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R. E. LEA, of Rock Township, is an American by adoption, having been born in England, November 28, 1852. He is a son of Joseph and Prudence (Mitchell) Lea, also natives of England. Joseph Lea took to the sea, and spent the greater part of his life on the water. He advanced until he became the captain of his own ship, and when R. E. was one month old he was taken on board the vessel which was his home until he was nine years old; he then left the ship, and worked on a farm until he was fourteen years old, when he returned to the water, and staid until he was twenty years of age. After leaving the sea the last time he was employed by a railroad company in Manchester, England. In April, 1875, he left England, his home and friends, and crossed the water to America, locating in Will County, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for six years. In 1881 he removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land in Rock Township, and the indications are that prosperity has attended his efforts. Mr. Lea was united in marriage March 26, 1885, to Miss Ida Kinney, a daughter of E. D. and Cynthia M. (Towne) Kinney. Mrs. Lea was born in Vermont, August 21, 1852, and removed with her parents to Wisconsin, where they remained seven years; thence they went to Lake City, Minnesota, and resided there until 1873; in the meantime she graduated from the Winona State Norman School, and taught in the public schools a number of years. Her family removed to Cherokee County in 1876. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lea: Jessie and Florence. In politics Mr. Lea affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist. He is a man frank and cordial in his manners, is honorable in his business, and is one of the representative farmers of Rock Township.
B. F. SILVER, an energetic young farmer of Rock Township, is a native of the Hawkeye State, born in Linn County, August 6, 1863. His father, David Silver, was born in Ohio in 1831, and emigrated to Iowa in 1856. For five years he carried the mails between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and afterward worked at the carpenter's trade. His mother's maiden name was Sarah J. Tallman, and she was born in Ohio in 1836. The subject of this biographical notice, B. F. Silver, was reared on a farm, and was trained to the duties of agricultural pursuits. He received his education in the common schools, and at Western College. After leaving school he taught one year in Linn County, and then engaged in farming his father's place until he was twenty-four years of age. He then bade farewell to the family hearthstone, and removed to Cherokee County, settling in Rock -531- Township, where the father had deeded him eight acres of land. Mr. Silver was united in marriage June 26, 1889, to Miss Marie J. Di shaw, a daughter of Levi and Adeline (Di Shaw) Di Shaw. Mrs. Silver was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, May 24, 1869; her father is also a native of New York, and a cabinet-maker by trade. Her mother died when she was but two and a half years old and a short time afterward she was adopted by her uncle, Joseph Di Shaw. When Marie was five years old her uncle removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, and located in Pilot Township; in three years he went back to New York, and in six months returned to the West, stopping in Michigan; thence he came to Cherokee County, and since that time has made it his home. Mrs. Silver received her education in the district schools and in the Cherokee High School, and taught for two years after she left school. Although Mr. Silver has been a resident of the county but a short time, he is rapidly pushing to the front, and will soon take his rank among the leading farmers of this county.
W. J. PATTON has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since the year 1883. He was born in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1855, and is a son of Andrew and Barbara (Morrison) Patton, both natives of Ireland, born in the year 1825. When W. J. was ten years of age his parents removed to Will County, Illinois, and located on a farm. There he passed his youth, and remained under the parental roof until 1883, when, as before stated, he came to Cherokee County. He bought a farm in Sheridan Township, and devoted his time and efforts to the improvement of the same. He has a comfortable residence, and has erected substantial buildings for the care and protection of live-stock and grain. Mr. Patton was married March 1, 1883, to Miss Clara M. Crawford, a daughter of Rev. Ralph and Nancy E. (Coates) Crawford; she was born October 5, 1862, in Will County, Illinois, and was reared in the county of her birth. She received her education in the common schools and in the Onarga Seminary. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Patton: Leslie L., Arthur C., Ralph A. Mr. Patton is a Republican, and is a stanch supporter of the issues of that party. He served as township assessor from 1886 to 1888, giving general satisfaction in his management of the office. He is a member of the Farmer's Alliance. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have the respect and confidence of the community in which they dwell.
