Cord Bruning, who was numbered among the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Keg Creek township, was called to his final rest February 26, 1898. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, October 6, 1843, of the marriage of John A. and Margaret (Gerken) Bruning, who were farming people, both passing away in the fatherland. One brother of our subject emigrated to the new world, but is now deceased.

Cord Bruning was reared on the old homestead born in Germany, and after he had attained has majority spent three years in the army, in accordance with the laws of his native land. When twenty-seven years of age he determined to try his fortune in America, having heard favorable reports of the business opportunities and other advantages afforded in this country. After crossing the Atlantic he came at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and began farming for a Mr. Gathmann in Keg Creek township. After he had been thus employed for about sixteen months he returned to Germany and was there married, in 1872, to Miss Margarethe Schoemacher, who was born in the fatherland on the 18th of February, 1855, her parents being Frederick and Evaline (Ricks) Schoemacher, both now deceased. Mrs. Bruning is the only one of the family that ever came to America, coming to this country with her husband immediately after her marriage.

Mr. Bruning again made his way to Keg Creek township, where he carried an agricultural pursuits as a renter for two years and then purchased one hundred and twenty acres of the place whereon his widow now resides, on section 3. A small house and barn were the only buildings on the place, but as the years passed by he added many modern improvements and in addition to the careful cultivation of the fields he also followed stock-raising, meeting with a gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business. His widow

1143

now owns two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farming land, an which are lacking none of the conveniences and accessories of a model property.

Mr. and Mrs. Bruning became the parents of five children, four of wham survive: Frederick, who married Christine Husz and lives in Keg Creek township; Mary, who became the wife of Emil Goos, of Mills county; Emma, at home; and Otto, who is also with his mother and operates the home farm far her.

Mr. Bruning was a member of the German Lutheran church, to which his widow also belongs. He was well liked and respected by all with whom he came in contact and his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout the entire community. His life record is an excellent illustration of the value of industry and perseverance in the acquirement of success, for when he came to this country he was not only empty-handed, but also unfamiliar with the language and customs of the people among whom he came to live. The success which he gained was richly merited and, moreover, he made a reputation as a man of unswerving honor and strict business integrity. Mrs. Bruning is also widely and favorably known in this county, having made her home here far a quarter of a century and has gained the warm regard of many friends by reason of her many good qualities of heart and mind.

John T. Simon, well known as a stock-raiser, feeder and shipper, resides on section 11, York township, his home farm comprising four hundred and eighty acres, where he has been located since 1880. He was but two years of age at that time, being brought to Pottawattamie county by his parents, his birth having occurred in Ogle county, Illinois, August 22, 1878. His father, John D. Simon, was a native of Saxony, Germany, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Wisconsin, where he resided far a few years. He then went to Ogle county, Illinois, where he purchased land and improved a farm. He was married in Wisconsin to Miss Mary Wolf, a native of Germany. After carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Illinois far a few years he removed with his family to Pottawattamie county in 1880. Here he purchased four hundred acres of prairie land, which was largely unimproved and at once began its further development and cultivation.
,
John T. Simon was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living. Hubbard and Lydia are yet at home. Arthur is a farmer of James township. William carries on general agricultural pursuits in Minden township. Lottie is the wife of J. D. Frohardt of Denver, Colorado, and Elbert is now attending Oxford College at Oberlin, Ohio. Being brought to Pottawattamie county in very early childhood, John T. Simon was here reared upon the farm which is still his home. His time in youth was divided between the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to

1144

the lot of the agriculturist and as the years passed he more and more largely assumed the work of the farm until its entire care and improvement devolved upon him. There are good buildings upon the place, including a substantial residence and barns, which have been built by Mr. Simon.

On the 27th of February, 1907, John T. Simon was married to Miss Lena Theis, a native of Pottawattamie county, and a daughter of Henry Theis, a farmer of James township, now deceased. The father of Mr. Simon, however, is still living and makes his home with his son John. The mother passed away in 1897 at the age of fifty-two years, and Mr. Simon is now seventy-nine years of age.

In connection with the work of the fields John T. Simon is engaged in raising Hereford cattle of high grade and owns a full blooded Hereford bull. He also raises Duroc hogs, feeding from two to three carloads of cattle each year and two carloads of hogs. He is also raising standard-bred trotting horses and is one of the owners of a stallion, a fine draft animal. In cultivating the fields Mr. Simon displays keen discernment and comprehensive knowledge as to the best methods of tilling the soil. Through the rotation of crops and the judicious use of fertilizers he keeps his land productive at all times and both his grain farming and his stock-raising are proving profitable to him. His entire life has been spent upon this farm and he has assisted largely in making it what it is today. There are now four hundred and eighty acres of valuable and well improved land in the home farm, which is being carried on by John T. and Hubbard Simon, while the father is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. The family is prominent in the community, the name ever standing for progressive citizenship, far reliability in business and faithfulness in friendship. John T. Simon and his wife are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church of James township and are indeed worthy the high esteem and confidence which are uniformly given them. Mr. Simon is a republican in politics where national issues are involved, but casts an independent local ballot.

