-286- R. C. SEAMAN, M.D.   Full size    Dr. R. C. Seaman, proprietor of the Cherokee Sanitarium and one of the well known cancer specialists in this section of the United States, was born in Springfield, Bonhomme county, South Dakota, June 7, 1878. He is a son of Dr. C. O. and Florence (Searles) Seaman, the former a native of Michigan and the latter of Howard county, Iowa. The father practiced medicine for many years in this state, making a specialty of the treatment of cancer. He is now living retired in Des Moines, surviving his wife. He belongs to the Congregational church and is a republican in politics. He is connected fraternally with the Masonic order and the Grand Army of the Republic, having served in the Civil war as a member of the Second Minnesota Cavalry. In his family were seven children: Hattie, who married E. A. Billings, of Geddes, South Dakota; William and George, who died in childhood; alice, the wife of J. W. Swift, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; R. C., of this review; Mabel, who married Dr. M. B. Stone, of Des Moines; and Deward A., of Cherokee.    Dr. R. C. Seaman acquired his early education in the public schools of Cherokee and afterward attended Drake University, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Bennett Medical College, from which he ws graduated with the class of 1906. He practiced in Cherokee in partnership with his father until 1909 and -289- then took charge of the Cherokee Sanitarium, which he has since conducted. This was established by Dr. C. O. Seaman in 1895 and the present building was obtained a year later. It contains fifteen beds and there are on an average ten patients under treatment, Dr. Seaman havingmet with remarkable success in the treatment of cancerous and abnormal growths. The samitarium is well equipped and efficiently managed and is considered one of the best of its kind in this part of the country.    On the 2d of May, 1900, Dr. Seaman married Miss Lena Johnson, a daughter of John and Carrie Johnson, of Alta, Iowa. Dr. and Mrs. Seaman have two cildren, Ora E. and Charles L. The Doctor is a trustee of the Congregational church and a republican in his political beliefs. He keeps in touch with the most advanced medical thought. He was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Bennett Medical Collee Alumi Association at its last annual meeting. Dr. R. C. Seaman is highly respected by all who know him. He takes pride in forwarding any good cause for his town and county; always conscientious and sincere in the performance of his professional duties; and tries to do unto others as he would like to be done by.

-289- HARRISON CLARENCE FISHER    Harrison Clarence Fisher is engaging in general farming and stock-raising upon the farm upon which he was born and because he has constantly followed the most progressive and practical methods in the development of the property, has met with a gratifying degree of success, standing today among the progressive and able agriculturists of this vicinity. His birth occurred in Pilot township, this county, February 9, 1889, his parents being Edward and Nancy Ellen (Millage) Fisher, the former born in Lincolnshire, England, August 3, 1842, and the latter in Boone county, Iowa, October 30, 1857. The father came to the Untied States in 1866 and located at Plainfield, Illinois, where he lived for about ten years. In 1884 he moved to Pilot township, this county, and bought one hundred and twenty acres to which he afterward added forty acres, following farming and stock-raising upon this property until his death, which occurred September 13, 1911.    Harrison Clarence Fisher acquired his eduction in the public schools of Cherokee county. After his father's death he inherited his present property and has since developed and improved it, making an increase every year in its value and productiveness.    On the 21st of September, 1911, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte May Faulkner, a daughter of William F. and Mary (Meder) Faulkner, of Lockport, Illinois. Mrs. Fisher is a member of the Methodist church, and Mr. Fisher is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows -290- and is a progressive republican in his political views. He is interested in all that pertains to general progress and cooperates in many movements for the good of the community, being at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen as well as a successful and representative farmer.

-290- J. V. WEIMER    Among the many able, progressive and enterprising citizens whom Germany has given to America in numbered J. V. Weimer, who for several years has been closely connected with mercantile interests of Larrabee as a successful butcher. He was born in 1879 and is one of a family of five children born to Sebastian and Marie Weimer, both of whom still make their home in Germany.    J. V. Weimer acquired his education in the public schools of his native country and there learned the butcher's trade. In 1905, when he was twenty-six years of age, he emigrated to America, settling in O'Brien county, Iowa, where he worked in a butcher shop for three years. He afterward spent four months in Germany and upon his return settled in Larrabee, Cherokee county, where he engaged in business for himself. He has now the only butcher shop in the town and is in control of an important and representative patronage, which he has secured by reason of his upright and honorable business methods and his earnest desire to please his patrons. In addition to his shop he owns a fine residence in Larrabee and nine acres of land partly within the city limits.    In 1910 Mr. Weimer married Miss Annie E. Woelfel, a native of Germany, who came to America before her marriage. They have become the parents of two children: Katie, who was born in 1911; and Henry V., born in 1913. Mr. Weimer is independent in his political views, is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church. He is well known in business circles of Larrabee and his success is the natural result of his industry, integrity and ability.

