Atlantic when she was four
years of age. They reside in Iowa, the father engaging in stationary
engineering. In their family were twelve children: Maggie, the wife of the
subject of this review; Edward, deceased; Herman, a resident of Ackley;
Hannah, who married William Sauter of Ackley; Henry, deceased; Benjamin,
of Marshalltown, Iowa; Edward, who has passed away; John, of Eldora, Iowa;
Bertha, who married F. Hintzen, of Mason City; Lizzie, deceased; and Mary.
and Taldine, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have two children: Minnie
Bertha, born April 30, 1898; and John H., whose birth occurred March 7,
1905. Mr. Becker is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. He has held a number of
township offices, in all of which he has discharged his duties in a manner
creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He has been
carried forward into important relations with agricultural interests of
his locality, and his personal characteristics have gained him the lasting
regard of those with whom he has come in contact.
A. W. Beed not only occupies a prominent position in financial circles
as president of the Franklin County State Bank, but also has the distinction of being the
first boy born in Hampton. His natal day was November 11, 1858, his parents being George
and Marinda (Dennan) Beed, who came to this county in the year 1856, settling on a farm
near Hampton. Their remaining days were spent in this county, and with the pioneer
development the father was actively identified. The son was reared upon the frontier with
the usual experiences and environments of pioneer life. The public schools afforded him
his educational privileges, and he has learned life's lessons well. He was eighteen years
of age when he entered the Citizens' Bank, of which his father had been president for a
number of years. After a period of identification with the bank in which he was thoroughly
mastering the business, he removed to Florida, where he remained for a few years, but in
1902 returned to Hampton and has since been an active factor in the management and.
control of the bank of which he is now the president. The institution has made an
excellent showing and is one of the strong financial. concerns of this part of the state.
In 1881 Mr. Beed was united in marriage to Miss Alveretta J. Osborne,
who was born in Wisconsin, but for some years. prior to her marriage lived in Franklin
county, Iowa. They have become the parents of three children: Gail, Edith and George.
Theirs is a hospitable home whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr.
Beed belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter and in his life exemplifies the beneficent
spirit of the craft. His political support is given to the republican party, and he keeps
well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he does not seek nor desire
office. Through the long period of his residence in this county he has become widely and
favorably known. He has been an interested witness of all the changes which have occurred
as the work of development and improvement has been carried forward and has been a
cooperant factor in many movements which have worked for civic betterment and municipal
advancement.
Charles Beed
Charles Beed is proprietor of the oldest hardware
establishment of Hampton, but is now leaving the management of the business to
his son, while he has practically retired, although he still gives supervision
to his farm of seven hundred acres in Franklin county.
Mr. Beed was born in Devonshire, England, June 20, 1843, and
is a son of Thomas and Anne (George) Beed, both of whom were natives of England.
They had ten children. At different times members of the family made the voyage
to the new world until all were located on this side the Atlantic. The first to
come to America was John, the fifth son, who left London in 1853 and took up his
abode at Batavia, Illinois. In 1854 Thomas Beed, the third son, arrived in the
United States. He was a sailor and had made a number of voyages to the West
Indies and to South America. After coming to this country he sailed for a time
on the Great Lakes. In 1855 John, the first arrival in America, persuaded his
father and mother to emigrate to the new world and on the trip they were
accompanied by their only daughter, Mary Sarah Anne, and their youngest son,
Bishop C. The eldest brother, William, was at that time in business in England
and Charles Beed, subject of this review, and his younger brother Walter, ten
years of age, were left at school in England. The parents with the two children
mentioned sailed for America, being almost six weeks on shipboard. During the
voyage the father had the misfortune to fall down the hatchway of the vessel and
broke several of his ribs. For some time his life was despaired of, but he
improved and after resting for a week in New York was able to renew the journey
to Batavia, Illinois, where he joined his son John. About a year later George,
the second son of the family, followed the others to Batavia and a few months
afterward James, the fourth son, came to America and also went to Batavia. He
was a sailor, as was his brother Thomas, although they sailed in different parts
of the world. James made his last voyage to Bombay, East Indies, before leaving
his native country of England to come to the new world.
Some time in 1856 the father with his sons George, Thomas,
John and James came to Iowa to look up a location and made choice of the land
now known as the Henry Wolf farm, about three and a half miles northeast of
Hampton. In September of the same year George Beed went to Dubuque with a
covered wagon to bring the others of the family to the home that the father and
his sons were preparing near Hampton. Dubuque was at that time the terminus of
the railroad. On the 4th of July, 1857, Charles Beed started for America and on
the 1st of May, 1858, William G. Beed, the eldest son of the family, together
with his wife and Walter Beed, the eighth son of the family, left the old
country, arriving in New York on the 16th of May. They were the only ones of the
family who came from England on a steamship, the others making the voyage in
sailing vessels. On its next trip the vessel on which William G. and Walter B6ed
sailed was burned at sea and out of seven hundred passengers aboard only
seventy-five escaped, some being burned to death and others drowned. The one
other son of the family, Henry, who was the sixth, went to Australia in 1850 and
worked there as a cowboy and afterward engaged in merchandising. He came to
Hampton with his family some time in the early '80s, but after remaining in this
country for a few years he returned to Australia with his family. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Beed, the parents, have now passed away, as have their children William
G., George, Thomas, John and Henry, leaving as the surviving members: James, who
is now living in Waverly, Iowa; Mary S. A., a resident of Charlotte, Michigan;
Charles, who is the only one now living in Hampton; Walter, of Minneapolis,
Minnesota; and Bishop C., of Kansas City, Missouri.
Charles Beed, whose name introduces this review, remained at
home with his parents in London until eight years of age, when he was sent to
school, there pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen. He was
a lad of twelve, when his parents started for America and two years later, on
the 4th of July, 1857, he left London for the new world. While going down the
Thames river they passed the Great Eastern, then the largest ship ever built. It
took from the 1st of November, 1857, until the 30th of January, 1858, to launch
it. It was launched broadside instead of stern first. The vessel on which
Charles Beed sailed was fifty days in making the voyage, during which time they
encountered some heavy storms and also some calms, which greatly delayed. the
progress of the sailing vessel. It was on the 20th of August, 1857, that anchor
was dropped in the harbor of New York. Charles Beed expected someone to meet him
and remained alone on shipboard for three days and nights, but as no one came
for him he started alone for Hampton, Iowa, the address on his trunk reading "Hampton, near Maysville, Franklin county, Iowa, United States of
America." He reached his parents' home in September, 1857, having completed
the trip by stage from a point just a little this side of Dubuque. The family
residence was a log cabin about sixteen by twenty feet. There was one story, all
in one room, and a garret. There was a window at each end of the room,
consisting of six pains of glass, eight by ten inches, which had been brought
from Dubuque. The garret constituted the bedroom of the family, nine in all, and
a piece of calico served as a curtain to divide the room, the father, mother and
sister sleeping in one end, while the boys occupied the other. There was a
bedstead for the parents, but the children all slept upon the floor. The house
was not plastered, the logs being bare, while the roof was of split oak timber.
In the winter there was plenty of covering, some times four inches of it being
nice white snow, for the roof was so open that the snow would sift in through
the crevices.
