Biographies of O'Brien County, Iowa

Lincoln Adams

Practically every state in the Union has furnished citizens for O'Brien county, Iowa, and if it were possible to have a record of the United States census at hand it would probably be shown that at some time in the history of this county there had been residents from every state in the Union. It is not hard to find the reason why men have come from all over the United States to settled in this particular part of the world. Up until a few years ago land could be purchased at a moderate rate in this county, while land which twenty-five years ago was worth thirty dollars an acre is now worth two hundred dollars an acre. The onward march of civilization has brought hundreds of thousands of people from the Eastern states to the states lying beyond the Mississippi river. Much of the prosperity of the Western states is due to the fact that they receive the most ambitious and enterprising citizens of the older states in the East. Lincoln Adams, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Waterman township, was born in Stevenson county, Illinois, on July 4, 1865. His parents were John Quincy and Julia (Van Brocklin) Adams, his father being born in 1831 in Newport Center, Vermont. John Quincy Adams settled in Illinois in 1851, where he engaged in farming until 1902, and then removed to Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, where he lived a retired life until his death, in 1907.

Lincoln Adams was one of nine children, all of whom are now living but two. He received a good common school education in the schools of Illinois and remained at home with his parents and assisted with the work on the farm until he had reached his majority. His father then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Waterman township, O'Brien county, Iowa, for Lincoln, where he began to farm. After living a year or two in Iowa he came back to Illinois and looked after his father's farm until 1901, when he returned to O'Brien county and took charge of the farm which he acquired in 1886. He has put eight thousand dollars worth of improvements on the farm since purchasing it and has now brought it to a high state of efficiency. He raises a considerable amount of live stock, and always makes it a point to keep only the best breed. He has a share in the Farmers Elevator Company, as well as the Co-operative store at Sutherland, two institutions which have been of great benefit to the farmers of Sutherland and community.

Mr. Adams was married in 1898 to Bettie Pickering, and to this marriage have been born two children, Bernice Marie and Harold Quincy, who are still at home with their parents. The Republican party has always claimed the support of Mr. Adams, but although interested in political affairs, he has never taken an active part in local politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America, and takes an active interest in the work of these various fraternal organizations. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and give it their earnest support at all times. In every phase of life's activities since coming to this county, Mr. Adams has been guided by the highest motives and because of his integrity and high personal worth he has earned the commendation of all who know him, and enjoys a large circle of friends and acquaintances in and around the community in which he lives.

"Past and Present of O'Brien and Osceola Counties, Iowa, Vol. II" by Peck, Montzheimer, And Miller
Submitted by Karen Seeman

John V. Adkins, associated with the Bank of Paullina, Iowa, was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1851, the son of Ezra and Lydia (Vertner) Adkins, the latter being a native of the state of Ohio. Ezra Adkins was an Easterner, born in Connecticut in 1824, and during the earlier years of his manhood he followed the vocation of farming. Previous to the time of the Civil War he came westward, locating in Illinois, where he had farming interests. There, at Camp Illinois, he enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He saw much active service and during the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, he was so unfortunate as to lose an arm. This was in 1864 and after receiving his injury he was given an honorable discharge, whereupon he returned to his former home in Illinois, and in 1865 became interested in the hotel business at Prairie City, Iowa. In this enterprise he was quite successful and with it remained for a number of years. He followed the hotel business here for some twenty years, when he disposed of his hotel and became county auditor of Jasper county, and about five years later his death occurred in 1898 in the town of Newton. He was the father of seven children, but three of whom are now living.

John V. Adkins received his schooling in his native county in Illinois and at the age of eighteen secured a position as clerk in a general merchandise store in Prairie City, this state. In this connection he remained for twelve years, when, desiring to be better equipped for the battle of life, he left Prairie City, going to Keokuk in 1876, where he took a complete business course, which was of inestimable advantage to him in later years. In 1883 he first came to Paullina and became associated with his brother David in the general merchandise business, selling out his interest therein three years later. David Adkins had the distinction of being the first settler in the town of Paullina and followed it from its earliest beginnings up to a thriving city with varied interests and fully in touch with the outside world. After severing his connection with his brother, Mr. Adkins became identified with the banking business, which has since claimed his best efforts and to its present satisfactory state of prosperity his industry and judgment has largely contributed. In addition to his interest in the bank, he has large landed holdings in O'Brien county and also owns his residence and several lots in the town of Paullina.

In 1877 Mr. Adkins was united in marriage with Allie White, who was born in 1853 at Valparaiso, Indiana, and their union has been blessed with two sons, the elder of whom, Harry C., is a civil engineer, located at present in Tennessee, while Leigh W., the younger, follows the same profession, being connected with the Northern Pacific Railroad, having his headquarters at St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Adkins is a stanch supporter of old-line Republican principles, taking more than a passive interest in the party's affairs. The family is identified with the Presbyterian church, to the support of which society Mr. Adkins gives liberally of both time and means. He is also a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Adkins has ever had the best interests of the community at heart and is one of the citizens of the town who is willing to give something of his own time and effort to bring about better things for the community. At present, he is serving Paullina as its city treasurer and every movement for the betterment of social, moral or material conditions finds in him a more than interested advocate. The qualities, which have made him one of the successful and prominent men of Paullina have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

Lester T. Aldinger

Banking is a business and profession which calls for talent of a high order. To succeed in this oldest of commercial pursuits requires a high degree of intelligence, a great measure of personal integrity, a modicum of absolute honesty, and a broad sense of citizenship, which enables one to capably judge human nature, and at the same time retain the confidence and respect of those with whom he is thrown in contact in the course of the conduct of his business. Lester T. Aldinger is a true type of the broadminded citizen and banking official who has achieved a standing in affairs through his own efforts, beginning in a small way.

