1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
G Croft |
L Croft |
Cross |
Davis |
Eckerman |
Escher |
Erickson |
Esbeck |
Esser |
Failenschmid |
Fedler |
Ferry
Click photo to enlarge
The career of the sturdy pioneers of Shelby county, Iowa, is always full
of interest, and in the history of the late George S. Croft, a substantial farmer
of this county, there is much which will be of interest to the present generation of the county where he made his home for so many years. Coming here
in 1878 he was actively identified with the history of the county until the
time of his death, April 21, 1914, and during those years was prominently
identified with every phase of his county's history. He belonged to that high
type of citizens who labored earnestly, not only for their own private advancement, but also for the general welfare of the community honored by their
residence, and is seems eminently fitting to include a brief summary of his
life in this history of his county.
The late George S. Croft was born in Ohio on May 28, 1846, and died
at his country home, in Shelby county, Iowa, April 21, 1914. He was the
son of George W. and Mary Magdalena (Sauer) Croft, both of whom were
natives of Germany. George W. Croft came to America when a young man
with his parents and grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, where he learned the
shoemaker's trade. In 1854 he moved to Iowa and located in Dubuque
county, where he farmed for a time. He then moved to Franklin county,
Iowa, and a short time later moved to Page county. In 1880 George W.
Croft came to Shelby county, and located in Douglas township, where he
retired from active farm life and made his home with his daughter, Mrs.
Hamlin, until his death, July 8, 1893. Eleven children were born to George
W. Croft and wife, and eight of them lived to maturity: Catherine, deceased;
John, deceased; Joseph; Betsey, deceased; Mary; Hannah; Nathan, deceased; and George S., deceased, who is the immediate subject of this brief
review.
George S. Croft received some of his education in the schools of Ohio,
although he attended school for a short time after coming to Iowa. He was
eight years of age when his parents located in this state and spent most of his
life after that here. He worked by the day on the farms in this county until
he was twenty-four years of age and then went to Wyoming, where he
worked in a store for a short time, and also in a logging camp. He spent
about three years in Wyoming and then returned to Iowa and bought sixty
acres of land in Page county, which he farmed until 1878. In that year he
disposed of his farm and came to Shelby county and bought the farm on
which his widow is now living. He first purchased forty acres, for which he
paid nine dollars an acre, and as he prospered from year to year, added to
this until he owned two hundred acres of excellent land at the time of his
death.
George S. Croft was married September 18, 1876, at Red Oak, Iowa,
to Alice Steel, the daughter of Eli and Mary (Austin) Steel, and to this
union eight children were born: Lloyd, Bertha, Ida, Lee, Roy, Nora, Louie
and Maurice. Lloyd married Anna Sick and has one daughter, Edna. Bertha
became the wife of Henry Stolley and has five children: Lenora, Leone, Lu,
George and Alice, twins. Ida married Joseph Stewart and has three children,
Curtis, Alice and George. Lee married Winnie Louis and has three children, Vera, Elwin and Everett George. Nora is the wife of Harry Kinsey
and has two children, Alice and Paul. Louie married Ora Worth and has
two children, Harold and Albert. Roy and Maurice, the other two children,
are still unmarried and at home.
The wife of George S. Croft was born in Lee county, Iowa, her father
being a native of Canada, his birth occurring there on September 29, 1824.
Her mother was born in New York, January 20, 1833. Eli Steel and his
wife came to Iowa early in the history of the state and located in Decatur
county, where he purchased eighty acres and lived until his death, May 16,
1870, his wife passing away July 4, 1884. Eli Steel went from Canada to
Pennsylvania, and from that state came to Iowa where he lived the remainder
of his life. Nine children were born to Eli Steel and wife: William J.,
George, Charles, Ida, Alice, Emma, Sophia, Frank and Nora.
George S. Croft was an active worker in the Republican party for many
years. He was secretary of the school board of his township for thirteen
years, township assessor for twelve years, county auditor for two terms (1903-1906), and also served as clerk of his township. In all of these official positions he gave careful and conscientious service to his fellow citizens, and was
for many years recognized as one of the leading men of his county.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 792 - 794.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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The Croft family have been residents of Shelby county, Iowa, since
1878, and during the years which have elapsed since that time they have
taken an active part in everything pertaining to the welfare of the county.
A worthy representative of this family is Lloyd C. Croft, a prosperous farmer of Douglas township, who is now serving as trustee of Douglas township. Mr. Croft belongs to that class of farmers who started at the foot of
the ladder and by their own industry, perseverance and integrity have accumulated farms of their own.
Lloyd C. Croft, the son of George S. and Alice (Steel) Croft, was born
in Page county, Iowa, October 28, 1877. He is one of eight children born
to his parents, the others being as follows: Bertha, Ida, Lee, Roy, Nora,
Louis, and Maurice. George S. Croft was born in Ohio May 26, 1846, and
died in Shelby county, Iowa, April 21, 1914. The reader is referred to the
history of George S. Croft, found elsewhere in this volume, for further information concerning the family.
