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The activity, enterprise and success which characterized
the life of Major Eugene A. Consigny render it
imperative that mention be made of him in this
volume, for his labors touched various interests
of society, while the honorable methods which
he followed commended him to the confidence and
trust of all who knew aught of his history. Born
in Lower Canada on the 15th of May, 1841, he is
descended from an old French Catholic family.
His paternal grandfather was Louis de Consigny,
who was born on a farm in France and became the
founder of the family in the new world. Soon after
his marriage, about 1790, he crossed the Atlantic
to America and established his home in what was
then known as New France or Lower Canada. He secured
an extensive tract of land near Montreal and gave
his attention to general agricultural pursuits,
which in course of time brought him a handsome
competence, enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts
and many of the luxuries of life. Such was his
success that at his death he left a considerable
estate to his descendants. A contemporary biographer
has said, in connection with the history of Louis
de Consigny: "The stock from which he sprang
was strong and hardy and from the name and prefix
"de" it is inferable that he was of
more genteel blood than that of the common French
voyager to America. Be this as it may, good blood
is best shown by long life and good deeds and
in this respect the Consigny family have always
been prominent. Longevity marks the morals of
a family as surely as the sand in the hourglass
marks the time. Louis de Consigny lived to the
patriarchal age of eighty years, while his wife
reached the advanced age of ninety-eight years."
Their son, Antoine P. L. Consigny, was born in
1811, on the old homestead near Montreal. He and
his only brother, Louis, were provided with liberal
educational advantages, and showing special aptitude
in his studies, Antoine P. L. Consigny had prepared
himself for college when but fourteen years of
age. He then entered a college at Montreal, acquired
a thorough classical education, in addition to
becoming a good French, Latin, Greek and English
scholar, writing and speaking those languages
with ease and fluency. Various letters that he
has written are still in existence and it is said
that his chirography looks like a copper plate
engraving, the characters having been formed with
such skill and precision. He was a thorough student,
becoming an able scholar, and after preparing
for the practice of medicine
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he opened an office at St. Cesaire, .Lower Canada,
where he spent the greater part of his remaining
days, attaining high rank as a leading physician
in that locality. He was also an influential factor
in politics and exerted considerable influence
in support of the principles in which he believed,
being a man of marked oratorical ability who was
often heard on the campaign platform. Reared amid
a brave and fearless race, who had been founders,
pioneers and explorers from Montreal to Lake Michigan
and New Orleans and who were born soldiers, trappers
and hunters, the early influences thrown around
him strengthened his character and prepared him
to take a part in that struggle for liberty made
by the Canadians and known as the Patriot war
and which, although unsuccessful in its principal
object, involved the best blood and vigor of the
entire British Canadas and was ultimately the
means of a great modification of the severe and
tyrannical rule of England. In 1837, when the
civil war was inaugurated in Canada, Dr. Consigny
was one of the first to respond to the call of
patriotism. His countrymen, fellow patriots and
companions in arms, were such men as General Papineau
and Dr. Allard, two of the most prominent men
in this patriotic movement. After a short but
severe struggle and some fighting the patriots,
deceived by traitors and overwhelmed by the mighty
power of England, were obliged to flee for their
lives.
Dr. Consigny crossed the border into Vermont
and although such a course seemed disastrous to
him, yet it was not without its good fortune,
for in that state, in 1840, he met and married
Miss Lucy L. Goodrich, who for many years was
a most faithful companion and helpmate to him
on life's journey. Her father was Ezekiel Goodrich,
a representative of an old American family and
one of the soldiers of the American army in the
war of 1812. Captain Valentine Goodrich, a brother
of Mrs. Consigny, laid down his life on the altar
of his country in the battle of Lundy's Lane and
the bullet which caused his demise is still in
possession of the family. For two years after
becoming a resident of Vermont Dr. Consigny practiced
in Swanton Falls. A price of ten thousand pounds
cash was placed upon the heads of General Papineau,
Dr. Allard and Dr. Consigny, and it required a
special pardon from the king of England before
they could return to their native land. When it
was once more safe for him to locate in Canada
he opened an office for the practice of medicine
at St. Cesaire and there spent his remaining days.
His health had been greatly impaired during his
army experiences, which were fraught not only
with danger but with many hardships and privations.
On one occasion, his horse having given out, he
was three days and nights in the dense Canadian
forests in a rainstorm without shelter. This brought
on rheumatism, which occasioned his death when
he was only forty-five years of age. Because of
his health he was obliged to discontinue the practice
of medicine and thereafter was superintendent
of instruction in Lower Canada, proving a most
capable official in that position. He was a man
of great liberality and broad ideas, being recognized
as one of the world's thinkers and his views upon
any subject were usually sound and advanced, being
the result of close and careful investigation
of the subject. He was justly accounted
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one of nature's noblemen, being in every relation
of life true to high ideals and lofty principles.
He held friendship inviolable and in his home
was a devoted husband and father. His widow long
survived him and died at an advanced age in Avoca.
