-273- D. T. STEELE    D. T. Steele, one of the owners of Steeles's Bank of Cherokee, has been connected with this business throughout the entire period of his residence in the county, covering thirty-four years. The name has become a synonym for enterprise, integrity and progressivesness in connection with the management of financial affairs. D. T. Steele is a native of Salem, New York. There ws no event of special importance to vary the routine of life for him in his youthful days, which were largely devoted to the acquirement of a public-school education in his native county. Some business experience was already his when he removed to the west in 1879, settling in Cherokee. Here he bent his energies to the further upbuilding of the bank which had been established by his brother, T. H. Steele, about five years before. They have continued together in the management and control of the bank and have achieved a measure of success that oculd only follow persistent, intelligently directed and honorable effort.

-272- WILLIAM GIFFORD    Since 1898 William Gifford has operated a stock and grain farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Spring township and, being industrious, enterprising and energetic, has met with a most gratifying success in the conduct of his agricultural interests. He was born in Canada in 1851 and is a son of Harvey and Lydia Gifford, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Pennsylvania. Their marriage occurred in Canada and they afterward resided in the Dominion until 1853, when they moved to Illinois, taking up a homestead claim in Ogle county. This the father operated until 1878, when he moved to Cherokee county, purchasing land in Spring township, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1886. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1902. To their union was born William, the subject of this review.    William Gifford acquired his education in the public schools of Illinois and he remained in that state until his father's removal to Cherokee county in 1878, when he came to this county and assisted his father on the farm until the latter's death. Our subject then operated the farm until the death of his mother. In 1898 he made his first purchase of land, buying one hundred and sixty acres in Spring township, this county, whereon he has since resided. One hundred -274- and thirty acres are in a high state of cultivation and yield bouteous harvests of grain, a great deal of which is fed to the stock upon the farm, Mr. Gifford's interests along this line being extensive and important.    In 1880 Mr. Gifford was united in marriage to Miss Nancy H. Daniels, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Sullivan and Honora Daniels. The parents resided in that state until the outbreak of the Civil war, when the father went to the front, serving for three years in the Union army. In 1866 he came to Iowa and lived in the central portion of the state until his death, which occurred in 1893, he having survived his wife for one year. To their union were born five children: Sullivan S., of Cherokee county; J. T., of Minnesota; Catherine R. wife of Emmet Sipple, of Larrabee; Nancy H., wife of the subject of this review; and one who died in infancy.    Mrs. Gifford is a member of the Christian church and the subject of this sketch attends this church although he is not a member. He is a republican in his political beliefs. Although he is interested in public affairs he has never sought public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business interests, in the conduct of which he has met with gratifying and well deserved success.