Mr. Aldinger was born January 2, 1869, in Oneida county, New York. His father was John Aldinger, who was born in September, 1836, and died in January, 1911. He migrated to O'Brien county in 1878, looked over the territory, returned home and then permanently located in Liberty township in 1879. His initial purchase consisted of three quarter sections. He increased his holdings and eventually became a large land owner. Being one of those far-seeing men, who has faith in the ultimate development of the country, he speculated in lands to a considerable extent and handled hundreds and even thousands of acres. At one time he was the sole owner of over one thousand acres of richO'Brien county land. On account of failing health he disposed of the greater part of his holdings during the latter years of his life. At the time of his death he owned three hundred and twenty acres. He removed to Primghar in the fall of 1900 and here ended his days. He took an active part in politics and was allied with the Republican party. He was a leading member of the Christian church. His wife, Sarah Evans, bore him the following children: Ernest E., of Primghar; James, a resident of Primghar; Lester T.; Frederick C. of Lansing, Michigan, and Mrs. Edith McDowell, of Primghar.

Lester T. Aldinger was educated in the district schools and the graded schools of Sutherland. He also pursued a commercial course at Shenandoah, Iowa. His younger days were spent in farming until 1896, when he purchased the grain elevator at Sutherland, Iowa, which he operated until January 1, 1900, when he removed to Primghar. In thefall of 1899 he was elected to the important office of county treasurer on the Republican ticket and served for two consecutive terms. After the close of his term of office, in 1904, he devoted some time to his personal affairs and was again elected to fill the countytreasurer's office in the fall of 1908, and served for two terms or until January 1, 1912. At the expiration of his official duties he became cashier of the Primghar Savings Bank. Mr. Aldinger is the owner of four hundred acres of the finest of O'Brien county land.

Mr. Aldinger is affiliated with the Methodist church and is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He was married in 1903 to Helle Hill, a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Hill, of O'Brien county, and who has borne him two children, Bernard, a graduate of the Primghar high school, and Harold, a student.

Mr. Aldinger is one of these exceptional, likeable characters, whose known integrity and uprightness makes for the best citizenship and serves as an example for others to follow. He enjoys the distinction of being the only county official who was re-elected to the sameoffice after retiring for a period of five years.

Ernst J. Claussen

Prominent among the younger business men of Paullina, O'Brien county, Iowa, is Ernst J. Claussen, the up-to-date photographer, whose enterprise and depth of character have gained for him a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. Mr. Claussen has been progressive, enterprising and persevering in his chosen field and such qualities always win success sooner or later. To him they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well-directed effort and while he has primarily sought the advancement of his own individual interests, he has also ever borne inmind the essential qualities of good citizenship.

The subject is a native of Chicago, Illinois, born in that city in 1880, the son of J. H. and Elizabeth (Wolfram) Claussen, the former of whom was born in Germany in 1844 and the latter a native of the state of Maryland, born in 1848. When a young man in his native country, the elder Claussen mastered the wagonmaker's trade, at which he worked for several years before emigrating to this country in 1875. He settled in Illinois and in Chicago secured employment in his trade. There he remained until 1884 when he came to Iowa, locating in O'Brien county, and in Caledonia township acquired a tract of land containing three hundred and twenty acres. Here he carried on general farming and kindred pursuits and was engaged in this vocation at the time of his death in 1893. His widow survived him a number of years, passing into the great beyond in 1910. They were the parents of a family of ten children, all living with the exception of one. Mr. Claussen was possessed of much native shrewdness and more than ordinary energy and ability, and during the years of his residence here he came to be regarded as one of the stanch and reliable men of his locality.

Ernst J. Claussen, the immediate subject of this sketch, in his boyhood attended the German parochial school at Germantown, Iowa, from which he was graduated in due time, and later attended high school inPaullina for two terms. After the death of his father he remained on the home farm for six years, operating it and helping to care for the mother and younger children, and in 1899, in company with his brothers, Charles and William, he came to Paullina and engaged in the mercantile business. For five years they maintained this association and in 1904 he separated from them, engaging in the photograph business at Paullina. One year later he opened a studio at Sutherland and at the present time is managing the business at both places. In addition to his studios he maintains photo supply shops and is quite successful in his enterprise.

In 1913 Mr. Claussen was united in marriage with Dora Hanson, of Cherokee, Iowa, born in 1888, and they are the parents of one little daughter, Claudia. Politically, Mr. Claussen belongs to the Democratic party and is considered one of the active workers in local circles. He has served as chairman of Waterman township and has rendered other public service. His religious affiliation is with the German Lutheran church, of which he is an active and consistent member. He has become well and most favorably known throughout this locality for his uprightness in business, his public spirit and friendly disposition. He and his wife are well liked by a large circle of friends, endeavoring always to keep abreast of the times and always willing and glad to do their part toward furthering any movement looking to the betterment of the locality where they reside, either religiously, socially or educationally.

Ina Dornbusch

The subject of this review is a typical example of the great things which can be accomplished by the steady worker who exercises sound judgment in his labors and wisely directs his business affairs.

Ina Dornbusch, a prominent farmer of Union township, was born in the year 1869 in Germany. His father, Martin Dornbusch,was also a native of the fatherland, his birth occurring in 1820. The father, in his youth, learned the trade of shoemaking, and to this vocation he adhered throughout his life. In the year 1850 he was united in marriage to Trinke Brunken, whose birth was in the year 1827, and to this couple were born seven children, five of whom are now surviving. In the year 1870, after twenty years of wedded life, the father was taken from the bosom of his family by the call of death, and the following year the mother, with her children, emigrated to America. Here, in Whiteside county, Illinois, they made their permanent abiding place.