Her birth occurred at Swanton Falls, Vermont,
June 2, 1811, and, for about fifteen years following
her marriage she lived with her husband in Canada.
She held membership in the church and was an earnest
Christian woman, whose splendid example and teachings
left their impress upon the lives of her children.
Her father, Ezekiel Goodrich, was a well-to-do
Vermont farmer and lived to the very great age
of ninety-nine years, retaining to his last days
his cheerful disposition and mental activity.
Major Eugene A. Consigny was a young lad when
he accompanied his parents on their removal from
Canada to Vermont. His boyhood and youth were
spent in the towns of Burlington and Swanton Falls
and he acquired his education in the district
schools and at a college in Burlington. Again
becoming a resident of Canada, he spent some time
as a student in the College of St. Hyacinthe and
was graduated with honor. About the time of his
father's death he was appointed to the position
of superintendent of instruction for Lower Canada
to fill out his father's unexpired term of three
months, in which capacity he discharged his duties
in most able manner. It was his and his father's
desire that he should enter the legal profession
but following the father's death he found it necessary
to aid his mother in the support of the family
and therefore, giving up his idea of pursuing
a college course, he accepted a clerkship in a
mercantile store at Chanby, Lower Canada. At different
times he was employed as a salesman in St. Albans,
Vermont, and at Montreal and then removed to Swanton
Falls, Vermont, which was the girlhood home of
his mother, who two years before had returned
to that place from Canada. There Mr. Consigny
became connected with the firm of Jewett &
Barney, representing the interests of Colonel
Barney, who at that time was a soldier of the
Civil war. During this period he had contributed
generously of his earnings to assist his mother
in educating her children, being a great help
to her in this work, but his desire to aid his
adopted country in crushing out the rebellion
of the south led him to enlist in the army. He
was offered a commission by his cousin, Colonel
Barney of New York, who fell at the battle of
the Wilderness while leading his brigade. Mr.
Consigny, however, joined the army as a private
of Company M, First Regiment Vermont Volunteer
Cavalry, which was immediately ordered to the
front. He therefore took part in a number of skirmishes
and battles, including the engagements at Fairfax,
Dranesville, Winchester, Lynchburg, Gettysburg,
Fisher's Hill, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania,
Petersburg, Five Forks and Appomattox, where the
surrender of General Lee to General Grant practically
brought the war to a close. On the morning of
the 9th of April, 1865, Major Consigny, then being
adjutant of the regiment, led the last charge
made by the cavalry in the Eastern army. In the
meantime he had proved his valor and loyalty and
had frequently been promoted. After a few months
spent at the front he was made sergeant and subsequently
orderly sergeant. He then received the commission
of second lieutenant and for gallant and
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meritorious service on the battlefield he was
made first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment.
From the battle of the Wilderness at Five Forks
he was detailed for duty on General Hancock's
staff and while thus engaged was wounded by a
sharpshooter at Spottsylvania, being struck by
a spent ball on the head. When hostilities between
the north and the south had ceased he was for
three months in active duty on the frontier and
was then honorably discharged at Burlington, Vermont.
Throughout his entire life Major Consigny was
as loyal to duty in days of peace as when he followed
the stars and stripes on southern battlefields
and wherever he was located his worth as a citizen
was widely acknowledged. Following his return
to New England he shortly afterward came to the
middle west, traveling by way of Chicago to Dubuque,
Iowa, where he was employed in the mercantile
establishment of an uncle, George Barney, for
three or four years. He was then placed in charge
of a branch store in Cascade, where he remained
for a short time. It was during his residence
there that he was married and later he removed
to Missouri, settling on a fruit farm near De
Soto. There he lived for a few years and In 1872
came to Avoca, Iowa, where for some time he was
employed as a grain buyer in the elevator at this
place, owned by B. F. Allen of Des Moines. Wishing,
however, that his labors should more directly
benefit himself, he established a coal business
in Avoca, with which he was identified until about
1879, when he purchased an interest in the milling
business of the old Avoca mill in connection with
L. B. Worth and W. S. Kinney. Later Mr. Worth
and Mr. Consigny bought Mr. Kinney's interest
in this enterprise, their partnership continuing
until 1887, when the Avoca Roller Mill Company
was incorporated, Major Consigny becoming its
president. The mill was then carried on under
that ownership and management until the fall of
1888, when Major Consigny and his son, L. G. Consigny,
leased the mill property of the old Avoca mill,
which they operated until the 1st of August, 1889.
The two mills were then consolidated, both plants
being operated for about one year under the name
of the Centennial mills, Major Consigny being
president of the company. In May, 1891, he and
his son acquired a controlling interest in the
business and he was thus closely associated with
the milling enterprise up to the time of his death,
which occurred August 8, 1900. His son, L. G.
Consigny, was then made president of the company,
in which capacity he has since served. Major Consigny
was a man of excellent business ability, far-sighted
and correct in his judgment, and his honorable
methods and stalwart purposes won for him prosperity.