-274- ANDREW JACKSON CLARK   Full size    Andrew Jackson Clark, a prominent and influential citizen of Quimby, where he is now living retired, was for a number of years actively and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Cherokee county, owning at one time sixteen hundred acres of land and still having over one thousand acres in his possession. In 1887 he laid out the town of Quimby, where he is now serving as mayor.    His birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of January, 1836, his parents being Isaac and Susanna (Lambertson) Clark, likewise natives of the Keystone state. They were of English and German descent respectively. Isaac Clark followed farming throughout his active business career and passed away in Pennsylvania. He was a democrat in politics and a Presbyterian in religious faith. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Margaret, who is the widow of Samuel S. Taylor and resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Andrew Jackson, of this review; Jacob, living in Bedford, Pennsylvania; Daniel and John, both of whom are deceased; Isaac, a resident of Maryland; William, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania; Buchanan and Mary, both of whom have passed away; Ellen, who is the widow of Albert Bruner and makes her home in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; Emma, who is the widow of John Silvers and resides in Nebraska; and Jonah, of Cherokee, Iowa.    Andrew J. Clark acquired his education in the schools of his native county and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-one years of age. In 1855 he came west to Iowa, locating in Black Hawk county, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for two and a half years. Subsequently he cultivated rented land until the fall of 1858 and then removed to Kansas, remaining in that state until 1859. In that year he took up his abode in Lucas -279- county, Iowa, and was there employed by a stockman for two years, while subsequently he spent a few months in Denver, Colorado. Again returning to Iowa, he followed farming in Black Hawk county for two years and in the fall of 1867 came to Cherokee county, purchasing a tract of eighty acres in Willow township which he began operating. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until they embraced sixteen hundred acres of rich and productive land. He improved his property until it became very valuable and was actively engaged in stock farming until 1909, when he retired. For a period of four years he was engaged in the stock business in association with N. T. Burroughs. Mr. Clark is the vice president of the FArmers Lumber Association of Quimby and owns the block of property between the Lewis and Raymond Hotels in Cherokee as well as property in Holstein, Iowa.  Full size   On the 16th of March, 1858, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Rosanna Taylor, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1831, and was educated in that county. Her parents, James and Margaret (Stuckey) Taylor, were natives of Scotland who emigrated to the United States. In the spring of 1855 they removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa, locating in Black Hawk county, where James Taylor followed farming and spent the remainder of his life. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as an elder. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of four children. Ida is the wife of Joseph Mahoney, of Willow township, by whom she has five children, namely: Rosanna, Mary, A. J., Jessie and Bryan. Isaac, of Willow township, is married and has ten children, as follows: Annie, Goldie, A. J., Walter, Fern, Amour, Theodore, Zadie, Helen and Margaret. John Clark is at home. Emma is the wife of Ole Olson, of Canada, by whom she has two children. Mr. and Mrs. Clark celebrated their golden wedding March 16, 1908.    Mr. Clark is a democrat in his political views and has ably served as school director and township trustee, while at the present time he holds the office of mayor of Quimby. He was also the first postmaster of the town. He laid out the town site of Quimby in 1887 and has long been recognized as one of the leading and valued citizens of Cherokee county, within the borders of which he has resided for forty-seven years. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its teachings in his daily life. Mr. Clark has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and can look back upon an active, honorable and useful career. 1889 Biography here.

-279- CHARLES HELIN    Charles Helin, a member of the firm of Colby & Helin, general merchants of Cherokee, and one of the progressive and successful business men of the city, was born in Ackley, Hardin county, Iowa, July 15, 1872. He is a son of John M. and Clara (Wenersten) Helin, natives of Sweden. The father came to America in 1868 and after spending a few years in Hardin county moved to [Note: see more on John Helin.] -280- Cherokee county, where he worked as section foreman for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He later bought land in Cherokee county and improved and operated this until his death, which occurred November 18, 1910. His wife survives him and still resides upon the homestead.    Charles Helin was reared and educated in the district schools of Cherokee county and the public schools of Marcus. He remained with his parents until he was of age and then moved to Marcus, where he entered the general merchandise business as a clerk under B. O. Skewis. He remained in the latter's employ for four years, during the last two of which he was manager of the branch store at Fielding, and he then came to Cherokee, forming a partnership with F. A. colby under the firm name of Colby & Helin. For eight years they dealt exclusively in groceries but at the end of that time a general line of goods were added and the partners control today one of the largest and most important mercantile establishments in the city.    On the 19th of October, 1905, in Meriden, Mr. Helin married Miss Hattie Rosene, a daughter of Peter and Christine (Enokson) Rosene, natives of Sweden. The father came to America in early life and since his arrival has engaged in farming in Cherokee county. Mr. and Mrs. Helin have become the parents of a son, Clarence T., aged five.    Mr. Helin is a member of the Congregational church, is a republican in his political beliefs and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is recognized as a business man of marked energy and laudable ambition and he seldom fails to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

