The above
image is of my ancestors.
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The death of Cord Gathmann, which occurred on
the 21st of March, 1904, was the occasion of deep
sorrow to the citizens of Keg Creek township,
for he was numbered among its most substantial
residents-a man of honest purpose and high principle.
Mr. Gathmann was born in Germany, March 4, 1849,
and was therefore fifty-five years of age at the
time of his death. He was one of a family of three
children, his brother and sister still living
in the fatherland, but the parents are now deceased,
having died in Germany.
Mr. Gathmann of this review spent the days of
his boyhood and youth in his native country and
for three years served in the army. In 1874, being
then a young man of twenty-five years [years],
he made his way to the new world and settled in
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where for three years
he was employed at farm labor. Carefully saving
his earnings that he might some day become the
possessor of a farm, in 1877 his wish was gratified
when he became the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of wild and uni1p.proved land. He at once
began the arduous task of breaking this new land
and in course of time had his fields under a high
state of cultivation, so that each year found
his granaries filled with abundant crops. He eventually
added to his landed holdings and at the time of
his death was the owner of a valu-
1101
able farm comprising five hundred and forty acres,
two hundred acres of which is in Washington township
and is being operated by his eldest son, Albert
Gathmann. The home place has been improved with
good buildings, including a large barn and other
outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain
and stock, while on the place stands a beautiful
and commodious residence, which is still occupied
by his widow and family. In addition to the cultivation
of his fields, Mr. Gathmann also engaged to some
extent in stockraising and was very successful
in this enterprise, so that he was classed among
the substantial and well-to-do agriculturists
of his section of the state.
On the 9th of January, 1879, the marriage of
Mr. Gathmann and Miss Caroline Rahter was celebrated.
She was born in Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter
of William and Charlotte (Braumier) Rahter, the
latter born in Germany on the 15th of October,
1830. Their family numbered three daughters, of
whom Mrs. Gathmann is the youngest, her two sisters
being Mrs. Mary Klein, of Keg Creek township;
and Mrs. Lydia Vorthman, a widow, also residing
in this township. The father died in Cedar county,
and the mother was married again, her second union
being with William Knief, their marriage being
celebrated in 1873. Mr. Knief was born in Hanover,
Germany, May 18, 1830, and emigrated to America
in 1865, spending the succeeding three years in
New York in a brewery. In 1870 he made his way
to Iowa, where he was employed by others for one
year and in 1871 he located on a tract of land
of one hundred and sixty acres. This was in an
unimproved condition when it came into his possession
but it is now a well improved property. Mr. Knief
continued to operate that farm throughout many
years but for the past twelve years has leased
his land and is now spending his days in honorable
retirement.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gathmann were born twelve children,
as follows: Albert, who wedded Annie Minson, and
is now living on his mother's farm in Washington
township; Alvena, the wife of Peter Whacker, of
Wilton, Iowa; Emma, who resides with her grandmother,
Mrs. Knief; Ida, who is engaged in teaching and
lives with her mother; Lydia, Hilda, Clara, Mary,
Henry, Irena and Helen, all with their mother;
and John, who died at the age of three and a half
years. Since the death of the husband and father,
Mrs. Gathmann has erected a tenant house on her
farm and now rents her property, although she
still retains her residence thereon. The family
are all members of the German Lutheran church,
to which Mr. Gathmann also belonged.
Although Mr. Gathmann came to this country a
poor man, he availed himself of every opportunity
which presented itself and as the years passed
he added to his possessions until at the time
of his death he owned a valuable farm of five
hundred and forty acres, thus leaving his family
in very comfortable financial circumstances. Although
somewhat reserved in manner and being little inclined
to publicity, he possessed those sterling qualities
of heart, and mind which everywhere win warm and
lasting friendships. His success, too, came as
the result of his own well directed energy and
capable
1102
management, so that those who knew him rejoiced
with him in what he accomplished. Mrs. Gathmann
is an estimable lady of good business ability,
and she and her family are highly esteemed in
the community where they now make their home.
