Judge John Crow, for so he is familiarly known in his home locality, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, having for more than a quarter of a century been one of the public-spirited and leading citizens of Minden. The circle of his friends embraces nearly all of the townspeople and includes many others in different parts of the county.

Here he has lived since 1877 and his residence in Iowa dates from 1856. At the time of his arrival in this state he was a lad of only about seven years, his birth having occurred in Mercer county, Ohio, November 16, 1849. The father settled in Cerro Gordo county, where he reared his family, and when John W. Crow had reached adult age he looked back upon a boyhood largely devoted to farm labor interspersed with some little attendance at the country schools. He is largely self-educated, however, and has added greatly to his knowledge through reading, observation and experience. Through the practical affairs of life he has learned many valuable lessons. After arriving at years of maturity he worked on a farm by the month and later when his labors had brought him sufficient capital he purchased a tract of land in Hancock county, Iowa, and was there engaged in general agricultural pursuits.

Coming to Pottawattamie county in 1877, Mr. Crow settled in the village of Minden and here became identified with commercial interests, opening a store and carrying on a dry-goods business for eighteen years. Later he engaged in the real-estate, insurance and collection business, in which he still .continues, and in this direction he has a liberal clientage. At different times he has been called to serve in various offices of public honor and trust and has left the impress of his individuality upon the city's growth and its municipal development. He has served as mayor of the town at different times, also been a member of the town board and a member of the city council. In these different positions he has closely studied municipal needs and possibilities and has labored along effective lines for the welfare and progress of the community. For the past fifteen years he has been secretary of the independent school board and was elected and served as justice of the peace for ten or twelve years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, so that he thereby "won golden

476

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

opinions from all sorts of people." In the discharge of his official duties he has ever been found thoroughly trustworthy and he is regarded as one of the foremost representatives of the democracy in Minden and this part of the county. He cast his first presidential ballot for Horace Greeley in 1872 and has since voted for each nominee at the head of the democratic ticket since that time, never missing a single election. He has served as a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. He is well acquainted with many of the democratic leaders of the state and his opinions are not without considerable weight in the party councils.

Mr. Crow was married in Minden, February 27, 1889, to Mrs. Sophia Lederer, a native of Germany, who was there reared. There is only one son of this marriage, John L. By her former marriage Mrs. Crow had a daughter, Lilly, who grew to mature years, became the wife of Harry Peters and died in 1904. Mr. Crow is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Council Bluffs and also of the Woodmen of the World. He possesses good business ability, is attentive and diligent, neglecting no opportunity nor duty. He is well known as one whose integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his business career and whose personal worth has won him the confidence and friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.

John F. McAneney, auditor of Council Bluffs, was born in Piqua, Ohio. on the 11th of February, 1860, and there lived to the age of ten years, when he became a resident of Pottawattamie county, Iowa, the family settling upon a farm in Wright township, where he Was engaged in farming and stockraising up to the year of 1888. During this time he taught school for a number of years, proving a capable educator.

In 1888 he went on the road as traveling salesman for D. M. Osborne & Company of Auburn, New York, and has since that date followed the vocation of commercial traveler up to November, 1905, when through an accident he lost his left arm. This necessitated his retirement from the road and in March, 1906, he was elected to his present office of auditor of Council Bluffs for a term of two years. In April, 1907, he was given a vote of thanks by the city council for the splendid report which he made before that body and which was highly complimented by the mayor, who is a democrat, while Mr. McAneney is a republican. As a traveling salesman he was very popular in the territory in which he traveled, possessing not only the alert, enterprising spirit so necessary to the sale of goods but also a genial and courteous manner which won him the warm friendship and regard of the great majority of those with whom he came in contact.

In 1884, in Atlantic, Iowa, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McAneney and Miss Joanna M. Graham, a daughter of Christopher Graham. They now have four daughters, two of whom are teachers and two are students. The family is well known in Council Bluffs and the hospitality of many of the

477

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. McAneney is proving a trustworthy and capable officer, discharging his duties with a sense of conscientious obligation that has won him high encomiums.