-290- RICHARD GILBERT (13)    Richard Gilbert (13) is living retired in Larrabee after many years of close and prominent connection with agricultural interests of Cherokee county. He was born in England April 26, 1844, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Tucker Gilbert, both natives of that country, where the mother passed away in 1866. Twenty years later the father came to America, making his home in Cherokee county, this state, until his death, which occurred in 1895. He and his wife became the parents of four children, three of whom still survive.    Richard Gilbert was reared in Cornwall, England, and remained a resident of that country until 1870. He then emigrated to America and settled in Marquette county, Michigan, where he engaged in iron mining for five years. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee county and turned his attention to farming, buying one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar township, whereon he continued -291- to reside for many years. From time to time he added to his holdings until he owned five hundred and twenty acres. Upon this fine property he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and he became very successful in both branches, taking his place in the front ranks of progressive and able agriculturists. Eventually he began selling his property and when he had disposed of all of it, he retired from active life and moved into Larrabee, where he owns an attractive and comfortable home.    On July 17, 1875, Mr. Gilbert married Miss Louisa Jenkin, a native of England and a daughter of William Jenkin, who died in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have become the parents of five children: Mary, who lives at home; Cyrus, a minister residing in the state of Washington; S. S., who is operating the old homestead; W. J., of Sutherland, Iowa; and Florence, the wife of S. A. Torbert, of Spencer. Mr. Gilbert has also an adopted daughter whom he took from the Des Moines Children's Home. She is now the wife of Mark Hocken, of Alberta, Canada.    Mr. Gilbert is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For a long time he has been very active in public affairs and has rendered the township excellent service in various capacities, acting for many years as township trustee and also as a member of the school board. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and in his active life made many substantial contributions to general development and progress, winning by earnest, able and straightforward work the period of rest and leisure which he is now enjoying.

-291- FRED QUIRIN    Fred Quirin, of Marcus, a retired farmer, was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, May 14, 1858, a son of Philip and Margaret (Smith) Quirin, natives of Germany. At an early age the father crossed the Atlantic and settled in Dubuque county, where he engaged in the blacksmith business, continuing this occupation until his death, which occurred at Epworth, August 11, 1883, when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife passed away in April, 1869, at the age of thirty-eight.    Fred Quirin began his education in the public schools of Epworth and after graduating therefrom attended Epworth Seminary. He then worked as a farm hand for four years. At the end of that time he came to Cherokee county and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Tilden township, settling about the work of its cultivation. He afterward bought more land, adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned two hundred and forty-seven acres, which he operated until 1908. He then sold this property and purchased three hundred and twenty acres in O'Brien county. This he afterward rented to a tenant and moved to Marcus, building a comfortable home in Barne's addition, where he has since resided. Since leaving the farm he has become the owner of an imported Percheron stallion, thus manifesting his interest in stock-breeding and aiding in improving the grade of horses in the county. -292-  &nbps; On the 23d of January, 1883, Mr. Quirin married Miss Mary A. O'Donnell, a daughter of Michael and Maria (Marooney) O'Donnell, natives of Ireland. The father crossed the Atlantic in his early days and after spending some time in New York went to Chicago, where he drove a coach for some time. Eventually he moved to Dubuque county, Iowa, and bought and improved a farm there, operating it until 1883, when he retired from active life and moved to Epworth, where he now resides. He has survived his wife since 1909, her death having occurred when she was seventy-nine years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Quirin became the parents of two children. Nellie M., after graduating from the public schools, attended Morningside College for one year and also attended the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. In 1909 she graduated from Drake University at Des Moines. She was for some time a successful teacher at Carroll, Iowa. On February 15, 1911, she was married to Dr. O. R. Prettyman, a practicing physician of Rutland, Iowa, and a graduate of Drake Medical College. A daughter, Mildred Marie, was born to them October 7, 1912. Evan P. graduated from the Cherokee high school and from the Winona Printer's School at Indianapolis, Indiana. He is now editor of the Republican, at Cherokee.    Mr. Quirin is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he served for a number of years as trustee of Tilden township. He is well known in Marcus and throughout Cherokee county and his straightforward and enterprising spirit has gained him the respect of the entire community.

