Biographies

~ Dennis, Clay ~

The subject of this sketch, Clay Dean Dennis, is a native of Iowa, having been born August 23, 1860, in Wapello County. His father, Benjamin H., and his mother, Matilda (Jackson) Dennis, were both natives of Brown County, Ohio. The father, Benjamin Dennis, was born May 27, 1830, and his childhood and youth were spent in his native County. On attaining his majority, he left his home in Ohio and came west, locating in Lee County, Iowa, about the year 1852. Remaining here only about one year, he went on to Wapello County, where he purchased land, and the next year, on August 23, 1854, he married Matilda Jackson, daughter of Richard and Isabella (Baum) Jackson, whose birth occurred on November 5, 1833. To this couple were born three sons and two daughters, all of whom first saw the light of day in Wapello County, Iowa, and whose names are as follows: Wesley, born in June 1855, died at Dexter, Iowa, November 3, 1909; Minerva, born October 17, 1856, married James Carey, and lives near Kilduff; Willmer, born December 17, 1857, lives in Newton; one child who died in infancy and Clay Dean, the subject of this review. In the year 1864, Mr. Dennis traded forty acres of land in Wapello County for two hundred and forty acres in Jasper County, near Kilduff, where he removed his family in March 1865. Here Mrs. Dennis died on January 7, 1872. On April 23, 1874, Mr. Dennis again married, choosing as his wife Mary J. Davis, daughter of C. M. Davis. In 1878 he built a splendid home in Newton, and retired from active labor, and here he lived until his death, which occurred January 31, 1900. Mr. Dennis was an active worker in the Disciples Church and was always allied with every good work. For ten years he was a member of the official board of the church, with which he united in 1856.

Clay Dean Dennis began working for himself at the age of eighteen years. In 1881 he came into possession of eighty acres of land from his father, which he still holds, and he has since then acquired other lands through his energy, industry and successful operations until he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of the best land in Jasper County.

On March 4, 1883, Mr. Dennis was united in marriage to Margaret A. Richardson, daughter of James and Ann (Stabler) Richardson, both natives of England, the mother born at Molerat Row, Long Benton Parish, England, March 21, 1827. Mrs. Dennis was the only child of this marriage, but by a former marriage of the mother to a man by the name o f Hall there were three children, namely: Lizzie, who died in infancy, and Henry and Thomas Hall, both living in Grundy County, Missouri. The mother, who was born on March 27, 1827, is living with her son, H. S. Hall, in Missouri. Mrs. Dennis was born May 13, 1865, in New Castle, England, and when she was one year old, the family came to the United States, and settled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Six years later they removed to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and five years later they came to Jasper County, Iowa, where they purchased the old Cradlebaugh farm of one hundred and twenty acres near Kilduff, and here the husband and father, James Richardson, departed this life on June 18, 1894.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dennis lived on their farm until in October 1908, when they removed to Newton, where they now reside. On account of the failing health of Mrs. Dennis, she was no longer able to continue the arduous duties pertaining to life upon the farm.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have been born four children, as follows: James Arthur, born February 6, 1884, married Helen Vinall and lives near Kilduff; Benjamin H., born June 28, 1885, married Bertie De Bruyn, lives near Kilduff; Leah A., born January 6, 1893, now attending high school in Newton; Thomas Clifford, born September 9, 1890, attending school in Newton.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been so affiliated for the last twenty-five years.

Although Mr. Dennis's home is now in Newton, he still takes an active part in overseeing his farm, and in raising, buying and selling stock for the market. He is a Republican in politics. At one time Mr. Dennis was severely kicked by a sick horse, which he was doctoring, and the report was widely circulated that he was killed. Some enterprising firm got up a memorial card and sent it to him. He considers it quite a unique experience. Mr. Dennis was treasurer of the school board in his township for a number of years. He owns a fine automobile and goes back and forth to his farm in his car. Page 565.

