~ HUGH JENKINS, b 30 Aug 1857 ~ Related Surnames - JENKINS, MATTHEWSON, HOWARD, SANBORN Among the comparatively few medical practitioners who take a deep and genuine interest in their profession and labor conscientiously to elevate it, may be most properly classed the subject of this notice. He became a citizen of Preston in March of 1881, and has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of the people, not only as a physician and surgeon but as a citizen as well. Liberal and public-spirited, no worthy enterprise passes unnoticed by him or fails to receive his moral and substantial aid. He has been a close student and an extensive reader, is careful and conscientious in his diagnosis of diseases, making no experiements upon his patients, but determining the cause of the trouble before he begins to administer a remedy. He occupies a pleasant home in the central part of the town which is presided over by a very estimable and accomplished lady and which in all its appointments indicates culture and refinement. The Doctor's library is filled with ! the best medical works extant, and he has expended no small portion of his means in research and investigation in connection with the profession to which he is devoting the best years of his life. It is hardly necessary to say that he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In 1883 he associated himself in the drug business with his father and brother, and they operate under the firm name of Dr. H. Jenkins & Co., having a well equipped brick store located at the corner of Gillett and Elliott Streets. The Doctor's office is in the rear of the store on Elliott Street. Dr. Jenkins is a native of Illinois, having been born in Granville, Aug. 30, 1857. His father Rev. John L. Jenkins, was a minister of the Congregational Church, in which capacity he served until about four years ago when he came to this county and associated himself with his son in the present firm. The mother of our subject, who in her girlhood was Miss Asha M. Matthewson, was born at Wheelock, Vt., which State was also the birthplace of her husband. They were the parents of two sons only, Hugh and Harley M., the latter belonging to the firm of Dr. H. Jenkins & Co., druggists. Our subject during his boyhood and youth accompanied his parents in their removals from place to place, as it was the fashion of those days for ministers to only sojourn a certain length of time with one charge. The first recollections of Hugh J. are of the city of Rochester, N.Y., where his father was Pastor of the Congregational Church. They lived mostly in Western New York, and four or five years at Castile. The boys attended the common school, and Hugh J. in due time repaired to Pennsylvania at the age of fourteen years, and entered under upon an academic course a Airy View. Upon the completion of this he turned his attention to the study of medicine upon which he entered under the instruction of an uncle, H.P. Matthewson M.D., an old army surgeon, who was then a resident of Omaha, Neb. Our subject remained with him several years, and in the meantime Dr. Matthewson was appointed Superintendent of the State Insane Hospital at Lincoln, and Dr. Jenkins was made Supervi! sor of the male wards. While in Nebraska Dr. Jenkins operated very efficiently with nervous diseases and gained a prestige among his professional brethren which he will never lost. In 1879, desirous of perfecting himself still further in his profession, and after having attended Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, and became particularly interested in diseases of the heart and lungs. He was graduated from this institution in the class of '81, and later was proffered in the position of assistant superintendent of the Insane Hospital of Nebraska with a liberal salary. But he preferred to located elsewhere, and after a short visit with his parents at their old home in New York, he took up his abode in Preston of which he has since been a resident. The marriage of Dr. Hugh Jenkins and Miss May Howard, was celebrated at the bride's home in Vermont in Sept. 29, 1881. This lady was born in Vermont, Nov. 20, 1858, and is the daughter of Milton and Marsella (Sanborn) Howard, who are also natives of the Green Mountain State, and are still living there on their farm near Thetford. Mrs. Jenkins is descended from an old and excellent family of English ancestry, who came to America during the early part of the present century. Mrs. Jenkins was the only child of her parents, and completed her education in Thetford Hill Academy. She developed into a pleasing and attractive young lady, and it is hardly necessary to say, was the life of the home household. Of her union with our subject there has been born one child, a daughter, Marie W. The Doctor and Mrs. Jenkins are members in good standing of the Congregational Church at Preston, in which our subject is a Trustee, and to the support of which he contributes liberally. Polit! ically he supports the principles of the Republican party. Professionally he belongs to the Jackson County Medical Association, which was organized in 1882, and of which he is a charter member. He is the surgeon of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company of the Marion division, and examining surgeon for nearly all the Life Insurance Companies doing business in this part of the county. In the year 1883, Dr. Jenkins purchased a large stock of drugs and medicines, and opened a store in Preston which has now become one of the largest of the kind in the place, and from the proceeds of which he enjoys a handsome income. He owns his residence, and is in fact surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His accumulations are the result of his own industry and strict attention to business, as he came to this place with little besides his books and instruments. His reputation is not merely local but extends all over the county. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ WILLIAM M. JANSSEN, b 12 Aug 1859 ~ Related Surnames - JANSSEN, SMITH, HAWKAMMER William M. Janssen, a native of Jackson County, is the son of a former well-known, honored pioneer, and the grandson of another, and in him they have a worthy descendant, who is vigorously doing his part in carrying on the work so well begun by them and their fellow-pioneers. He is a prominent figure among the intelligent, enterprising young farmers and stock-raisers of Perry Township, where he owns, on section 12, a well-appointed, well-managed farm that compares favorably with the best in the neighborhood. His father, John Janssen, was born in Holland, and his grandfather, Charles Janssen, was born in Germany. He was a well-to-do farmer, but, desirous of making more money, in 1852 he emigrated to the United States, and coming to Iowa became an early settler of Perry Township. He bought 200 acres of land here, improved a fine farm and resided on it until his eyes closed to the scenes of earth. During his life in this country he had won the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, as his genuine worth was easily recognized in his dealings with others and in his general conduct. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer, and was a young man when he came to the United States in 1852. At that time he bought land in Perry Township, and vigorously entered upon its improvement, but he subsequently bought a farm near Samott, on Farmers' Creek, and there he engaged in farming 120 acres of land, making all the necessary improvements, and also paid attention to stock-raising. In 1871 he bought a farm of 320 acres in Perry Township, beautifully located on the banks of Brush Creek, and by patient industry and hard work he acquired a good deal of valuable property. He had made many fine improvements on his place, and continued to carry on agricultural pursuits here quite extensively until his death in 1882. At that time Perry Township lost one of its most valued citizens, and his family a kind husband and good father. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and every good work met with his hearty approbation and material assistance. In ! his political views he was a decided Democrat. While in Germany, in his early manhood he served as a soldier in the army. In his wife our subject found one of the most helpful of helpmates, and to her encouragement and aid he was much indebted for his success in life. She is now living in Andrew, where she is highly respected by her neighbors and friends. She is a sincere Christian and a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. Her maiden name was Christine Smith, and she was born in Germany, her parents being also natives of that country. She was early left an orphan, and her struggles to earn her own living made her self-reliant at an early age and doubtless strengthened her character. Of her marriage four children were born, namely: Charles, William M., Henry and Otis, both of whom are on the old homestead. William, the subject of this sketch, was born near LaMotte, Richland Township, Aug. 12, 1859. He was bred to the life of a farmer, receiving from his father careful, practical instruction in agriculture in all its branches. His education was gleaned in the district schools, which he attended in the winter seasons until he was twenty-one years old. He was fourteen years old when his parents removed to Perry Township, and here the remainder of his life has been passed thus far. He continued to assist his father in the management of his farm, remaining an inmate of the parental household until he was twenty-six years old. He then began farming on his own account, having in the spring of 1883 bought his present place of 120 acres of rich and productive land. It was only partially improved, but he now has it in a fine condition, with a good dwelling, barn, and other necessary buildings, windmill and tank. He has about seventy acres under cultivation, has a good orchard, an! d the farm is well watered by Jesse Branch. He engages in mixed husbandry, paying much attention to raising graded Short-horns, besides buying and feeding other cattle, and raising draft horses and Poland-China hogs. April 14, 1883, Mr. Janssen was married in Andrew to Miss Sophia Hawkammer, a native of Clayton County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Janssen's happy household is blessed by the presence of two children that have been born to them - Mary and Ella. They have a cosy, attractive home, the centre of true hospitality that "welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest." They are both consistent members of the Lutheran Church, at Andrew. Mr. Janssen is a young man of steady purposes, a hard worker, possessing forethought and energy combined with prudence and thrift. His honorable character has won him the trust of his fellow-citizens. He is an ardent Democrat in his political sentiments. He has the cause of education at heart, and at present is serving acceptably as School Director. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ JOHN Q JACOBS, b 1 May 1826 ~ Related Surnames - JACOBS, HOUSTON, JOHNSON, KEISTER John Q. Jacobs, late a resident of this county, settled in Brandon Township as early as 1854. He endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, spent a season in the service of his country as a soldier, and on account of the privations and hardship encountered, returned with his health so much impaired that he never fully recovered. He, however, sustained by more than ordinary courage and resolution, battled with the difficulties which followed as the consequence of much physical suffering, and lived until the 28th of October, 1888. Then his remains, followed by a large number of friends and acquaintances who had known him in his life-time, were quietly laid to rest in the cemetary in Brandon Township. Mr. Jacobs was born in Loudoun County, Va., May 1, 1826, and was the son of F. and Fanny Jacobs. The family left the Dominion ten years later and took up their residence in Champaign County, Ohio, where the mother with her children lived a number of years; the father having died in the Old Dominion. John Q. resided with his mother in Ohio until a man of twenty-eight years, then coming to this county, accompanied by her and the two other children of the family, settled in Brandon Township, where he afterward made his home. He was the youngest born. His eldest sister, Cornelia, is still living and a resident of this county; Amanda is long since deceased. In February, 1854, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Elizabeth Houston, daughter of George and Leah Houston. Mrs. Jacobs was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 13, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, after their marriage, lived in Brandon Township one year, then removed to Davenport, where Mr. Jacobs followed gardening four years. We next find them in Otoe County, Neb.; but in 1864 they returned to this county and settled upon a tract of new land in Brandon Township, from which Mr. Jacobs cleared the timber and constructed a good homestead; here he spent his last days. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically, was a pronounced Republican. He left a nice property - the farm of ninety-five acres, with good improvements, where Mrs. Jacobs still resides. Six children were born to our subject and his estimable wife, of whom the eldest, a daughter, Ida, is the wife of William Johnson, of this county; Thomas is living with his mother; Fanny is the wife of William Keister, of Jones County, Iowa; George, Victoria, and Jessie remain at home with their mother. Mr. Jacobs, in 1864, during the progress of the Civil War, entered the service as a scout from Nebraska, and served nine months; mostly on the frontier fighting the Indians. In 1880, he took the census of Brandon Township, and was appointed a delegate to the Republican State Convention. He served as Treasurer of his School district for many years. Socially, he was a member of the G.A.R., and was widely and favorably known along the western line of this county, where his name will be held in kindly remembrance for many years to come. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Seiler, Kinkel Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/1258.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Heather, My great-great-great grandfather, Hubert Seiler, was born 1814, died August 8 1888, buried in Springbrook, Iowa. He married Marie Catherine Kinkel, born 1823, died November 12 1890, also buried in Springbrook. Their daughter, Johanna (called Anna or Annie) was born November 15 1857 in Jackson county Iowa. In the 1880 Federal census, she was keeping house for her brothers Peter and Cristian on Peter's farm in Jackson county. I would like to find out more about the family; the Seilers are a line I need to work on. Looking forward to hearing from you. Barb

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/1258.1.1 Message Board Post: I am researching a Henry Sieler, Peter Sieler, and a Hubertus Sieler all in jackson co.. Maybe swap some info..... Thanks

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: griggs Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1593 Message Board Post: Am searching for information on the above family found on the 1870 Jackson Co, census with children Mary, Ira, Hiriam, Edson, Ella, Frank. He was a farmer born in NY about 1823, wife in OH about 1832. Rachel's maiden name unknown. Son Ira later moved to NE, OR, back to NE, married to a Mary/Mery unknown. Any information about this family would be so very helpful. Thanks. Cindy

