Biographies

~ Kimberley, Frank ~

The life of Frank Kimberley, one of the best known stock men and agriculturists of Jasper County, has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the notably systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence and regard of all who have formed his acquaintance. In looking over the list of worthy citizens of this locality the biographer deems none more worthy of representation in a work of this nature than this honored representative of one of our esteemed pioneer families. He is a man of progressive ideas, plain and straightforward in his relations with his fellow men, obliging and unassuming, which accounts for his universal popularity.

Mr. Kimberley was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, December 20, 1864, and early in life he came with his parents to Jasper County and settled in Clear Creek Township, where he has continued to reside, his parents being among the early settlers of the County and among the best known of her citizens. He is the son of Isaiah and Mary Ann (Cleverly) Kimberley, both natives of England, the father born, in Coventry, April 14, 1824, and the mother in London, January 12, 1832. The father spent his early life in his native land and emigrated to the United States in 1841 and settled in New York City, where he remained a short time, thence went to Massachusetts, where he lived seven years, then returned to England, where he sojourned six months and returned to New York, and in 1854 he came to Allamakee County, Iowa, and lived there twelve years, removing to Jasper County in 1866 and has lived here ever since. His parents, John and Mary Ade, natives of England, spent their early lives there and there the mother died, the father immigrating to America and the older Kimberley died in Jasper County, Iowa at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Their only other living child besides Isaiah is Elijah, who lives in Nebraska, being now eighty-four years old. William Cleverly, father of Mary Ann Cleverly, a native of Coventry, England, also emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, and died here at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, Rebecca, a native of England, died when Mrs. Isaiah Kimberley was an infant.

To Isaiah Kimberley and wife were born fifteen children, eight of whom are still living, namely: Harriet Swalwell, born in Herkimer County, New York, June 1, 1852, lives in Clear Creek Township, this County; John, born in Herkimer County, New York, August 3, 1854, also lives in Clear Creek Township; the following seven were born in Allamakee County, Iowa: Ada Angelo, born November 30, 1856, of Maxwell, Iowa; Louisa Jane died when four years old; Ruth Pearson, born September 24, 1860, of Peoria, Iowa; William, born February 28, 1862, of Clear Creek Township; Frank, of this review; twins, a son and a daughter, born March 21, 1866, died in infancy; the six following were born in Jasper County, Iowa: Charles, born November 30, 1867, lives on the old home place in Clear Creek Township: George, born July 5, 1869, who was educated at Drake University, lives at Little Rock, Arkansas; twins, a son and daughter, born July 8, 1871, died in infancy; Stephen Isaiah, born August 29, 1873, died in infancy; Arthur, born October 10, 1874, died in Jasper County, August 26, 1893.

Isaiah Kimberley, through industry and good management, has secured a competency and he is the owner of one of the large farms of Clear Creek Township's choice land. He found a wild prairie when he came here and being without means he worked for some time for very low wages. He has taken a keen interest in the welfare of the community. On May 3, 1911, he and his faithful life companion celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

On March 4, 1894, occurred the marriage of Frank Kimberley and Nettie Bence, who was born in Grundy County, Iowa, December 8, 1875. Her parents, Francis and Mary Ann (Cunningham) Bence, the former a native of New York and the latter of Illinois, are residing at Collins, this County. There were six children in the Bence family, as follows: Elmer lives in Story County, where Mrs. Nellie Grouch also resides; Nettie, wife of Mr. Kimberley, of this review; Lillie died in early life; Lester lives in Bondurant, Iowa; Frank lives in Collins. These children were reared in Marshall County.

To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kimberley two sons have been born, Charles Wyatt, born December 29, 1895, is assisting in the care of the home farm, Leroy Francis, born August 10, 1898, died in April 1901.

Mr. Kimberley has been very successful in a business way, in fact he is one of the largest and best known farmers in central Iowa, and his persistent and straightforward efforts have brought a large measure of success which he deserves, having worked hard and dealt honestly with his fellow men. He and his brother John are the owners of over two thousand acres of choice land in various parts of Iowa, which they manage well and keep under a high state of cultivation. They are also extensive raisers of livestock. Mr. Kimberley, of this review, has one of the finest residences in this locality, modern, well furnished and attractive, and numerous substantial farm buildings on his place. He has every convenience. In his cozy home is to be found a good library and he keeps well informed on current topics. His hospitable home is the frequent gathering place for the many friends of the family.

