The thriving and fertile county of Plymouth is on the western boundary of the State, in the third tier form the north line. Its average length east and west is about thirty-five miles, and its width north and south twenty-four miles. It contains an area of about 840 square miles, or 537,000 acres. The principal streams are Floyd River, and Broken Kettle, Perry and Willow Creeks. Floyd River, the largest stream, crosses the county diagonally from northeast to southwest. It has many important tributaries, affording fine stock water and drainage to a large portion of the county. It also affords some water-power for mills. The West Fork of Little Sioux River crosses the southeast corner, draining and watering two or three townships. The entire county has a thorough system of natural drainage through small streams which course their way through all parts of it. The streams are clear, and never fail to furnish a supply of living water, as most of them are supplied by springs. There are no swamps or marshes.

The general character of the surface is rolling prairie, with some broken land in the western part of the county. The soil is the productive bluff deposit peculiar to the western part of the state. The valleys along the streams are not excelled in fertility of soil, and are adapted to all kinds of grain and vegetable crops. The uplands are not so well adapted to corn as the valleys, but produce fine crops of wheat and oats. The valleys of Big Sioux and Floyd Rivers present splendid belts of rich farming lands. The county is well adapted to grazing purposes, as there is a never-failing supply of pure, living water for stock, with an abundance of excellent pasturage.

The supply of native timber is quite limited, the principal groves being along the Big Sioux River, and a few small groves on Floyd and the West Fork of Little Sioux. Some of the early settlers have fine groves of planted trees, which will soon attain sufficient growth to furnish fuel for their owners. Some stone has been quarried in this county, but it is of little use as a building material. Some of it is burned into a fair article of lime. Material for brick is obtained in sufficient quantity.

The first settlements by whites in the county were made in the Summer of 1856, and were in the valleys of Big Sioux and Floyd Rivers. The following persons that year located in the valley of Big Sioux River: J.B. Pinckney, David Mills, Isaac T. Martin, Bratton Vidito, J. McGill, John Hipkins, James Dormichy and a

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Mr. Guliiams. The settlement on big Sioux River was commenced by Martin, Vidito, McGill and Hipkins, the last named having a family. They erected two houses, one for Hipkins and his family, and the other for the young men. In July they laid out a town, calling it Westfield. This was the first town laid out in the county, and its proprietors regarded it as the future metropolis of the Big Sioux Valley.

In 1856,A.C. Sheets, James B. Curry, E.s. Hungerford, Corydon Hall and Joel Phillips located in the valley of the Floyd River. The county was organized October 12th, 1858, by William Van O'Linda as organizing sheriff. The election was held at the house of John Hipkins, on the Big Sioux River, and at the house of A.C. Sheets, on Floyd River. The following persons were elected county officers: William Van O'Linda, County Judge; Isaac T. Martin, Treasurer and Recorder; A.C. Sheets, Clerk of the District Court; David Mills, Sheriff; and A.E. Rea, County Superintendent of Schools. The same Fall a township election was held at Westfield, on the Big Sioux, when Isaac T. Martin was elected Township Clerk. There were sixteen votes cast at this election. The county judge held his office on Floyd River, in the middle of the eastern part of the county, while the treasurer and sheriff held theirs in the Big Sioux Valley.

The first place recognized as the county seat was called Melbourne, and was more a scattered settlement than a village, in the Floyd Valley. Here the business of the county court was transacted, and here the first district court was held by Judge A.W. Hubbard. Here also the first religious meetings were held by the German Methodists, and the first school taught by William Van O'Linda. Westfield, the rival of Melbourne for the honors of the county seat, was abandoned in the Spring of 1860, on account of large selections or entries of land made in that vicinity by half-breed Indians, which greatly retarded the settlement. The entries of land were made with half-breed script.

LE MARS

Throughout all of Western Iowa the name of "Le Mars" is indissoulubly connected with the idea of thrift, prosperity and enterprise. It is a growing little city, a prosperous one, and a pleasant one in which to live, as witness the unanimous opinion of all who have had occasion for knowledge in the premises. By a vote of 476 to 111, at a general election of 1872, Le Mars was made the county seat of Plymouth County. Its location is at the junction of the Illinois Central and the Sioux City & St. Paul Railroads, twenty-five miles northeast of Sioux City. the land upon which the city is located, originally belonged to Jerry Ladd, B.F. Betsworth and Mr. Marion. The location of the town-site was accomplished in the summer of 1869. The facts in connection with the

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selection of a name for the future city, are thus narrated: "Soon after its location the place was visited by John I. Blair and other railroad officers, accompanied by a party of ladies. Upon the latter Mr. Blair conferred the privilege of selecting a name for the prospective city. The initial letters of the Christian names of the ladies were combined so as to form the name Le Mars, and it was agreed that this should be the name of the new town."

The first business firm established in Le Mars was that of Blodgett & Foster, who were very closely followed by J.W. Young, John Gordon, Orson Bennett and C.H. Bennett. The first newspaper in the county, the Le Mars Sentinel, was started by J.C. Buchanan February 3d, 1871. Le Mars is surrounded by an extensive farming region, and is a shipping point of unusual importance.