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W. W. Miller, one of the heaviest cattle-feeders
of Waveland township and this part of the county,
owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich land
and is classed with the enterprising agriculturists
of the community. He was born in Carroll county,
Illinois, October 8, 1861, his parents being Isaiah
and Belle (Moffatt) Miller. The father, a native
of Maryland, was born in 1838 and in his boyhood
accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois,
where he was reared. Following his marriage he
settled in Carroll county, that state, where he
carried on farming until he came to Iowa about
1867. Here he purchased eighty acres of land in
Cedar county and after a year he sold that property
and removed to Jasper county. In the fall of 1875
he removed to Montgomery county, purchasing two
4undred and forty acres of land in Sherman township,
which he cultivated for twenty years. On selling
out in 1895 he took up his abode in Red Oak, Iowa,
where be bas since lived retired. He still owns
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres northeast
of Red I Oak, in addition to his residence property
in the city, and from the farm derives a good
income. Republican in his political views, be
has been unfaltering in the support of the principles
and the platform of the party. For many years
he served as township assessor. He is regarded
as a man of influence in the community where he
bas long made his home, being one of the well
known residents of Montgomery county. Unto him
and his wife were born ten children: W. W., of
this review; Sarah A., the wife of Dr. Andrew
Carson, of Des Moines; Frank G., living in Seattle,
Washington; Carrie, at home; Nellie, the wife
of Frank Beetle, of Council Bluffs; Emma, the
wife of John Van Kirk; Charlie, who is living
in Waveland township; Grace, at home; Ina, who
is living with her sister, Mrs. Carson; in Des
Moines; and one deceased.
W. W. Miller spent his days under the parental
roof until his twenty-second year and acquired
his education in the public schools, while during
the periods of vacation he received practical
training in the work of the fields. He was married
in 1883, at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss
Sarah C. Rush, a daughter of William and Elizabeth
Rush, of Montgomery county, who came to Iowa from
Indiana at an early period in the development
of this state. The young couple began their domestic
life upon a rented farm and for fourteen years
Mr. Miller thus continued to engage in general
agricultural pursuits in Pottawattamie and Montgomery
counties. In the meantime, however, be had purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of his present home
farm, constituting the southeast quarter of section
29,
1103
Waveland township. He made the purchase in 1893
but did not locate thereon until six years later.
In 1903 he invested in the northwest quarter of
section 32, Waveland township, and the two quarters,
joining at the corners, make his farm one of three
hundred and twenty acres. He has been quite extensively
engaged in feeding cattle for some years, perhaps
doing a larger business in this line than any
other resident of Waveland township, feeding from
three to five carloads all the time. His live-stock
interests are an important element in his business
and bring to him a gratifying measure of success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children:
Mable, now the wife of L. J. Buckner, of Waveland
township, by whom she has two children, Harold
and Millard; and Harry L., at home.
Mr. Miller votes with the republican party and
his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and
ability, have called him to public office. He
has served for four years as township trustee
and for a number of years has been a member of
the school board. He and his wife belong to the
Christian church, in which he is serving as a
deacon, while in the work of the church they take
an active and helpful interest. There is naught
that can be said against the life record of Mr.
Miller, for at all times his intentions have been
honorable and his actions manly and sincere.
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Dr. F. P. Bellinger, a prominent physician of
Council Bluffs, was born in New York state, in
1860, and is a son of J. H. and Helen M. (Smith)
Bellinger. He was reared on a farm in St. Lawrence
county, New York, and devoted his early years
to the work in the fields and to study in the
district schools. He was an unusually studious
lad and early decided to devote his life to the
medical profession. Accordingly, in 1876, he entered
the Albany Medical College, from which he was
graduated with honor in 1881. He has, however,
not been willing to practice with only his original
equipment but his deep research has continued
up to the present time and he has not only kept
pace with but has also been a leader in the progress
and advancement which have marked the medical
world, and the more mature judgment and later
experience which have come with advancing practice
and which have been brought to bear upon newer
problems, have in many cases resulted in better
methods of cure, which have proven of the utmost
importance to mankind and in the cause of health.