Politically, Mr. Kimberley is a Democrat. He was an active member of the board of education in his home district for a period of twenty years and he is treasurer of the district at the present time. Mrs. Kimberley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Clear Creek Township.

The subject and his brother, mentioned above, secured their start by selling imported horses in this territory. They are among the heaviest horse buyers in this section of Iowa, and are widely known as horsemen, there being no better judge of horses in the country than his brother, J. B. Their fine stock are always greatly admired by all who see them. Page 1148.

~ Kimberley, William ~

There could be no mote comprehensive history written of a community or County or even of a state and its people than that with 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 "prominent and progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has out-tripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has been consistent in his life work and never permitted the "grass to grow under his feet." one who, while advancing his own interests has not neglected his full duties to the general public, at the same time upholding an honored family name.

William Kimberley, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, February 28, 1862, and in 1866, when four years old, he came with his parents, Isaiah and Mary Ann (Cleverly) Kimberley a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and here he has continued to reside, having grown up on his father's farm which he worked during the crop seasons and attended the local schools.

On February 20, 1884, Mr. Kimberley was united in marriage with Mary Cleverly, who was born in Allamakee County, Iowa. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Jane (Owens) Cleverly, both born in England where they spent their early lives, were educated and married, emigrating subsequently to America and they are now living at the village of Collins, Jasper County, Iowa, where they are highly respected. Of their two children, the wife of the subject is the only one living, her brother being deceased.

Four sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. William Kimberley, named as follows: Arthur, born June 7, 1885: Mary, born September 10, 1886; John, born December 27, 1887; James, born November 4, 1892; Jadie, born January 14, 1895; Nettie, born February 3, 1899. These children were born on the farm where the parents first located, and, in fact, which has since been the family home. This place consists of five hundred and forty-four acres of choice land in Clear Creek Township, which Mr. Kimberley has placed under high-grade and up-to-date improvements and kept the soil scientifically tilled so that succeeding years have enhanced rather than depreciated its strength and value, in fact, it is a pleasure to look over his beautifully kept fields and his substantial and convenient group of farm buildings, including a modern, ample and well furnished residence, surrounded by gardens, orchards and everything that makes a rural life attractive, this home being one of the most attractive, desirable and tastily appointed in Jasper County.

In connection with general farming on a large scale, Mr. Kimberley has embarked in the shorthorn cattle business, and is obtaining some of the best strains purchasable, his fine herd attracting widespread attention. He is an excellent judge of livestock of all kinds and has always kept a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He has managed well and has accumulated a competency, large success having attended his efforts. He is the representative of one of the leading families of the County and his career has been such as to win the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Politically, Mr. Kimberley is a Democrat and while he has ever manifested the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, he has never been an aspirant for public leadership, being content to devote his attention to his large agricultural interests, knowing that to achieve the largest success in any line one must concentrate one's energies and refrain from diverting the mind in too many channels. Personally, he is a very pleasant gentleman and therefore makes friends without effort. Page 1126.

~ Kintz, Charles E. ~

One of the enterprising young farmers and stockmen of Clear Creek Township is Charles E. Kintz, who has been content to spend his life in his native community, rightly deciding that this favored section of the great Hawkeye State held as good if not better opportunities than any other in the Union. He is the representative of one of the old and well known families of Jasper County, members of which have figured more or less prominently in local affairs from the pioneer days and his record shows that he has been careful to keep untarnished the honored family name.

Mr. Kintz was born in the Township and on the farm where he now resides on March 2, 1877, his paternal grandfather, Joseph Kintz, having been the first settler in Clear Creek Township and, as intimated, from that time to this family has been well known here. He is the son of Commodore P. and Mary Ann (Thompson) Kintz, the father born in Summit County, Ohio, December 1, 1841, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio on April 4, 1844. The father came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1845 with his parents, Joseph and Mary (Walkerburger) Kintz, both natives of Pennsylvania. This family came to Jasper County, Iowa, before it was surveyed and here began life in true pioneer style, seventeen miles from their nearest neighbor, the grandfather entering one thousand acres near Clyde and there resided until his death. There were five children in his family, John W., Commodore P., Sarah Signs, Rebecca Buttinger and Susan.

The father of the subject was reared on the farm here and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and went to the front in the Western army, from which he was later discharged on account of disability. He was married on October 1863, to Mary Ann Thompson, she being one of a family of eleven children.