The City Council of Le Mars for 1881, was composed of the following gentlemen: George E. Pew, Frank Miller, Arthur Brown, P.F. Dalton, John Perkee, A. Aldrich. C.P. Woodward was the Mayor; G.W. Argo, City Solicitor.

All branches of Business are largely represented, and in no locality in Western Iowa will there be found greater inducements in the way of pecuniary, domestic or educational attractions than in the growing little city of Le Mars. An unusually creditable showing of Le Mars' business and professional interests appears in the addenda of a biographical nature which are hereunto appended.

Among the important industries of Le Mars, may be mentioned the pork packing establishment of Roberts, Frost & Heaphy. The building, which is located in the northeastern part of the city, was erected in the latter part. of 1881. It is a frame building, 20x60 feet in dimensions, and has a capacity of disposing of three hundred hogs per day. This building was erected at a cost of nearly $4,000. It is fitted up with the most approved apparatus, and is doing a thriving business.

Le Mars is also supplied with two large flouring mills. the mill owned by Burns, Treat & Co., was erected in the spring of 1876, is 36x80 feet in dimensions, three and a half stories high, with a basement. It was fitted up with good machinery, had a run of eight buhrs, and a capacity of one hundred barrels of flour per day. This building was remodeled in 1881, and refitted with the most modern improvements, having all the latest patterns of purifiers and smut-machines. It now has a run of six buhrs and ten rollers, with a capacity of two hundred barrels of flour per day. This mill ranks with the great Minneapolis flouring mills in regard to quality of patent and fancy flour, graham flour, and all kinds of feed, and their flour may be found in New York, Boston and Chicago.

The City Mills, operated by Gehlen Bros., were erected in 1870, by Peter Gehlen, at a cost of $50,000. This mill is a fine frame building 50x100feet, with four run of buhrs, and has a capacity

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of fifty barrels per day. It has all the modern improvements, and is turning out a first-class quality of flour. One hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat are handled by this mill each year.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIEIES

Congregational Society—This Society was organized in 1870, under the supervision of M.R. Amsden and John Blodgett. The first minister was Rev. R.M. Sawyer, who was succeeded by Rev. D.D. Frost, and he by Rev. A.E. Arnold, the present pastor. The Society built a church in 1873, which is 24 by 60 feet in dimensions and cost $2,500. The Deacons at the present writing are, J.H. Springer, A.W. Gilbert and John Blodgett.

First German Evangelical Church—Organized in 1878 by Rev. J. Heinsuieller, who officiated as the first pastor. Following him, was Rev. V. Griese. the following named persons participated in the organization: George Brendstaedter, A. Kehrberg, Mr. Schaeffer, Mr. Mueller. This society held services in the Court House previous to the bulding of the church, which was erected in 1881. It is a frame building, 20 by 40 feet, will seat from 300 to 400 people, and cost $1,800. The church was dedicated December 25th, 1873. The members of this society now number about twenty-five. It has in connection a Sabbath School numbering thirty pupils, with J.G. Koenig as Superintendent. The present Trustees are, L.s. Staebler, G.M. Smith, Jacob Merryman, Albert Kehrberg, J.G. Koenig. Rev. F. Loehle is the present pastor.

German Methodist Episcopal Society—Organized in October, 1873, by Rev. E.W. Henke, who was the first pastor. The succeeding pastors were: Revs. John Hank, S. Koener, C. Stellner, A. Biebichiser, T.H. Wellimeyer, the latter being the present pastor. They have a large Sunday School in connection with the church, Prof. Wernli acting as Superintendent. The church building was formerly used as a public school building,was purchased by this society in 1875, and fitted for church purposes, the basement being used as a parsonage. In 1880 the building was enlarged, and is now 24 by 52 feet in dimensions. The total cost of this building was $2,450. The present Trustees are: Prof. J. Wernli, A. Trader, D.W. Held, H. Kluckhohn, F. Remer. The church membership is about 110 persons, and there is a large attendance upon the Sabbath School.

Parish of Grace Episcopal Society—The first steps towards forming this Parish, were taken in the year 1872. A Mission was then constituted by Bishop Lee, then Bishop of Iowa. In 1873 rev. R. Trewartha accepted a call to the Mission. In the following year the Mission was incorporated into the Diocese as a Parish. Some success was at first met with, and a small building was purchased and used as a church. After a time, however, Mr. Trewartha left, and the Parish fell out of the Diocesan records. In 1881, Rev. H.P. Marriett-Dodington, M.A., of Trinity

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College, Cambridge, England, came to Le Mars and set himself diligently to work to revive the church. By this time the town had largely increased. A large influx of Episcopalians had arrived from England. Services were held at the house of Messrs. Close, Benson & Co., and were afterwards transferred to the Van Sickel Hall. A sufficient sum was raised to warrant the commencement of the building of a large church on the south side of town, at the cost of about $4,000. Abut June, 1881, Mr. Dodington returned to England, having first reconstituted the Parish. He was succeeded by the Rev. H.N. Cunningham, M.A., of Brasenose College, Buford, England. Under his direction the funds required for the church were raised, and the church was begun and finished. The society hope shortly to build a good parsonage close to the church, on one of the handsomest sites in the town. the Rector, Rev. H.N. Cunningham, who took classical honors at Buford, is founding a school, principally for boarders; terms, $30 to $50 per month. It is hoped that a permanent endowment may be raised in course of time, and than an assistant clergyman may be provided. When the weather is favorable, monthly services are held in Quorn and Portlandville, and an opening is sought in other towns in the neighborhood.