ADAM THOMPSON, a representative farmer of Rock Township, was not born on American soil, but in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, September 6, 1822. His father Benjamin Thompson, was a farmer by occupation, and was born November 22, 1801; he died November 22,1 856. His mother was Mary Johnston. Adam received his education in the common schools, and worked with his father on the farm until 1839, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade. He served an apprenticeship and then worked in Scotland until he was twenty-three years of age, when he went to Liverpool and remained two years. At the end of that time he returned to his native country, and after a residence there of two years he went to Manchester, England, and staid there until 1854. In that year he left friends and home and native land, and sailed for America. He -532-landed in Quebec, and thence proceeded at once to Will County, Illinois. He continued to work at his trade until 1860, when he bought a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1881 he removed from Will County to Cherokee County, Iowa, and bought 560 acres of land in Rock Township. He has since sold eighty acres, and has deeded eighty acres to one son. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage, August 30, 1853, to Miss Mary Patterson, a daughter of John and Jane (Hall) Patterson. Mrs. Thompson was born in Scotland, June 7, 1827, and died April 25, 1874. she was a worthy and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and her death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson had born to them seven children: John, Jane, Mary (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Benjamin, Andrew (deceased) and David (deceased). Mr. Thompson votes the Republican ticket. He has represented the people of Rock Township officially as trustee. During the whole time of his residence in Illinois he held some office of trust and responsibility. He is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, and his deep integrity and honesty of purpose have won for him a host of friends, and he is numbered among the leading men of Cherokee County.
BLASIUS SPINHARNEY, one of the enterprising farmers of Rock Township, is an early pioneer settler of Cherokee County. He was born in Germany, near the River Rhine, February 3, 1821, and is the son of Peter and Monica (Clarr) Spinharney. When he was eight years of age his parents emigrated to America, and located in Columbiana County, Ohio. There he passed his youth, and at the age of eighteen years he left his father's farm and started out in life, seeking the fortune in store for him. He worked on the canal one year, and then went to Steubenville, Ohio, and entered the employ of Edwin M. Stanton, Esq., with whom he remained six years. He fought in the Mexican war, enlisting in the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I, Captain John Kells. He went to New Orleans, thence to Pracius Island, Texas, and thence to Matamoras, remaining there until after January, 1847. He then went down into Mexico, was at Monterey and Buena Vista, and then returned to New Orleans. After receiving his discharge he returned to Ohio, and again entered the employ of Mr. Stanton, remaining with him one year. In 1848 he removed to Washington County, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. He resided there until 1869, when he determined to go farther west, and so removed to Cherokee County, Iowa. He purchased 320 acres of land in Rock Township, and later added forty acres more to his possessions. Mr. Spinharney was united in marriage, August 2, 1848, to Miss Bertha A. Denc, daughter of Trupert and Mary A. (Schwunder) Denc. She was born in Germany, May 23, 1831, and when fourteen years old her parents emigrated to the United States, and settled in Ohio. Thirteen children have been born of this union: Mary M., Sophia L., Alex. G., Caroline G., Amelia T., Edwin F., James H., Stephen A., Alvina M., Charles P., Laura A., Albert R. and Martha H. Politically Mr. Spinharney affiliates with the Democratic party. He served as sheriff of Washington County, Wisconsin, and has represented the people of Rock Township as trustee and as president of the School Board. He is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M. Both he and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Spinharney has witnessed the wonderful growth of Cherokee County from her infancy, and has done his part in assisting that development. He is one of the men who organized Rock Township. A man of high principles, frank and cordial in manner, he has won an enviable position in the county.
DANIEL MELTER, a prominent early settler of Rock Township, is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Stark County, October 16, 1843. He is a son of Michael and Eva (Deen) Melter, who removed to Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, when Daniel was eleven years of age. There he resided until 1865, when he entered the army in defense of his country's flag. He had been examined in 1862 and 1863, but on account of a broken leg, an accident which had occurred to him in early life, he was not accepted until 1865. He enlisted in the Forty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company D, Captain Henry Van Ewyck. After the restoration of peace he returned to his home in Wisconsin, and remained there occupied with agricultural pursuits until 1869, when he went to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he resided one year. Thence he removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, and purchased 240 acres of land in Rock Township. He has spent much time and labor in the improvement of this place, and now has one of the most desirable farms in the township. He has a large barn, five acres of fine grove, and one acre in orchard, which is now bearing. Mr. Melter was married December 31, 1868, to Miss Mary, daughter of Blasius and Bertha (Denc) Spinharney. She was born in Washington County, Wisconsin, June 22, 1849. Six children have been born of this union: Fred W., Rosa I., Edwin E., Anna B., Maggie L. and Stephen B. In politics Mr. Melter is rather conservative, inclining to the principles of the Democratic party; but he is not restricted by party ties, and casts his vote for the man best fitted in his estimation to fill the office in question. He has served his township as clerk, assessor, and as a member of the School Board; he was the first clerk elected in Rock Township. He is a member of Lodge No. 188, I.O.O.F. Mr. Melter is a man firm in his convictions of right and wrong, and is well worthy of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the people of the community in which he lives.
