-205- WILLIAM H. RUNNINGS    William H. Runnings has been successfully engaged in business as a stock buyer for the past seven years and is a member of the firm of Runnings & Wixon Brothers, of Meriden. His birth occurred in Marquette, Michigan, on the 28th of April, 1868, his parents being James and Mary (McLean) Runnings, natives of New York. The father removed to Michigan in an early day and was there engaged in business as a contractor until 1871, when he came to Cherokee county, Iowa. Two years later he brought his family here and located at Marcus when there were only two buildings in the place. Here he followed contracting for about twenty years, building most of the schoolhouses in this part of the county. Subsequently he took up his abode on a farm which he owned in Amherst township, improving and operating the place until 1899, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Canada, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. The demise of his wife occurred in 1904.    William H. Runnings was a little lad of five years when the family home was established in Marcus and consequently his education was acquired here. After putting aside his text-books he went to San Francisco, California, and subsequently to Centralia, Washington, where he spent two years as a postoffice employee. Returning to Marcus, Iowa, he was there engaged in the harness business for one year and then removed to Meriden, where he continued in the same business for two years. On the expiration of that period he took the management of an elevator and remained in charge for nine years, also buying stock at the same time. On resigning his position at the elevator he embarked in business as a stock buyer on his own account, organizing a company in association with his brother-in-law under the style of Runnings & Wixon Brothers. In the spring and fall months he devotes most of his time to the buying of stock at Sioux City, and in the conduct of his business interests he has won a measure -206- of success that entitles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of Meriden.    On the 27th of June, 1895, Mr. Runnings was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Wixon, her parents being Ward and Euphemia (Van Boskirk) Wixon, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of his work in connection with the sketch of Lincoln Wixon, brother of Mrs. Runnings. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eight children, as follows: Myrna, Hazel, Russell, Ward, Chrystal, Harvey, George and Reva. The last named passed away in 1903.    Mr. Runnings is a stanch republican in politics and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He has ably served as mayor of Meriden for three terms, is a member of the town council at the present time and has also acted in the capacity of town assessor. He has likewise served on the school board for twelve years and is now its president. He was postmaster from 1908 to 1909. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Steadfast, industrious and determined, his close attention to business has constituted the basis of his success, and his public-spirited citizenship is the root of his political preferment. He is a man of genuine personal worth and his sterling traits of character have established him on a high plane in public regard.

-206- DANIEL MELTER   Full size   For thirty-five years Daniel Melter was closely identified with agricultural interests of Cherokee county as a progressive and successful farmer and during that time he managed his interests so carefully and capably that he is now able to spend the evening of his life in rest and retirement. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 16, 1843, and is a son of Michael and Eva C. (Deem) Melter, natives of Baden, Germany. The father came to America in 1835 and located in Ohio, abandoning the trade of a cabinet-maker, which he had learned in the fatherland, in favor of farming. He remained in Ohio until 1852 and then moved to Wisconsin, buying eighty acres of land which he improved and operated until 1873. In that year he moved to Cherokee county and made his home with his son until his death, which occurred February 26, 1895. He had survived his wife since September 21, 1870.    Daniel Melter was reared in Wisconsin and for about a month and a half in every year attended school in a log schoolhouse. He remained on the farm with his father until 1865 and then enlisted in Company D, Forty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. After his discharge he returned home and rented his father's farm for three years, after which he moved to Iowa and located in Blackhawk county. In the spring of 1870 he moved to Cherokee county and bought a farm in what is now Rock township, bending his energies to the work of its improvement and cultivation. Under his able management the farm became in the course of years a valuable and productive property and he himself became ranked among the progressive and able agriculturists of this -211- vicinity. In 1901 he rented his property to his son and moved into Marcus, where he has since lived a retired life. He is vice president of the First National Bank of Marcus and was for twelve years secretary and manager of the Western Cherokee Mutual Fire and Lighting Insurance Company. He is still connected with the insurance business, handling a profitable agency in Marcus.    On the 31st of December, 1868, Mr. Melter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Spinharny, a daughter of Blasius and Bertha (Dentz) Spinharney, the former a native of France and the latter of Germany. The father came to America at an early date and located at Steubenville, Ohio, where he worked for some time for Edwin M. Stanton, afterward Lincoln's secretary of war. He served two years in the Mexican war and afterward returned to Ohio, whence he moved to Wisconsin, buying a farm in Washington county. He afterward engaged in various occupations, following farming and mercantile pursuits and also serving as sheriff. In 1869 he moved to Cherokee county and bought a half section of land in Rock township. This he improved and from time to time added to until he had over five hundred acres at the time of his death. He passed away December 7, 1903, having survived his wife since March 16th of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Melter became the parents of seven children: Frederick W., who was born June 18, 1870; Annie C., who died November 4, 1872, at the age of seven days; Rosie I., born August 13, 1874; Edwin E., whose birth occurred March 13, 1877; Annie B., born October 19, 1879; Maggie L., born November 6, 1881; and Stephen B., born January 2, 1886.    Mr. Melter belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of Custer Post, No. 25, of Cherokee, Iowa. He is a republican in his political beliefs. He has always been recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen and his loyalty has been proven by practical and able work in public office. He served on the board of supervisors and was mayor of the city for one term. He was the first township clerk of Rock township, the first secretary of the school board and also served as assessor. He is at present a member of the advancement and progress. He is one of Cherokee county's most enterprising and representative citizens, a man who has done much for the community along lines of political, social and business development.