German Lutheran Society—Organized in July, 1881, Rev. F. Bunger being the first and present pastor. The church building was erected in the same year, is 24 x 40 feet in dimensions, and cost $800. the membership is from thirty to forty persons. H. Dethlow and John Deuschle are Trustees.

Methodist Episcopal Society—Organized in 1870, by Rev. J.T. Walker. the church edifice was erected in 1872, by R.W. Thumburey.

St. Joseph's Catholic Parish—Organized in 1872, by Messrs. Peter Gehlen, C.D Hoffman and B.F. Manahan. The pulpit of this church was at first supplied by clergymen from Sioux city. Father Meis was the first stationed pastor, and was appointed in 1875. He is still in charge of the Parish. The membership includes about 300 families, about one-fourth of whom are English. the church edifice was erected in 1872. The main building was 40x35 feet, with a wing 40x30 feet. The building is three stories in hight [height]. The wing is used as a residence for the Sisters of Charity, of whom there are six, and for school purposes. A Parochial school was organized in connection with this Parish in 1878, with about fifty pupils, under the tutorship of Rev. Father Meis. In May, 1879, the Sisters of Charity took charge of this school, and it now has an attendance of 150 pupils. A rectory was built in 1879, which is 26x34 feet in dimensions. There are nineteen acres of land belonging to the Parish, eleven acres on which the buildings are located, and which are within the corporate limits

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of Le Mars; and eight acres, set apart for a cemetery, lying east of the former, and adjacent to the city limits. These grounds are enclosed by good fences, are beautifully located, and set out in evergreens, with other trees and shrubbery. They are tastefully laid out and pleasantly situated. The cemetery grounds were procured from Peter Behlen for a consideration of $75; the church grouonds, from the Cedar Rapids Railroad Company for a consideration of $90. Rev. Father Meis, the present Rector, also has charge of Prairie Creek, Hosper's and East Orange societies.

The Public Schools—Le Mars has a fine three-story brick school building. ten rooms are occupied by as many teachers, and there is an average regular attendance of 350 pupils. The school enumerations shows 771 pupils in the district. The High School prepares its pupils for the Freshman year in the best colleges of the East, and requires as many years for completion as the course of the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. three years of German and an equal amount of Latin are thoroughly taught. The classes in mathematics are taken as far as Trigonomety. The usual quota of sciences, and a more than common literary discipline are among the advantages of the course here. Mr. A.N. Fellows the Principal, is a graduate of the State University at Iowa City, and was previously connected with the schools of Morning Sun and Knoxville, in this State.

The first school of the independent district was organized in 1874, the first school house having been built in 1870. the present High School building was erected in 1876, is 58x62 feet in dimensions, with three stories and a basement. The first corps of teachers were: W.H. Stone, Principal; Ella H. Earl, Mary Gallagher, Etta M. Stebbens. The first Board of Education consisted of: A.W. Bennett, A.H. Lawrence, L. Greer, E.H. Betsworth, T.H. Tracy, M.B. Fritz, John Herron, Treasurer; F.W. Guernsey, Secretary. The present Board of Education is as follows: P.F. Dalton, President; C.P. Woodard, W.H. Dent, J. Long, C.D. Hoffman, George Pew.

The following are the names of the present teachers: A.N. Fellows, Principal; Mary Lynn, Hannah Gallagher, Carrie Byrne, Bertha Alline, Emma Wernli, Jennie Buchanan, Susie Sawyer, Mrs. F.W. Guernsey, Nellie Sweetland.

Plymouth Lodge No. 332, I.O.G.T.—Instituted in June, 1880. Charter members: William Wernli, William Wynet, Mrs. William Wynet, Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Garner, T.H. Dodson, J.G. Koenigh, J.H. March, H. Thompson, George Smith, John Jones, Fannie Van Sickel, William Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. William Wernli, George Claypool. First officers: William Wernli, W.C.T.; Annie Wallace, W.V.T.; Thomas Griffn, C.; J.C. Jones, R.S.; Mrs. William Wynet, F.S.; J.G. Koenigh, Treasurer; L.M. Garner, W.M.; C.C. Leidy, I.G.; T.H. Dodson, O.G. Present

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officers: T.H. Dodson, W.C.T.; Mary Carmine, W.V.T.; J.H. March, R.S.; Liza Morris, F.S.; Ernest Gauss, Treasurer; W.H. Briggs, C.; C. Thompson, M.; Marry Norris, I.G.; William Nipper, O.G. This lodge now has fifty-six members in good standing. Meetings are held Friday evening of each week in Odd Fellows Hall. New members are being continuously added.