L. S. DEYO, a farmer of Sheridan Township, is a native of the State of New York, born March 29, 1838. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Mackey) Deyo, were also natives of the State of New York. His grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. The family removed to Lee County, Illinois, and L. S. remained at home until his twenty-third year, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. During the great Rebellion, when there was a call for men to go to the defense of his nation's flag, L. S. Deyo was not found wanting in courage and patriotism. He enlisted in December, 1863, in the First Illinois Battery, Company F, Captain Burton, and participated in many battles, among which may be mentioned Snake Creek Gap, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Resaca, and Jonesburg, Georgia. He was honorably discharged July 4, 1865, and returned to his farm in Illinois. There he remained, tilling the land and harvesting the crops until 1885, when he removed to Cherokee County, Iowa. He purchased 120 acres of land in Sheridan Township, on which he -534-is still living. He has erected a comfortable dwelling and substantial buildings for the care and protection of live-stock and grain, and has planted ten acres of fine grove. That energy and thrift are predominating traits of Mr. Deyo is evident from the appearance of his surroundings. He was married January 16, 1860, to Miss Thankful E. Maise, daughter of Horace and Zilla (Foster) Maise. Mrs. Deyo is a native of Greene County, New York, and was born October 19, 1835. To Mr. and Mrs. Deyo have been born two children: Addie, wife of Egbert Jones, and Harry L. at home. The parents are both consistent members of the church, the mother belonging to the Presbyterian Church, and the father to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WOODBURY H. AUSTIN, one of the influential and respected citizens of Tilden township, Cherokee County, was born in Essex County, Massachusetts, June 11, 1822, and is a son of Joshua and Lucy (Hunt) Austin, natives of New Hampshire and Connecticut respectively. He is the oldest of a family of eight children, and until he was eighteen years old he worked on the farm and attended th district school. At that age he went to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed the business for six years; he was then employed by the Essex Machine Company, and for two years was engaged on carriage work. He then went to Braintree, Massachusetts, and for two years worked at his old trade; thence he went to Roxbury, Massachusetts, and at the end of one year he removed to Chicago, Illinois, remaining there nine years, employed in a sash and door factory and planing-mill. HIs next move was to Beloit, Wisconsin,w here he opened a sash and blind factory on his own account, which he continued to manage for three years; this was destroyed by fire, after which he remained in Beloit one year, when he removed to McGregor, Iowa, and leased a mill for the manufacture of sash, blinds, etc.; there he remained one year, and we next find him in Dubuque, Iowa, in the employ of a firm operating a sash and blind factory and planing-mill. After three years Mr. Austin, in company with W. W. Carr, under the firm name of Carr & Austin, erected large and commodious buildings for the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. After two years the firm name was changed to Carr, Austin & Co., and for fourteen years they did an extensive and profitable business. Mr. Austin's business career was one of great success, and was the result of perseverance, indomitable courage, and the practice of the highest integrity in all his transactions. He determined to change his mode of life, and purchased a farm of 420 acres in Butler County, Iowa, near Parkersburgh. There he erected a fine residence, and at the end of three years sold out, and in March, 1882, he came to Cherokee County, having purchased, in 1880, 520 acres of land. Most of this land was wild, and there were few improvements, but to-day, after seven years of Mr. Austin's care and management, it is one of the finest farms in the county. He has planted eight acres of grove, and five acres in orchard. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has served as school director, acquitting himself with much credit. Mr. Austin was married in 1844 to Celina Petty, who was born in Salem, New Hampshire, August 7, 1806. they are the parents of four children: Stephen Page, residing in Colorado, served through the late Civil War, was captured and lay in Libby Prison, enduring all the agonies of that terrible time; Elizabeth is the wife of Thomas Quinn, residing in Washington Territory; James also lives in Washington Territory; and Francilia is the wife of B. Lockey, residing in Clay County, Iowa.