When spring came Charles Beed had to go to work putting in
crops and soon he made a full hand in improving the farm which had been
purchased. He remained at home with his parents until December 29, 1866, when he
was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Haecker. They took up their abode upon a
quarter section of land a mile east of the old homestead, and for a number of
years Mr. Beed continued its cultivation and improvement. He still owns that
property and also some adjoining land. In 1878 he formed a partnership with
Charles Pease in the hardware business, in which he continued until a few years
ago, when he suffered an accident that permanently disabled him for further
business, although for the last few years he has worked to some extent around
his farm of sixty-three acres lying within the town limits of Hampton.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beed were born ten children, of whom two
died in infancy, while eight are yet living. Charles Lockwood, the eldest, is
conducting the hardware business established by his father. Mersey, the eldest
daughter, was born in Hampton, where she has always made her home, being now the
wife of Bert Page. Frank, the third child, is living on the old home farm in
Ingham township, on which his parents began their domestic life. Louis occupies
a farm adjoining the old homestead. Roy is working at the plumber's trade in
Waterloo. Victor follows the same in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ruth T. and Harry are
still at home with their parents.
The farming interests of Mr. Beed comprise more than seven
hundred acres of the rich and productive soil of Iowa. He occupies a fine home
at No. 620 South Reeve street, and has reached a financial position that enables
him to enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He exercises his
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party
but is without political ambition or aspiration. He belongs to the
Congregational church and is interested in all that pertains to the moral as
well as the material welfare of the city in which he lives. He has now compassed
the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is a vigorous, well
preserved man and many more years should yet be accorded him. His life has been
one of activity and usefulness, crowned with success, and because of the fact
that he has never taken advantage of the necessities of his fellowman in
business transactions but has always been straightforward and honorable he is
accorded the confidence and friendly regard of those with whom he has been
associated.
Frank C. Beed, engaging in general farming and
stock-raising upon six hundred acres, of which two hundred and sixty acres in
Ingham and Mott townships belong to him, is a native of this part of Iowa, born
in Hampton, July 2, 1876. He is a son of Charles Beed, of whom further
mention is made elsewhere in this work.
At the age of twenty Frank C. Beed turned his
attention to farming and eventually purchased his present property, one hundred
acres of which lie in Ingham township and one hundred and sixty acres in Mott
township. Mr. Beed makes a specialty of raising registered Aberdeen Angus cattle
and Poland China hogs and he has been very successful in these lines. He does a
large business as a shipper and has gained a reputation as an expert judge of
stock values, his opinions being regarded as sound and reliable. He was for some
time secretary of the Farmers Elevator at Hansell and is a man of recognized
business ability.
On the 21st of December, 1898, Mr.
Beed was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Wirt, a native of Franklin county and
a daughter of John A. and Minerva Wirt. Her father is a retired farmer living in
Hampton. In his family were six children: Florence, the wife of W. W. Shroyer,
of Hampton; Jessie M., deceased; Daisy, wife of the subject of this review;
John, deceased; James, of Fresno, California; and Elsie, who married J. E.
Welker, of Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Beed have a son, Frank Lyle, who was born March
24, 1905.
Mr. Beed is connected fraternally with the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias and he and his wife attend
the Congregational church. He has lived in this part of Iowa during his entire
life and has become widely and favorably known, for he is honorable in all
business dealings and upright and straightforward in all the relations of life.
Henry O. Beed, a hardware merchant of Hampton, and
one of the native sons of the city, was born January 20, 1873, a son of John and Celma
(Rose) Beed, the former a native of England, but the latter of Ohio. At an early period in
the development of this state, the father came to Iowa, where he engaged in buying grain
to the time of his death. His widow survives. In their family were five children, but
three daughters died in infancy. The surviving sister of Henry O. Beed is Mrs. Emma
Cogswell, the wife of F. A. Cogswell, of Rockwell, Iowa.
In the public schools Henry O. Beed acquired his
early education, which was supplemented by study in a business college at Des Moines. He
was graduated therefrom and afterward went to Florida, where he engaged in the orange
business for ten years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Hampton and for
two years was employed in the feed store of his uncle. He next purchased the hardware
business of F. D. Smith in 1902 and has since been proprietor of the store. He carries a
large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware and has a liberal patronage which
he well merits, owing to his honorable business dealing and enterprising methods.
Mr. Beed was united in marriage on the 23d of
August, 1893, to Miss Grace E. Ross, a native of Franklin county, and unto them have been
born seven children: Eunice, Lloyd, Cecil, Winnifred, Carol, John and Celma, all of whom
are yet under the parental roof. Mr. Beed holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and
with the Congregational church-associations that indicate much of the rules that govern
his conduct and the principles which shape his life. He has served as alderman and is a
member of the school board, and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart
friend, anxious to do everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools and
of public affairs in general. He has a wide acquaintance in Hampton and Franklin counties,
and that his life has been well spent is indicated by the number of his friends.
Edward A. Beemer, who in an influential way has been for
over thirty years identified with farming interests of Franklin county and
whose enterprise has contributed much toward the financial betterment of the
community, was born in Warren county, Ohio, June 6, 1848. He is a son of
William and Evaline (Rhutan) Beemer natives of New Jersey. They went to
Wisconsin in 1850 and moved from that state to Illinois, where the father died
May 12, 1881. He had survived his wife since 1874. To their union were born
nine children: Martha, who married H. J. Millard, of Hampton; Julia Ann, who
has passed away; Hannah E. and Rosella deceased; Margaret Elnora, the widow of
N. E. Judd, of Rockford, Illinois; Edward A., of this review; two sons, who
died in infancy; and Mary, the wife of O. B. Bates, of Hampton.
When Edward A. Beemer was twenty-one years of age he took
charge of his father's farm in Illinois, and this property he operated for
about six years. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee county, Iowa,
and in 1882 came to Franklin county, where he rented land for one year. At the
end of that time he bought eighty acres on section 17, Reeve township, to
which he afterward added forty-four acres. This property he still owns and it
is in a high state of cultivation and provided with all the requisites for the
successful operation of the farm. Mr. Beemer specializes in breeding
high-grade, shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs.
On the 22d of September, 1869, Mr. Beemer was united in
marriage to Miss Ellen A. Bates, who died July 27, 1904, leaving two children:
Willis E., of Reeve township; and William A., of West Fork township. On the
8th of October, 1907, Mr. Beemer was again married, his second union being
with Miss Jennie E. Johnston, a daughter of James J. Johnston, of whom further
mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Beemer gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man whose
industry, honesty and success have made him influential in the affairs of the
township, and he commands the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
David Benning
One of Franklin county's most progressive and successful native sons is
David Benning, who for a number of years has owned and operated a fine farm of one hundred
and sixty acres on sections 9 and 19, Osceola township. He was born in Grant township,
this county, September 15, 1875, and is a son of Gottlieb and Amelia (Meinberg) Benning,
natives of Germany. The father came to America about 186o and located in Illinois, from
which state he enlisted for service in the Civil war. In 1875 he moved to Franklin county,
Iowa, and purchased land in Grant township, whereon he resided until his death, which
occurred in 1897. His wife survives him and makes her home in Grant township. To their
union were. born nine children: Henry and Caroline of Grant township; Emma, the widow of
Charles Hofmeister, of Osceola township; Frederick, deceased; David, of this review;
Herman and Minnie, deceased; Mary, at home and one child who died in infancy.
David Benning was reared at home and aided in the operation of the home
farm until he was twenty-four years of age, becoming in this way thoroughly familiar with
the best and most practical agricultural methods. When he began his independent career he
rented one hundred and twenty acres and after operating this for five years purchased the
farm which he. now owns. This comprises one hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 9
and 19, Osceola township, and Mr. Benning's able management has made it one of the best
improved and most highly productive-properties in the locality.