-280- JOSEPH D. WIRT    Joseph D. Wirt, who passed away in April, 1911, left the impress of his work and individuality upon the agricultural history of Cherokee county, where for more that thirty years he was closely connected with farming interests. He was born in Pennsylvania, June 18, 1842, and was a son of William and Elizabeth (Yond) Wirt, also natives of that state. They came to Iowa at an early date and located in Jackson county, where the father followed carpentering for the remainder of his life. He died near Marcus while on a visit to his son in 1893, having survived his wife ten years.    Joseph D. Wirt began his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and completed it in district schools in Jackson county, Iowa. On the 17th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served for three years in the Civil war, winning promotion to the rank of corporal. He participated in a number of battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Raymond and also the Red River expedition under General Banks. After his discharge he returned home and engaged in farming in partnership with his father for three years. In 1869 he moved to Missouri and at the end of one year went to Yankton, Dakota territory, where he resided until 1879, giving his attention to general farming. In the latter year he moved to Cherokee county, this state, and rented land in Amherst township for three years, after which he purchased eight acres in the same -281- locality. to this he afterward added from time to time, finally acquiring two hundred and forty acres on section 28. Through the years which followed he steadily carried forward the work of improving and developing this property, making his farm one of the finest in this locality and rising to a prominent position in agricultural circles. He was a stockholder int he Farmers' Elevator Company and in the First National Bank of Marcus and his ability was recognized and respected in business circles.    On the 24th of March, 1873, Mr. Wirt was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Guenther, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Young) Guenther, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father followed the mason's trade in Pennsylvania during the greater part of his life, but spent his last days in Jackson county, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1856. His wife survived him some years, dying in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt became the parents of seven children: Frank C., a farmer in Minnesota; Fred H., who died August 28, 1913; William, who is engaged in farming in South Dakota; Iva, the wife of Robert Porter, a farmer in Amherst township; Bessie M., at home; Lewis E., who is engaged in farming in Nebraska; and Joseph G., operating the homestead for his mother.    Mr. Wirt was connected fraternally with the Royal Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic and he was a devout member of the Methodist church. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and served with credit and ability as trustee of the township and school director. During his long residence in Cherokee he commanded the respect of all who knew him, winning esteem and admiration, not only by an irreproachable life, but also by his activity and honesty in business affairs.

-281- F. M. ARRASMITH    F. M. Arrasmith, a progressive and practical farmer of Cedar township, owning and operating two hundred and forty acres on section 10, was born in Story county, Iowa, February 11, 1862. He is a son of William and Alvina (Grove) Arrasmith, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Their marriage occurred in Indiana and shortly afterward they came as pioneers to Iowa, settling in Story county in 1852. There the father engaged in farming, acquiring at one time two hundred and thirty acres of land. This he operated until he retired from active life and moved into Ames, where he resided until his death in 1908. His wife survived him only a short time, passing away in 1911. To their union were born sixteen children, fourteen of whom grew to maturity and ten of whom are still living.    F. M. Arrasmith was reared in Story county and spent his childhood and youth upon his father's farm there. When he was twenty-one years of age he began his independent career, working as a farm laborer, and he continued thus until he was twenty-seven. In the meantime he had purchased forty acres of land in Cedar township, this county, and he operated this until 1893, when he disposed of his first farm and bought another tract of eighty acres entirely unimproved. -282- This constitutes a portion of the farm which he now operates, but he has added to it from time to time until he now owns in association with his wife two hundred and forty acres lying on section 10, Cedar township. Upon this place he has made excellent improvements, erecting the necessary buildings and installing labor-saving machinery, and under his able management it has become one of the most valuable farms in this part of the county. Mr. Arrasmith is a director in the Farmers Elevator Company of Larrabee and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.    On March 3, 1889, Mr. Arrasmith was united in marriage to Miss Edith Worden, who was born in Pennsylvania and who came to Iowa with her parents in 1869. She is a daughter of HIram and Fannie (Brown) Worden, the former of whom passed away in 1908 and the latter of whom makes her home in Larrabee. To their union were born five children, of whom the wife of the subject of this review is the second in the order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Arrasmith became the parents of ten children: Clarence, whose birth occurred in 1890 and who is now a resident of Cedar township; Fannie, who was born in 1892 and who is now a resident of Cedar township; Fannie, who was born in 1892 and who married Henry Urban, of O'Brien county; Florence, who was born in 1895 and who is now teaching school; Lloyd, whose birth occurred in 1897; Ralph, who passed away at the age of five months; Mabel, born in 1901; Myrtle, born in 1903; Gladys, 1905; Paul, 1907; and Lucy, 1909.    Mr. Arrasmith is a member of the Christian church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served for five years as assessor of Cedar township and has been for a number of years treasurer of the school board. He now occupies a position among the substantial and representative farmers of Cherokee county and the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won.