It was in 1868 that Major Consigny was united
in marriage to Miss Cassie Benham, a daughter
of Dr. Lucius and Rebecca (Van Horn) Benham, of
Cascade, Iowa, her father having been one of the
old-time physicians and hotel proprietors of that
place. Unto Major and Mrs. Consigny were born
two sons: Eugene F., who is secretary and treasurer
of the Centennial Mill Company; and Lucius G.,
the president of the company.
In his political views Major Consigny was a stalwart
republican, recognized as one of the leaders of
the party in this section of the state. He was
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frequently a delegate to his county and state
conventions, where his opinions carried weight
and he was also delegate to the national convention
at one time. The honors and emoluments of office,
however, had no attraction for him, yet he withheld
his co-operation from no movement or measure that
was calculated to prove of general good. At one
time he served as mayor of Avoca and gave to the
city a public-spirited administration. He belonged
to the Knights of Pythias lodge, to U. S. Grant
post, No. 123, G. A. R., and to the Loyal Legion.
In former years he held the office of department
commander of Iowa, to which he was elected by
acclamation. In 1888, at the encampment in Cedar
Rapids, by a rising vote of the convention, the
delegates were instructed by resolution to nominate
General Consigny as commander-in-chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic, an honor which an
old soldier can always appreciate. At the Redfield
Association at Dexter, Iowa, eight thousand soldiers
being present, a resolution was ordered sent by
wire to President Harrison for the appointment
of General Consigny as commissioner of pensions,
in place of Corporal Tanner, a compliment appreciated
by Major Consigny as showing the esteem in which
he was held by the old soldiers of his state-once
his comrades in arms. In April, 1890, at the department
encampment in Des Moines, he was presented with
an elegant jeweled gold badge representing his
rank as general, to which rank he attained by
reason of his election as department commander
of Iowa.
The cause of education ever found in General
Consigny a warm and helpful friend. He served
for six years as president of the school board
of Avoca and was at one time trustee of Simpson
College at Indianola, Iowa. Both he and his wife
held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was a strong advocate of temperance principles,
which he upheld through example and precept. In
fact he stood for all that tends to uplift man
and promote the general interests of society.
Whether on the field of battle, in business life
or in social relations he was always the same
honorable and honored gentleman, fearless in defense
of his honest convictions yet considerate of the
opinions of others, faithful in friendship and
devoted to the ties of home and kindred. Long
a resident of Avoca, he left the impress of his
individuality upon its public life and business
advancement and no history of the community would
be complete without mention of him.
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August F. Hager, the owner of a rich and productive
tract of land of one hundred and forty acres two
miles west of Avoca, is here successfully engaged
in general farming and in the raising of pure
bred Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He
was born on the 18th of March, 1873, in Davenport,
Scott county, Iowa, of the marriage of Henry and
Mary Hager, the former an agriculturist.
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August F. Hager acquired his education in the
schools of Pleasant township, Pottawattamie county,
Iowa, being graduated therefrom in 1891. He remained
with his father on the home farm, assisting in
its cultivation and development, until he had
attained the age of twenty-five years, when, in
1898, he rented a tract of three hundred and twenty
acres of land two miles southeast of Shelby, Iowa.
There he successfully carried on his farming interests
until 1903, when he purchased a tract of one hundred
and forty acres two miles west of Avoca, which
he still operates. In addition to the work of
general farming he is also engaged in the raising
of pure bred Hereford cattle and Durac Jersey
hogs and in both branches of his business is meeting
with a gratifying measure of success.
On the 26th of February, 1898, Mr. Hager was
united in marriage to Miss Laura Hagedorn, at
Shelby, Iowa. They are now the parents ofthree
children, namely: Walter, Elsie and. Arthur Hager.
Our subject is a member of the Lutheran church,
and in the community where they reside both he
and his wife are highly esteemed for their genuine
personal worth and sterling traits of character.
The success which Mr. Hager has achieved is due
entirely to his own well directed labors and enterprise
and he is now numbered among the substantial agriculturists
of his community.
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Henry W. Miller, engaged in general farming,
operates one hundred and sixty acres of well improved
land lying in Crescent township. He was born in
Page county, Iowa, and mention is made of his
family history in connection with the sketch of
his brother, G. F. Miller, on another page of
this volume. At the usual age he entered the public
schools, attending the district and graded schools
until he had acquired a fair English education.
He remained with his parents until about twenty-six
years of age and then engaged in farming on his
own account. He has followed this pursuit through
out his entire life and is now cultivating a good
farm in Crescent township, comprising one hundred
and sixty acres of well improved land belonging
to his father's estate, but it was purchased by
the mother since the father's death. In all of
his farm work he displays an aptitude for successful
management and annually gathers rich crops as
the result of the care and labor he bestows upon
the fields. He follows general farming, raising
both grain and stock.
On March 23, 1904, Mr. Miller was married to
Miss Stella McMullen, a daughter of J. H. McMullen,
of Crescent township, and they have one child,
Carl Henry. The parents are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which Mr. Miller is serving
as a trustee, and in the work of the church they
are much interested. In politics he is a democrat,
who at the present writing is township assessor,
his incumbency continuing for four years. He is
also school director at large for the township,
while fraternally
1183
he is connected with the Odd Fellows and with
the Modern Woodmen of America. His interest in
community affairs is that of a public-spirited
citizen and both he and his wife are advocates
of all that pertains to progress along material,
intellectual and moral lines.
