In a history of the representative citizens of Pottawattamie county mention should be made of Francis How, who has been actively associated with business interests in Avoca but is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his property interests. He was born in London, England, on the 24th of June, 1839, his parents being Jeremiah and Eliza (Phillips) How, who were likewise natives of England and spent their entire lives in that country.

Francis How remained a resident of his native land during his boyhood and youth and is indebted to its public schools for his educational privileges. In 1862, attracted by the broader opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic and first located in Canada. In 1863 he went to Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted for service in the Civil war in the fall of 1863 as a member of Company L, Thirteenth New York Heavy Artillery. He served for two years and seven months and participated in. a number of engagements, including the battle of Fort Fisher. He was discharged in 1865 after having rendered valiant and valuable service to his adopted country for almost three years. When mustered out of the service he took a trip to England, where he remained for three months, and then returned to New York, where he spent three months. On the expiration of that period he came to Council

517

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

Bluffs in 1867, making his home in the city for three years. He then bought a farm in this county of eighty acres and located thereon, making it his home for two years. In 1872 he removed to Avoca, where he established a restaurant, and when two years had passed he and his wife opened a millinery and notion store called The Fair, continuing in business until 1902 with excellent success. They then sold out and took a trip to England, spending a year in his native country.

Mr. How was married in 1865 to Miss Caroline Thomas, also a native, of England and a daughter of Francis and Caroline (Johnson) Thomas, whose family numbered fourteen children. Mr. and Mrs. How have four children: Francis R., of Council Bluffs; Henry A., of Nebraska; Sidney S., of Council Bluffs; and Edith, an adopted daughter, living at home.

Mr. How belongs to the Masonic lodge, No. 292, and to the chapter No. 85 at Avoca, being made a Mason in England in 1862. His wife and daughter are connected with the Eastern Star. Mr. and Mrs. How own twelve residences and store buildings in the village of Avoca, from which they derive & good income, supplying them with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. For many years they were prominent in business circles here and through that means were enabled to invest quite largely in property. In his political views Mr. How is a democrat but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, which, being capably managed, have brought to him a very gratifying success.

Paul C. De Vol, the president of the P. C. De Vol Hardware Company of Council Bluffs, was born in this city in 1873 and is a son of P. C. De Vol, one of the oldest business men of Council Bluffs, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was educated in the public schools of this city and studied for two years at Ames College, Ames, Iowa. He early displayed marked business characteristics and even as a boy was always the organizer of their games as well as the one who carried them out. When he left Ames College in 1892 he entered the store of his father, P. C. De Vol, and in 1900 the firm became known as P. C. DeVol & Son. In 1904 the business was incorporated as it is at the present time. Mr. De Vol is always at the head of any business enterprise with which he is in any way connected. He is director in the Growers Canning Company; treasurer of the Council Bluffs Transfer & Stove Storage Company; director of the Council Bluffs Sheet & Metal Company; vice president of the Wright, Wilhelmy Company of Omaha; and president of the Iowa Hardware Dealers' Association. It is interesting to note that in the last named capacity he is the sixth president, while his father was the first.

Mr. De Vol was married in 1897, at Council Bluffs, to Bessie Harkness, a daughter of James E. Harkness. He is second vice president of the Commercial Club and is a member of the lodge of Elks and the United Commercial

518

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

Travelers, No. 146. In religion he has always been associated with the First Presbyterian church, to which he has given his active support. Mr. De Vol is a force in the business world, for he possesses unusual executive ability and is always foremost in the organization and conduct of large enterprises. He is regarded by all who know him as an honest and upright citizen and a business man of integrity. Whenever he enters any enterprise its success is assured and Council Bluffs is to be congratulated upon having a citizen like Paul C. De Vol.

Ambrose Crellin, the general agent of the International Harvester Company of America at Council Bluffs, Iowa, was born in Port St. Mary's on the Isle of Man (England) January 31, 1871. That same year he was brought by his parents to Nebraska. They located first in Culling county, that state, on a farm, and it was there that Mr. Crellin was reared. He attended the district schools and assisted his father upon the farm. At the age of fourteen he set out for Lyons, where he spent three years learning the harness trade. At the end of that period he removed to Randolph, Nebraska, where he opened a harness store. He built up a business which was lucrative and for which he was soon offered a price which he could not afford to refuse. He accordingly sold out in 1892 and re-embarked in the harness and implement business at Wausa, Nebraska. With a keen eye for business advantages, he sold out in 1894, when a good offer was made him for the establishment. These were the first three steps in his business career and he then set out in another line of work by accepting a position as traveling agent for the Walter A. Wood Harvester Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, and remained in that capacity up to the year 1896. He was a young man of push and enterprise and his worth was highly appreciated. The McCormick Harvesting Machine Company were not slow to recognize his ability and offered him a position which he accepted. He made his headquarters at Lincoln, Nebraska, and served them efficiently up to the time that the International Harvester Company purchased the business of the other companies in 1902. Mr. Crellin was then appointed collection agent at Council Bluffs, Iowa, a position in which he remained until February, 1907, when he received an appointment to his present position. In addition to this business he is the junior member of the firm of Crellin Brothers, hardware and implement merchants at Pender, Nebraska.