-292- M. A. STANFORD    M. A. Stanford, living retired in Larrabee after many years of close and prominent connection with agricultural interests of Cherokee county, was born in Massachusetts, August 20, 1857. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Stanford, also natives of Massachusetts, who emigrated to Iowa in 1867, settling first in Butler county and later in Cherokee. Here the father proved up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar township, two miles northeast of Larrabee, and this farm he developed and improved until his death, which occurred in 1900. He had survived his wife since 1894. To their union were born eight children, six of whom are living.    M. A. Stanford was reared in Cherokee county amid pioneer conditions, acquiring his education in a little log schoolhouse in Cedar township. From his early childhood he assisted with the operation of his father's farm and shortly after the death of D. R. Stanford came into possession of the homestead, which he operated until 1908, winning in the intervening years a place among representative and substantial agriculturists. Eventually he retired from active life and has since made his home in Larrabee. He still owns his farm and has also an attractive and comfortable residence in the city. He is a director in the Farmers Elevator company and is a man of recognized business ability.    On July 13, 1880, Mr. Stanford was united in marriage to Miss Samantha Roberts, a daughter of James Roberts, a native of Indiana. The father came to Iowa in 1860 and settled in Wapello county, where he resided for fifteen years -293- thereafter. In 1875 he moved to O'Brien county and there followed farming for a number of years. He is now living retired in Hedrick, Iowa, having survived his wife since 1876. To their union were born six children, three of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Stanford became the parents of ten children: Obed R., who was born in 1881 and who is now engaged in farming in the state of Washington; D. Allan, operating his father's homestead; Elizaeth M., the wife of George Nitz, of Cedar township; Leon L., a farmer in the state of Washington; Susan R., who married Raymond Hilton, of Larrabee; Louis S., who passed away at the age of thirteen; William B., of Minnesota; and Almeda M., Leonard and Grace L., all of whom are attending school. The family are members of the Christian church.    Mr. Stanford is independent in his political views and during the long period of his residence in this locality has taken an intelligent and active interest in public affairs, serving in nearly all of the township offices and acting as a member of the school board for twenty years. In business, political and social relations he has proven straightforward and honorable and his present rest is well deserved, rewarding many years of earnest effort and upright living.

-293- JOHN NITZ    John Nitz, a progressive and active young farmer of Cedar township, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 11, whereon he has resided since 1908, was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, July 13, 1882. He is a son of R. J. and Emma (Voss) Nitz, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Iowa. Their marriage occurred in this state and the father afterward farmed in Scott county until 1890, when he moved to Cherokee county, purchasing land on section 2, Cedar township. This property he cultivated and improved until his retirement in 1905. He has his wife have since resided in Cherokee. To their union were born four children: George, a farmer in Cedar township; John, of this review; Clara, who died in infancy; and Nora, at home.    John Nitz remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age and then began his active career, farming upon rented land for four years. At the end of that time he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 11, Cedar township, and upon this property has resided, giving practically all of his attention to its improvement and development. He has made it valuable and productive, for he is industrious, enterprising and energetic, and, moreover, follows always the most practical and modern methods. He is a large stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Larrabee, of which he serves as treasurer, and he is a man of recognized business ability.    On December 25, 1907, Mr. Nitz married Miss Edna Montgomery, who was born in Cherokee county October 29, 1886, a daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Mathew) Montgomery, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. Their marriage occurred in Iowa and they afterward took up their residence in Cherokee county, the father purchasing land in Spring township. He afterward moved to Cedar township and bought another farm, upon which he continued to reside until he retired from active life in 1910. He still owns five hundred -294- and thirty-two acres of land, three hundred and forty of which are in a high state of cultivation, but he resides in Larrabee, where he has an attractive home. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery became the parents of ten children: William G., of Waterloo, Iowa; Frances, of Fort Dodge; Mathew, who died when he was eighteen months old; Christina, the wife of Harvey Weaver, of Cedar township; Eugene, operating his father's homestead; Edna, wife of the subject of this review; James H., of Buena Vista county, Iowa; Clarence, of Cedar county; Elmer, who died in infancy; and Ruth, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Nitz have a daughter, Geraldine R., born May 9, 1912. The parents are devout members of the Presbyterian church.    Mr. Nitz is a republican in his political beliefs and in the spring of 1913 was elected road supervisor for one-half of the township. He has proved a capable and farsighted public official and has met with excellent success in all other relations of life, standing in the front ranks of progressive citizens and practical farmers.

