Clay County, Iowa
BiographiesD. E. Beving D. E. Beving, living on section 3, Summit township, devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He is one of the extensive land owners of the county and deserves much credit for the position to which he has attained in business circles, as it is the result of his close application and indefatigable industry. In his home farm he now has three hundred acres, and four hundred acres in another farm in Clay county likewise contributes to his success. His holdings also include one hundred and sixty acres in Dickinson county and two hundred and forty acres in Osceola county. Thus he is numbered among the large land owners of this part of the state. He also owns a half interest in another three hundred and twenty acres in this county. Mr. Beving was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, February 5, 1866, and came to Iowa with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ubbe Beving, in 1873, settling in Grundy county. There the subject of this review was reared to manhood. No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for hirri in boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields through the summer months or in fact until harvests were gathered in the late autumn, and in winter seasons he attended school, thus gaining knowledge that has prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. After arriving at years of maturity, D. E. Beving sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, and while living in Grundy county was married on the 1st of November, 1888, to Miss Tena Heikens, who was born and reared in Grundy county. Following their marriage he removed to Clay county and took up their abode in Summit township, where Mr. Beving purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He first bought one hundred and thirty-eight acres of land, and with characteristic energy began to till and improve the place. The crops which he raised brought to him good financial returns and he saved his earnings until his careful expenditure and industry brought him sufficient capital to make further purchases. Thus from time to time he has added to his property, until he now owns seven hundred acres in Summit township in one body, while other realty holdings bring his landed possessions to an aggregate amount of twelve hundred and fifty acres. All of this is good land, and in connection with his farming, which is carefully conducted along the most modern lines of agricultural progress, he raises and feeds stock, shipping about fourteen carloads of hogs and cattle each year. His business interests are thus very extensive, and, moreover, at the present time he is manager of the Fostoria Elevator Company and also of the Telephone Company of Fostoria. In all of his business interests he shows keen discrimination and his judgment is seldom if ever at fault in placing the value upon a business situation or its possible outcome. What he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and unfaltering integrity is numbered among his salient characteristics. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beving have been born five children, Ubbe, George. John, Anna and Harry. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death and all are still under the parental roof. The parents are members of the Reform church. Mr. Beving has been one of the active and progressive farmers of the county for a long period. In connection with the development of his own property he buys and deals in land, and his judicious investments and profitable sales have added materially to his property. History of Clay County, Iowa:
From it's earliest settlement to 1909 by Samuel Gillespie
Submitted by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Chandler Augustus Dunwell Chandler Augustus Dunwell, at the age of eighty-five years, is still an active factor in the world's work. He makes his home in Spencer, where he is engaged in making chattel mortgage loans, and furthermore, has personal supervision over his extended landed interests. He is one of the largest landholders of the county, his farm property comprising eleven hundred acres, while realty in Spencer also returns him a substantial annual income. His record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement, showing what may be accomplished by individual effort when intelligently directed, for it has been through his own labors that Mr. Dunwell has gained the prominent position which he now occupies as a business man in Clay county. He was born in the town of Arcadia, Wayne county, New York, February 11, 1824, and comes of New England ancestry, traced in a more remote generation to England. His grandfather, Stephen Dunwell, was born in England and became a sailor. Arriving in America in colonial days, he espoused the cause of the colonies at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war and did active military duty under General Washington. His wife was Deborah Dunwell, and both lived to a good old age, rearing a large family. William Schuyler Dunwell, father of C. A. Dunwell, was born in Massachusetts and was a carpenter by trade. Early in the nineteenth century he removed to New York and was engaged on the construction of the Erie canal. He first located at Arcadia, where he lived for a number of years and in 1831 removed to Solon, Ohio, where he made his home for twenty years. In 1855 he became a resident of Illinois and settled in Cherry Valley, Winnebago county, where his remaining days were passed. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sophronia Catlin, was also a native of Massachusetts, as was her father. The death of the father occurred in Winnebago county, Illinois, when he was seventy eight years of age, and his wife, surviving him for some years, died at the age of eighty-five. Both were loyal to the teachings of the Methodist church, in which they held membership. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William S. Dunwell were born twelve children, but only four are now living, namely: Chandler A., of this review; Sophia, the widow of James White, and now residing at Champaign, Illinois; Frances, the widow of James Sutherland, of Fairdale, Illinois; and Emma, the wife of Thomas Norman, also of that state. Chandler A. Dunwell was a young lad at the time of the removal from New York to Ohio and in the latter state he was reared, aiding his father in clearing several farms there. His youth was passed in a pioneer district where there were few advantages, but he made the most of his opportunities in the district schools, and when nineteen years of age began teaching, which profession he followed for n number of terms. He was one of three of that locality who voted for the old Liberty party in the spring of 1845 at a time when such a course was unpopular. In the spring of 1851 he became a resident of Cherry Valley, Illinois, and continued to follow general agricultural pursuits through the summer seasons, while in the winter months he engaged in teaching. His fellow townsmen called him to the office of justice of the peace and he acted in that capacity for twelve years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He was next called to the position of supervisor and continued in that office by reelection for twelve years. He was likewise proprietor of a hotel and owner of a livery stable, and was thus actively connected with the business interests of the community. During the twelve years in which he presided over the justice court he read law, was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice for a long period. In 1878 he came to Spencer and was admitted to practice in the Iowa courts. However, he did not follow the profession but turned his attention to farming and the chattel mortgage loan business. These interests have since claimed his attention and through the improvement of opportunity for judicious investment he has become the owner of eleven hundred acres of rich and valuable land in Clay county and also a number of houses and lots in Spencer. His realty holdings are very extensive and constitute him one of the prosperous residents of Clay county. In 1847 Mr. Dunwell was married to Miss Cordelia Richmond, a daughter of Edmund Richmond. Unto them was born a daughter, Emily Ann, who became the wife of Rufus Ingalls, of Spencer, by whom she has two daughters, Clara and Gertrude. Mrs. Ingalls is somewhat prominent in community affairs and was president of the board of library trustees. The death of Mrs. Cordelia Dunwell occurred in the spring of 1852, and in 1853 Mr. Dunwell wedded Miss Eliza Hannaford, a daughter of Reuben Hannaford. She passed away in 1860, and in 1863 Mr. Dunwell married Mrs. Elizabeth Hanson, nee Pike. She was a widow and was a representative of an old family of Maine. By this marriage there were born two sons, James and Augustus, both now deceased, and a daughter, Lizzie M., who is the wife of Robert Koch, and has two children, Gladys Olive and Marguerite. Mrs. Koch is also well known in the social circles of the city and is leader of the choir in the Congregational church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunwell are Baptists in religious faith. Politically he has always been a republican, unfaltering in support of the principles of the party since its organization, and in addition to the offices which he filled in Illinois he has served as justice of the peace in Spencer for two terms. He has ever been a busy man and his active, useful life has gained him notable and enviable success, while at the same time he has won the confidence and good will of his fellow men by reason of the honorable, straightforward policy he has ever followed. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Henry W. Eggers One of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Summit township is Henry W. Eggers, who is living on section 12. There he owns and cultivates a farm of three hundred and eighty-one acres which is constantly increasing in value because of the care and labor which he bestows upon it. The farm lies partly within the corporate limits of Fostoria. While there are many fine farming properties in this portion of the state there are none which excel, in the productiveness of the soil nor the practical methods of its operation, the farm of Mr. Eggers and his careful management and indefatigable energy constitute the salient features of his success. Henry W. Eggers was born in Hardin county, December 17, 1865. In both the paternal and maternal lines he comes of German ancestry. His parents were Herman and Taalka (Steenblock) Eggers. both of whom were natives of Germany. In that country the father was reared and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the new world. For some years he was employed in a sugar factory in New York and while a resident of the Empire state was married. With his young wife he removed westward to Illinois, settling on a farm in Stephenson county, where they lived two years and on the expiration of that period came to Iowa, arriving about 1855. They settled in Hardin county, where the father purchased a tract of raw prairie and opened up a new farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres of land. On this he placed substantial improvements, making it a desirable property, and there reared his family and spent his remaining days, continuing in active connection with general agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1892. His widow still survives him and now resides in Abbott, Iowa. Their family numbered two sons and four daughters: John, who is now engaged in the harness business in Fostoria; Etta, the wife of J. Cramer, of Wright county, Iowa; Tena, the wife of John Groathous, a resident of Kossuth county, Iowa; Margaret, the wife of Albert Leverton, of Hardin county, this state; and Delia, the wife of John Schlaumpp. Henry W. Eggers, the other member of the family, was reared on the home farm in Hardin county, Iowa, and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. He assisted more and more largely in the work of the fields as the years passed by and thus his early training in agricultural lines well qualified him to successfully carry on business on his own account. He has never sought to figure prominently in public life, preferring to concentrate his energies on his business affairs and, as the years have passed, he has won a creditable measure of success, his diligence constituting an important element in his prosperity. On the 3rd of March, 1891, Mr. Eggers was married in Grundy county to Miss Bertha Heikens, a native of that county, where her girlhood was passed and her education was obtained. She is a daughter of George Heikens, a native of Germany, who became one of the first settlers of Grundy county. Following, his marriage Mr. Eggers engaged in cultivating the old home farm for three years and in 1894 removed to Clay county. He had previously visited this locality and had purchased one hundred and sixty acres' of land. He came to this property when he took up his abode in the county and not only tilled his own acres but also cultivated one hundred and sixty acres adjoining that belonging to his father-inlaw. There he carried on general farming for eight years, when he sold this property and purchased where he now resides, becoming owner of three hundred and eighty-one acres, on section 12, Summit township. The work of improvement has been steadily carried forward since that time. He has built an addition to and has otherwise remodeled his dwelling. He also built a good barn and has put up all the necessary sheds and outbuildings for the protection of grain and stock from the inclement weather. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, mostly made of barbed or woven wire. He has also set out considerable fruit and in fact all of the features of a model farm property of the twentieth century are here found and indicate his progressive spirit, while his practical methods are evidenced in the success which has attended him. He raises and feeds high-grade stock, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. He is also financially interested in the elevator at Fostoria and in the telephone company. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eggers has been blessed with six children: Tarana H., Ina Georgia, Pearl M., Gertie Rose, Herman John Henry and Harland Gerle. The parents are members of the German Evangelical church and Mr. Eggers gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age gave to him the ballot. He has served on the school, board several years and is always interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous and kindly and those who know him personally have for him a warm regard. History of Clay County, Iowa:
From it's earliest settlement to 1909 by Samuel Gillespie
Submitted by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Gustaf Freeburg  Mr. and Mrs. Gustaf Freeburg The Scandinavia peninsula has furnished to America valuable citizens, including Gustaf Freeburg, who is interested in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising at Rossie, this county. His birth occurred near Guttenberg, Sweden, May 22, 1849, and he is a son of Magnus and Mary (Anderson) Johnson, his father pursued general farming in his native land until his death in 1862, while his wife also departed this life, during the same year. In their family were the following children: Christina and Andrew, deceased; Anna, widow of Carl Lunbeck; John, who resides in Sweden; and Gustaf. In the common schools of his native land Gustaf Freeburg acquired his education and upon completing his studies remained at home until he was thirteen years of age, at which period of his life he went to live with an aunt with whom he spent three years. He then secured employment on a farm, where he remained until his marriage and then rented land which he cultivated until the year 1880, when he came to the new world and visited with a brother located in Lincoln township, where he remained for ten weeks. Later he removed to Summit township, where for two years he was in the employ of James Goodwin and in the year 1882 removed to the farm on which he now resides. Here he owns eleven hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, all the improvements on which he has made himself, and aside from having a comfortable dwelling he also has a commodious barn and all the necessary outbuildings together with machinery and other conveniences with which to carry on his work by modern methods. When Mr. Freeburg first took possession of this property he owned but a single team of oxen and a lumber wagon, which conveyance he not only employed in his farm work but also utilized to take himself and family to church. At that time his barn and stable combined consisted of a building fourteen by sixteen feet and in it he kept his provender and also his oxen and later a team of mules, when he had earned sufficient money to buy them during the first winter he engaged in farming for himself. These were his sole possessions but he was not so fortunate with them as he would have liked to have been, since one of the mules died shortly after he purchased it and he was compelled to borrow a horse from a neighbor in order to complete the team, and as he had no money with which to pay for the hire of the animal he worked it out on his neighbor' s farm. In three years time he mortgaged his farm, which then consisted of eighty acres, and with the money he obtained he purchased a team. By hard work and food management he saved his earnings from year to year, until finally he increased his small farm of eighty acres to his present extensive landed possessions, including more than eleven hundred and twenty acres. He is regarded as one of the most industrious as well as one of the most prosperous agriculturists in the county. Aside from general farming in the production of hay and the various kinds of grain, he also engages in stock raising and keeps on hand a number of fine cattle and hogs, and he does a considerable shipping business. In 1872, in his native land, Mr. Freeburg was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Peterson and to this union have been born eleven children, manly: John; Carl, who wedded Mary Anderson and resides on a farm in Lincoln township; Selma M., who became the wife of Andrew Olson, who is also an agriculturist of Lincoln township; Clara Amelia, the wife of Gus Carlson, of Lincoln township; Martin; Albert; Emma; Harry; Hannah; Elizabeth, and Beda. Mr. Freeburg's political opinions have always been on the side of the republican party and, having intelligently investigated the merits of the several political platforms, he considers the principles of republicanism best suited to preserve the prosperity of the country and promote its financial interests. Consequently he is always ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. He has filled the positions of a road supervisor and school director, in which capacities he has served efficiently for a number of terms. He is a man of high moral character, dutiful to his religious obligations as a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, of the Sunday school, of which he is superintendent. Mr. Freeburg is one of the most substantial farmers of the vicinity, well known throughout the township for his diligence and enterprise, and he deserves great credit for his present prosperity, which is due solely to his own exertions. [Source: History of Clay County Iowa - Steele - 1909, page 538. Contributed by: Susan Gregory.]