On August 2, 1890, Mr. Crellin was married, in Randolph, Nebraska, to Hattie I. Totten, the daughter of William M. Totten. This union has been blessed with four daughters and one son, who form an interesting and attractive family.

Mr. Crellin belongs to Star chapter, No. 47, R. A. M.; Bluff City lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M.; and the United Commercial Travelers, No. 134, of Grand Island, Nebraska.. In his political affiliations he has always been a stalwart republican and though he has never sought its honors or offices has al-

519

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

ways been ready to aid those who have. When a lad he was ready to begin at the bottom of the ladder and to make his way gradually' through the various stages until he attained his present position. Such a man is invariably in a substantial condition, for his foundation is sure. Too often our young men want to begin at the top round of the ladder. Mr. Crellin has always been a man of strong and determined character, who has gained his prosperity by honesty and straightforwardness and by sticking closely to his purpose. He has never cared to figure prominently in political work but has preferred to devote his energies to his business and to have leisure to enjoy his home and his family. He has a wide circle of friends, who take great pleasure in their acquaintance with Mr. Crellin and hold him in the highest esteem.

Justin J. Olney is a self-made man who started out in life empty-handed but is now a prosperous farmer, his home being on section 24, Belknap township. His life record began in Kirtland, Ohio, February 8, 1838. His father, Oliver Olney, was a native of the east and was a woolen manufacturer and farmer. In the spring of 1838 he went to Illinois and later settled in Jackson county, Missouri, with a colony of Mormons, of which he was a member. His son, Justin afterward returned to Ohio with an older brother in the year 1843. Soon after the father died. His wife bore the maiden name of Alice Johnson and was a native of Vermont. She, too, joined the Mormons and her death occurred in Missouri in 1842. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, of whom the following reached adult age: Newton, now deceased; Milton, who enlisted in the Mexican war in New Orleans and has now passed away; Emily, the widow of Henry Marlan and a resident of The Danes, Oregon, having crossed the plains with ox team in 1845; Mary, Laura, Oliver and Caroline, all of whom have passed away; and Justin J.

The last named was reared on a farm in Portage county, Ohio. It was in the year of his birth that the family removed to the west but he later returned to his native state with an older brother and three sisters. He attended school at Hiram, Ohio, but his educational privileges were somewhat meager, as it was necessary for him to provide for his own support. He had to work hard to earn a living in early life, but he possessed resolute purpose and untiring industry-qualities which he has always manifested. In 1855 he came to Iowa, settling in Pottawattamie county near the Shugart place, east of Council Bluffs. Be lived with an uncle, John Johnson, for about eleven years, and in 1866 removed to Belknap township, purchasing land on sections 22 and 23. He added to his holdings until at one time he was owner of four hundred acres, while at the present writing he owns eighty acres on section 24 and eighty acres on section 23, Belknap township. He is an enterprising business man and has been quite successful in his farming operations. He was also engaged for about a year and a half in the implement business at Oakland.

520

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

Mr. Olney was married August 9, 1865, to Miss Mary Morrison, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November, 1842, and died in February, 1905. She was a member of the Christian church and was an estimable lady, whose death was deeply regretted by many who knew her. She left a daughter and a son: Alice, the wife of Dorson S. Pleak, a farmer in Belknap township, with whom Mr. Olney makes his home; and Wayne, who is on a homestead in Wyoming. There are now three grandchildren.

Mr. Olney gives his political support to the republican party and has held a number of local offices. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being initiated into that order at Council Bluffs in 1872, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. In the face of obstacles and difficulties which would utterly discourage many a less resolute man, he has pushed forward to the goal of prosperity and has proven that laudable ambition and untiring diligence can win success. In 1890 he went to Washington, where he remained for about one year, and with that exception he has lived in Pottawattamie county since 1855.