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Commodore P. Kintz, named as follows: Margaret Cool, born July 10, 1864, lives in Baxter; Sallie Downs, born October 10, 1866, of Clear Creek Township; Joseph W., born October 1, 1868, is deceased; Laura D., born October 24, 1870, is deceased; Mary E., born January 10, 1872, is deceased; Alta Gingles, born February 16, 1874, of Collins, Iowa; Charles E., of this review; Pearl M., born July 16, 1879; Mertie M. Shryock, born July 16, 1879, of Baxter; Carl C. and Cloe A., born November 8, 1882, were twins and are both deceased; Oley A., born July 27, 1885, lives in Des Moines.

Commodore P. Kintz became well established here and was the owner of considerable valuable property, including business places in Colfax and Collins and two hundred and seventy acres of choice land in Clear Creek Township. His death occurred in the town of Collins on April 5, 1908, and his widow still lives in Collins.

Charles E. Kintz, of this review, grew upon the home farm and was educated in the local schools, and with the exception of a few years spent in Minnesota and a short time in Dakota he has made the immediate vicinity of his birth his home.

Mr. Kintz was united in marriage on October 20, 1902, to Edith Selburg, who was born in Gibson City, Ford County, Illinois, on June 14, 1885. She is the daughter of August and Annie (Peterson) Selburg, the former dying in Hector, Minnesota, and the latter is living in Minneapolis. Their family consisted of ten children, seven of whom are living, namely: Gena Johnson, Albert, Mrs. Lena Giles, Nellie Larson, Mrs. Kintz, of this review, Herman and Mrs. Laura Hanson. The older members of this family were born in Illinois and the younger in Minnesota.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kintz one son, Commodore Perry Kintz, was born on April 30, 1904. Politically, Mr. Kintz is a Democrat and he has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Kintz is a young man of more than ordinary business ability and to him has fallen the burden of administering his father's large estate, which he has done in a very creditable manner to himself and satisfactorily to the other heirs. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stockman. He has a large herd of grade hogs and has the nucleus of an excellent herd of cattle, besides some of the best draft horses to be found in the Township. Page 1325

~ Kintz, Commodore P. ~

It would indeed be hard to find in the annals of Jasper County a name worthier or better known than that of the sterling pioneer, the late Commodore P. Kintz. If great and beneficial results, results that endure and bless mankind, are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the history of this or any locality that may take their places above the hardy pioneers? To point out the way, to make possible our present advancing civilization, its happy homes, its education, literature, culture and social joy, is to be the truly great benefactors of mankind for all time. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers, and it is granted by all that they builded wiser than they knew. Admit that as a rule but few ever realized in the dimmest way the transcendent possibilities that rested upon their shoulders, realizing but little the results that ultimately crowned their efforts; yet there exists the supreme fact that they followed their restless impulses, took their lives in their hands, penetrated the wilderness and with a patient energy, resolution and self-sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their allotted tasks, accomplished their destinies and today their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors. Mr. Kintz, being prominent among the honored pioneer element in the locality of which this history treats, achieved an incalculable amount of good, for he not only did what he could in the material development of the community, but he set an example for industry, integrity, unfailing honesty and kindness that is not frequently surpassed.

Mr. Kintz was born in Summit County, Ohio, December 1, 1841, the son of Joseph and Mary (Walkerburger) Kintz, the father born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1813, and the mother's birth also occurred in that state on May 2, 1812. They grew up and were married in their native State, and they emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, before it was surveyed, settling seventeen and one-half miles from their nearest neighbor, having driven horses from Ohio to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where they were exchanged for oxen. They made their entry into Jasper County in 1845 and entered one thousand acres of land from the government near the present village of Clyde and here they set to work establishing a new home, underwent all the hardships incident to pioneer life, but with courage and perseverance they set about the task and succeeded, finally becoming leading farmers of the County and here they spent the balance of their lives, both being now deceased. There were five children in their family, as follows: John W., who lives at Colfax, this County; Commodore P., of this review; Mrs. Sarah Signs, now deceased; Mrs. Rebecca Buttinger, of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County; Susan lives at Colfax.

Mr. Kintz, of this sketch, was four years old when his parents brought him to this County. Here he grew to manhood, assisted with the work of developing the homestead and here he was content to spend his life. When the great Civil War began he offered his services to the Federal government, enlisting at Clyde, this County, in August 1862, in the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and he made a very faithful soldier in the Western army, from which he was honorably discharged, he having been practically incapacitated for service, having been attacked with measles, later contracting a severe cold. He at once returned home and resumed farming as soon as able.