Albert Gruchow When pioneers make their way into a new and hitherto undeveloped region, necessarily the first step which they take is the development of farms, for the production of those crops which are useful as foods. Gradually, as the country becomes more thickly settled, so that markets supply almost everything, demanded by the people, the farmer's work becomes somewhat more diversified and today those who are occupying homes on the best farms of Clay county are busily, extensively and successfully engaged in raising stock. It is to this work that Albert Gruchow gives much of his attention, being well known as a dealer in Aberdeen Angus cattle. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land adjoining the corporation limits of Spencer, and this constitutes a neat and well improved farm, upon which he has resided since 1881. Germany numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the 15th of August, 1864. When a little lad of five summers he was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in La Salle county, Illinois. His father, John Gruchow, was also a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. In that country he married Hannah Westfall, who was likewise born in the fatherland, and they became parents of four children ere they came to the United States. On reaching La Salle county, Illinois, the father secured a farm, which he cultivated and improved for twenty-two years. In 1881 he removed from that state to Iowa and purchased land in Riverton township, becoming the owner of two hundred acres, on which he resided until his death in 1903. His wife still survives him and is a resident of Clay county. Their family numbered nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom have reached mature years and married with the exception of the two youngest. The others are all residents of this county. Albert Gruchow was reared in La Salle county, Illinois, upon the old home farm and, after attaining his majority, started out in life on his own account, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. The year 1881 witnessed his arrival in Iowa and, selecting Clay county as the place of his residence, he here engaged in farming, on a tract of rented land. For some years he continued to rent the place and then purchased it and it remains his present place of residence. He has since erected a new dwelling, has built two barns and has also erected very substantial outbuildings, while a grove of forest trees and an orchard of fruit trees have been set out by him, adding to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He employs the most modern methods in carrying on his farm work, uses the latest improved machinery, practices the rotation of crops and makes a close study of the properties of the soil and the food demands of the different crops he raises. He is also raising and feeding stock and is today the owner of some fine Aberdeen Angus cattle and high-grade hogs. He breeds and deals in Aberdeen Angus cattle and has a herd of fifty-two head of pure-blooded and high-grade stock. On Thanksgiving Day, in 1888, Mr. Gruchow was married in this county to Miss Anna Reamer, who was born in Germany but spent her girlhood days in La Salle county, Illinois. This union has been blessed with four children, George, Wester and Harry, all yet at home, and Mabel, who died at the age of five years. The parents are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Gruchow is serving on the official board. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, but while he is public spirited in citizenship, he does not seek office as a reward for party fealty. He is interested in everything pertaining to the town's progress in the material, intellectual and moral lines and movements for the public good never seek his aid in vain. Moreover, in his business career, he has demonstrated the value and worth of unflagging perseverance, unfaltering determination and unsullied business integrity, and he enjoys in full measure the trust and confidence of those with whom he has been associated through business or social relations. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Richard G. Heikens Richard G. Heikens is one of the extensive landowners of Clay county, his holdings aggregating seven hundred and twenty acres, while in addition his wife owns two hundred acres. The home place is situatedon section 6, Summit township, and comprises five hundred and sixty acres. The entire farm is under cultivation and the place presents a neat and attractive appearance, indicating to the passerby the careful supervision and thorough methods of the owner. Mr. Heikens is one of Iowa's native sons and the state has reason to be proud of his record, for he is an energetic, enterprising business man, who carefully controls his individual interests and at the same time is not unmindful of his duties to the public through the relations of citizenship. Mr. Heikens was born in Grundy county, Iowa, December 20, 1866. His father, George Heikens, was a native of Germany, in which country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. At length the reports which he heard concerning the favorable opportunities of the new world proved an irresistible attraction, and crossing..the briny deep, he became a resident of De Kalb county, Illinois, establishing his home near Forester. Later he removed to Grundy county, Iowa, where he purchased land and opened up a farm. There as his financial resources increased he added to his property until at one time he owned over twothousand acres. His investments were judiciously made and as the years passed he prospered through the wise direction of his business interests. In Grundy county he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Riekna, also a native of Germany. Mr. Heikens spent his last clays on the home farm in Grundy county, his death there occurring in June, 1901. His family numbered twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom reached mature years and with one exception all married and reared families. Richard G. Heikens, whose name introduces this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Grundy county and pursued his education in the schools of the neighborhood. His training at farm labor was not meager. He assisted materially in the development of his father's land and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, when he married and started out in life on his own account. It was on the 9th of March, 1891, that he wedded Miss Ettie Arends, a native of Michigan, who was reared in Belmont, Iowa. They began their domestic life upon the farm where they still reside. It is situated on section 6, Summit township and is a valuable property. Mr. Heikens commenced here with only one hundred and sixty acres, which at that time was unimproved, but he broke the sod and after turning the furrows planted the seed that in due course of time brought