The name of Keeline is closely associated with live-stock interests in Pottawattamie county, and Oscar Keeline, a resident of Council Bluffs, is operating in this line of business activity with good success. He was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, in 1859, and when a youth of ten years was brought to Iowa by his parents in March, 1869, the family home being established in Council Bluffs. His education, which was begun in the public schools of his native state, was continued in the schools here until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Wyoming to become actively connected with cattle-raising upon his father's ranch. He has spent more or less of his time there for the last twenty years, but throughout this period has always made his home in Council Bluffs. He is thoroughly in touch with the live-stock inter-

1145

ests of the west and his opinions are largely regarded as authority upon the subject of cattle-raising.

On the 1st of March, 1887, in Council Bluffs, Oscar Keeline was united in marriage to Miss Jessie B. Walker, a daughter of A. B. Walker, of this city, and they now have a daughter, Mary Frances Keeline. Mr. Keeline affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is also enrolled among the members of the Royal Arcanum. He is a republican with interests in good citizenship, but without active participation in political work. Well known in Council Bluffs, where much of his life has been passed, the circle of his friends includes many who have known him from his boyhood to the present.

The farming interests of Crescent township find a worthy representative in John Kirkwood, who owns and cultivates a neat and well improved farm of taws hundred and forty-four acres, where he now lives, and also an improved farm in Norwalk township. He belongs to one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred in Crescent township, November 26, 1858.

His father, Robert Kirkwood, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, July 27, 1827, and in 1847, when a young man of twenty years, wedded Miss Mary Muir, also a native of that place. The following year they emigrated to America, and, after a voyage of seven weeks, landed at New Orleans, whence they made their way to Florence, Nebraska, opposite Crescent City, reaching their destination on the 10th of May, 1848. A few days later, however, they came to Pottawattamie county and settled on government land in what is now Crescent township. The father devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and became well-to-do, leaving a large estate. Settling here in pioneer times, he endured many of the hardships and trials common at an early day, and as the years passed aided in the substantial development of the county, laying broad and deep the faundation for its present progress and improvement. He worked at day labor, often receiving but forty cents per day. His first home in the county was a log cabin fourteen feet square, but his ambition led him into larger things and the careful direction of his business interests in the course of years won him a measure of success, which made him one of the substantial residents of the county. His reputation far honesty, and business probity was unassailable and never was his path strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. On the contrary he was thoroughly reliable in all that he did and his interests were well managed. He was one of the organizers and stockholders in the Council Bluffs Savings Bank and his judgment was always regarded as sound in business matters. In politics he was a stalwart democrat, thoroughly conversant at all times with the issues and questions of the day. In community affairs he was active, serving far three terms as a member of the board of supervisors, also as township trustee, while for sixteen consecutive years he was treasurer of the school board. He also

1146

received the nomination of his party for the state legislature, but declined to become a candidate. He and his family were members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints and died in that faith, the father passing away in 1897 and the mother four years later, at their old home south of Crescent. His record is a notable example of the opportunities that were enjoyed by the pioneers in the development of the natural resources of the west and yet the present generation can scarcely realize what it meant to live upon the frontier, far removed from the comforts and civilization of the older east, braving hardships and trials and facing many dangers incident to life on the frontier.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirkwood were seven children: Janet, the widow of William McKeown, who resides at Underwood, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of Hans Hansen, of Hazel Dell; Belle, the, deceased wife of Frank Finch, of Hancock county, Iowa; John, of this review; James, residing in Long Pine, Nebraska; Thomas, who makes his home in Hazel Dell township; and Lizzie, the wife of James Lapworth, of Crescent.

John Kirkwood of this review was reared to agricultural pursuits and throughout his entire life has been so engaged. The practical experience which he gained in youth has proven of the utmost value to him in his later years. He now owns two hundred and forty-four acres of rich and productive land where he lives in Crescent township, and also has an improved farm in, Korwalk township. He has made nearly all of the improvements on this farm and it presents a most attractive appearance with its substantial outbuildings, its well tilled fields and its good grades of stock.