~ Dennis, W. L. ~

Willmer L. Dennis was born in Wapello County, Iowa, on December 17, 1857, about five miles south of the city of Ottumwa. His father, Benjamin H. Dennis, was born in Ohio in 1830, and came west in 1852 and located first in Lee County, Iowa, but one year later he removed to Wapello County, and here, on August 23, 1854, he was united in marriage to Matilda Jackson, daughter of Richard and Isabella (Baum) Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was born in Ohio in 1833, and removed with her parents to Wapello County, Iowa, when quite young. In 1864 Mr. Dennis traded forty acres of land, which he had acquired in Wapello County, for two hundred and forty acres in Jasper County, and in March of the following year brought his family to Jasper County and took possession of his farm, which was located in Buena Vista Township, near Killduff. Here he lived and prospered until the year 1878, when he built a home in the city of Newton, Iowa, and retired from active labor. He departed this life in January 1900. He was a splendid man, public spirited and very active in Church work, having united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1859. The mother of the subject departed this life in January 1872, while the family still lived on the farm. When the family first came to Jasper County all they owned, in the way of stock was a team of horses, four head of cattle and a few sheep. Mr. Dennis was a good businessman and a man of good judgment, and by energetic effort and good management he prospered and became a heavy stock feeder well known throughout the County.

Of five children born to this couple only three survive: Willmer L., the subject of this review; C. Dean Dennis, whose sketch appears elsewhere in these pages; and Minerva, wife of James Carey, of near Killduff, Iowa.

Willmer L. Dennis received his early educational training in the country schools of the Township in which he lived, and at the age of twenty began working for himself upon his father's farm. In 1882 his father made over to him eighty acres of land. Having had experience with feeding cattle and buying and raising same for the market, while with his father, he began in this line for himself and became one of the County's heaviest stock producers. He also from time to time purchased land, until at this time he owns over five hundred acres, two hundred in Buena Vista Township and three hundred in Richland Township. He also owns a section of land in Deaf Smith County, Texas.

On May 20, 1880, Willmer L. Dennis was united in marriage to Anna M. Emmert, who was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 1861. She was the daughter of J. V. and Dorothea Emmert, prosperous farmers in the southeast portion of Buena Vista Township. Her parents were natives of Germany, her father coming with his parents to this country when only one year old, the family locating in Pennsylvania. Her mother, whose maiden name was Dorothea Schwappach, came alone to this country at the age of sixteen, and a few years later was joined by a sister, and these two were the only members of the family to cross the ocean. When Mrs. Dennis was a child three years old, her parents moved to Illinois, and five years later they moved to Jasper County, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Buena Vista Township, which is still the home of her mother, her father dying at this place on April 12, 1895, at the age of sixty-eight. Her mother is now seventy-three. Mrs. Dennis was one of ten children, she being the second in order of birth, the names of the others being as follows: George A., born in 1860, owns eighty acres of land adjoining the old home place, and lives with his mother and sister; Andrew, born in 1863, lives on a farm near Kellogg, Iowa, married Lelia Drew; Sophia died in infancy; Ella, born in 1867, lives at home, unmarried; William V., born in 1868, was killed on his twenty-eighth birthday by being kicked by a horse; Caroline, born in 1870, married Ed. Helper, who is deceased; Emma died of croup in infancy; Philip and Frances, twins, born in 1875; Frances, who died in 1909, was the wife of Case Williamson; Philip lives on a farm in Palo Alto Township.

To Mr. and Mrs. Willmer L. Dennis have been born seven children, namely: Benjamin, born August 9, 1881, died in 1882; Flora May, born August 30, 1883, died in 1910. She was the wife of Charles Earp, to whom she bore two children, Leslie Lamont, deceased, and Nadine L. Earp; Leroy, born November 19, 1888, near Killduff, married Regina Van Gilst, and to them has been born one child; Alvy, born February 20, 1891, married Jennie De Bruyn, and lives near Killduff; Wanda, born March 14, 1894, is still under the parental roof, attending the Newton high school; William V., born September 29, 1896, lives at home with his parents; Cleora, born August 22, 1891.