Lloyd C. Croft was about one year old when his parents located in
Shelby county, Iowa, and all of his education was received in the schools of
Douglas township. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years of
age and then started farming for himself by renting a farm in Fairview
township. A year later he rented a farm in Polk township and then, after
his marriage in 1903, moved on his father's farm, where he managed the
home place of four hundred and forty acres for the next three years. He
then rented two hundred and forty acres for two years, after which he
bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Douglas township,
sections twenty-three and twenty-four. He has placed about five thousand
dollars' worth of improvements upon this farm since acquiring it and as a
result has one of the most attractive places in the township. He markets
each year about one hundred head of hogs and, two car loads of cattle and
has found by studious experience that stock raising is more profitable than
the raising of grain.
Mr. Croft was married January 14, 1903, to Anna K. Sick, the daughter
of John and Kate (Sibke) Sick. To this union has been born one daughter,
Edna May, born May 6, 1910.
Mrs. Croft was born in Scott county, Iowa, May 6, 1880, of German
parentage. Her father came to America when he was nineteen years of age
and her mother when she was five years old. They settled with their parents
in Scott county and there they met, married and lived for eleven years. In
1884 the Sick family came to Shelby county and bought a farm near Walnut,
where they lived for five years. They then moved to Fairview township and
bought a farm of two hundred and sixty-three acres, on which they lived
until 1908. In that year Mr. Sick retired and moved to Avoca, where he and
his wife are now living. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sick:
Henry, who married Emma Holtz; William, who married Bertha Pingee;
Lena, the wife of Herman Stephen; Augustus, who married Kate Ingerson;
John, who married Bertha Rock; Anna, the wife of Mr. Croft; Louis,
single; Amil, who married Alma Jipp; and two sons, Frank and Alfred, who
are still single.
Mr. Croft gives his unreserved support to the Republican party and has
been one of its leaders in local affairs for many years. At the present time
he is serving his third term of office as township trustee and is rendering his
fellow citizens efficient and faithful service in this capacity. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past master of his local
lodge at Harlan. Mr. Croft is a liberal and broad-minded farmer and makes
a deep study of his profession in consequence of which he had been exceedingly prosperous. His wholesome life has not been without great influence for
good, a fact made plainly evident by the high regard in which he is held by a
host of friends and neighbors.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1333 - 1335.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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Although nature affords excellent opportunities for the carrying on of
certain lines of labor in every locality, there is always demanded of every man
great industry and diligence if he succeeds in any business. Competition
makes him put forth his best efforts and it requires great care to conduct any
business enterprise along profitable lines. Farming is getting to he a business
proposition, and not the haphazard occupation which it once was. The
farmer now should be busy twelve months in the year if he wishes to be a
successful farmer. Even through the winter months he must prepare for the
labors of the year, and thus lay the foundation of his success. Yet the farmer
leads the most independent existence and always has the satisfaction of getting a "day off" whenever he desires. Shelby county, Iowa, has as fine farms
and excellent farmers as can be found anywhere in the state of Iowa, and
among these is William J. Cross, a prosperous young farmer of Union township, who, by the application of proper methods and close attention to his
business has won a place among the progressive farmers of his community.
William J. Cross, the son of John and Sabina (Smith) Cross, was born
in Grove township, Shelby county, Iowa, May 11, 1873. His parents were
both natives of England and were married in that country before coming to
America. When John Cross and his family first came to the United States,
they settled in New Jersey, where they lived for a number of years. John
Cross worked for different railroad companies throughout the United States
and traveled a great deal throughout the country. He lived in New Jersey
until he was about forty-five years old and then came to Shelby county, Iowa,
and located in Grove township. He had a yoke of oxen, which he traded for
twenty acres of land, and with this for a start he gradually increased his
land holdings until at one time he was the owner of two hundred and forty
acres of excellent farming land in Grove and Union townships, which later
he reduced to one hundred and sixty acres. He was one of the first pioneers
to settle in Grove township, and lived through all the hardships and discouragements which confronted the early pioneers of this county. He died
in April, 1912 and his widow is now living in Dow City, Iowa. John Cross
and wife were the parents of seven children: Viola, the wife of George
Kern; William J., with whom this narrative deals; Enos, who married Anna
Doser; Pearl, the wife of Harold Salsbury; Bessie, the wife of Ross Holcomb; Wave, single, and Ada, the wife of Lincoln Goddard.
William J. Cross received his education in the schools of Grove and
Union townships, and as a boy worked with his father on the farm during
his summer vacations. He continued to work on the home farm until his
marriage in 1909, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres in
Union township. He devotes practically all of his time and attention to the
raising of corn and hogs, and feeds his corn rather than sell it, annually marketing from fifty to one hundred head of hogs. He has found this a very
profitable adjunct to crop raising.
Mr. Cross was married March 17, 1909, to Lula Smith, the daughter
of William and Barbara Ellen (Robinson) Smith, and to this union have
been born three children: Lillian; William J. and Della I. Mrs. Cross's parents live in Harrison county on a large farm west of Dunlap, Iowa.
Politically, Mr. Cross is identified with the Republican party, but never
has had the inclination nor the time to take an active part in political matters.