Martin Plahn makes his home near Avoca and is operating a farm, being a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Knox township. He was born in Holstein, Germany, on the 29th of November, 1843, and acquired his education in the schools of that country while spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. His parents, C. W. and Louise Plahn, were both natives of Germany and died in that country. Of their family of six children three are yet living, Sophia and Gustav being yet residents of the fatherland.

Martin Plahn spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the country of his nativity and in 1866 sought a home in America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world, where competition is greater and advancement more quickly secured. Making his way into the interior of the country, he located at Davenport, Iowa, where he resided until 1874. He then removed to Shelby county, this state, where he operated a rented farm for three years and on the expiration of that period he invested his earnings in one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he afterward added a similar tract, his farm then comprising two hundred and forty acres. The year 1891 witnessed his arrival in Pottawattamie county, where he purchased two hundred and twenty acres of land and in 1897 he added one hundred and twenty acres to this, making a total of three hundred and forty acres on section 21, Knox township. This is appropriately known as the Oaklawn Stock Farm and its proximity to Avoca makes it one of the fine farms of the county, the advantages of town life being easily accessible, while those of rural life can at all times be enjoyed. He is one of the most prosperous tillers of the soil in this part of the state, his fields

521

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

bringing forth rich craps and at the same time he is making a specialty of the raising and feeding of shorthorn cattle. For the past thirty-two years his entire time and attention have been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and his place is now one of the mast productive farms of the neighborhood. The stock which he raises is of high grade and he makes large sales annually. He also owns one hundred and eighty acres in Washington township, Pottawattamie county.

On the 31st of January, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Plahn and Miss Adele Volkmann, who was born in Germany, February 27, 1853, and is a daughter of Frederick and Julia Volkmann, who were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. Their family numbered ten children and unto Mr. and Mrs. Plahn ten children have been born, namely: Louise, at home; Julia, the wife of John Lage, of Wayne county, Nebraska; Ernest, of Pottawattamie county; Lottie, the wife of Jesse Potter, also a resident of this county; Ricklef, Rudolph and Helene, still under the parental roof; one now deceased; and Sophia and Johannas, with their parents.

Politically Mr. Plahn is a democrat and has served as trustee of his township for two terms and is now school treasurer. He and his wife are supporters of the Lutheran church. They own a fine residence on Chestnut street in Avoca but his time and energies are still given to the farm and in the control of his business affairs he is meeting with very desirable success.

As long as Walter S. Goodrich continues in the hotel business Council Bluffs will never lack first class accommodations for the guests who may visit the city. He was born in Chicago, February 22, 1861, and was reared and educated in Evanston, Illinois, until he had reached the age of sixteen. He then came to Council Bluffs to enter the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway and for fifteen years served this road in various capacities, being for three years an engineer. In 1893 he entered the hotel business in Council Bluffs, conducting the Tremont House for three years. He improved and remodeled this hotel and made it a popular home for all those who sought its accommodations. He then took hold of the Metropolitan and pushed it to the same position that he had given to the Tremont. For five years he conducted this house but at the end of that time he felt convinced that a new building was needed. In 1906 he erected his present establishment, the finest and most elaborate and complete American and European hotel of Council Bluffs. Its erection was due entirely to the enterprise and public spirit of its proprietor and he has spared neither pains nor expense in its plan and its building. He has installed everything that modern ideas and utility can possibly furnish for the comfort, pleasure and general wellbeing of its guests. Hotel Goodrich is built of the finest pressed brick, fire proof, with hose, fire escapes and fire extinguishers an every floor. It is steam heated and lighted by electricity, having its own electric plant and

522

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

electric bells. It has baths in connection with the rooms and an accommodation of sixty well lighted and ventilated guest chambers. The dining room is forty feet square, with a barber shop and bar in connection. It has an up-to-date cafe, which serves the best bill of fare for the money in the city.

Mr. Goodrich was married in 1880, in this city, to Jennie Jones, a daughter of Daniel and Rachel Jones. This union has been blessed with three children: Harry E., Everett E. and Ferris.

In his political affiliations Mr. Goodrich has given his support to the republican party and has served as delegate to the county conventions several times. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Eagles. It takes unusual ability and tact to conduct successfully a hotel. For this business a man must be a good manager, a social and genial host, must have the rare ability of dealing agreeably with all kinds of people and at all times. In all this Mr. Goodrich has certainly proved capable. Council Bluffs owes much to the good opinion which the guests of this city have formed, because of the comfortable quarters which have been furnished them by Mr. Goodrich.