John N. From owns and cultivates an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Pleasant township, and in addition to -the tilling of the soil annually feeds and ships two carloads of cattle. He was born in Monongalia county, West Virginia, on the 7th of January, 1849, his parents being Joseph and Mary J. (Boyd) From. The father, also a native of Monongalia county, was born in 1818, and the mother's birth occurred there in the same year: Having reached adult age, they were married, and to provide for his family the father engaged in farming. In 1868 he brought his wife and children to Iowa, locating first in Poweshiek county, and in the spring of 1872 he came to Pottawattamie county, settling in Pleasant township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17. There he resided up to the time of his death. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. For about ten years after her husband's death Mrs. From continued to cultivate and manage the farm, after which she removed to Shelby, where she made her home until called to her final rest on the 12th of July, 1907. In their family were nine children, of whom eight are yet living: Samuel B., of Shelby, Iowa; Catherine, the wife of Thomas Brown, of Dixon, South Dakota; John N. and Joseph E., twins, the .latter of Shelby, Iowa; Vian, the wife of L. M. Ostrom, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Christopher C., of Homer, Nebraska; Anna, the wife of A. M. Scott, of Pleasant township, this county; and George, of Dixon, South Dakota.

John N. From was reared on the home farm and in the district schools acquired his education. In early manhood he became a partner of his father in agricultural pursuits and on coming to Pottawattamie county the father and his sons acquired a body of land in partnership, securing then over one thousand acres, which was divided soon after the marriage of John N. From, who thus acquired his present homestead of two hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has since lived. Here he has been engaged in the raising of cattle for a number of years and he annually feeds about two carloads each winter. In this he has been very successful and is one of the best known cattlemen of this section of the state.

In 1880 Mr. From was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Nippert, of Pleasant township, and they have since become the parents of seven children: William E. and Mable G., both at home; Ida, the wife of Lloyd W. Longanecker, of Shelby, Iowa; George H., Joseph M., Corwin J. and Mary Cecil, all yet under the parental roof. With the exception of the two youngest all of the children have attended the Shelby high school.

Mr. From has always been a stalwart champion of the cause of education and has done effective service in behalf of the schools as a member of the

478

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

board. In politics he is an earnest republican and has served for several years as township trustee. He belongs to Silencia lodge, No. 371, A. F. & A. M., to Raboni chapter, R. A. M., and he and his wife, together with one son and daughter, are members of the Eastern Star. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and throughout his entire life he has been a man whom to know is to esteem and honor, for he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of others in business transactions but on the contrary has been straightforward and honorable.

Irad T. Spangler is the oldest grain merchant in years of continuous connection with the trade on the line of the Rock Island in western Iowa, and his business career has at all times been such as to merit the confidence and trust of his associates in the commercial world. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Lebanon county on the 16th of May, 1844. Hi, father, Levi S. Spangler, was born in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, our subject, however, being of the fifth generation of the family in this country. The father was reared in the place of his nativity and in early manhood engaged in the grain business there. He afterward removed to Schuylkill county, where he was engaged in dealing in hard coal, and later he took up his abode in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he operated in bituminous coal-fields for some years. Subsequently he returned to Myerstown, where the last years of his life were passed. He was a believer in republican principles, stalwart in support of the party and an influential factor in its local councils but never an aspirant for political preferment. The German Reformed church found in him an active and devoted member and he died in that faith in February, 1876, at the age of fifty-seven years. In early manhood he had wedded Leah Tice, and to them were born nine children, of whom seven are yet living, as follows: Priscilla C., the wife of Henry Haak of Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Irad T.; Melinda, the wife of Harry James, of Myerstown; Jerome C., who is it miller of Walnut, Iowa; Monroe L., also of Walnut; Levi T., of Atlantic, Iowa; and Emma M., of Myerstown, Pennsylvania.