Le Mars Lodge No. 255, I.O.O.F.—Instituted March 26th, 1873, by G.M. C.G. Kretchmer. Charter members: A. Black, S.S. Ambrose, J.C. Morris, J.W. Earl, W.W. Spalding, J.F. Fairfax, Charles Blind, R.M. Click, H.C. Curtis, R.M. Thornburg, J.C. Buchanan, S.V. Burg. First officers: J.W. Earl, N.G.; R.W. Click, V.G.; H.C. Curtis, R.S.; W.W. Spalding, P.S.; T.M. Porter, Treasurer; Present officers: J.S. Dunscomb, N.G.; H.B. Perry, V.G.; E.J. Panley, Treasurer; J.F. Fairfax, R.S.; George Stanley, C. This Lodge now has a membership of seventy-six, and meets every Wednesday evening in its rooms over the Plymouth County Bank.

Juno Lodge No. 390, I.O.O.F.This is a German Lodge, the work being done in that language. It was instituted February 20th, 1879, by D.D.G.M.T.J. Kinkaid, of Sioux City. Charter members: Gustave Haerling, John P. Nith, M. Krudwig, Charles Striegel, Charles Zink, J.C. Buchanan, John Kleeman, August Forner, George Hodam, Charles Reichert, A.B. Steiner. First officers: A.b. Steiner, N.G.; Matthew Krudwig, V.G.; J.P. Nith, Secretary; Gus Haerling, Treasurer. Present officers: C.G. Nobis, N.G.; Aug. Ihle, V.G.; Gustave Haerling, Secretary; J.D. Szetnick, Treasurer. Meetings are held every Thursday evening at Odd Fellow's Hall. The Lodge is regularly incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa, and has at the present writing, twenty-six active members.

Giblem Lodge No. 322,A.F. & A.M.—Instituted December 26th, 1872. Charter members: William Rymers, D.W. Clark, S. Reeves, E.W. Burdick, W.S. Welliver, J.H. Morf, E.H. Shaw, W.H. Wood, T.K. Bowman, David Gibbs, G.W. Walton, I. Struble, H.W. VanSickel, C.R. Smith, James Carlin, N. Redmon. First officers: David Gibbs,W.M.; D.W. Clark, S.W.; William Rymers, J.W.; W.S. Welliver, Secretary; E.H. Shaw, Treasurer. Present officers: W.S. Welliver, W.M.; C. Adamson, S.W.; N.L. Greer, J.W.; N. Redmon, Secretary; George Powers, Treasurer. The Lodge has a membership of about sixty, and is in a flourishing condition. Meetings are held n Tuesday evening in each month on or before the full moon, in Masonic Hall, in Flint's Block, Main street.

Plymouth Lodge, Iowa Legion of Honor—Instituted in December, 1880. Charter members: A.W. Durley, J.M. Emery, W.H. Euseninger, F.W. Myers, J.F.N. Snydensticker, W.H. Perry, J.C. Hebenstreit, D.W. Townsend, C.P. Woodard, William Lawrence, C.B. Smith, J.a. Jones, J.g. Koenig, W.H. Dent,

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Henry March, N. Richards, I.S. Struble, H.C. Curtis, G.W. Powers, A.C. Stebbens, A.W. Moulton, F.J. Jenness. First officers: A.W. Durley, President; H.C. Curtis, Vice-President; D.W. Townsend, F.S.; W.H. Perry, R.S. The present officers: D.W. Townsend, President; H.C. Curtis, Vice-President; J.M. Emery, F.S.; W.H. Perry, R.S. The Trustees are: W.H. Dent, Henry March and C.B. Smith. This Lodge has a membership of twenty-four, and meets twice in each month over Steiner's bookstore. The whole number of members of this order in the State is put down at 4,800. It is an incorporated life insurance society, each member being insured to the amount of $2,000. The average assessment is only forty cents to each member in case of death of any one of the members of the order.

Plymouth County Agricultural Association—Organized in 1872 by William Barrett, Andrew Black, A.E. Rea, B.F. Betsworth, M. Hilbert and others. The first officers were: A.E. Rea, President; and M. Hilbert, Secretary. The present officers are: C.P. Woodard, President; Hon. R. Moreton, Vice-President; G.C. Maclagan, Treasurer; M. Hilbert, Secretary. This society holds two annual meetings, viz: the June racing meeting and the annual agricultural fair in September of each year. The society has forty acres of land adjoining the town plat, and within the corporate limits of Le Mars. These grounds are enclosed partly with a fence, and partly with a thick hedge. A fine amphitheater has been built within the past year. There are also an excellent half-mile track and a floral hall 40x60 feet in dimensions. Over $1,000 are annually paid in premiums by the Association, and in 1881 the citizens of Le Mars paid $1,000 additional Much interest is taken in these annual exhibitions.

LeMars HIgh School Lyceum—Organized in October, 1881, with Prof. A.N. Fellows as President; Lizzie Sawyer, Vice-President; C.A. Spring, Jr., Secretary; Clara Rounds, Treasurer; Carrie Gilbert, Organist. The officers at the present writing are: J.H. March, President; Carrie Gilbert, Vice-President; Allen Campbell, Secretary; Prof. A.N. Fellows, Treasurer. The membership is about thirty, and meetings are held every Monday evening in the LeMars High School building, the order of exercises consisting of vocal and instrumental music, select readings, declamations, essays, debates, etc.