-211- ANDREW I. SWANSON    Andrew I. Swanson, who since 1907 has conducted a general store in Cleghorn, was born in Leland, Illinois, on February 18, 1884. He is a son of Andrew M. and Christina (Jackson) Swanson, natives of Sweden, the former of whom came to America in early life and located in Illinois, accepting a position as section foreman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He retained this for eighteen years and then, in 1886, came to Plymouth county, Iowa, buying a farm, which he improved and operated until 1905. He then retired and moved into Marcus, where he and his wife now reside.    Andrew I. Swanson was reared at home, acquiring his education in public schools in Marcus and in Brown's Business College of Sioux City, Iowa. He -212- began his independent career as clerk in a general store at Marcus, retaining this position for one year and a half. In 1907 he came to Cleghorn and purchased the general store owned by E. A. Allen. This enterprise he has operated since that time and he has built up a large patronage, for his goods are well selected, his service prompt and his prices reasonable. Mr. Swanson is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Cleghorn and in the Cleghorn Independent Telephone Company, and he owns besides his business premises a comfortable home in the town.    On the 2d of August, 1911, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Schellenger, a daughter of George T. and Alice (Gilmore) Schellenger, the former a retired farmer, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Swanson is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. A young man of energy, resource and capacity, he has carefully managed his business interests and has met with gratifying and well deserved success.

-212- JOHN MEEHAN    John Meehan, one of the prosperous agriculturists and leading citizens of Marcus township, is the owner of a highly improved farm of three hundred and sixty acres of sections 25 and 26. His birth occurred Mechanicsville, Cedar county, Iowa, on the 17th of January, 1864, his parents being William and Mary (Norton) Meehan, natives, respectively, of Tipperary and Dublin, Ireland. In 1845 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Boston, Massachusetts, where they made their home for six or eight years. William Meehan was a railroad contractor and his duties in that connection took him all over the country for several years. In 1855 he located at Mechanicsville, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away in June, 1903. His wife was called to her final rest in March, 1912.    John Meehan acquired his education in the public schools of Mechanicsville and after putting aside his text-books worked as a farm hand until he had attained his majority. In 1885 he removed to O'Brien county, Iowa, and there cultivated rented land until 1890, when he came to Cherokee county. Here he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Marcus township, and began the improvement of the property, while subsequently he purchased two hundred acres of land on section 25, so that his holdings now embrace three hundred and sixty acres. The place is highly improved in every particular and in its operations he has won a most gratifying and well merited measure of success.    On November 23, 1904, Mr. Meehan was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McClintock, a daughter of James and Mary (Hubert) McClintock. A sketch of her father appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Meehan have six children, namely: Mary L., who is seven years old; William Mark, a little lad of six; James, Francis and Mabel, who are five, three and two years of age, respectively; and Bernice, who is in the first year. Mr. Meehan gives his political -213- allegiance to the democracy and is a devout communicant of the Holy Name Catholic church of Marcus, Iowa. He has won a gratifying degree of material success and a high place in the respect and esteem of all who know him, and he deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for all that he today possesses has been acquired through his own careful management and well directed labors.