In 1884 Mr. Kirkwood was married to Miss Agnes Lapworth, a sister of James Lapworth, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kirkwood have been born nine children: Robert, at home; Gertrude, the wife of Wesley McMullen, an agriculturist of Crescent township; and Horace E., Arthur Boise, Clara B., Lloyd, Agnes, Fern and Ruth, also at home. The parents are members of the Latter Day Saints church and are much esteemed by many friends, who entertain for them warm regard by reason of their many good qualities of heart and mind. Mr. Kirkwood is a democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs.

Click for full size

URIAH McLEAN.

Pottawattamie county finds a worthy representative of its agricultural interests in Uriah McLean, who devotes his time to the tilling of the soil and to stock-raising, the result of his labors being seen in his richly cultivated fields and in his pastures, where are found good grades of cattle. The farm comprises two hundred and forty acres and, is a well kept place.

Almost a half century has passed since Mr. McLean became a resident of Iowa and has lived in this part of the state since the fall of 1877, his time being divided between Mills and Pottawattamie counties. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 7, 1846. His father, William McLean, was an early settler of the Buckeye state and was there married, while several of his children were born in Muskingum county. In 1858 he brought his

1149

family to Iowa, locating in Mills county, where he improved a farm, continuing its cultivation for a number of years. In 1875 he took up his abode in Pottawattamie county, securing a tract of wild land in York township, upon which he opened up a farm, making it his home throughout his remaining days. In his labors he was practical, securing results in the development of his place that are today manifest in the fine appearance of the farm and its richly cultivated fields. He died in 1901, at the very venerable age of eighty-six years, and his wife passed away in the fall of the same year, at the age of eighty-two.

Uriah McLean was a lad of twelve years when the family left Ohio and came to Iowa. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm in Mills county until he attained his majority and then went west to Denver in 1866. He was engaged in freighting on the plains, driving a six-mule team for two years and meeting with all of the varied experiences incident to such a life. In the fall of 1867 he returned to Mills county and later came to Pottawattamie county but in 1869 again went west to Denver and followed freighting in that Isection of the country. Once more he came to Pottawattamie county in 1870 and a little later went to Effingham county, Illinois.

While there Mr. McLean was married on the 2d of January, 1872, to Miss Eliza E. Fry, a native of that county, where the days of her girlhood were spent. Following their marriage Mr. McLean resided in Effingham county until 1877, being there engaged in farming. He then returned to Iowa and made a permanent location in Pottawattamie county, where he first rented land for three years. In the meantime, through untiring industry and careful expenditure, he managed to save a sum sufficient to justify his purchase of eighty acres of raw prairie land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon this place but he opened up a farm and later bought two other tracts of eighty acres each, so that he now has a valuable property of two hundred and forty acres. Upon this farm he has erected a good two-story residence, while ample shelter is afforded to grain and stock in his commodious barns and outbuildings. The orchard upon the place was planted by him, together with much small fruit and many shade and ornamental trees, which make the farm a bower of beauty in the summer months when the trees are clothed in green foliage. He has two good sets of buildings upon the farm and altogether the place is valuable, neatness and thrift pervading every department. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and has made a business of breeding and dealing in Aberdeen Angus cattle, now having a herd of about seventy with a fine pure blooded registered male at the head of the herd. He also feeds and fattens cattle and hogs for the market and is well known as a leading dealer in live stock in York township. In addition to his home property he owns a residence and a blacksmith shop in Bentley, is a stockholder and director in the Bentley Improvement Company, also a stockholder, director and the vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Minden. These various connections will indicate that he is a man of resourceful business ability, whose labors are carefully managed, whose investments are judiciously made and whose success is the, result of his unwearied industry and sound judgment.

1150

The home of Mr. and Mrs. McLean has been blessed with seven children: Ida M., the wife of Professor W. J. Thompson, a teacher of South Dakota; J. H., who is married and resides upon the home farm; Sadie D., the wife of Paul Wisdom, of Omaha; Nellie S., who is employed in the telephone office in Omaha; Madie E., the wife of Howard Rishton, a farmer of Minden township; Kate D., the wife of Fred Howard, a farmer of Pottawattamie county; and Floyd W., who assists his father in carrying on the home farm.