LeMars Public Library Association—Organized in 1876, by Mrs. Wilkins and Miss Burroughs. Its first officers were: Mrs. P.F. Dalton, President; Mrs. Wilkins, Secretary. Mrs. Wilkins removing from LeMars, Mrs. C.P. Woodard was appointed Secretary in her place. The present officers are: Mrs. Dalton, President; Mrs. C.P. Woodard, Secretary; A. Aldrich, Librarian. This Association had in its library, up to December 1st, 1881, 440 volumes. There was at that time in the treasury $150. The first Librarian was David Gibbs, Jr., who was succeeded by W.F. Allenson,

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and in order, T.H. Dodson and A.B. Stiener, who was followed by Mr. Aldrich, in whose store the library is at present kept. These gratifying results are due to the labors of the ladies of LeMars.

LeMars Fire Company, Rescue No. 1—This Company was organized in August, 1881, with A. Richman as President; D.D. Hoffman, Treasurer; T.D. Hoffman, Foreman, and D. Padmore, Secretary. The Company now has a membership of fifty-two, and has at present one small engine. A 400-pound bell has been donated to the Company by R.W. Harrison.

LE MARS

Frank Amos, attorney at law, was born in W.Va. in 1840; moved to Oa. in 1853, and settled in Jackson county; thence in 1869 to Le Mars. He was mustered into the service in 1862, in the 31st Ia., acting as first lieutenant; was wounded at Atalanta, Ga., in 1864, and discharged in 1865; was admitted to the bar the same year. He was married to Martha Brown, of O., and has two children—B.F. and Talitha C.

J.E. Arendt, dealer in millinery, fancy dry goods and ladies' furnishing goods, was born in Dubuque, Ia. in 1858. He was engaged in clerking from 1869 to 1878, when he established his present business at Le Mars.

Rev. A.E. Arnold was born in Adams, Mass., in 1838; removed to Ill. in 1856. He graduated from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1867, and was engaged in the ministry in Ill. until Feb. 1st, 1876, when he came to Le Mars and took charge of the Congregational Church of that city. In 1869 he married Emma F. Bourne, of Mass.

Fred Barrow, proprietor of the House of Lords, in connection with the international club room, was born in England in 1840; came to America in 1864, and settled in Dyserville, Ia.; then moved to Dakota in 1874; located at LeMars in 1880. He was married in 1867 to Sarah Ham, of Eng., and has four children—William, Alice, John and Jessie.

Hon. William Barrett came to Plymouth county, Ia., from Wis. in 1857, locating in Hungerford township. He was elected county judge and served in 1861 and 1862. At the expiration of two terms, was elected chairman of the first board of supervisors

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for the county, and served until 1878, when he was chosen representative for the 70th district, and is again chairman of the board of supervisors. He has a fine large farm in Lincoln township, where he lives in the enjoyment of the luxuries of a farmer's life. He has the reputation of being not only a successful farmer, but also of being well versed in county politics, and it is a saying that when "Uncle Billy" figures i the election of a certain candidate, "He'll be elected."

Hon. G.P. Bennett, M.D., was born in Duchess county, N.Y., in 1834; moved to Ia. in 1861. Enlisted in 1862 in the 27th Ia. Vol., Co. K, as sergeant; was discharged in 1865. He moved to Dak. in 1866, was elected to the legislature in 1868, and served two years. He was appointed collector of internal revenue in 1869, and chief deputy collector in 1874, and served four years. He began the practice of medicine in 1877, and graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, in 1881. He married Alma A. Wolcott, of Steuben county, N.Y., who is also a graduate from Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, in the class of '81, and is practicing medicine in connection with her husband, at LeMars. They have seven children—Frank L., Mary C., Alma L., Marian W., Addie D.E., Gilbert G., and Ernest B.

Blodgett & Hilbert, real estate and insurance agents; loans negotiated, collections made, lands sold, taxes paid and a general real estate business is done; having abstracts of all lands and town lots in Plymouth county, made by Mr. Hilbert during an official term of six years as recorder. They established their present business in 1876.

T.L. Bowman, of the firm of Guthrie & Bowman, dealers in real estate, established business at Carroll City, Carroll county, Ia., in 1871, and in LeMars in 1877. They are also agents for the Ia. Railroad land company.

W.H. Briggs,of the firm of Gilbert & Briggs, dealers in harness, saddles, whips, etc. (successors to J.N. Lambert) was born in Canada in 1851; moved to Iowa in 1871, and engaged in his present business. This firm was established in 1881. He was married in 1874 to Miss Goldie, and has four children—Blanche, Harry, Beulah and —.

Paul L. Brick, M.D., was born in Prussia in 1846; came to America in 1864, and settled in Auburn, N.Y.; moved to Pa.; thence to Wis. and Ill.; to Burlington, Ia., in 1871, and to LeMars in 1879. He graduated from the Louisenstadt Medical College, of Berliln, Ger., in 1864. He was married in 1871 to Ida Holdzkom; and in 1877, was married to E. Sniffs, and has two children—Louis and Paul.