His vacations have been devoted to post-graduate
courses at different hospitals the world over.
He has studied in Berlin, Vienna, London, Paris,
St. Petersburg, New York, Chicago and every place
where progressive medical methods are in vogue.
He does a general practice but has made a specialty
of diseases of women. He has not, however, like
most specialists, allowed this
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to take him away in any measure from his general
practice. He early realized the need of skill
and careful study in his specialty and has thereby
accomplished important cures. Having had exceptional
opportunities of study, he is doing all in his
power to alleviate the suffering and strengthen
the physical endurance of women who seek his aid.
One of the most hopeful indications in his practice
has always been that, added to his genius, he
has a vast fund of practical common sense, for
the lack of which so many physicians have failed
in their work.
In 1882, Dr. Bellinger was married, at Des Moines,
Iowa, to Miss E. L. Arnold, a daughter of J. B.
Arnold. His domestic relations have ever been
of the most pleasant and happy character. His
wife has proved not only the presiding genius
of a happy home but she has also shared in his
hopes, sympathized with his efforts and has been
a source of inspiration and encouragement.
In his political affiliations the Doctor is
a democrat but has never cared for offices, though
he did serve for two years in the city council
of Council Bluffs as representative from the second
ward. He is a member of the Masonic order and
belongs to Ogdensburg lodge, No. 128, A. F. &
A. M. He is modest and unassuming, never caring
in the least for ostentation or display. He has
at present one of the largest practices in Council
Bluffs, which alone is proof of the esteem, respect
and admiration which the citizens have for him.
While he is an unusually busy man, he has in addition
to his practice been an active worker" for
any movement that would promote the welfare of
the city.
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John Albert Mitchell, a representative of the
farming interests of Grove township, his home
being on section 2, is one of Iowa's native sons,
his birth having occurred in Osceola, Clarke county,
January 5, 1861. He is a son of Talbott and Barbara
(Myers) Mitchell. The father was taken to Indiana
when quite young and the mother was born in that
state, where both were reared and educated. There
they were married and in 1858 removed westward,
settling in Clarke county, Iowa. The father died
while on a visit to Indiana when about sixty years
of age but the mother still survives and is now
living in Madison county, Iowa. She was his second
wife and there were seven children by that marriage.
By the former marriage there were two sons, Levi
and Thomas, both of whom served their country
as loyal defenders of the Union in the Civil war.
John Albert Mitchell was reared to farm life,
assisting in the labors of the fields as his age
and strength permitted. His early educational
privileges were afforded by the common schools
and he afterward attended the high school at the
county seat in Clarke county. In the spring of
1882, having attained his majority, he came to
Pottawattamie county and for three
1105
years worked by the month on the Evans ranch
for John Evans, Jr. He has since been superintendent
of the Evans ranch, comprising thirty-three hundred
acres of land all in one body, lying in the southeastern
corner of Center township and the northeastern
corner of Grove township. It is one of the most
extensive farms of western Iowa and is largely
devoted to raising and feeding stock, feeding
over six hundred head of cattle annually for the
Chicago market. Mr. Mitchell also owns one hundred
and sixty acres adjoining the Evans ranch, constituting
the southeast quarter of section 2, Grove township.
It is the old John Osler farm and upon it he has
made many modern improvements, including the erection
of a fine new residence, which he has now occupied
for two and a half years. He manages his own farm
in addition to acting as superintendent of the
Evans ranch and is thus a very busy man, his duties
making constant demand upon his time and energies.
His ability, however, well qualifies him for the
responsibilities that are his and that he has
the entire confidence of the owner of the Evans
ranch is indicated by his long connection therewith.
