Biographies

~ Hager, August ~

It is almost unnecessary at this time to speak of the part played by European aliens, many of them exiles, in the up building of this nation. They thronged our shores on the Atlantic prior to the Revolution; the stream grew larger and more constant at its close, and they have continued to come in ever increasing numbers. We have always plenty of room for them and they pay us back manifold by their industrious and frugal lives and by their contributions to the prosperity of almost every section of the national union.

One of the worthy sons of the old fatherland who has become one of Jasper County's progressive citizens is August Hager, well-known mill operator of Baxter. He was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, September 5, 1875, and there he grew to maturity and received his education in the common schools. He is the son of Herman and Sophia (Stock) Hager, both natives of Germany, the father having died in that country several years ago, but the mother is still living in the old country. Five children were born to them, namely: Herman lives in Germany; Fred, who is president of the State Savings Bank of Baxter, was born November 29, 1863, and he is one of the leading business men of this vicinity; Lena Stocking lives in Germany; Lena Einsmeyer is also still a resident of her native land; August of this sketch is the youngest.

August Hager emigrated to America in 1894 and located at Baxter, Iowa, and entered the employ of his brother in the local flouring mill, and with the exception of six months spent in farm work he has continued in this business to the present time, having bought the mill from his brother in 1902, Henry Noah being an equal partner from July 1902. This is one of the best known and most popular mills in the County and has a wide and ever growing patronage, for high grade work is done here at all times and every caution is observed in order to please and give honest service. It is equipped with the most up-to-date and best approved machinery and is properly prepared in every respect to turn out the best material promptly. The products are eagerly sought for all over the country and the mill is usually run at its full capacity, seventy barrels daily, many carloads being shipped to various localities.

On April 6, 1904, August Hager was married to Carrie Kracht, who was born in Independence Township, Jasper County, Iowa, August 9, 1878. She is the daughter of Adolph and Wilhelmina (Begemann) Kracht, both born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, the father on June 29, 1841, and the mother on December 7, 1847. They grew up, were educated and married in the fatherland, and came to Iowa in early life and they now live retired in Baxter, having secured a competency. There were eleven children in their family. The two eldest, Henry and. Matilda, died in infancy; Fred, born in Wisconsin, December 19, 1873, lives in Baxter; William died when eight years old; Lydia, born December 5, 1879, lives in Baxter; Carrie, wife of Mr. Hager of this review; Elvina Wintermeier lives in Independence Township, this County; Adolph, born March 2, 1884, lives in Baxter; Emma, born December 13, 1884, lives in Baxter; Anna, born November 13, 1887, also lives in Baxter.

Politically, Mr. Hager is a Democrat. He is a member of the German Reformed Church of Independence Township. He has always been a student of the world's best literature and of the current topics of the times. He has led a commendable life since coming among us and has made a host of friends who admire him for his business ability, his progressiveness and honesty. Page 1124.

~Hager, Fred ~

Upon the roll of representative citizens and prominent and influential businessmen of Jasper County consistently appears the name of Fred Hager, the able president of the State Savings Bank of Baxter. He is one of those sturdy spirits who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the locality in which he resides, representing that class of earnest, foreign-born citizens who have done so much for the development of the United States, while at the same time they have benefited themselves in a very material manner. He has been a resident of Independence Township for many years, during which time he has gradually won his way into the affections of the people for he possesses those sterling qualities of character which commend them selves to persons of intelligence and the highest morality, so it is no wonder that he has achieved so high a position in the general estimation of all who have come in touch with him.

Mr. Hager was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, on November 29, 1864, and there he grew to maturity and attended the common schools. Leaving his native land in 1882, he emigrated to free America, landing on our shores, "a youth to fortune and to fame unknown." He came directly to Jasper County, Iowa, and has been a resident here ever since, taking an active and important interest in the development of the same, which has been note-worthy and remarkable, considering the fact that it was not so very many years ago that this locality was a wild plain. Mr. Hager's rise has been rapid, as the steps from a farm laborer to bank president forcibly illustrate; this, too, secured through avenues of industry and integrity is the highest tribute that can be paid to him by his fellow men. He is the son of Herman and Sophia (Stock) Hager, both born, reared, educated and married in Germany, and there the father died, the mother being still a resident of the province of her nativity. They were the parents of five children, namely: Herman is living in Germany; Fred, of this review; Lena Stoelting and Minnie Einsmeyer both live in Germany; August lives in Baxter, Iowa.

Mr. Hager, of this review, was married on December 7, 1899, to Clara Harre, who was born in Jasper County, Iowa. She is a lady of many praise-worthy qualities and has long been a social favorite. She is the daughter of Fred and Wilhelmina (Mierkert) Harre, a prominent pioneer family of Jasper County, the father being now deceased, but the mother is living in Baxter, Iowa. Their family consisted of eight children, all of whom are still living; they are, Mrs. Kracht, of Baxter, this County; Fred lives near Kearney, Nebraska; Paulina Geise, of Malaka Township; Otto lives in Marshall County; Albert is agent of the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company at Waverly, Iowa; Mattie Kanne lives in Malaka Township; Clara, wife of Mr. Hager, of this review; William lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Mr. Hager came to Baxter, Iowa, in 1882 and was for some time employed by his cousins, the Hager Brothers, as a farm hand. By industry and economy he was, after some time, enabled to start in business for himself, and, by close application and wise discretion, coupled with untiring energy and rare discernment he prospered continuously. He finally entered the banking business, in which he showed such aptitude that he was honored with the vice-presidency of the State Savings Bank at Baxter, upon the reorganization of which he was chosen president, which position he continues to hold in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability and to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders and the patrons of the bank. It is safe to say, that the widespread popularity and growing prosperity of this well known, safe and sound institution has been due in no small degree to his ability as a financier and his scrupulous honesty in every relation of life. The capital stock of this bank is thirty thousand dollars and the surplus for 1911 will amount to ten thousand dollars. The corporation owns two buildings in Baxter and the present home of the institution is modern, substantial, convenient and equipped in an up-to-date manner.