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Charles McKeown, a farmer of Crescent township,
living on section 10, was born in Green county,
Wisconsin, November 7, 1859. His father, Edward
A. McKeown, was a native of Belfast, Ireland,
and his life record, I covering a span of sixty-five
years, was terminated in death in 1881. His I
wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Gillmore,
was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and died in
1905, at the age of eighty-four years. They were
married. on the Emerald Isle and thinking to enjoy
better business opportunities in the new world
they came to the United States in 1857, settling
in Wisconsin. There the father engaged in farming
for four years and m the meantime his son Charles
was born there. In 1861 he came with his family
to Pottawattamie county, settling in Crescent
township, where he continued to make his home
until his demise. His wife also died on the old
homestead. As the years passed by his labors proved
fruitful and in the operation of his farm and
in the control of his agricultural interests he
accumulated a comfortable competence.
Charles McKeown is the younger of two children,
his sister being Mrs. Elizabeth West, of Missouri
Valley, Iowa. No event of special importance occurred
to vary the routine of farm life for him in his
boyhood and youth. He was only about two years
of age when the family came to Pottawattamie county
and here he assisted in the arduous task of developing
a new farm, working in the fields from the time
of early spring planting until crops were harvested
in the late autumn. He was afforded good educational
privileges and lessons of industry, enterprise
and integrity were early impressed upon his mind.
Following his father's death he remained with
his mother and operated the home farm until three
years ago, when he removed to his present location
in Crescent township. Here he owns one hundred
and seventy-two acres of good bottom land, well
improved, and the labor that has converted it
into an excellent farm has all been done by the
present owner.
On the 29th of August, 1888, Mr. McKeown was
married to Miss Martha Gillmore, who was born
in Rockford township, Pottawattamie county, November
8, 1869, a daughter of John Gillmore, whose birth
occurred in County Antrim, Ireland, and who died
in 1895 at the age of seventy-seven years. The
mother bore the maiden name of Maria O'Brien and
was born in Illinois, December 8, 1852. She is
still living on the old homestead farm in Rockford
township and by her marriage she had three children:
Mrs. McKeown; Charlie, who is with his mother;
and Mary, who died February 4, 1900, at the age
of twenty-six years. John Gillmore, the father,
came to America when thirty years of age and remained
with a sister for three years in
1184
New York city. He then went south to Alabama
and afterward worked his way up the Mississippi
and Missouri rivers until he reached Pottawattamie
county, Iowa, where he homesteaded a claim. He
also bought land in Rockford township, where he
carried an farming until his death.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McKeown have been barn five
children: Mary, Lizzie, John, Lucile and. Edward,
all yet under the parental roof, the family circle
being still unbroken by the hand of death. The
parents are members of the Catholic church but
Mr. Keown has no affiliation with fraternal organizations,
nor has he ever been prominent in political circles.
He has preferred to give undivided attention to
his business affairs that he might provide well
for his mother and for his family. He has accomplished
the excellent results which always attend untiring
labor intelligently applied.
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J. H. Schofield, a 1eading, influential and representative
agriculturist of Wright township, is the owner
of one of its finest farms, embracing four hundred
and eighty acres of valuable land on sections
27 and 28. In addition to this place he owns twenty
acres of timber land in the same township. His
life record began at Racine, Wisconsin, on the
22d of March, 1846. His parents were Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Schofield, both natives of England, whence
they came to America in 1844, establishing their
home at Racine. As the years passed the following
children were added to their family: William,
now deceased; Ann, the wife of Robert Turner,
of Oakland, Iowa; John R., of Griswold, this county;
James F., deceased; and J. H., of this review.
The parents died in 1848, there being only thirteen
days difference in the dates of their demise.
As a public-school student J. H. Schofield learned
the lessons which fitted him for life's practical
duties. He was trained to farm work in his early
youth and in 1866, at the age, of twenty years,
came to Iowa, locating in Cass county. There he
engaged in cultivating a part of the land upon
which the village of Atlantic now stands. After
a year he removed to the vicinity of Lewis, where
he rented a farm for one year. He and his two
brothers then purchased a tract of three hundred
and sixty acres in Wright township and improved
the same by tilling the soil and erecting substantial
buildings thereon. Mr. Schofield has always been
practical in his methods and his labor has ever
been intelligently applied. He is now the owner
of four hundred and eighty acres of fine land
on sections 27 and 28, Wright township, while
not far distant he has a tract of twenty acres
of timber land. His residence in Pottawattamie
county, however, has not been continuous since
he first came here. In 1882, leaving the farm,
he removed to Walnut, where he resided until 1896.