The son, Ina, in whom we are directly interested, remained with the family only until his eighteenth year, when he migrated to Plymouth county, Iowa, and obtained employment upon a farm, laboring by the month. Later he was enabled to cultivate a tract of land for himself and here he labored early and late, living frugally and looking forward to the opportunity to acquire for himself a competence. In the year 1898 he was enabled to purchase a quarter section of land, and to this he gradually added additional tracts, always laboring assiduously to cultivate and improve his holdings. In the year 1895, however, he entered into the state of matrimony, taking for his bride Sarah Moser. Two children, Martin and Ina, were born of this union, both of whom are still residing with the father. The hand of death, however, was laid upon the mother in the year 1904. In 1906 Mr. Dornbusch was again married, taking for his wife Mrs. Anna Stern, who was born in the year 1870 in Whiteside county, Illinois, and who is now his faithful helpmate. Her son, Arthur Stern, is a member of the family also, assisting in the labors of the place.

Mr. Dornbusch's holdings of farm land have constantly increased in size and value and he is now the possessor of more than eight hundred acres of valuable farm property. Of this, six hundred and forty-four acres are located in O'Brien county, one hundred sixty acres in South Dakota, and a tract of forty-four acres on the north edge of the town of Paullina is now the family homestead, being cultivated by Mr. Dornbusch and his sons, he being relieved of the more arduous labor which characterized the earlier years of his life. Truly a wonderful accomplishment, all this, for a man who started at the foot of the ladder and is yet in the prime of life.

Mr. Dornbusch is a firm believer in the principles of Democracy and consistently votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the German Lutheran church of Paullin, but has not been interested in fraternal affairs, belonging to no lodges, but preferring to devote his time and his energies to his home and the upbringing of his family. Though a man who has labored assiduously and steadily, he has found time to take an interest in movements looking toward the general uplift of the community and is respected as one of the representative citizens of the county.

Adolph Gosch

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-of-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true manhood and no truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted largely to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.

Adolph Gosch, a prosperous farmer of Lincoln township, O'Brien county, was born in Scott county, Iowa, in 1872, the son of Claus and Anna (Untiedt) Gosch, both of whom were born in Germany. Claus Gosch was born in 1828 and followed the trade of a miller in his native land until he came here in 1866. In that year he came to America and settled in Davenport, Iowa, where he worked for a short time. He then engaged in farming in Scott county until 1899, when he came to O'Brien county and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lincoln township, where his son, Adolph, is now living. To Claus Gosch and wife were born four children: Mrs. Agnes Muhs, deceased; Henry, a farmer of Scott county, Iowa, who is living with his father; Gustave, a resident of Scott county, and Adolph, of Lincoln township, with whom this narrative deals.

Adolph Gosch received his education in the schools of Scott county. Iowa, and remained with his parents until his marriage in 1896, at which time he moved to O'Brien county and began farming on hisfather's farm.

He set out three acres of grove trees and has made many extensive improvements on the land, amounting to more than three thousand dollars, since moving to the farm. In addition to his grain crops he raises a considerable amount of graded stock, which adds not a little to his annual income.

Mr. Gosch was married in 1896 in Scott county, Iowa, to Ida Brehmer, and to this marriage have been born four children. Stella, Gustav, Mabel and Ida, all of whom are still with their parents.

In his political affiliations Mr. Gosch has identified himself with the Republican party and has taken an intelligent interest in the affairs of the body politic, and he has been especially interested in education and has served as school director of Lincoln township. He and his family are earnest members of the German Lutheran church and render to it faithful service at all times. His life has been one of activity, and by reason of the success with which it has been attended it is safe to predict for him a future of greater usefulness. He is familiar with all the different phases of agriculture and is regarded as one of the most progressive and substantial farmers of his community. He is a man who wins many friends by his kindly manner and personality.

William Egdorf

The gentleman of whom we wish to speak in this review is an ex-emplification of the accomplishment of a man who came to this country a stranger and, starting at the foot of the ladder, has, by his own efforts and by means of his intrinsic worth, placed himself in a position of affluence and prominence.

William Egdorf is a native of Germany, having first seen the light of day in the year 1864. His father, Charles B. Egdorf, was born in 1823 and remained in the fatherland until he reached mature years. His wife, Sophia, was born in 1830 and to them came six children, five of whom are now living.

The son, William, accompanied his parents to this country in his youth, soon after his arrival here finding employment as a farm hand. True to the teachings of his childhood, he labored diligently andlived with characteristic German thrift, looking toward a future of competence and independence. In 1889 the advantages offered to settlers in O'Brien county appealed to him, and to this locality he journeyed, settling in Caledonia township, where he rented a quarter section of land. So diligent was he and with such sound judgment did he direct his efforts that he was enabled at the expiration of four years to purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker township and later, eighty additional acres were added to his holdings. Mr. Egdorf has consistently adhered to his original manner of living, laboring at all times energetically for the improvement of his estate and the acquirement of those comforts which are a necessity for the enjoyment of a peaceful rest in the declining years of life. At this time he is the possessor of two hundred and forty acres of well cultivated land, and five thousand dollars' worth of improvements have rendered it a handsome homestead.

Mr. Egdorf is unmarried. Politically, he is an adherent of the Republican party, which ticket he has voted from his youth. He is a faithful member and supporter of the German Lutheran church, but has taken no interest in fraternal affairs, being a member of no secret societies. He is known throughout the community as a conservative gentleman of unquestioned integrity, upright and honorable in his dealings and a citizen of sterling worth.

