Etna Township

Abraham G. Barnum is a prominent representative and a pioneer, who came to Hardin county and purchased his land in the fall of 1854, and settled on the same the following spring.  Mr. Barnum is a son of Jabez and Anna L. Barnum, and he was born in Green county, N. Y., December 26, 1826.  He removed with the family to Michigan where he resided until 1854, when he started out in search of a location, and thus came to Hardin county and purchased his present property.  In 1860 Mr. Barnum married Miss Nancy Southard, daughter of Levi W. Southard.  They have had twelve children, eleven of whom are now living -- H. W., Eugene G., Olive S., Edwin A., Elga, Jabez W., Clara, Margaret, Elbert S., Rosalie and Melinda.

Sylvain Bloch was born in Metz, France, in September, 1841.  His father was a dealer in grain, and a manufacturer of starch glucose, and in this business the subject of this sketch was brought up.  Mr. Bloch was subsequently engaged in a commission business in Paris.  In 1866 he emigrated to the United States, stopped in New York city about six months, and then went to Chicago, where he was a member of the Board of Trade until 1868.  He then came to Waterloo, Iowa, and in October, 1869 to Ackley.  Here he was engaged in a mercantile business one year, then clerked in the store of Wm. Frances, until 1872, since which time he has been engaged in a general produce trade.  Mr. Bloch is a Republican in politics, he was City Mayor in 1881, and has been Justice of the Peace since 1876.

Van Blondin, the leading barber of Ackley, was born at Watertown, N. Y., October 15, 1833.  His parents, Anthony and Mary (Resaunt) Blondin, were both natives of France.  The subject of this sketch commenced work at his trade, in his father's shop, when he was only nine years of age.  In 1862, he enlisted in Company K, of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery, and served a term of three years.   He then came to Iowa, and located at Independence, engaged in the barber business with his brother Samuel, and, in the fall of 1865, married Miss Emiline Teers.  In 1866 he removed to Manchester, but in 1867 he again returned to Independence, and engaged in the saloon business, which he continued three months, during which time he lost about all he had saved in former years.  He then removed to Cedar Falls, and resumed his trade.  In 1869 he removed to Waterloo, in 1872 to Waverly, in 1873 to Dubuque, and in 1879 to Ackley.  When he arrived at the last named place, he had just one dollar, and this he gave for his lodging and breakfast at the Revere House; but he at once commenced work, and, by being industrious and economical, he now owns a good house and lot valued at $1,000, and is doing a good business.  Mr. Blondin is also a breeder of thorough-bred, imported King Charles Spaniel, Irish Spaniel and English Bull dogs.   In politics, Mr. Blondin is a Liberal, and in religion a Roman Catholic.  Mr. and Mrs. Blondin have had born to them eight children, four only of whom are now living -- Fred., Van, Emma and Arthur.

A. Bongar, one of Etna's early settlers and prominent farmers, is a native of Germany, and was born in the year 1825.  Mr. Bongar resided in his native country until 1855, when he came to the United States, and soon settled where he now resides, and has since made farming a business.  In 1880 he gave seven acres of land to the B. C. R. & N. Railroad Company, and thereby succeeded in having the station of Cleves located near his residence.  He owns about 200 acres of well improved land.  In 1864 Miss Tena Myers became his wife.  She died in June, 1881, leaving six children, five of whom are now living -- John, Katie, Ellen, Minnie and Nantke.  In politics he is a Republican, and religion, a Baptist.

M. Burns, for a long time previous to his coming to Ackley, had been engaged in the lumber trade at Cedar Falls, but being satisfied that the former place would, in the course of time, take the lead of the latter, he disposed of his business at the Falls and established a lumber yard at Ackley, hauling by team, under considerable difficulties, over one hundred thousand feet of lumber from Aplington, distant from Ackley about ten miles.  

John A. Carton

The banking house of Lusch, Carton & Co. was established in April, 1870, by John C. Lusch, John A. Carton and C. G. Ankeney. The original capital of the institution was $10,000, which has since been largely increased. Mr. Ankeney continued his connection with the bank until 1872, when he withdrew, since which time the business has been conducted by Mr. Lusch and Mr. Carton, the firm name remaining as originally given. The bank is conducted by men of the strictest honor and integrity, who are careful in all their business transactions. They thus have the confidence of the community, and the bank's credit in No. 1. The average deposits of the bank is $50,000. For the twelve years the bank has been in existence, its average exchange has amounted to $150,000, which is now largely increased.

John Arthur Carton was born September 6, 1834 , and is of Scotch-Irish stock. His father, James Stuart Carton, and his mother, Ellen Mary Murphy, moved from Amagansett, L. I., to Ottawa , Ill. , in 1846, where his father engaged in farming. Mr. John A. Carton remained in Ottawa until he was of age, and studied civil engineering at Ottawa and Chicago , Ill. He came to Iowa in 1856, and was employed in the office of B. B. Provost, Chief Engineer of the Dubuque and Pacific (now Dubuque and Sioux City ) Railroad. He had a share in the work of surveying the railroad from Dubuque to Sioux City , and in the construction of the railroad from Dubuque to Cedar Falls , where the farther construction was stopped for some years. His services were next employed in the banking house of the Hon. J. H. Leavitt, at Waterloo , Iowa , and remained there until called home to Ottawa , by the death of his father, September 10, 1860 . Mr. Carton remained at Ottawa until 1864, when, having settled his father's estate, he returned to Waterloo , Iowa , and engaged his services in the elevator and lumber yard of C. A. Farwell. This business suited him, and he now looked around for an opening in some of the new stations on the railroad being built west, and fixed on Ackley, his judgment being much influenced by the advice of an old and true friend, the Hon. Platt Smith, of Dubuque . Mr. Carton formed a partnership with W. W. Joseph, in June, 1865, and, in July of the same year, hauled the first load of lumber brought to Ackley, to erect a business building, and commenced the building of an elevator, in which building he still handles grain. In 1868, Mr. John C. Lusch became his partner in the grain and lumber business and in 1870 they together opened the banking house of Lusch, Carton & Co., which, with the grain and lumber business at Ackley, and grain exclusively at Faulkner and Cleves stations, is at this time operated by these gentlemen. Mr. Carton was married January 3, 1867 , to Miss Susan E. Raymond, of Ottawa , Ill. The family consists of two boys and three girls. He is a Republican in politics, Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Ackley, and a member of Ascalon Commandery, K. T., at Waterloo .