-213- WILLIAM F. TIGGES    William F. Tigges, one of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Spring township, has since 1889 been prominently connected with agricultural interests here, making in the course of years many substantial and important contributions to general development. He was born in Wisconsin in April, 1866, and is a son of Frederick and Marie (Walters) Tigges, natives of Germany, who came to America when they were young and married near La Crosse, Wisconsin. In that state they resided for twenty-eight years thereafter and then, in 1869, came to Iowa, settling in Marshall county, where the father purchased land. He engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1890 and then settled in Buena Vista county, on a farm which he had previously purchased. He had previously bought one-half section in Spring township, Cherokee county. He engaged extensively in the raising of high-grade stock, building up a large business along this line and continuing active in it until his retirement in 1894, when he moved to Peterson, Iowa. He owned at that time eight hundred and fifty-five acres of well improved land, with seven hundred acres in a high state of cultivation. This he has since divided with his children: Mary, the wife of Nicholas Amendt, of Cherokee county; and William F., of this review. After the death of his wife Fred Tigges wedded Miss Rosine Strobach, a native of Germany, who passed away in 1893, leaving six children. Frederick Tigges makes his home in Peterson, Iowa, and reached the age of eighty years December 7, 1913.    William F. Tigges acquired his education in the public schools of Cherokee and Marshall counties and throughout his childhood and youth assisted with the work of the homestead. In 1889, when he was twenty-three years of age, he rented land from his father and he has since continued to reside upon this land and he and his wife now have four hundred and forty acres in Cherokee and Clay counties. Mr. Tigges operates one hundred and sixty acres and has rented the remainder, which brings him an excellent income.    On June 20, 1891, Mr. Tiggs was united in marriage to Miss Esther E. Goodrich, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of W. B. and Rebecca (Smith) Goodrich, natives of Vermont and Pensylvania, respectively. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Tigges have become the parents of seven children: Eda R., who was born May 13, 1893, and who married December 6, 1910, Louis Brasch, of Cherokee county; Early, whose birth occurred January 14, 1897; Pearl, born June 24, 1899; Eldon, born May 2, 1901; Chester, born May 25, 1904; Wilbur, born July 3, 1907; and Alvia, the second child born to her parents, who is deceased. -214-    Mr. Tigges is a progressive republican in his political beliefs and for the past thirteen years has rendered the township excellent service as assessor. During the period of his residence here he has proved himself a capable and farsighted public official and a reliable and progressive farmer, meriting and holding the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizen.

-214- JOSEPH J. KINZEL    Joseph J. Kinzel, and enterprising and successful merchant of Cleghorn, is associated with D. A. Springer in the conduct of a hardware store and enjoys an enviable reputation as a young man of excellent business ability and discernment. His birth occurred in Germany on the 27th of December, 1879, his parents being Andrew and Dora (Pheifer) Kinzel, likewise natives of that country. The father followed farming in Germany until 1881, when he crossed the Atlantic to America and located in Cherokee county, Iowa, cultivating rented land in Rock township for about fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased and improved a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township, where he has been successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits to the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kinzel have resided in this county for almost a third of a century and are well known and highly esteemed within its border.    Joseph J. Kinzel, who was but two years of age when brought to the new world by his parents, acquired his education in rock and Liberty townships of Cherokee county. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and then took up his abode on a rented farm in Sheridan township, near Cleghorn, which he is still operating at the present time. On the 1st of April, 1913, in association with his brother-in-law, D. A. Springer, he purchased the hardware stock of David Gowan and has since dealt in this commodity, enjoying an extensive and well merited patronage. Messrs. Kinzel and Springer also purchased the building, a two-story cement structure, which they utilize entirely in the conduct of their business. Mr. Kinzel is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Sheridan No. 1 Telephone Company and is widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community.    In February, 1900, Mr. Kinsel was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Springer, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Slaubaugh) Springer, wo are natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively. Mr. Springer removed to Illinois in the '50s and in that state operated a farm continuously until 1895, with the exception of the period which he spent in California in search of gold. In 1895 he came to Cherokee county, Iowa, purchased a tract of land in Sheridan township and cultivated the same for two years. He still remains on the farm but is living retired, enjoying his declining years in well earned ease. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kinzel have been born six children, as follows: Opal, Arthur, Vernita, Andrew and two who died in infancy.    In politics Mr. Kinzel is a progressive, advocating the principles set forth by Theodore Roosevelt at the time of the birth of the new party. His religious faith is that of the Christian church. He is well known throughout the community -215- In which he has spent practically his entire life and where his genuine worth and his high principles have commended him to the good-will, trust and respect of all with whom he has been associated.