(click on image for larger size)

LEWIS HAMMER.

Lewis Hammer is now extensively and successfully engaged in raising live-stock, but, although his business interests are at present confined in considerable measure to this line, he is, nevertheless, contributing largely to the commercial and industrial activity of Council Bluffs, and he also figures in its financial circles as vice-president of the Commercial National Bank. His intense and well directed activity has been the basis of his success and at all times his efforts have been guided by safe, conservative and sound judgment.

His birth, occurred upon a farm in Lorain county, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1837, his parents being Godfrey and Kathrina (Dachtler) Hammer, who 'Were of German ancestry. The father was born in Germany, and, coming to America, settled upon a farm in Lorain county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days, devoting his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife died in the Buckeye state. In their family were five children, of whom four are now living: John, a resident of Council Bluffs; Godfrey; Christian, who is living in Ada, Ohio; and Lewis, of this review.

The last named spent the first twenty years of his life in the state of his nativity and as a farm boy was reared, early assisting in the work of field and meadow. He was about eighteen years of age when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for two years, and in 1857 he sought a home west of the Mississippi, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in a district which was then less thickly settled than Ohio. Accordingly he came to Council Bluffs and soon afterward made his way to Harrison county. There he followed carpentering and contracting, carrying on the business for about six years. He again came to Pottawattamie county, where he estab-

525

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

lished a sawmill in partnership with J. H. Peters, conducting the enterprise for two years, during which time he got out a lat of ties for the Union Pacific Railroad, these being among the first used on the construction of that road. The ties and lumber were rafted dawn the river, to Omaha and then sent to their destination. The mill was located on the Bayer river in Harri son county and was in operation by Mr. Hammer for two years.

In 1866,hawever, he disposed of it and came to Council Bluffs, where he established a lumberyard, which he conducted with gratifying success until 1904. In 1888 he joined Martinson and Ed. Mott in the organization of the Western Lumber & Supply Company from which Mr. Mott withdrew in 1889. The business was capitalized for thirty-five thousand dollars, which was afterward increased to forty-five thousand dollars. The company dealt in all kinds of building material and developed an excellent business, which was managed by Mr. Hammer. He was likewise interested in another lumberyard at the corner of Second and Vine streets, under the firm name of L. Hammer & Company, and this was equally successful.

Since disposing of his lumber interests in 1904 Mr. Hammer has devoted his entire time to stock-raising, in which he has been interested for a number of years, and he is now so engaged in Dawson and Custer counties in Nebraska, where he has extensive ranches and large herds of cattle. In the meantime he has assisted greatly in the upbuilding of Council Bluffs in all its interests, especially in the line of its manufactories. In 1859 he went by ox team to Pike's Peak, being on the road for thirty days between Council Bluffs and Denver, and spending a year there. His business interests, however, have largely centered in Council Bluffs and vicinity and he still makes his home in this city, from which point he goes to his ranches to superintend his live-stock interests. He was one of the organizers of the Commercial National Bank and from the beginning has served as its vice-president, thus becoming well known in the financial circles of the city. He has, moreover, been a promoter and one of the organizers of the Canning Company and a stockholder in various other business interests of the city, which have contributed in large measure to the commercial and industrial prosperity and progress here. He aided in the organization of the Building Association for the odd Fellows' Temple and for thirteen years has been its president.

In March, 1869, Mr. Hammer was united in marriage in Council Bluffs to Miss Rhoda Ann Wood, a daughter of D. K and Deema (Mann) Wood, formerly of Kentucky, and later of Harrison county, Iowa. The father, however, is now deceased. Mrs. Hammer was born in Kentucky and by her; marriage has became the mother of four children: Etta E., now the wife of IHenry Dryer, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Lewis H., on one of his father's ranches in Nebraska; Hazel J., and Bessie E.

In his political views Mr. Hammer is a stanch republican, unfaltering in his fidelity to the party and its principles. He has served far three terms in the city council and exercises his official prerogatives in support of progressive measures far the general good. He is a member and trustee of the Episcopal church and is also a member of Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 49, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all of the offices, and he also belongs to the encampment.

526

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

He was one of the promoters and organizers of the movement for the erection of Odd Fellows' Temple, which was built at a cost of thirty-six thousand dollars. He has now attained the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is still an active business man, largely connected with live-stock interests and with various corporations of the city, the value of which are recognized in its commercial growth and development. Throughout his long and honorable career he has gained a gratifying measure of success, making him one of the representative men of this part of the state.