Fred. Christien, of the firm of Swartz & Christien, proprietors of the Ackley Foundry and Machine Works, was born in Switzerland in 1848, and while yet a small child he was brought by his parents to the United States.  He lived with his family at Buffalo, N. Y., until twelve years old, then went to Lawrence, Mass., and learned the trade of a machinist.  Six years afterwards he returned to Buffalo.  In 1869 he came to Iowa, was overseer in a woolen mill in Iowa county about seven years, then of a cotton mill at Rockford, Ill., until 1880.  He then returned to Iowa, and in December, 1880, came to Ackley.  Mr. Christien, in 1874, married Miss Emma Henning.  She died in 1876.

Solomon Cloverlocated on section 27, where he now resides, on the 31st day of May, 1855, and purchased 420 acres of unimproved land. On this he spent about one thousand dollars for improvements the first year, and he lived quite comfortable, until 1862, when he had the misfortune to have his house and all household goods destroyed by fire. He, however, at once rebuilt and now has a comfortable home, and now owns 116 ½ acres of land, having given his sons the balance. Mr. Clover is a citizen who is highly respected, a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Clover was born in Franklin county, Ohio, September 25, 1816, being the oldest of eight children, of Joshua and Rachel Clover. June 8, 1837 he married Miss Jane Widner. They have had ten children, six now living. One son - George, enlisted in the 3d Iowa Battery, and now fills a soldiers grave at Little Rock, Arkansas. The six children now living are - Artemissa, now Mrs. L. Scott; Alice, now Mrs. Augustus Homan; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Thos. Richardson; William F., Solomon M. and Charles La Fayette.

A. M. Crandall came to Ackley in 1877, and has since kept a meat market, and, although there were already two markets in the place, Mr. Crandall, by doing a straightforward business, soon received his share of the patronage.  He was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1850, and as his father was a butcher by trade, he was soon educated to the business.  In 1869 he came to Iowa, and run a market at Osceola, until 1876, then at Webster City until he came to Ackley.  Mr. Crandall was married in 1874, to Miss Mary Cash.  They have three children:  Lydia, Frank and Irvin.

Amos Doan is the man who opened the first blacksmith shop at Hardin City, as he came to that place in May, 1854.  He remained a resident of Hardin county until 1878, then went to Kansas, but, as this trip proved a misfortune, he returned to Hardin county, and, in the fall of 1881, opened a shop at Robertson, where we now find him engaged in a general blacksmith business.  Mr. Doan was born in Lycoming county, Pa., May 27, 1828.  His father was Henry Doan, who came to Hardin county in 1862 and died in 1871, and his mother, Hannah Doan, who now resides in Jackson township.  There were five children in the family, four now living -- Amos, Sarah A., W. S. T. and Daniel.  Amos Doan, in 1853, married Miss Caroline M. Baker, and they now have four children -- Crawford W., Luella A., now Mrs. G. H. Crippin; Sarah Florence and Amos W.  In 1862, when our Nation was trying to suppress the rebellion, Mr. Doan enlisted in Company A of the 32d Iowa, and served three years.  He was taken prisoner at Pleasant Hill, La., and confined in Tyler Prison, Texas, for thirteen months.

C. H. Doepke, one of the prominent, successful merchants of Ackley, is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, and was born in 1842. Mr. Doepke learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed the same in his native country until 1866. He then concluded to seek his fortune in a different land, and therefore came to the United States. When he landed in the city of New York he found his financial resources reduced to two cents, but he immediately found work at his trade, and in two months saved money enough to permit him to migrate to Wisconsin. In 1868 he settled at Ackley, continued at his trade, and as he was industrious and economical, he soon saved quite a snug little sum of money for a laborer. With this he purchased a stock of boots and shoes, and in 1874 engaged in business. Mr. Doepke, by his honest dealings, soon gained the confidence of the people, and therefore established a large trade. In 1878 he erected a very neat brick residence, and in 1881 he built his present store, a brick structure fifty feet in length, twenty feet in width, and two stories in height, situated on the corner of Main and Mitchell street, which is the best business location in town, Mr. Doepke is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, a man who attends strickly to his own business, honest in his dealings, and prompt in the fulfillman of his obligations. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of Town Clerk. He married in 1868, Miss Maria Wickman, a native of Germany. THey have four children -- Charles, Maria, Hugo and Francis.

Herman Eggers was born in Germany, November 16, 1818.  At twenty-seven years of age he went to England, and in 1848 came to America, landing in New York where he remained five years, working in a sugar refinery; thence to Illinois, and in 1854 to Etna, and settled on section 35, where he now owns 130 acres of land.  He was married September 19, 1852, in New York, to Taalke Steenblock, who was born in Germany, October 9, 1826, and came to America in 1851.  Their children are -- Rebecca Johanna Hennetta, born in New York City, July 18, 1853; Wortyni Teresa Willemena, born April 12, 1856; John Frederick William, born, 1858, November 15, died May 27, 1860; John William Frederick, born January 26, 1861; Antye Morgaurntle Jesine, born September 18, 1863; Henry Wirtye Steenblock, born December 18, 1865; Delle Amalla Violet Steenblock Wilhelm Johan, born January 13, 1869.