-294- AUGUST NELSON    August Nelson, a progressive and practical farmer of Afton township, was born in Carroll county, Iowa, in 1869. He is a son of Hans and Boleta (Peterson) Nelson, natives of Norway, where their marriage occurred. In 1869 they came to America, settling in Carroll county, this state, whence they shortly afterward moved to Cherokee county. Here the father homesteaded eighty acres of land in Afton township and after residing thereon for a few years moved to another arm in the same township, whereon he resided until he retired from active life, selling all of his holdings with the exception of eighty acres which he still owns. He now makes his home in Aurelia and has survived his wife since 1911. To their union were born eleven children, seven of whom still survive, two having died in Norway and two in Iowa. The others are: Mrs. Nettie Johnson, of Aurelia; Mrs. Annie Green and Mrs. Bertha Butterfield, also of the same city; August, of this review; Richard, twin to August, now operating the old home place; and Hans and J. C., both of whom reside in Aurelia.    August Nelson acquired his education in the public schools of Cherokee county and from an early age assisted his father with the operation of the farm. Upon the latter's retirement the son, Richard, purchased all except eight acres of the property and has since carried forward the work of its improvement and development, being ranked today among the substantial and representative farmers of his locality. August, in 1907, purchased his present farm, consisting of two hundred acres, from his wife's father and lives on and operates the same.    In 1891 Mr. Nelson married Miss Minnie E. Crepps, a native of Ohio, who came with her parents to Iowa in 1871, settling in Boone county. The parents afterward moved to Cherokee county and the father bought land in Afton and Pitcher townships, operating this until his retirement. He has since made his home in Aurelia. He and his wife became the parents of three children: Minnie E., the wife of the subject of this review; F. L., of Arlington, South Dakota; and Mrs. Leta F. Lehman, who passed away in April, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson -295- have two children: Archie R., who was born in 1894 and who is now attending college; and Eloys E., born in 1909.    Mr. Nelson gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not active as an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his farming interests, which under his able management have become important and profitable and have brought him a creditable measure of success.

-295- CHRISTIAN FASSLER    Christian Fassler, one of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Rock township, operating four hundred and forty acres on sections 34, 27, and 26, was born in Baden, Germany, January 26, 1860. He is a son of Philip and Julia (Messner) Fassler, also natives of Germany. The family came to America in 1871 and located at Parkersburg, Iowa, where the father rented land for a number of years. He afterward moved to Butler county and bought and improved a farm there, operating it for the remainder of his life. He died February 25, 1902, having survived his wife since December 25, 1893.    Christian Fassler was eleven years of age, when he came with his parents to Iowa, and he completed an education begun in Germany in the public schools of Butler and Hardin counties and also in a school at Ackley. He remained with his parents until he was of age but afterward moved to California, where he worked in a flour mill for three years. He returned to Iowa, however, and married, and with his wife moved to Cherokee county, where he rented a farm belonging to Fred Kludas. He operated this for three years and then bought eighty acres in LIberty township. This property he sold at the end of four years and afterward purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Willow township. At the end of six years he again sold his farm and bought three hundred and twenty acres on sections 34 and 27, Rock township. To this he has since added one hundred and twenty acres and he has steadily carried forward the work of improving and developing his farm, erecting upon it substantial buildings and installing modern machinery. His property is today productive and valuable, reflecting everywhere the care and labor he has bestowed upon it. Mr. Fassler feeds a great deal of stock, shipping on an average two cars during the winter months. He is a stockholder and director in the Citizens Savings Bank of Quimby and is a man of recognized business ability.    On August 19, 1889, Mr. Fassler was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Schmidt, a daughter of Fred and Annie (Schippels) Schmidt, natives of Pommern, Germany, who came to America in 1883, locating five miles north of Meriden. The father died August 8, 1899, and was survived by his wife until October 12, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Fassler have become the parents of seven children: Annie, aged twenty-three; Julia, aged twenty-one; Ernest, nineteen; Herman, seventeen; Arthur, fourteen; Bertha, ten; and Edgar, six.    Mr. Fassler's family are members of the Presbyterian church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is now in the third term of his able service as township clerk and is at all times intelligently interested in public affairs and active in the promotion of projects looking toward the advancement -296- and growth of the community. He is numbered among the valued and substantial representatives of Rock township and is held in high regard as an able business man and a progressive agriculturist.