The German-American element in American citizenship has long been regarded as an important one, foal' the sons of the fatherland have carried with them into different sections of the new world the culture and learning of the old country and have in business life manifested the enterprise and determination which are characteristic of the German race. Claus Henry Fleming, now following farming in Pleasant township, was born in Holstein, Germany, October 16, 1848, his parents being Peter and Anna Fleming, who spent their entire lives in Germany. Of their family of six children three are yet living, the brother of our subject being Peter, who yet makes his home in Germany, while the sister is Lena, the wife of Claus Sump of Nebraska.

Claus Henry Fleming is indebted to the schools of his native country for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In 1869, when about twenty-one years of age, he determined to seek a home and fortune in the new world and made his way across the Atlantic. The middle west attracted him and he located in Clinton county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Scott county, where he followed farm work for two years and also spent two years as coachman in the employ of George L. Davenport. Later he acted as a clerk in a store for a year and in 1875 he came to Pottawattamie county, where he invested his earnings in eighty acres of land on section 31, Pleasant township, where he has lived ever since. With characteristic energy he began the further development and improvement of this place and kept buying and adding to his land from time to time until he now owns six hundred and eighty-three acres in Pleasant township, divided into three farms, together with one hundred and sixty acres in Shelby county, Iowa, and one hundred and sixty acres in Montana. In addition to the tilling of the soil in the production of the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here found, he is extensively engaged in raising and feeding stock, which constitutes an important element in his business. He makes a specialty of polled Angus cattle and at present has over two hundred Chester White hogs upon his farm.

While his farming interests have largely claimed his time and attention, Mr. Fleming has yet found opportunity to co-operate in many pro-

527

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

gressive public movements and gives his support to every plan and measure for the public good. He has served as a school director for several years and is now township trustee. In politics he is an earnest republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party.

On the 28th of November, 1874, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Anna Thies, a native of Germany, born July 9, 1848, her parents being Teves and Mary Thies, who were likewise natives of that country. The father died in Germany, after which the mother came to America, remaining in the United States for twelve years. She then returned to Germany and spent her remaining days there. Her family numbered eight children, including Mrs. Fleming, who by her marriage has become the mother of seven children: Herman, living on his father's farm in Montana; Clara, the wife of Gustaf Stuer, of Pottawattamie county; Edward, of Pleasant township, this county; Henry, Frank, Willie and Anna, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Fleming hold membership in the German Lutheran church at Minden and are well known residents of this locality, where they have gained many friends. Mr. Fleming has been very successful since coming to America and as an enterprising farmer has accumulated a handsome fortune. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and his life record should serve to encourage and inspire others to put forth their best efforts that a competence may thereby be won.

A considerable percentage of Pottawattamie's citizens belong to that class of German-Americans that has always been considered a valuable element in the development of the new world. Of such Mr. Moeller is a representative. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 1, 1841, and his parents, George and Anna Moeller, were natives of the same country but both are now deceased. Two of their three children are yet living, the younger being Hans, still a resident of Germany.

The educational advantages which Claus Moeller received were those afforded by the public schools. He remained in Germany until twenty-two years of age, when, in 1866, he sailed for the new world hoping to enjoy better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He arrived in Clinton county, Iowa, with twenty-five cents in his pocket. His financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure immediate employment and he sought and obtained a position as a farm hand, working in that way for six years. When he came to Pottawattamie county in 1872 he bought eighty acres of land with the proceeds of his former toil and to his new home he removed with a team and wagon. With resolute purpose he took up the work of the farm and has carried forward its improvement and development. Later he purchased an additional tract of eighty acres and afterward sold his first farm, buying then three, hundred and twenty acres in Lincoln township. His place is a valuable one, well improved with

528

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

modern equipments, everything about the farm indicating his careful supervision and practical methods. He feeds stock in addition to raising grain and both branches of his business are returning to him a good income.

Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Moeller has given his political support to the democratic party and is interested in its success but does not desire office as a reward for party fealty. His public service has been confined to ten years as school treasurer.

On the 2d of March, 1881, Mr. Moeller was married to Miss Johanna Maria Hellmann, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, of which country her parents were also natives and. there spent their entire lives. They had a family of six children of whom three are living: Johann Ludwick Hellmann, of Kiel, Germany; Andrew, who is living in Walnut; and Mrs. Moeller. Unto the marriage of our subject and his wife have been born four children, three of whom survive: Frances Mary, the wife of Henry J. Hansen, of Platte, South Dakota; Edmund, at home; and Anna. The son Edmund is a graduate of the German schools and also of the high school of Walnut. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and are much esteemed in the community where they reside. In addition to his farm, Mr. Moeller owns ten acres of land adjoining the corporation limits of Walnut, and his property interests are the visible evidence of his life of thrift, energy and industry.

