1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
C Mowry |
J Mowry |
Allison |
Best |
F Kuhl |
A Kuhl |
Book |
Schleier |
Hertert
One of the successful farmers of Shelby County is Christian Grant Mowry, not only a farmer of ability but also active in the
general welfare of his community. Christian Grant Mowry, son of John and Phoebe Jane (Madera) Mowry, was born in Yankton, South Dakota, in 1875.
His father was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, in 1846 and his mother in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in 1854. John Mowry was a son of John
Mowry, born in York county, Pennsylvania in 1821. Both the father and the grandfather of Christian Mowry were in the Civil War. His grandfather was killed on returning home from the war. John Mowry and wife were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are still living: Henry F., John L., William, Christian, Paul, Mrs. Mary E. Long, Daniel W., Oscar S., George, Mrs. Emma Barber, Lincoln, and Grant. The history of John L. Mowry in this volume gives further information of the family.
Christian G. Mowry received the most of his education in the schools of South Dakota, districts number 3 and 4, Shelby township. He was thirteen years
old when his parents moved from that state to Shelby county, Iowa, and he received very little schooling after that time. He remained at home until he was twenty one years old and then started to work for Emery Green of Lincoln Township. He worked as a farm laborer for nine years and then began farming for himself on rented land in Shelby Township. After his marriage in 1903, he rented one hundred sixty acres for one year, then rented another farm of one hundred sixty acres for two years. He later rented a two hundred acre farm for two years, and lived on this farm of Mrs. Hester A. Marshall. He is an energetic and progressive young farmer and keeps the best livestock on the farm, specializing in Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He is well informed upon the latest agricultural methods and uses them when he feels that they will produce better results.
Mr. Mowry was married in 1903 to Bertha Allison, who was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania in 1880. The history of Wilson Allison, in this volume, will give additional information concerning the Allison family. Mr. Mowry is an Independent in politics and supports the bestmen for office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and generous contributors to its maintenance. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1147-1148. Family Researcher: NA
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A veteran of the Civil War and the son of a veteran of the same war is John L. Mowry. He has been a resident of Shelby
County, Iowa, since 1888, and for several years has been living retired in Tennant. John L. Mowry, son of John and Lydia (Bruebaker) Mowry, was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, August 21, 1846. His parents were natives of York and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania, respectively. His father was born April 19, 1821, and his mother October 16, 1822, and were married in 1843. Some time later they moved to Stephenson County, Illinois, where they were living at the opening of the Civil War. He enlisted at Freeport, Illinois, in 1862 as a member of Company F, 92nd Regiment Illinoid Mounted Infantry, and served until the expiration of the enlistment. He was then transferred to the 65th Illinois Regiment, serving until the close of the war. He was mustered out and on the way home was accidentally killed. His widow lived until 1904.
There were twelve children born to John Mowry Sr. and wife, and it is interesting to note that all of these twelve children are still living: Henry F.,
Parkstown, South Dakota; John F.; William, Carroll County, Illinois; Christian, Carroll County, Illinois; Paul, Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mrs. Mary E. Long, Shelby County, Iowa; Daniel W., Stephenson County, Illinois; Oscar S., Shelby, Iowa; George, Stephenson County, Illinois; Mrs. Emma Barber, Carroll County, Illinois; Lincoln, Stephenson County, Illinois; and Grant, of South Dakota.
John Mowry Jr. received his education in the schools of Stephenson County, Illinois, and when old enough he offered his services to his country. He
enlisted in 1864 at Lanark, Illinois, and became a member of Company D, 146th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war
and was discharged at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, in the summer of 1865. Immediately afterwards, he returned to his home in Stephenson County,
Illinois, where he lived until 1868. Then he moved to South Dakota where he worked in a brick yard and later teamed and farmed in that state. He took
charge of a large ranch near Yankton, South Dakota, and a few years later took a homestead claim in that state. He made many improvements upon his
homestead and sold it at a profit, then with his brother-in-law bought 160 acres of timber in the same community. He cleared a portion of this farm, sold
it, and again assumed the management of a large ranch. In 1888 Mr. Mowry came to Shelby County, Iowa, and rented land in Shelby Township, where he
lived until 1897. In that year, he retired from active farm life and moved to Tennant, Iowa, where he still lives. He is the owner of 20 lots and has a
comfortable home in Tennant, Iowa. Mr. Mowry was married in 1873 to Phoebe Jane Madera, who was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania,
November 7, 1854. To this union six children have been born: Christian Grant; Mrs. Rosa Herman, who lives in Nebraska; Arthur, a section foreman at
Tennant, Iowa; Nettie, at home; Mrs. Nellie Chipman of Shelby Township; and Mrs. Laura Miller, deceased.