-296- GEORGE SEAMEN SMITH  Full size    George Seamen Smith, who was well known as a man of sterling worth, was born at Hempstead, Long Island, New York, October 28, 1833. His parents were John Nelson and Keturah (Conklin) Smith. the father was of English descent, and the mother was of French and English lineage. Both were natives of Long Island, and in the fall of 1855 they removed to Victoria, Illinois, remaining there for several years, after which they became residents of Galva, Illinois, where the death of the father occurred. The mother afterward lived with her son's family until her demise at Cleghorn, Iowa, in 1891.    George S. Smith, whose early life was spent on Long Island, had good opportunities for securing an education. In the fall of 1853 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, spending the winter there amid pleasant surroundings, and in the following spring he went to Victoria, Illinois, to assist in building the Methodist Episcopal church there. It was in the fall of the same year that his parents came to the west.  Full size   On the 7th of May, 1857, Mr. Smith married Miss Laura Fifield, a daughter of Dr. John L. and Laura (Cushman) Fifield, the former born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, August 7, 1805, and the latter in Hartford, Vermont, March 9, 1813. Dr. Fifield was a graduate of Dartmouth College. He began the practice of medicine in his native state and in 1838 removed westward to Rochester, Illinois, remaining there for ten years. The following fall, his health having improved, he went back to New Hampshire for his wife and little ones and his wife's sister, Miss Maria Cushman, who accompanied them to Illinois. The trip was long, but to them an interesting one. They took stage at Andover, New Hampshire, drove across the state of Vermont to Troy, New York, and thence proceeded by canal to Buffalo, and by boat on Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio. From there they went by canal and river to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence down the Ohio and on the Mississippi. From St. Louis they proceeded by stage to Springfield, Illinois, and thence to Peoria, where they established their home. The Doctor's health prevented the practice of medicine. He began selling merchandise, but after his health improved resumed medical practice, in which he continued for many years. The family afterward removed to Victoria, Knox county, Illinois, where they lived for more that a half century. After a long life of usefulness Dr. Fifield passed away in 1891, and was buried at Victoria, where he had so long made his home. He was eighty-five years of age at the time of his death. His wife, Laura Caroline Cushman, was descended from Robert Cushman, who was booked as a passenger on the Mayflower in 1620, but changed his plans and came to America a year later. His descendants are many in the land of his adoption. The death of Mrs. Fifield occurred on the 5th of March, 1865.    Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born four children: Herbert, who was born June 9, 1858, is an agriculturist of Larimore, North Dakota, having twelve hundred acres of land. He is married and has six daughters. Clifton A., who was born -301- August 31, 1862, is engaged in the agricultural implement business at Washta, Cherokee county, and is married and has one daughter. Frank B., a farmer of Garden City, South Dakota, having three hundred acres, is married and has four sons. Nellie Cushman became the wife of Arthur R. Mcconnell, now a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and passed away October 10, 1908, leaving three sons.    As previously stated, Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married in 1857. Times were hard, for it was the year of the widespread financial panic, and for two years thereafter Mr. Smith devoted his attention largely to railroad bridge building. In the spring of 1859 he joined the exodus to Colorado with others seeking their fortunes in the mines. He went on a trip covering many days to the Colorado river and never saw a white man en route. He was in Denver in the fall of 1860, at which time the city was a village of log buildings, largely covered with canvas. In the fall of that year he returned to Illinois in time to vote for Abraham Lincoln for the presidency and participated in the stirring events of that period.    In the spring of 1861 Mr. Smith removed with his family to Galva, where he was active in business, meeting with success until his health failed, after which he was for two years comparatively helpless. Later he began the sale of sewing machines and organs and for fifteen years met with success. In the spring of 1881 he removed with his family to Cherokee county. This was a new country with new opportunities, and here he bought a farm of two hundred acres for twelve dollars per acre, which is today worth two hundred and thirty-five dollars per acre or more. He at once began improving the property, erecting good buildings and cultivating his land. He raised both grain and stock and won success. At length, his health again failing, he sold the property and built a cottage in Cleghorn, there remaining until his death, October 10, 1904. He had resided in Cherokee county for nearly a quarter of a century and enjoyed an enviable reputation as good business man and progressive citizen. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Marcus, Iowa. Mrs. Smith lives in an attractive cottage on South Main street in Cleghorn and has made her home in this county for almost a third of a century, being well known and highly esteemed within its borders.