In the family home in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, Irad T. Spangler received that training which works for honorable manhood and good citizenship. He was educated in the public schools and when eighteen years of age. aroused by a spirit of patriotism, be offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 15th of August, 1862, as a member of Company O, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, known as the Bucktail Regiment. His military experience is that of that famous regiment, as he participated in all of the principal engagements of the war. He was present at the battle of Gettysburg, the regiment going into action with four hundred and eighty-four enlisted men and coming out with only one hundred and thirty-four, such was the carnage on that field of battle, where the contesting armies

479

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

advanced and retreated again and again until finally the Union forces were able to meet their opposition on the third day, and thus one of the most important engagements was brought to a successful close for the northern troops. Mr. Spangler was slightly wounded in the battle of Cold Harbor but was not incapacitated for service and following the surrender of Lee was honorably discharged on the 25th of June, 1865. He had never faltered in the performance of any duty, whether on the firing line or on the lonely picket line and his military record is altogether a most creditable one.

Returning to the north, Mr. Spangler located in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and assisted his father in his mining operations there. He was married in that locality on the 11th of July, 1867, to Miss Sarah M. Marshall, and remained in Lawrence county until 1873, which year witnessed his arrival in Iowa. He reached Walnut, Pottawattamie county, in the early part of April and soon afterward became identified with the grain business as a member of the firm of Avery, Spangler & Company, dealers in grain, coal and agricultural implements. In 1879 he went to Shelby, Iowa, to look after the business of the firm at that point, the company having established a branch elevator there. He continued at Shelby for four years, when the branch elevator was sold and Mr. Spangler returned to Walnut, where he purchased the interests of his partners, becoming sole proprietor of the business, which he has since conducted alone, this enterprise making him one of the leading representatives of commercial interests in the town. He has been in business continuously for thirty-four years, and he believes therefore, that he is the oldest grain shipper in the state along the line of the Rock Island Railroad. He has always led a very busy life.

In 1887 Mr. Spangler was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died in October of that year, and in September, 1888, he wedded Miss Alice D. Depew. By his first marriage there were born five children, of whom three are yet living. Christ M., the eldest, is superintendent of the Diamond mine in Diamonetta, Niuras, Geres, Brazil. He was the superintendent of the building of the Sacramento Street Railway, prior to his twenty-first year and is a skilled mechanic and engineer by reason of the development of his natural power and his personal study. Levi is the superintendent of the Centerville division of the Bay County Electric Power Company, furnishing the power for San Francisco, Sacramento and the surrounding towns, the plant being located at Centerville. Charles R, the youngest son, is a member of the Walnut Milling Company, holding the office of treasurer. The children of the second marriage are Homer D. and Ronald T., fifteen and thirteen years respectively and now students in the public schools.

In addition to his home in Walnut, Mr. Spangler owns some extensive farm property in Layton township, besides being a leading dealer in grain, coal, farm implements and live-stock in the northeastern part of the county. His business has been developed along safe lines, bringing him a very gratifying measure of prosperity, his labors being directed into those channels where keen discrimination and sound judgment have led the way. In politics he is a stalwart republican and prominent in the councils of his party. He has been called to various public offices, serving as school director for seventeen

480

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

years, as township clerk for two terms, township trustee for one term and member of the town council for six years. He has frequently been a delegate to the state and county conventions, where his opinions carry weight. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and he is one of its trustees, while socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with John A. Dix post, G. A. R. In all the days of peace as in the days of war he has been loyal to the best interests of his country and his influence has ever been on the side of justice, improvement and progress. His friends, and they are many, speak of him in warm terms of praise and commendation, and wherever he is known he commands the fullest confidence and regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Charles Lunkley, who for a number of years was engaged in the undertaking business in Council Bluffs, continuing in that line of operation from the time of his arrival in the city in Octob6r, 1889, until his death, was a native of Stark county, Ohio, Dorn on the 12th of October, 1846. His parents were Francis and Margaret (Shields) Lunkley, both of whom were natives of Germany. At an early day they came to America, settling in Stark county, Ohio, where the father engaged in general farming for several years. He afterward sought a home in the middle west, taking up his abode near Ottumwa, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and carried on the work of tilling the soil throughout the remainder of his days. Both he and his wife passed away at that place, his death occurring when he had reached the age of seventy-two years.