Mr. Mowry is a stanch Republican but has never had political aspirations. He and his family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
Mr. Mowry is a deacon of his church in Tennant at the present time. He is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Shelby and has
always taken a deep interest in the welfare of old soldiers. Mr. Mowry has good health and is an optimist. He is a quiet man, and in his long residence
here he has made a large circle of friends.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1170-71. Family Researcher: NA
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One of the few farmers of Shelby County, Iowa, who was born in Pennsylvania is Wilson Allison. He is now living a retired life upon his farm in Shelby
township. He has been a resident of this county since 1882 and his fine farm of 160 acres is the result of his own individual efforts. He has been
interested in political affairs of his community and has filled several official positions with credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens of his township. He is a man of fine character and his life since coming to this county has been such as to commend him to his fellow citizens. WILSON ALLISON, the son of Jacob and Katherine (Segar) Allison, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania on January 28, 1845. Jacob, also the son of Jacob, was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, in 1808 and followed the trade of a carpenter in that county until his death, in 1878. His mother was born in the same county in 1810 and lived until 1890, being 80 years of age at the time of her death. There were seven children born to Jacob Allison and wife, three of whom are still living: Wilson; George of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Jacob of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The great grandfather Allison was killed in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Allison was educated in his native county in Pennsylvania and as a youth worked among the mountains of his neighborhood. Later he worked as a
farm laborer and was an employee in a saw mill. He also teamed in his native state for some years before coming to Shelby County, Iowa. In 1882 he
came to this county and began to work on the farm which he now owns. He worked by the month for two years and then rented 140 acres in Shelby
township for three years. He then rented 160 acres for three years, then 260 acres for three years; then rented 200 acres for two years. He cultivated
rented land in Shelby township for eleven years, after which he bought his present farm of 160 acres in this township for forty dollars an acre. He has
placed extensive improvements upon it and has so farmed as to keep it at a high state of productivity.
Mr. Allison was married on May 20, 1869, to Margaret Ellen Kern, of Huntington County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Allison was born November 2, 1840, in
Huntington County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Peter and Anne Elizabeteh (Stinson) Kern, natives of Huntington and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania,
respectively. Peter died in Pennsylvania in May 1880, and the mother accompanied Wilson Allison and wife west and resided with them for two years,
residing part of the time with her son, Frank, in Harrison, Kentucky. She died in 1886. The Kern children are John W., of Pennsylvania; Frank of Harrison
County; Margaret Ellen; Emma G. Price, deceased; Sarah (Zimmerman) of Shelby; James of Harrison County. To this union have been born six children,
five daughters who are living, and one son, deceased. The five living daughters are: Mrs. Minnie E. Haley of Minnesota; Mrs. Anna Evans of Minnesota;
Mrs. Bertha Mowry, of Shelby Township, Shelby County, Iowa; Mrs. Ida Mowry of Tennant, Iowa; and Mrs. Sadie Myers, of Shelby County. John S., the only son, deceased, was married to Verna Quick and left one son, Glen Wilbur. Elmer Myers, who married Sadie Allison, is cultivating the Allison farm. They have one child, Margaret Arvilla.
The Democratic Party has always had the loyal support of Mr. Allison, and he has taken an active part in the political councils of his party. He has served as township supervisor and school director for many years in Shelby Township and has administered the duties of both offices in a satisfactory manner. He and his family ae earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Shelby and render it their hearty support.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 760. Family Researcher: NA
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One of the best remembered men of a past generation in Shelby County, Iowa, is Matthias V. Best, who came to this county in 1873.