-282- REINHART OLSON    Reinhart Olson, a prosperous and successful farmer and business man of Tilden township, who owns and operates eighty acres of valuable land on section 5, was born in Norway in December, 1871. He is a son of Erick and Oleana (Erickson) Olson, also natives of Norway. The father engaged in farming in that country for a number of years and in 1881 came to America, settling in Cherokee county, Iowa, where he made his home with his children until his death, in 1901. His wife died in Norway in 1875.    Reinhart Olson began his education in his native country and in 1881 came with his father to America, completing his studies in the public schools for Cherokee county. Following this he worked as a farm hand for several years and since that time has been continuously connected with farming interests here. In 1898 he rented land and operated it for four years, after which he bought eighty acres on section 5, Tilden township. This farm he has since developed and improved, providing it with a comfortable residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. It is today one of the finest farms in this locality, reflecting everywhere the care and labor of a practical and able agriculturist. Mr. Olson -283- is also well known in business circles, being a director in the Farmers Telephone Company, a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and the Farmers Cooperative Store of Marcus.    On the 27th of December, 1897, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Krekow, born in Chicago, Illinois, September 9, 1878, a daughter of Charles and Louise Krekow, natives of Germany. The father came to America at an early date in the history of the middle west and after his arrival worked in packing houses in Chicago for some time. Afterward he moved to Cherokee county and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Tilden township, which he is still operating. His wife passed away in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have become the parents of a son, Elmer C., aged ten.    Mr. Olson is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is one of the present board of township trustees and he is interested in the growth and development of the community, cooperating heartily in measures for the public good. He is a man of resource and ability and has worked his own way upward to success.

-282- F. C. TIGGES    F. C. Tigges, who owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of highly improved land six miles southwest of Peterson, in Spring township, was born in Wisconsin, September 7, 1869, and is a son of Frederic and Rosina (Strobach) Tigges, of whom further mention is made in the sketch of W. F. Tigges, the eldest son.    F. C. Tigges acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and he remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age. He then began farming independently in Cherokee county, renting an excellent tract of land belonging to his father, upon which he made his home. In 1912 he purchased eighty acres and in the same year his father divided his farm interests, and one hundred and sixty acres, six miles southwest of Peterson, in Spring township was deeded to our subject. Upon this property Mr. Tigges engages in raising grain, all of which he feeds to his fine herds of cattle and his Duroc Jersey hogs, of which he makes a specialty. In addition to his home farm of two hundred and forty acres he owns also two hundred and eighty acres of valuable timber land in Lake county, Minnesota.    Mr. Tigges' marriage occurred February 1, 1893, when he wedded Miss Annie Meyer, a native of Marshall county, Iowa, and a daughter of William and Mary rose Meyer, both of whom were born in Germany. After they emigrated to America they settled first in Illinois, near Elgin, and later in Iowa, being among the very early settlers in Marshall county. The father retired from active life in 1900 and he and his wife now make their home in Peterson, Iowa. To their union were born four sons and seven daughters, all of whom but one, a daughter, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Tigges became the parents of eight children: Marie E., who was born March 4, 1894; Edward C., born July 18, 1896; died September 2, 1896; Lulu R., who birth occurred July 16, 1898; Theodore F. W., born January 16, 1902; Frederick, born April 25, 1904, who died in infancy; -284- Walter, born August 4, 1905; Edna L., born September 14, 1909; and Ina A., born February 1, 1911.    Mr. Tigges is a member of the Evangelical church and a democrat in his political beliefs. He is now in the fifth term of his able service as township trustee and is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. In business circles also he is held in high regard and he has an extensive circle of friends throughout the county.

-284- JOHN THOMPSON    John Thompson, a well known stock buyer and shipper in Larrabee, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1859. He is a son of Francis and Minerva Thompson, natives of Coshocton county, Ohio, whence in 1864 they moved to Illinois, where both passed away. They became the parents of seven children, only two of whom still survive: Ida, the wife of John McCabe, of Cedar township, this county; and John, of this review.    John Thompson acquired his education in the pubic schools of Illinois and there remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He moved to Iowa in 1880, settling in Cherokee county, where he engaged in farming until 1893. In that year he abandoned agricultural pursuits and moved into Larrabee, establishing himself in the general stock business. He is now an extensive buyer and shipper and his business has increased rapidly under his able and discriminating management. In addition to his business he has also extensive property interests in the city.    On December 9, 1884, Mr. Thompson married Miss Salena Riley, a native of Green county, Wisconsin. she is a daughter of John Riley, a native of County Limerick, Ireland. She came to Iowa with her parents in 1877 and has been a resident of Cherokee county since that time. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have become the parents of a son, Earl, who was born in 1885. Mr. Thompson is a republican in his political beliefs and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is known as a progressive and farsighted business man and he holds the respect of all with whom he has business or social relations.