He then took up his abode in Adair county, Iowa,
and conducted a large stock ranch, buying, feeding
and selling stock far four years. In 1903 he returned
to Pottawattamie county and settled in Wright
township, where he now makes his home, having
here one of the
1185
finest farms in the township. He is justly accounted
one of its leading and representative agriculturists,
for the splendid appearance of his place indicates
his careful supervision and progressive methods.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey
Mr. Schofield chose Miss Mary A. Hardy, whom he
wedded in 1871. She was also a native of Wisconsin,
born in 1851, while her parents were natives of
Scotland and their family numbered six children.
The father is now deceased but the mother still
makes her home in the Badger state. Mr. and Mrs.
Schofield have become the parents of a daughter
and son: Laura M., now the wife of Alfred Anderson,
of Denver, Colorado; and George H., who is with
a surveying party in the same state. The parents
therefore are now alone. They live in an attractive
home and are numbered among the best people of
Wright township. Politically Mr. Schofield is
a republican, supporting the candidates of the
party since he cast his first presidential vote
for General Grant. He has held most of the township
offices and in the discharge of his duties has
been found prompt and capable. Fraternally he
is connected with the Masonic lodge at Walnut
and is an exemplary representative of the order,
which has its basic principles in mutual kindliness
and brotherly helpfulness.
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M. C. Matheson, a resident farmer of Hazel Dell
township, living on section 36 and cultivating
one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land,
is a worthy representative of farming interests.
He is one of Iowa's native sons and is imbued
with a spirit of progress and enterprise which
has been the dominant factor in the rapid and
substantial upbuilding of the middle west. His
birth occurred in Delaware county, on the 13th
of December, 1854. His parents were Angus and
Belle (Livingston) Matheson, natives of Scotland,
in which country they were married. On coming
to the new world they settled in Winnipeg, Canada,
in the river country, and in the early '40s they
removed to Delaware county, Iowa, taking up their
abode upon a farm. They were closely associated
with the early development and progress of that
locality, where they spent their remaining days.
The boyhood and youth of H. C. Matheson were
quietly passed on the old homestead farm, his
time being divided between the work of the schoolroom,
the pleasures of the playground and the labors
of the fields. He early gained practical knowledge
of the best methods of tilling the soil and harvesting
the crops, and the occupation to which he was
reared he has chosen as a life work.
On the 17th of March, 1875, Mr. Matheson was
married to Miss Mary Garner, who was born in Pottawattamie
county, March 18, 1855, a daughter of William
Garner. They have become the parents of ten children
but two of the number died in infancy. Those living
are: Clyde, who is still under the parental roof;
George, who wedded Stella Vincent and
1186
resides in Weston, Iowa; Matie, Perry, Bessie
L., Ruth M., Eugene and Howard, all of whom are
with their parents.
The family home is on a well improved farm of
one hundred and sixty acres, which was given to
Mrs. Mathesan by her father. The fields are well
tilled and the farm presents a good appearance.
Mrs. Mathesan is a representative of one of the
old and prominent families of this county, her
father having settled here in early pioneer days
and the township of Garner was named in his honor.
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L. P. Jacobson has engaged in farming on his
present place in Boomer township since 1900. He
was barn an the 11th of February, 1875, in Denmark,
in which country his parents, Hans Ole and Maren
(Christensen) Jacobson, still reside, having spent
their entire lives there, the father following
the carpenter's trade. In their family were six
children, of whom five are still living: Jacob
C., who makes his home with our subject; Chris,
living in Denmark; L. P., of this review; Martin
and Mrs. Mary Martensen, who are still residents
of Denmark.
In the land of his birth L. P. Jacobson spent
the first eighteen years of his life, acquiring
a common school education during that period.
Attracted by the favorable reports which he heard
concerning America and her business opportunities
he resolved to come to the new world and three
years before he attained his majority he bade
adieu to friends and family and sailed for the
United States. He did not tarry on the eastern
coast but came at once to Iowa, securing employment
on a farm in the vicinity of Missouri Valley.
He worked at farm labor for others for some time
and in 1898 began farming on his own account upon
rented land in Harrison county. Two years later
he removed to his present farm in Boomer township,
Pottawattamie county. He has also purchased sixty
acres of land in Harrison county and his farming
interests are capably conducted.
In 1903 Mr. Jacobson was married to Miss Anna
Olsen, who was born in Boomer township, a daughter
of Michael and May F. (Heagney) Olsen, who are
numbered among the early settlers of the county.
They are still living in Boomer township, having
long been identified with farming interests here.
In their family were seven children. Unto the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson two children
have been born, May and Frances. The parents are
worthy Christian people, Mr. Jacobson belonging
to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member
of the Methodist church, and in the community
where they make their home they are much esteemed.
In his political allegiance he is a republican,
keeping well informed on the questions and issues
of the day, and upon that ticket he has been elected
road supervisor. He is also president of the Danish
Brotherhood. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to seek his home in
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America, for here he has found the opportunities
he has sought and as the years have passed has
gained a place among the substantial farmers of
his township.
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John Frost, who follows farming on section 27,
Hazel Dell township, which is the old homestead
property, has here one hundred and twenty-six
acres of rich and productive land and has resided
thereon continuously since 1896. It was upon this
farm that his birth occurred June 28, 1858.