He took an active part in every phase of the life of the county and frequently held various official positions. In fact, he was a leader in Shelby Township
from the time he arrived here in 1873 until he retired to Harlan in 1900, and during that period of more than a quarter of a century, he gave his enthusiastic support to every movement which he felt would benefit his township in any way. He was an active worker in all worthy measures and was interested in educational, religious and civic development. He and his good wife reared a large family of children to lives of usefulness and honor, and no better monument can a man leave behind him than this.
Matthias V. Best, son of Robert and Margaret (Van Horn) Best, was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1830. He was one of nine children,
being the eldest in the family, and was reared to manhood in his native state and later went to Ohio, where he met his wife, Mary mercer. She was born in Belmont County, Ohio, October 4, 1832, and was the daughter of Elias and Mary (Randall) Mercer, both of whom were natives of Ohio and descended
from old Virginia families. Mr. Best and Mary Mercer were married at Cadiz, Ohio, on New Year's Day 1852, and in 1854 this young couple came to
Muscatine County, Iowa, where they rented land until 1873. In that year they came to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of unimproved land. They were among the first pioneers of the county and endured all of the hardships incident to life in a new country. They built a home and made many improvements and as the years went by they found themselves prospering. Children came to bless their union, and while Mr. Best was giving his attention primarily to his own interests, yet he never failed to take an active part in the life of the community about him. He held one township office after another and such was his efficient administration of the duties of these various offices that the citizens, regardless of party, re-elected him time after time to township offices. His health became impaired and in 1900 he moved to Harlan in order to be relieved of all work on the farm. Two years later, he sold his home in Harlan and moved to Shelby although he lived but two years after locating in the latter city.
Mr. Best was married January 1, 1852, to Mary Mercer, and to this union were born thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters: Mrs. Ella B. Tucker,
deceased; Mrs. Sarah A. Robinson of Shelby, Iowa; Mrs. Jennie I. Mowry of Shelby, Iowa; Mrs. Nissai King at home with her mother; Harry of Manning,
Iowa; Archie M., living at home; Alvin S., who is in Colorado; Ernest L., whose history is given elsewhere in this volume; Frank C. of Omaha, Nebraska;
Arthur M. whose history is also given elsewhere in this volume; Charles W. of Shelby County; Martha B. and Mary A., both deceased.
The fine farm of Mr. Best is now managed by his son, Ernest L. Mrs. Best has a beautiful residence in Shelby where she is now living with her two
children. She is a member of the Home Missionary Society and an active worker in all missionary movements. Mr. Best was an active worker in the
Presbyterian Church and was a generous contributor to its support. The Best family have always been on the right side of all good movements and their
influence has always been cast for good government and the highest ideals of American Citizenship. Such people render valuable service to the
community in which they live by the clean and wholesome method of their living.
Matthias V. Best departed this life at his home on July 20, 1902, aged 72 years, 1 month, 16 days, and interment followed on July 23. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church. He was sincerely mourned by a large concourse of friends. An original poem follows in memory of this good man:
Dearest husband you have left me,
And my heart is sad tonight;
Oh! that I again could see you,
All my dreams would be so bright.
Father, dearest, thou hast left us,
And with thee our joys have fled;
Oh! tis hard to think our father,
Good and kind and true, is dead.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 653. Family Researcher: NA
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The success of men in business or in any vocation depends upon character as well as upon knowledge; it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is the only policy. Business demands confidence and where that is lacking, business ends. In every community, some men are known for their upright lives, strong common sense and moral worth, rather than for their wealth or political standing. Among the Citizens of Shelby County who combine all these qualities is Franklin KUHL, a merchant of Defiance and public-spirited citizen of this county. He is a man who has never wasted his time, scattered his energies, or neglected his opportunities. He believes in himself. Before acquiring a business of his own, he went through a rigorous course of training, so that he was thoroughly grounded in the rudiments of business procedure. It is a fact that a whole new philosophy of success has been built up on the theory that if a man believes sufficiently in himself and his ability, he can accomplish anything. The Bible says that faith has moved many a mountain, and a man's confidence in himself is what gives him success.