In March 1910, Mr. Dennis and family left the farm and purchased a fine residence property in Newton, Iowa, where they now reside. Although living away from the farm, Mr. Dennis is not content to lead a life of ease and quiet, but is still engaged in the stock business and looks after his farming interests, going back and forth from his home to the farm in an automobile. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Newton. Politically, he votes with the Republican Party. Page 445.

~ Denniston, W. E. ~

The name of Denniston has been for many years an honored and respected one in Jasper County, and the gentleman of that name who is the immediate subject of this sketch is richly deserving of the universal respect and esteem which is accorded him by all with whom he is acquainted. For many years he has been one of the leading lumbermen of Newton; still in the fullness of years, he is to be found at the helm of a large and growing business.

W. E. Denniston, of the firm of Denniston & Partridge, was born in Jasper County, October 28, 1868, on the parental homestead in Buena Vista Township. He is the son of Robert E. and Della (Hotchkiss) Denniston, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Wisconsin. The elder Denniston came to Iowa in 1861 and settled in Buena Vista Township, and he has resided in the County ever since, now living on a farm of sixty acres just on the edge of Newton. He has long been well known in this community and has lived to see and take part in the great development of the same. His family consisted of five children, two of whom are living, three having died in infancy; besides the subject, the other living child is Mrs. Charles Emery, who is living on a farm near Metz, this County.

W. E. Denniston spent his early life on the home farm where he assisted with the general work about the place when of proper age, and he attended the common schools during the winter months, his education in later years being supplemented by good business training and wide home reading. He remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-one years of age. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked two years in Newton after he had left the farm. He then worked in the lumberyards for Fred L. Maytag for two years, and twelve years for Maytag & Emerson, then he formed a partnership with Mr. Emerson under the firm name of Emerson & Denniston, which continued three years. Upon the death of Mr. Emerson, about two years ago, the firm became Denniston & Partridge, a corporation, of which Mr. Denniston is secretary and general manager. They have been very successful and have now a large and rapidly growing business which is wide in its scope, owning other yards besides the large one at Newton, including one at Altoona and Mitchellville, both in Polk County, Reasnor, Colfax and Baxter, in Jasper County. They handle a varied line of up-to-date building material, lumber and also grain. Their home shed is one hundred twenty by one hundred eighty feet, everything being conveniently and attractively arranged.

On February 24, 1892, Mr. Denniston was united in marriage with Lizzie Wilson, daughter of William and Mary Wilson, who came from Scott County, Iowa, to this County, Mr. Wilson having been born in the former. To Mr. and Mrs. Denniston two children have been born, Roy, whose birth occurred on February 20, 1892, and Homer, born August 5, 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Denniston attend the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican and has taken an abiding interest in local affairs for some time. In 1906 he was elected to the City Council from the first ward and has been on the board since then, making his influence felt for the good of his city and community whenever possible. He is a man of energy, rare business foresight and he is a good mixer, being always a gentleman and yet easily approached and unassuming, a man who has the confidence and good will of his fellowmen owing to his fair dealings and exemplary character. Page 447.

~ Densmore, Frank W. ~

A young man who is succeeding admirably well at the restaurant business at Mingo, Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, and who seems to be starting life on the right track with the proper principles guiding him, is Frank W. Densmore, who was born in this Township, February 26, 1880, and here he grew to manhood, and, with the exception of two years in Washington State, he has made this his home, in which vicinity his parents were among the earliest settlers. He was educated in the local schools and devoted his earlier years to farming, having cared for himself since the age of thirteen. On July 12, 1911, he opened the restaurant where he is still engaged in business and is enjoying a liberal patronage, assisted by his excellent wife. He keeps his place attractive and neat and is obliging and genial to his patrons.