On the 22d of November, 1900, Mr. Benning was united in marriage to
Miss Caroline Burkle and they have become the parents of six children: Bertha, born
November 19, 1901; David, born July 28, 1903; Sophia, July 11, 1905; Edward, December 11,
1907; Louis, February 28, 1911; and Martha, March 19, 1913. Mr. Benning is a member of the
Evangelical Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is a man of high
character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always
merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
Andrew Benson is one of those sturdy sons of
the Norseland who, like the vikings of old, crossed the ocean to the western
hemisphere in search of large opportunities. He has found what he sought and
today is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of highly improved farm land
on section 23, Oakland township. He was born in Norway, December 5, 1854, a son
of Anton and Alice (Oleva) Benson. They were also natives of the land of the
midnight sun and came to America about 1877, locating in Wisconsin. There the
parents lived until their deaths. They had eleven children: Hans C.; Bertha;
Cever and Caroline, deceased; Andrew; Martha, the wife of John Bruhn of
Wisconsin; Christian, of Wisconsin; Lilly, who is married and lives in
Wisconsin; and three who died in infancy.
Andrew Benson passed his youth in his native
land and his beginnings in this country were humble. However, at the age of
twenty-seven years he was able to start out independently, renting eighty acres
of land. In 1884, when thirty years of age, he came to Franklin county, locating
in Hamilton township, where he cultivated leased land for four years. He then
bought two hundred and forty acres on section 23 Oakland township, which he now
owns, being engaged in general farming and also giving considerable attention to
stock-raising. His buildings are kept in good repair and the most modern
machinery can be found upon his place. The appearance of his place -indicates
the prosperity of the owner and his land is in a good state of cultivation.
On the 17th of March, 1880, Mr. Benson married
Miss Caroline Munson a native of Wisconsin, born of Norwegian parents. Mr. and
Mrs. Benson have three children: Melissa, the wife of Thomas Hanson, of
Reinbeck, Iowa; Alvin, at home; and Kallum, deceased.
Mr. Benson has always interested himself in.
township affairs and has given demonstration of his public spirit by accepting a
number of township offices, which he satisfactorily filled. For two terms he has
been township trustee and also has been road, supervisor and a member of the
school board and has taken a deep interest in the cause of education. His
religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, to which he gives his moral and
material support. Mrs. Benson passed away on March 20, 1900, deeply mourned by
the family and a number of devoted friends. She found her last resting place in
Otis Grove cemetery. Mr. Benson has achieved success on account of the high
qualities of manhood which have ever guided his life. He left his native land
with the idea of achieving independence and he has succeeded in the quest.
James Bergen
Among the young agriculturists of Franklin
county is James Bergen, a native of Illinois, who for a number of years has
cultivated one hundred and twenty acres on section 10, Oakland township. By
employing the most modern methods he has become one of the successful
agriculturists of this section. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on July
16th, 1870, and is a son of John and Hannah (Shaw) Bergen, natives of Ireland.
The parents came to American and made their home in New York city for four
years, whence they removed to Massachusetts, where they spent one year. They
then sought the middle west, where the father was employed in the pineries and
engaged in lumbering for about two years in Michigan. They left that state for
Illinois, where Mr. Bergen, Sr., turned his attention to agricultural pursuits
and became a well-to-do farmer. He died on the 15th of February, 1913, and his
wife still makes her home in Illinois. They were the parents of nine children:
Mary J., who married Charles Sabin, of Bureau county, that state; Patrick H.,
also of Illinois; John and Nellie, twins, the former of Illinois and the latter
deceased; James and Sarah, twins, the former our subject and the latter of
Illinois; Thomas, who makes his home with James Bergen; George, of Illinois; and
one, who died in infancy.
James Bergen was reared under the parental
roof and had such school education as was afforded in the neighborhood where he
was then residing. He left his home at the age of nineteen, coming to Franklin
county with a neighbor, for whom he worked that year. Being careful of his
earnings he was enabled in 1900 to buy eighty acres of land in Wright county,
which he sold at the end of a year and then acquired title to the one hundred
and twenty acres which he now owns on section 10, Oakland township. Mr. Bergen's
property is well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He follows the
latest methods of farming and has installed the most modern machinery. He also
gives his attention largely to stock-raising.
On December 20, 1899, Mr. Bergen married Miss
Caroline Johnson, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Martin and Annie Johnson.
They have three children: Beulah Blanche, born December 2, 1900; Maynard James,
born December 14, 1903; and Luella Belle, February 24, 1906.
Mr. Bergen gives his allegiance to the
republican party and fraternally is a Modern Woodman of America. He is a member
of the school board and has done valuable work in promoting the cause of
education. Such success as has come to him is well merited as it has been built
upon honesty, energy and industry. Mr. Bergen is popular in the neighborhood and
has made many friends since locating in Franklin county.
Henry Bicknese, carrying on general farming
upon a quarter section of land in Scott township, was born in Germany, June 11,
1851. He came to America in 1868 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he
remained three years. At the end of that time he moved Kankakee and there spent
five years, after which, in 1875, he came to Iowa, locating near Hampton, where
he engaged in farming. After ten years he returned to Chicago and this time made
his home in that city for five years. Upon the expiration of that period he
removed to Franklin county, buying a quarter of section 24, Scott township. Upon
this property he has since resided and has greatly improved it, providing it
with substantial buildings and labor-saving machinery. He has made it productive
and valuable and it reflects in every department the care and labor he has
bestowed upon it.
On October 13, 1877, Mr. Bicknese married Miss
Magdalena Hornburger, a native of France, and they became the parents of seven
children: Emma, deceased; Henry, at home; Anna, the wife of J. Gill, of Texas;
Minnie and Fred, at home; Sarah, who married Adlbert Beal, of Alden, Iowa and
Louisa, at home.
Mr. Bicknese is a member of the Lutheran
church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is widely known throughout
Franklin county as a progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen and he
commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.
George
A. Bird
George A, Bird, one of the successful and
representative farmers of Franklin county, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land
on section 30, Mott township, was born in England, April 10, 1864.. He is a son of John
and Ann (Beet) Bird, natives of England. The mother died in that country in July, 1910,
and is survived by her husband. Eleven children were born to their union: Ruth, of
England; George A., of this review; Mary, residing in England; John A., deceased; Maggie
and Ada, of England; James, a Methodist minister located at Monona, Iowa; Joseph and
Christopher, who reside in England; Harold, engaged in railroad work in Connellsville,
Pennsylvania; and a son who died in infancy.
George A. Bird was reared in England and at the
early age of thirteen began farming, following that occupation there for seven years. He
then came to America, locating in Wisconsin, whence after five years he moved to Franklin
county, Iowa. He rented a farm here for seven years and at the end of that time bought one
hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Mott township. This he has since increased to three
hundred and twenty acres., and he has greatly improved the property, erecting substantial
barns and outbuildings and providing modern equipment. He engages in general farming and
stock-raising, and his success is the natural result of his wise and capable management.
On the 25th of August, 1887, Mr. Bird was united-in
marriage to Miss Mary Fox and to this union have been born three children: Arthur C., of
Mott township; and Raymond George and Roy John, twins, at home. Mr. Bird is a member of
the Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party, serving
at present as township trustee. He enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of
his friends and acquaintances and is known as a man of unusual energy, perseverance and
ability who is governed by a high sense of honor in all. business and personal dealings.
J. V. Blackford, engaging successfully in stock-raising, dairying and
general farming upon two hundred and seventy acres of land in Ingham township, was born in
Green county, Wisconsin, December 1, 1862. He is a son of William and Jemima (Dennis)
Blackford, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom have passed away. They were the parents
of three children: J. V., of this review; Major, of Green county, Wisconsin; and Letty,
the wife of S. C. Atwood, of St. Helena, California.