Mr. McLean is a public-spirited citizen, whose interest in the welfare of the community has been manifest in many tangible ways, his co-operation being withheld from no movement that he deems will promote public progress. In politics he supports the democracy where state and national questions are involved but at local elections where no issue is involved he regards only the capability of the candidate. He has been chosen to various positions of public honor and trust and has been particularly helpful in promoting the interests of the schools, serving for nineteen years as a member of the school board. He has for ten or twelve years been township clerk and has frequently been chosen as a delegate to county and state conventions, being not unknown in political circles outside of his home locality. Mr. McLean is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Neola lodge, in which he has filled all of the chairs and is a past grand. He and his wife are affiliated with the Rebekah chapter and both have served in official positions therein, Mrs. McLean being for three years department president. Mr. McLean is one of the official members of the Grange at Bentley and is recognized as a man of broad integrity and worth in every relation of life, being classed with the well known and prosperous farmers and business men and with those whose many sterling characteristics have won for him the merited confidence and esteem of their respective communities.

John F. Patterson, a well known architect of Council Bluffs, was born in New York city, August 23, 1853. When but two years old his parents removed to Middlesex county, Ontario, Canada, and it was there that Mr. Patterson was reared. He attended the public schools in winter and devoted his vacation periods to play and work, remaining under the paternal roof until he had attained his twenty-eighth year. In 1871 he was graduated from the London Commercial College, at London, Ontario. He removed to Wahoo, Nebraska, in 1881, and was a most successful architect and general contractor in that place for the following eight years. He followed the same business for three years in Fremont, Nebraska, confining his work to the state buildings. This took him to Omaha for a year, and in 1894 brought him to Council Bluffs.

Mr. Patterson was married in 1891 in Council Bluffs to Elizabeth F. Graham; a daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Dobie) Graham. His wife is a woman of culture and refinement and their home has always been most hospitable to all who have come within their circle.

1151

Mr. Patterson is a blue lodge Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in his political views is a stalwart democrat, ever ready to aid his party in all commendable measures, but never seeking political offices. He is an artist in his line of business, and has been successful in erecting public buildings because he ,has done it on honor, for when a contract was placed .in his hands money would not tempt him to substitute inferior material nor to allow others in his employ to do so. He has diligently applied himself to business, and his success is the natural result of his own perseverance, industry and self-reliance. He takes a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the residents of this community, and he is counted upon always as one of the most public-spirited citizens of Council Bluffs.

Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that the members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of a community. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify one in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Holding a marked place of great promise among the younger members of the bar is Thomas Q. Harrison, the subject of this review. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on December 11, 1873. His grandfather was William Harrison, who belonged to the Virginia branch of the Harrison family and was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. His son and the father of Thomas Q. Harrison was Judge William P. Harrison, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he was born in 1817. He passed away in 1895 in Hannibal, Missouri, and was known as Colonel, having served in the Federal army.

Thomas Q. Harrison went with his parents in his infancy to Hannibal. Missouri, and there received his preliminary education. At the age of twenty-five he was made engineer of Hannibal and served in that capacity until 1897. He then accepted a position as engineer with the Yellow Poplar Lumber Company at Arrington, Ohio. His profession took him near Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he was engaged in engineering up to the year 1900. He then removed to Council Bluffs and began the study of law with Charles M. Harle. He was so diligent and careful a student of legal details and possessed a memory and a mind which recognized these details, that he immediately gave promise of prominence in this profession.

In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Harrison and Miss Shirley W. Worrell, the daughter of Stanley W. Worrell. Their union has been blessed with two children, Thomas Q., Jr., and Shirley Virginia.

Mr. Harrison is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Independent Order of Foresters (Canadian).

1152

He is also a devoted member of the Episcopal church, to which he gives generously of his time and his money.

In the wide general information which Mr. Harrison acquired in his life as an engineer in different parts of the country is found one of the strong elements of his power and ability as a lawyer. This knowledge enabled him to understand life in its various phases, the motive springs of human conduct and the complexity of business interests. These elements, combined with a comprehensive familiarity with statutory law and with precedent, give him an equipment far beyond that of the ordinary lawyer.

Joachim Rebehm is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres on section 3, Boomer township. The place is now well improved with a large frame residence, good barns and other outbuildings, and its well tilled fields, bringing forth rich craps, indicate the careful supervision and business capacity of the owner. Mr. Rebehm was born in Hanover, Germany, January 28, 1853, his parents being Martin and Rebecca Rebehm, who were likewise natives of Germany. The mother there died at the age of forty-eight years and the father is still living in that country at the venerable age of eighty years. In their family were four children.

Joachim Rebehm, the only one to come to America, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the fatherland, acquired his early education in the public schools and from 1874 until 1877 served in the regular army according to the laws of his native country.