Mr. Densmore is the son of Thomas and Lucy (Tripp) Densmore, Thomas Densmore was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, April 12, 1835, and his wife was born in Ogle County, Illinois, July 13, 1841. They came to Jasper County, Iowa, he in 1859, she in 1853, and they were married October 14, 1859, in Clear Creek Township. He died on April 14, 1902, and she on February 18, 1890. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are deceased, namely: David T., born August 2, 1860; Maggie M. (Mrs. Dennis Alder), born October 14, 1861, lives in Cape Horn, Washington; Thomas B., born September 11, 1862; Mary B., born February 23, 1864; Charlie E., born January 15, 1867; Eddie M., born May 10, 1868; Jessie B., born December 17, 1874; Frank W., of this sketch: Robert M., born August 10, 1881,lives in California; of these children the following are dead: David T., on August 20, 1888; Thomas, on October 3, 1862; Mary, October 30, 1864; Charlie, March 24, 1867; Edward, July 11, 1874; Jessie, November 5, 1875.

On December 25, 1899 Mr. Densmore was united in marriage with Lydia Lura Franklin, a native of Clear Creek Township, her birth occurring on August 7, 1883. She was reared here and has always lived in this community. Her parents were among the earliest settlers of this County. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Ava (Bellmore) Franklin, whose marriage occurred in 1864. The father, who was a veteran of the Mexican War, was born in New Hampshire in 1826, and he died in Clear Creek Township March 26, 1890; the mother is a native of Indiana, born May 7, 1846, and she is still living at Mingo, this County, having come to this locality with her parents when she was five years of age. She is the daughter of Stephen and Jane Bellmore, old settlers in Clear Creek Township. Benjamin Franklin came to Clear Creek Township in 1850, and at one time owned about twelve hundred acres of land between Indian and Clear Creeks.

There were eleven children in the Franklin family, nine of whom are living, namely: John, of Des Moines, born April 1,1865; Mrs. Fannie Etna Kending, born October 28, 1867, died November 23, 1909; Mrs. Lilly Belle Couch, born March 4, 1870, is living in South Dakota; Rosa Lee, born March 24, 1872, died in infancy; Dock Benjamin, born February 24, 1874, lives in Clear Creek Township, this County; James E., born May 9,1876, lives in Mingo; Mrs. Waty Jane Young, born August 10, 1878, lives in Clear Creek Township; Andrew Jackson, born April 2, 1881, lives in Mingo; Lydia Lura, wife of Mr. Densmore of this sketch, was born August 7, 1883; William W., born February 8, 1888, lives at St. Baird, New Mexico, being a soldier in the United States Army; Guy Wesley, born April 4, 1889, lives in Des Moines. These children were all born in Clear Creek Township. Mrs. Ava Franklin has twenty-three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren living and eight grandchildren have passed away.

To Mr. and Mrs. Densmore one son has been born, Otto Thomas, September 17, 1893, and one daughter, Lucy Leonora, August 8, 1905. Both are attending school at Mingo.

Politically, Mr. Densmore is a Republican, and he affiliates with the Christian Church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lodge No. 194, at Washougal, Washington. He is a member of Mingo Camp, No. 1180, Modern Woodmen of America, of Mingo, also of the National Travelers Benefit Association. Mr. Densmore belongs to Yeoman lodge, No. 350, of Mingo. They are supporters of every beneficial public enterprise. Page 1352.

~ DePenning, Peter ~

It has been said by scientists that human life is made up of two elements, power and fom1, and they add that the proportion must be carefully preserved if we would enjoy a life worth the living. Each of these attributes would work a mischief if either were in excess, as harmful as would be its deficiency. But it is hard to keep the proper equilibrium, in view of the fact that everything seems to tend to excess. Every good quality is said to be noxious if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin nature causes each man's peculiarity to super abound. One speaking from the standpoint of a farmer would adduce the learned professions as examples of this treachery. They are nature's victims of expression. If we study the lives of the artist, the orator, the poet, we find their lives no more excellent than that of mechanics or farmers. While the farmer stands at the head of art as found in nature, the others get but glimpses of the delights of nature in its various elements and moods. Peter DePenning, farmer, of the southern part of Jasper County, is not an artist or an exponent of the learned professions, but like many others who live close to the soil, sees beauty and gets inspiration from nature, thus taking a delight in existence, as a result of thus being in touch with the springs of life