Ed Gaster

Among the men of the younger generation in Osceola county who are taking their part in the life of the community is Ed Gaster, the present postmaster of Ashton. Although he has been a resident of the county only about twenty years, yet such has been his life sincecoming to this county that he has become recognized as an influential citizen of his town and community. He is guided by correct principles of conduct, and with the business ability which he has shown since becoming a resident of Ashton. it is safe to conclude that in the years to come he will be numbered among the prosperous men of his hometown.

Ed Gaster, the son of F. W. and Susan (Ratzlaff) Gaster, was born in Pierce, Nebraska, April 30, 1885. His father was born in Wisconsin in 1850, while his mother was a native of Germany, her birth occurring in 1855. F. W. Gaster and wife were married in Nebraska and later moved to Yankton. South Dakota, where he followed his trade as a brick and stone mason. From Yankton the family moved to Sioux City, Iowa, wherethey lived five years. In 1895 they moved to Ashton, where they are now living. They are the parents of seven children, all of whom are living in Ashton: Henry, Louise, Ed (whose history is here presented), Frank, Mrs. Anna Adkins, Will and Alice.

Ed Gaster was educated in the schools of Sioux City and Ashton, coming to the latter city with his parents when he was ten years of age. After leaving the school room he commenced to work in a general mercantile establishment in Ashton and clerked there for twelve years. In 1910 he was appointed postmaster of Ashton and has been fillingthat position since that time. In addition to serving as postmaster he also conducts a novelty and confectionery store, and has his full share of the trade in his particular line of business. Two rural routes are served from Ashton and make daily trips through thesurrounding country.

Mr. Gaster is a Republican in politics and has always been interested in the affairs of his party. He is a wide reader of current events and keeps well informed on the main issues of the day. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and is a liberal supporter of that denomination. He is still unmarried and lives with his parents. Mr. Gaster is a young man on the threshold of life, and his career so far justifies the predictions of his many friends that he will eventually become one of the substantial men of his community. He lives a clean and wholesome life and is faithful to every duty which has been thrust upon him, and for this reason he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who have been associated with him in any capacity.

Fred Guhl

Practically every country in Europe has contributed to the population of O'Brien county, Iowa. It is a matter of history that Germany has gone through several revolutions within the past century which have forced thousands of their best citizens to leave the country. After the revolutions of 1820 and 1848 there were thousands of citizens of Germany who came to America and settled in various parts of the United States. As a matter of fact whenever any German settlers came to this country and made a success, it usually followed that the neighbors who lived in the same locality in his native land also came over to this country. No German who has settled in O'Brien county, Iowa, has ever been an inmate of the poor house. This fact alone shows that they have been uniformly successful. Among the successful men of Lincoln township, O'Brien county, Iowa, who came to this country after reaching their majority there is no one who occupies a more prominent position in his township than Fred Guhl, of Lincoln township.

Fred Guhl, the son of Joachin and Elizabeth (Jauert) Guhl, was born in 1866 in Germany. His father was born in 1835 and followed the profession of a sailor and fisherman in his native land. Joachin Guhl and wife were married in 1865 in Germany and to their union were born four children: William, who was killed by a team on his father's farm; Mrs. Ricker Lach of Pocahontas county, Iowa; Albert, a cement worker of Minnesota, and Fred, whose life history forms the theme of this narrative.

Fred Guhl went to school in Germany and received a good common school education. After leaving the school room he worked out as a farm hand in the vicinity of his home neighborhood. He came with his parents from Germany to Benton county, Iowa, in 1888 and stayed with his father on the farm two years after he came to this state. He then came from Benton county to O'Brien county in 1896. In the year 1894 he was married and first rented land in Benton county. After coming to O'Brien county he rented land for six years, he then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Lincoln township, which he is still farming. Since purchasing this farm he has made eight thousand dollars' worth of improvements on it. His father also owned one hundred and sixty acres in this same township and had the largest grove in the township. His father sold his farm a short time before his death and moved to Hartley, where he lived until 1913, the year of his death. Mr. Guhl is a large stock raiser and keeps a good grade of stock, and from the sale of this he realizes a handsome return each year. He has a share in the Farmers Elevator Company of Hartley, Iowa.

Mr. Guhl was married in 1894 to Marie Wieditc and to this marriage have been born two children, William and Elizabeth, both of whom are still with their parents. Mr. Guhl gives his support to the Democratic party at all times, although he has never taken an active part in politics, preferring to devote all of his time to his agricultural interests. Mr. Guhl and his family are earnest members of the German Lutheran church and contribute generously of their means to its support. Mr. Guhl came to this country after reaching his majority and in the course of twenty-five years obtained a position of influence in his community, solely through his own efforts. He is a man who is held in high esteem by his neighbors because of his kindly manner and his upright way of living.

Frank L. Herrick

Among the business men of Primghar, O'Brien county, Iowa, who have, lived in the county for the past forty years and helped to place it in the front ranks of the counties of Iowa, is Frank L. Herrick, the leading abstracter of the county seat of O'Brien county. He was born February 27, 1859, in Watertown, New York, and is the son of Frederick and Malvina L. (Priest) Herrick.

Frederick Herrick and his family came from New York to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1859 and later located on a farm near Durant, Cedar county, where they lived until 1874. Previous to that year the oldest son of the family, Augustus F., had come to O'Brien county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in section 12, in Carroll township. Here the family lived until the mother died, November 27, 1879. The father later remarried and settled in Des Moines, where he died in 1902. Frederick Herrick and wife were the parents of four children: Augustus F., who died October 25, 1877; Cornelia A., who died April 25, 1885; Homer L., and Frank L., whose history is here sketched.