In the history of the business houses of Council Bluffs, Mr. Schoening stands prominently forward as a representative business man, being a member of the firm of Petersen & Schoening; who conduct the largest store not only in Council Bluffs but in Iowa, as dealers in hardware, furniture and carpets. Germany, which has furnished so many of America's most enterprising business men, was the birth place of Henry E. Schoening. He was born October 28, 1838, and received his early educational training in the fatherland. Ambitious to push out into larger fields; he sought the object of his hopes in America and at the age of nineteen years landed in New York, making his way at once to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he secured employment on, a farm. He was connected with agricultural pursuits until 1905, but it was evident that the business world held more that was attractive for him. In 1890 the present firm, of which he is a prominent member, was organized with a small stock of hardware and a small capital. Mr. Schoening's fine business ability, superior executive talent and Christian character were at once recognized and during the seventeen years which have passed since its organization the firm of Petersen & Schoening has risen to a prominent place in commercial circles in Iowa, its present immense proportions being due in large measure to the wise guidance of the subject of this review.

529

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

In 1865, Mr. Schoening was married, at Council Bluffs, to Trina Brockman, and their union has been blessed with seven children: Emma No, the wife of William Shiwensen; August W.; Charles N.; Martha C., deceased, who was the wife of Otto Geise; Nellie, deceased; Martha C.; and Minnie C.

Mr. Schoening belongs to the Elks lodge and because of his religious beliefs has become a member of the Lutheran church. He is active in the affairs of the democratic party in Iowa and though he has never sought its honors has been interested in promoting the cause of its candidates. Both as a man and a citizen he is among the ablest representatives of the business world, whose merit alone has won him his success. He enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and the doors of his home are ever open for the reception of a large circle of friends, who hold him in the highest esteem.

J. H. Schultz is a self-made man who started out in business life in the United States by working in the harvest fields at ten dollars per month. Today he is the owner of a valuable farming property comprising two hundred acres of rich and productive land on section 15, Lewis township, and the place is equipped with all or the accessories and conveniences of a model farm property.

Mr. Schultz is a native of Schleswig, Germany, born January 13, 1838, and his parents, J. F. and Annie Schultz, were likewise natives of the same country. Educated in the schools of the fatherland, J. H. Schultz remained a resident of Germany until 1858, when at the age of twenty years he crossed the briny deep to the new world and made his way to Scott county, Iowa. About eight years later, in 1866, his parents also came to the United States, making their home with him until they were called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1878 and the mother in 1874.

As stated, J. H. Schultz first earned money in the new world by working in the harvest fields at ten dollars per month. He has experienced times of adversity and times of prosperity but altogether has made substantial progress. For two years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Scott county, Iowa, and then began farming on his own account on rented land, thus carrying on agricultural pursuits for ten years. On the expiration of that period, with the capital he had saved from his earnings, he purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land in Scott county, which was improved.

In 1870, however, he sold that farm and removed to Chariton county, Missouri, where he invested in One hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land. Upon that place he erected buildings and cultivated his fields, making his, home there until 1880, when he disposed of that property in order to become a resident of Mills county, Iowa. There he cultivated a rented farm for two years and in 1882 he bought two hundred acres where he now lives on section 15, Lewis township, Pottawattamie county. There was a house

530

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

upon the place at the time of the purchase. He has since built two fine barns and other good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has carried forward the work of development and improvement along lines of progressive agriculture. He raises Hereford cattle, keeping a large number on hand, and he also raises many hogs, his live-stock interests being an important source of income to him.

On the 13th of January, 1859, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hansen, a daughter of Dick and Sophia (Nachtijal) Hansen, of Germany. Her father died in that country and the mother afterward came to the United States but lived for only two years after her arrival here, passing away in Scott county, Iowa, in 1868. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born seven children, namely: John, Julia, George, Emma, Edwin, Mary and Henry.

In politics Mr. Schultz is independent. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and its principles have prompted his honorable relations with his fellowmen through all business and social connections. At times in his business career he has met with difficulties and obstacles but as the years have gone by his labors have brought to him a fair measure of prosperity. He has never allowed himself to become disheartened by ill luck, but with persistent energy has worked his way upward.