Besides his interest in this bank, Mr. Hager is the owner of six hundred and forty acres near Garnduff, Saskatchewan, Canada; also one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Douglas County, Washington, and one hundred and sixty acres in Chavez County, New Mexico. He owns a commodious and beautiful home in Baxter.

Politically, Mr. Hager is a Democrat. He has been a member of the town council for two terms and Township Clerk for four years, also Township Trustee for three years. His bank is custodian of the school, Township and road funds. Many a poor young man has been assisted through Mr. Hager's largeness of heart, for, having once been a poor boy himself, he has a great deal of sympathy for those worthy youths who need assistance at the threshold of life. Personally, he is a genial, companionable and public-spirited gentleman, whom to know is to admire and respect. He and his wife are worthy members and liberal supporters of the German Reformed Church. They have no children, but have not withheld their aid and encouragement from the children of their neighbors and friends, and as a result of their many estimable qualities of head and heart, they are held in high esteem by all who know them. Page 1317.

~ Hager, Gustav A. ~

Improvement and progress may well be said to form the keynote of the character of Gustav A. Hager, well known merchant of Baxter and one of Jasper County's representative citizens, and he has not only been interested in the work of advancement of individual affairs, but his influence is felt in the up building of the community which has so long been honored by his citizenship. The prosperity, which he enjoys, is the result of energy rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities.

Mr. Gustav A. Hager was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, April 14, 1865. He is the son of Simon Hager, who was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, in 1823, in which locality was also born, on August 18, 1827, the mother of the subject, she being known in her maidenhood as Minnie Dalbameier. There they grew up and were married, coming to the United States in early life and spending their last days in Jasper County, Iowa, the father dying in Independence Township in 1876 and the mother on September 21, 1895. There were seven children in their family as follows: William, born January 23, 1857, is living in Baxter, Iowa; Lizzie is the wife of H. A. Geise, of Independence Township; George T., born September 11, 1860, of Baxter; L. A., born December 4, 1864, died in Santa Barbara, California, September 20, 1909. Gustav A., of this review; Helen died in infancy; Lydia, born in Jasper County on December 2, 1875, lives in Santa Barbara, California.

Gustav A. Hager was educated in the common schools and early in life turned his attention to business and has been very successful, being now a member of the well known firm of Hager Brothers, dealers in pianos and organs at Baxter, this County. They maintain a neat and well-ordered store, carrying a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock of instruments and enjoy an extensive and constantly growing patronage with the surrounding country. They have long been regarded as among the most progressive merchants of this thriving little city and have been among its most successful firms.

Mr. Hager has a modern and well-furnished home in Baxter. Politically, he is a Republican and a member of the German Reformed Church of this Township.

Mr. Hager was married on March 13, 1895, to Mary L. Crawford, who was born in Leesburg, Indiana, February 18, 1872, and this union has been graced by the birth of one child, Raymond Gustav Hager, born November 6, 1898, a promising lad, now attending school at Baxter.

Mrs. Hager is the daughter of W. J. Crawford, who, after a long and useful life, is now living retired in this County. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, November 2, 1836, the son of Lloyd and Eliza (Culbertson) Crawford, both natives of Ohio, from which state they moved to Illinois when their son. W. J., was a boy, the family later moving to Indiana and in 1884 came to Jasper County, Iowa, locating at Ira where the father engaged in general merchandising until 1899 when he retired. On July 7, 1871, W.J. Crawford was united in marriage, with Mary Armsworth, who was born in Leesburg, Indiana, December 23, 1854, the daughter of Willis and Ann (Clifton) Armsworth, the father born in Illinois and the mother in Ohio; they came to Iowa later in life, locating in Jasper County, the father dying in 1865 and the mother in 1898. Mrs. Crawford was one of a family of three daughters, the others being, Mrs. Martha Boggess and Mrs. Ann Rippey, both deceased. Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crawford: Mary L, wife of Mr. Hager of this sketch; Clara, born January 17, 1873, married J. H. Crawford, a resident of Independence Township; and Mrs. Anna Bossout, born January 11, 1875, and living at Fraser, Iowa.

W. J. Crawford was for years one of our leading business men, having been engaged for the most part in handling lumber, finally investing his savings in bank stocks and other securities and is now enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil, and is one of the honored citizens of the town of Ira. Page 1165.

~ Haines, Edwin S. ~

The record of Edwin S. Haines, of Sully, Jasper County, is one that indicates that he has tried to do his duty in all life's relations in a faithful, honorable manner, which has resulted in a comfortable income since he started in life for himself and. also in winning the confidence and good will of his wide circle of acquaintances.