Nevertheless he is interested in the great political issues of the day and votes
his convictions on the questions which confront the American people. He is
a loyal member of the church of the Latter-day Saints, to whose support he
contributes generously of his means. Mrs. Cross is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Cross is a man of keen intelligence, genial personality
and kindly disposition, and has many friends throughout this section of the
county who admire him for his many good qualities of head and heart.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1315 - 1317.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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The farmers and bankers of a country control the financial conditions.
It is the business of a bank not only to serve as a depository for the surplus money of the community, but also to negotiate loans and thus assist
in building up the various business enterprises of the communities they serve.
One of the soundest financial institutions of Shelby county is the Harlan
National Bank, which was established in 1896, and from the date of its organization it has been helpful in building up and extending the business of the farmers of Shelby county, as well as the many business men and individuals of the community. It is undoubtedly true that scores of business men and farmers can trace their prosperity to the time when assisted by this bank. The business of the bank has been particularly gratifying since its reorganization April 1, 1913, when it was chartered by the United States government as the Harlan National Bank. Before that time, it had been a private bank known as the Harlan Bank. On April 1, 1913, the comptroller of the currency of the United States government issued a charter to the Harlan National Bank, which authorized the bank to commence the business of banking as provided in section fifty-one hundred and sixty-nine of the Revised Statutes of the United States. The present officers of the bank are John E. Davis, president; Dr. James Bisgard, vice-president; Harry E. Lewis, cashier, and D. L. Shaw, assistant cashier. In addition to its commercial department, the bank has a savings department which has shown a steady and continuous growth since its establishment.
John E. Davis, the son of George W. and Sarah Jane (Cox) Davis, was
born March 4, 1864, on a farm in Mahaska county, Iowa. His father was
born in 1838 in Illinois, the son of Edward and Delilah (Sellers) Davis.
Edward Davis was a native of Kentucky, born in 1796 at Booneville, while
his wife was born in Virginia in 1801. Edward Davis moved to New Albany,
Indiana, after his marriage in 1828 and subsequently removed to Illinois.
In 1844, Edward Davis moved to Iowa and settled in Mahaska county, where
he lived the remainder of his days. Eight children were born to Edward
Davis and wife: Alexander, John, Jackson, Thomas, George, Jane, Anna and
one daughter who died in infancy. The Davis family originally came from
Virginia and were of Welsh descent.
George W. Davis grew to manhood in Mahaska county, Iowa, and married Sarah Jane Cox, who was born in Indiana in 1844. She came to Iowa
in 1850 when she was only six years of age, with her parents. George Davis
has been a farmer of Mahaska county all his life and now lives in Oskaloosa,
where he has resided since 1889. George W. Davis and wife are the parents
of four children, three of whom are living, John E., president of the Harlan
National Bank; Horatio S., of Freemont, Iowa, and Mrs. Grace Grattan, of
Wapello, Iowa.
John E. Davis was educated in the district schools of Mahaska county,
and later graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Oskaloosa
College in 1889. He then entered the State University at Iowa City, where
he was graduated from the law department and was admitted to the practice
in all the court of Iowa in 1891. While in college he took the English course,
and also specialized in mathematics. After graduating from the law school
and being admitted to the bar in 1891, Mr. Davis engaged in the abstract
business at Oskaloosa for a time. He was secretary of the Oskaloosa Building & Loan Association and conducted the abstract, business in connection
until 1908. He is also interested in mining engineering, as well as civil
engineering and served as city engineer of Oskaloosa for several years. In
1908, Mr. Davis first became identified with the banking business, and in May,
1910, had charge of the Sutton National Bank, of Sutton, Nebraska. On
January 31, 1913, he became president of the Harlan Bank, and continued in
this capacity until the bank was reorganized as the Harlan National Bank
on April 1st of the same year. Mr. Davis is thoroughly acquainted with
every detail of the banking business and has the confidence of the directors
of the institution, as well as the patrons of the bank. The best asset of a
bank is the confidence which it enjoys in its community, and this one word
is the keynote to the success which has been enjoyed by the Harlan National
Bank.
Mr. Davis was married September 29, 1898, to Laura A. Gunn, a native
of Oskaloosa, and the daughter of D. M. Gunn and wife. Politically, Mr.
Davis is a Democrat, but the only official position he has ever held is that of
city engineer of Oskaloosa. His extensive business interests have been such
as to preclude his taking an active part in political matters. However, he is
interested in good government and such measures as will promote it find in
him a hearty supporter. Fraternally, he is a member of Knights of Pythias
of Oskaloosa, and has always been interested in the work of this organization.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1108 - 1110.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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It is proper to judge of a man's success and status in life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in
his family circle, in his church, at his devotions, hear his views on public questions, observe the outcome of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of life and thus become competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his worth, because, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In this county there is nothing but good spoken of Jacob Eckerman, a prosperous merchant of Westphalia and a public-spirited citizen of his community.
Jacob Eckerman, the son of Louis and Wilhelmina (Dorneaden) Eckerman, was born July 7, 1872, in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. His father was
born, reared and married in Germany and came to this country several years after their marriage. They first settled in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and
five years later moved to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where they lived for twenty-seven years. In that county, Louis Eckerman purchased a farm of
two hundred and fifty acres and farmed as only German farmers can. He finally disposed of his farm in Wisconsin and came to Shelby county, Iowa,
and settled in Westphalia, where he lived until his death, December 7, 1909.