J. V. Blackford began his independent career as a school-teacher,
engaging in this occupation from the time he was eighteen until he was twenty-three. In
1886 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and here turned his attention to farming, operating
rented land for six years. At the end of that time be bought one hundred and thirty acres
in Ingham township, to which he has since added until he owns two hundred and seventy
acres. Sixty and one-half acres lie inside .the city limits of Hampton, and this tract Mr.
Blackford operates as a dairy farm, keeping twenty-five milch cows. His stock-raising
interests are extensive and important and his herds contain some very valuable animals
including a yearling Holstein bull, King Korndike Pontiac Segis, bred in New York and
worth three hundred dollars, and four Holsteins, bred in Massachusetts and worth three
hundred dollars apiece as yearlings. Mr. Blackford follows always the most progressive and
practical methods in the conduct of his interests and has been very successful, standing
today among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of his locality.
On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Blackford was united in marriage to
Miss Temperance McCammant, and. to this union were born two children: Maude, the wife- of
H. A. Missildine; and Hugh, at home. Mr. Blackford is a member of the Christian church and
is independent in his political views, serving at the present time as township clerk. He
is a progressive and wide-awake agriculturist, and his industry and enterprise have not
only enabled him to attain prosperity but have won him a high place in the respect and
confidence of his neighbors.
Samuel T. Blain occupies an attractive residence in Hampton, where he
has lived since retiring from active farm life. He had devoted his energies and efforts
for many years previous to general agricultural pursuits, owning and cultivating almost
five hundred acres of land. Mr. Blain is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in
Muskingum county on the 24th of April, 1853, his parents being John and, Mary (McCamett)
Blain, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. John Blain made farming
his life work and thus provided for his family which numbered five children: Joseph, who
is now living in Chapin, Iowa; William, a resident of Oregon; Samuel, of this review; John
R., a resident farmer of Monroe, Wisconsin; and Martha, the wife of V. J. Ward, of
Plymouth, Iowa. Both parents have now passed away, the father lying in May, 1909, after
surviving his wife for twenty-one years, her death having occurred in March, 1888.
On leaving Ohio the family traveled by wagon. to Wisconsin, Samuel T.
Blain being then an infant. He was reared in the latter state early became actively
interested in farming and continued to assist his father in the development and
improvement of the old home place until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in
life independently by renting land. He came to Franklin county, Iowa, in 1880 and, two
years later purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he added from time to
time as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of four hundred and
ninety-five acres in West Fork and Ingham townships. There he carried on general farming
and stock-raising, both branches of his business proving successful. He divided his farm
into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and the place presented a neat and
thrifty appearance, while good crops were annually gathered and high grades of stock were
found in the pastures. In 1901 Mr. Blain retired from active farm life and purchased a
fine home in Hampton, which he now occupies, it being his intention to spend his remaining
days here in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.
On the 11th of March, 1880, Mr. Blain was united in marriage to Miss
Pauline Eitel, a daughter of John G. and Magdalena (Fishes) Eitel, who were natives of
Germany and in 1848 came to America. They settled in Wisconsin in 1852 and there both
passed away. In their family were seven children: Louis, of Palacios, Texas; Mary,
deceased; Robert, who is living in Marshall, Minnesota; Mrs. Blain; Lena, the widow of B.
W. White, of Hampton; John, also living in Hampton; and Edward, who makes his home in
Hawkeye, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Blain have one child, Pearl Gertrude, who is the wife of Frank
Foughty, of Hampton, and they have two children, Genevieve Opal and Blaine Blain. In his
political views Mr. Blain is a democrat but has never been an office seeker. He holds
membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, but he has always preferred the quiet of
home and business life to great activity in other fields. Many sterling traits of
character have gained him high regard and made him widely known.
Benjamin
F. Blake, a well known
farmer and stock-raiser of Franklin county, was born on the property he now
rents, on section 27, Osceola township, March 25, 1877. He is a son of Richard
and Elizabeth (Parker) Blake, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of
Canada. The father engaged in the meat business in Ackley during the early '70s
and built up a large and profitable enterprise. He later added to his activities
by following general farming and stock-raising upon one hundred and sixty acres
of land on section 27, Osceola township. He continued active in the
conduct of his .interests until his death, which occurred in 1895, his wife
surviving him until 1909. To their union were born seven children: Molly,
who married Charles M. C. Woodland of Redfield, South Dakota; Gertrude, the wife
of W. F. Jacob of Ackley; Benjamin F., of this review; James, of Ackley; Richard
T., a resident of California; Joseph, of Ackley; and Walter, who resides in
Montana.
Benjamin F. Blake was reared upon
his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Osceola
township and in the Academy at Ackley. He took up his father's work after the
latter's death and continued the same until the death of his mother. which
occurred in February, 1909. He then worked for the estate for a year. In 1912 he
rented the home farm, whereon he has since engaged in general farming and
stock-raising, specializing in the breeding of hogs and horses. He has met with
excellent success and expects eventually to purchase the homestead. He is today
one of the leading representatives of agricultural interests in his locality.
On the 28th of May, 19l2, Mr.
Blake married Miss Julia Barry, a native of Wright county, this state, and they
have become the parents of a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born June 16, 1913. Mr.
Blake is a member of the Catholic church and holds membership in the Knights of
Columbus. He is independent in his political views and served with credit and
ability in the office of justice of the peace. He is not, however, active as an
office seeker, for he prefers to concentrate his attention upon the conduct of
his business interests which, under his able management, are becoming every day
more extensive and important.
Richard
Blake, who follows
general farming and stock-raising on a fine property in Osceola township, was
born on this farm, May 23, 1856. For almost a quarter of a century he has been
connected with agricultural interests of this locality and today holds a
position in the front ranks of progressive and successful farmers. He is a son
of Richard T. and Sarah (Pickmer) Blake, the former a native of Scotland and the
latter of England. The father came to America as a young man and, having
previously followed the sea, resumed that occupation as a sailor on the Great
Lakes. He came to Franklin county in 1852 and purchased land on section 34,
Osceola township accumulating eventually six hundred and eighty acres. He passed
away in 1900 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Ackley. They had
twelve children: Louisa, the wife of A. B. Grant, of Iowa Falls; Jane; Richard,
of this review; Frank, a resident of Olympia, Washington; George, deceased;
John, residing in the state of Washington; Alice, at home; Bessie, the wife of
L. A. Hembd, of Ackley; Katherine, who married D. W. Shroyer, of Hampton;
Charles; Sarah, the wife of William Humke, of Osceola township; and Nettie, who
married James Newell, of Marshalltown.
Richard Blake was reared at home
and aided in the operation of his father's farm until he was twenty-three years
of age. He then purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Osceola
township and for twenty years thereafter developed that property, making it one
of the productive and valuable farms in the locality. When he disposed of it he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead and here he has since
resided, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He follows always the
most progressive and practical methods in the conduct of his business and his
labors have brought excellent results.
On the 26th of September, 1882,
Mr. Blake married Miss Christina Rath, who passed away April 23, 1906, leaving
two children: Clara, the wife of Dr. Rosengren, of Ackley; and Frank T. Mr.
Blake is a member of the Presbyterian church, is connected fraternally with the
Modern Woodmen of America and gives his political allegiance to the republican
party. He is one of the progressive and successful native sons of Osceola
township and is held in high esteem by the people among whom his entire life has
been spent.