Jesse C. Foster

In 1863, Jesse C. Foster, from North Carolina , came and located adjoining the village plat in the grove, and there opened a general store. As the surrounding country was settled to a considerable degree, he thought it would be a good opening for business, and his reasoning was correct. Here he met with good success, which continued without opposition for two years, or until that mighty herald of civilization, the locomotive, awakened from sleep the dreamers in and around Ackley. At this time the town site was nothing but naked prairie, interspersed with brush, and beyond its name Ackley had no existence. No sooner was the railroad established, however, than enterprising men form the east, whose foresight enabled them to discover that Ackley was destined to be a town of great importance and prosperity, came and settled here, and an enterprising town sprang up as if by magic. The signal for people to rush to Ackley, was the completion of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad to this point.

Just before the railroad was completed to Ackley, Carton & Joseph began the erection of an elevator, which is still standing, and is owned by Mr. Carton. This was the first building commenced in Ackley. But, to William Francis, belongs the honor of completing the first building on Main street , in which he opened a stock of general merchandise, and was therefore the first merchant. (The Committee on revision appended to this statement the following note: The first store on the town plat was opened by Secrist & Mershon, in the early spring of 1865, and located in the same block where the German Methodist Church now stands, in which they remained until the fall of 1865, when they built near where Kolar's blacksmith ship now stands, and soon after moved to main street.)

Jesse C. Foster realizing that it would not do for him to remain longer in the timber, erected a building on the north side of Main street , to which he removed shortly after Mr. Francis completed and occupied his store-room. About the time these store-rooms were being fitted up, Mr. Burns, as well as Carton & Joseph, was engaged in erecting a warehouse and elevator. The elevator of Carton & Joseph was commenced on the 1 st day of July, 1865; on the 14 th of October the firm placed in the building one of the large platform scales of Fairbanks , and on the 16 th of October purchased the first load of grain.

William Francis, the pioneer merchant of Ackley, and the present postmaster, is a native of Ireland , and was born in 1825. His father, Robert Francis, was a Protestant of Hueguenot [sic] stock, and his mother, Delia (Donlan) Francis, was of Celtic descent. In 1834, the family emigrated to America , and settled at Kingston , Canada . Robert Francis was a civil engineer at Fort Hemans , in the employ of the Royal Engineer Department of the British Government, and as such he had the superintending of the building of the light-houses on the Canada side of the St. Lawrence river, at Thousand Islands, the construction of the lock and dam at St Ann's Island, Montreal, and the widening of the Lachine canal. The subject of this sketch was educated to the lumber trade, and at the age of twenty-one he engaged in business, and continued the same until 1856. He then came to the United States and entered the employ of a large lumber firm at Oconto, Wisconsin, as agent in full charge; but, as the firm was obliged to succumb during the panic of 1857, Mr. Francis, in 1858, returned to Canada, and again engaged in a lumber business. But during his stay in Wisconsin he became to strongly attached to Western life to permit him to live contented in Canada . He therefore, in 1860, migrated to Chicago , Ill. , and in the fall of the same year he removed to Cedar Falls , Iowa , where he engaged in a general mercantile business. In 1856, when the Illinois Central Railroad was pushing westward, Mr. Francis concluded to go farther west, and locate in some new town, and there pursue his business. This idea brought him to Ackley. Here, he built the building now occupied by the postoffice, and in it kept the first regular store in the town of Ackley . Mr. Francis continued in the mercantile line until 1879, since which time he has been Postmaster of Ackley. Mr. Francis is a man who thinks a great deal of home. He has one of the finest residences in the city, and his family is supplied with all the requirements of the best social life. He has always aided every enterprise tending to build up or advance the interest of his town. He aided in securing the Central Railroad of Iowa, and was one of its first Directors. He is a Republican in politics, was the first Mayor of Ackley, and has always taken an active part in education. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, being a charter member of Lodge No. 219, of Ackley, and a citizen who is highly respected. Mr. Francis was married at Cedar Falls , Iowa , in 1862, to Miss Amelia Bradley, a native of Cincinnati , Ohio , and they have had six children, three of whom are now living – Cora A., William and Robert.

John H. Fryer, the wide-awake landlord of the Revere House, is a son of Nelson and Lucinda (Miller) Fryer, and was born at Whitewater, Wis., on the 11th day of February, 1850.  He was reared on a farm and educated at Milton College.  In 1875 he concluded to see some of the Western country, and, accordingly, spent two years in Colorado.  He then returned to Wisconsin, and in April, 1878, at Marshalltown, Iowa, married Miss Alma A. Williams, daughter of Nathan D. and Betsey A. Williams, of Whitewater, Wis.  Mr. Fryer then became the proprietor of the Blake House, at Racine, Wis., and runs the same until June 1, 1879.  He then removed to Chicago, and acted as Collector for Baird & Dillon until February, 1880, since which time he has been proprietor of the Revere House, and under his management the house became a favorite stopping place among the traveling public.  Mr. Fryer is a man who is agreeable in manners, accommodating to his guests, and courteous to all.

Edward Graham

On Saturday evening, January 15, 1876, Edward Graham died in Etna township, aged 101 years.  He was born December 31, 1775.  His ancestry was of the sturdy Scotch-Irish combination.  His parents lived on the banks of the Ashley river, near Charleston, S. C.  In 1791, when General Washington visited Charleston, Mr. Graham was sixteen years old, and came in from his home in the country to gaze upon the countenance of that hero who was "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."  When Lafayette visited Charleston, Edward Graham was then a man who had lived his half century, but he went to the city to welcome the friend of his country's savior, in his youth.   Mr. Graham voted at every Presidential election in this century up to the time of his death, his last vote being for General Grant.