His father, Robert Frost, was born in England,
December 21, 1817, and on the 9th of April, 1843,
was married to Miss Susanna Roberts, a native
of Canada. He had crossed the Atlantic from the
mother country to Canada and in 1855 came to Pottawattamie
comity, Iowa, casting in his lot with its earliest
settlers. He made the trip with ox-teams and first
took up his abode near Crescent City. In 1857,
however, he located upon the farm on section 27,
Hazel Dell township, which is now the property
of his son John. It was entirely wild and unimproved,
not a furrow having been turned, for he secured
the land from the government. The original tract
comprised eighty acres, which he transformed from
wild prairie into productive fields. His first
home was a little cabin built of logs and boards
with a thatched roof. During the season of 1857-8,
which was known as the cold winter, three yoke
of his oxen and three of his cows perished in
the cold. He carried corn on his back--one hundred
bushels in all--in order to food his animals and
keep them alive. Many hardships and trials incident
to frontier life were borne by the family in those
early days and the arduous work of developing
a new farm was carried on by them. At the beginning
of the war Mr. Frost assisted in organizing a
company of Home Guards but never went to the front.
By trade he was a shoemaker but after his removal
to Iowa always carried on general agricultural
pursuits and spent his remaining days upon the
home farm in Hazel Dell township, which he purchased
from the government. As stated, he was married
in Canada to Miss Susanna Roberts, whose people
were Mormons, her uncle, James Roberts, being
a preacher of the Mormon faith.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frost were eleven
children: A. A, who is a blacksmith of Crescent,
Iowa; William, who died in the army when a young
man; Robert, who was killed by lightning on the
15th of May, 1871; Eliza. the deceased wife of
Patrick McGann of Council Bluffs; two ,who died
in infancy; Mary, who became the wife of David
Helvern and now resides at Mammoth Springs, Arkansas;
Susanna Lonsboro, a resident of Colorado; Mrs.
Emily Cobble, who makes her home in Seattle, Washington;
Clara, a resident of Omaha Nebraska; and John,
of this review.
No event of special importance occurred to vary
the routine of farm life for John Frost in his
boyhood days. He worked in the fields, from the
time of early spring planting until crops were
harvested in the late
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autumn, then attended school for a few months,
after which he again took his place in the fields.
He continued to work upon the home farm until
twenty-two years of age and then went to the west,
where for eleven years he was engaged in mining
but his health became impaired during that period
and returning to Pottawattamie county, he purchased
the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty-six
acres upon which he has resided since 1896. He
has made many substantial modern improvements
here and in the tilling of the soil he finds that
good crops result from the careful cultivation
of the fields, the soil being naturally rich and
productive.
Mr. Frost was married to Miss Wilhelmina Hank,
who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and died in
Council Bluffs in 1890, leaving three children:
Andrew E., now of South Dakota; Frederick, of
Hazel Dell; and Robert G., of Treynor, Iowa. In
1890 Mr. Frost was again married, his second union
being with Mary Lowe, a daughter of Henry Lowe,
a farmer of Honey Creek township. They have two
little sons, Charles and Lorenzo.
Mr. Frost is a democrat in his political views
but has held no office other than that of school
director. He is interested in the county, its
upbuilding and its welfare, for with the exception
of about a decade he has lived here continuously
from his birth to the present time. Strongly impressed
upon his mind are many pictures of the early days
when much of the land was unclaimed and uncultivated
and one could ride for miles over the prairie
without coming to a fence or habitation to impede
his progress. There were few conveniences or comforts
in those early homes but the labors of the pioneer
settlers wrought a decided change in the methods
of living, and today Mr. Frost carries on agricultural
pursuits in accordance with the most progressive
ideas of modern farming.
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Pat Gillmore, who follows farming on section
10, Crescent township, was born in County Antrim,
Ireland, on the 2d of February, 1837. He came
to the United States at the age of thirty-one
years after a period of earnest toil in his native
country. He had no educational privileges and
the success that he has achieved is all the more
remarkable because of his lack of early advantages.
He had three brothers who had previously come
to the United States--John, Dennis and Charles
Gillmore, all of whom were soldiers from Pottawattamie
county in the Civil war.
In 1868 Mr. Gillmore of this review crossed the
Atlantic to the new world, hoping to enjoy better
business opportunities in this country. He worked
in a machine shop in New York for a time and in
1872 came to Iowa. He passed through Chicago,
which was then being rebuilt after the disastrous
fire of 1871. Here he purchased ninety-six acres
of land, upon which he still resides. He has added
to the original tract, however, and at one time
had one hundred and twenty acres but a great washout
of the Missouri river decreased his holdings to
one hundred and two acres situated on section
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10, Crescent township. He has been a hard worker
and has made all that he possesses through his
awn labors. Ever diligent and persevering, he
has overcome all the difficulties and obstacles
in his path and his prosperity has resulted from
his careful business management. His sister, Alice,
who came to America in early womanhood, is acting
as his housekeeper. Mr. Gilmore is now practically
living retired upon his farm, leaving the work
largely to others. In politics he is independent,
neither seeking nor desiring office.