Edwin S. Haines was born in this County on May 11, 1869, the son of Timothy and Eliza (Van Voorhis) Haines. The paternal grandparents, Edwin and Rebecca Haines, who were natives of Ohio, moved to Indiana in an early day, and in 1872 came to Iowa and located in Jasper County, and here spent their last years. The father of the subject was reared in Indiana and when he was only sixteen years of age enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served very creditably for twenty-one months when he was discharged for disability. He was in a number of hard-fought engagements and saw considerable hard service. After he returned home from the army he came to Jasper County in 1864 to recuperate from the effects of his service in the army; two of his uncles had located here and were doing well. He liked the new country and saw that it had a great future, so he decided to make his permanent home here, and soon purchased forty acres in Lynn Grove Township. To this he added from time to time until he owned one hundred and sixty acres, which he later sold, and, retiring from active life, moved to sully. His death occurred on March 27, 1909; his widow is still living, being now sixty-seven years of age. Timothy Haines was a Republican, but no politician, preferring to lead a quiet, retired life. He was a member of the Methodist Church, to which Mrs. Haines also, belongs. Their family consisted of nine children, one of whom died in infancy; the other eight are still living. Mr. Haines started life here as a pioneer and it was some time before he was comfortably situated. The effects of his service in the army rendered him an invalid later in life and he did not work after 1881.

Edwin S. Haines, of this review, grew up on the home farm and assisted with the work on the place when a mere boy. He received his education in the public schools of his native community, but being the oldest son, he had more work to do than the other children. As a young man he engaged in farming, later ran a livery barn and a restaurant. On August 1, 1906, he began carrying the mail on route No. I out of the town of Sully and he has discharged his duties in this connection very acceptably and faithfully. He owns thirty-four acres of valuable land, eight acres of which is within the corporate limits of Sully. It is very productive and valuable land and he raises a variety of products on it from year to year. He built a modern, substantial residence on his land here and is very well fixed.

Politically, he is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church.

Mr. Haines was married on March 15, 1892, to Laura Shafer, a native of Jasper County and the daughter of Asahel and Nancy Shafer, old settlers here from West Virginia and Illinois. He came to Iowa in 1858 and the mother came with her parents. They first moved from Illinois to Ohio, then to Marion County, Iowa, locating near the town of Pella, and there the parents of Mrs. Haines were married. They now live near New Sharon, Iowa. They have spent their lives on a farm. Their family consisted of four children, all of whom are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Haines have been born four children, namely: Myrtle, Harry, Walter and Tracy. Page 790.

~Haley, Daniel ~

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by .the many obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping-stones to higher things and at the same time that he was winning his way in the material affairs of life gained a reputation for uprightness and honor.

Mr. Haley was born at Benson, Vermont, August 15, 1848, the son of Patrick and Bridget (Foley) Haley, both born in Ireland, where they grew tip and from which country they emigrated to the United States in early life, established a good home in Vermont and both died there. Their family consisted of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, the sons all soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War; these children were named as follows: Mrs. Margaret Logan, deceased; Mrs. Catherine Gilligan, deceased; Thomas was shot and killed in the army by a sharpshooter while in the act of writing a letter to his wife; Mrs. Hannah Elliott, deceased; Mrs. Bridget Landers, deceased; Edward was shot in the battle of the Wilderness, was captured and died in Libby prison; Mrs. Mary Elliott lives in Moline, Illinois; James died at the soldiers' home at Tilton, New Hampshire; John's residence is unknown; Daniel, of this sketch, is the youngest.

The record of the subject as a soldier is one of which his family may well be proud. He enlisted in Company I, Seventeenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, March 31, 1864, and he served with much credit until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge, having been only fifteen years and eight months old at the time of his enlistment, but he went through it all with the courage of a veteran. He was at the capture of the Weldon Railroad, and the Battles of Poplar Grove, Hatcher's Run, Siege of Petersburg and Richmond and was present at the surrender of Appomattox, April 9, 1865. After being honorably discharged he returned home and took up farming for a livelihood, and later came to Jasper County, Iowa, where he has become one of our leading farmers, now owning three hundred and forty acres of well improved and productive land in Clear Creek Township, on which stand two good sets of buildings, and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser.

On October 23, 1876, Mr. Haley was united in marriage with Lovina E. Richmond, who was born in Clear Creek Township, this County, April 29, 1850. She is the oldest living settler, native born, in this county. She is the daughter of James and Lovisa (Logston) Richmond, the father born in Tennessee, December 6, 1814, and his death occurred in 1908; the mother was born in

Kentucky, March 18, 1823. They came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1848, being among the earliest pioneers here. After enduring the usual hardships incident to the life of a first settler, they became well established. Their family consisted of six sons and seven daughters, namely: William Jasper is deceased; Francis Marion lives in Carthage, Missouri; Mrs. Cordia J. Holtz is deceased; Mrs. Martha J. Loving is living at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; Louisa E., wife of Mr. Haley of this sketch; Mrs. Melissa C. Brown lives in Newton, Iowa; George W. lives in Kentucky; Andrew J. lives near Eugene, Oregon; Oliver P. is deceased; Mrs. Lutica A. Shattuck lives in Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Ava R. Holtz lives in Newton, Iowa; James M.lives in Chadron, Nebraska.

One son, Wilbert Ray, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haley, his birth having occurred on August 8, 1886, and he is living in Clear Creek Township. An adopted son, Frank Edward Haley, was born September 13, 1876, is residing in Banner county, Nebraska. There are four grandchildren.

Politically, Mr. Haley is a Republican. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is known to be a liberal, broad-minded gentleman, well liked by the entire community in which he has long made his home. Page 1269.