Charles Lunkley was only a young child when his parents came to Iowa, where he was reared to farm work, and in the country schools near Ottumwa acquired his education. Lessons of industry, perseverance and diligence were early impressed upon his mind, and when he was still quite a young lad he received practical training in the work of the fields. During the period of his boyhood a Mr. Bachman was engaged in the retail furniture business and in the manufacture of furniture at Ottumwa, and when Mr. Lunkley left school he began to learn the trade of cabinet-making with Mr. Bachman. His fidelity, trustworthiness and ability soon gained him generous recognition and within a short time he was general clerk in the Bachman furniture store. For eighteen years he was connected with that business, being a most loyal and trusted employe.

It was during his residence in Ottumwa that Mr. Lunkley was married to Miss Amanda Konantz, a native of Crawford, Indiana, and a daughter of Anton and Catherine (Wolfe) Konantz, both of whom were natives of Germany. On bidding adieu to the fatherland and crossing the Atlantic to the new world, they settled in Crawford, Indiana, where they resided for a few years. On the expiration of that period they removed to the west and Mr. Konantz purchased a farm near Ottumwa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits

481

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

throughout his remaining days. He worked diligently and persistently and as the years passed, acquired a comfortable competence for his family. His wife died when on a visit in Illinois. There were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lunkley, of whom two are living. Cora, the elder, is the wife of Henry C. Scheidle, and with their daughter, Gertrude May, they reside at No. 208 South First street with her mother. May is the wife of John B. Hendricks, a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who is connected with the Union Pacific Coal Company. Those deceased are Joseph Francis and Hattie. The son married Annie Johnson and died in 1896, leaving one child, Clarence.

It was subsequent to his marriage that Mr. Lunkley came to the west, settling in Holdridge, Nebraska, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted for three years. He then came to Council Bluffs in October, 1889, and here opened an undertaking establishment, purchasing his stock from Mr. Field, at No. 322 Broadway. He engaged in business at different places on Broadway and finally located at No. 226, where he remained in business until called to his final rest. He built up an excellent trade and the liberal patronage accorded him made him one of the successful merchants of Council Bluffs.

For three years prior to his death Mr. Lunkley was in ill health and spent much of his time away from home in the hope that he might be benefited by the change but all to no avail, and on the 11th of April, 1905, he passed away. He had given his political allegiance to the democracy and was well known as a valued member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He was also a communicant of St. Francis Catholic church in Council Bluffs, to which his wife yet belongs. During the dark days of the Civil war he enlisted in April, 1863, as a private in Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry and was discharged November 6, 1865, on account of disability. His life was in many respects uneventful and yet he displayed those sterling traits of character which work for good citizenship and for honesty in business and in private life. He therefore left to his family an untarnished name and his memory is yet cherished by the many friends whom he gained during the years of his residence in Council Bluffs. His widow still resides here, being located in a pleasant home at No. 624 Sixth avenue.

Among the most loyal of Council Bluffs' citizens is Frank T. True, who was born in North Stratford, New Hampshire, on December 8, 1861. He left there at the early age of six and went with his parents to Norway, Maine. Upon the old farm and under the parental roof Mr. True was reared, and in the freedom of the outdoor life developed a reliant spirit and force of character that has marked his entire career. He attended the schools of the neighborhood until eighteen years of age but could no longer contentedly remain at home, for the business world was attractive and he was eager to enter its field. He

482

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

was first employed as bookkeeper for a lumber company in North Stratford and did his work so carefully and accurately that he remained with them for four years, returning at the end of that time to Norway, Maine, where for two years he was engaged in the grocery business. In 1886 he was elected treasurer of his native city but resigned in October of the following year to come to Council Bluffs. He entered at once into work in the office of city clerk and has been in the city's employ ever since, either by appointment or election. In April, 1900, he was elected city treasurer on the republican ticket and is now serving his fourth term, which speaks well for his popularity among his constituents .as well as his efficiency in the duties of his office.