-215- LLOYD H. SANGWIN    Lloyd H. Sangwin, a prosperous agriculturist residing on section 35, Liberty township, is an extensive shipper of Cotswold sheep and owns the only thoroughbred herd of sheep in this part of the state. He is also a prominent factor in the public life of the community, having for the past eight years served as president of the board of trustees. His birth occurred in Iowa county, Wisconsin, on the 17th of September, 1873, his parents being William and Minerva (Olney) Sangwin, both natives of Wisconsin. William Sangwin, an agriculturist by occupation, spent the greater part of his life on a farm in the Badger state. In 1877 he came to Cherokee county, Iowa, and here purchased a farm, returning to Wisconsin for his family. He became ill, however, and died in the latter state in the same year. His widow, who has now attained the age of seventy-two years, makes her home with our subject.    Lloyd H. Sangwin, who was but four years of age when brought to this county by his widowed mother, here attended the district schools in the acquirement of an eduction. He has remained on his mother's farm in LIberty township to the present time and owns an adjoining tract of eighty acres, as well as land in Canada and Colorado, his property holdings embracing five hundred and eighty acres. His was the first alfalfa crop in Cherokee county. Mr. Sangwin makes a specialty of Cotswold sheep and does an extensive business in this connection, shipping his stock to four states. He has the only thoroughbred herd of sheep in this part of Iowa, and formerly also raised thoroughbred hogs. He serves as president of the Western Mutual Fire &anmp Lightning Insurance Company and is widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of his community.    In politics Mr. Sangwin is a republican and for the past eight years has served as president of the board of trustees, making a splendid record in this connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Meriden. He is a man of many sterling qualities of character and in the community where almost his entire life has been spent holds the respect of his associates and the regard and esteem of many friends.