~Hall, A. W. ~

Of the able and enterprising business men of Colfax, none stands higher in the esteem of his contemporaries, or has shown more of business sagacity and capability in the management of affairs than has A. W. Hall, the record of whose success is briefly told below.

W. Hall was born at Junction, Louisa County, Iowa, on November 22, 1854, the son of James G. and Celeste A. (Miller) Hall. James G. Hall came to Louisa County, Iowa, in 1832, and the next year brought his wife and family from Crawfordsville, Indiana, and spent the remainder of his life on a Louisa County farm. His son, A. W., spent his boyhood in the usual pursuits of farm life, and in 1883 came to Colfax, where he has since resided. For nearly twenty years, until 1902, he was engaged in a general store, which did a thriving business, his partner being his brother, W. F. Hall, and the firm being known as Hall Brothers. Here Mr. Hall gained that business experience which has stood him in such good account in his later ventures. In 1912 he became, at the organization of the Fry Bottling Works, a partner in the company, is now the secretary and treasurer, and has since that time devoted his whole time to the company's affairs. This company deals in the celebrated Colfax mineral waters, which it bottles and ships all over the United States, their product bearing the brand "Fry's Pure Colfax Water," which is a guarantee of its purity and reliability. The sales of the company are each year steadily growing, and much credit is due to the enterprise of Mr. Hall and his associates, who have founded and built up this new business in Colfax. Mr. Hall's attention, directed to his share of the management of the plant and affairs, has contributed a large part to the success of the venture, for he is a thorough and competent man of affairs, with a brain which can not only conceive ideas, but which can execute the ideas conceived and carry them out fruition.

Mr. Hall married Ella Young, a native of Washington, Iowa. To this marriage five children have been born: Fred; J. N., a graduate of Grinnell College, now of Boston, Massachusetts; Harvey W., of Grinnell College; Dorothy Elizabeth and Marjory Celestia, now in school. Mr. Hall is much devoted to his wife and children, and has given to the latter the best advantage, which he could afford. Page 604.

~Hallam, Eathel Laurence ~

When one works with the persistency and courage, despite obstacles, that has characterized the career of Eathel Laurence Hallam, farmer of Kellogg Township, Jasper County, that one is very likely to reap rich rewards, for he has accomplished much, although a young man, having started in life for himself at an early period and closely applied himself to his chosen work.

Mr. Hallam was born in Jasper County, February 14, 1883. He is the son of Joseph M. Hallam, who was born in Illinois, March 9, 1860. He grew up and was educated in his native state, and devoted his earlier life to farming. In 1890 he came to Davenport, Iowa, and served three years on the street railway system. Leaving Davenport, he moved to Tama County, this State, where he engaged in the livery business until 1908, when became to Murphy, Buena Vista Township, Jasper County, and there he is still living, devoting his attention to farming. He married Anna Eliza Murphy, who was born in Jasper County, Iowa, October 22, 1861.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M.Hallam, three sons and one daughter, of whom Eathel Laurence, of this review, is the oldest in order of birth; the others are, Mattie, Elwood and Samuel.

Eathel L. Hallam, of this review, received a good education, having attended school in four different parts of Jasper County and also in Madison County. He spent considerable time in Colorado and other parts of the West, returning to Jasper County in 1909, and in the spring of 1910 he located on his present farm, which he is rapidly improving and placing under a high state of cultivation. It is located in section 27 and consists of sixty acres.

Mr. Hallam was married on December 24, 1893, to Daisy Holt, who was born in Madison County, Iowa, November 11, 1884. She is the daughter of Edward and Leona (Elsberry) Holt, the latter born in Madison County, this State. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Holt, four sons and three daughters, namely: Warner, Dora, Daisy (wife of Mr. Hallam), Ray, Jane, George and Val. To Mr. and Mrs. Hallam one child has been born, Joseph Laurence, whose birth occurred May 16, 1906.

Politically, Mr. Hallam is independent, and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Page 1303.

~ Hamilton, William F. M. D. ~

The medical profession of Jasper County has an able and worthy representative in the person of Dr. William F. Hamilton, of Baxter, whose success, while yet young in years, has won him a host of warm friends and admirers in the city and County and made him widely and favorably known among the representative medical men in this part of the state. There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than the self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work is the alleviation of suffering and the ministering of comfort to the afflicted, to the end that the span of human existence may be lengthened and a greater degree of satisfaction enjoyed during the remainder of their earthly sojourn. There is no standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured; their helpfulness is being limited only by the extent of their knowledge and skill, while their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that spring from the very source of life itself. Studying, experimenting, trying out new theories, each succeeding generation coming a little nearer the goal, a little farther along toward the city of Ease.

Dr. Hamilton was born in State Center Township, Marshall County, Iowa, August 11, 1882, but he has spent most of his life in Jasper County, whither his parents brought him when he was four years of age. He is the son of William Miller Hamilton, a native of Canada, who came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1886 and here became well established and highly esteemed, and here he spent the latter years of his life, dying at Newton at the age of seventy-three years. The Doctor's mother, known in her maidenhood as Laura J. Manley, was a native of Illinois and she is now making her home in Nevada, Iowa. There were five children in the Hamilton family, all of whom are living, namely: George, who lives at Kellogg, this County; Paul lives in Jasper County; Walter lives west of Baxter; Alfred maintains his home at Grinnell; William F., of this sketch, is the youngest.