Herbert E. Boehmler, an extensive landowner in Franklin county and
prominently connected with commercial interests of Hampton as the proprietor of
a large shoe store, was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, March 20, 1870, a son of
George Henry and Elizabeth (Segelman) Boehmler, natives of New York. The parents
were pioneers in Iowa and during the early years of their residence here had to
contend with all the struggles and hardships of a frontier district. The father
engaged in the lumber and grain business in Cedar Falls, where he established
the first elevator. He and his wife became the parents of five children: George,
of Saskatchewan, Canada; Albert, claim adjuster for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Cedar Falls; Harry, engineer on the Illinois Central
Railroad at Waterloo; Carrie, the wife of J. P. Herman, of Des Moines; and
Herbert E., of this review.
Herbert E. Boehmler acquired his early education in the public schools of
Blackhawk county and afterward entered Iowa State University, where he studied
pharmacy. In 1890 he came to Franklin county and for six years was connected
with a Mr. Baldwin in the drug business. At the end of that time he turned his
attention to the shoe business, purchasing the store which he has since
conducted. He carries a large and well assorted stock and controls an important
patronage, for his business methods are at all times honorable and his integrity
is beyond question. He owns an attractive home in Hampton and has besides about
one thousand acres of farming land in Franklin county. His large interests are
all carefully and conservatively managed and have brought him a gratifying
degree of success.
On the 20th of March 1895, Mr. Boehmler was united in marriage to Miss Ione
O. Hutchins, and they have become the parents of three children, Ronald, James
and Gwendolyn. Mr. Boehmler is a member of the Congregational church, is
connected fraternally with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias and
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is prominent in both
business and social circles and is today regarded as one of the leading citizens
of the community.
Samuel Bonewitz, a progressive and successful former of
Osceola township, operating one hundred and sixty acres on section 13, was born
in Germany, September I7, 1866. He is a son of John and Mary (Nerdig) Bonewitz,
also natives of that country. The father came to America in 1881 and located in
Grundy county, Iowa. In 1886 he returned to Germany and brought his wife and
children to the new world, this time locating in Franklin county. He and his
wife now make their home in Ackley. To them were born four children: Samuel of
this review; Elizabeth, the wife of D. Fritzel, of Grundy county; Henry, of
Floyd county; and William, of Franklin county.
Samuel Bonewitz emigrated to America with the family in 1886,
coming directly to Franklin county, Iowa, His entire active life has been
devoted to agricultural pursuits and his knowledge and experience have been the
salient factors in his present success. He is now renting the home farm of one
hundred and sixty acres on section Osceola township, and carries forward the
work of its development and improvement along practical and modern lines, the
result of his efforts being seen in its excellent condition.
On the 8th of February, 1893, Mr. Bonewitz was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Schnell, a native of Benton county, Iowa, who died
November 14, 1966, leaving five children: Emma Margaret born November 25, 1893;
Katherine Elizabeth, born March 24, 1897; Marie Louise, born December 15, 1899;
Henry W., born April 9, 1902; and John A., born November 3, 1906.
Mr. Bonewitz is a member of the St. John’s Evangelical
church, and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has
rendered the township excellent service as school director and is at all times
progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship, cooperating in all
projects for the betterment of the community. During the period of his residence
here he has won the warm regard and friendship of his neighbors.
George Booth
Hampton has many retired farmers, for the rich prairie land of Iowa
offers splendid opportunities to the enterprising, persistent and industrious
agriculturist. The man who has those qualities has every reason to believe that his labors
will be crowned with success, for the alluvial soil yields excellent returns and the
farmer whose efforts are intelligently directed may always hope to have a period of rest
in his later years, in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. Such has been the
record of George Booth, now a well known resident of Hampton, who was born in England
March 11, 1850, a son of William and Sarah (Ines) Booth, both of whom were natives
of England, where their entire lives were passed. They had a family of seven children:
Lucy, still living in England; George; Anna, Elizabeth, John and Polly, all residents of
England; and Fannie, who was a twin sister of John and is now deceased.
George Booth spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native
country and acquired his education there in the public schools. In 1871 he crossed the
Atlantic to the new world with Lafayette county, Wisconsin, as his destination and there
he engaged in farming, remaining in that state for twelve years. In 1883 he came to Iowa
and purchased a quarter section of land in Franklin county, to which he afterward added
one hundred and twenty acres. He still owns an excellent farm in Hamilton township but in
1908 retired to Hampton, where he has recently erected a modern residence-a two story
house at the corner of Franklin and Ninth streets. While upon the farm his work was most
carefully managed and his fields showed the result of intelligent cultivation and of
unfaltering enterprise. His land was divided by well kept fences, substantial barns and
outbuildings sheltered good grades of stock and improved modern machinery facilitated the
work of the fields.
Mr. Booth was married in 1879 to Miss Sarah Huntington, a native of
England and to them were born four children: Jennie, who is now the wife of Edward Simmons
a resident farmer of Hamilton township, occupying the old homestead; Freddy, who died at
the age of one year; Guy, who is living on his father's farm of a quarter section; and
Lester deceased. The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, and
Mr. Booth gives his political support to the republican party. He has served as school
director but has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate his
energies and attention upon his business interests which, capably managed, have brought to
him substantial returns. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to
the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their
improvement has gained a place among the substantial citizens of the community. He has
many attractive social qualities which have gained him warm friends, and he deserves to be
ranked among the representative citizens of the community.
Guy Booth
One of Franklin county's most progressive and successful
native sons is Guy Booth, now operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in
Hamilton township in which township he was born August 30, 1885. He is a son. of
George Booth, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Guy Booth acquired his education in the district schools of
Hamilton township and spent one winter studying in Iowa Falls. His entire life
has been spent upon the homestead and this property he operates renting the same
from his father. He engages in general farming, and because his methods are
always practical and progressive he has met with a gratifying measure of
success.
On the 24th of February, 1909, Mr. Booth married Miss Ellen
M. Stinson, a native of Franklin county, and they have become the parents of a
son, Dwight Harold, born February 8, 1912. Mr. Booth is connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America and is an attendant of the Methodist church.
His political support is given to the republican party, and he is now serving as
school director in a creditable and able manner. He is a young man of energy,
ambition and enterprise, and his continued success is assured.
James W. Boots
One of the fine homes on Bridge street in Hampton is that occupied by
James W. Boots, a retired farmer, who for many years has been actively identified with
agricultural interests in Franklin county, where he still owns a valuable and productive
farm of four hundred and ten acres, on which he is extensively engaged in stock-raising,
especially the breeding of fine horses. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana, March 19,
1851, and is a son of Martin and Rebecca (Jones) Boots, the former a native of Ohio and
the latter of West Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1855 came to
Iowa, settling in Franklin county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a
number of years. His wife died upon the home farm June 1, 1892, after which Mr. Boots
established his home in Geneva, where he died in 1906. In their family were eight
children: Rhoda, deceased; William, a retired farmer living in Hampton; Martha Jane, the
wife of Miles Birkett, of Luverne, Minnesota; James W.; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Simon
Long, of Luverne, Minnesota; John M., living in Dumont, Iowa; Malena, the wife of James
Burlingame, of Luverne; and Simeon J., a retired farmer residing in Hampton.
James W. Boots was but four years of age when brought to Iowa by his
parents, where he spent his youthful days. He is indebted to the public school system for
the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He remained upon the home farm until he had
attained his majority and then started out in life for himself, choosing as his life work
the occupation to which he had been reared. He now has four hundred and ten acres in
Franklin county and also an attractive residence on Bridge street in Hampton. His land is
naturally rich and productive, and his farm is one of the well developed properties of the
district, producing splendid crops of corn and other, cereals. Mr. Boots takes great
interest in blooded horses and has an imported registered coach, Constant, ten years old.
He also has an interest in a Chelperie percheron. He makes a specialty of breeding and
raising fine horses and is regarded as one of the leading stockmen of the county. His
business has assumed large proportions, and his financial returns make him one of the
substantial citizens of this part of the state.