Dr. E.D. Brower, dentist, was born in Carroll county, O., Jan. 15th, 1858; moved to Ia. in 1872. He is a graduate from the dental department of the University of Michigan, class of '81.

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M. Burg, of the firm of Burg & Hentges, dealers in general merchandise, was born in Germany in 1839; came to America in 1846, and settled in Caledonia, Minn. He established business in LeMars in 1874. In 1880 he was married to Lizzie Dondlilnger, a native of Germany. They have one child, Gregor.

Alexander Clark, dealer in dry goods and notions, was born in Ireland in 1844; came to America in 1864. Engaged in the linen business in 1876, and in 1881 engaged in the mercantile business in LeMars. He was married in 1870 to Cassandra Lee, a native of Eng., and has three children—John A., Mary E., and James M.

Rev. Herbert Noel Cunningham was born in Hampshire, Eng., in 1851; passed through Haileyburg, then Brazenose, Oxford College, Eng., in 1871. He took his degreeof D.A. in 1876 in classical honors, and the degree of M.A. in 1878. He then went to Haven as master; then to Oxford Military College in 1876 and the next year to Oxford Ministry College. In 1877 he took orders in the church of England. Held services in Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth and Hampshire. In 1880 was incumbent of St. George's, Tilihurst, near Reading. In 1881, he came to America and took charge of the Episcopal church, of LeMars.

P.F. Dalton, president of the Plymouth County Bank, was born in Ireland in 1838; came to America in 1849, and settled in Livingston, N.Y.; removed to Sandusky county, O., in 1854. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. G., O. Inft.; was appointed lieutenant, and served until the close of the war. In 1866 he located in Buchanan county, Ia., and in 1872 moved to LeMars. The bank was established in 1874, with Joseph Wilson as president, and G.B. Van Saun as cashier. Mr. D. was married to Mary Few, a native of O., and has two sons.

W.H. Dent is president of the Le Mars Bank, which was established in 1872, by Rymer & Kent. In 1873 the firm was Proctor, Kent & Co.; in 1874, Wm. Rymer, and 1875, W.H. Dent. He was born in Putnam county, Ill., in 1843, and moved west in 1875. He was elected a member of the school board of Le Mars in 1878. In 1871, he was married to Cora Cheiver, of Ill. They have two children—Hattie C. and Edith C.

J.G. Dietrich, proprietor of meat market, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1850; engaged in the butcher business in 1864; moved to Fort Dodge, Ia., in 1871; thence the next year to Nebraska City, and in 1877 came to LeMars and established his present business. In 1871, he was married to Miss Hodam, of Sioux City, and has four children—Minnie, Frank, Albert and Kate

H.F. Dow, of the U.S. Clothing Co., dealers in clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and gent's furnishing goods, was born in Sycamore, Ill., in 1852; was engaged in the clothing business at

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Colorado Springs, from 1878 to 1881, when he came to LeMars, and established his present business. He married Mary McMorris, of Colorado, in 1881.

T.H. Dodson, dealer in groceries, queensware, notions, and gents' furnishing goods, was born in Sept., 1861, in Wis; moved to LeMars and engaged in the mercantile business in 1873.

A.M. Duus, county auditor of Plymouth county, was born in Germany in 1849; came to America in 1870 and engaged in the insurance business in LeMars. He was elected town clerk and assessor in 1878, and to his present office in 1879. In 1873 he was married to Wynea Grade, of Ia. They have two children,Marcus and William.

J.M. Emery, postmaster, was born in Fairfield, Me., Jan. 1st, 1845; moved to Pa. in 1852. He enlisted in 1862 in the 3rd Pa. heavy artillery; was taken prisoner Feb. 1st, 1864, at Smithfield, Va., and confined in Andersonville, fifty-three weeks, and was discharged June 1st, 1865, as paroled prisoner. He then engaged in the lumber business in Pa. In 1875 he settled in LeMars and engaged in editing the Iowa Liberal, which was at that time a republican paper. In 1869 [?] he was appointed postmaster. He was instumental in organizing the Northwesstern Iowa S.S. association, of which he was the president, in 1879. In 1865 he married Luella Clark, of Pa., and has two children—Mary L. and Clark.

W.H. Ensminger, M.D., was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1842; moved to O. in 1864; thence to Ill. the next year, and in 1879 he came to LeMars and engaged in the practice of his profession. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphis, Pa., in 1871. In 1862 he enlisted in the 135th Pa. Vol., and served one year. He married Sarah E. Patten, of Ill., in 1871. They have two children—Blanche and Gracie.

G.E. Eva, dealer in harness, saddles, whips, collars, etc.; also dealers in hides; was born in Dodgevill, Wis., in 1853; moved to LeMars and established his present business in 1880. He married Clarissa Bastian, of Mineral Pt., Wis., in June, 1881.

N.C. Evans, of the firm of N.c. Evans & Co., dealers in dry goods, notions, and carpets, was born in Bellevue, Ia., in 1852; moved to Wis.; thence to Waverly, Ia., and to Le Mars, in Sept., 1878, and engaged in his present business. He married Lizzie Kegler, of Ia., in 1878. They have one child—Charley.