Jacob Eckerman was one of seven children born to his parents and received a good education in the Catholic schools of Wisconsin and later graduated from the high school in his immediate neighborhood. While attending school in the winter season as a youth, he spent his summer vacations, upon the farm assisting his father in the care of his large farm. After leaving the high school he continued to work upon the home farm until 1907 when he came to Westphalia, and purchased the general merchandise store of R. H. Mester, which he has since been very successfully managing. He carries a large and varied assortment of merchandise such as is found in stores in towns of this size and by his courteous and deferential treatment of his customers has built up a big trade in the town and surrounding community.
Mr. Eckerman was married February 6, 1906, to Theresa Tersch, the daughter of Charles and Emma (Berns) Tersch, and to this union there have
been born two children, Raymond and Fern. Mr. Tersch and his wife are natives of Germany and came to this county in 1874, locating upon a farm
one mile and a half east of Westphalia. Mr. Tersch now lives in Westphalia and is engaged in the real estate business.
The Democratic party claims the support of Mr. Eckerman but he has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote all of his time
and energy to his mercantile interests. He and his wife are loyal members of the Catholic church and contribute generously of their means to its support. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. While living in Wisconsin he was a member of the local school board. Mr. Eckerman is a man of genial disposition with a host of warm friends in the community.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1191 - 1192.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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One model farm of Shelby county, Iowa, is the "Lincoln Park Farm," owned by Henry Anson Escher. This farm of four hundred and forty acres has more than twenty thousand dollars in improvements upon it, and has a reputation which extends throughout the state of Iowa. As a breeder of high class stock, Mr. Escher occupies a high place in the state. He began breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle in this section about eighteen years ago, and has since raised that particular breed. He had the honor of raising the bull which took the first prize at the International Stock Show at Chicago in 1901. He has also taken prizes at Des Moines, Iowa, and Springfield, Illinois, state fairs. For forty years, Mr. Escher has been interested in everything which aids in the development of his county.
Henry Anson Escher, the owner of the "Lincoln Park Farm," in Lincoln township, Shelby county, Iowa, was born in Prussia, Germany, October
3, 1851. He was the son of John Michael and Martha Sophia (Riesland) Escher, both natives of Prussia. His father was born January 15, 1812, and died in Shelby county, Iowa, May 4, 1897. His mother was born in Prussia, September 21, 1812, and died in Shelby county, Iowa, September 7, 1887. John M. Escher was educated in Germany, and after leaving school took up farming and followed that profession until he entered the German army. He served six years in the army, after which he became attached to the cavalry staff of a nobleman in Germany, and continued in this service until he married. Then he went to work upon farms in his native land. In 1853, John M. Escher came to America with his wife and three children, and when he landed at Baltimore, Maryland, all he had was twenty dollars in a single gold coin. The voyage to this country lasted forty-two days and the vessel which brought them over was no model of comfort. The Escher family went to Berks county, Pennsylvania, and there John M. Escher worked upon the farms in that county for a few years. He then bought a small farm and operated it until 1866. He had saved enough money to take the family to the west, and he hoped to get land for a small price. They located in Jones county, Iowa, where they bought one hundred and twenty acres of land for twenty-five dollars an acre, and there they lived until 1876. John M. Escher soon retired to Lisbon, Linn county, Iowa, where he lived until he died. There were six children born to John M. Escher and wife: Charles, of Des Moines, Iowa; Fred, deceased; Minnie, the wife of Simon Meyers; Hannah, deceased; Ernest, deceased, and Henry Anson. Henry Anson Escher was educated in Pennsylvania and Jones county, Iowa. He was only two years old when his parents came from Germany to Pennsylvania, and fifteen years old when they came to Jones county, Iowa. After leaving school, he farmed with his father until he became of age and then rented his father's farm for two years. After his marriage, he came to Shelby county, and in the fall of 1874 bought eighty acres of land in Lincoln township for eight dollars and a half an acre. He has passed through all of the experiences of the pioneer of the seventies, and has prospered highly as a farmer and business man. His model farm of four hundred and forty acres is a tribute to his energy, his foresight and good management. He carried on general farming until 1897, when he began raising fine live stock. He bought some imported thoroughbred Angus cattle and with the assistance of his two sons, built up a reputation as a breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle, which extends throughout the United States. As has been mentioned, he has the honor of raising the champion bull which took the first prize at the Inter- national Stock Show in 1901 and has raised the prize winning cattle at the International Stock Show, but sold them to Escher & Son, who exhibited them at various shows. At one time he had one hundred and sixty head of thoroughbred cattle on his farm. Most of his farm which is not used for pasturage, is given over to raising of corn, and in 1914, he had one hundred and seventy acres of corn. He also raises some hogs and feeds at least one hundred head of hogs each year. He has conducted annual cattle sales for the disposal of his surplus cattle. The career of Mr. Escher in Shelby county strikingly exemplifies what can be accomplished when a man is determined to make a success of farming. When he first came to the county he rented thirty-five acres of land in addition to the eighty acres which he purchased, and had to drive four miles from his place to farm it. He was the first man to break the sod on the eighty which he bought. In 1878, he hauled hogs seventeen miles to market and sold them for two and one-half cents a pound. He hauled his corn and oats to the same market and received ten cents a bushel for both. He has a beautiful hedge around his home in the country and everything about the farm marks the pride of its owner. He now has a beautiful home on Eleventh street in Harlan, to which he retired in 1914.
