-620- S. N. DAWSON.—This substantial and reliable young farmer is a resident of Cedar Township, Cherokee County, where he located in 1880. He was born in Green County, Wisconsin, October 21, 1854, and is a son of John J. and Mary A. (Parrot) Dawson. John J. Dawson was a native of West Virginia, and settled in Green County in 1839, being one of the earliest pioneers of Southern Wisconsin. He was twice married, and had fourteen children, six daughters and eight sons. S. N. Dawson, the subject of this brief biography, was reared in the county of his birth, and obtained his education in the public schools and in the Broadhead Academy. He was united in marriage May 27, 1880, to Miss Kate M. Fleek, a daughter of Jerome B. and Margaret Fleek, and the same year settled in Cedar Township. In 1883 he returned to Wisconsin and remained there three years, and then in 1886 he came back to Cedar Township, and located on his present farm; it contains 440 acres, 400 of which are under cultivation. He has made many valuable improvements on the place, and to-day it is considered one of the best in the county. Mr. Dawson devotes his time exclusively to farming and stock-raising, and has met with marked success in his undertakings. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dawson: Jerome B. and Maggie May. In political thought and action Mr. Dawson affiliates with the Republican party. Although a young man he has attained an enviable position in the county both from a social and financial point of view, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him. HENRY BEJASCH, one of the rising young farmers of Tilden Township, Cherokee County, was born in Switzerland, September 25, 1857, and is a son of John and Dorothy Bejasch. His childhood and early youth were passed in his own beautiful country, and he was trained to that most useful occupation, farming; he received a fair education in the common schools. His parents hoping to give their children a better chance in this life, and perhaps better their own circumstances, emigrated to America when Henry was fifteen years of age. The father died three years later, leaving his son an inheritance of forty acres of land, and the memory of an industrious, frugal father, but with this exception he has accumulated all his property through his own efforts. In 1880 Mr. Bejasch came to Cherokee County, from Jones County, Iowa, where he had made his home for seven years, and settled in Silver Township; he lived there three years on 160 acres of raw land which he had purchased, and at the end of three years he sold it and bought 160 acres in Rock Township, which he traded one year later for his present [page 621 ] farm of 160 acres; he has added to this 120 acres, all of which is well fenced, making 280 acres in all; he has made many valuable improvements on the farm, and has one of the most desirable places in the township. His whole time and attention are occupied with farming and stock-raising, and his industry and wise management have brought their reward. Mr. Bejasch was reared in the faith of the Reformed Church, and has lived a life of such integrity and uprightness that he has the confidence and respect of all who know him. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party. -621- JOSEPH D. WIRT, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Amherst Township, Cherokee County, was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1842, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Yond) Wirt, natives of Pennsylvania. The father now resides in Jackson County, Iowa, but the mother is deceased. Our subject was reared in his native State until he had attained his twelfth year, and then the family removed to Iowa. He was trained to agricultural pursuits, and obtained his education in the common schools. When the great Rebellion broke out he determined to go to the defense of the nation, and accordingly, August 17, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was promoted to Corporal, and was twice wounded, once with grape and canister, and once with a spent ball. He participated in a number of battles and skirmishes, the most important being Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Raymond, and the Red River Expedition under General Banks. After the declaration of peace he returned to Iowa, and engaged in farming with his father for three years. In 1869 he went to Missouri and remained there one year, when he migrated as far north as Yankton, Dakota Territory, where he resided until 1879, engaged in farming. He then came to Cherokee County, and located in Amherst Township, renting land for three years. He then purchased eight acres and founded a home for his family. He first erected a small building in which they lived until 1888,when he built a fine frame dwelling, which is one of the handsomest in that part of the county. He has added another eighty acres to his first purchase, and now has 160 acres under excellent cultivation. He has planted five and a half acres of grove, which adds much to the beauty of the farm. Mr. Wirt is a live, energetic man, and stands in the front ranks of the Cherokee County farmers. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and in 1888 was elected trustee of the township. On March 24, 1873, occurred the wedding of Joseph D. Wirt and Miss Maggie Guenther, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Young) Guenther. Her father was a native of Germany, and her mother was born in Pennsylvania. She was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt are the parents of six children: Frank C., Fred H., Willie, Ive, Bessie N. and Lewis E. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the family are among the most worthy and respected of Cherokee County. TOBIAS BEJASCH.—That most picturesque and beautiful country, Switzerland, is the birthplace of many worthy and respected citizens of these United States, among them the subject of this brief biography, Tobias Bejasch. He was born May -622- 27, 1856, and is the son of John and Dorothy Bejasch. Until seventeen years of age he resided in his native land, being trained to the practical business of farming. In 1873 he came to America with his father, and one brother, his eldest brother having come over in 1871. They arrived in July, 1873, and journeyed on to Iowa, settling in Monticello, Jones County; there they abode seven years, and in 1880 came to Cherokee County. Mr. Bejasch purchased 160 acres of land in Silver Township, which had some improvements, and since that time he has made his home there. He has made many valuable improvements, and the farm is one of the best fenced in the township; he has added eighty acres to this first purchase in Tilden Township, making 240 acres in all. He is a live, energetic man, and occupying his time exclusively with farming and stock-raising, his efforts have been attended with universal success. Politically Mr. Bejasch is non-partisan, casting his vote for the man he thinks best qualified for the duties that will devolve upon him in filling the office in question. He received at the time of his father's death, in 1876, forty acres of land,but with this exception he has accumulated all his property through his own efforts. And although a young man, he stands to-day in the front ranks of Cherokee County's substantial and reliable citizens. He was reared in the Reformed Church. JOSEPH WEIS was born in Baden, Germany, February 10, 1836, and is a son of David and Anna (Eichenlaub) Weis. At the age of seventeen years he came to America, his father giving bond to the Government for his appearance when called upon for military service. He lived with his father's brother near Rochester, New York, until his family followed him three years, after his own emigration. They remained at Brockport, New York, until the fall of 1856, when they came West and settled in Dubuque County, Iowa; there they improved a farm of 180 acres, and made it their home until 1861 when they removed to Delaware County, Iowa. Joseph was inclined to enter the army, but his father persuaded him to remain at home, as he had come to this country mainly to avoid military service in his native land. Mr. Weis was married October 20, 1861, to Miss Odelia Plaster, and remained on the home farm until 1863, when he secured a farm near by, on which he lived until 1872. Desiring to engage in other business he entered the employ of an agricultural implement firm at Dyersville, Iowa, and continued there three years, at the end of which time he purchased property in Dyersville, and engaged in the liquor trade until 1881, when he rented the business and removed to Lyons, Iowa. Mrs. Odelia Weis died January 14, 1880, and Mr. Weis was married a second time, to Mrs. Mary Meyer widow of Bernard H. Meyer. She owned a saloon business at Lyons, of which Mr. Weis assumed the management. Two years later he bought this property and traded it and his Dyersville property for the land on which he now lives. He has a fine tract of land of 232 acres, well adapted to grain and stock-growing. Mr. Weis's first family consisted of ten children, two of whom died in infancy: Kate, wife of Thomas Daley; Joseph; Louisa, wife of L. Kurta; Will and Ben, twins; Louie, Josphine and Henry. Josephine, now a girl of fourteen years, lives with an uncle, Rev. Henry Plaster, a Catholic priest at Hammond, Indiana. The children of Mr. [page 623 ] and Mrs. Weis are: Anton, Odelia, Pauline and Mattias. The children of Mrs. Weis by her first husband are: Christian, Frank, Bernard, George, Elizabeth, Mary and Casper. Bernard died November 9, 1888, in his twentieth year, his death being the result of an accident; in drawing a loaded gun from a buggy the trigger caught and the gun was discharged, shattering his right arm; after seven days' suffering he passed away. He was an especially bright and amiable boy, and his death was a severe to the family. Mrs. Weis was born January 17, 1845, near the city of Chicago, her parents being John and Mary E. (Hoffman) Fagen. Her marriage to Bernard H. Meyer occurred May 14, 1865, and he died March 31, 1879. He had three children by a former marriage: Henry, Richard and Anton. -623- WILLIAM LIKE, a progressive and successful farmer of Spring Township, was born in Onondaga County, New York, October 9, 1832. His parents were David and Mary (Abrams) Like, also natives of New York and of German ancestry. When sixteen years of age William's father gave him his time and he went to work on the Erie Canal, and until he was twenty-one he was employed in various duties in connection with the canal and farm. He then returned to his father's farm and devoted the principal part of the following seven years to farming. Mr. Like was married April 3, 1859, in Cattaraugus County, New York, to Miss Hansi E. Butler, who was born in that county January 23, 1840. In 1866 they came to Jones County, Iowa, where they passed the next three and a half years. Then they removed to Cherokee County in the spring of 1870, and Mr. Like entered a homestead in section 30, Afton Township; there they resided until 1882, when they removed to their