Doctor Hamilton received his primary education in the rural schools of this County, the public school of Grinnell and the academy at Newton, later completing the four years' course at the Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, after which he turned his attention to teaching, which profession he followed with much success in the public schools at Cedar Falls. Believing that the medical profession held greater opportunities for one of his inclinations, he accordingly began to prepare himself for the same, and with this end in view spent a year in Northwestern University and four years in the University of Louisville Medical School, Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he was graduated in 1911, having made an excellent record, winning the admiration of both lecturer and colleague. Thus exceptionally well equipped for his chosen life work, he located at Baxter, Jasper County, Iowa, in the fall of the year of his graduation and here continues to practice, having a modern, well equipped office, and so far he has been very successful in all his work, winning the confidence and good will of the people of this locality, and his past success augurs for his future prominence in the medical world.

Doctor Hamilton won, in his earlier years, a worldwide reputation as an athlete, his interest being centered for the most part in foot racing, in which at one time he had no peer. In one of the meets he ran two hundred and twenty yards in twenty-one and two-fifths seconds, which became the world's record on a curved track. In the spring of 1906 he entered the western conference meet at Chicago, winning the one hundred yard and the two hundred yard dashes. In London, England, he ran on the relay team, which won for America the championship of the world. He was one of the fifteen athletes who were invited to an international meet in Paris, France. There he again distinguished himself, winning the one hundred meter and the two hundred meter dashes. He is the proud possessor of over one hundred medals, cups and prizes. In 1908 he had bestowed on him the title of National Champion.

Doctor Hamilton is a genial, obliging, cultured young man whom it is a pleasure to meet. He is essentially a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views and has the courage of his convictions on leading public issues of the day. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought in its various lines, and bring a man of scholarly tastes his acquaintance with the literature of the world is both general and profound, while his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at ease with all classes and conditions of people. Page 1112.

~Hammer, Dr. Marion R. ~

The life history of Dr. Marion R. Hammer, prominent citizen of Newton, Jasper County, is one of romance and tragedy. Born in this county, the son of very early settlers, his career has been one of strenuous action and full of human interest; but, being endowed with sterling qualities, he has successfully met and overcome many obstacles that would have defeated the purposes of others less courageous. Determining early in life to become a physician, he let nothing stand in the way of his ambition and after years of toil and self-sacrifice he attained the end sought for, becoming a successful practitioner, honored among his fellows. From this position he was stripped of all honors and subjected to such humiliation and disgrace as falls to the lot of a convict, then, to be pardoned by the governor, restored to citizenship, and again win back success and honor. He clearly belongs to that class of men made of the stuff that does not bend easily and who refuse to be downed by untoward circumstances, who, in fact, being natural fighters, thrive on opposition.

Doctor Hammer traces his ancestry back to Aaron Hammer, who was born in Celacia, Germany, from which country he immigrated to America in 1725, settling in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in which county his son Abraham was born in 1731. He adopted the Quaker religion and became a worker in that faith and the next three generations of Hammers adhered to the same. His son Isaac was born at Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina, in 1764, whither the father, Abraham, had emigrated with his family. Elisha, son of Isaac, was born in North Carolina, May 1, 1789, and at an early age moved with his parents to Tennessee, settling in Jefferson County. He was a miller and owned a mill on the historic stream of Lost creek. He was a minister of the Friends church. His family consisted of ten children, of whom, Jesse, the father of the subject was fourth in order of birth. In 1846 the Rev. Elisha Hammer sold his mill, loaded up his earthly belongings and drove overland to Iowa, bringing his wife and six sons, four of whom were married, and they brought their families, also two daughters. The Rev. Mr. Hammer came along, leaving but one member of the family in Tennessee. The Hammers wintered in Richland, Keokuk County, Iowa, where the father taught school. In the spring of 1847 Rev. Elijah Hammer came to Jasper County and settled in the neighborhood of Hammer's Grove and there he organized the Friends Church and became its first pastor, serving without pay, and there he continued to reside until his death, in 1847, and he was buried at Pleasant Plains. He was a useful man and accomplished much good wherever his lot was cast. He was a Whig and a strong Abolitionist.

Jesse Hammer, father of the Doctor, was born October 4, 1820 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. There he grew up, received what education he could in the rude schools of those early days and there he married, his wife dying in early life, leaving him with two sons. In 1846 he joined his father, who decided to leave that country since he was opposed to slavery and his views had been resented by his neighbors, and they all came to Iowa. He settled in Jasper County and was destined to become quite prominent and influential. Here he married Margaret W. Sparks, daughter of John R. Sparks, who owned a flour mill at Lynnville, of which mill Jesse Hammer later became miller, operating the same successfully for a number of years. He later became miller of Doctor Warren's mill near Oskaloosa. He was owner of two hundred acres of land in Newton Township. He was elected the first sheriff of Jasper County, but refused to serve. His marriage with Margaret Sparks was the first of record in this County. His brother Seth was the first recorder of the County, having been elected in 1846 or 1847; another brother, Elisha, was captain of Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, in the Civil War.

Jesse Hammer was married four times, his first wife having been a Miss Hackney, of Tennessee, and they were married in Jefferson County, Mr. Hammer's wedding suit having been cut out by Andrew Johnson, later President of the United States, who lived in the adjoining County. By his second wife, Margaret Sparks, was born Dr. Marion R. Hammer, of this sketch, he being their oldest child. In all, Jesse Hammer was the father of fourteen children. John R. Sparks, mentioned above, was not only known as the proprietor of the mill at Lynnville but he was also a large landowner, and at one time paid the largest tax of any one in Jasper County. He was prominent in the early industrial life of the County, having established the first flour mill, the first saw mill and the first carding mill in Jasper County, all being erected near Lynnville. Two sons of his, William Henry and Matthew T., uncles of the subject, were soldiers in the Civil War, having served in the Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; they were captured at Tunnel Hill in 1864 and incarcerated in Andersonville prison, where they died. The death of Jesse Hammer, father of the Doctor, occurred on September 2, 1873, at Richland, Iowa, whither he had gone on a visit.