James B. Hathaway, who resides on section 31, Etna township, is a native of Vermillion county, Ind. , and was born April 2, 1839 , his parents being Daniel and Mary (Blair) Hathaway. In 1842 the family removed to Illinois , where, in 1844, the father died, and in 1846 the mother, with her four children, removed to Ohio , and there married James Shaw. In 1857, James B. Hathaway commenced steam boating on the Ohio river , and followed the same about three years, and then located at Freeport , Illinois . In 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 46 th Illinois , and served nine months, when he was discharged on account of disability. In 1863, he returned to Ohio , and in 1864 came back to Freeport , Ill. , where he again enlisted, this time in Battery H, Illinois Light Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He then resided at Freeport , until 1867, when he came to Hardin county. December 25, 1873 , he married Miss Ella Bird, daughter of E. M. Bird. They have three children Edna, Mabel and Myrtle.

Thomas Humphreys, one of the first permanent settlers of the township, was a native of Mifflin county, Pa., born on the 24th day of January, 1805.  In 1813 he removed with his parents to Green county, Ohio, where he helped till the soil, and on the 16th day of February, 1826, married Miss Catherine Ann Hawk, then of Clark county, Ohio, but a native of Pennsylvania.  In 1829 they moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and seven years later to Delaware county, of that State, from which place, in 1853, they came to Hardin county, and, with the friends who came with them, formed the first settlement of Etna township.  When they first arrived at their new home they lived in a tent; but Mr. Humphreys soon erected a double log house, 16x36 feet, and covered the same with shingles made by himself, but was unable to procure anything that would answer for flooring.  Although there was no floor except the bare ground, on the 29th day of October, while taking up quarters in the new house, the family was happy, and agreed that "there is no place like home."  But they had just got into their new place of abode when the first snow storm of the season came upon them, and as there were large crevices between the logs, the snow was soon as deep on the inside as on the outside of the building.  On the 2nd day of November, Mr. Humphreys started for Dubuque, to procure provisions for the approaching winter.  During the eighteen days occupied in making this trip, Mrs. Humphreys and two children remained alone, but she was not idle, for, when Mr. Humphreys returned, he found that the snow could no longer enter their dwelling, as his faithful wife had chinked all the crevices with mud.  One Sunday morning, in 1854, they were somewhat startled by a visit of twenty-six well-armed Indian warriors.  To these they gave a breakfast of bread and milk, after which they departed.  It appears that these warriors were in search of some Indians, who had committed some crime.  Mr. Humphreys was successful as a farmer; accumulated 240 acres of land, which he improved, and provided his family with a home, supplied with all the comforts of the best farm life.  He was an honest, upright and enterprising citizen, and an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, but would not accept any public office.  His death took place march 11th, 1881, after fifty-five years of happy married life.  Mrs. Humphreys still resides on the homestead.  She has had five adopted children: Thos. H. Pitgengee, Mary A. Shafer, now Mrs. Augustus Lieser; Henry Humphreys; Christina Hawk, now Mrs. George W. Wilson, and Eldora Lee.

J. H. Hurley was born in Frederick county, Md., February 7, 1821.  His early life was spent on a farm, subsequently he learned the cooper's trade, and also educated himself for the ministry, being ordained November, 1845, as a minister of the gospel in the society called the "Church of God."  He remained with the society, preaching for several years in the State of Pennsylvania, then in Illinois, and afterwards in Missouri.  In 1870, while in Missouri, he changed his church relations from the "Church of God" to the "Christian Church," and continued in the ministry, until 1878, since which time he has been living at Ackley, as he here owns 200 acres of land, which he had purchased in 1856, this, however, he sold in 1882 for $15 per acre.  Mr. Hurley at present holds the office of Justice of the Peace, and also carries on a real estate and insurance business.  He was married at Lancaster, Penn., in 1851, to Miss Mary Livergood.  They have had nine children, five of whom are now living -- Annie, at present a teacher in the schools of Ackley; Edward, Harry, Ansley, and an adopted daughter, Miss Phoebe S. Sites, who is a teacher in the Ackley schools.

A. W. Jameson, the leading jeweler of Ackley, and a genial and courteous gentleman, was born in Columbus, Ohio, April 30, 1842.  He was left motherless when three years of age, but the father again married, and in 1855 the family came to Iowa and settled in Dallas county.  In 1858 A. W. Jameson returned to Columbus and learned his trade.  In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, 4th Ohio Infantry, was wounded at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and one year later discharged on account of disability caused by the same.  In 1864 he engaged in business at Marshalltown, Iowa.  Two years later he went to Yankton, Dakota, where he continued six years; then at Elk Point until 1876, since which time he has been at Ackley.  On march 24, 1875, he married Miss Nettie Kennedy, and they now have one daughter -- Lulu.

Frederick Kelocow is a native of Germany, born in 1836.  He came to the United States in 1854, and first settled in Racine county, Wis., when he worked at various employments in that and Jefferson county for eleven years.  He then came to Iowa, as he had previously purchased 120 acres of his present farm.  In 1866, he returned to Wisconsin, and married Sabra Farver, a native of Astabula county, Ohio.  They now have six children -- Ellen, Frank, Idella, Elmer, Seymour and Henry.

Ichabod Lathrop settled on section 34, where he now resides, in July, 1853.  His father, Isaac Lathrop, was a native of Connecticut, and his mother, Lois (Sawyer) Lathrop, of New York, and it was in Genesee county of that old Empire State that on the 13th day of August, 1814, the subject of this sketch was born.  In 1818, the family removed to Jefferson county, Ind., and in 1822, they removed to Illinois, when, in February, 1823, the mother died, leaving a family of ten children, of whom Ichabod is the youngest.  He returned to Jefferson county, Indiana, and there lived with his brother, Lyman G. Lathrop, until 1833.  He went to Tippecanoe county, where, in 1836, he married Miss Catherine Humphreys.  In 1839, the removed to Muncie, and from there, in 1853, to Iowa.  Mr. Lathrop now owns 234 acres of land, which he has well improved.  He is an enterprising farmer, honest and conscientious in his dealings, well known and highly regarded throughout the county.  He is a Republican in politics, and, in religion, is a member of the M. E. Church.  Of their nine children, six are now living -- Elizabeth H., Warren D., Emily, Martin, Stephen E. and Harrison B.