Franklin KUHL, a member of the firm of KUHL & LOEHR, general merchants of Defiance, Iowa, was born in Earling, Iowa, September 7, 1887. His parents, Peter and Louisa (WATTIER) KUHL, were both natives of Wisconsin, although his father came to this state early in life and received his education here. Peter KUHL grew to manhood in Iowa, worked upon the farm with his father until he was married, and then engaged in business in Earling for twenty-five years. He had a general merchandise and hardware business, and for a quarter of a century was one of the leading businessmen of this section of the county. He then sold out his store, moved to Mapleton, Iowa, for three years and then to Templeton, Iowa, for three years. He took up a homestead in South Dakota, where he remained for a year, after which time he moved back to Templeton, Carroll County, this state, where he lived until his death, which occurred December 1, 1910. His widow is still living at Templeton. To Peter KUHL and wife were born six children: Lenora, Franklin, Lawrence, Leo, Isadore, and Edwin. Lenora married Nicholas C. LOEHR, while all the rest of the children, with the exception of Franklin, are still single and at home.
Franklin KUHL was educated in Earling, Iowa, and after completing the high school course in his home town, entered the normal college at Woodbine. At the end of his first college year, he decided to engage in business, and in order to become thoroughly acquainted with the mercantile business, he commenced clerking in a store at Mapleton, Iowa, where he worked for two years, after which time he secured a better position as a clerk in the same city, and remained with the second firm for five years, during which time he made it a point to learn all the details of the business. He then moved to Templeton, Iowa, and looked after his father's interests for two years, his father having died in 1910. He moved to Defiance after closing up his father's affairs and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Nicholas LOEHR, bought the general merchandise store of H. G. RETHLEFSON & Company of this city. Since acquiring this store, they have very materially increased the stock of goods, started a ten and twenty-five cent department, and made a store which is a credit to the town of Defiance. They have put in an entire modern front in the store building, rearranged the stock and added other features which have contributed to the increasing success of the store.
Mr. KUHL was married January 21, 1912, to Maria LOEHR, the daughter of Fred and Anna Marie (Langenfeld) LOEHR, and to this union has been one daughter, Cleta. The LOEHR family came to Shelby County from Wisconsin, Fred W. LOEHR and wife coming here immediately after their marriage and settling in Westphalia Township on the same farm where their son, Jacob, now resides. They were among the earliest pioneers of the county, and in the course of time acquired a large farm in that township. In 1912, Fred LOEHR retired from active life and moved with his wife to Westphalia, where they are now living, surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. Fred LOEHR and wife are the parents of these children: Quentin, Jacob, Joanna, Nicholas, Kathrine, Michael, William, Louis, and Marie, the wife of Mr. KUHL. The reader is referred to the sketch of Jacob LOEHR elsewhere in this volume for additional information concerning the family.
Mr. KUHL and his family are earnest and loyal members of the Catholic Church and interested in all of its various activities. Politically, he identifies himself with the Democratic party, but owing to his extensive business interests has not taken a very active part in political matters. He is a firm advocate of good government and does all he can to further it in every way. He is still a young man with a long career before him. Judging from the success which has attended his efforts in the past, a bright future is before him.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 1219-21. Family Researcher: NA
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The practice of veterinary surgery has arisen to prominence within the past quarter of a century, and within that time a number of colleges have arranged for courses covering the various phases of veterinary science. This field is very promising, as there is a great demand for trained veterinarians throughout every part of the United States. Young men can find no more satisfactory field for a career than in this particular profession, and it is gratifying to note that a large number of young men are entering the field. One of the youngest and most successful of the veterinarians of Shelby County, Iowa, is Alfred D. KUHL, who has been practicing in Harlan for the past six years.
Dr. Alfred D. KUHL, son of Matthew and Sedonia (WATTIER) KUHL, was born August 17, 1882, in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. His parents were both natives of the same county, reared to maturity and married there. His mother was of French parentage. Matthew KUHL and wife moved from Wisconsin to northern Michigan and lived there for some years, later locating in Day County, South Dakota, on a farm. In 1888, Matthew KUHL and family removed to Lincoln Township, Shelby County, Iowa, where he purchased a partially improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and lived on this farm until 1900 and then retired to Harlan, later moving to Carroll County, Iowa. At the present time, Matthew KUHL is living in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he is engaged in the real estate business. He has been a lifelong farmer and stock raiser, a stanch member of the Democratic Party, while he and his family have always been loyal and consistent members of the Catholic Church.