On January 27, 1892, in Ashland, Nebraska, occurred the marriage of Frank T. True and Anna J. Chamberlin, a daughter of Dr. W. E. Chamberlin. Mr. True is a Shriner, a Knight Templar, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks, and because of his religious beliefs has joined the Universalist church. His record is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way to his present position. His life has been one of industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of his constituents. Without the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a position of prominence in the city and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping-stones on which he has mounted.

     
Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Geise
(click on images for larger sizes)

ADOLPH GEISE.

From an early period in the development and improvement of Pottawattamie county Adolph Geise has resided within its borders and bas not only been a witness of its growth and development but has also aided in its upbuilding, assisting in laying the foundation upon which has been reared the superstructure of its present prosperity and progress. As the years have passed he has conducted all business matters capably and with fairness to others and pas prospered in his undertakings until he now owns five farms, all well improved, in Norwalk township, his home place being on section 18.

He has lived in this county since 1866, arriving here when a young man of twenty-two years. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, March 22, 1844, and there the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He is largely a self-educated as well as a self-made man, his knowledge of the English tongue being acquired after he came to the new world. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and its business opportunities led him to determine to seek his fortune in this country. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and native land and in 1866 sailed for New York. He then worked on a farm and in a brewery in Pennsylvania for about two years and in 1868 came west to Pottawattamie county. Here he was first employed by the month ina brickyard at Council Bluffs, spending two years in that way.

485

HISTORY QF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

By careful expenditure he saved considerable of his earnings and bought eighty acres ,of raw prairie land, whereon he now resides. As the years passed he improved this farm, converting the wild tract into productive fields. The boundaries of the place he extended by additional purchase from time to time and he also invested in other tracts of land in Norwalk township until he is now one of the most extensive landowners of the county, having here nearly one thousand acres, in addition to which he owns a section of land in Alberta, Canada. He improved most of his farm himself and on the home place has built a fine residence and substantial barns. He raises and feeds stock, shipping annually from two to five carloads of fat cattle and also some hogs. In all that he has undertaken he has been practical, showing an aptitude for successful management combined with keen discernment and sound judgment in making investments.

Mr. Geise was married in this county in 1872, to Miss Margaret Young, a native of Iowa and of German parentage. They became the parents of ten children who are still living. William G., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume; Fritz, who assists in carrying on the home farm; August, a high school student; Ernest, Carl and Otto, all at home; Mena, the wife of Fred Klopping; Mary, the wife of Henry Bonnes; Louisa, the wife Philip Geise, and Margaret, at home. They also lost two children, Adolph and Martha, the former dying at the age of ten years and the latter in infancy.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church at Underwood and are most highly esteemed people, their lives being in harmony with their professions. Mr. Geise for more than a third of a century has lived the life of an active, energetic farmer, making good use of his business opportunities and carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He indeed deserves much credit for his splendid record, whereby he has advanced from a humble position in the business world to a place among the most prominent and prosperous agricu1turists of Pottawattamie county.

Thomas Burke has since 1903 resided upon his excellent farm of two hundred and thirty acres situated just outside the corporation limits of Avoca on sections 8 and 17, Knox township. Here he is making a specialty of the raising and feeding of shorthorn cattle and hogs, and his stock-raising interests are an important branch of his business. He was born in Ireland on the 5th of December, 1846, a son of Edmund and Abby (Murphy) Burke, who were also natives of Ireland and passed away in that country. They were the parents of three sons, as follows: James, who resides in Massachusetts; John, living in California; and Thomas, of this review.