On the 6th of July, 1879, Mr. Rebehm was united in marriage to Miss .Annie Wahlers, who was born in Hanover, November 29, 1859. They have always been a most industrious couple and bath worked upon a farm in Germany until they had saved enough to bring them to America, where they believed that they might enjoy better business opportunities and more quickly secure success. Two children were born unto them in their native land and with their little family they sailed for the United States in 1883, making their way at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa.

For a year Mr. Rebehm worked on a farm far Perry Reel, an the expiration of which period he began farming on his own account on rented land. He continued to rent property for nine years, and during almost six years of that time lived upon a farm which he afterward purchased and which has since been his home. His life of industry and enterprise is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of two hundred acres in this county and eighty acres in Harrison county. Day after day he has labored diligently and untiringly to achieve success and has uncomplainingly borne hardships and trials in order to work his way upward to his present position of affluence. For several years after locating on this farm he and his family lived in a little board shanty, which was about the only improvement on the place. Now they have a large frame residence and near by are barns and other outbuild-

1153

ings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. The latest improved machinery is used in the care of the fields and everything about the farm is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose practical methods have found exemplification in large crops.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rebehm have been born ten children who are yet living: Maggie, the wife of Fred Foss, of Boomer township; Mattie, who became the wife of M. Iverson and resides in Harrison county; Henry, William, Frederick, Delia, Annie, Katie, George and Bertha, all at home. They also lost three, Rudolph, Annie and Katie, who were triplets and died at the age of six months.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and have lived earnest Christian lives, being true to their professions. In politics Mr. Rebehm is a republican and has always kept well informed concerning the political situation of the country, but has never sought or desired office. He is a man of good mind, of unbiased judgment and of broad knowledge gained through reading and observation. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed, having no one to aid him through influence or in a financial way. The assistance which he has received has come to him from his estimable wife, who by her economical management of household affairs has contributed to his success. Both are well known in this community and have the warm regard of many friends.

Warren Hough is one of the well known business men of Crescent, where he is conducting a hotel and store. He has also been, active in official life and community interests in the town and his labors in many directions have been of much value in promoting general progress and improvement. He was born in Hazel Dell township, April 24, 1849.

His father, Samuel M. Hough, was a native of Williamstown, Oswego county, New York, born January 6, 1818, and a son of Joel and Sarah (Stillson) Hough, who were natives of Connecticut and of English lineage. Samuel M. Hough in early life learned the blacksmith's trade and in 1841 came westward to Iowa when the state was still under territorial rule. He settled in Lee county and thence came to Pottawattamie county in 1846, taking up his abode here when it was a vast unimproved region of wild and windswept prairie, giving little evidence of the development and improvement which was later to convert it into one of the most populous and prosperous districts of the state. On his arrival he purchased eighty acres of raw land, which he converted into a productive farm. Later he removed to Crawford county, Iowa, but in April, 1865, returned to Crescent and was thereafter engaged in blacksmithing and farming until his death, which occurred on the 9th of November, 1881, He was industrious and successful, winning that prosperity which always follows unremitting and intelligently directed diligence. He owned town property and also one hundred acres of valuable farm land.

1154

On the 1st of January, 1840, Samuel M. Hough wedded Eliza Jane Allen, who was born in Williamstown, New York, April 15, 1824, a daughter of Zoeth and Elizabeth (Bradley) Allen, who were natives of Vermont and Connecticut respectively. The mother died in the village of Crescent in 1905. In the family were nine children: Mortimer who died in Crescent in 1873; Byran, who died in infancy; Esther, the wife of H. A. Terry, of Crescent; Adelaide, who died in infancy; Russell, who is living in Neola; Warren, of this review; Marcellus, who makes his home, in Crescent township; Herbert, living in Council Bluffs; and Denver, also a resident of Crescent.

The common schools afforded Warren Hough his educational advantages. His opportunities were somewhat limited, owing to the pioneer condition of the county, but his training at farm labor was not meager. He experienced the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier at a time when the homes were widely scattered, when wild animals were still to be seen and when Indians yet visited the neighborhood. The farm machinery, too, was crude and farm work involved much more manual labor than it does at the present time. At the age of twenty-four years he began farming on his own account, purchasing forty acres of unimproved land, which he cultivated for six years. In 1881 he removed to Crescent, where he has since been engaged in business as proprietor of a hotel and owner of a store. In bath branches he has prospered, conducting a popular hostelry and also one of the leading mercantile establishments of the town, in which he carries a large and well selected line of goods that are placed on display in attractive manner and thus secure a liberal patronage. He was one of the incorporators of the State Savings Bank of Council Bluffs, and is a director and a member of the examining committee of the bank.