Mr. Kintz was married on October 7, 1863, to Mary Ann Thompson, who was born in Ohio, April 4, 1844, the daughter of William and Margaret (Morehead) Thompson, a prominent family who came to Jasper County, Iowa, in early days and became well established there. There were eleven children in the Thompson family.

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kintz, six of whom are living at this writing, all born in Clear Creek Township; they were named as follows: Mrs. Margaret Cool, born July 10, 1864, lives at Baxter, Iowa; Mrs. Sallie Downs, born October 10, 1866, lives in Clear Creek Township; Joseph W., born October 1, 1868, died at Fort Dodge, Iowa; Laura D., born October 24, 1870, died when nine years of age, in October 1879; Mary E., born January 10, 1872, is deceased; Mrs. Alta Gingles, born February 16, 1874, lives at the village of Collins, this County; Charles, born March 1, 1877, lives on the old home farm in Clear Creek Township; Pearl M., born July 16, 1879, is deceased; Mrs. Myrtie M. Shryock, born July 16, 1879, lives at Baxter, Iowa; Carl C. and Cloe A., twins, were born November 8, 1882, both dying in August the following year, the son on the 16th and the daughter on the 19th; Oley A., born July 27, 1885, was graduated from Drake University and is at present living in Des Moines.

In 1888 Mr. Kintz moved from the farm and turned his attention to the hotel business, first at Collins, then Rhodes, continuing thus until 1900.

Mr. Kintz was very successful in a business way and accumulated some splendid property and a competency, his estate, including a business house in Colfax, also one in Collins, together with a large, substantial and well furnished home in the latter town, and two hundred and seventy acres of choice, well-improved and productive land in Clear Creek Township, this County, also valuable land in South Dakota. In the early days the newcomers made the Kintz home their stopping place until they could locate and this name was one of the best known in this and adjoining counties.

The death of Commodore P. Kintz occurred on April 5, 1908, at his beautiful home in Collins, where Mrs. Kintz still resides. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church here, and he belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the local lodge conducting his funeral, which was one of the largest this part of the County ever saw, for he was popular with all classes, having been a kindly, generous, honest and hospitable gentleman who believed in scattering sunshine about him as he went through life. Page 1319.

~ Kintz, Oley A. ~

It is in such communities as that of which this historical and biographical work deals that full swing can be given to the energies of the individual. A man may choose any business or profession he desires, and he is limited only by competition. He must meet the skill of others and give as good service as they or he will not get the positions. Such adaptation to any work or business is well shown in the career of Oley A. Kintz, one of the best known and universally esteemed young men of Jasper County.

Mr. Kintz was born in Clear Creek Township, this County, July 27, 1885. When two years old he removed with his parents to the town of Collins. The family later moved to the village of Rhodes and in these two places the subject grew to manhood and attended the public schools, having graduated from the Collins High School. In 1901 he entered the Capital City Commercial College, completing the course there in 1902. He then entered Drake University, completing the course in pharmacy, taking additional work of two years in medicine and one in law. He made an excellent record in all these, and became exceptionally well equipped for the battle of life. Having taken considerable interest in athletics, he became coach, both football and track, for the West Des Moines High School team, and the following year he was coach for the Leander Clark College, and at the same time performed the duties of principal of the commercial department. The following year he entered the employ of the Modern Woodmen of America, as field man, and is continuing in the same at present, having given eminent satisfaction to all concerned in this important position and acquitting him- self in a manner that indicates him to be the possessor of splendid attributes of head and heart. He is considered one of the most capable, trustworthy and valuable field men of that organization. During the four years he was in college he made the football team each year. He was a member of the All-Iowa team for three of those years, and he enjoys the credit and distinction of being the best full-back that the state of Iowa has produced. The sporting editor of the Register and Leader, of Des Moines, stated in its Thanksgiving number that he possessed more natural ability than any member of a college team in this state. Mr. Kintz won seven gold medals in Iowa inter-collegiate meets. For two years he held the state record for hammer throwing, and in addition he was one of the best utility baseball players on any of the college teams.

Oley A. Kintz is the son of Commodore P. Kintz and wife, well known pioneer citizens of this County, a complete sketch of whom is to be found on another page of this work.