forth abundant harvests. Carefully conducting his farming interests, he prospered in his undertakings and from time to time added to his place all the modern improvements. He built a commodious two-story frame residence in modern style of architecture and it is now tastefully and comfortably furnished. He also built a good barn and other substantial outbuildings, so that his grain, stock and farm machinery are carefully protected from the inclement weather. He has likewise set out an orchard and grove and many evergreens and other ornamental trees adorn the place and add much to its attractive appearance. Mr. Heikens inherited his first quarter section of land and has since purchased other property until the home place now comprises five hundred and sixty acres and in addition he owns one hundred and sixty acres, all under cultivation. His wife also inherited one hundred and forty acres adjoining his place and afterward bought sixty acres more, so that the family possessions comprise eight hundred and eighty acres, all of which is well improved and returns a gratifying income in reward for the cultivation which is bestowed upon the fields. He annually has large corn crops and also raises other cereals. He likewise feeds and raises cattle and hogs, feeding from fifty to two hundred and eighty head of stock annually and shipping about a carload of hogs. He likewise breeds and raises high grade horses, owns a Percheron and also a registered Belgium stallion and a mammoth jack. His efforts have likewise been extended to commercial lines and he now owns and conducts a general store at Fostoria and likewise handles farm machinery and hardware. He began this business about 1902 and has since built up a good trade. He employs several clerks and has an efficient manager at the head of the store, to which he also gives general supervision. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Heikens has been blessed with three sons and two daughters: Rose, a student in the Spencer high school; Minnie, Robert G., John Arends and Lee R., all yet under the parental roof. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. In politics Mr. Heikens is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party and yet in all matters of citizenship he is progressive, giving to affairs of local moment his earnest endorsement and cooperation. He belongs to the Evangelical church and both he and his wife are held in high esteem throughout the community, having an extensive circle of friends. His business enterprise has carried him into important public relations and he has taken a most active and helpful part in the development of the northern portion of the county and is widely and favorably known in adjacent counties as well. History of Clay County, Iowa:
From it's earliest settlement to 1909 by Samuel Gillespie
Submitted by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
James Peter Hendricksen James Peter Hendricksen, a well-to-do and progressive agriculturist of Royal, this county, was born in Zeeland, Denmark, March 4, 1853, a son of Hans and Mary Hendricksen. His father, also a native of Denmark, came to Waushara county, Wisconsin, in 1863, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, clearing the timber on eighty acres of land, upon which he constructed a small log cabin, and here resided until the spring of 1870, when he located in Clay county, Iowa. He took up a claim of eighty acres on section 24 in Clay township, later selling his claim and removing to Lincoln township, where he remained until eighteen years ago, when he removed to Spencer, where he still resides. His career has been one of remarkable success and he is known throughout the community on account of his financial worth and is in every sense a substantial and representative citizen. The mother, who was also a native of Zeeland, Denmark, was married there but departed this life in Lincoln township in June, 1889, and her remains were interred in the Spencer cemetery. She was the mother of five children, namely: James Peter, our subject; Mary, wife of Martin Johnson, of Royal; Stina, who became the wife of Peter Christensen, an agriculturist of Clay township; Hans, deceased; and Lars, farmer of Lincoln township. James Peter Hendricksen attended the common schools of his native country until he was ten years of age, when he was brought to the United States and, his parents having located in Wisconsin, he worked there with his father clearing off land and making it ready for cultivation. He remained in Wisconsin until he was seventeen years of age, when his parents removed to Clay county, Iowa, and he continued to work for his father until he was united in marriage, when he rented a farm, but the first year met with the misfortune of having his crops eaten by grasshoppers. He has since resided in this county and part of the time has worked out to secure means to pay for his small farm, but he finally succeeded in clearing the land of debt and built a comfortable dwelling, after which he gradually met with success sufficient to enable him to supplant the old dwelling with his present beautiful residence. His farm consists of two hundred and forty acres which at the time of his purchase was in a wild state without a tree and with the ground all unfilled, but by his untiring efforts he soon transformed the raw soil into fertile fields from which he has since been reaping lucrative harvests. His land is highly improved, being not only provided with an excellent residence but also with barns, outbuildings, machinery and all conveniences which are used in farming by modern methods. He engages in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and before the railroad passed through the county did teaming in connection with his other interests. His farm lies in Lincoln and Clay townships and the attention which Mr. Hendricksen has devoted to it has made it one of the finest and most desirable in the county. In 1876 Mr. Hendricksen was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Elleston, a native of Jutland, Denmark, and to this union have been born four children, namely: W. H., a lumber dealer of Royal; Cena, who became the wife of Hans Hagadorn, an agriculturist of Lincoln township; Mary, and Louie Albert. Mr. Hendricksen gives his political support to the republican party, to which he has always been loyal, and he has served the township efficiently as school director and road supervisor. He takes a deep interest in religious affairs and is a member of the Danish Lutheran church, in which he is an ardent worker and a large contributor and of which his wife is also a member. He is well known throughout the county and his straightforwardness and enterprising spirit have gained him the respect of the entire community. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Archie Hilliard The home of Archie Hilliard is just outside the city limits of Spencer in Section I, Riverton township, and the opportunities and advantages of the city are therefore easily obtainable while the comforts of country life are also to be enjoyed. The life of Mr. Hilliard has been a most busy and useful one and various commercial interests have been promoted and successfully conducted by him. He is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of tile, brick and cement blocks, his factory being near Spencer. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Webster City, July 17. 1863. His father. Ira Hilliard, was a native of New Hampshire, born at Colebrook where he remained until twenty-five years of age. He then removed to Pennsylvania and in the meantime had become familiar with the business of manufacturing brick. At Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, he was married to Emily Carr a native of that city. While residing in Pennsylvania he engaged in the manufacture of brick, but believing that still better opportunities might be enjoyed in the new but rapidly growing west, he made his way to Iowa and became one of the pioneer residents of Webster City. There he established a brick yard and engaged in the manufacture of brick for a quarter of a century. He was very successful in his undertaking, for he placed before the public a very marketable commodity, the excellence of his output and his fair dealing securing to him an extensive and lucrative patronage. In 1882 he removed to Clay county and established a brick yard here. He also carried on business in this county for twenty-five years and made brick for all the public buildings and for many of the private residences of Spencer and this part of the state. His enterprise and business activity constituted forces in the commercial development here of different locations in which he lived, while his energy and industry brought to him merited success. He died here in 1906 and is still survived by his wife. While in Webster City he owned and operated a machine shop and also invested extensively in land near that place. In Clay county he owned two hundred and forty acres and upon his farm erected a good brick residence and substantial outbuildings. Archie Hilliard, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Iowa and pursued his education in the schools of Webster City, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student. After completing his studies he joined his father in Clay county, and for two years was his assistant in the operation of the brick yard. Later he went to South Dakota and established a brick yard at Mitchell, where he carried on a successful business for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa and was here married, in 1887, to Miss Lelia S. J. Horner, a native of Oswego county, New York, where her girlhood was largely passed. The young couple began their domestic life at Mitchell, South Dakota, where they remained until about 1889, after which Mr. Hilliard disposed of his place there and removed his machinery to Spencer. Here he joined his father as a partner but assumed the entire management of the business, which he carefully conducted. For a number of years he was here engaged in brick-making and in 1894 removed to Michigan, where he pursued a course in a school for training nurses at Battle Creek. For about two years he followed the profession and was then obliged to give it up on account of ill health. At that time he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he established a bakery business which he conducted for two or three years, and then sold out and returned to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of cereal coffee. He devoted three years to that business, at the end of which time he disposed of his interest in Michigan and again came to Spencer in 1900. Here he bought out his father's business and for about three or four years engaged in the manufacture of brick. He then extended the scope of his undertaking by beginning the manufacture of tile. He has been manufacturing and shipping on an average of from two to three carloads of tile per day. He has erected a large four-story brick building for the conduct of the business, has four large kilns and his factory is thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every particular. He has installed the latest improved machinery and in addition to the manufacture of brick and tile his output also includes building blocks. His industrial interests are of an important nature and constitute one of the chief features among the productive industries of Spencer. Mr. Hilliard also conducts fanning interests, owning and operating eighty acres of rich and productive land that constitute one of the well improved farms of the neighborhood. It is situated on section 1, Riverton township, and upon the farm are found all modern accessories while the home is a commodious and attractive brick residence. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard have been born eight children: William I. and Harry E., who are students in Union College, at College View, Nebraska; Isabelle, who is a student in a private school in Spencer; Blanche; Edith; Calleen; Leona; and Corliss. The parents are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church of Spencer. Mr. Hilliard is acting on the official board and both he and his wife take a helpful interest in the church and sabbath school work, he having served for several years as sabbath school superintendent. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is active in advancing the interests of the county along many lines of development and upbuilding, gives his hearty cooperation to many movements for the good of Spencer and is now at the head of one of its leading productive industries, while his enterprise, indefatigable energy and business probity are the salient features of his career. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Julius Lammers Land is constantly rising in value as the country becomes more thickly settled and there is greater demand for property in this part of the state. Moreover, the advancement in price is also largely due to the substantial improvements which are being made by the farmers. The agriculturists of Clay county largely constitute a class of progressive business men, who see and utilize the opportunities for advancement, and are thus contributing to general prosperity as well as to individual success. Julius Lammers is a worthy representative of the type of men who are not content to accept things as they are but realize that from every vantage point a forward step can be made. He is now the owner of four hundred and forty acres, constituting a valuable farm on section 23, Lone Tree township. A native of Iowa, he was born in Scott county on the 15th of June, 1869, a son of Hans Lammers, who was a native of Germany, where he spent his youthful days. As a young man he came to the new world and established his home in