On the 28th of November, 1872, Mr. Hough was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Dunkle, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, October19, 1854, her parents being L. K. and Elizabeth (Myers) Dunkle. The father was born in 1828 and is now living in Omaha, while the mother, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, December 25, 1834, died in Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough have been born two children. Walter, who was born November 10, 1873, married Lena Morehouse and is bookkeeper in the State Savings Bank of Council Bluffs. Lee, born June 30, 1889, is at home.

Warren Hough has been prominent and influential in public affairs aside from his business interests. He served as postmaster under President Cleveland for seven years and gave a public-spirited, business-like administration. He is now township school treasurer and also township clerk. The duties which have devolved upon him in these connections have never been slighted in the least degree, but on the contrary have been faithfully performed. He is a Mason, belonging to Council Bluffs lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and also affiliates with the Odd Fellows at Crescent and the Elks at Council Bluffs. In manner he is at all times courteous and obliging, has a good word for all and is well liked wherever known, his life proving an illustration of the fact set forth by Emerson that "the way to win a friend is to be one." Fifty-eight years cover the period of his residence in this state, which at the time of his birth was a wild district, its lands unclaimed, its resources undeveloped. A

1155

few courageous frontiersmen had dared to locate within the borders of the county, but the work of progress and Improvement remained to the future and there was 1ittle promise of early development. In the years which have since passed Mr. Hough has not only witnessed a most wonderful transformation, but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid county.

Joseph Moss, Sr., is now living retired at Loveland, but for many years was an active figure in business circles. For some time he was identified with agricultural interests, was also engaged in merchandising and at different times has filled various public offices, the duties of which have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. His birth occurred in Greene county, Indiana, May 13, 1833. His parents were Aquilla and Sarah (Harrah) Moss, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. In early life the father removed to Indiana and for fifty-three years was a devoted minister of the Baptist church, putting forth earnest effort to preach the word of the gospel effectively that it might bear fruit in the lives of others. He also followed the occupation of farming and his death occurred in March, 1864, at the age of seventy-five years. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon those with whom he came in contact, and many localities were made better for his having lived, His wire died in Greene county, Indiana, at the age of sixty-eight years.

Joseph Moss was the second youngest son in a family of fourteen children, and with the exception of a sister in Indiana, is the only one now living. Three of his brothers were ministers of the Baptist church. In a little log schoolhouse in Indiana Joseph Moss conned his lessons, his text-books being somewhat primitive in accordance with the methods of instruction in a frontier locality. He has, however, been a great reader and student all his life and is continually broadening his knowledge through experience and observation, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory. For twenty-eight years he served as justice of the peace in Rockford township, and the impartiality of his decisions is indicated by the fact that not one of his decisions has been set aside or reversed, though many cases have been taken to higher courts. He bases his opinions upon the law and the equity of the case and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he believes to be right.

Mr. Moss was married on the 31st of March, 1851, to Miss Mary Jane Jones, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, and died at Loveland, Iowa, on the 29th of August, 1903. In 1854 they became residents of Pottawattamie county and Mr. Moss has since lived in Loveland and Rockford township, Purchasing land, he engaged in farming until1871, when he was chosen for the office of deputy sheriff, filling the position for four years, during which time he made his home in Council Bluffs. On the expiration of that period

1156

he returned to Loveland, and for five years engaged in merchandising and in the implement business. On retiring from business he joined the Baptist church, and for twenty-five years preached the gospel, but is not actively connected with the work of the ministry at the present time. He has owned many farms in the county at different times, always placing his investments judiciously, so that good financial returns are secured. He has also assisted his children in gaining a start in life, and in his business affairs has been quite successful.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moss have been born twelve children, as follows: Hardin .T., It merchant of Loveland; Ellen, the wife of W. E. Hoyt, a resident of Council Bluffs; Charles A., who resides in Kansas; John, now deceased; Ida, the wife of H. C. Copeland, a resident of Loveland; Clara, the wife of Isaac C. Williams, a resident of Oklahoma; J. E., who is engaged in farming in Rockford township; Henry, who also follows farming in Rockford township; Hattie, the wife of Fred Seeley, a resident of Kansas; and three who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Moss has always been a stalwart democrat and has held every office in the township save that of trustee. He is recognized as a very useful man in the township and village. He is a good talker, an earnest debater and strong in argument. These qualities have been of much value to, him in his work in the courts as lawyer and justice and also in his labors in the ministry. In all of his business career he has been found thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, never being known to take advantage of the necessities of others in a business transaction and at all times holding to high principles in relation to the duties of public and private life.