Frank L. Herrick came with his parents from New York to Iowa when he was about one year of age and lived in Jackson and Cedar counties until he was fifteen years of age. His elementary education was received in the Cedar county district schools. Upon coming to O'Brien county with his parents in 1874, he immediately began to work upon the farm. He farmed until 1887, when he moved to Primghar and purchased a half interest in a merchandise establishment in that town. Later he worked for four years in an abstract office, and in 1894 he was elected county recorder of O'Brien county on the Republican ticket and served two terms to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the county, and at the expiration of his term of office, in 1899. He entered the abstract business and has continued at this work up to the present time. He has a complete set of abstract books and is well qualified to do everything which comes within his line.

Mr. Herrick has been twice married, his first marriage being March 19, 1881, to Jennie C. Richardson, who died July 4. 1894, leaving four children: Maud L., born March 9, 1882, died March 1, 1907: James M., born April 27, 1884; Mabel L., born April 27, 1887, died December 24, 1912, and Chester A. James M. lives at Butte, Montana, and is an employee of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Mr. Herrick was married a second time on August 19, 1909, to Jennie King, the daughter of William King and wife, of Primghar.

Mr. Herrick has been identified with the Republican party since reaching his majority and has been honored by his party by being elected county recorder. He is active in the councils of his party and his advice has been frequently asked by its leaders. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Brotherhood of America. He and his wife are loyal members of the Congregational church and contribute of their means to its support. Mr. Herrick is a wide-awake business man and has gained the confidence of his fellow citizens because of his uprightness and honesty in all of his transactions. He is a man of plain and unassuming demeanor and easily wins friends.

Isaac L. Rerick

Among the highly respected citizens of Primghar, O'Brien county, Iowa, is Isaac L. Rerick, assistant doorkeeper of the Iowa State Senate. He is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, May 4, 1834, the son of Henry and Julia Ann (Lamb) Rerick. His mother died when he was eight years of age, and his father in 1878. Henry Rerick was a native of New York, and one of the pioneers of Tippecanoe county, Indiana. In 1835, when Isaac L. was about a year old, his father moved to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where he lived until his death. The father of Henry Rerick was in the War of 1812, and died in that struggle. Henry Rerick was twice married and by the first marriage there were six children: John H.; Rebecca; Isaac L., whose history is recorded here; Hannah; Elisabeth and Hamilton. Several children were also born to the second marriage.

Isaac L. Rerick was reared in Indiana and there received his education. When he was twenty-one years of age he came to Iowa and spent two months in Delaware county, after which he located in Jones county. He worked there until February, 1856, being employed by an old Indiana acquaintance as a wood chopper. In February, 1856, he returned to Delaware county and worked on a farm with another young man. Then the two young men bought eighty acres of prairie land and twenty acres of timber. They fenced forty acres of the land with a rail fence and sold his first crop for ninety dollars. Isaac L. thenwent to Boone county, Iowa, where he worked for a time at fifteen dollars a month.

Isaac L. Rerick was married in 1857 to Samantha Clark, of Boone county, Iowa, the daughter of Louis Clark, a merchant of Sweedspoint. Mr. Clark is now ninety-three years of age. Mr. Rerick enlisted September 28. 1861, in Company E, Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and three months in the southwesternpart of the United States. He was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and was under fire for fourteen days between Vicksburg and Meridian, Mississippi. He was on the Red River expedition and other skirmishes in the Southwest. He was wounded in his neck and laid for six months in a hospital, as the result of thebattle at Pleasant Hill. He then went home on a furlough, but reported for duty at Keokuk, Iowa, in October, 1864, and was immediately sent to St. Louis. He was transferred to a company which was assigned to duty in Missouri and fought at Ironton in that state. At Ironton he served as quartermaster under General Ewing and saw very severe fighting. After this battle his regiment moved to Rolla, Missouri, and later was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, December 11, 1864.

After the war, Mr. Rerick returned to Jasper county, Iowa, where he lived until the spring of 1871. He then homesteaded on the western half of the northwest quarter of section 28, in Liberty township, and passed through all the troubles incident to the grasshopper plague in the latter seventies. In 1871 it only rained once during the whole year and succeeding seasons were either exceptionally dry or exceptionally wet, but, nevertheless, he stuck to it and came out all right in the end. In 1878 he and his family left the farm and moved to Primghar, where he obtained the contract for carrying the mail twice each week, between Cherokee, Primghar and Spencer. He carried the mail for the next three years, and then in 1881 engaged in the lumber business with one thousand dollars worth of stock. The winter and spring of 1882 will never be forgotten by those who lived in thecounty at that time. Fuel and provisions were hard to get and, in fact, many people left the county in order to keep from starvation. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Rerick engaged in the real estate business and until 1898 lived in Paullina, following the ups and downs of a realestate agent. In 1888 he was elected recorder of O'Brien county and moved to Primghar, was re-elected and served until 1892, since which time he has handled insurance and real estate in this county.

Mr. Rerick is a member of Jordan Post. Grand Army of Republic, and is now vice-commander of the post, having previously served as commander. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his political faith adheres to the old Republican party. He has been assistant doorkeeper of the Iowa Senate for the past four years. Mr.and Mrs. Rerick have seven children: Henry, of Primghar; Manford, of Washington state; Mrs. Ida Belle Bunce, of Calumet, Iowa; Mrs. Matie Wilkins, of Westboro, Missouri; Dora, a deaconess in Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Bertha Yeager, of Wall Lake, Iowa, and Ross C., of Sioux City. Mr. Rerick has the honor of being one of the two survivors whohelped locate the county seat of O'Brien county at Primghar, in 1872, a history of this is found in another part of this work, and furnishes one of the thrilling chapters of O’Brien county history.