Mr. DePenning was born in Marion County, Iowa, on July 11, 1852. He is the son of Lane and Nellie (Schut) DePenning, both natives of Holland, the father's birth having occurred on September 17, 1820, and they grew up and were married in their native land, and there the father conducted a saloon, which at that period in the old country's history was quite as respectable as any other business, especially in view of the fact that he ran the same in a strictly honorable manner and was known as a man of splendid principle. Having heard so much of our thriving western republic, Lane DePenning and family immigrated in an old-fashioned sailing vessel to our shores in 1851, and they located at Pella, Marion County, Iowa, living in the country near that city and engaged in agricultural work. In 1865 the father decided to try his fortune in the far West, favoring the idea of establishing a home in the new country of Oregon, at that time sparsely settled, so he took his family on a circuitous route thither, by way of New York City and the isthmus of Panama. After a long, weary trip they finally reached the new land on the Pacific, and there they found homes, for there had been little development and money was scarce and hardships were constantly encountered. Under this unusual strain the thread of life snapped for the mother in 1867 and she was buried there. The rest of the family returned to Marion County, Iowa, in 1868. Soon after his return here the father bought ninety acres near Otley, Marion County, and there he finally became very well established and made that his home until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religious matters was a member of the Holland Reform Church. His family consisted of four sons and two daughters, who lived beyond infancy; they were named as follows: Jacob, who lives east of Galesburg, Iowa; Mrs. Gertie Burgraf; Walter is living south of Galesburg; Peter, of this sketch; Andrew lives south of the town of Galesburg; and Mrs. Kate Voss, who is a resident of the state of Minnesota.

Peter DePenning had little opportunity to obtain an education, but not withstanding his lack of text-book training he is a man of keen perceptive faculty and good common sense so that his sound judgment and close observations have brought an average measure of success in his chosen life work. He has met and overcome many obstacles and won a larger material reward than many another who, although perchance highly educated, but lacking the nerve, courage and fortitude has been thwarted and failed. He made the trip to Oregon when a lad with the rest of the family, and he tells many interesting reminiscences of that eventful, long journey, the vivid impression he then received remaining fresh in his memory; but the hardships endured, in the great West seem to have been lightly passed over by him, thus proving his grit. When he reached the age of twenty-one years he purchased forty acres of land in Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, and, later sold that and purchased eighty acres on the south boundary line of Jasper County, and there he resided ten years, becoming well established the meanwhile. Selling that farm, he later purchased two hundred and twenty acres in the northwest corner of Elk Creek Township, this County. Here he prospered from the first and he has since added two hundred and twenty-seven acres, just west of the former purchase, the latter lying in Palo Alto Township. He owns altogether seven hundred and eighty acres in this County. His dwelling is on the boundary line between Palo Alto and Elk Creek Townships. He has as valuable land as the County can boast and it yields abundant harvests annually under his skillful management. He farms on an extensive scale and raised a large amount of livestock, generally feeding several carloads of cattle annually. He keeps his land well improved and employs modern implements and methods in his agricultural pursuits. He is also the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Mead County, South Dakota.

Mr. DePenning was married in 1878 to Josena McDunnink, who was born in Marion County, Iowa, on April 11, 1860, and there she grew to womanhood. She is the daughter of Ed McDunnink, who was born in Holland, where he spent his early days, immigrating to Marion County, Iowa, when that country was comparatively new. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. DePenning: Lane, Mrs. Maggie Cooper, Nellie, Ed, Ira, Fred and Harry. Page 1056.