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The farming interests of Crescent township find
a worthy representative in George F. Miller, who
was born in New York city, July 1, 1867. His parents
were Frederick and Elizabeth (Worst) Miller. The
father was born in Switzerland and when a young
man crossed the Atlantic to America. He was a
silk-weaver by trade and when his health failed
him about 1870 he settled on a farm in Page county,
Iowa, thinking to be benefited by the outdoor
life. The change was indeed helpful and for many
years he carried on general agricultural pursuits
there. In 1893 he removed to Pottawattamie county,
locating on the farm which is now the home of
his son George. He died about three years ago,
having lived to a good old age. His wife, who
was born in Alsace-Loraine, then a part of France,
is now living at No. 119 South First street in
Council Bluffs. They were the parents of six children,
of whom five are living: Elizabeth, the wife of
F. P. Carpenter, of Grable, Iowa; George F.; Lena,
who is living with her mother; Henry, a resident
farmer of Crescent township; and Clara, the wife
of E. W. Stack, of Hazel Dell township. The youngest
member of the family was Charles, who. died at
the age of six years.
George F. Miller spent his boyhood upon the home
farm in Page county, Iowa, his time being divided
between the work of the schoolroom and of the
fields. His educational privileges were those
afforded by the public schools, while by his father
he was practically trained in the task of tilling
the soil. When twenty-two years of age he began
farming on his own account and for five years
cultivated rented land in Page county. He then
went to Missouri with his wife's parents and followed
farming in that state for three years. Six years
ago he came to this county and is now managing
his father's estate, carrying on general farming.
He is practical in his methods, progressive in
what he does and holds advanced ideas concerning
agricultural interests.
On the 7th of January, 1891, in Page county,
Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Eliza
Friesz, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois,
a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Schaubert)
Friesz, who are now residing on a farm in Worth
county, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have
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been born six children, Royal, Grace, George,
Lewis, Rosa and Fred, all yet under the parental
roof.
Mr. Miller gives his political allegiance to
the democracy and is now serving for the first
year as township trustee. He is likewise a school
director and believes in the employment of competent
teachers and the introduction of modern methods
of instruction. His fraternal relations connect
him with the Masons and the Odd Fellows in Missouri
and with the Modern Woodmen camp at Crescent.
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There is no better indication of the attractiveness
of Pottawattamie county as a place of residence
than the fact that many of her native sons have
remained within her borders, enjoying the business,
educational and other privileges which she offers
to her citizens. Of this class B. J. Osler is
a representative. Now living in Wright township,
he was born in Grove township, October 22, 1871,
his parents being John and Elizabeth (Harding)
Osler, the former a native of Indiana and the
latter of England. They had a family of eight
children: Martha, now the wife of Grant Gault,
of Minnesota; B. J.; Berkley, of Nebraska; Almena,
the wife of Louis Morgan, of Creston, Iowa; Louise,
the wife of Orville Taylor, of Macedonia, this
state; Lawn, who is living in Pottawattamie county;
Sylvester, of Glenwood; Iowa; and Thomas, now
deceased. The father came to this state in 1856
and settled in Grove township, where he resided
until his life's labors were ended in death in
the year 1890. The mother survived him for about
five years and passed away in 1895.
Under the parental roof B. J. Osler was reared
and as a public-school student he acquired his
education. When not busy with his text-books he
was trained in the practical work of the farm
and early gained a knowledge concerning the best
time to put in his crops and the best methods
of caring for the harvest. He started out in business
life for himself by renting land and so continued
until 1907. Having acquired a considerable capital,
he invested in an excellent farm of three hundred
and sixteen acres on section 4, Wright township.
He has always made a specialty of raising and
feeding stock and has some good grades upon his
place.
On the 19th of April, 1892, Mr. Osler won a companion
and helpmate for life's journey through his marriage
to Miss Emma Herman, who was born in Germany in
1876, her parents being Ferdinand and Minnie (Felkner)
Herman. The parents came to America in, 1878 and
the father is still living in Oregon but the mother
is now deceased. They had seven children. Six
children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Osler but
only three are now living, Ernest, Clarence and
Marietta.
Mr. Osler exercises his right of franchise in
support of the men and measures of the republican
party and has served as road supervisor but has
not been a politician in the commonly accepted
sense of desiring office as a reward for party
fealty. He is interested in all matters of progressive
1191
citizenship and gives his aid to many movements
for the public good. In his business life he has
been prompted by laudable ambition to put forth
strenuous effort and his labors have resulted
in the acquirement of a valuable property.
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WILLIAM KAHL.
William Kahl, one of the worthy sons that the
fatherland has furnished to this country, is successfully
engaged in farming and stock-raising on section
33, Keg Creek township. His birth occurred in
Holstein, Germany, November 22, 1849, his parents
being Louis and Catherine (Miser) Kahl, who passed
away in Germany aged respectively eighty and seventy-five
years. They had a family of eight children, four
of whom survive: Mrs. Annie Hansen, of Keg Creek
township; Johanna and Louis, both residents of
Germany; and William, of this review.