Homer E. Richards

A man of strong character, good business ability and possessing all of those qualities which make an efficient public official is Homer E. Richards, the present treasurer of Osceola county, Iowa. Starting in life as a teacher in the public schools and later serving many years as a railroad telegrapher. He acquired habits of industry and integrity which have made him an important figure in the life of his county. He has also served as a postmaster, and was for many years, bookkeeper and assistant cashier of a bank, and in all of these various capacities he has acquitted himself with credit. He has performed all of his duties in a way which was highly satisfactory to all of those concerned.

Homer E. Richards, treasurer of Osceola county, Iowa, was born in Pepin, Pepin county, Wisconsin, in January, 1806, the son of Linus and Isabel (Lowry) Richards, natives of New York and Michigan, respectively. Linus Richards was born in 1823 and died in 1878. He came west to Galena. Illinois, in the early fifties, and from there freighted goods to Reed's Landing, Minnesota, where he opened a general grocery store. During the Civil War he was provost marshal of Minnesota, and at the close of the war moved to Pepin county, Wisconsin, where he again engaged in the mercantile business until hisdeath. He was twice married, having one child by the first marriage, Linus G., and by his second marriage there were three children: Homer E., whose history is here delineated; Clarence A., who lives at Langford, South Dakota, and Mrs. Althea Robertson, who is a resident of Steele, North Dakota. The second wife of Linus Richards is now living in Steele, North Dakota, with her daughter.

Homer E. Richards graduated from the Pepin high school in Wisconsin, and while attending school worked at the printer's trade. However, at the age of fifteen an unfortunate accident changed his whole career. At this time he lost his right arm while working in a sorghum mill. After this accident he went back to school and graduated from the high school and then taught in the public schools for two years, after which he learned the trade of a telegrapher and worked in Minneapolis for the first three years after qualifying for actual service. From that city he was transferred to Ellsworth. Minnesota, and from thence, to Lake Park, Dickinson county, Iowa. In the fall of 1892 he becametelegrapher and agent for the Rock Island Railway at Harris. Osceola county, Iowa, and has lived in this county since that time. He remained at Harris for thirteen years. Upon the organization of a bank there in 1905 he became the bookkeeper and assistant cashier of the institution and remained in that capacity until 1911. In the fall of 1910 he was elected treasurer of Osceola county, and took his office January 1, 1911, at Sibley. In the fall of 1912 he was re-elected to this responsible position and will hold until January 1, 1915. While living at Harris Mr. Richards was postmaster from 1900 to 1910.

Mr. Richards was married in 1893 to Ida M. Ward, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Ward, of Ocheyedan, Iowa, and to this marriage have been born two children, Clarence C., born October 17, 1894, and Marie M., born April 27, 1896.

Mr. Richards has been actively identified with Republican principles and politics since reaching his majority and has always taken a prominent part in local political affairs. The Republican party nominated him for the office of county treasurer and as a Republicanhe was appointed postmaster at Harris. He and his family are attendants of the Congregational church and give to it their earnest support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Richards has always taken an active part in the various public enterprises which affectedhis community and has never withheld his hearty support from any movement which would be of benefit to the community at large. He is a man who keeps in close touch with current events and is always found on the right side of all questions affecting the welfare of his localitv.

Albert Romey

Every country of Europe has contributed some of its best and warmest blood to the various states of our Union, but no country has sent here more independent, self-reliant and liberty-loving people than has Germany. Every branch of industry has felt the invigorating impulse of these people, and has responded with a firmer and more enduringprogress. Strong and vigorous sons of the Fatherland, influential in every line of American activity, to them our country is largely indebted for the almost phenomenal prosperity which it now enjoys. Many of the first settlers of Osceola county, Iowa, were born in Germany, and among these there is no one who is more worthy of representation in this volume than Albert Romey, who has lived for the past forty-three years in this county.

Albert Romey, a distinguished veteran of the Civil War was born April 12, 1844, in Danzig, Prussia, Germany. His parents, Frederick and Louisa (Adams) Romey, spent all their lives in the land of their birth with the exception of six years which Frederick spent in America. He was a cabinet-maker in his own country and was in the United Statesfrom 1856 to 1862, when he returned to Germany, where he lived the remainder of his days. One daughter, Mrs. Mary Otto, had previously come to this country and settled in DeKalb county, Illinois, and it was to visit her that Frederick Romey and his son. Albert, came to this country.

Albert Romey was only twelve years of age when he came to the United States, and when fourteen years of age had hired out to work for a doctor in DeKalb county, Illinois. In the same year, however, he came to Fayette county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm until the opening of the Civil War. Although but a mere youth of seventeen and a resident of this country but five years, he was seized with the same patriotic zeal which caused the millions of native-born sons to flock to the standard of their country. He enlisted in the spring of 1861, immediately after Lincoln's first call, in Company F, Third RegimentIowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for four years and four months. His regiment was first stationed in Missouri, and while in that state he participated in engagements at Monroe Blue Mills, on the Missouri river, Hickory Woods and Mexico. He was then sent to St. Louis to embark on gunboats which were sent down the Mississippi river, up theOhio and down the Tennessee to Fort Henry. He was in the sieges of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow and Memphis. From Memphis he went to Vicksburg and was in all of the fighting up to the surrender of that stronghold on July 4. 1863. He was then sent up the Yazoo river with their gunboat "Corandelett," which fought with the rebel ram "Arkansas". From here he went again to Island No. 10,in the Mississippi, where his regiment was stationed to prevent General Price from retaking the island. From Vicksburg his regiment was sent to Meridian, Mississippi, later returned and went to assist General Hanks upon the Red River expedition and went up the river toward Shreveport, Louisiana, and was detached and assigned to duty with the First Missouri Artillery. His next engagements were the battles of Yellow Bayou, De Glase and Cross Roads. For twelve days he was in continuous action and on horseback all the time. After the Red River expedition was concluded he returned to Vicksburg and from thence was sent to Memphis; here he returned to his original regiment and was sent to Georgia, where he followed Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. He was finally mustered .out at Louisville, Kentucky, at the close of the war, having been a participant in engagements in eight different states and passed through hardships which would try the nerve of the strongest heart. During his entire service he lived out in the open, his command having lost their tents at the battle of Shiloh in the spring of 1862. He was wounded on two different occasions, but fortunately not seriously at either time. AtYellow Bayou, in Louisiana, he was wounded by a piece of shell while on a gunboat and later was wounded on the back by a sabre cut while a rebel cavalry were charging the battery.