Thomas Burke acquired his education in the schools of Ireland and lived in the land of his nativity until nineteen years of age, when he determined to establish his home in the new world. Accordingly he set sail for America and

488

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

on the 1st of June, 1865, landed at Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked on a farm for two years. He then learned the trade of a leather finisher, with which he was identified for six years. In 1873, however, he came west, locating in Marshall county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for four months. At the end of that time he removed to Cass county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he farmed for one year, when he moved to the town of Anita. Here he secured employment as a section hand with the Rock Island Railroad and was engaged in that work for eight years, at the end of which time he was promoted to the position of section boss and sent to Avoca, Iowa, being there employed in that capacity for twenty years. On the expiration of that period he bought a farm of two hundred and thirty acres on sections 8 and 17, Knox township, Pottawattamie county, just outside the corporation limits of Avoca, and took up his abode thereon in the fall of 1903. This is one of the most valuable farms in the county and in addition to the cultivation of the fields, he makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs, having now a herd or more than one hundred head of cattle and one hundred and fifty hogs. In all his business interests Mr. Burke displays an aptitude for successful management, and both as a farmer and stock-raiser has met with an unusual degree of prosperity, being widely recognized as one of the prominent and representative agriculturists of the county. His present fine home was erected in 1903, and he has made many other improvements on his farm.

Mr. Burke has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Ellen Murrey, a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of two children: Edmund, who resides at Omaha, Nebraska, and is a railroad conductor; and Kate, who died in infancy. Our subject was married a second time, in 1884, to Miss Margaret O'Neil, who was Dorn in Ireland in 1866 and was one of a family of six children. She is now the mother of five children, as follows: Daniel, John, Thomas, Margaret and Joseph.

Mr. Burke gives his political support to the democratic party, and he and his wife and family are members of the Catholic church. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his county. He has found in this country the opportunities which he sought, and his prosperity is entirely the result of his own perseverance and industry.

Otto Ronna, cashier of the German Bank of Walnut, is one of Pottawattamie county's native sons, his birth having occurred on the old family homestead in Lincoln township, on the 19th of December, 1874. He is the oldest of four surviving members of the family of five children whose parents were Jurgen F. and Catharina (Dierks) Ronna. He was only five years of age at the time of the removal of his father from the farm to Walnut and in this town he was reared to manhood, acquiring his education largely in the public

487

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

schools. He pursued a special course and afterward became a pupil in the Valparaiso (Indiana) Business College. After completing his course he returned to Walnut and entered his father's store, where he was employed until the 1st of July, 1893.

The German Savings Bank of Walnut was organized at that time and Otto Ronna was offered and accepted, the position of assistant cashier. A year later, this institution was consolidated with, and merged into, the Exchange State Bank, and Mr. Ronna went to Clinton, Iowa, where he secured a position in a mercantile establishment, where he was employed for four months. In November, 1894, he returned to Walnut and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Exchange State Bank. In July, 1901, he resigned that position and for four months traveled through the west, looking for a favorable location in which to engage in the banking business. Finding nothing to suit him, he returned to Walnut in November of the same year, and in partnership with his father purchased the German Bank of Walnut, with which he has since been identified as junior- partner of the firm of J. F. & Otto Ronna. This has become a strong moneyed concern, having secured a liberal patronage in the general banking business, and a large clientage in the loan, insurance and realty business.

On the 4th of April, 1900, Otto Ronna was married to Miss Mabel Bruce, a daughter of O. M. Bruce, a prominent business man and one of the old settlers of Walnut. This marriage has been blessed with a daughter, Maxine. Mr. and Mrs. Ronna are prominent socially; having the warm regard of many friends, while the hospitality of the best homes of the locality is freely accorded them.