The subject of this sketch was married on June 6, 1906, to Dorothy Margaret Pringey, who was born in Atalissa, Muscatine County, Iowa, February 14, 1886. She moved to Des Moines with her parents when a small child and there she grew to womanhood and attended the public schools, later graduating from Capital Park school with the class of 1903. She afterwards attended the musical conservatory of Drake University, and made a splendid record there; she is a talented and accomplished pianist, and a young lady of culture and refinement. Her father, Charles Pringey, is engaged in the insurance business in Des Moines. Her grandfather Pringey, now advanced in years, is still hale and hearty and living at West Liberty, Iowa. The mother of Mrs. Kintz, who was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Hampton, is living at home in Des Moines. The maternal grandfather, Seth Hampton, resides at Atalissa, Iowa. Mrs. Kintz is the only child of her parents.

To Mr. and Mrs. Oley A. Kintz two sons have been born, namely: Elwood Pringey, born December 4, 1907, and Oley A., Jr., born July 24, 1911, both born in Des Moines.

Politically, Mr. Kintz is an independent voter, preferring to cast his ballot for the candidates whom he deems most worthy of the positions sought, rather than for the party. He is prominent and active in fraternal circles, holding membership in Amity Lodge No. 361, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Collins; Capital Lodge No. 110, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Des Moines; Corinthian Chapter No. 14, of Des Moines; Temple Commandery No.4; Tabernacle Perfection; Emanuel Chapter, Rose Croix; Knights of Kodosh, No.3; Des Moines Consistory; Za-ga-zig Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, all of Des Moines. He is also a member of the U. S. Grant Camp No. 298, Modern Woodmen of America, of Des Moines, also the Yeoman, and the United Commercial Travelers No. 115, of Des Moines.

While Mr. Kintz is a native of Jasper County and spends considerable time here, he maintains his home at Twelfth and High streets in Des Moines. Personally, he is a genial, companionable gentleman whom to know is to trust and admire. Page 1294.

~ Kitchel, Ed M. ~

We find a man of unswerving enterprise and courage that halts at no obstacle in Ed M. Kitchel, one of the well known citizens of Clear Creek Township, and we are always glad to give such as he just notice, for when a man faces the world courageously and honestly wins in the face of opposition his example is worthy of emulation by others.

Mr. Kitchel was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, on April 8, 1875, and here he grew to manhood, was educated in. the common schools and has followed the general occupation of this community, farming. He is the son of Prince Albert Kitchel and Lusetta (Roberts) Kitchel, the father born in Michigan on February 9, 1837, and the mother in Ohio on March 9, 1841, and they now make their home in Collins, Iowa. The father is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in which he served his country gallantly for a period of four and one-half years, after which he received an honorable discharge. He came to Iowa first in 1848, in pioneer times, and it was in 1869 that he moved to Jasper County. The mother of the subject of this sketch was one of the earliest settlers of Jasper County, having come here in 1853. She had a daughter by a former marriage, who is now deceased. The children by the second union, all of whom were born in Clear Creek Township, this County, and all still living, are: Mrs. Gertrude Darling, born January 1, 1870, is living at Rhodes, Iowa; Mrs. Laura Jackson, born March 8, 1872, lives in Forest City, Iowa; Ed M., of this review; Mrs. Kate Stevens, born March 27, 1877, lives near Britt, Iowa; Warren A., born November 8, 1880, is living on the old home farm in Clear Creek Township.

Ed M. Kitchel was married on January 13, 1895, to Stella Dodd, who was born in Jasper County, Iowa, March 23, 1871. She is the daughter of Charles E. and Elizabeth (Kuhns) Dodd, the father born near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1841, and the mother born in Ohio in 1846. The father came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1854 and was reared here, and in 1884 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Collins Township, Story County, where he still resides. The mother came to this county in 1855 with her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Dodd thirteen children were born, nine of whom died in infancy; those living are Ulysses of Collins Township, Story County, Iowa; John, Dennis, Stella, wife of the subject; Milo, Edward, Horace and Creed; they all live in Collins Township with the exception of Milo, whose home is in northeastern Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kitchel five children have been born, namely: Mildred, born June 6, 1896, is deceased; Warren, born in January 1898; Gladys, born December 25, 1900; Fay, born July 23, 1907; Gwendolyn, born July 18, 1911.

Politically, Mr. Kitchel is a Republican and, fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America of Collins, Iowa. Mrs. Kitchel is a member of the Christian Church of Collins.

Mr. Kitchel cultivates very successfully and scientifically eighty acres of good land in Collins Township and he has a good home. Page 1330

~ Kitchel, Warren ~

One of the most active and successful of the young native farmers of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, is Warren A. Kitchel, and, judging from his past record, the future holds much in store for him, for he belongs to that class of men who believe in carving out their own fortunes, laying their own plans and doing their own work, never waiting for fortune to come to them or for someone else to perform their tasks.