HANS HADENFELDT was born in Holstein, Germany, June 8, 1849, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Elas) Hadenfeldt. In 1869 the parents determined to emigrate to America, believing there they would find better opportunities both for themselves and children. After landing they continued their journey until they reached Iowa, and there they located in Benton County, where they have since made their home. they have a family of seven children: Katie, wife of Jacob Pruiser; Claus; Hans, the subject of this notice, Fred, John, Anna, and Henry (deceased). Hans was nineteen years old when the family came to America, and he settled in Benton County, remaining under the parental roof for some time after. In 1881 he came to Cherokee County, and located on a farm which he had purchased in the fall of 1880; it is situated in Tilden Township, and contains 240 acres. At that time it was raw prairie, with no more trace of civilization than the red man left behind him, but to-day it presents a vastly different appearance; there is a good frame residence, and one of the finest barns in the county; two acres and a half of beautiful grove add much to the attractiveness of the place, and everything indicates that industry and economy are the rules of the owner. Mr. Hnadenfeldt disposed of eighty acres included in his first purchase, and afterward bought forty acres more, so that his farm now covers 200 acres. Employing his full time and attention to this one line of business, he has made a marked success, and through honesty and fair dealing has won the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends. Mr. Hardenfeldt was married in the spring of 1875, to Miss Rosa Sheel, a daughter of Hans and Katie Sheel. She was born in Holstein, Germany, and came to America when she was a small child; her parents settled in Benton County, Iowa, and there she grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Hadenfeldt have seven children: John, born November 14, 1875; Lu, born February 26, 1878; Aggie, born July 17, 1880; Laura, born May 24, 1885; Paulie, born June 23, 1886; Henry, born July 26, 1888. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, and are among the most worthy people of Cherokee County.
LAWRENCE M. ULSTAD, a native of Norway, was born July 6, 1848, and is a son of Michael and Hendrikkne (Tobiesen) Ulstad. He passed his boyhood and youth in his native land, content with his surroundings until he was nineteen years of age, when he determined to emigrate to America, and seek the fortune there might be in store for him. On reaching this country he settled in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where he hired out by the month at $12. After six months had elapsed he went to the pineeries of Michigan, and remained there in the employ of one company for seven and a half years. In 1876 he came to Cherokee County and purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land in Tilden Township, and set about making a home in the new country; his nearest neighbor on the south side was nine miles distant, and the nearest one on the west was seven miles away. It was just at this time that grasshoppers came, and for four seasons they destroyed crops. One less courageous than -536-Mr. Ulstad would have given up in despair, but his pluck held out longer than the grasshoppers, and since that time he has been prosperous in his agricultural pursuits. He has added 100 acres to his first purchase, and now is the proprietor of 280 acres of finely improved land. He has a good farm residence, ample accommodations for live-stock, and cribs for the protection of grain; he has planted three acres of grove, adding at the same time beauty and value to his land. all the indications are that in spite of adversity in the beginning of his residence in the county, Mr. Ulstad has met with a generous degree of success. When he land in America he had only $10 in his pocket, and it is from this small beginning that he has accumulated his present property. Mr. Ulstad is an active worker in the interests of the Republican Party, and has held the offices of constable, road supervisor, school director, and is the present trustee of the township. August 9, 1874, occurred the marriage of Lawrence M. Ulstad and Emma Goodmanson, who was born in Norway, September 6, 1851. They are the parents of seven children: Etta M., Hattie, Eddie T. L., Gyda, Lillie, Olive and Ebbie. Mr. and Mrs. Ulstad are members of the Lutheran Church, of which the former is a trustee.
Full size commodious structure and is well stocked with every description of farm machinery. Mr. Clark also owns a blacksmith shop. His extensive acquaintance in the south part of the county is of such a nature that he has secured a large trade from the best class of citizens of that region. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have four children: Ida, wife of Joseph Mahoney; Isaac, general manager of the store at Quimby; John, manager of the farm, and Emma L. Mr. Clark is a stanch adherent to the principles of the Democratic party; he was the first postmaster of Quimby, appointed in 1888. He has held various positions of trust and responsibility, and has ever held the confidence reposed in him. Mr. Clark's farm is one of the best equipped in the county, having most admirable buildings and numerous improvements. The residence is a commodious structure, and he has two fine barns with about 100 feet of sheds. there is a windmill, supplying water from ten living springs, which adapt the farm admirably to the raising of live-stock. Mr. Clark is a man who is interested not alone in personal gain, but in the growth and advancement of the surrounding country, and he has put forth many efforts on behalf of his fellow-townsmen. He is in every way worthy of the respect and honor in which he is held. NOTE: See full size images of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, from the 1914 History of Cherokee County, here. |
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