S. E. Lathrop was born in Delaware county, Ind., May 14, 1852, and came with his parents to Hardin county.  He was educated at Cornell College, in Mt. Vernon, and has since been engaged in teaching during the winter and farming during the summer seasons.

George William Leverton, a son of William and Mary Ann (Kelley) Leverton, was born in Cook county, Ill., January 5, 1852.  He came to Hardin county with his parents.  Here he helped till the soil, received a good common school education, and subsequently had charge of his father's farm.  In February, 1874, he married Miss Luella Stiarwalt.  In 1878 he located at Abbott, where he has since been engaged in a brokerage business.  He also deals in stocks, etc., and owns considerable real estate.  Mr. Leverton is a very agreeable and accommodating gentleman, plain and unassuming in his appearance, and very highly esteemed by his fellow men.  They have one child -- May.

I. M. Lieser, oldest son of Augustus and Mary Ann (Humphreys) Lieser, was born in Hardin county, on January 1, 1857.  He was educated at Cornell College, of Mt. Vernon, where he graduated in the Normal course, in 1879.  In 1880 he purchased the business of Wilson & Jenkens, of Abbott, and has since been doing a general merchantile business.  October 1, 1879, he married Miss Isabelle M. Wilson, and they now have two children -- Melvin A. and Ray Gilbert.

Wesley L. Lieser was born in Hardin county, May 26, 1861.  He received a good education at Mr. Vernon and Cedar Rapids, and now, with his brother Frank, who is four years his junior, has charge of the homestead.

Frank Martin of the firm of Martin Bros., is the youngest of ten children of John and Carrie (Gottle) Martin. He was born in Germany, in 1848. He came to the United States with his parents in 1858, and settled in Allamakee county. Here he helped till the soil for about three years and then commenced working at the harnessmaker's trade, and followed the same at Lansing for about four years. Mr. Martin completed his education at the Northwestern College, at Plainfield, Illinois, and subsequently taught school at South Bend, Ind. He then returned to Lansing, and served as clerk in a store until 1870, Mr. Martin then came to Ackley, and engaged in a general mercantile business, with a stock of about $4,000. Here he had just got fairly settled in business, when he had the misfortune to have about two-thirds of his stock destroyed by fire. He has no insurance, but he soon re-opened business, and in 1872 associated his brother, Julius, as a partner. They erected their present store, a two-story, brick structure, 22 x 90 feet, at a cost of avout $6,000, and here they now carry on the largest mercantile business in this section of the country. Mr. Martin is a wide-awake business man. He is a Republican in politics, and has held local offices. He was married in 1870, at Aurora, Ill., to Miss Mary B. Faust. They have two children: Cora and Edna.

A. F. Meyer

Owen Evans is the pioneer furniture dealer, opening out his first stock in 1866.  A. F. Meyer was the next dealer in furniture.

A. F. Meyer, one of the pioneer furniture dealers of Ackley, is a native of Germany, born in 1831.  His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth Meyer.  In 1848 the family emigrated to the United States, and settled near Freeport, Ill.  In 1851 the subject of this sketch commenced work at the cabinet trade, and continued in the employ of one firm, at Freeport, for over seventeen years.  In 1869 he came to Ackley, and engaged in his present business.  In 1865 he married Miss Maggie Honberger, and by this union, have had four children -- Eddie, Lizzie, Miranda and Lulu.  In religion, Mr. Meyer is a member of the Evangelical Association, and has been an officer in the society for over thirty-three years.

W. W. Moore was born in the State of Ohio, in 1840.  His parents being G. W. and Amelia (Benton) Moore.  In 1856 the family emigrated to Iowa, and located at Eldora, when the town only had five houses, and the members are therefore pioneers of Hardin county.  The father now resides in the State of Oregon; the mother died at Steamboat Rock, in 1857, leaving eight children -- Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Kems; W. W., Sarah and Sophia, twins, the former the wife of Robt. Wickman, and the latter the wife of George Hoskins; George, Mary, wife of Charles Charles, and Roxa, wife of Henry Shafer.  The subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade.  In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 12th Iowa, and served until January, 1866.  He then returned to Eldora, resumed his trade, and followed the same until 1875, since which time he has been dealing in musical instruments and sewing machines. [unreadable] has been a resident of Ackley since 1879.  Mr. Moore was married in 1864, to Miss S. M. St. John of Providence, Iowa.  They have one son -- E. L.

James K. Morris, a prominent dentist of Hardin county, was born in Washington county, Ohio, June 21, 1843.  His parents being Benjamin and Phoebe (King) Morris, both of whom were natives of Ohio.  James K. Morris was reared on a farm, and in 1861 enlisted in Company G, 11th Ohio and served with the same one year.  He was then transferred to the United states Signal Corps, where he remained until the close of the war.  Dr. Morris participated in many warm battles, among which were Carnifax Ferry, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Missionary Ridge and Nashville.  After being mustered out of service, he returned to Ohio, but in 1867 he went to West Virginia and taught school for three years.  During this time he also studied medicine.  He then studied dentistry with Dr. C. W. Baker, of Marietta, Ohio, as preceptor, and in 1871 came to Iowa, and located at New Sharon, Mahaska county.  In 1873 he came to Ackley, where we now find him engaged in his profession.  Dr. Morris is the inventor of the "Morris Vulcanite Plate," and several other patents of equal utility.  He was married in 1872, to Miss Mattie A. Tullis, of Ohio.  They have three children -- Lulie Ivy, Roy Dana and Myrtie Annie.