Scott county, Iowa. There he married Christina Hansen, also a native of Germany, who had been brought to the United States when thirteen years of age. Their son, Julius Lammers, was reared in Scott and in Tama counties, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that usually fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The district schools afforded him his early educational privileges and later he attended the Vinton high school. On the 27th of February, 1895, he made preparations for having a home of his own through his marriage in Tama county to Miss Ella Ruge, who was born in Muscatine, Iowa, but obtained her education in Tama county. Soon after their marriage the young couple took up their abode upon the farm on section 23, Lone Tree township, where they still reside. Mr. Lammers has added to and remodeled the house and has put up a number of buildings upon the place. A good barn, sheds, a corn-crib, granary, wind-pump and waterworks are among the modern features of the place, which indicate his progressive spirit and practical, effective methods. He began here with two hundred and forty acres of land, but subsequently purchased more property from his father, and his place now comprises four hundred and forty acres. With farming he raises and feeds stock, shipping from two to three carloads of fat cattle each year and one hundred and twenty-five head of fat hogs. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Everly and also owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Moneta, of which he is one of the directors. Mr. and Mrs. Lammers have one son, Elmer, who is now under the parental roof. The parents belong to the German Lutheran church and Mr. Lammers holds membership in Everly Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is a worthy exemplar of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His political support is given to the democracy and he desires its success, although he never seeks office for himself. Indefatigable energy is perhaps his strongest characteristic and it has led him forward in his business relations to a prominent place among the successful farmers of the township. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Edwin F. Marker Edwin F. Marker has been a resident of Clay county since 1887, and after acceptably filling the position of county auditor, retired therefrom in January, 1909. He has also been the incumbent in other offices and at all times has been faithful, prompt and efficient in the discharge of his duties. His birth occurred in Grundy county, Iowa, May 28, 1870, so that he is a western man by birth as well as training and preference. His parents are Peter F. and Charlotte (Scott) Marker, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of England. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather, Darius Scott, was a native of England and engaged in merchandising in that country. Coming to America he located in Ohio and his death occurred in 1906, when he reached the very venerable age of ninety-two years. He was married three times. Peter F. Marker, father of Edwin F. Marker, devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming. On leaving Ohio he removed westward to Grundy county, Iowa, becoming one of its early settlers. Here he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, making his home thereon until March, 1887, when he came to Clay county and secured a farm in Herdland township. With characteristic energy he began its cultivation and development, making it his home until 1894, when he was called to his final rest at the age of fifty-seven years and six months. His wife still survives him and lives in Spencer. She is a member of the Methodist church and a most estimable lady, having many warm friends in this city. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Marker responded to the country's call for aid and enlisted as a member of Company F, Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for six months as a private. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters: Emery H., who is now living in Seattle, Washington; Clara M., the deceased wife of C. S. Forrest, of Enid, Oklahoma; Alvin D., also living in Seattle, Washington; Cora B., the wife of G. S. Streeter, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; Edwin F., whose name introduces this record; Leland L., who is living in Duel county, South Dakota; Joseph M., also a resident of that county; Charles F., who is located in Spencer; Lillie B., the wife of William Ruby, of Duel, South Dakota; and Dell S., who is also living in Spencer. Edwin F. Marker was reared in Grundy county, Iowa, to the age of seventeen years, spending his boyhood and youth on the home farm, where he early became familiar with the task of tilling the soil. He also attended the district schools and supplemented his early educational privileges studying, in the Nora Springs Seminary. At the age of seventeen years he came to Clay county, where he carried on farming until 1901. He was then appointed deputy sheriff and filled that position for three years, on the expiration of which period he was elected county auditor in November, 1904, and entered upon the duties of the position in January, 1905. He was reelected in 1906 but in 1908 failed of renomination at the primaries. As a public officer he made an excellent record, characterized by the utmost loyalty to duty, while the work of the office was discharged in a systematic, methodical manner. , On the 30th of November, 1892, Mr. Marker was married to Miss Jennie E. Allebaugh, a daughter of Daniel and Amanda (Bender) Allebaugh. Mrs. Marker was born six miles south of Spencer, her parents having been early settlers of Clay county. They are now residents of Delta county, Colorado. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Marker have been born two sons, Rush L. and Darrel A. In addition to his home in Spencer Mr. Marker owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 10, Herdland township, while his mother owns the other three-quarters of that section. Socially he is connected with HarmonyLodge, No. 188, K. of P., and his wife is a member of the Methodist church. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and he served for two terms as assessor of Herdland township and one term as trustee. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for he has always been most loyal to the interests of the county in discharging public duties. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson
Charles McAllister, M. D. The name of Dr. Charles McAllister has come to be regarded as synonymous with business development and progress in Clay county, for he is not only a most able and successful physician and surgeon, but is also president of the First National Bank of Spencer, president of the Exchange Bank at Dickens and president of the Everly Bank. He thus figures prominently in financial circles and throughout his entire life has directed his efforts where mature judgment and sound discrimination have led the way. Among those who have achieved prominence as men of marked ability and substantial worth in this section of the state Dr. McAllister occupies a prominent position. A native of New England, he was born at South Lee, Massachusetts, on the 1st of February, 1840, and is of Scotch lineage. His grandfather, Alexander McAllister, was born in the land of hills and heather, of crag and plain, of lowland heath and highland. He was of the Presbyterian faith and both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, the latter being more than ninety years when called to her final rest. Their children were Daniel, Archibald, Alexander, Charles, Mary and John McAllister. The last named became the father of Dr. McAllister. He was born in Columbia. New York, and gave his attention to general farming in South Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. He wedded Cynthia Heath, a daughter of George Heath and a representative of one of the old Puritan families of the Bay state. Her father was a native of Massachusetts and was a farmer by occupation. He died at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away when about seventy years of age. Their family numbered one son and eleven daughters. The home of Mr. and Mrs. John McAllister was blessed with three sons and one daughter: George, deceased, who was a surgeon of the Civil war; Mary, who died when about sixteen years of age; Charles, of this review; and Henry, deceased. The parents have also passed away, the father's death occurring, in 1874 when he was seventy-four years of age, while his wife died in 1875 at the age of seventy-four. The former was of the Scotch Presbyterian faith, while the mother was a member of the Methodist church. Dr. Charles McAllister, now the only living representative of the family, was reared upon the home farm in Massachusetts and supplemented his preliminary education by a course in Williams College, which he completed as a member of the class of 1863. He had engaged in teaching for two winter seasons prior to that time and after finishing his literary course he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Berkshire Medical College in 1865. He then located for practice in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he was accorded an enviable patronage. In 1870 and 1871 he resided at Dixon, Illinois, after which he traveled through the northwest and in 1872 took up his abode in Spencer, where he has since remained as an active representative of the profession. He did not regard his professional education completed when he finished his course in medical college but has always remained a student of the principles of the medical science and through his perusal of the latest medical literature has kept in touch with what the world is doing in the line of his profession. He is quick to adopt any new idea or method which he believes will have real value, in professional service and yet he does not hastily discard old and time-tried methods of practice, the worth of which has been proven in years of experience. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his ability is demonstrated in a large practice. His brethren of the medical fraternity have accorded him prominence in electing him for several terms to the office of president of the Clay County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Upper Des Moines Medical Association, the State Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the Association of American Railway Surgeons. At the present writing he is president of the pension board of examiners and he has been surgeon for the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for thirty years. Aside from his professional interests Dr. McAllister has figured prominently in the public life of Spencer and Clay county. He is the owner of a valuable farm of six hundred and forty acres in Riverton township and has other desirable real estate. In 1887 he built the McAllister block in Spencer and has always taken an active interest in encouraging the development of various business industries and the general improvement of Spencer. Since 1897 he has been president of the First National Bank and has gained a notable place in banking circles in this part of the state, being also president of the Exchange Bank at Dickens and of the Everly Bank. His knowledge of the banking business is comprehensive and exact and to the solution of difficult financial problems he has brought keen discernment and penetrating sagacity. On the 1st of January, 1869, Dr. McAllister was married to Miss Laura McAllister, the adopted daughter of his uncle, Charles McAllister. Three sons were born unto them: Charles, who died in 1878 at the age of two years: Charles, the second of the name, who passed away at the age of fifteen years; and Alexander, who is a graduate of Williams College of the class of 1906 and is now living in Los Angeles, California. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1892, at the age of forty years. She was a member of the Congregational church and her many excellent traits of character endeared her to those with whom she came in contact. On the 28th of December, 1898. Dr. McAllister was married to Miss Fannie E. Spencer, a graduate of Grinnell College and a daughter of J. A. Spencer, of Alden, Iowa. Both Dr. and Mrs. McAllister hold membership in the Congregational church and are greatly interested in its work and the extension of its influence. He is now serving as church trustee and has been chairman of the board for many years. In fraternal lines Dr. McAllister is connected with Evening Shade Lodge, Xo. 312. A. F. & A. M., Clay Chapter, R. A. M., Esclraelon Commandery, K. T., and the Mystic Shrine. His name is also on the membership rolls of the Spencer lodge of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Encampment and Estherville Lodge, Xo. 528, B. P. O. E. Recognized as one of the leaders in republican circles, he has ever given stalwart allegiance to the principles in which he believes and represented his district in the seventeenth general assembly in 1877-8. His is a well rounded character, not so abnormally developed in any direction as to become a genius and yet with that strength of purpose and ability that has enabled him to accomplish what he has undertaken. Broad-minded and liberal in his views, he has wrought along the lines of the greatest good to the greatest number and Clay county has profited by his efforts in various fields of endeavor. His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge of duty in every relation in which he has been found and his appreciation of the responsibilities that have rested upon him have made him a citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged. History of Clay County, Iowa, 1909
Submitted by Cathy Danielson |