During the period of his boyhood and youth Charles J. Wise assisted his father in the operation of the home farm in the summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools, wherein he acquired a fair English education. At the age of nineteen years he rented the homestead property, cultivating this tract until 1902, in which year he took up his abode upon his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres, which was the gift of his father, and is located in Pleasant township, Since coming into possession of this property, Mr. Wise has demonstrated hi careful and systematic methods of farm labor in the cap ruble management which he gives to his fields. He keeps everything in a good state of repair, uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the cultivation of the land,

1157
and his farm in its general appearance indicates his practical and progressive methods. In addition to tilling the soil, Mr. Wise is also engaged to some extent in the raising of cattle, having at the head of his herd a thoroughbred shorthorn bull, and, while his cattle are not registered stock, they are of good grades.

Mr. Wise is a firm supporter of the democratic party, while in his religious faith he is a communicant of the Catholic church. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic order. While he is numbered among the younger representatives of agricultural interests in Pottawattamie county, he is, nevertheless, known for his honorable business methods and successful management and, therefore, commands the high regard of all who know him.

John P. Tinley is recognized as one of the leaders of the democratic party of Iowa and is also accounted one of the foremast attorneys of Council Bluffs, his native city. He was born here on the 29th of January, 1871, spending his boyhood days in the parental home, while the excellent public-school system of the city afforded him his educational privileges. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he entered the office of his brother, Emmet Tinley, in 1890, as a student, and, after through preliminary reading, was admitted to the bar in 1892. For a year and a half he practiced in Council Bluffs and then removed to Doon, Iowa, where he remained in practice for eleven years. He afterward spent a year in Seattle, Washington, and in 1906 returned to Council Bluffs, where he has since secured a large and distinctively representative clientage, connecting him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the state. He never fails to give a thorough preparation and enters the courtroom well qualified to meet the attacks of the apposing council. He is strong in argument, logical in his deductions and correct in his conclusions and has won notable forensic victories.

Moreover, Mr. Tinley is well known as one of the prominent democrats of the state, a recognized leader of the party which has honored him with various official positions. He was mayor of Doon, Iowa, for four terms, or eight years, from 1896 until 1904, when he resigned. The fact that he was three times re-elected is incontrovertible proof of the ability with which he discharged the duties of the office, giving a business-like, practical and progressive administration. In 1900 he was named as a candidate for governor on the democratic ticket, but declined the honor, refusing to run. He is, nevertheless, a most active and ardent advocate of the principles of democracy, has been a delegate to many conventions and his opinions carry weight in the councils of the party. He has made a close study of the political situation of the country in all its complexity and few men who are not actively in political service have a broader knowledge of the issues which are today before the people.

1158

In 1892 was celebrated the marriage of John P. Tinley and Miss Margaret G. Starr, the wedding being celebrated in Council Bluffs. They have one son and four daughters, and in the social circles of the city they are well known, Mr. Tinley having many friends with whom he has been acquainted since his boyhood days. His social relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias, while in religious faith he is a Catholic.

G. L. Mundorf, one of the leading and representative farmers of Waveland township, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, October 20, 1853, a son of George L. and Caroline (Kelly) Mundorf. The father's birth occurred in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and he was there married, while two children were born of the union ere the removal of the family to Henderson county, Illinois, about 1845. In that county Mr. Mundorf engaged in general farming for a time and later was identified with the milling and with the lumber business. He also engaged in the grain business, was successful in his various undertakings and acquired wealth, but in his later years met with financial reverses. In 1877 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and later went to Nebraska, where he spent twenty years ere returning to this county. Here he made his home with his son, G. L. Mundarf, up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of March, 1907, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-nine years and twenty-five days. He had a family of nine children: Peter W. H., Eli Co, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Isaiah F., Caroline F., G. L., Quincy K. and Rufus R. All are still living with the exception of Elizabeth, who was the twin sister of Zachariah.

In taking up the personal history of G. L. Mundorf we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Waveland township. He was reared at home to his thirteenth year, and from that early age has been dependent upon his own resources. That fortune has favored him is due to the fact that he has worked persistently and energetically to win her good graces. In his boyhood days he was variously employed, turning his hand to anything that offered an honest dollar. Later he secured a position in an elevator in Kirkwood, Illinois, where he remained for several years, and in 1873 he removed to Iowa, spending about two months at Red Oak, after which he came to Waveland township, Pottawattamie county. Ambitious to secure properly of his own and engage in farming, he here invested the money saved from his earnings in eighty acres of land on section 17. It had formerly been railroad property, and he paid thirteen dollars per acre for the tract, being allowed ten years' time in which to pay for it, Has brother, Isaiah, also purchased at the same time eighty acres adjoining the farm of our subject, and five years later G. L. Mundorf bought his brother's farm, while in 1882 he invested in a third tract of similar size. In 1898 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 6 of the same

1159

township, and in 1900 he bought the piece of timber land of one hundred and twenty acres on sectio:p.8 11 and 12, whereon he later erected his residence and is now living. In 1902 he further invested in one hundred and sixty acres on sections 9 and 10, and in 1904 one hundred and sixty acres on section 17 became his property. Thus his landed possessions are extensive, embracing eight hundred acres in Waveland township.