Matthew KUHL and wife are the parents of nine children, all of whom are still living: Joseph, a real estate dealer of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Adolph, a carpenter of Harlan; Matthew Jr., a farmer living five miles southwest of Harlan; August, a practicing physician at Davenport, Iowa, and a graduate of the University of Nebraska; Alphonso, a veterinary surgeon of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a graduate of the Chicago Veterinary College; Alfred D., whose history is here recorded; Josephine, the wife of Michael SCHOEMER of Omaha, Nebraska; Peter C., of Council Bluffs, who is a music teacher; Lillian, who is still making her home with her parents.
Alfred D. KUHL was six years of age when his parents moved to this county from South Dakota. He was educated in the Harlan high school and later graduated from the Woodbine Normal College. He then entered the Chicago Veterinary College and took the full three years' course offered by that excellent institution, graduating in the class of 1907. Immediately after graduation, he returned to this county and began the practice of his profession at Shelby, and a year later located in Harlan, where he has since been stationed. He has bought a fine home at 302 East Market Street and since acquiring it has remodeled and made a modern home of it. Doctor KUHL has built up a fine practice in the county seat and the surrounding territory and has thoroughly demonstrated that he has a bright future before him in his chosen field.
Doctor KUHL married May 7, 1907, to Margaret HEINZ, who was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (WINDOLPH) HEINZ, natives of Germany. Her father came to America in 1888 and her mother in 1862. They were married at Grand Island, Nebraska, and subsequently moved to Harlan. Mr. HEINZ was a photographer in Harlan for several years and is now engaged in the real estate business. Mrs. KUHL is the only living child of Mr. And Mrs. HEINZ.
Doctor KUHL and wife are the parents of two children: Paul Peter, born July 18, 1908, and Margaret Mary, born July 16, 1914. Doctor KUHL and wife are both devout members of the Catholic Church of Harlan and are liberal contributors to its support. They are fine young people and have a host of friends throughout the city, who admire them for their kindly qualities of head and heart.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 1476-78. Family Researcher: NA
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The life of every individual who has risen above the mere commonplace position of the masses of the people who are striving for a livelihood and has achieved a position of prominence and amassed a comfortable competence which insures the comfort and well being of him and his family, is certain to be replete with valuable material for recording in history. If no more could be said of Charles BOOK, a wealthy agriculturist of Center Township, and a pioneer resident of Shelby County, than that he had contributed to his country a family of ten children, it would be sufficient evidence that he was a worthy son of a worthy German-American citizen. The German people and those of German ancestry take a just and abiding pride in large families – and it is as it should be. It is also a matter of note that there are very few families of similar ancestry who call Shelby County their home who are not in comfortable circumstances. Families of considerable size go hand in hand with genuine thrift and general prosperity. Charles BOOK is a true representative of this numerous and well-to-do class of Shelby County citizens and, by virtue of his commendable record as a citizen, agriculturist and an excellent family man, is entitled to a place of honor in the annals of his county.
Charles BOOK, the owner of six hundred and fifty one acres of fine Iowa land, was born May 2, 1860, in Clayton County, Iowa, son of Peter and Elizabeth (VOGEL) BOOK, both of whom were natives of Prussia. Peter BOOK was born September 19, 1819, and died March 14, 1906. Early in life he was apprenticed to a stone mason in his native land and learned his trade in a thorough manner. He followed his trade until he had lived a few years in America and then took up farming. He emigrated to this country in 1853 and located near Elkader, Clayton County, Iowa. After arriving here, he homesteaded 40 acres of land in Clayton County and was one of the early pioneers in that locality. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land prior to his removal to Shelby County to join the large German Catholic settlement in Westphalia Township in 1874. Upon his arrival here, he purchased 160 acres of unimproved land, upon which he resided until about twenty years previous to his death. His land was purchased at the low price of twelve dollars an acre, but he had the satisfaction of improving it with his own hands and with the assistance of his children amassed a comfortable competence for his declining years. To Peter and Elizabeth BOOK were born four children, as follows: John P., who married Kate CRAWLEY and resides in Nebraska; Joseph, who married Hulda HUEBNER and lives in Westphalia township (see sketch of Joseph BOOK); Mary, wife of Joseph KRAMER, and Charles, the immediate subject of this review. The mother of these children was born May 17, 1818, and died December 16, 1887. After the death of his wife, Mr. BOOK made his home with his children until his demise in 1906.