In February, 1904, Mr. Mitchell was married to
Miss Margaret Renner, a native of Clarke county,
Iowa, and a daughter of Peter Renner. They have
a wide acquaintance in the locality where, they
make their home and warm regard is entertained
for them by many friends. Mr. Mitchell's political
allegiance is given to the republican party.
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William Kusgen, a successful agriculturist residing
on section 18, Keg Creek township, is a native
of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in
Germany on the 1st of November, 1856. In the year
1868 the parents, Wayne and Sabina (Linderburg)
Kusgen, crossed the Atlantic to the new world,
taking up their abode near California, Missouri,
where both the father and mother passed away.
Mr. Kusgen was born in 1821 and was therefore
sixty-six years of age when called to his final
rest in August, 1887. He had survived his wife
for a number of years, her death occurring in
1872. They were the parents of seven children,
six of whom still survive, namely: Mrs. Lesete
Haggermeyer, living in Missouri; William, of this
review; Annie, residing in St. Louis, Missouri;
Henry, who also makes his home in Missouri; and
Jennie and Mrs. Julia Zimmerman, both of St. Louis,
Missouri.
William Kusgen remained under the parental roof
until he had attained the age of twenty-one years,
when he came to Pottawattamie county in 1882 and
worked by the month for two years. He then carried
on agricultural pursuits as a renter for eight
years and on the expiration of that period found
that he had acquired capital sufficient to enable
him to purchase a farm of his own. Accordingly,
in 1892, he bought one hundred and ten acres of
improved land on section 18, Keg Creek township,
where he still makes his home. He has added many
improvements to the place and has
1106
carried on his agricultural interests in such
a manner that his farm is now a model property,
equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories
and most attractive in appearance. In addition
to this tract Mr. Kusgen also owns one hundred
and sixty acres in Woodbury county, Iowa, and
in the control of his business interests has met
with gratifying measure of prosperity, owing to
his close application, unfaltering diligence and
excellent management.
Mr. Rusgen has been twice married. In 1883 he
was joined in wedlock to Miss Annie Meyer, a native
of Illinois, who passed away in 1887. She was
the mother of two children: Henry, of Treynor,
Iowa; and Emma, who died in infancy. After the
death of his first wife our subject married Mrs.
Lizzie Maier, who was born in Missouri. Her mother
is deceased but her father still resides in California,
Missouri. Mr. Kusgen has six children by his second
wife, namely: Fred, Annie, Dailey, John, Martha
and Mary.
In his political views Mr. Kusgen is a stanch
republican, while his religious faith is indicated
by his membership in the Evangelical church, He
is a stalwart friend of the cause of education,
as is indicated by his service as school director,
but otherwise has neither sought nor desired public
office. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably
known in the community and have the warm regard
of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
He is a self-made man, having gained his prosperity
entirely through his own labors and well directed
energy. He has been connected with the agricultural
interests of this county for a quarter of a century
and his business methods have ever been such as
have neither sought nor required disguise and
have gained for him the admiration and respect
of his fellowmen.
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C. C. Scott, devoting his time and energies to
general agricultural pursuits and the raising
of stock in Macedonia township, owns and cultivates
two hundred and twelve, acres of land which is
well improved. He has brought the farm under a
high state of cultivation and has won a place
among the substantial residents of his community
since establishing his home in Pottawattamie county
in 1900. His birth occurred in Morgan county,
Ohio, January 12, 1875, his parents being W. H.
and Sarah E. (Newton) Scott, who in 1879 became
residents of Mills county, Iowa. They now reside
near Glenwood, this state, and are farming people.
Their family numbered five sons and one daughter.