present farm, on which they have since lived. Mr. Like is engaged in mixed farming, and has done well since coming to the county; his possessions amounted to about $600, including stock, implements, etc., and he now owns an elegant farm of 320 acres, and is surrounded with every convenience for his business. Mr. and Mrs. Like are the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters: Alice P. is the wife of Emery Secor, of Afton Township; William H., George E. and Nellie May, of Spring Township. Our subject is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and the people of his township have attested their confidence in him by calling him to fill many of the offices discharging public business. He and his wife are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is steward of that body. they are numbered with the reliable, substantial citizens of Cherokee County. NILES GREGG is one of the early settlers and well-known citizens of Cherokee County, having come here in 1869. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, May 31, 1847, and is a son of Nelson Gregg, one of the early settlers of Cedar Township, but now a resident of Meriden, Iowa. when Niles was fifteen years of age his parents emigrated to Iowa and settled in Warren County, where they lived three years. At the end of that period of time they went to Marion County, Iowa, and there they resided until 1869, when the father came to Cherokee County and took a homestead in Cedar Township. Niles remained with his father one year after that time and then returned to Marion County -624- where he worked tow years. He then came back to Cherokee County and bought a Government homestead adjoining his father's farm. There he has since resided, devoting his time and attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. As his means increased he made additions to his first purchase, and now owns 200 acres of choice land. This farm is admirably adapted to the raising of live-stock, as it is watered by Mill Creek. Mr. Gregg keeps about 100 head of cattle, and has eighteen head of horses. He has erected a small house, and has good farm buildings for the care and protection of live-stock and grain. Mr. Gregg was united in marriage in 1871, at Knoxville, Iowa, to Miss Sarah E. Cody, a daughter of Austin Cody, Esq. Two children have been born of this marriage: Arthur and Delia. Politically our subject has not party ties, preferring to use his own judgment as to who shall fill the offices of this Government. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and has attained an advanced position, socially and financially, in the county. JOHN H. BAKER, one of the most enterprising men it has been the fortune of Grand Meadow Township to claim as a citizen, died in Los Angeles, California, in the Sisters' Hospital, December 16, 1888. He was born in the State of Pennsylvania, October 4, 1850. His parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Iowa, when he was one year old, and when he was eight years old both had died, leaving him and one sister, Emma, now Mrs. Jenkins, and two half sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Brooks and Mrs. Alice Pixler. After his mother's death he lived with an uncle, Henry Fry, in Clayton County, until he was fifteen years old, when he began to work on a farm by the month. During the winters he attended the common school, and in the season worked with a threshing machine. Mr. Baker was married June 10, 1871, to Miss Armilda Spickelmier, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Veach) Spickelmier. She was born in Indiana, July 28, 1851, and was left an orphan at the age of seven years; from that time until she was fourteen years old she made her home with an uncle, Asa Veach, in Clayton County, Iowa and then was obliged to depend upon her own efforts for a living. While employed in the family of Mr. Baker's uncle she met him there. It is not strange that two people whose lives had been so alike should have been attracted to each other; both left orphans in early childhood, both brought up by an uncle until barely able to earn a living, and then thrown upon their young resources, and both struggling bravely on until better days came to gladden their hearts. For five years after their marriage they rented land in Clayton County, and in the fall of 1876 they came to Cherokee County and purchased 160 acres, erecting a little shanty, in which they lived until better quarters could be procured. Their first years in Cherokee County were by no means encouraging, but they persevered, and by diligence and industry came out conquerors. They had paid $100 on their land when they located, and from time to time they were enabled to make investments until they owned the east half of section 3 and the west half of section 2; the farm still contains this amount of land, and the improvements are of the best kind; the dwelling was erected at a cost of $2,000, and a substantial barn at a cost of $1,800. Mr. Baker devoted the greater part of his time to the raising of live-stock, and was very successful in this industry. He was prominently identified with the Republican party, and represented his township -625- in many of its public offices; he was elected county supervisor, and was serving his first term when he died. Mr. and Mrs. Baker had nine children born to them: Henry, Willie, Ernest, Almeda (who died at the age of eleven months), Gertie, Emma, Ella, Estella, and Roy, who died at the age of six months. Mr. Baker was ill for about one years before his death. by the advice of his physician he went to California, and had been there only one week when the relentless hand of death was upon him. His wife hastened to his side, but the journey is long and she did not reach him until he had been dead two days. She brought his remains back to the well-beloved home and the sorrow stricken children, and laid him to rest in the Tilden Cemetery. He was a man of strong features and fine physique, and a character which did not detract from his fine physical appearance. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Marcus for five years; of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and of Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T. He also belongs to the A.O.U.W. He carried a life insurance of $6,000, all of which was promptly paid to his widow. He left a will, disposing of his property, so that the matter was settled in a most satisfactory way. In the death of John H. Baker the community lost a most loyal, zealous citizen, and his family a true and and tried father and husband. LUCIUS EDWIN HEATON was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, July 20, 1856. His parents, Lewis and Mary (Brown) Heaton, are natives of Vermont and Massachusetts respectively. They were married in the State of New York, and removed to Tazewell County, Illinois, in December, 1856. After seven years they went to Whiteside County, and after a residence there of three years they came to Iowa in 1867, and located in Tama County. There they founded a new home, and are still living on the old place. They have a family of eleven children living, and one deceased: Clara, wife of John Peck; Lucius Edward, the subject of this sketch; Louisa, wife of S. Tompkins; James, who died at the age of eighteen months; William, Alfred, Ward P., Arthur A., Myron C., Bertha C., Charles and Lewis, who owns a farm in Tilden Township. Lucius Edwin remained at home until his marriage, which occurred March 10, 178, to Miss Maria Louisa Spracklin, a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Russell) Spracklin, who was born in Tama County, Iowa, September 27, 1858. Mr. Heaton was educated in the common schools, and in Addison Institute, at Irving, Benton County, Iowa. He began to teach at the age of eighteen, and for four years was engaged in this profession. After a residence in Story County, Iowa, he removed to Cherokee County in 1882, and bought his present farm. It was wild, raw land, without improvements. He has expended about $4,000 in buildings and other improvements, and it is to-day one of the most desirable farms in the township of Grand Meadow. For the past year and a half he has been engaged in shipping stock, in partnership with William Southall, of Pierson. Their business averages over 200 cars per annum. During six months of the year 1885 Mr. Heaton was in the elevator of Pierson. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heaton: Mary E., Rowland, Geneva, Clara, Windsor and Ruth. Mrs. Heaton is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Heaton is a member of Seba Lodge, No. 364, A.F. & A.M., and also of the A.O.U.W. He is prominently identified with the Republican party, often attending conventions and serving on committees. [page 626 ] The people of his township have shown the confidence which they have in him by calling him to fill their public offices. He has been clerk for three years and a half, and was justice of the peace for two years. He is a live, energetic man, and ranks among the leading farmers of the county. \-626- MOSES MUMMERT.—This highly respected member of the County Board of Supervisors was born in York County, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1854, and is a son of Jonas and Elizabeth (Stummel) Mummert, also natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers in that State. The father died in 1876, but his widow survives him at the age of sixty-four years, and now resides on the old homestead at Astoria, Illinois. Their family consisted of thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy. their names are: John, George, Cornelius, Johnas, Conrad, Moses, Andrew, Polly, Elizabeth, Barbara, Sevilla, Amanda, and one infant that died unnamed. Of these, two besides Moses reside in Cherokee County, Jonas in Afton Township, and Conrad in Spring Township. the other members of the family are residing in Illinois. Jonas Mummert, Sr., settled in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1866, buying a farm near Astoria, on which his widow resides. Moses remained at home until his twenty-first year, when his father died, after which he worked by the month, but turned his wages over to the family fund. In 1875, in company with his brother Conrad, he came to Iowa and rented land of W. H. Scripp, a banker of Astoria, and an old friend of the family and a careful business man. He owned all of section 36, Afton Township, and to this the brothers came and began farming. After carrying on the busines in partnership for two years, they decided to separate, and each took a half section. Mr. Mummert has made excellent improvements, and his farming operations are quite extensive. He keeps about 100 head of cattle, and an equal number of hogs. He handles the improved grades of stock, though he has no fancy breeds. In addition to managing the land of Mr. Scripp, Mr. Mummert has secured a fine farm of his own. It contains 440 acres, lying in Spring Township and Buena Vista County. He also looks after Mr. Scripp's interests in Woodbury County, makes all collections, attends to the rental of