Immediately after the close of his long service at the front Mr. Romey returned to Fayette county, Iowa, where he farmed for a year. In 1866 he was married to Lucy Carpenter, and the following year they went to Nebraska looking for a place to locate. However, the Indians were giving trouble in that state and they returned to Iowa and lived in Fayette county until 1871. At this time Osceola county was being opened for settlement, and in that year they went to the latter county and homesteaded five miles southeast of Sibley, on the northwest quarter section of township 98, range 41, and here they lived until1880, at which time they moved to Sibley, where Mr. Romey engaged in the grocery business, and he has been engaged in that business continuously since that time, a period of more than thirty-three years. He still owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dickinson county, about nine miles from Spirit Lake.

Since coming to this county Mr. Romey has been in office practically continuously. He was postmaster at Sibley from 1897 to 1906. He has been county supervisor of Osceola county for two terms and while living in the county was township clerk and a member of the school board for several years. He has also been assessor of Sibley since becoming a resident of the city. He has always taken an active part in Republican politics and has been one of the leaders of his party in the county for more than forty years. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Sibley, and has been a quartermaster since its organization. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and render to it their earnest support at all times.

Mr. Romey and his wife have reared five children, all of whom are still living: E. A., a hotel proprietor of Dante, South Dakota; George A., cashier of the bank at Melvin, Iowa; Mrs. Lucile Ruth Velin, whose husband is a farmer of this county; Mrs. Abbie Wilburn, of Sibley, Iowa; Mrs. Bessie Wilson, who is railroad agent at Elko, Nevada.

And this is the history of. a sixteen-year-old German lad who came to this country without any knowledge whatever of its language, customs or institutions and yet by his own indomitable energy and pluck has made a name for himself in this great republic. Fortunate, indeed, is the county which receives such emigrants, and Osceola county is to be congratulated that Albert Romey decided to make his permanent home within its borders. He has been devoted to his adopted country, and has always taken an active interest in everything which he felt would benefit his community in any way. No man stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens in this county today than does Mr. Romey, and when the work which he has done is taken into consideration it can betruthfully said that he is one of Osceola county's representative men.

William H. Schoelerman

One of the most progressive of the younger farmers of O'Brien county is William H. Schoelerman, who is a son of German parents. Consequently it may be expected that he has been a prosperous citizen of his township, and such proves to be the case. While he has attended strictly to his own business and accumulated considerable of this world's goods, yet he has not neglected to take his full share in thepublic life of his community.

William H. Schoelerman was born in 1870 in Benton county, Iowa, the son of Nicholas and Sophia (Voss) Schoelerman. Nicholas Schoelerman was born in 1839, in Germany, and was a shepherd in his native land. When eighteen years of age he decided to cast his fortunes with the thousands of emigrants who were leaving his native land for America. He settled in Davenport. Iowa, where he worked for two years as a day laborer. In 1859 he went to Benton county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land for three dollars an acre. He and his brother. Jacob, were working together at this time and for some years they added to this tract until they owned a good farm when they divided their interests. Nicholas made many improvements and rapidly brought his farm to a place where it yielded him a goodly return on his investment. Mr. Schoelerman had been a farmer, who did not neglect to take advantage of the latest developments in farming machinery and the most approved methods of farm management, until he retired, owning many hundred acres of well improved land, as well as the home in Keystone, Benton county. He is now living a retired life in Keystone, where he moved in 1905. He married, in 1866, in Durant, Iowa, Sophia Voss, who was born in Germany in 1858. To Nicholas Schoelerman and wife have been born eleven children: Peter F., a farmer of Everly, Iowa; John, who is a farmer of Royal, Clay county, this state; Fernand, a farmer of Benton county, this state; August, who is living a retired life in Everly; Mrs. Caroline Mussman, who is a resident of Keystone, Iowa; Henry, a farmer of Clay county; Cecelia, deceased; Reimer, deceased; George, who is a farmer of Benton county, and Herman, a farmer of Benton county, this state.

William H. Schoelerman remained with his parents on the home farm in Benton county until he was twenty-five years of age, receiving a good, common school education and then worked with his father until he left home, at which time he rented a part of his father's farm and when his father moved to Keystone, in 1905, he purchased the farm. Since coming into control of the old homestead he has put fifteen thousand dollars worth of improvements on it. He has always kept a high grade of cattle and feeds from sixty to one hundred head for the markets each year. He is a stockholder in the Hartley Elevator Company and also in the Hartley Lumber Company.

Mr. Schoelerman was married in 1898, in O'Brien county, Iowa, to Sophia Jensen, who was born in Benton county in 1880, and to this union have been born four children: Alfred, Clara, Nicholas and Cecelia. Politically, Mr. Schoelerman is identified with the Democratic party and has always taken an interest in public affairs. He has been particularly interested in educational affairs and as a member of the school board of Hartley township he has rendered efficient service. He has also been road supervisor of Hartley township, in this county. He and all the members of his family are earnest and devoted adherents of the German Lutheran church and subscribe generously to the support of their denomination. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and takes an interest in the various activities of that fraternal organization. Mr. Schoelerman is a man who has won many friends because he has tried to live a life which would be consistent with the Golden Rule.