C. C. Scott was about four years of age when
the family came to Iowa and he was therefore reared
and educated in Mills county, attending the common
schools. When not busy with his text-books he
was trained in the work of the farm and continued
in that field of labor in Mills county until 1900,
when he removed to Pottawattamie county. Here
he has since
1107
made his home, being located on section 28, Macedonia
township, where he purchased four hundred and
twelve acres of rich and productive land. He has
added substantial buildings and other improvements
to his farm and now has an excellent property
equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences.
At Glenwood, Iowa, was celebrated the marriage
of C. C. Scott and Miss Lulu M. Mickelwait, who
died on the 6th of May, 1900, leaving two children-Floyd
N. and Richard F., both of whom are yet at home.
For his second wife Mr. Scott chose Miss Edna
Gertrude Moore, of this county, a daughter of
W. M. Moore, of Macedonia. There are also two
children of this marriage: William Ward and Fern
Virginia.
Mr. Scott votes with the republican party because
he has firm faith in its principles and in the
ultimate triumph of the party platform. Fraternally
he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Macedonia and his wife holds membership
in the Methodist Episcopal church. They have gained
many friends during their residence in this county.
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Robert John Martin; whose business career has
been marked by steady advancement until he is
now numbered with the prosperous residents of
Hancock, where he is engaged in the hardware,
furniture and implement business, :is also well
known in political circles and has been called
to represent his district in the state legislature.
His life record began in Ontario, Canada, January
17, 1863.
His father, Robert Martin, was born in Belfast,
Ireland, in 1831 and in 1847 came to the United
States, settling first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where he learned and followed the carpet-weaver's
trade but the dye in the carpet affected his lungs
and in the winter of 1855-6 he went to Canada,
where he was employed in the lumber woods. In
the latter year he removed to Fulton, Illinois,
where he found employment in a lumberyard, and
while there living he was married. Owing to the
financial panic of 1857 he was forced to seek
employment elsewhere and made his way to southern
Illinois, thence to Missouri and afterward to
Kansas hut in, the same year returned to Philadelphia,
remaining there for but a short time, however.
In 1860 he again went to Canada, where he remained
until the spring of 1872, when he came to Iowa,
settling in Valley township, Pottawattamie county.
He bought a farm of eighty acres and later acquired
additional land until he owned four hundred acres
at the time of his death in 1880. He had little
money on coming to this county but was successful
as a farmer and left to his family a goodly estate.
His widow still survives and makes her home with
her children, five of the family of seven yet
living, namely: William, J., of Davenport, Iowa;
Robert J.; Anna E., the wife of Albert Petersen,
of Valley township; Daniel T., who is living on
the
1108
old family homestead in the same township; and
Emma M., the wife of L. S. White, of Oakland,
Iowa.
Robert J. Martin was reared under the parental
roof, being but nine years of age when the father
brought the family to Iowa. His education was
largely acquired in the public schools here and
he also attended the Iowa City Academy, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1888. For two
years he was engaged in farming, operating the
home place after his father's death until he entered
the academy. In 1890 he sold his farming interests
to his brother and removed to Hancock, where he
engaged in the implement business. In 1897 he
extended the scope of his labors by adding a stock
of furniture and hardware and he now has a well
equipped and appointed store, in which he is winning
a liberal patronage. His business methods are
reliable and his enterprise and energy constitute
the basis of his prosperity.
On the 25th of September, 1889, Mr. Martin was
married to Miss Louie Bair, of Valley township,
and unto them have been born five children: Lucy
M., Vera, Elsie, Bernice and Louise. The hospitality
of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many
friends and their social position is one of prominence
in their part of the county.
Mr. Martin is a stalwart republican, well versed
in the questions of state and national as well
as local interest, and that he is a leading member
of the party in western Iowa is indicated by his
election, in 1903, as representative from Pottawattamie
county to the state legislature, serving in the
thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies.