-301- WILLIAM HENRY GLASSON    William Henry Glasson, a retired farmer living in Cherokee, was born in Newlin, England, August 7, 1847. He is a son of William and Louisa (Richards) Glasson. The mother lived but a short time after his birth. The father was again married, his second union being with Jane Jacka. They came to the United States in 1862, locating in Michigan, where the father mined until his death in 1868. His wife also passed away in that state. To their union were born four children: Mary Jane, of Ishpeming, Michigan; Anne, of the same city; and Emma and Richard, twins, who have passed away.    William Henry Glasson acquired his education in England and as a young man emigrated to America, working in the mines in Michigan and Virginia City, Nevada, for some time. He afterward spent five more years in Michigan and in 1883 came to Cherokee township, this county, turning his attention to farming. -302- He purchased land and with characteristic energy carried forward the work of its development, each year bringing him increasing success. He finally acquired a comfortable fortune and upon this retired from active life, moving to Cherokee, where he is now residing.    On the 20th of June, 1872, Mr. Glasson was united in marriage to Miss Jane Gould, a daughter of John and Dorothy (Alford) Gould, of Lifton, Devon, England. Mr. and Mrs. Glasson became the parents of four children: John, who is married and has two children, Carl W., and Evelyn E.; Emma L., the wife of F. S. Warren of Cherokee, and the mother of three sons, Glenn G., R. Earl G. and Merle I., the latter two of whom died in infancy; Mary Ellen, who has passed away; and Edith J., the wife of L. I. Budgett, of Ellsworth, Minnesota, and the mother of three children, Clarence, Bertha and Roy.    Mr. Glasson is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has held the office of school director for many years, the cause of education finding in him an intelligent and able supporter. He is held in high regard by those who know him and he has many warm friends in Cherokee county.

-302- HENRY C. URBAN    Henry C. Urban, carrying on general farming on two hundred acres of land in Cherokee township, was born in Holstein, Germany, January 18, 1862. He is a son of Christian Henry and Katrina (Bockwold) Urban, natives of that province, where the father engaged in farming until his death. His wife has also passed away. Both were devout members of the Lutheran church. To their union were born six children: Dora, a resident of Germany; Henry C., of this review; Christina, also of Germany; Fred, a resident of Florida; William, whose home in in Germany; and Karl, of Oklahoma.    Henry C. Urban was educated in the public schools of his native country and afterward worked upon a farm there. In 1887 he came to the United States, settling in Clinton county, Iowa, where he remained one year. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee county, buying a farm on section 1, Cherokee township. Six years later he purchased two hundred acres in the same locality and has since carried forward the work of developing this property along practical and modern lines, meeting with that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor.    In June, 1890, Mr. Urban was united in marriage to Miss Christina Langholtz, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Langholtz, who were residents of Schleswig, Germany, where the father was connected with the railroad business. Both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Urban have nine children: Henry who is a resident of O'Brien county, Iowa, and who married Miss Fannie Arrasmith; Christina, the wife of Henry Meyer, also of O'Brien county; Charles, of Larrabee, this state; John, at home; Christian, a resident of O'Brien county; William and Helena at home; and Louis and Louise, twins, who are also with -303- their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Urban have one grandchild, May, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Urban, of O'Brien county.    Mr. Urban is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is well and favorably known in the community, his many excellent characteristics having gained him an extensive circle of friends.