Charles BOOK received his common school education in Clayton County and assisted his father on the home farm until he had attained his majority. He then rented a farm of eighty acres for one year, after which he invested his savings in a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Washington Township, which he improved and lived upon for another three years. He then moved to the town of Earling and engaged in the merchandise business for two years, after which he moved to Harlan and was there engaged in business pursuits for another period of ten years. In 1904 he removed with his family to the fine farm which he now owns, and has by persistent industry and wise management made one of the best improved and valuable farms of the neighborhood. Mr. BOOK has fifty acres in corn this year, which will yield fifty five bushels to the acre. He also has cultivated about thirty-five acres of small grains and raises eighty head of hogs annually. He is the owner of four hundred and eleven acres in Shelby County and two hundred and forty acres in Harrison County.
Mr. BOOK was married April 17, 1881, to Anna KUHL, daughter of Valentine and Clara (KRAMER) KUHL. To this union have been born eleven children: Clara, Elizabeth, Mary, Karl J., Helen, Arthur, Leo, Walter, Sidonia, Raymond and Oswald. Clara married C. B. WATGIER. Elizabeth died in infancy. Mary married P. W. LIEBER. Karl J. is single. Helen married Antone GRAFF. Oswald died April 3, 1914, at the age of eight years. The other children are still at home with their parents. The mother of these children was born August 5, 1862, and is a daughter of Valentine and Clara (KRAMER) KUHL, both of whom were natives of Germany. Valentine KUHL was eight years of age when his parents emigrated to America and settled in Calumet County, Wisconsin, in 1846. He was reared to young manhood and married Clara KRAMER, who bore him a family of six children: Katharine, who first married John HIERS and after his death she married Alphonse WATTIER; Anna, the wife of Mr. BOOK; Lena, wife of John LORGE; Matthias who married Anna WEDDINGER; John, unmarried; Sidonia, wife of Joseph APTS. Valentine Kramer was born in 1838 and settled in Westphalia Township in 1871 and became one of the pioneer settlers of the great Catholic settlement then forming in Shelby County. He followed farming until his death in 1876. Clara, his wife, was born in 1842 and died in 1885.
Mr. BOOK and all the members of his family are devout members of the Harlan Catholic Church, to which religious denomination they are liberal contributors. Politically, Mr. BOOK is allied with the Democratic Party, but contents himself with casting his vote when his duties as a citizen demand it. Mr. And Mrs. BOOK are deserving of the highest praise and rich encomium which it is possible to bestow upon parents who have contributed so much to the upbuilding of the community where they have long been residents. Would that there were more parents who firmly believed in rearing large families in this modern age. The race of growing Americans would be stronger and better and the family life would never become subservient to other distractions in which people are often prone to indulge. Mr. BOOK's standing in his community is excellent, and the hospitality of the BOOK home is widely known. Mr. And Mrs. BOOK are justly proud of their fine family and their friends are many and legion.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 952-55. Family Researcher: NA
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A prosperous businessman of Earling, Iowa, is Henry A. SCHLEIER, proprietor of a modern drug store n that city. He has made this his chosen life work and after graduating from Highland Park College in the pharmacy department, he has since devoted his energies to the drug business. His store is one of the most complete, fully equipped and best-arranged stores in Iowa. In addition to carrying a complete line of drugs and druggists' sundries, he has an up-to-date soda fountain, a full line of jewelry and wallpaper.