Mr. Escher was married March 20, 1873, to Romancy Grauel, the daughter of Simon and Rhoda (Miller) Grauel. Mrs. Escher was born March 2, 1855, in Jones county, Iowa, and is one of six children. The others are, Levi, Jennie, Mary, Dwight, and one who died in infancy. Levi is deceased. Jennie is the wife of O. K. Mershon, of Omaha, Nebraska. Dwight married Etta Kramer, and is living in Avoca, Iowa. Mary is single and living in Harlan. Mr. Grauel was born in Ohio, February 17, 1827. and died in Linn county on October 17, 1906. Mrs. Grauel was born October 5, 1831, and died in Jones county, October 16, 1876. Mr. Grauel received his education in the common schools of Ohio and after leaving school became a tailor. He came to Iowa when a young man and located in Jones county, following his trade for some time. He then engaged in farming, which he continued until he retired.
Mr. Escher and his wife are the parents of seven children: Frank C., Elsie E., Minnie L., Mabel M., Myrtle R., Hubert E. and Estella G. Frank C. married Edith White, and has three children, Walter, Mildred and Helen. Elsie is the wife of Robert MacMurry, and had one son, J. Bruce, deceased. Minnie L. is the wife of Wilson A. Bertke. Mabel is the wife of Dale McKeig. and has one son, Howard. Myrtle is the wife of Ralph E. Walter. Hubert and Estella both are living with their parents.
Mr. Escher and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have always been interested in its activities. He has been a life-long Democrat, but has not been a partisan, in fact, is very liberal in his politics. He has been satisfied to devote his attention to his fine farm, and he has been amply justified in his interests there. There is no man in the county who has been more interested in every movement for the good of the county, and during his long residence here, he has become known as a man who stood for Shelby county, first, last and all the time. He has given the county fame from one end of the country to the other, for his cattle, and wherever Aberdeen Angus cattle are shown, there will the name of Escher be.
In 1912, Mr. Escher and wife took a honeymoon trip on their fortieth anniversary, visiting Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1185 - 1188.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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The little kingdom of Norway has sent many sterling citizens to the
United States and Shelby county, Iowa, has been fortunate to attract a considerable number of these worthy people. Erick Erickson, a native of the
"land of the midnight sun," has been a resident of Shelby county for the past
forty years and in that time has taken an active part in everything pertaining
to its welfare. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising and has
one of the best improved farms in the township, where he has lived ever
since coming to the county.
The Erickson family left Norway in May, 1849, en route for America in
a sailing vessel and seven weeks were required in which to make the journey.
Upon arriving in New York they traveled by boat to Buffalo, via the Erie
canal. At Buffalo they boarded a lake steamer for Chicago, going via Racine
and Milwaukee. From Chicago they went to Ottawa, Illinois, by way of
canal boat drawn by horses, arriving at Ottawa about the middle of August.
At this time cholera was epidemic in that neighborhood and many were dying
from the effects of the dread scourge. The scourge claimed Mr. Erickson's
brother and several others of the immigrants in his party. So fearful were
the people of Ottawa of the spread of the cholera that they attempted to
drive the newcomers from the town upon their arrival. One year later the
Ericksons settled on the farm in the southern part of LaSalle county, Illinois,
near the town of Streator.
Erick Erickson, the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in
Lincoln township, Shelby county, Iowa, was born in Norway, January 14,
1843. His parents, Erick and Astha (Olsen) Erickson, both of whom were
natives of Norway, came to America in 1849, and located in LaSalle county,
Illinois, where they bought a farm and lived the remainder of their days.
Erick Erickson died in 1893, and his wife passed away in 1905. They reared
a family of eleven children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception
of three, Olena, the wife of William Nicholson; Martha, the wife of Charles
Johnson, and Erick Erickson, of this county.
Erick Erickson was six and one-half years of age when his parents came
from Norway to LaSalle county, Illinois, and he received, all of his education in the schools of the latter state. After leaving school he farmed with
his father in LaSalle county until he reached his majority, and then began to
work out by the day and after his marriage in 1866 began to rent land in
Illinois. In 1875 he decided to come to Iowa and to this end located in Shelby
county where he bought the farm in Lincoln township on which he is now
residing, for part of which he paid twenty-two dollars an acre, and but nine
dollars an acre for the remainder. He has placed several thousand dollars'
worth of improvements upon this farm so that it is now in a condition where
it yields him a very handsome return each year. He has divided his energies
between general farming and stock raising in such a way as to secure the
maximum results from his labors.
Mr. Erickson was married September 29, 1866, to Anna Nelson, the
daughter of Nels and Anna (Nelson) Nelson, and to this union five children
have been born: Olena, Enock, William Martin, Rebecca, Ellen, besides
whom they have an adopted daughter, Josie. Olena married Peter Gardner,
and Rebecca became the wife of Carl Johnson.