-216- THE CHEROKEE STATE BANK    Banking institutions are the heart of a commercial body, indicating the healthfulness of trade, and no other agency does as much to maintain public stability in times of widespread financial panic as the bank which follows a safe, conservative yet progressive course. such has been the record of the Cherokee State Bank, which owes its organization and successful management in large part to E. D. Huxford, who since 1906 has been its president. This bank was -217- organized October 2, 1888, with J. P. Dickey as president, J. C. Hall, vice president, and Mr. Huxford as cashier and active manager. The original directors with date of service are as follows: J. P. Dickey, 1888-1894; E. c. Herrick, 1888-1913; J. C. Hall, 1888-1906, whose death occurred on the 17th of April of the latter year; E. D. Huxford, 1906-1913; J. H. Groves, 1893-1910; Carlton Corbett, 1897-1910; J. A. Risley, 1897-1903, his death occurring on the 22d of October of the latter year; F. E. Whitmore, 1888-1898, dying on the 30th of January of the latter year; Charles Nicholson, 1910-1913; F. J. Stanosheck, 1906-1913; and W. H. Day, of Dubuque, Iowa, 1888-1897. The bank was capitalized on its organization for twenty-five thousand dollars and the original stockholders were: J. P. Dickey, J. C. Hall, E. C. Herrick, E. D. Huxford and F. E. Whitmore of Cherokee; and W. H. Day, George B. Burch, John B. Glover, Henry B. Glover, Dr. John H. Lull nd Mrs. Ann Richardson, of Dubuque.    The year following its organization the capital of the bank was increased to fifty thousand dollars and the following year to seventy-five thousand dollars, indicating an immediate and rapid growth of the business. The organizers of the bank were J. P. Dickey, J. C. Hall, E. C. Herrick and E. D. Huxford, all of Cherokee, and there was no change in the officers until 1893, when J. P. Dickey retired from the presidency and J. C. Hall, previously vice president, succeeded to the presidency while J. H. Groves became vice president and so continues. Mr. Huxford remained as cashier from the organization of the bank until 1906, when following the death of Mr. Hall, on the 17th of April, 1906, he was chosen to the presidency of the bank, George Brummer becoming his successor in the position of cashier, in which he still continues. He had been assistant cashier in 1905, succeeding in that office George A. Kennedy, who had served from 1899 to 1905. The present stockholders are: George Brummer, Carlton Corbett, J. H. Groves, Lucy A. Hall, Marion A. Herrick, Ernest C. Herrick, E. D. Huxford, Charles Nicholson, Lizzie M. Risley, Henry J. Shcuster, Frank J. Stanosheck, C. A. Stiles, Isaac Wertheim and Emma E. Whitmore.    One of the indications of the substantial condition of the bank is the fact that many of its first depositors are still its patrons. The bank has ever maintained the highest reputation for the integrity and enterprise of its methods and for its progressiveness, tempered by a safe conservatism. A general banking business has been conducted and the policy maintained by the officers has ever been one above question. The bank has ever maintained a helpful attitude toward projects for the public good and all that tends to the advancement of city and county.

-216- A. J. MALTBY   Full size    A. J. Maltby, operating a valuable farm of four hundred and forty acres in Pitcher township and connected also with important business interests of Aurelia as a partner in an extensive stock business, was born in Cresco, Iowa, March 7, 1874. He is a son of H. A. and Estella (Tobes) Malby, natives of this state, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until 1910. He then disposed of his farm and moved to Cut Bank, Montana, where he now operates a farm. -219- He and his wife became the parents of five children: A. J., of this review; Harry, who is practicing medicine in Chicago; Addie, a school teacher in Spokane, Washington; Lois, who is selling ladies' fancy goods in Spokane; and Marion, the wife of John Coburn, of Cut Bank, Montana.    A J. Maltby acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and after laying aside his books remained at home for some time. When he was twenty years of age he went to Cherokee and for five years thereafter engaged in the teaming business there. At the end of that time he rented land in Pitcher township and has operated it ever since, the farm comprising four hundred and forth acres, lying two and a half miles southwest of Aurelia. In addition to this he owns two hundred acres of well improved land on section 15, Pilot township, and is a partner with C. H. Lockin in the conduct of an extensive stock business in Aurelia. He is known in business circles as a progressive, farsighted and resourceful business man and his success is the natural result of his energy and efficiency. On January 22, 1896, Mr. Maltby was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Elfrink, who was born in Chicago, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wilmer) Elfrink. The father was a native of Germany but the mother was born in Chicago, Illinois. The father came to America at the age of three years with his parents and they settled at Barrington, Illinois. His father homesteaded a farm near Barrington and Henry Elfrink worked on the farm until he went to Chicago where he followed the carpenter's and contractor's trades until 1876, when he came west, settling in Cherokee, where he followed the same occupations until his retirement. He now makes his home in Cherokee, having survived his wife since May 7, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Maltby became the parents of four children: Reginald H., who was born February 7, 1897; Esther L., born September 25, 1902; Helen C., born April 12, 1904; and Gladys, born August 4, 1907.    Mr. Maltby is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He occupies an enviable position among the men of prominence and importance in this state and he enjoys the esteem and regard of a wide circle of friends.

This nonprofit research site is an independent affiliate of the American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP), and proud to be hosted by USGenNet, a nonprofit historical and genealogical Safe-Site Server™ solely supported by tax-deductible contributions. No claim is made to the copyrights of individual submitters, and this site complies fully with USGenNet's Nonprofit Conditions of Use.

Mardos Memorial Library