G.G. Gosting, photographer, was born in England in 1847; came to America while quite young, and settled in Cleveland, O.; moved to Delaware county, Ia., in 1858; thence to LeMars in 1876,

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and established his present business. He served in the 3d Ia. Inft. and was wounded at the battle of Shiloh; enlisted in 1861, and was discharged in 1864.

C. Gottschalk, attorney at law, office corner of Sixth and Main streets, LeMars, Ia.; will practice in all courts in this and adjoining counties.

Harder & Kemper, proprietors of the LeMars marble works, established business in 1881. Mr. Kemper was born in Ia. in 1853, and moved to LeMars, in 1881. Mr. Harder was born in N.Y. in 1842, and moved to Iowa in 1876.

J.F. Heeb, proprietor of restaurant and sample rooms, also dealer in ice and grain, was born in St. Louis in 1840; moved to Dubuque, Ia., in 1846; thence to LeMars in 1877, and established his present business. He was with Gen. Price in his last raid through Kan., in 1865, also in the battle of Westport, Mo. In 1867 he was married to Susan Steermer, of Potosi, Wis. They have six chldren—Francis A., Joseph P., Eugene E., Mary, Estella E., and Arthur B.

John Herron, county treasurer of Plymouth county, was born in Ireland in 1834; came to America in 1850, and located at Madison, Wis., and engaged in the printing business. He removed to Mineral Pt.; thence in 1869 to Sioux City, Ia., and the same year to LeMars. He was elected to his present office in 1873. In 1874 he was married to Susan Gehlen, of Ia.

J.W.Hines, M.D., was born in Va. in 1838. He graduated from Emery and Henry College, Va., in 1857, and from the University of Va. in 1861, and engaged in the practice of medicine in 1865. He located at LeMars in 1880.

James Hopkins, sheriff of Plymouth county, was born in 1846 in Canada; moved to N.J. in 1852; thence to Ia. in 1856. He located at LeMars in 1873, and was elected to his present office in 1875. In 1871 he was married to Mary E. Murphy, and has four children—Thomas, James, Mary and Vivian.

I.M. Irmen, practical watchmaker, engraver, and manufacturing jeweler, also dealer in watches, clocks, silver plated ware, jewelry, etc.; fine watch repairing a specialty; established business in Oct., 1881, corner of Main and Sixth streets. He was born in Germany in 1855; came with his parents to America in 1857, and settled in Grant county, Wis.; moved to LeMars in 1881.

M.B. Kelley, county attorney, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in 1859; moved to Mich. in 1871, and engaged in teaching school; afterward studied law, and admitted to the bar in 1880.

J.C. Kelley, attorney at law, was born in Canada in 1843; moved to Wis. in 1849; thence to Lyons, Ia., in June, 1860. In 1861 he enlisted in the 16th Ia. Vol.; lost his right arm in the

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battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th, 1862, and was discharged on the 25th of the following Aug. He attended the Notre Dame University, of Ind., from 1863 to 1865, and then went to Washington and graduated from Columbia College, as B.B.L. In 1870 he moved to Carroll county, Ia.; thence to LeMars. In 1879 he married Ella C. Rilea, of Ia., and has two children—Maud and Jessie.

N.B. Kiser, dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1833; came to America in 1854, and settled in Jackson county, Ia., in 1857. In 1875 he removed to Le Mars. He married Annie Kefel, a native of Germany, in 1856, and has seven children—Katie, Mary, Maggie, Tinnie, Lizzie, John and Peter.

J.G. Koenig, barber, was born in Germany in 1840; came to America in 1858, and engaged in the barber business in Baltimore; moved to Plymouth county, Ia., in 1871, and to Le Mars in 1879. In 1865 he married Mary E. Merryman, of Baltimore. They have six children—Carrie V., Jacob M., Theeresa E., Ida C., Florence E., Herbert D. and J.G.

G.C. Maclagan, of the firm of Maclagan, Warren & Watson, proprietors of the Floyd meat market, was born in Scotland, in the city of Edinburgh, in 1852; came to America in 1880. Mr. Warren is a native of Ireland, and Mr. Watson, a native of Scotland. They are also proprietors of the Floyd feed and sale yard; stock sold at auction; established business in 1881.

Rev. Father Meis, of St. Joseph's Catholic parish, Le Mars, Ia., was born in Prussian, in 1835; came to America in 1867. He graduated from St. Francis Seminary, at Milwaukee, Wisl, in 1875, and was ordained the same year.

C.A. Meyer, of the firm of McManus & Meyer, proprietors of the South Side meat market, was born in Germany in 1849; came to America in 1851, and located at Fond du Lac, Wis.; removed to Ia., in 1874, where he engaged in undertaking and carpentery, until he established the above business in Oct., 1881.

S.B. Mickley, proprietor of the Mickley House, was born in Pa., March 22nd, 1818; removed to N.Y. in 1835; thence to Ia. in 1866; settled in Bremer county, and engaged in the butcher business; thence to Le Mars. In 1842 he married Sarah Frantz of N.Y. They have four children—Henry, Hudson, Emma and Cora.