Mr. Ronna is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Mono lodge, No. 559, A. F. & A. M., of Walnut, of which he has served as master for four years. He likewise belongs to Raboni chapter, No. 85, R. A. M., of Avoca; Kedron commandery, No. 42, K. T., of Atlantic, Iowa; Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Des Moines; Diamond lodge, No. 374, K. P.; Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorasan of Council Bluffs; Walnut lodge, No. 294, A. O. U. W.; and Excelsior camp, No. 6986, M. W. A., of Walnut. Mr. Ronna belongs to the Lutheran church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. While never an aspirant for political preferment, he is an influential factor in his party's counsels and has always been foremost in any movement for the advancement of the town of Walnut, being a leading and representative citizen of this thriving little village.

The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Cincinnati, September 11, 1840. His father, John H. Rothert, and mother, Margaret Rothert, were early pioneers of the Queen city, having settled there in 1832. After his high school and college education Mr. Rothert engaged in commercial pursuits, becoming a member of the firm of J. H. Rothert & Sons, doing a large hard-

488

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

ware, iron and stove business. Recognizing the western tendency of the star of empire, the business was extended by establishing a branch house in the city of Keokuk, Iowa. The firm by the retirement of the senior member and founder was changed to Rothert Brothers, and in 1863 Henry W. Rothert assumed entire control of the Iowa branch, managing its extended interests in a large territory comprised of western counties of Illinois, northern counties of Missouri and one-half of Iowa.

Mr. Rothert was married in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 1862, to Miss Eliza Tebbe, of that city, who at his side now enjoys the happy reflections of a well spent life. The union has been blessed with two sons: Edwin H. Rothert, engaged in railroad business in Omaha, Nebraska; and Waldo H. Rothert, following agricultural pursuits near Carthage, Missouri. The former was married in Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss Mary Francis, of that city, and the latter at Carthage, Missouri, to Miss Florence Phelps.

Mr. Rothert's residence in Iowa was soon marked by the preference of his neighbors and his public-spirited interests were soon called into active service. His first entrance into public life was as one of the county commissioners of Lee county. He was elected alderman for three successive terms, followed by large majorities for mayor of the city for two terms. His deep interest in educational matters was recognized by retaining him as a member of the board of education for nine years, the latter part of which he acted as president, and severed his connection by resignation, owing to a change of residence. Mr. Rothert was elected as senator from the first senatorial district and served for eight years, thus estab1ishing his popularity inasmuch as the district returned overwhelming democratic majorities but recognized Mr. Rothert on the republican ticket. During his last term he was selected as president pro tem of the senate and became lieutenant governor of the state by succession, the incumbent, Lieutenant Governor Newbold, filling the vacancy of governor created by the resignation of Governor Kirkwood, who took his seat as United States senator.

Mr. Rothert, having retired from business, was appointed by President Arthur and confirmed by the United States senate as register of the land office for Wyoming. After a residence of nearly four years at Cheyenne, he resigned as an "offensive partisan" at the commencement of President Cleveland's administration.

He was then called by the board of directors of the Union Pacific Railroad to investigate and report on the entire land system of said railroad, which having accomplished, he was offered and accepted the position of superintendent of the Iowa School for the Deaf at Council Bluffs, which he has held for twenty years. Mr. Rothert is by family relationship especially interested in the cause of the education of the deaf and considers the position he has held so long as a mission of life.

At his former home, Keokuk, Mr. Rothert was not less prominent in social and business circles. He was president of a loan and building association, chairman of local board of underwriters and vice president of the Commercial Bank. He was the executive head of a social organization and noble grand of the Odd Fellows He was master of his lodge twelve years and eminent

489

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

commander of his commandery six years. He was grand treasurer of the grand -lodge and the grand chapter, was elected as grand master of Masons of Iowa and unanimously re-elected for the second term. He was elected as grand commander of the Knights Templar and led the pilgrimage to San Francisco at the session of the grand encampment, at which he served as chairman of one of the prominent committees. Mr. Rothert enjoys the friendship of prominent men of the state and nation but prefers the retirement of his chosen work to the glare of further public prominence.