On the 4th of April, 1887, Mr. Boots was united in marriage to Miss
Helen Lower and they became the parents of three children: Vivian Mozelle, a teacher in
the public schools, living at home; Mildred Clare, who died in childhood; and James
Milford, a high-school pupil.
Politically Mr. Boots is a republican, well informed on the questions
and issues of the day and thus able to support his position by intelligent argument. He
has been township trustee for twenty years and has capably filled other township offices,
the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. His fraternal relations
are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Practically a life-long resident of this
county, he possesses the spirit of enterprise and progress characteristic of the middle
west and throughout his entire life has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by
persistent, earnest and honorable effort, and thus it is that he has worked his way
steadily upward to success.
Aeilt Brass is now living in
retirement in Bradford, this county, after having been for many years
influentially identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests. He was
born in Germany, March 30, 1848, and is a son of W. E. and Hilka (Joesten)
Brass, natives of Germany, where the father passed away. The mother came to
America in 1878 and located in Ogle county, Illinois, whence in 1880 she moved
to Iowa. She located in Butler county, this state, and later removed to Grundy
county, where her death occurred October 26, 1881. In this family were seven
children: Klaas, deceased; Ehme, of Ogle county, Illinois; Aeilt, of this
review; John also residing in Ogle county; Siebentia, the wife of Isaac Harkan,
of Butler county, Iowa; W. E., who makes his home in Missouri; and Hilka, the
wife of John Roos, of Ogle county, Illinois.
Mr. Brass remained in Germany
until 1880 and then emigrated to America, locating in Grundy county, where he
remained for seven years. At the end of that time he moved to Hardin county and
thence after two years to Franklin county. He located in Grant township and
bought a quarter section of land here. He afterward added another quarter of
section 17, Grant township, and upon this property carried on general farming
and stock-raising for many years, meeting with gratifying and well deserved
success as a result of his practical methods and careful supervision of his
interests. He acquired a comfortable competency and in 1912 retired from active
life, moving into Bradford where he erected the modern home in which he now
resides.
On May 5, 1875, Mr. Brass was
united in marriage to Miss Waltje Arends, a native of Germany, and they have
become the parents of seven children: Wiard, of Kossuth county, Iowa; Frederick,
living near Buffalo Center, Iowa; Klaas, of Grant township; Elizabeth, the wife
of Charles A. Duit, of Grant township; Ehme, of Buffalo Center; Eppe, of Grant
township; and John, also residing in Grant township.
Mr. Brass is a member of the
Evangelical church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.
He has been active in public affairs and has held a number of local offices,
serving as justice of the peace and also as road supervisor. His life has always
been in keeping with high standards, and he justly deserves the full measure of
confidence and respect now entertained for him by all who know him.
Andrew
F. Brown
Denmark has long been celebrated
as one of the foremost agricultural countries of Europe, and many of its
citizens who have come to America have made a success at this vocation in the
United States. Among these is Andrew F. Brown, or, as he spelled his name in
Danish, Anders Fredrick Brunn, who owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable
land on sections 10 and 11, Morgan township, Franklin county. Mr. Brown was born
in Denmark, November 5, 1857, and is a son of Eller and Maria Brunn, who were
born in Denmark and both of whom are deceased. They had eight children: Lars and
Mary, who have passed away; Hannah, of Denmark; Martin and Nicolai, deceased;
Dorothy, of Denmark; Lena, who has also passed away; and Andrew F., of this
review.
The last named attended school in
his native country and at the early age of sixteen began to farm for himself. He
was so occupied for two years but then took up the miller's trade, in which
occupation he was active for about seven years. Previous to this period in his
career he had for four months served in -the Danish army. In 1881, when about
twenty-four years of age, he came to America, locating at first in Illinois,
where he farmed for one year. He then found a position in a wire factory,
continuing in that employment for sixteen months, and subsequent to that period
made his way to Hampton, Iowa, again turning his attention to farming. In 1891
he acquired title to one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 10 and 11,
Morgan township, and he was so successful in the cultivation of this tract that
he gradually has been enabled to add to it until he now owns two hundred and
forty acres. All of this land is under high cultivation, planted to cereals most
suitable for soil and climate. Mr. Brown engages in general farming, giving some
attention to stock-raising. His improvements are excellent and his buildings in
good repair, the appearance of his farm attesting the prosperity of its owner.
On May 7, 1881, was celebrated
the marriage of Andrew F. Brown and Anna Bohl, a daughter of Hans Peter and
Martha Bohl, natives of Denmark. However, the family was of German origin. Both
parents have passed away. They had seven children: Christina, deceased; Mrs.
Anna Brown; Matilda, of Denmark; Peter P., of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Hans P., of
Oregon; a son who died in infancy;. and Matt, of Buffalo Center, Iowa. Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew F. Brown had two children: Henry Christian, at home; and Elfreda
Matilda, deceased. The former married Miss Lorena Lackey on June 12, l912, and
they have a daughter, Lucille Elfreda. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew F. Brown also adopted
a daughter, Sarah L. M., who is seventeen years of age.
Andrew F. Brown votes for the
republican party and for three years served as school director of his district.
He is a member of the Lutheran church and has always taken a deep interest in
this organizations Mr. Brown has become a valuable American citizen and by his
labors has contributed toward making Franklin county one of the richest
agricultural districts in Iowa.
Fred Bruns
Fred Bruns, who owns and operates
two hundred acres of excellent land on section 24, Marion township, was born in
Cook county, Illinois, May 16, 1866. . He is a son of Henry and Philopena (Gusewelle)
Bruns, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1865 and located in Cook
county, Illinois. In 1878 they removed to Franklin county, this state, where the
father engaged in farming until he retired from active life. He now makes his
home with the subject of this review, having survived his wife, since November
4, 1894. Six children were born to them: Sophie, deceased; Fred, of this review;
Herman Louisa, the wife of Fred Vahleing, of Marion township; Lena, twin sister
of Louisa, deceased; and August, also deceased.
Fred Bruns came to Franklin
county with his parents in 1878 and he grew to manhood on his father's farm. At
the age of twenty-nine he assumed charge of the homestead which he has since
purchased. He now owns two hundred acres of land on section 24, Marion township,
and has improved it with excellent buildings and modern equipment, making it one
of the model farms of the locality.
On the 19th of April, 1895, Mr.
Bruns married Miss Lena Dohrman, a daughter of D. and Sophia Dohrman. Mr. and
Mrs. Bruns are the parents of -six children: Ida, whose birth occurred June 16,
1897; William H., who was born July 3, 1898; Anna, whose birth occurred December
27, 1901; Fred H., born June 4, 1905; Eddie, born January 15, 1909; and Meta,
born September 5, 1912.
Mr. Bruns is a member of the
Evangelical church and a republican in his political beliefs. He stands high in
business and social circles and his long residence here has made him well known
throughout the county.
William B. Bryan, a retired farmer living in Hampton, after
many years of close connection with agricultural interests of Franklin county,
was born in George county, Ohio, July 10, 1837. He is a son of Abraham and Polly
(Beardsley) Bryan, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. In
1870 the parents moved to Franklin county and located in Geneva township, where
the father engaged in farming until his death in 1873. His wife has also passed
away. To their union were born seven children: Orlando; Harrison; Albert;
William B., of this review; George; Mary, a resident of Hampton; and Ann, the
widow of Donald Miller, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
During the entire period. of his active life William Bryan
has engaged in agricultural pursuits. He acquired valuable land holdings in
Franklin county, accumulating four hundred and thirty three acres of valuable
land which he has since sold. The years brought him a gratifying degree of
success in the conduct of his farming and stock-raising interests, and
eventually he retired from active life, moving into Hampton, where he has since
resided. He occupies a fine home on Second street and is well and favorably
known in the city.