Mrs. Erickson was a native of Norway, born August 21, 1850, and her
parents also were natives of Norway. After her parents came to this country
they located in Waupaka county, Wisconsin, later moving to Illinois, where
they spent the remainder of their lives. Eight children were born to Nels
Nelson and wife: Martha, Elizabeth, Matilda, Anna, Erick, Albert, Olie and
Nels.
Politically, Mr. Erickson has been identified with the Republican party,
and while taking an intelligent interest in general political conditions has never
been active in political matters. He gives his support to all worthy measures
which he feels will benefit his community in any way, and thus is entitled to
the name of being a public-spirited citizen. He and his family are loyal
members of the Baptist church and generous contributors to its maintenance.
Mr. Erickson came into this county in its pioneer days and has had the satis-
faction of seeing the county emerge from a broad and trackless prairie to its
present prosperous condition.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1338 - 1339.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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The men of Danish birth who have honored Shelby county with their
residence have been among the leaders in the various occupations to which
they have addressed themselves. Whether it is farming, business or professional life, they have forged their way to the front in such a way as to
stamp them as men of ability and energy. One of the many business men
of this county who were born in Denmark and have become successful in
their line of activity since becoming residents of this county is Jacob J.
Esbeck, the proprietor of a flourishing clothing establishment of Elkhorn.
He is a fine type of the self-made men of foreign birth, not only a credit to
the country which gave him birth but an honor to his adopted country.
Jacob J. Esbeck, the son of Jergen Chris and Karen (Jacobsen) Jensen,
was born in Denmark, in 1865. His father was born in Denmark in 1844
and followed the trade of a wood shoemaker in his native land until his death
in 1882. His mother is still living in Denmark where she was born. Six
children were born to the parents, five of whom are still living.
The education of Jacob J. Esbeck was received in Denmark and when
still a youth started to learn the trade of a carpenter. He worked at his
trade until he was twenty-two when he decided to come to the United States.
He located in Audubon county, Iowa, where he followed his trade for eight
years. In the meantime he had married and in 1895 retired from the carpenter's trade and bought a half interest in a hardware store at Kimballton,
Iowa. He continued in this business until 1910, when he disposed of his
interest in the hardware store and bought a clothing establishment at Elk
Horn, Iowa. He has increased the stock until now he carries eight thousand
dollars' worth of clothing the year round. His store handles all kinds of
wearing apparel for men and boys and does a large and increasing business
in Elk Horn and the surrounding country. Mr. Esbeck is a man of excellent
business ability and is a valuable asset to the commercial life of the community.
Mr. Esbeck was married in 1890 to Laura Marcusen, who was born in
Denmark in 1866. To this marriage have been born four children: Cecelia,
a milliner of Elk Horn; Coral, a graduate of the Des Moines College of Music
and now a successful teacher of music; and two sons, George and Leo, who
are still in the schools of Elk Horn. All the children are preparing to take
their places in the life of the community and naturally are the source of just
pride on the part of their parents.
The Republican party has claimed the support of Mr. Esbeck since he
has acquired the privilege of voting in this country. While he is deeply interested in good government he has neither the time nor inclination to take an
active part in political matters. He and all his family are devoted members
of the Danish Lutheran church and are generous contributors to its support.
Fraternally, Mr. Esbeck belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and takes an active interest in this fraternal organization. He is a wide-awake and progressive citizen who is vitally interested in all measures which
are launched for the welfare of the community at large.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1435 - 1436.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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Among the younger men of Shelby county, Iowa, who are forging to
the front as farmers, specific mention is here made of Herman Esser, who is
now farming his father's farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Union
township. He comes from sterling Germany ancestry and has inherited all
of those characteristics which mark the successful German settlers of this
county. He is a young man of high ideals, upright character and honesty
of purpose and bids fair to become one of the substantial men of his county.
Herman J. Esser, the son of Theodore and Abbie (Derswiler) Esser,
was born in Wisconsin, August 9, 1880. His parents were both natives of
Germany, his father coming to this country with his parents when he was a
young man. The father of Theodore Esser settled in Wisconsin, where
he bought forty acres of land, on which farm he lived until his death. Theodore Esser worked with his father on the farm until his marriage, when he
rented a farm for a short time in Wisconsin, after which he moved to Shelby
county, Iowa. He located here in 1884 on the same farm where his son,
Herman, is now living, and resided here until 1908. He then retired and
moved to Earling, where he is now living. Theodore Esser and wife are the
parents of several children: John, who married Anna Appel; Kate, the wife
of Nicholas Gaul; Paul, who married Sophia Rushenberg; Christian, who
married Anna Rushenberger; Joseph and Lena, single; Anna; Elizabeth and
Maggie are deceased.
Herman J. Esser was educated in the Catholic school at Earling, spending his summer vacations upon the farm. In this way he became acquainted
with every detail of farm life, so that when he married, his father had no
hesitancy in turning the management of his farm over to him. He is a fine
young man of distinctly progressive tendencies and every indication points
to a successful career for him. He divides his attention between raising
stock and grain in such a way as to secure maximum results from his farm.