~ Deppe, Benjamin F. ~

Mr. Deppe was born in Malaka Township, Jasper County, Iowa, and here he grew to manhood, received his education and has spent his life in agricultural pursuits, although he prepared himself for a business career, having completed the commercial course in the Newton Normal College. His birth occurred on February 14, 1874, and he is the son of Adolph and Wilhelmina (Schroeder) Deppe, both natives of Germany, from which country they immigrated to the United States, locating in Jasper County, Iowa, where they became well established, the death of the father occurring here in 1884. He assisted in laying the foundation of the recent Jasper County courthouse. There were six children in this family, all living, namely: Mrs. Etta Berkey, born September 17, 1857, lives in Baxter; Mrs. Mary Krampe lives in Baxter; William lives in Malaka Township; Edward lives in Malaka Township; Benjamin, of this sketch; Mrs. Emma Kresan, of Frankville. These children were born and reared in Jasper County.

Benjamin F. Deppe was married February 25, 1903, to Anna Stock, who was born in Independence Township, this County, October 26, 1882, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public schools. She is the daughter of Frank and Frederika (Boedeker) Stock, the father born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, and the mother in Wisconsin. They are now living in Baxter, he being seventy years old and she sixty.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stock, eight of whom are living, namely: Lena, born August 10, 1876, lives with her parents in Baxter; August, born in 1878, lives in Independence Township; Anna, wife of Mr. Deppe, of this sketch; Mrs. Lydia Kanne, born April 20, 1881, lives in Malaka Township; William lives in Independence Township; Henry, born in 1885, is deceased; Clara lives at home in Baxter; Emma and Lizzie, twins, born in 1890, live with their brother on the home farm in Independence Township. These children were born and reared in this Township.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Deppe, namely: Reuben A., born November 20, 1905; Edna A., born October 6, 1907. These children were born in Malaka Township, and the eldest is attending school here.

Politically, Mr. Deppe is a Republican, and he has been school director in this community. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church in Independence Township.

Mr. Deppe is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Malaka Township, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising successfully. He has a very pleasant and well-furnished home and substantial outbuildings. Page 1144.

~ Deppe, William A. ~

Throughout an active and interesting career duty has ever been the motive of action of William A. Deppe, one of the progressive agriculturists of the vicinity of Baxter, Jasper County, and usefulness to his fellow men has not been by any means a secondary consideration. He has performed well his part in life, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is honored in his citizenship, for he has achieved definite success through his own efforts and is thoroughly deserving of the proud American title of self-made man, the term being one that, in its better sense, cannot but appeal to the loyal admiration of all who are appreciative of our national institutions and the privileges afforded for individual accomplishment, and it is a privilege, ever gratifying, in this day and age, to meet a man who has the courage to face the battles of life with a strong heart and steady hand and to win in the stern conflict by bringing to bear only those forces with which nature has equipped him, self-reliance, self-respect and integrity.

Mr. Deppe was born in Newton, Iowa, March 2, 1864. He grew to manhood in this County and has made farming and stock raising his principal vocation. For a complete history of the Deppe family, long one of the best known in the County, the reader is referred to the sketch of Peter Burkey, appearing on another page of this work.

William A. Deppe was married in June 1899 to Caroline Waterman, who was born at Kellogg, this County, January 28, 1872. She grew to womanhood in Jasper County and received a good common school education in her native community. She is the daughter of Herman and Louisa (Wintermeier) Waterman, both natives of Lippe-Detmold, Germany. They grew up in their native land and in the year 1870 immigrated to America. They are residing at present on a farm in Malaka Township, this County, having, through their thrift and close application, become very well established in the New World, and, like the Deppe family, are highly respected by all who know them.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Waterman, of whom Caroline, wife of Mr. Deppe, was the eldest; the others were, August, who lives in Marshall County, Iowa; Mrs. Emma Deppe lives in Malaka Township, this County; William lives in Malaka Township, Jasper County. These children were born and reared in this County.

To Mr. and Mrs. Deppe two children have been born, Hilda Clara, born September 4, 1904, who is attending the rural schools in the community, and Raymond Huldrich, born October 5, 1908.