-303- THOMAS R. McCRACKEN    Thomas R. McCracken, who has been a resident of Cherokee county for more than four decades, is now spending the evening of life in honorable retirement at Quimby. He was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits at Quimby, erecting the first hostelry in the town. His birth occurred in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of February, 1843, his parents being John and Anne (Golden) McCracken, both of whom are natives of Ireland. In 1831 the father emigrated to the United States, locating first in Rochester, New York, and subsequently in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania. He devoted his attention to farming until the outbreak of the Civil war and then enlisted for service in the Union army as a private of Company B, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command for over three years. On the expiration of that period he reenlisted and died in the service, thus laying down his life on the altar of his adopted country. His widow afterward removed to Kansas and in that state spent the remainder of her life. John McCracken gave his political allegiance to the republican party, and both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist church. Their children were six in number, as follows: John, who is deceased; Catherine, who is the widow of Samuel Conklin and resides in Kansas; Thomas R., of this review; Eliza Jane and Sophia, both of whom have passed away; and Edward, a resident of Tacoma, Washington.    Thomas R. McCracken attended the schools of his native county in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his text-books secured employment as a teamster at Dushore. For nearly two years during the period of the Civil war he served as a private in Company B, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, making a creditable record as a brave and loyal soldier. After returning home he entered the service of his former employers, working for the same company until 1871. In that year he came west to Iowa, locating in Silver township, Cherokee county, where he purchased and improved a farm, being busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he took up his abode in Quimby. Here he erected the first hotel and successfully conducted the same for eight years. During the past seventeen years, however, he has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former labors in well earned ease.    On the 22d of September, 1867, Mr. McCracken was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Pennington, a daughter of Jesse and Harriett (Smith) Pennington, of Sullivan county, Pennsylvania. They were natives of the Keystone state and thence came to Iowa, Mr. Pennington operating a farm in Silver township, Cherokee county. He was a republican in politics and his religious faith was that of the Evangelical church. Both he and his wife are deceased. Mr. -304- McCracken also exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has gained an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances during the many years of his residence in this county and is widely recognized as one of its esteemed and representative citizens.

-304- EMIL D. BUSHLOW    Since 1884, Emil D. Bushlow has been connected with agricultural interests of Cherokee county and is today one of the most extensive landowners in this section of the state, owning and operating over eighteen hundred acres. He is a native of Iowa, born in Clinton county, February 6, 1865, a son of Frederick and Clarissa Bushlow, natives of France. The father, who was a rope maker by -305- trade, came to Illinois and settled in Nauvoo, whence he moved to Cherokee county, Iowa, where he turned his attention to farming. He and his wife died in Clinton county. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living: Joseph, of Clinton county; Mary, the wife of John Snyder, of Scott county, Iowa; Eugene, of Clinton county; Jennie, the widow of Martin Shaw, of Davenport; and Emil D., of this review.    The last named acquired his education in the public schools of his native county and afterward worked on a farm there until he was seventeen years of age. He then moved to Marshalltown, where he spent eight months as an employee in Anson's brickyard and six months in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He afterward farmed in Scott county until 1884, in which year he moved to Pilot township, this county. He worked as a laborer for seven years and afterward rented a farm for a similar period, during which time he accumulated enough money to make his first purchase of land. He bought eight acres and this tract forms a part of his present extensive holdings. He continually added to it until he now owns over eighteen hundred acres, being one of the largest landowners in the county. He engages in general farming and his stock-raising interests are especially important. He keeps on an average four hundred head of cattle and the same number of hogs, and his stock commands a ready sale upon the market. He also breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle. His farm is well improved with fences, substantial buildings and modern equipment and it evidences everywhere his careful supervision and practical labor.    On the 15th of February, 1890, Mr. Bushlow married Miss Alice Groves, a daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Bull) Groves, of Pilot township. Mr. and Mrs. Bushlow have four children, Ernest, Nellie, Myron and Ivan. Mr. Bushlow has been through all the chairs in the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He was for nine years township trustee and has been secretary and treasurer of the school board, and is now in the second term of his able service as county supervisor. His career furnishes a splendid example of the value of courage and determination in the accomplishment of success, for he began as a farm laborer and has gradually worked his way upward until he is today one of the leading farmers and stockmen of this part of the state.

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