John Thietje

Among the prosperous farmers and stockmen of Lincoln township, O'Brien county, Iowa, of German parentage is John Thietje, a prominent citizen of Lincoln township. It is an inspiration to read the careers of men who came to this country with no visible assets except ability to work and their honesty of purpose, and in the course of a few years accumulated a comfortable competence for their declining years. John Thietje was born in 1856, in Germany, the son of Henry and Charlott (Petersen) Thietje. The father was born in 1824 and lived and died the life of a farmer in his native land, passing away in 1908. To Henry Thietje and wife were born eight children: Fred, of Germany; Henry, of Germany; Paul, of Germany; Mrs. Anna Meier, of Minnesota; Mrs. Dora Burer, deceased; August, deceased; Crist, who is farming with John in this county, and John, whose history is here briefly presented.

John Thietje received a common school education in his native land and learned the carpenter trade. Upon reaching the age of twenty-three he wished to better his condition and with this end in view sailed for America. After arriving in this country he first went to Jackson county, Iowa, and worked on a farm and did some carpenter work. Upon marrying, in 1885, he came to Union township, O'Brien county, and purchased eighty acres of land. He and his young wife worked diligently to bring the farm to a state where it would yield a comfortable living, and spent ten years of their lives upon this farm, then sold it in 1896 and moved to Kossuth county, in this state, where they again bought a farm. After six years they sold it and moved back to O'Brien county, buying one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln township, on which they are still living. He planted five acres of grove and orchard trees and raises a high grade of live stock of various kinds. He raises all the crops which are peculiar to this section of the state and finds a ready market for any of his surplus grain.

Mr. Thietje was married in 1885 to Anna Koock, and to this marriage have been born six children: Mrs. Charlott Pouersen, of Spencer, Iowa; Henry, of Spencer. Iowa: Albert: Dora; Emiel and Louise. The three younger children are still at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Thietje is a member of the Democratic party but has never been actively interested in the affairs of his party. He votes for the best man at election and in so doing he believes he is performing the best service for his state. Religiously, he and his family are earnest members of the German Lutheran church and contribute generously of their means to its support. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Hartley, Iowa. Mr. Thietje is a fine example of the self-made man who came from a foreign country with no knowledge of the English language and in the course of a few years accumulated a comfortable fortune for his declining years. He is a man of pleasant personality and easily makes friends wherever he goes. He is highly regarded by everyone who knows him because of his upright character and cleanliness of life.

George W. Walter

One of the enterprising and successful farmers of O'Brien county. Iowa, who traces his ancestry back to the land of the Kaiser, is George W. Walter, a man who has succeeded in his life work from no other cause than that he has worked persistently and along proper lines. He has not only succeeded in his chosen vocation of agriculture, but has also won a reputation for honesty and fair dealings throughout the county.

George W. Walter, the present trustee of Hartley township, and a prosperous farmer and stockman, was born in 1857 in Marshall county, Iowa. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Little) Walters, his father having been born in Germany in 1819 and his mother in Ohio in 1823. George Walter, Sr., learned the wagon-maker's trade in his native land and upon coming to this country, in 1837, followed his trade in the state of Ohio for a number of years. While living in Ohio he was married, in 1833, to Elizabeth Little. In 1855 he and his family moved to Marshall county, Iowa, where he continued to follow his trade until 1865, at which time he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of timber and prairie land in Marshall county and began to follow the vocation of a farmer. He added to his land holdings from time to time until, when he retired, in 1890, he was the owner of three hundred acres of fine farming land. He lived with his children after his retirement until his death, which occurred in 1899. To George Walter and wife were born eleven children: Elizabeth, the wife of T. H. Jones, a retired druggist, now living in California; Mrs. Mary Curtis, deceased; John, also living in California; Mrs. Carrie (Havens) Conrad, who lives in Iowa; William, deceased; Mrs. Emma Jones, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Frank P. who is a retired farmer of Iowa; Charles E., deceased; Albert, deceased; Warren, of Marshall county, this state, and George W., with whom this narrative deals.

George W. Walter remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age. He received a good common school education, and after completing his studies he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Humboldt county, Iowa, and, after farming it for five years, sold it and came to O'Brien county, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land in Hartley township in 1887, and broke the most of this tract himself the first time. He was very successful in his efforts after coming to this, county and is now the owner of five hundred and ninety acres of land in the county. One hundred and sixty acres of his land adjoins the city of Hartley. He is a large breeder of Shorthorn cattle and finds the sale of his cattle one of the important sources of his income. He also owns a share in the Hartley Lumber Company.

Mr. Walter was married in 1889, in Hartley township, to Alice Elsberry, the daughter of Garden and Anna (Lupton) Elsberry. Garden Elsberry was born in Wisconsin in 1822, and his wife was a native of Ohio, her birth having occurred in Belmont, that state, in 1834, their marriage occurring in 1868. George Walter and wife are the parents of five children : Veda Lona; John, a farmer who is living with his parents; Elizabeth, Oletha and George F. The two older children, Veda Lona and John, graduated from the high school at Hartley and the other three children are now attending school in Hartley. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are firm believers in the efficacy of a good education and are intending that their children shall have the best advantages along that line.

Politically, Mr. Walter has been identified with the Republican party ever since reaching his majority. His worth as a citizen is shown by the fact that he is now holding the office of trustee of Hartley township, and he is also school director of his township.

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