William Kahl remained under the parental roof
until he had attained the age of nineteen years
and then, thinking to find better business opportunities
in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to America.
He made his way at once into the ,interior of
the country, as it was his intention to come to
Council Bluffs, Iowa, but he was forced to stop
at Davenport in order to replenish his funds,
which had become very low. A year's work in that
city gained him a sum sufficient to enable him
to continue his journey to Council Bluffs, where
he was employed in a brickyard for about a year.
Subsequently he was engaged in farming for several
years and in 1873 made his first purchase of land,
comprising eighty acres now included in his home
farm. When he bought' this tract it was entirely
wild and unimproved but Mr. Kahl resolutely set
to work and the result of his untiring labor is
seen in the richly cultivated fields and many
modern improvements on his place. He has gradually
added to his holdings until he is now the owner
of two hundred acres of rich farming land, eighty
acres of which lies across the line in Mills county.
When he first came to Iowa he was much discouraged,
for the country was still largely undeveloped
and pioneer conditions prevailed on every hand.
If it had not been for his lack of financial resources
he would have returned to his native land but,
being forced to remain, he energetically set to
work and in due time gained the prosperity which
is always sure to reward well directed and untiring
activity and which enables him now to enjoy many
of life's comforts and some of its luxuries. In
addition to general farming he is also engaged
in stock raising and feeding, this branch of his
business also proving a source of profit to him.
In 1873 Mr. Kahl was joined in wedlock to Miss
Johanna Low, who was born in Germany and came
to the United States alone, being married shortly
afterward. She has two brothers also living in
this country: John, of Mineola, Iowa; and Gust,
residing in Mills county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kahl
have been born seven children: Annie, the wife
of Ernest Hartje, of
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Keg Creek township; Bernard, who married Miss
Allie Lance and resides in Nebraska; Louis, who
married Laura Deitchler and makes his home in
Keg Creek township; Elizabeth, who became the
wife of Emil Peterson and lives in Mineola, Iowa;
Rudolph, who married Mena Jergens and resides
in Mills county; and Henry and William, both at
home.
Mr. Kahl is independent in his political views,
voting for men and measures rather than party
nor has he desired to figure in public life, finding
that his time and attention are fully occupied
by his business interests.
The family are members of the German Lutheran
church, and during the long period of their residence
in this county have gained many warm friends.
The hope that led him to leave his native land
and seek a home in America has been more than
realized. Although he met with obstacles at first,
he overcame these by perseverance and indefatigable
energy and the prosperity which is today his is
the reward of his own efforts and capable business
management. In the third of a century which has
elapsed since he took up his abode here the county
has been transformed from a wild and undeveloped
region into a rich farming district and everywhere
are seen the evidences of an advanced and modern
civilization. Mr. Kahl has borne his full share
in the arduous labor which was necessary to bring
about this wonderful change and is therefore numbered
among the honored pioneers of Pottawattamie county.
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Neils Hansen located upon his present farm in
1902. He purchased three hundred and eighty acres
on section 14, Rockford township and although
it had few improvements upon it at the time, it
is now regarded as one of the fine farms of the
locality. In Its midst stands a beautiful residence
and no accessory or convenience of the model farm
of the twentieth century is here lacking.
Mr. Hansen was a native of Denmark, born November
4, 1857. His parents, Hans and Marie Hansen, both
died in Denmark. The subject of this review came
to the United States in 1880, then a young man
of twenty-three years. He worked at farm labor
for Peter Peterson, of Boomer township, for a
short time and then, began farming on his own
account, purchasing land in that township. As
stated, he became owner of his present farm property
in 1902 and with characteristic energy began its
development and improvement. There is no finer
country residence between Missouri Valley and
Council Bluffs. It is built in attractive style
of architecture and supplied with all modern conveniences.
In fact it would be a credit to any city. Upon
the place is a large barn, cribs, sheds and other
outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain
and stock and were placed here by Mr. Hansen,
whose labors have so transformed the farm that
it is now one of the most attractive, features
of the landscape. Whatever he undertakes he carries
forward to successful completion and his ideas,
while progressive, are at all times practical.
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In 1882 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to
Miss Lena Ackers, who was born in Denmark, October
29, 1855, and came alone to the United States.
This union has been blessed with seven children:
Bertha, the wife of W. A. Ward, a resident of
Boomer township; Otto, John, Christine, Mace,
Bryan and Fremont, all of whom are still under
the parental root The parents are members of the
Lutheran church and are interested in its work.
Mr. Hansen is independent in politics, never seeking
nor desiring office. He is an active Danish-American
citizen, of good business capacity, of laudable
ambition and marked enterprise. He deserves much
credit for what he has accomplished, and he feels
that he made no mistake in determining to establish
his home in the new world, for here he has found
good business opportunities and has made substantial
advancement in agricultural circles.
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