He has frequently been a delegate to the county
and state conventions and had been prominent locally,
serving as township trustee, as justice of the
peace, and giving to Hancock a public-spirited,
progressive and practical administration as its
mayor. For years he has been a member of Ark lodge,
No. 435, A. F. & A. M., of Oakland, and also
belongs to the chapter, R. A. M., of Avoca; Valley
lodge, No. 439, I. O. O. F.; and Jarret camp,
No. 43, M. W. A. He belongs to the Presbyterian
church, in which he is serving as elder, and in
church work he is a co-operant factor. He is pleasantly
located in an attractive home in Hancock and in
addition to this and his store he owns eighty
acres of farm land in Valley township. For thirty-five
years he has made his home in the county and its
progress has been advanced by him, while the utilization
of his opportunities has made him a leading merchant
and much respected citizen of Hancock.
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Dr. J. W. Frazier, who is now engaged in the
practice of medicine and also devotes a portion
of his time to farming in Honey Creek, was born
in this place on the 16th of October, 1860. His
father, Alfred Frazier, was a native of Putnam
county, Indiana, born March 13, 1837, and his
life record covered a period of sixty-five years,
his death occurring at Honey Creek in
1109
1902. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Julianna
Wild, was born in England, November 9, 1837, and
she passed away several years prior to her husband's
death, being called to her final rest in Honey
Creek in 1894. They were the parents of five children,
of whom three are yet living: J. W.; Mrs. Mary
F. White, of Honey Creek; and Eunice, who is living
with her brother, Dr. Frazier. Our subject's grandfather
was killed by a passenger train in January, 1900
at the age of eighty-nine years.
In October, 1854, Alfred Frazier came to Pottawattamie
county with his parents, and both he and his father
purchased and also entered land from the government.
He was married here and always owned land but
never did much work in tilling the soil. He engaged,
however, in dealing in grain and live stock and
for some years was engaged in merchandising. In
his various business interests he met with success,
owing to his capable management and well directed
labor. In politics he was always a stalwart republican
throughout his entire life and he served as postmaster
at Honey Creek from 1867 to 1890, or for a period
of twenty-three years. He was likewise a notary
public and filled all of the township offices,
the duties of which he discharged with promptness,
fidelity and courtesy.
Dr. Frazier spent his boyhood days at Honey Creek,
where he acquired a common-school education. Determining
to engage in the practice of medicine as a life
work he matriculated in the University of Nebraska,
from which he was graduated in 1887. Ambitious
to gain a still broader knowledge concerning the
best methods of medicinal practice he entered
the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and was there graduated in 1889
while in 1890 he did post-graduate work in the
Chicago Polyclinic and in 1894 in the Post-graduate
University Medical College at Kansas City. He
has done the utmost to familiarize himself with
the best methods of practice, has kept in touch
with the onward march of the profession and his
ability was recognized in the liberal patronage
that was accorded him. He still practices to some
extent, making his home at Honey Creek, his time,
however, being divided with his farming interests.
He and his sisters now own six hundred and forty
acres of valuable land, which they inherited from
their father, all of which is rented, bringing
to them an excellent financial return.
In 1904 Dr. Frazier was married to Miss Mildred
Smith, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Bradley
M. and Aletta (Cooper) Smith. For a number of
years her father was a lumber inspector for the
Union Pacific Railroad Company and became a resident
of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1866. He was thereafter
identified with the, interests of this section
of the country up to the time of his death, which
occurred in October, 1902, when he was sixty-nine
years of age. His widow still survives and is
yet a resident of Omaha. They were the parents
of seven children: Ellen, now living in Omaha;
Mrs. Uransa McCaully, of South Omaha; Mrs. Annie
Van Dyke, who is living in Eldon, Iowa; Mr3. Georgia
Balbeck, of Omaha; B. M. and Jessica, both of
Omaha; and Mrs. Frazier. The marriage of Dr. and
Mrs. Frazier has been blessed with one daughter,
Mary M.
1110
Dr. Frazier belongs to the Missouri Valley Medical
Association and to the State Medical Society.