On the 25th of December, 1866, Mr. Bryan was united in
marriage to Miss Susan Townsend, a native of Illinois and they became the
parents of nine children: George Sherman, a farmer of Allamakee county, Harry
H., deceased; Ernest T., residing in Emmet county; Ray S., who also resides in
Emmet county, Iowa; Wayne, who died in infancy; Mary Winona, at home; Irving, a
resident of Emmet county; Olive, the wife of C. Sharpe of Hampton; and Earl H.,
at home.
Mr. Bryan is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in
Company H, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry on the 15th of August, 1862.
He served three years and during that time took. part in various important
engagements, receiving three wounds at the battle of Lookout Mountain. He was
mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, and received his honorable discharge at
Chicago, Illinois, on the 25th of July, 1865.
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, is a member of
the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
He has held various positions of public trust and responsibility and was for
nine years president of the board of Geneva township. He is a man whose
industry, ability and integrity have won for him the prosperity which he enjoys
today and have placed him in the foremost rank as a representative citizen of
the community.
Ervin Buge belongs to the younger generation of successful agriculturists of
Franklin county. He cultivates an attractive farm of eighty acres, which is
nicely improved and speaks well for his ability and progressiveness. Mr. Buge is
a native son of this county and was born October 31, 1884. His parents were
August and Caroline (Guds) Buge, natives of Germany, both of' whom came in their
youth to America. They were married in Eldorado, Wisconsin, and resided there
for five years before making their way to Franklin county in October, 1875. They
located on section 13, Morgan township, where the father acquired eighty acres
of land. In 1908 he turned over this property to our subject. They were the
parents of ten children: Otto, of Morgan township; Amelia, who married Ernst
Gaulke, of Morgan township; Albert, of Coulter; Matilda, the wife of Albert
Korth, of Morgan township; Ida, who married William Bush, of Hampton; Hulda,
deceased; Helena, the wife of H. Stethorn, of Hampton; Louisa, who married H.
McAllister, of Morgan township; Ervin, our subject; and John, deceased.
Ervin Buge was reared upon the farm which he now owns and in the acquirement
of his education attended the schools of that neighborhood. As soon as old
enough he began to participate in farm labor, assisting his father, and in 1908
the latter deeded the home farm to him. It comprises eighty acres and is in a
high state of cultivation. Mr. Buge devotes himself to general farming and has
been very successful along that line, employing the most modern methods. He is
systematic in his work and ever ready to embrace new ideas. He is a member of
the Evangelical church, in the work of which he takes a laudable interest. Mr.
Buge is popular among the younger people in Morgan township and is highly
esteemed by all who know him because of his high qualities of mind and
character.
William R. Bunker has spent practically his entire life in
Franklin county and for a number of years past has been connected with
agricultural interests as the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty
acres on sections 17 and 18, Geneva township. He was born in New York, December
23, 1860, and is a son of William and Carrie (Place) Bunker, the former of whom
was killed in the Civil war.
William R. Bunker came to Franklin county when he was two
years of age and has been a resident of this locality since that time. Since the
beginning of his active career he has been connected with agricultural pursuits
and has accumulated valuable landed holdings, owning two hundred and forty acres
of excellent land on sections 17 and 18, Geneva township. This property he has
greatly improved, providing it with substantial buildings and modern machinery
and neglecting nothing which would add to its appearance or value. He engages in
general farming and stock-raising and has met with gratifying and well deserved
success.
Mr. Bunker married Miss Benson and they have become the
parents of three children: Alida May, the wife of A. M. Royer, of Janesville,
Iowa; and Frank E. and Floyd R., both of Franklin county. Mr. Bunker gives his
political allegiance to the republican party but is not active in public
affairs, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his farming interests,
which under his able management have become extensive and lucrative.
Henry Burmester
Since 1876 Henry Burmester has been closely connected with agricultural
interests of Franklin county and is now the owner of three quarter sections of land in
Mott township. He was born in Germany, November 4, 1836, and is a son of Henry and
Marguerite (Hartman) Burmester, the former of whom died in Germany.
Henry Burmester came to America in 1869 and located in Chapin, Iowa,
where for five years he engaged in railroad work. At the end of that time he moved from
the town, and in 1876 he bought a quarter section of land in partnership with his
step-son. His holdings increased steadily throughout the years which followed, and he owns
today three quarter sections, all well improved and in excellent condition, reflecting the
care and supervision he has bestowed upon his property. Mr. Burmester follows always the
most practical and progressive methods in the conduct of his interests, with the result
that he is now one of the successful' and representative farmers of his locality.
Mr. Burmester married Mrs. Anna (Meyer) Gade and they became the
parents of three children: Will; Anna; and an infant, who passed away in Germany. Mr.
Burmester's first wife died in 1882 and in 1883 he wedded Miss Annie Schrader, by whom he
had seven children: Henry and August, at home; Elizabeth, deceased; Emma; Magdalena;
Wilhelmine; and Esther, who has passed away.
Mr. Burmester is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as road supervisor and is
always interested and active in the promotion of movements for the general welfare.
Throughout a period of residence in Mott township covering thirty-seven years he has made
many valuable contributions to agricultural development and has become widely known not
only as a successful farmer but also as a public-spirited and useful citizen.
Joseph G. Bushyager, who has lived in Franklin county for
more than a half century, is known as one of its oldest settlers and as one of
the few remaining veterans of the great Civil war. He devoted his attention to
general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career but during
the past six years has lived retired in Sheffield. His birth occurred in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of August, 1842. His father, Henry
Bushyager, a native of Pennsylvania and a carpenter by trade, came to Iowa in
1856, settling first in Dubuque and three years later at Shell Rock, Butler
county. In the spring of 1860 he purchased eighty acres of wild land on section
18, West Fork township (then known as Ingham township), .Franklin county. He
hauled the lumber for his first house from Cedar Falls and here continued to
reside throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 22d of
December, 1881. Henry Bushyager was one of the early trustees of the township
and subsequently was made a member of the county board of supervisors. In
Pittsburgh he had wedded Miss Jane Winters, who died in that city in 1850. To
them were born nine children, five of whom died in infancy. Martha gave her hand
in marriage to Frederick Meyers, an early settler and old soldier of Franklin
county, whose home was formerly in West Fork township. Mrs. Meyers is now
deceased and her husband makes his home in Kansas. Mary, twin sister of Martha,
became the wife of Captain John Boyd, a soldier of the Civil war. Pennsylvania
remained their home until the time of their demise. Sarah was the wife of Andrew
Dorsey, who also participated in the Civil war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey, who
lived in Pittsburgh, have passed away.
Joseph G. Bushyager spent his boyhood in the city of his
nativity and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education.
After putting aside his textbooks he worked at farm labor until 186o, when he
came to Iowa and joined his father in Franklin county. His first crop in this
state was cut with a cradle and scythe. In December, 1863, Mr. Bushyager
enlisted for service in the Civil war as a private of Company H, Thirty-second
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He took part in a skirmish at Fort De Russy and also in
the engagement at Pleasant Hill, on the 4th of April, 1864, which was the last
battle of the Red River raid. Becoming ill, he was confined in hospitals at
Vicksburg, Jefferson Barracks and at Keokuk, Iowa. In the spring of 1865 he
received an honorable discharge and returned to the farm in West Fork township.