-284- HENRY W. RASMUS    Henry W. Rasmus, who in partnership with his brother-in-law, Frank A. Colby, owns a large general store in Meriden, was born in Cedar township, this county, November 18, 1881. He is a son of Andrew and Johanna S. (Anderson) Rasmus, the former a native of Denmark and the latter of Sweden. The father came to America in early life and located in Cherokee county, Iowa, in this locality and for many years carried forward his farming operations here, retiring from active life in 1903. He then moved to Cherokee and after residing -285- there for some time went to Berkely, California, where he now makes his home, having survived his wife since November, 1910.    Henry W. Rasmus was reared at home and acquired his early education in district school, afterward attending college at Storm Lake. When he laid aside his books he went to Cherokee and entered the employ of Colby & Helm as clerk in their general store. At the end of five years he came to Meriden and in partnership with his brother-in-law, Frank A. Colby, of Cherokee, opened the mercantile establishment in which he has since been interested. They carry a large and well assorted stock and have been accorded a liberal patronage in recognition of their honorable business methods and reasonable prices.    On the 9th of September, 1908, Mr. Rasmus married Miss Mattie Rosene, a daughter of Peter and Christina Rosene, natives of Sweden. The parents came to Cherokee county in early times and purchased land in Liberty township. The father has operated this since that time and is one of the progressive and prosperous agriculturist of the locality. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus have become the parents of a child, Vernon E., aged four.    Mr. Rasmus is a member of the Baptist church and is identified fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias the Red Men and the Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as a member of the town council, his influence being always on the side of right, reform and progress. Although he is still a young man, he has already attained high standing in business circles of Meriden and his worth as a citizen is widely acknowledged.

-285- H. C. EDDY    H. C. Eddy is living in retirement after many years of prominent identification with business interests of Larrabee. He was one of the early settlers in Iowa and is, moreover, entitled to representation in this volume as a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Rhode Island, April 7, 1844, and is a son of Marquis and Paulina (Parker) Eddy, natives of New England. After their marriage they lived in Rhode Island until 1855 and then came west, settling in Winnebago county, Illinois, in pioneer times. The father engaged in farming there until 1861 and then came overland to Iowa, settling near Lake Okoboji, where for one year he followed the carpenter's trade. At the end of that time he moved to the southeastern part of Minnesota and there resided until 1866, when he took up his residence in Blackhawk county, this state, where his death occurred in 1882. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review, at the advanced age of ninety-two.    H. C. Eddy acquired his education in the public schools and when he was twenty years of age enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, for a term of one year. After his discharge he returned to his home in Minnesota but almost immediately afterward moved to Blackhawk county, this state, where he purchased eighty acres of land which he operated for a number of years thereafter. When he sold it he moved to Grundy county and there purchased one hundred and thirty acres, continuing active in the improvement and development -286- of this property for twelve years. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee county and here he and his brother, H. L. Eddy, established a general merchandise store. After operating this successfully for thirteen years they disposed of their interests and a few years later, in 1906, Mr. Eddy of this review organized what was known as H. C. Eddy & Company, general merchants of Larrabee. He continued in this connection until 1911 and during that time his building and part of his stock were once destroyed by fire, the total loss aggregating seven thousand dollars. The store was rebuilt, however, and the company resumed the business, which it carried on successfully until 1911, when Mr. Eddy retired from active life. He still controls valuable property interests, owning in addition to an attractive home in Larrabee two hundred and forty acres of land in Minnesota and an interest in a tract in Tripp county, South Dakota.    On February 26, 1873, Mr. Eddy married Miss Adelaide M. Cass, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of William Cass, who has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy are the parents of three children: Charley I., who was born in 1874 and who is now a traveling salesman with headquarters in Creighton, Nebraska; William H., who was born in 1877 and who is at present cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank of Byden, this state; and Charlotte A., who married F. M. Montgomery, a locomotive engineer of Fort Dodge, Iowa. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.    Mr. Eddy is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a republican in his political beliefs. During the period of his activity he made many substantial contributions to the agricultural and business development of this section of the state and his present rest is well deserved, rewarding many years of honorable and upright labor.

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