On the 1st of April, 1871, Mr. Mundorf was married to Miss Anna I. Bagby, of McDonough county, Illinois, and unto them have been born four children: Belle I., the wife of J. I. Cocklin, of Omaha; Viola, the wife of Andy C. Hausen, of Waveland township; Ogden S., who cultivates the old homestead farm; and George W., who is operating a farm belonging to his father.

Mr. Mundorf is unfaltering in his support of republican principles and has served as township trustee, but has never been an aspirant for office. The cause of education, however, finds in him a stalwart friend, and as a member of the school board during several years he has done effective service in behalf of public education. He is one of the best known men in this section of Pottawattamie county. His life work is indeed commendable in that he has steadily advanced from a very humble position. Starting out in life, as he did, when only thirteen years of age, he certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. His course has been marked by consecutive progress, and each forward step has brought him a wider outlook and a broader view. He has not been favored by luck or fortunate circumstances, but has worked earnestly for what he has enjoyed. He has, however, watched for good opportunities and has utilized them as they have been presented, and this has constituted one of the salient elements in the success which makes him today one of the largest landowners of his part of the county.

A. V. Michelson, whose time and energies are devoted to general agricultural pursuits in Boomer township, is numbered among the native sons and early settlers of the county, his birth having occurred in Council Bluffs on the 14th of February, 1867. His father, Hans W. Michelson, was born in Denmark in 1818, and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Sophia Nelson, whose birth occurred in the same country in 1824, she being six years his junior. It was in 1857 that the parents crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located first at Crescent, Iowa, where the father was employed for a year. In 1858 he became a resident of Council Bluffs, which was then a small town of little commercial or industrial importance. He worked at the tailor's trade and continued in that line of business until 1872, when he determined to give his attention to farming interests, and removed to Boomer township, where he cultivated rented land until 1875. In that year, with the capital which he had saved from his earnings, he purchased eighty acres of land, which is now in possession of his son, A. V. Michelson. This he im-

1160

proved and cultivated, and in course of time he purchased sixty acres more. He still lives upon this place and is now a venerable citizen, having almost attained the age of ninety years. His wife passed away in 1902. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Mary, now a resident of Council Bluffs; Peter, whose home is in Wheeler county, Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Christensen, of Council Bluffs; and A. V., of this review.

The last named spent his boyhood days in his parents home, being about five years of age when the family removed from Council Bluffs to Boomer township. Within its borders he has since lived. His educational advantages were those afforded by the public schools, and when not busy with his text-books he worked with his father on the farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the sail and caring for the crops. In 1894 he bought eighty acres from his father and has since remained on the old homestead. In 1901 he purchased sixty acres additional and now has a farm of one hundred and forty acres which he has improved, making it a nice place. It is devoted to general agricultural purposes and is neat and thrifty in appearance, giving to the passerby every evidence of the careful supervision and practical and progressive methods of the owner.

Mr. Michelson was united in marriage to Miss Sena C. Nelson, who came to America in 1874, the family home being established in western Iowa, where her parents now reside. She was the third in order of birth in the family of four children, the others being: Chris, a resident of Granite, Oklahoma; Mary, now living in Omaha; and John, who is located in Emmet county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Michelson have been born seven children, namely: Hans, Alfred, Clara, Nellie, Mable, Lydia and Hannah, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, all of the children being still with their parents on the home farm in Boomer township.

Mrs. Michelson is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Michelson gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and both he and his wife are highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth. He owes his success to his own efforts, and although his advantages in youth were somewhat limited, he is today in possession of a valuable farm.

Mardos Memorial Library

More Iowa History

This nonprofit research site is an independent affiliate of the American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP),, and proud to be hosted by USGenNet, a nonprofit historical and genealogical Safe-Site Server™ solely supported by tax-deductible contributions. No claim is made to the copyrights of individual submitters, and this site complies fully with USGenNet's Nonprofit Conditions of Use

Copyright © 2000 - 2002 D. J. Coover All Rights Reserved Webmaster: D. J. Coover -