T. E. Muellerr is a native of Germany, born in 1824.  He came to the United States in 1856, and as he was a tanner by trade, he engaged in a tannery business in Wayne county, Pa.  In 1858 he came to Iowa, and continued his business until 1871.  He then came to Ackley.  He first run a lime kiln about one year, since which time he has been in the saloon business.  Mr. Mueller has been twice married.  In 1862 to Miss Louise Krumling.  She died in the spring of 1876.  He afterwards married Miss Pauline Krumling, a sister of his first wife.  They have an adopted daughter -- Hedwig Krumling.

Rev. Father D. H. Murphy is a native of Appleton, Wis., born in 1850.  He was educated in the public schools of Appleton, and in 1866 he entered St. Francis Seminary, at Milwaukee, and in 1869 he attended the school at Montreal, Canada, where he was ordained as priest, May 20, 1875.  He then came to Iowa, and was stationed at McGregor a short time, during the absence of the regular pastor.  His first charge was at Ossian, where he remained four years.  He was then stationed six months at the Cathedral of Dubuque, from which place he came to Ackley.  He also has charge at Eldora, Aplington, Hampton and Dumont.

W. J. Nix, the accommodating baggageman and clerk at the Illinois Central Railroad, is a native of Cook county, Ill., born November 29, 1842; but when he was yet a small boy the family came to Iowa, and settled in Dubuque.  In 1873 he came to Ackley, and has since held his present situation.  Mr. Nix was married in 1868 to Miss Susie Merrill.  They have two children -- Fannie and Clara.

Joseph S. Nye, Sr., was the first hardware merchant in the town [Ackley].  He commenced business October 1, 1865, and is still in business here.

Joseph S. Nye, the pioneer hardware merchant of Ackley, is a native of England, being born in Dover, in the year 1830.  At the age of nineteen, he bid his home and friends an affectionate farewell, and emigrated to Canada, and afterwards to the United States.  He first stopped at Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., where he worked at the tinner's trade until April, 1853, then migrated to Mt. Morris, Ogle county, Ill., entered the employ of Brayton & Barke, and, in February, 1856, purchased the business and continued the same.  In June, 1865, he came to Ackley, but, as there was yet no business to be done at this point, he returned to Mt. Morris.  In July he again came to Ackley, but once more returned to Mt. Morris.  In September he employed Thos. Coggins to drive his team from Mt. Morris to Ackley on a pedlling wagon, while he took the cars.  The railroad track was badly washed out by the heavy rains, and Mr. Nye was obliged to pay extra fare.  He purchased lumber at Dubuque, and had the same shipped by railroad to within about six miles of Ackley, as the Illinois Central was completed to that point, and then hauled the same with teams to Ackley, erected a store, and on the 1st day of October, 1865, opened business.  In April, 1866, he sold out at Mt. Morris, and removed his family to Ackley.  In 1870 Mr. Nye returned to England, and remained about four months.  In 1872 he built his present store, a brick block 29x70 feet, two stories, at a cost of over $5,000,and he now carries a stock of about $10,000.  Mr. Nye is a great lover of the Masonic Order, into which he was initiated in 1857, and isnow a charter member of Fountain Lodge, No. 219, Ackley, and a member of the Chapter at Hampton and the Commandery at Marshalltown.  He has also been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1851.  In stature, Mr. Nye is over six feet in height, well built, unassuming in his manners, honest in his dealings, and highly respected by his fellow men.  In politics, he is a Republican, and has held local offices.  In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Beebe.  They have has seven children, six of whom are now living -- Joseph S., Edward, Mary, now Mrs. D. S. Blakey, of Spirit Lake; Frank, Alice and Emily.

Samuel Patten was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, July 19, 1848.  He was the youngest of seven children, and was left motherless when only two years old, but lived with his father until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B of the fifteenth Illinois, and served until the close; was a prisoner at Andersonville for seven months.  In 1869 he came to Hardin county, and in April, 1871, married Miss Louisa Stotes.  The children living are -- Robert, Jennie, George and Harry.  Samuel died August 11, 1882.

Andrew Rath, of the firm of John Rath & Bro., is a native of Wurtenburg, Germany, born on the 26th day of March, 1847.  He emigrated to the United States in 1861, and first stopped in Dubuque, Iowa.  Here he worked in the packing house and candle factory of his uncle, George Rath, until 1871.  He then entered the employ of his brother, in the lumber and grain business, and since April, 1881, has been a partner in the same.  Mr. Rath is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.  He was married in 1868, to Miss Mary Rungger, then of Dubuque, but a native of Switzerland.  They have four children -- Lydia, George A., William and Robert C.

The Exchange Bank of John Rath was established in January, 1881, by Aaron Wolf & Sons, of Parkersburg, Butler county, who ran the same until May 1st of the same year, when it was purchased by John Rath, and is now doing business under the name of John Rath's Exchange Bank. W. A. Young is the present cashier. The bank has a capital of $25,000. It occupies one of the finest buildings in the city, erected in the spring of 1882, and finished off for the purpose of a banking house, by John Rath and Mark M. Beach. The following are its correspondents: Commercial National Bank, Dubuque; First National, Chicago; Chase National Bank, New York.