Dr. Marion R. Hammer, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born January 26, 1853, about a quarter of a mile north of the Amboy schoolhouse in Kellogg Township. When he was eight years old his mother died, and his early education was neglected, in fact, at the age of fifteen he could scarcely read or write, but early in boyhood he had shown a preference for the medical profession and would not permit anything to turn him from his course, and he consulted with Dr. I. A. Hammer, a brother of his grandfather, as to the proper course to be pursued and was informed that he must obtain an education, so the boy set about to do so. Saving his earnings by working out on the farm, he attended school ten terms at Hazel Dell Academy and at Lynnville three terms. He also taught one term in the Lynnville Academy and three terms of public school in the County. In 1876-7 he entered the Iowa State University and took his first course in medicine. He studied assiduously and made a brilliant record in his studies, both in the academy and the university, and thus well equipped he began the practice of medicine at Adamson Grove in 1877. Later he located in Reasnor. In order to further fit himself for his calling, in 1880 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Joseph, Missouri, taking the prescribed course of medicine. Before he had finished there was a split in the faculty of that institution and a number of professors and students seceded and established the Northwestern Medical School. Of the seventy-seven students in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, more than fifty went with the new college. Doctor Hammer being one of the number and he graduated fourth in a class of twenty-seven on February 17, 1881. He was elected vice-president of the Alumni Association of the last-named institution. Following his graduation, he came to Newton, locating here in March 1881. In the spring of 1884 he went to Kingsley, Iowa, and taught in the schools there for three terms. He was first principal of these schools for one term. He was appointed professor of physiology of King College in Des Moines, which position he held for four years, and he lectured for two years on diseases of children in that college. In March 1881 he was graduated from the King Eclectic College. He taught the branch of physiology in the Newton College for seven or eight terms. As a teacher he gave the utmost satisfaction in all capacities.

On October 22, 1876, Doctor, Hammer was united in marriage with Mary Emma Dooley, the daughter of a Jasper County farmer, and to this union two children were born: Marion R., Jr., born August 22, 1878, is practicing law in Newton; Jesse Marion, born at Kingsley, October 18, 1884, is farming in Jasper County and is an optician.

In the year 1912 Doctor Hammer was so unfortunate as to become embroiled in a quarrel with a young man of Newton which resulted very disastrously, for a time checking his career, and bringing much sorrow into his life. Doctor Hammer's own story of the trouble follows: the two men in question met on the public square and after a few bitter words the Doctor's opponent struck him five times in quick succession, the fourth blow knocking him to his knees; while he was still on the sidewalk, the fifth blow knocked him into the street, some distance from the curbing. His opponent then followed him up and as he approached Doctor Hammer drew a sheathed knife from his pocket and struck him with the knife sheathed, but his assailant continued to rain blows upon the Doctor's head and shoulders. The latter's opponent was a much younger and larger man, twenty-eight years of age, six feet and one inch tall and weighing two hundred and forty pounds, while the Doctor was forty-eight years old and weighed but one hundred and fifty pounds at that time, and was but five feet seven inches in height. Believing that his life was in danger and not being able to cope with his opponent unassisted, he unsheathed his knife and cut him several times or until his assailant desisted from his attack. For this he was arrested, tried and convicted of attempted manslaughter, before Judge Bishop, who was appointed to hear the case and on Friday, March 1, 1912, was sentenced to serve three and one-half years in the penitentiary. The case was then appealed and was sustained by the upper court, and on April 22, 1902, he was taken to Fort Madison by Sheriff Hook and Deputy Agnew, who showed him every possible courtesy. During the first ten months of, his term in prison he was a messenger man or "lumper," and as such was allowed freedom to go to all parts of the penitentiary; the last twenty months he was gate-keeper at the lower gate and was outside the walls every day. His wife remained faithful during his trouble and never ceased in her efforts to work for his pardon.