He is a man of broad scientific knowledge and
it is said that he is frequently called into consultation
by the leading physicians of Council Bluffs and
Omaha. He took up the study of medicine in order
to aid his mother, who suffered from consumption.
He wished to prolong her life, and through his
skill and ministrations he did so for five years.
Since her death he has practiced little, save
at the call of friends, his professional services
being prompted by his humanitarian spirit. He
would go out in the coldest nights or worst weather
when his friends need his professional aid. He
does not care, however, to practice aside from
this and has valuable property from which he derives
a good income. He has held some of the school
offices, and while he never desires political
preferment he is interested in all that pertains
to the welfare of the community. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party.
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GUSTAVE WAGER.
The farming interests of Hazel Dell township
find a worthy representative in Gustave Wager,
who has now attained the age of eighty-one years
but is still an active, energetic man, giving
supervision to his business affairs. He was born
in Pontarlier, France, on the 10th of August,
1826. His father, Josef Wager, a native of Germany,
died in France at the age of fifty-five years.
He was a miller by trade, as was his father, his
grandfather and the family for many generations.
In early manhood he wedded Sophia Kraft, who was
born in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
She emigrated to America with her family after
the death of her husband and settled in Watertown,
Wisconsin, where she died several years ago at
the age of ninety-three years.
In early life Gustave Wager learned the miller's
trade, beginning work when but a youth of twelve
years. He came to the United States with his mother
and sisters in 1848 and engaged in the milling
business near Watertown, Wisconsin, until 1865,
when he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa. He
followed the same pursuit in Council Bluffs and
in Omaha for one year and then purchased an eighty
acre tract of wild uncultivated land in Hazel
Dell township; upon which he has since made his
home, this serving as the nucleus of his present
possessions. As opportunity has offered he has
added to his property until he now owns one hundred
and ninety-six acres. He erected a mill on his
farm and for several years continued its operation
but about a year ago this old landmark was blown
down. He has led a life of activity and enterprise,
neglecting no duty as it has come to him day after
day but on the contrary doing his work with a
willingness that has resulted in making him one
of the substantial residents of his community.
Mr. Wager was married in Wisconsin to Miss Dorothea
Lubiens, a native of Hanover, Germany, who died
during the period of the Civil war, leaving Mr.
Wager to care for their three little children.
Had it not been for the
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duty to his motherless little ones he would have
become an officer in the army, as he was solicited
to accept a commission and was recognized as coming
from a race of fighters. After losing his first
wife he was married again in Wisconsin, his second
union being with Miss Catherine Panning, a native
of Hanover, Germany, who still survives. By his
first marriage he had three children: Lillie,
the wife of Fritz Panning, a resident of Nebraska;
Ernest, who is married and has a family, their
home being in Arlington, Nebraska; and Dora, the
wife of Commodore Perry Master, also of Arlington.
By the second marriage there were six sons: George,
who is at home; Louie, who is in the employ of
the Chicago & Great Western Railroad as engineer;
Isadore, an agriculturist of Honey Creek, Pottawattamie
county, who married a Miss Moss; Henry, who follows
farming in Hazel Dell township, this county; Gussie,
at home; and Oscar, deceased.
Mr. Wager was reared in the Catholic faith and
in early youth served as choir boy or messenger
to the priest and learned to speak and read Latin.
He has an excellent education, acquired through
his own efforts since reaching the age of twelve
years. He had no opportunity to attend school
after that time, yet he has continually studied
and now speaks and reads German, French, Latin
and English. Such a man is always a progressive
one and Mr. Wager's life has been characterized
by advancement in all of its different phases.
In politics he is a democrat and when he cast
his first vote at Council Bluffs there were only
five Germans in the city to support that party,
and has served as township' trustee, as road supervisor,
assessor, township clerk, and justice of the peace,
the duties of these positions being discharged
with promptness and fidelity. For many years he
was a Mason and in his life exemplified the beneficent
spirit of the craft, Remarkably well preserved
for one of his years, he yet gives supervision
to the work of the farm and in spirit and interest
seems yet in his prime, Strong in his honor and
good name, having lived a life of industry, activity
and uprightness, he commands the confidence and
trust of all with whom he has been associated.