Henry A. SCHLEIER, son of Michael and Kate (KOLL) SCHLEIER, was born in Grant County, Wisconsin, in 1878. His parents were natives of Germany and came to this country after their marriage, settling in Wisconsin, near Cassville, in 1860, where Mr. SCHLEIER purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, but the floods which periodically swept over the farm caused him to sell out and move to Iowa. Upon coming to this state, he located in Shelby County and rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Westphalia Township. After renting for eight years, he moved into Union Township and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land for twenty-three dollars an acre, and when he retired early in 1900, he sold the same farm for seventy five dollars an acre. He died in 1912, and his widow is still living and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Henry ABTS, of Randolph, Nebraska. There were nine children born to Michael SCHLEIER and wife: Barbara, Mary, Anna, Matthew, John, Christian, Herman, Frank, Henry. Barbara is the wife of Richard KIRSCHBAUM. Mary is the wife of Peter KOHNEN. Anna became the wife of Henry ABTS. Matthew married Katherine GROSS. John married Frances SCHMIDT. Christian married Theresia LOELTZ. Herman is a priest at Sioux City, Iowa. Frank is a practicing physician in Omaha, Nebraska, and married Ella MENOGUE.
Henry A. SCHLEIER received his education in the Catholic School at Earling, Iowa, and after leaving school spent three years at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas. Then he went to Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa, where he completed the course in Pharmacy. After receiving his diploma, he located in Des Moines and worked in a drug store there for eighteen months. With this practical experience, he came to Earling and bought the drug store in that town and has been since successfully managing it. He has made extensive improvements in the store since acquiring it and has built up a trade which extends throughout the surrounding community. He is a man who thoroughly understands every phase of the business and well merits the confidence which the people have in his ability.
Mr. SCHLEIER was married September 14, 1904, to Katherine WEILAN, daughter of John B. and Mary (NEPPER) WEILAND, and to this union three children have been born: John, Gerelda, and Cleopha. Mr. SCHLEIER and his family are loyal members of the Catholic Church of Earling, and Mr. SCHLEIER is a member of the Knights of Columbus and at the present time is lecturer of the council at Earling. He is also a member of the Christian Knights of America and is commander of the local order of Earling.
Mr. Schleier has always been identified with the Democratic party and has taken a very active part in local politics. He has served as councilman of Earling and also as Mayor of the city. At the present time, he is president of the school board, and is recognized as one of the substantial men of the city.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, p. 1208-09. Family Researcher: NA
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Shelby County is fortunate in having numbered among its citizens some very able lawyers. The members of the bar, in the main, are high grade professional men, well educated and eminently fitted to practice their calling. Nowhere in the state of Iowa is it possible to find attorneys of a higher type. In general, they rank with the best in the state from the standpoint of adhering to the ethics of the profession. In John P. Hertert of Harlan, county attorneys of Shelby County, we find a rising and able young member of the legal profession. John P. Hertert was born June 25, 1885, in the city of Harlan and is the son of Hon. EMIL M. HERTERT, former representative in the state legislature. John P. Hertert received his primary education in the schools of Harlan and graduated from the high school in 1903. He then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and graduated from the famous law school connected with that university, in 1907, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He began at once the practice of law in Harlan and has met with a fair degree of success. He was elected to the office of county attorney in the fall of 1910 and re-elected in the fall of 1912. He is now serving his second term in this important position. Previous to his election as county attorney, he served as city clerk from January 1909 to April 1, 1910. His official services have been characterized by deep devotion to duty and have been marked by faithfulness to his constituents, the people of Shelby County. He is allied with the Democratic party and is a thorough and competent worker in the ranks of that party. He is a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Mr. Hertert is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Hertert was united in marriage with AGNES W. HARLAN, February 15, 1909. Mrs. Hertert is the daughter of C. L. Harlan, a druggist in Harlan, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hertert are the parents of three daughters, namely: Virginia May, aged four years; Catharine Margaret, aged two years; and Frances Agnes, aged four months.
Note from transcriber, Mona Sarratt Knight: This book also has various references to EMIL HERTERT in relationship to the Shelby County State Bank, reading "The fine three-story brick building, occupied by the bank, was erected in 1892 by a committee composed of W.W. Wheeler and E. M. HERTERT, and it is still among the best buildings in the city."
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1095-96. Family Researcher: NA
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