A petition containing over three thousand names, being one-third of the voters of the County, was presented to the governor, together with petitions from persons from various states of the union to the number of four thousand. The latter names were secured through the editor of the Blue Grass Blade, the Rev. C. C. Moore, of Lexington, Kentucky, who interested himself in the case and espoused it. These seven thousand names were presented in a petition to the governor, asking for his release, and after the men who had been most interested in his prosecution and conviction had joined in the petition, the governor acted upon it, and on September 12, 1904, the Doctor's sentence was commuted to take effect on September 15th, three days later. He had received eight months off for good time. He came back to Newton on the same train, which had carried him to prison, reaching home on the 22nd of that month, just two years and six months after leaving home. When the train upon which he was returning arrived at the local station he was met by a delegation of five hundred persons, who tendered him an ovation, assuring him that they believed he had been wrongfully sentenced. On April 18, 1905, Doctor Hammer was restored to citizenship by the governor. The Doctor docs not believe that his case was properly handled by his attorney. After his return home he again took up the practice of medicine, in the same office in the Myers block, which he had retained during his absence; in fact, this has been his office since 1885. He has been very successful since his return home, enjoying a large and growing practice, and he has sent his son, M. R. Hammer, Jr., through Drake University. Doctor Hammer is independent of his practice, but he continues it because of his liking for the work. He owns a good farm near Kapple Station, as also does Mrs. Hammer. He has served as health officer of the city of Newton for two years, and he has been physician to the County jail for four years, all told; at the present time he is assistant physician to the County. He has been president and secretary of the Jasper County Eclectic Society of Physicians and Surgeons, and in 1910 he was elected vice-president of the Jasper County Medical Society. He was president of the Ringsley Medical Society and president of the Teachers Association of that institution. While confined at the state penitentiary he formed a medical society and was made its president. It consisted of five other physicians. At present he is a member of the Jasper County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is a demitted member of the Masonic order, Lebanon Lodge No. 127, at Lynnville, Iowa. He is also a demitted member of the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Pioneer Lodge, Des Moines Homesteaders. Politically, Doctor Hammer was reared a Republican, became a Democrat, afterwards embraced the Greenback theory, and later became a Populist, and is now a Socialist. He voted for Belva Lockwood for President, and is an ardent supporter of woman's suffrage. While he has always been an abolitionist, he is an uncompromising Confederate, and is in possession of the only Confederate flag in Jasper County. Religiously, he was reared a Quaker (Friend), became a Methodist, then a Universalist, later an infidel and now a confirmed atheist. Page 529.

~Hampton, Russell R. ~

One of the industrious young farmers of Independence Township is Russell R. Hampton, a native son of Jasper County, who has been content to spend the major part of his life here at home. He is known to be the possessor of excellent characteristics and has worthily upheld the dignity of an honored old family name. He was born in Clear Creek Township, this County, November 30, 1870, the son of William R. and Sarah Ann (Deeter) Hampton, the father, born in Kentucky and died in Gering, Nebraska, on December 5, 1904, at the age of seventy-five years; the mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in Nebraska on December 4, 1903. Their family was large, consisting of twelve children: A son and daughter died in infancy; four sons and six daughters grew to maturity. They are: Theodore lives in Juniata, Nebraska; Mrs. Cornelia Kimberly, born in Clear Creek Township, is living in Gering, Nebraska; Mrs. Caroline Hidy lives in Mapleton, Kansas; Dora Adeline died about fifteen years ago; Mrs. Ida Signs lives in Clear Creek Township; Mrs. Hulda Porter lives in Towanda, Kansas; Mrs. Jennie Hughes lives at Mapleton, Kansas; Commodore lives at Gering, Nebraska, where William also resides; Russell R., of this review; and Albert, of Gering, Nebraska. These children were all born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, their parents having been among the earliest settlers here, and, being hard workers, established a very comfortable home and became well known in this part of the County.

Russell R. Hampton spent his boyhood in Clear Creek Township, and in 1887 he moved with the family to western Nebraska where he grew to manhood and remained until 1909, the spring of which year he returned to Jasper County and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Independence Township where he at once took up farming and here he is meeting with excellent success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has made many modern improvements on the place, including convenient and substantial buildings.

Mr. Hampton was married on March 10, 1897, to Odessa Veach, who was born in Newton Township, this County, on February 23, 1878, and here she grew to womanhood and attended the local schools. She is the daughter of James and Martha (Callison) Veach, the father born in Indiana and the mother in Jasper County, Iowa, and here they both still reside. Their family consists of four children, Mrs. Hampton being the only daughter; the sons are, Shelby, born June 26, 1876, is living in Nebraska; James, born November 30, 1880, died May 23, 1906, Charles, born October 5, 1882, is living in western Nebraska. These children were all born in Newton Township, Jasper County, where their parents were pioneers. They have two photographs, groups, which are of historic note, of four living generations of Mrs. Hampton's paternal and material contemporaries.

One child, Leora Fern, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hampton, her birth occurring at Gering, Nebraska, July 25, 1903.

Politically, Mr. Hampton is independent, preferring to vote for the man whom he deems best qualified to discharge the duties of the office sought rather than for the party. He always takes a deep interest in local affairs, but has never aspired to leadership.

Mrs. Hampton is a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Page 1155.

~Hanke, Dallas ~

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as Dallas Hanke, one of Jasper County's honored native sons, whose energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled him to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily. He has met and overcome obstacles that would have discouraged many men of less determination and won for himself not only a comfortable competency, together with one of the very choice farms of this favored locality, but also a prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of the great Hawkeye commonwealth. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and consecutive effort can accomplish when directed and controlled by correct principles and high moral resolves, and no man is worthier of conspicuous mention in a volume of the province of the one at hand.

Mr. Hanke was born in Jasper County on November 25, 1870, the son of Edward and Margaret (Armour) Hanke, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and the father worked as a candy-maker in Philadelphia for some time. About forty-five years ago he came to Jasper County, Iowa, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kellogg Township, which he developed and on which he made his home for twenty-five years, when he rented his farm, moved to Kellogg, and there engaged in the hotel business for two years, and from there he moved to Stewart for about three years and then he came to Newton, where he lived about three or four years and then returned to his farm for two years and then went to Philadelphia, where he engaged in the grocery and oil business. There his death occurred about fifteen years ago at the age of sixty years. He was familiar with the oil business, having been engaged in that for some time in Pennsylvania. After his death his widow remarried, her last husband being John Ashley, and they are living in Newton, Iowa.