Frank Miller, of the firm of Frank Miller & Co., dealers in groceries, fruits, queensware, willow ware, and notions, was born in Luxemburg, Ger., in 1842; came to America and settled in Dubuque, Ia., in 1865. He engaged in the mercantile business in Le Mars in 1876. He is a member of the city council. In 1871 he married Anna Beach, of Bavaria, Ger., and has five children—Argeline, Frank, Joseph, Louis and Nicholas.

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J.W. Myers, cashier of the Plymouth County Bank, was born in Warren, Trumbull county, O., in 1832; moved to St. Paul, Minn. in 1854, where he resided eleven years; then removed to Independence, Ia., and came to Le Mars in 1878. He married Mary L. Kemberly, a native of Mich.

H.S. Payn, of the firm of Smith & Pyn, real estate, law and insurance agents, was formerly engaged in farming in Plymouth county, Ia., and still owns a fine stock farm, situated two and one-half miles north of Le Mars.

J.F. Patterson, fun and locksmith, also dealer in rifles, shot guns, revolvers and all kinds of sporting supplies; was born in 1853, in O., was engaged formerly in telegraphing and merchandising; established his present business in 1878. In 1879 he married Abbie Noland, of Hazel Green, Wis., and has one child—Charley F.

W.H. Perry, dealer in coal, lime and cement, established business in 1880. He was born in Ill., in 1847; moved to Ia. in 1854. He enlisted in 1865 in the 44th Ia. Vol., under Col Henderson, and was discharged the same year. In 1873, he married Leone Bond, of Buchanan county, Ia. They have two children—Maud and Bessie

G.E. Pew, of the firm of Pew & La Rue, dealers in general hardware, also farm machinery, pumps, wagons, paints and oils; was born in Wis. in 1850; moved to Le Mars in 1875, and engaged in the hardware business; is a member of the city council. He married Belle Burrows, of Dubuque, and has one child—George.

A. Reichman, dealer in dry goods, notions, ready-made clothing, gents' furnishing goods, hats, caps, groceries, crockery, glassware, etc.; was born in Germany in 1840; came to America in 1845, locating in Buffalo, N.Y.; moved to Dubuque, Ia., in 1864, and engaged in grocery, flour and feed business. In 1877 he established his present business at Le Mars.

C.B. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Payn, real estate and collection agents, was born in N.Y. in 1847; moved to Ia. in 1873, and engaged in farming. In 1879 he engaged in his present business at LeMars.

H.S. Roberts, attorney at law, was born in 1859, in Joe Daviess county, Ill.; moved to Winfield, Kas., in 1879, and was

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admitted to the bar in 1881. He is also engaged in the real estate and loan business. Sept. 14th, 1880, he married Sarah Pooley, of Illinois.

F.A. Seaman & Co., dealers in musical instruments; special attention given to tuning and repairing organs and pianos. Although this firm was established as late as 1881, Mr. L. is an old and experienced hand at the business; having served an apprenticeship in tuning and repairing, and was connected with the business as early as 1860, in Dubuque, Ia., his former place of residence. He is therefore fully competent to distinguish between good and poor instruments, and will give his patrons a number one instrument at the lowest possible price.

J.H. Struble, attorney and collecting agent, was born in Newton, N.J., 1838; moved to Va.; thence to O.; was county treasurer of Tama county, Ia., from 1866 to 1870. He came to Le Mars 1872, and engaged in the law, loan and insurance business, in the firm of Struble Bros., and in 1880 retired from the firm and engaged in the law, loan, and collection business. He married Elizabeth C. Koehler, of N.J. They have two children—Louis W. and Florence E.

C.W. Trottnow, watchmaker and jeweler, was born in Prussia in 1849; came to America in 1856, and settled in Lee county, Ill.; moved to Neb. in 1868, came to Le Mars in 1879, and engaged in his present business. In 1873 he married Caroline Kalkman, a native of Switzerland, and has five children—Louis A., Mamie, Charles F., and —.

W.S. Welliver, clerk of the courts, was born in Greenwood, Pa., in 1847; moved to Ill. in 1856; thence to LeMars, June 30th, 1872. He was elected clerk of the courts in Jan., 1879. In 1872 he married Isabel De Witt, of Wis., and has one child, Ralph L.

Prof. J. Wernli, superintendent of schools for Plymouth county, was elected to the office in 1880. He was formerly engaged as assistant principal of the Normal School at Plattville, Wis. He granted sixty first-grand and fifty-six second-grade certificates to teachers in this county during the past year.

L.A. Williams, baker and confectioner, was born in St. Paul, Minn., in 1857; moved to Ia. in 1878, and engaged in the bakery business at Storm Lake; came to Le Mars in 1880. He married Jennie Cummings, of Storm Lake, in 1880.

C.P. Woodard, mayor of Le Mars, and dealer in agricultural implements and real estate, was born in N.Y. in 1847; moved to Le Mars in 1873, and succeeded Blodgett & Flint in the agricultural implement business. He was elected president of the Plymouth county agricultural society in Jan., 1881, and mayor of the city in June of the same year. In 1873 he married C.T. Sheldon. They have one child, J. Sheldon.

Shelby County

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