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Thomas Sheets, whose name is on the list of Pottawattamie
county's respected dead;-was throughout the years
of his connection with the business interests
of Pottawattamie county recognized as a man of
genuine personal worth, of laudable ambition and
of keen foresight, These qualities brought him
a fair measure of success, while, moreover, he
gained many warm friends among those with whom
he came in contact, The place of his nativity
was Seneca county, Ohio, and the date December
6, 1834, He was born of the marriage of Greenbury
and Elizabeth (Pettiton) Sheets, who were born,
reared and married in Maryland, whence they removed
to Ohio at an early period in the settlement and
development of the latter state. They had four
children, of whom Angeline died in early childhood.
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Charles died in 1905 at the advanced age of eighty-two
years and Edwin died during the Civil war.
Thomas Sheets, who was the youngest of the family,
acquired a common-school education and started
out in life on his own account when sixteen years
of age as a stocktrader, buying for W. H. Gibson,
of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for four years. In 1857
he removed westward to Belmond, Iowa, and engaged
in buying furs and in trapping for about ten years
in the employ of W. H. Gibson and others. In the
fall of 1866 he arrived at Wheeler's Grove, Pottawattamie
county, and his remaining days were devoted to
general farming and dealing in real estate. He
was at one time the largest buyer, shipper and
feeder of stock in this locality and gained a
wide reputation because of the extent of his operations
in that line. At the time of his death he owned
four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land
in Grove township, constituting a fine farming
property. He also carried a heavy life insurance
for the benefit of his widow, which enabled her
to buyout the interest of the other heirs in the
home place and she now owns four hundred acres
of that land.
On the 31st of December, 1860, Mr. Sheets was
united in marriage to Miss Emily Dumond, who was
born in Lake county, Indiana, July 22, 1842, and
in 1857 became a resident of Wright county, Iowa,
with her parents, Archie and Elizabeth (Martin)
Dumond. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania
and with his parents removed to Ohio, being reared
near Sandusky. Having attained adult age, he was
married in Michigan to Miss Elizabeth Martin,
who was born at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, in 1832. Following
their marriage they removed to Indiana, where
occurred the birth of their daughter, Emily. The
mother spent her last days in Pottawattamie county,
departing this life in Grove township at the advanced
age of eighty-four years and nine months after
having lived a widow for about thirty-eight years.
Her uncle, Thomas Oliver, was at one time the
owner of Put-in-Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Dumond were
the parents of twelve children, eight of whom
grew to years of maturity, four sons and four
daughters, of whom Emily Dumond was the eldest.
When she had attained womanhood she gave her hand
in marriage to Thomas Sheets and to them were
born six children, of whom three are yet living:
Lewellyn, now of Carson; Earl of Shenandoah, Iowa;
and Alma M., in Macedonia, Iowa.
As every true American citizen should do, Mr.
Sheets took a deep interest in political affairs
and his opinions on the leading questions and
issues of the day led him to give a stanch support
to the republican party. His fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, called him
to various political positions. He filled all
of the township offices, was for one term county
supervisor and at the time of his death was serving
as road commissioner. It was owing to his hard
work to improve the condition of the roads that
he contracted heart trouble, which resulted in
his demise January 12, 1889. He was a man of kindly
and benevolent spirit and a generous contributor
to many worthy causes, One who knew him well said:
"He was a careful family provider, a faithful
and devoted husband, a kind
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and indulgent parent and an excellent neighbor.
A more charitable man than he is seldom met. He
was always ready with his purse to aid in all
public advancement and the needy who were ready
to help themselves were never turned away empty-handed."
It is a uniformly conceded fact that these words
of praise were well merited and such was his life
that his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts
all who knew him.
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