Mr. Esser was married to Kate Bissen, the daughter of John and Mary
(Gaul) Bissen, and to this union have been born four children: Alexander;
Anthony, Marcella and Sylvin. Mrs. Esser's parents were natives of Germany and married in Dubuque county, Iowa, May 6, 1884. Mr. and Mrs.
Bissen reared a family of nine children: Nicholas, Lena, Katherine, Jacob,
Paul, John, Joseph, Peter and Barbara.
Mr. Esser is identified with the Democratic party, but has never had
the time nor the inclination to indulge in the political game. However, he
takes an intelligent interest in the various political issues of the day and is
able to discuss them in a manner which indicates that he is well informed.
He and his family are members of the Catholic church, to whose support they
are generous contributors. Mr. Esser's strict integrity and unpretentious
bearing have elevated him in the confidence of his fellow citizens and his
influence has ever been exerted in the interest of those things which have for
their object the advancement of his fellow citizens morally, materially and
intellectually.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1299 - 1300.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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There are two institutions which go hand in hand with civilization and
are to be found in every community throughout the United States where
men settle. These two institutions stand for civilization and in the great
plans of men both serve the same purpose and have for their function the
same end. The church and the school are the twin handmaidens of civilization and their work should be found side by side in every community. The
object of both institutions is to make men better and to make the community
in which men live a place where harmony, peace and love may dwell. Shelby
county, Iowa, is the home of many Catholics, a large number of whom have
come from Germany, and wherever these good people have settled they have
promptly erected churches and school houses and contributed generously of
their means to the support of both. Portsmouth is proud of its churches
and schools, and the Catholics of the city and community, who have contributed so generously of their substance to the building of the St. Mary's
church, the parochial school and the sisters' home in that city, are deserving
of great credit. The pastor of St. Mary's church at Portsmouth, Iowa, is
Rev. Julius Failenschmid, who has been the moving spirit in his church and
school in this place for the past ten years.
Rev. Julius Failenschmid was born in Ravensburg, Germany, November
17, 1875, and is a son of George and Josepha (Boscher) Failenschmid. His
parents lived and died in their native land. His father was a tailor and followed that occupation until his death in 1907, his wife having died in 1904.
George Failenschmid and wife were the parents of four children, Mary,
Julius, Josephine and Louise. Mary is the wife of Peter Gubbels, and has
two sons, Julius and Rudolph. Josephine is the wife of William Doffing,
and has six children, Julius, Evelyn, Edward, Louis, Guadalupe and Melania.
Louise is single and makes her home with her brother in Portsmouth.
Rev. Julius Failenschmid attended school at Ravensburg, Germany, and
when a young man came to America and located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
where he resumed his studies for the priesthood in St. Francis Seminary.
He was ordained to the priesthood June 19, 1898, and read his first mass
on June 26, 1898, at the Holy Trinity church, at La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The first appointment of Father Failenschmid was as assistant at Keokuk, and from there he was transferred to Exira, Iowa, to take charge of
the St. Boniface church at that place. He built a new church at Exira and
changed the name to the Holy Trinity church. His service at Exira extended
from August 15, 1898, to December 30, 1904. For the past ten years he
has been in charge of St. Mary's church at Portsmouth and since coming
here he has made a number of fine improvements. He has built a new school
building, and without doubt it is second to none in the county, for it is the
most handsome building in the city of Portsmouth. He has also erected a
new Sisters' house, which is also a handsome building, well equipped and one
which serves well the purpose for which it was built.
Father Failenschmid is a man of broad ideas arid takes a deep interest
in the welfare of his community. He is loved by his parishioners and is
highly respected by every one in the community with whom he has come
in contact. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is deeply interested in the work of that fraternal organization. Politically, he classes himself with the independent voters, preferring to cast his ballot for the best
men, irrespective of their politics, feeling that in so doing he is best serving
the interests of society and the cause of good government.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 727 - 728.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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One of the best beloved and most highly respected men of Shelby county,
Iowa, is Rev. John H. Fedler, the pastor of the Catholic church of the Assumption at Panama, Iowa. He is a man of broad education and deep experience, and the fifteen years which he has spent at Panama have been fraught
with much good to the community which he has served so faithfully. He
has taken an active part in the various phases of the community life and by
his high ideals and ceaseless energy he has been a prominent factor in the
religious and educational life of his community.
Rev. John H. Fedler was born in St. Louis, Missouri, November 10,
1860, and is the son of Frank and Thresia (Hinken) Fedler. Frank Fedler,
who was born in Cincinnati, came to Iowa with his parents in 1835, being
then nine years old. Iowa was opened for settlement that year, having been
purchased from chief Blackhawk the year before. As is plain, there could
be no schools in Iowa at the time, so what education he got, he acquired
through his own efforts. Yet he could write and speak both English and
German fluently, and had a practical knowledge of arithmetic. He farmed
with his father until he was eighteen years of age, after which he learned the
carpenter's trade and followed that occupation the remainder of his life.
He was married in Iowa, February 2, 1857, to Thresia Hinken.