He inherited from his father the old home place of one hundred and five acres
and later purchased an additional tract of eighty acres in West Fork township as
well as a quarter section of land in Ross township. In the conduct of his
general farming interests he met with excellent success, annually gathering
bounteous crops, which found a ready sale on the market. In 1907 he put aside
the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Sheffield, where he is
now spending the evening of life in honorable retirement.
In April, 1867, Mr. Bushyager was joined in wedlock to Miss
Mary Leidig, who was born in Pennsylvania on the 18th of October, 1849, her
parents being George and Mary (Bushyager) Leidig, the father a native of Ohio
and the mother of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in 1855, settling first in
Jackson county, while in 1863 they took up their abode in Clinton township,
Franklin county. To Mr. and Mrs. Bushyager have been born nine children, as
follows: Janette B., who is the wife of William Bell and resides in Missouri;
George L., who wedded Miss Myrtle Scott and resides in Colorado; Henry B., who
makes his home in Chicago; Mary E., who is a teacher by profession and lives at
home; Lucia L., who was the wife of Lemuel M. Bowman, of Chicago, and died in
July, 1913; Matilda Jane, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Liekwig, of
Sheffield; Alvin J., residing on the old home farm; Zillah, who is the wife of
Robert Meyer, of West Fork township; and one, who died in infancy.
Mr. Bushyager exercises his right of franchise in support of
the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of
that party. He served as a school director for many years. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his
wife also belongs. He has witnessed the marvelous transformation that has here
occurred as pioneer conditions have given way before the onward march of
civilization, and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past
and the progressive present. His record cannot fail to prove of interest to many
of our readers, for he has an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances
throughout the community.
Dennis F. Butler, who since 1885 has owned and
operated a fine farm of eighty acres on section 4, Ingham township, and who has
also another farm of similar extent in West Fork township, was born in Green
county, Wisconsin, September 16, 1867. He is a son of Samuel Butler, of whom
further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Dennis F. Butler was reared upon the family
homestead in Ingham township and acquired his education in the district schools.
In 1885 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, Ingham township, and
since that time has cultivated and improved this property with the result that
it is today an attractive and valuable farm. He has in addition another eighty
acre tract in West Fork township and engages in general farming, his practical
methods bringing him a gratifying and well deserved success.
On the 24th of September, 1899, Mr. Butler was
united in marriage to Miss Cora Ella Esshieger, a native of Franklin county, and
they have become, the parents of five children: Elsie, who was born May 3, 1902;
Viola, born November 27, 1903; Virgil, born September 11, 1908; and Wilma and
Wilson, twins, born 'May 19, 1913.
Mrs. Butler is a member of the Evangelical
church. Mr. Butler gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. His
life has been a busy and useful one and his success is indicated in the fact of
his ownership of one of the valuable farming properties of the community.
Samuel Butler, a valued and representative citizen of Hampton, living
retired after a period of connection with agricultural interests of Franklin county dating
from 1869, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 9, 1842. He is a son of John and Ann
.(McCammant) Butler, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Iowa about 1875, locating at
West Union. The father was a Baptist minister and also engaged in farming. He died in
Kansas, and his wife passed away in Oklahoma. To their union were born eight children:
Lewis, who died in the army during the Civil war; Samuel, of this review; Thomas, who has
passed away; Rebecca Jane, the widow of F. Reddinger, of Sealy, Oklahoma; John, a resident
of Jennings, Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Wilmer Seers, of Missouri; George, of Monroe,
Wisconsin; and Zeblin, of Downs, Kansas.
Samuel Butler's entire active life was given over to agricultural
pursuits. When he was twenty-three years of age he began farming in Green county,
Wisconsin, and there remained for several years. In the spring of 1869 he came to Franklin
county, this state, locating in Ingham township, where he purchased one hundred and six
and two-thirds acres of land. To this he afterward added from time to time, his property
holdings finally comprising three hundred and twenty-seven acres. This place he operated
for thirty-two years thereafter, steadily carrying forward the work of its cultivation and
developing it into a valuable and productive farm. He continued active in its operation
until 1901, when he bought five acres in the northeastern part of the corporation of
Hampton and upon this property erected the comfortable modern home in which he is now
spending his retired life.
On the 1st of December, 1864, Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Miss
Nancy E. Bailey, a native of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of eight
children: Annie, the wife of John Eitle, of Hampton; Dennis Franklin, a farmer in Ingham
township; Isabelle, the wife of A. C. Woodland, also of Ingham township; Angeline,
deceased; Lloyd, of Denver, Iowa; Edith, the wife of L. E. Rosen, a farmer in Ingham
township; Roy, who has passed away; and Clifford, operating the old homestead. Mr. Butler
is a member of the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic
party. He stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and the success that has come
to him is but the just reward of his own earnest and persistent efforts.
Henry
Buzzell
Since 1890 Henry Buzzell has been
prominently connected with agricultural interests of Franklin county and has
made substantial contributions to general development and progress through his
intelligent management of his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on
sections 25 and 26, Lee township. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, June 1,
1852, and is a son of Daniel P. and Lucina (Henry) Buzzell, the former a native
of Montpelier, Vermont,.born June 27, 1821, and the latter of New York.. In
December, 1852, they removed from Cook county, Illinois, to De Kalb county, that
state, where Daniel P. Buzzell purchased a farm of eighty acres and continued to
reside until his death, which occurred May 1, 1886. His wife was called to her
final rest on the 29th of March, 1889. To them were born ten children: Lydia,
the deceased wife of A. Cook, of Saratoga, California; Nathaniel, who has passed
away; Henry, of this review; George, deceased; Orin, of Sycamore, Illinois;
Mary, the wife of Samuel J. Mason, of Iowa Falls; Ira, of Tracy, Minnesota;
Otis, a resident of Sycamore, Illinois; Lottie, of Iowa Falls, and Ada, the wife
of George Bunk, of Hardin county.
Henry Buzzell remained with his
parents until he was twenty-five years of age and then removed from De Kalb
county to Kane county, Illinois, where he remained for one year. At the end of
that time he went to Boone county, Illinois, and after another year returned to
Kane county, where he spent two years. He made his first purchase of land in
1879, buying eighty acres in Kane county, Illinois, whereon he resided for two
years. In 1881 he bought one hundred and thirty acres in Boone county, Illinois,
where he resided for nine years or until 1890, when he came to Franklin county
and purchased two hundred and forty acres on sections 25 and 26, Lee township.
Upon this property he has practically resided since that time with the exception
of two years, from 1892 until 1894, when he returned to De Kalb county to
operate and dispose of his father's homestead. He has steadily carried forward
the work of improvement and cultivation, adding to his buildings and equipment
whenever necessary and making the farm one of the finest in this locality. In
addition to the work of the fields, he also raises and feeds stock and his
interests along this line are extensive and important.
In January, 1877, Mr. Buzzell
married Miss Emily Hawley, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Theodore S.
and Sarah (Cramp) Hawley, the former a native of New York state, born July 4,
1815, and the latter born in England, March 20, 1826. Mr. Hawley died in Kane
county, Illinois, in 1900, and his wife in May, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Buzzell
became the parents of five children: Cora, Arvin and Menzo, deceased; Harry, who
was born in Boone county, Illinois, April 29, 1888, and is at home; and Susie
Pearl, the wife of Louis Newton, a resident of Lee township.
Mr. Buzzell is a thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite Mason, being a member of Masons Home Lodge, No. 192, A. F. & A. M., of Iowa Falls, and Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, S. P. R. S. He is
also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party, serving at the present time as township
trustee. The course which he has followed throughout the, period of his
residence in Franklin county commends him to the confidence and good-will of all
and he has an extensive and representative circle of friends.