Dallas Hanke was the youngest child in a family of four children, namely: John is engaged in farming east of Newton; George died in Pennsylvania in very early life; Dena married James Hunter, a machinist, and they are living in Des Moines. By her second marriage Mrs. Hanke has no children.

Dallas Hanke received his schooling in the district school in Kellogg Township and also attended school some in Newton. He started in life for himself when twelve years of age and when twenty years old he began farming for himself. He purchased eighty acres of land in Newton Township when he was twenty-one years old and this he farmed for sixteen years, when he sold it together with another eighty, which he had added to it. This was in 1907. He then bought the place he now owns and put up a fine, modern residence. His splendid farm here consists of two hundred and five acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation, in fact, there is no more valuable or desirable farm in the County, and, considering the fact that he has made this fine property by his own efforts, he has a just cause to be proud of it. He has never depended upon anyone to do either his work or planning, and, having managed well and closely applied himself, his large success is the legitimate reward of energy well spent a life honorably lived.

In 1892 Mr. Hanke was united in marriage with Mary Vincent, who was born at Metz, Iowa, the daughter of Platt and Alla (Hitchler) Vincent. Her parents were very early settlers at Metz. Mr. Vincent, who is now seventy years of age, has been a teacher in the public schools for a period of fifty years and is still engaged in the work, being one of the best known and popular educators of the County, his services having been in great demand, both his ability and character having been fully tested and found of the highest order. His wife died when the daughter, Mrs. Hanke, was three years of age. Mr. Vincent has remained faithful to his wife's memory and has never married again. His only other child, besides Mrs. Hanke, was a son, who died in infancy.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hanke five children have been born, as follows: Raymond, who is attending high school in Newton; Floy has just completed the graded schools; Alva attends school in Newton, as does also Merlo; Earl is a year old at this writing.

Mr. Hanke is a stanch Republican, and while he takes the interest of a good citizen in the affairs of his town and County, he is not a seeker after public honors. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Newton, as is also Mrs. Hanke, who is a cultured and affable lady, who, like her husband, has made a host of friends since moving here. Page 1006.

~Hans, George A. ~

Among the progressive German citizens of Jasper County whose labors have benefited alike themselves and the community in general the name of George A. Hans should be mentioned among the first in the list, for a glance at his well kept and highly improved place would indicate that he is a man of thrift and modern ideas; besides he is a man of splendid reputation for honesty and fair dealing, and his whole life is not given over to sordid money getting, the finer attributes of his nature making themselves manifest.

Mr. Hans was born April 12, 1864, in Jones County, Iowa, and he is the son of Andrew and Mary (Schwab) Hans, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1850, when he was nineteen years old; the voyage across the Atlantic required thirty-one days on that occasion. Landing in New York, he remained there several years, engaged in fishing and farming. Later he removed to Illinois, where he remained a year or two, then came to Iowa, buying forty acres in Jones County. Here he prospered by reason of untiring efforts along judicious lines and, adding to his place from time to time, he finally became the owner of four hundred acres and became one of the substantial and influential men of his vicinity. In 1893 he moved to Jasper County, Iowa, and bought two hundred and forty acres in section 24, Newton Township, and he there established a splendid home. He is now living retired at the advanced age of eighty-one years, living with his daughter at Nevada, Story County, this state. At the present time he owns eighty acres, formerly owned by his son, Andrew, Jr. His wife died in 1877; she was the mother of George A., of this review. The father subsequently married Malinda Hartman, who is now deceased. Four years ago Andrew Hans, Sr., made a trip to Germany, visiting his old home and relatives. While he lived in Jones County, his old mother came from Germany to visit him. He has been a good and useful man, doing much for the communities where he has lived and winning a host of friends by his kindness and genial ways.

George A. Hans, of this review, was one of a family of nine children, of whom Nettie, Mary, Henry, Carrie, Elmer and Eddie died before reaching maturity; Andrew died four years ago, leaving a wife and one child; he was a farmer in Newton Township; Amelia is with her father in Story County, as mentioned above; George A. was the fourth in order of birth.

The subject came to Jasper County with his father and here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 14, Newton Township. Selling this four years ago, he obtained possession of the farm his father bought in section 24 and here he has since resided, engaged very successfully in general farming and stock raising, becoming well known as a breeder of shorthorn cattle. He has a splendid farm, well improved and up-to-date. He has a commodious and elegantly furnished house and substantial outbuildings.

In 1889 Mr. Hans was united in marriage with Hattie Mitchell, who was born in Jones County, Iowa, February 6, 1868. She is the daughter of John and Harriet (Street) Mitchell, natives of Ohio, who moved to Jones County in an early day and there engaged successfully in farming, the father dying in 1902, at the age of sixty-seven years; the mother died in March, 1912, aged seventy-four years. Their family consisted of twelve children, named as follows: Francis lives in Oklahoma, where Peasley also resides; Tom lives in Jones County, Iowa; Mary married George Wherry, of Story County; Furby married Sigle Overholtz of Jones County; Emma is at home; Talbert is in business at Tipton, Iowa; Anna married Harvey Wherry, of Story County; Wilbur is in business at Tipton; Jerome lives on a farm in Jones County, engaged in business with Wilbur; Laurence lives at West Branch.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hans: Georgie, born September 24, 1891; Velma, born September 4, 1896, is attending Muncie high school and she has received a musical education; John, born January 12, 1898.

Mr. Hans is a member of the Yeomen lodge at Newton, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Newton. Politically, he is a Republican. Page 1016.