Rev. John H. Fedler was educated for the priesthood in several different
colleges, having spent one year in St. John College at Collegeville, Minnesota,
and three years at Quincy, Illinois. He then entered St. Joseph's College at
Dubuque, Iowa, and after spending a year in this institution entered St.
Francis College, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from which he graduated in the
spring of 1884. He was ordained on June 24, 1884, by Archbishop Heiss,
and was assigned for his first charge to Bauer, Iowa. In 1887 he was transferred to Harper, Iowa, where he remained in active charge of the parish for
ten years, and while there built a new parsonage and enlarged the school
building. In 1897 he was stationed at Richmond Iowa, and served the
congregation of that city for three years. Since August 12, 1899, he has
been at Panama, Iowa, as pastor of the Church of the Assumption. Since
coming to Panama, Father Fedler has built a parsonage, a school building
and the finest Catholic church in Shelby county. His parish is one of the
largest and wealthiest in the county, and it has given him faithful service
since his administration began. The parsonage was built in 1901, the church
in 1908, and the school building was completed in 1910. With this equipment the Catholics of Panama and vicinity are in fine shape for efficient work,
and under the effective guidance of Father Fedler, are performing a real
benefit to this community. Father Fedler is an independent voter and is not
bound by partisan ties when it comes to choosing officers for the administration of civil duties. In common with the best educated men of our country
he believes that only the best men should be elected to office, and for this
reason he does not align himself with any particular political party. He is
a man of intense devotion to his church and the people whom he serves, and
the work which he has done in Panama and vicinity for the past fifteen years
eminently entitles him to representation among the representative citizens of
his county.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1311 - 1312.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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One of the most substantial and, at the same time, most enterprising
farmers and stock raisers of Douglas township, Shelby county, Iowa, is
Charles H. Ferry, who is now serving as trustee and was school director of
his township. He is a self-made man in every particular and his fine farm
of one hundred and eighty-four acres is a direct result of his own industry
and perseverance. He started in as a renter and was not satisfied until he
had a farm of his own and worked and saved to this end. Such men deserve
a great deal of credit and it is a pleasure to present briefly, as is here done,
the career of such a man.
Charles H. Ferry, the son of William and Mary (Kreble) Ferry, was
born September 2, 1874, in Clay county, Indiana. His father was born in
Pennsylvania and his mother in Ohio. After their marriage they located in
Clay county, Indiana, where they lived until 1882. In that year William
Ferry and his family came to Iowa and located in Crawford county, where he
farmed until his death, in 1892. He was one of several people who were
killed by a cyclone which swept over that county in that year.
William Ferry and wife were the parents of ten children, nine of whom
are living, married and rearing families of their own: Charles, whose history is here presented; Isaac, who married Nora Blaine; Nancy, the wife of
John Grage; Albert, who married Rosa Anderson; Wilkin, who married
Florence Clark; Oliver, who married Della Deborn; Edward, who married
Pearl Ames; George, who married Iva Baughman; Grace, deceased; and
Viola, the wife of August Frank.
Charles H. Ferry was eight years of age when his parents went from
Clay county, Indiana to Crawford county, Iowa, and consequently, received
his education in both states. He completed his schooling in Crawford county,
Iowa, and on leaving the school room began to help his father on the home
farm. He was fourteen years of age at the time his father met his death.
Thus bereaved, he was compelled to take charge of the home farm, which he
managed until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then began farming for
himself by renting a farm of W. L. Paup, and for the next thirteen years he
lived on a rented farm. Through all these years he saved his money with the
intention of procuring a farm of his own, and March 1, 1897, he came to
Shelby county and bought his present farm of one hundred and eighty-four
acres in Douglas township. He has placed many improvements upon the
farm since acquiring it and now has it in such a condition that it returns a
good yield year after year. Mr. Ferry annually raises about fifty acres of
corn, which will average forty-five bushels to the acre and feeds all of it to
his hogs, of which he markets about one hundred head annually.
Mr. Ferry was married March 15, 1898, to Anna Grage, the daughter of
Claus and Cecelia (Jensen) Grage. To this union three children have been
born: Glenn, Mabel and Arthur, all of whom are still living with their parents.
Mrs. Ferry was born in Crawford county, Iowa, and her parents were
natives of Germany. Upon coming to America her parents located in Crawford county, Iowa, where her father farmed for many years. He then moved
to Manilla, Iowa, where he is now residing. The mother of Mrs. Ferry died
September 12, 1911. Nine children were born to the parents of Mrs. Ferry:
Cecelia, deceased; George, who married Philomena Holtorf; Claus, who
married Reka Waltman; Sophia, the wife of Henry Shady; John, who married Nancy Ferry; Chris, who married Ida Wenzel: Anna, the wife of Mr.
Ferry; Elvenia, the wife of August Schwieso; and William, who married
Lena Grim.
Fraternally, Mr. Ferry is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he gives his stanch allegiance to
the Republican party and frequently has been called upon by his party to fill positions of honor and trust. He has served as school director with eminent satisfaction to all concerned and at the present time is filling the important office of township trustee. Mr. Ferry is a wide-awake and enterprising man and deeply interested in everything he believes will advance the general welfare of the township, county and state.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1326 - 1328.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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