Mr. Deppe is an independent thinker and he prefers to vote for the men whom he deems best fitted for the office sought, consequently advocates no special party in politics. He and his family are members of the German Reformed Church in Independence Township.

By energy, honest dealings and perseverance Mr. Deppe has secured a competency, and his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Malaka Township is well improved and here he carries on general farming successfully and an excellent grade of live stock may always be found about his fields. He has a pleasant home and good out buildings. Page 1139.

~ Diehl, George ~

Among the influential citizens of Baxter, Jasper County, the reader's attention is called to a brief review of the life work of George Diehl, who for over forty years was a resident of this locality, in fact, spent most of his life here, and although his career was not altogether one of smooth sailing, yet he could look back with satisfaction as he recalled the arduous toil performed, the many obstacles overcome and the victories won in his struggles to gain an independent position which he held, but those sturdy traits of his German and Yankee ancestors were inherited by him and exemplified in the determination and perseverance which always characterized him. The present day prosperity of this locality is largely indebted to the sturdy and indefatigable class of citizens of which the subject was a conspicuous example.

Mr. George Diehl was born in Oneida County, New York, April 24, 1859. He was the son of Julius and Elizabeth (Aultman) Diehl, the father born in Germany and the mother in New York. The former immigrated to America early in life, located in the State of New York and there met and married the subject's mother. They spent their early lives there and about a year after the closing of the Civil War they joined the tide of emigration to the West, locating in Malaka Township, Jasper County, Iowa, when their son George, of this review, was seven years of age. There they worked hard to get a start in the new country, and in due course of time had a good home and an excellent farm and there they still reside, the father now nearly eighty years of age.

He is a gentleman of splendid characteristics, industrious, honorable and has long borne hip full share in the work of developing the interests of this locality.

To Mr. and Mrs. Julius Diehl ten children have been born, four sons and six daughters, namely: Mrs. Dora Riley lives in Des Moines; Mrs. Alice Butler lives in Newton; Mrs. Laura Von Hagen lives near Ira, this County; Mrs. Florence Petermeier and Mrs. Henrietta Butler both live at Newton; Mrs. Maggie Poole lives at Baxter; George, of this sketch; Nicodemus is a resident of the State of Kansas; Charles lives at Turner, Iowa; Harry lives with his parents on the old home farm in Malaka Township.

George Diehl grew to manhood on the home farm in Malaka Township and there assisted with the general work during the crop seasons, attending the neighboring district schools. In 1899 he was married to Minnie Geise, who was born, reared and educated in Malaka Township, this County. She is the daughter of Henry and Louisa (Wegner) Geise, the father born in Germany in 1828, and the mother was also born in the fatherland, in 1829. They spent their childhood in that country, immigrating to America and located in Jasper County, Iowa, in pioneer days, residing at Newton the first two years. They came without capital, but being thrifty had a good home in later years and here they spent the remainder of their lives, both dying at Baxter, he in January 1907, she having preceded him to the grave in 1902, when seventy years of age. They were the parents of six children, named as follows: Mrs. Etta Shirk, of Iowa City; H. A. lives at Baxter, this County; Fred also resides there; Adolph lives on the home farm in Malaka Township; Minnie, wife of the subject of this sketch; Edward makes his home in Newton. To Mr. and Mrs. Diehl has been born one son, Harlan, whose birth occurred on January 28, 1905; he is attending school in Baxter.

Mr. Diehl was very successful in a business way. He followed farming until 1891, when he moved to Baxter and identified himself with the implement business, in which he continued, having built up a large and ever-growing trade with the towns and rural districts of the County, always carrying a full, up-to-date arid very carefully selected stock of farming machinery, automobiles, gas-engines, etc. He was the organizer of the Baxter Co-Operative Implement Company. He also owned a number of shares in the State Savings Bank of Baxter.

Mr. Diehl was a member of Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias. He served his second term on the town council in which he made his influence felt for the general good of the community. He died at Baxter on the 28th of December 1911, leaving his wife, child and many friends to mourn his departure. Page 1150.