John Rath stands conspicuously among the business men of Hardin county, as a self-made man. He was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, on the 26th day of November, 1840. In 1853, with his brother, George, who now fills a soldier's grave, having fallen at the battle of Missionary Ridge, he came to the United States, and for several years was in the employ of his uncle, George Rath, in a packing house and candle factory, at Dubuque, Iowa. In 1861 he removed to Cedar Falls, and served in the employe of a grain and lumber firm. In 1862 Mr. Rath responded to the call of the country by enlisting in Company B, 31st Iowa, and served nearly three years. He participated in several hard fought battles, among which were vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Taylor's Ridge. He also accompanied Sherman in his march to the sea. The city of Columbia, S. C., was surrendered to this brigade. In 1865 Mr. Rath came to Ackley, and in August entered the employ of Michael Burns, who had just opened the first lumber year in Ackley. In 1868 Mr. Rath became a partner in the cusiness, and in January, 1870, he became sole proprietor. He continued the business alone, meeting with marked success, until April 1, 1881, when he associated his brother, Andrew Rath, as a partner, and the firm became John Rath & Bro. In May, 1881, Mr. Rath purchased the Exchange Bank, and has since conducted the same. His residence, which is the finest in the city, was built by him in 1878, at a cost of $10,000, and his present bank building was built by him in 1882. Mr. Rath is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, courteous to all, and prompt in the fulfillment of his obligations. In politics he is a Republican. He has served as City Mayor, and is, at present, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. His church relations are with the Presbyterian Society. In 1865 Mr. Rath married Miss Lizzie Moser, of Dubuque. They have seven children: Sherman, Millie, John, Lizzie, Charles, Clara, and Walter.

Herman Reitsmeyer is a native of Prussia, and was born in 1829.  He came to the United States in 1852, and worked at the carpenter's trade at Freeport, Ill., until 1867.  He then came to Hardin county, and settled in Etna township, where he now owns 240 acres of land, which he cultivates, and also works some at his trade.  Mr. Reitsmeyer was married in 1855 to Miss Barbara Fisher.  They have five children -- Herman, Mary, Pauline, Lois and Ella.  In religion, they are of the Lutheran faith.

John Rink, a prominent painter of Ackley, was born in Oldenburg, Ger., August 28, 1839.  He learned his trade and followed the same in his native country until 1870, when he married Miss Frederica Runge, and in the same year came to the United States and settled at Ackley.

A. Risse was born at Monroe, Wis., August 23, 1854.  His parents, Andrew and Magdalena Risse, were both natives of Switzerland.  In 1858 the family removed to Leavenworth, Kan.; three years later to Kankakee county, Ill.; subsequently to Henry county, that state; and, in 1867, to Hardin county; lived at Ackley one year, then in Clay township, and subsequently settled in Hardin county.  A. Risse, in 1876, married Miss Mahala K. Stotser, and followed farming until he engaged in his present business. They had three children, two of whom are living -- Carrie Belle and Mary A.

Martin E. Ryken was born in Holland, February 15, 1829, and learned the carpenter's trade in his native country.  He came to America in 1854, and settled in Stephenson county, Ill., where he worked at his trade for three years, and, until 1866, was engaged in farming; but, being ambitious for more land, he came to Etna and bought land on section 10, where he now owns 400 acres.  He was married in 1858 to Anette Pemen, a native of Hanover.  Three children were born to them -- Peter, Everbert and John.  Mrs. Ryken died August 15, 1865.  Mr. Ryken was again married, in 1866, to Frouke Rykena, his present wife.

W. H. Saucer, proprietor of the Ackley Marble Works, was born at Ft. Madison, Iowa, October 27, 1842.  In June, 1861, he enlisted in the 1st Iowa Cavalry, and served four years and eight months.  After returning from the service Mr. Saucer followed railroading, as contractor and builder, until 1872.  In December, of that year, he married Miss Polly Rose, of Elkader, Iowa.  They lived one year in Kansas, and then returned to Iowa, and established the first marble works of Hardin county, at Eldora.  Here he continued until 1878, when he removed the business to Ackley, and it now amounts to about $7,000 annually.  Their children are:  Eva M., Bernie G., Pearl M., and Carrie.

J. H. Steenblock, one of the pioneers who came to the county in 1853, is a native of Germany, being born in East Frieland on the 2d day of February, 1837.  In 1851, with his parents, Wirtze and Tobke (Park) Steenblock, he came to the United States, lived two years in Stephenson county, Ill., then came to Iowa and located near where he now resides.  His father died in 1867, and his mother still resides on the homestead.  There were nine children in the family, six of whom are now living.  Of those living, the subject of this sketch is the second youngest.  He, in 1862, enlisted in the United States service, went out with Co. A of the 32d Iowa Infantry, and served three years.  He then returned to his home and purchased his father's farm, which contained 120 acres, but he now owns 240 acres.  He was married in 1862 to Miss Louisa Saverin, then of Cedar Falls, but a native of Germany.  They have had nine children, seven now living -- D. T., W. W., Louis, John, Clara, Winthrope and Helen.  Mr. Steenblock is a Republican, and is at present a Justice of the Peace.  His religious connection is with the Evangelical Association.

William Stiarwalt was born in the State of Ohio, in the year 1820.  He was bred to a farm life, and resided in his native State until he reached his majority.  He then migrated to Knox county, Ill., and commenced work at the carpenter's trade.  In 1858 he came to Iowa, continued his trade at Earlville, Delaware county, two years, then went to Dubuque, where for six years he was engaged in the lumber business, and subsequently in the manufacture of paper.  In 1870 Mr. Stiarwalt came to Hardin county, where he has since succeeded in locating Abbott Station.  He is now Station and Express Agent and Postmaster.  In 1858, at LaCross, Wis., Mr. Stiarwalt married Mrs. Catherine Euke.  They have an adopted daughter -- Luella, now the wife of George W. Leverton.

John Stotser, a native of Switzerland, born in 1816, came to the United States with his parents when he was but eleven years age.  He first lived in Pittsburg, Pa., then in Vermillion county, Ind.; afterwards in Stephenson county, Ill., and in 1857 came to Hardin county, and became a resident of Etna township.  He now owns 200 acres of land.  Mr. Stotser, in 1837, married Miss Hannah Hathaway.   Their children are:  Mary Jane, Elizabeth, Hannah, Maria, Sarah, Louise, George and Mahala.  The oldest son, William, enlisted in the United States service, and now fills a soldier's grave having fallen at the battle of Pittsburg Landing.