the lands, and makes loans on security in his neighborhood. No man in Cherokee County stands higher in the estimation of his friends than Mr. Mummert. He has filled acceptably the office of justice of the peace in his township, and in 1887 was chosen by a handsome majority as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and his actions as such member has increased his large circle of friends. His political principles are Democratic, though he has hosts of friends in the opposite party. Mr. Mummert was united in marriage, February 4, 1880, to Miss Caroline Mary Allie McFarlane, a daughter of John and Lucy (Ward) McFarlane. She was born in Peel County, Canada, March 11, 1860. They are the parents of four bright children: Elizabeth, Minnie, Blanche and William Henry. NATHAN JOHNSON was born on the Atlantic Ocean, May 22, 1825, and is a son of Zebnia and Anna (Wilson) Johnson, both of New England birth. His father is descended directly from the English royalty, Timothy Johnson, his father, being a near relative of the King of England a century ago; his mother is of German ancestry, -627- being a descendant of the early Dutch settlers of the Mohawk Valley; she was a daughter of Benjamin Wilson, an officer in the Revolutionary War, as was also Timothy Johnson. Nathan Johnson passed his childhood in Canada until he was nine years old; he then entered one of his father's vessels, his father being an extensive merchant, and owner of both lake and ocean vessels. He filled every position on board a merchantman, from cabin boy to second mate, and became thoroughly familiar with ever detail of ocean navigation. It was to him an excellent school, and he became highly versed in astronomy and the mathematics essential to a ship's management. Growing tired of a sailor's life, Mr. Johnson left the sea when he attained his majority, and embarked in business at Corning, New York, where for ten years he did an extensive traffic as a tanner and currier. Meeting with some financial reverses he decided to engage in agriculture, and came to Illinois, where he remained a few years. Then for twenty years he was a resident of Lenawee County, Michigan, from which place he removed to Buena Vista County, Iowa. In 1884 he came to Cherokee County and settled on his farm, which consists of a half section of excellent land, which he devoted to the growing of better grades of live-stock; he has recently turned his attention to the breeding of Polled Angus cattle, and Clydesdale horses. Mr. Johnson was married in 1860, in Steuben County, New York, to Miss Sarah Ann Bond, a native of the Empire State. They have an interesting family of four children: Lazette C., wife of George Morgan; Veronica Cora, wife of De Forest Morgan; Carrie Belle and Warren W. Mr. Johnson's strong personality impresses itself upon those who meet him. His mind is well stored with facts, and having a natural, easy flow of language, he becomes an entertaining speaker, and his utterances command attention. He is independent in politics, and in religion is liberal in his views, occupying an advanced position on all questions. JAMES JOHNSON.—Cherokee County may well feel flattered to be chosen as the home of one whose travels cover almost the entire face of the earth. From Colorado on the west to the islands of New Zealand on the east, one has indeed a wide range from which to select a habitation. James Johnson was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, September 10, 1842, and is the son of Robert and Isabelle (Ray) Johnson. He is next the youngest of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. At an early age he was engaged in that most trying labor, coal mining, which he continued until he was twenty years of age. Then began his wanderings. He emigrated from his native land to the islands of New Zealand, and for four years was engaged in gold mining. At the end of that time he returned to Scotland, where he spent six months. He then came to America, and after landing did not stop until he had reached Colorado; he did not find his expectations realized, and in a few months went back again to Scotland. Eleven months later we find him again in America, locating in Boone County, Iowa; there he lived one year, and then came to Cherokee County, taking a homestead in Cedar Township, where he made his home until 1884. He then purchased 120 acres of land on which he now lives; this was wild and unimproved, but he has reclaimed it from the state of nature in which the red man left it, and has reaped the abundant harvests which the earth is ready to yield to her industrious children. His improvements are [page 628 ] of the best kind, and he has every convenience for raising live-stock; for the latter industry the farm is admirably adapted by a fine brook flowing through the land, furnishing an abundant supply of water. Mr. Johnson was married June 15, 1870, to Miss Agnes Smith, a native of Lanarshire, Scotland, and a daughter of Alexander and Jennette (Murdock) Smith. they are the parents of four children: Robert J., born May 13, 1871; Alexander Stuart, born January 25, 1873; Della, born December 12, 1874, and Agnes J., born November 3, 1877. In politics Mr. Johnson affiliates with no party, but is independent. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Cherokee. WILLIAM GIFFORD, dealer in agricultural implements, wagons, buggies and road-carts, is the pioneer of this business in Larrabee; he opened his stock in October, 1888, and carries a full line of the best standard machinery and farming implements. His extensive acquaintance with the farmers of this section of country, and being himself a practical farmer, he has many advantages over ordinary dealers. His sales for the season 1889 amounted to $5,000. He also deals extensively in hard and soft coal, and is doing a profitable business. There is yet another important enterprise for which the village of Larrabee is indebted to Mr. Gifford, and that is Gifford's Hotel. The house is well arranged for the convenience and comfort of guests, and is a welcome retreat to the weary traveler. William Gifford was born in Her Majesty's Dominion of Canada, in 1851, and is a son of Harvey and Lydia (Yager) Gifford. When he was eighteen months old his parents removed to Ogle County, Illinois, where he was reared and educated. In 1876 they removed to Iowa, and settled in Spring Township, Cherokee County. William continued to reside with his parents until 1881, when he purchased a tract of land three miles west of Larrabee. He now owns eighty acres of land which is well improved. He was married February 23, 1880, to Miss Nancy H. Daniels, a daughter of Sylvester Daniels, who now resides in Liberty Township. Mr. Gifford has good business qualifications, is a number one salesman, and is considered one of the enterprising men of the township. ANDREW JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser, Cedar Township, is a well-known early settler, having settled in Cherokee County in 1871. He was born in Onondaga County, New York, March 23, 1834, and is a son of Andrew Johnson, a native of Herkimer County, New York. His mother was Mary Griffin, also a native of the State of New York. Andrew grew to manhood surrounded by agricultural industries, and obtained his education in the common schools of that day. At the age of twenty-one years he went to learn the cabinet-maker's and painter's trades, which avocations he followed several years. Mr. Johnson was united in the holy bonds of wedlock in Onondaga County, New York, February 19, 1858, to Miss Jane Snyder. She was born in Schoharie County, New York, and is a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Funk) Snyder, also natives of Schoharie County. In 1867 Mr. Johnson was seized with a Western fever and came to Iowa, locating in Boone County, where he lived four years. He then settled on his present land, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has been successful in his undertakings, and has done [page 629 ] his share in assisting the development and growth of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had born to them two sons: Martin A., born February 19, 1870, and Eugene, born December 24, 1871. Mr. Johnson is not bound by any political ties, but casts his vote independently, preferring to be his own judge of the character of the office-holders of the country. He is a man nearly fifty-five years of age, bears his years lightly, is cordial in disposition, and has the confidence and respect of a wide circle of acquaintances. -629- FRANK OTTO RADEKA, a farmer of Spring Township, was born in the hamlet of Arnswalde, Prussia, November 4, 1842. He is the third of a family of eight children of Ferdinand Radeke. Louisa, the oldest of the family, died at the age of twenty-eight years; Henry, William, Arthur and Gustave reside in Benton County, Iowa. The father died in Benton County in 1888, aged eighty-one years; he had lived in Benton County since 1864. The mother of our subject died when he was a lad of six years, and his father was married after coming to this country to Miss Wilhelmina Smith, a native of Germany, who survives her husband. In July, 1854, the family crossed the ocean, and settled in Johnson County, Iowa, where they resided four years, then removing to Tama County. After living there six years they settled in Benton County, Iowa, where they made a permanent home. The father was a harness-maker by trade. Frank O. remained at home until past eighteen years of age when he entered the Dutch Society of Amana. This is a peculiar community consisting of about 1,500 souls who had settled in the county, in 1856; all the property held in common, but Frank did not attach himself to the society as a member; he worked by the month for them for two years, and then went to Illinois, where he was employed by one man, James S. Taggart, a prominent farmer of Stephenson County, for five years continuously. He then returned to Johnson County and worked for five years longer. By this time he had saved a little money, and felt able to take unto himself a wife, which he did April 13, 1871, by wedding Miss Helen Coleman, a daughter of Philo G. Coleman. The following year, 1872, he came to Cherokee County and purchased a small tract of land in Spring Township. He has met with success in his operations, and has increased his farm from fifty-four acres to 200 acres. Mr. Radeke has recently concluded that the South presents better opportunities for money-making, and accordingly within the next year to make that country his home. He is a man of quick intelligence and close observation, and stands high in his township. His neighbors have made him township assessor three terms, and he has also served as road overseer and as clerk of the School Board. His political tendencies are Republican. He has experienced some of the rough side of life, having lost five crops since coming to the county; two by grasshoppers, one by hail, and one by drowning. Mr. and Mrs. Radeke are the parents of six children: Clarence, Ernest, Nettie, Floyd, Amy and Dora.

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