Warren A. Kitchel was born on May 8, 1880, in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, on the farm on which he still resides and there he grew to maturity and began working when but a small boy. During the winter months he attended the neighboring schools. He resided north of Collins three years, in Rhodes one year and six months and two years in Collins, the remainder of his life being spent on the home farm, which he purchased in 1910. It consists of eighty acres and lies in Clear Creek Township, and on March 1, 1911, he moved thereto and he is placing it under excellent improvements and proving his ability at building up the soil.

Warren A. Kitchel is the son of Albert and Lusetta (Roberts) Kitchel, the father born in Michigan, February 9, 1837, and the mother in Ohio in 1842, and they grew up and received such education as they could in the pioneer schools of their respective communities. Immigrating to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1853. Among the early settlers, they were married here and here they worked hard to develop a farm in the new country and they are still living at Collins. There were six children in the Kitchel family, including a half sister, now deceased: Mrs. Gertrude Darling was born January 1, 1870, and is living in Rhodes, Iowa; Mrs. Laura Jackson, born March 8, 1872, is living in Forest City, Iowa; Ed was born April 8, 1875, and is living in Collins Township, Story County; Mrs. Kate Stevens, born March 27, 1877, is living near Pratt, Iowa; Warren A., of this sketch, is the youngest. They were all reared in Clear Creek Township, and here attended the common schools.

The father, Albert Kitchel, was a soldier in the Union army, having enlisted from Minnesota.

Warren A. Kitchel was married on February 11, 1903, to Ella Graef, who was born in Newton, Iowa, January 15, 1879, and she was reared in Story County. She is the daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Walker) Graef, the father born in Germany, from which country he immigrated to the United States located in Story County, Iowa, and died there on February 7, 1910. The mother, who was born in Ohio, is living in Collins, Iowa. One brother, Fred Graef, who was born in Story County in September 1868, is living near Riceville, Iowa.

Politically, Mr. Kitchel is a Republican and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Collins. Mrs. Kitchel belongs to the Christian Church at Collins. Page 1022

~ Kline, William Manuel ~

Though a native of the Sucker State, William Manuel Kline, farmer of Independence Township, Jasper County, has spent practically all his life in Iowa, where he has met with encouraging success all along the line, but he would have succeeded, no doubt, just as well had he continued to live in his native state, for he has the natural elements of success, industry, persistence and patience, without which little is done no matter how favorable the environments are in which one finds himself.

Mr. William Manuel Kline was born in Ogle County, Illinois, May 25, 1854, and when six weeks old his parents brought him to Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, where he grew up and has been a continuous resident to the present time. He is the son of Henry and Catherine (Weishaar) Kline, the father born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Ohio. They came to this locality in the early days of its history and here became fairly well established, clearing and developing a good farm and here they spent the rest of their lives, both dying in Clear Creek Township, the father in 1864 and the mother in October 1889. Their family consisted of three children, of whom, William M., of this sketch, was the eldest; the next in order of birth was Mrs. Rachael Corninger, who was born February 28, 1856, is living in Boone, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Axey C. Downing, born August 16, 1858, died April 9, 1883; the two latter were born in Clear Creek Township, this county, and all were reared here, attending the old log schoolhouses. Their parents endured all the privations of pioneer life.

William M. Kline knew what hard work was when but a boy, for he grew up in a new country where the wild native soil had to be developed, but he has made a success as a general farmer and is now the owner of a well improved farm of sixty acres in Independence Township, on which is to be seen a new dwelling and all up-to-date improvements.

Mr. Kline was married on August 22, 1898, to Elva Jones, who was born in Ohio, November 29, 1872, being the daughter of James and Mary Ann (Conrad) Jones, both born in Ohio. The mother is now deceased, having passed away in 1910, and the father is a resident of Oklahoma. Ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. James Jones, namely: Maggie, Alpha, Elva (wife of Mr. Kline), Elnora, Maude, Charlie, William, Elmer, John and Howard.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kline have been born five children, namely: Bryan Peter, born August 5, 1899; Donald Towne, born February 3, 1901; Axey Elnora, born February 12, 1902; Mary Ann, born September 8, 1905; Minnie, born November 19, 1907. They were all born in Clear Creek Township.

Politically, Mr. Kline is a Democrat, and he takes much interest in the welfare of the community in general; he is especially interested in educational affairs, and he moved to Independence Township on March 1, 1911, in order to secure better educational facilities for his children. Page 1205