Joseph Strahorn

Among the pioneers of 1855 is found Joseph Strahorn.   He had purchased 500 acres before coming to the county, but of this he gave his sons 340 acres, so that at the time of his death, which took place July 20, 1876, he owned 160 acres, valued at about $3,000.  Mr. Strahorn was a native of Chester county, Pa.; born in 1805.  He married Miss Eliza Alcott, and in 1853 emigrated to Iowa, and first settled in Cedar county.  His wife died December 1, 1877.  They had twelve children, eleven now living -- Mary Jane, George K., Hannah, Samuel, Lizzie, Belle, Joseph, Frank, Jesse, William and Anna.

Frank P. Strahorn, a son of Joseph and Eliza (Alcot) Strahorn, was born in Chester county, Penn., in 1853.  He came to Hardin county with his parents; received a common school education, and in 1875 married Miss Cynthia Bird.   They have four children -- Herbert, Nellie, Harry and Ray.  Mr. Strahorn owns 160 acres of land on section 29, which is valued at forty dollars per acre.

L. O. Taylor was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1845, and was a resident of the Empire State until twenty-one years of age.  He then came to Iowa, and served as an engineer, etc., until 1873, in which year he came to Ackley, and clerked in the Revere House about two years.  In March, 1875, Mr. Taylor purchased the grocery business of W. Barnes, and has since continued the same.  In 1879 he built his present store, at a cost $2,400.  It is a brick building 20x70 feet, and two stories in height.  He was married in Albany county, N. Y., in 1869, to Miss Emma Gardner.  They have two children: Jennie Belle, and Kittie May.

T. G. Tiddens, dealer in agricultural implements, is a native of Germany, being born in 1839.  He resided in his native country until 1865, when, with this parents he came to the United States, and settled at Freeport, Ill.  In 1869 Mr. Tiddens emigrated to Iowa, and followed farming in Grundy county until 1875.  He then came to Ackley and engaged in his present business, and, by strict attention to the same, he has established a trade which now amounts to over $20,000 annually.  Mr. Tiddens is a Democrat in politics, and is at present a member of the City Council. He was married in 1869 to Miss Nancy Ackerman.

F. C. Williams, City Marshal, is a son of Capt. James D. Williams, and he was born at Lexington, Ohio, on the 12th day of September, 1846.  He came with his parents to Iowa, and lived with them until 1867, when he enlisted in Company E, of the 3d United States Infantry, and served three years, and afterward served one year as scout, under Gen. Custer.  In 1871 he returned to Ackley, and followed farming one year, since which time he has been in the employ of the city, either as Marshal or Deputy Marshal.  He is also a member of the secret service of the United States and Canada.  Mr. Williams has been twice married.  In the fall of 1871, he married Miss Elizabeth Lee.  She died in 1875, leaving two children, one of whom is now living -- Rosella.  In 1876, he married Miss Amanda A. Lee, a sister of his first wife, and they have had three children born to them -- Lulu, Arthur and Clarence.

Captain James D. Williams is a native of Campbell county, Va.; born February 25, 1819. His parents being James and Mary Ann (Burns) Williams, the former a native of Virginia, who lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years, and the latter was a native of North Carolina. When the subject of this sketch removed to Lexington, Highland county, Ohio, his school days had consisted of three months, for, as soon as he was big enough to be of any use, he helped till the soil and aided his father at his trade as blacksmith. When he reached his majority, he continued farming; also had a blacksmith shop; and September 24, 1840, married Miss Margaret A. White. In 1853 he removed to Iowa; first lived at Mt. Vernon a few months, then located in Jones county, where he followed farming and blacksmithing, as before, and occasionally filled a pulpit as a Methodist Episcopal pastor. In 1862 he responded to the call of his country by enlisting in Company K, of the 24th Iowa Infantry; was chosen Captain, and served as such about two years, when he resigned, on account of physical disability. While in service, Captain Williams participated, with bravery, in the battles of Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and the siege of Vicksburg, besides many skirmishes. After leaving the service, he returned to Jones county, but in 1866 came to Ackley, since which time his principal business has been that of an auctioneer and horse trainer. He has, however, devoted considerable time to the ministry, especially in the way of preaching funeral sermons. Of the nine children, four are deceased -- one filling a soldier's grave, and one met his fate in the fire of the Bolar House, Ackley. The five living are: J. T., F. C., Wm. H., J. E. and Minerva J., now Mrs. John Wirt, of Franklin county.

Robt. P. Wilson, of the firm of Risse & Wilson, was born in Clinton county, Pa., in 1843, and, when ten years of age, he removed with his parents to Stephenson county, Ill.  Here, in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, of the 46th Illinois, and served until January 20, 1865, serving as a fifer in a drum corps.  He then came to Hardin county, and, in 1867, married Miss Maria Stotser.  He continued farming until he engaged in his present business.  Their children are, Minnie, Willie, Frank and Mollie.

John Windecker is a native of Wayne county, N. Y., born in 1844.  In 1850, the family removed to Stephenson county, Ill., and in 1861, the subject of this sketch enlisted in Company A, 46th Illinois, and served over four years.  In the fall of 1865, he came to Iowa, and has since resided in Hardin county.  In 1869, he married Miss Sarah C. Stotser.  Their children are, Otis, Hiram, Etta and Arthur.

E. Wumkes, of the firm of Taylor & Wumkes, the leading livery men of Ackley, was born in Germany in 1853.  In 1868, with his parents, he came to America.  They immediately located at Ackley.  They soon after moved to Grundy county, where they now live.  In 1862 he engaged in the above business with J. L. Taylor at Ackley.