~ LUKE C IRWIN, b. 4 Aug 1830 ~ Related Surnames - IRWIN, CRAWFORD, BAIRD, STEWART, ALLEN, LINDSEY Luke C. Irwin, proprietor of 280 acres of valuable land on section 11, Perry Township, is one of the early settlers of Jackson County, and, as a man of ability and intelligence, has assisted in its development during his many years of residence here. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born near Mercer, Mercer County, Aug. 4, 1830. His paternal grandfather, Christopher I. Irwin, was of Scotch descent, and was born in Ireland. He emigrated to this country, and, locating in Mercer County, Pa., became one of its pioneers, living there until his death. Luke Irwin, father of our subject, was born in Mercer County, and was there reared and educated. When a young man he took part in the War of 1812, doing valiant service at Lundy's Lane and in other battles. He was a farmer by occupation, and tilled a farm of 110 acres near Mercer until the spring of 1851, when he came to this State and settled in Jackson County.He bought 320 acres of land in Perry Township on section 11, but aft! erward disposed of one-half of it, and from the other half improved a farm, on which he lived until his death, in 1866, when seventy years of age. In politics he was a Whig and an Abolitionist. He was a man of true Christian piety, and was for many years an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Adams. She was of English descent, born in Mercer County, Pa., and died on the homestead in Perry Township. To her and her husband were born nine children, namely: James, living in Dixon, Neb.; Sarah A., living in Mercer County, Pa.; Christopher, living in Covington, Neb.; L.C.; Simeon, deceased; John, who is living in Cherokee County; Thomas, deceased; Mary, deceased; and Lemuel, who is residing in Bellevue Township. The family was well represented in the late Civil War, four of the sons taking an honorable part in the conflict - Christopher and Simeon enlisting in the 31st Iowa Infantry, the former serving three years, and the latter d! ying on a boat on the Mississippi River; John and Thomas enlisting in the 9th Iowa Infantry, the former serving until the close of the war, and the latter dying near Pea Ridge, Ark. The subject of this biographical review was reared in his native county, and obtained his education in the log school-house of that time and place. He received the home training usually given a farmer's son, and remained in Pennsylvania until he was nearly twenty-one, when he accompanied his parents to Iowa. Leaving their native State April 2, 1851, they came by canal to Brown's Point, and there boarded a steamer, which took them to Bellevue. They then came to Perry Township, which was at that time in an incipient state, there being but three houses between here and Bellevue. Our subject remained with his parents some years, and assisted in improving the home farm. In 1856 he bought a tract of land adjoining his father's homestead, and began farming on his own account, clearing and improving his land, and reclaiming a good farm from the forest and prairie. Ten years later he bought the old home farm that had belonged to his father, and here he has since resided. The n! atural advantages of the place are good, the soil being very fertile and watered by springs, and our subject has put up a windmill and tank, and has continually added to the improvements already made, now having his farm well fenced and under excellent cultivation. He has a substantial dwelling, the main part being 28x22 feet, with two wings, 16x18 feet and 18x14 feet respectively, and has erected good barns and outbuildings. Mr. Irwin is much interested in the rearing of stock, his cattle and hogs being of a fine grade, and his horses, fourteen in number, being of the justly celebrated Norman breed. Mr. Irwin has been twice married. The maiden name of his first wife, to whom he was united in Perry Township Feb. 21, 1855, was Hannah Crawford. Her parents, Adam and Mary (Baird) Crawford, were natives, respectively, of Lawrence County, Pa., and Ireland. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and removed from Pennsylvania to Jackson County, Iowa, and bought a farm in Perry Township, which he carried on several years, his death subsequently occurring in Andrew. Mrs. Irwin was born during the residence of her parents in Lawrence County, Pa., June 28, 1827, and died in Perry Township Sept. 10, 1884. She bore her husband eight children - Thomas, Edwin, Mary A., Charles C., Albert H., Theodore L., Martha B., and John F. Mary is the wife of William Beller, a carpenter and farmer near Marcus, Cherokee Co., Iowa. Theodore is farming near Bellevue. The others are at home. Mr. Irwin was again wedded, April 5, 1888, in Lawrence County, Pa., taking for a wife Mrs. Margaret S. ! Allen, daughter of Samuel Stewart. Mr. Stewart was a blacksmith in Lawrence County, Pa., and spent his entire life in that State, dying at the venerable age of eighty-four years. He married Jane Lindsey a native of Ireland, who is now living in Lawrence County at an advanced age. Both the paternal grandather of Mrs. Irwin, Robert Stewart, and the maternal grandfather, John Lindsey, were born in Ireland, and emigrated to America, locating in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Irwin was the eldest of the eight children born to her parents, her birth having occurred in Mt. Jackson, Pa., Aug. 26, 1837. She was reared to womanhood under the parental roof, receiving very good school advantages and a practical training in domestic affairs. November 4, 1858, she was united in marriage with Mr. J.C. Allen. He was a native of Wilmington, Pa., and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, and then engaged in farming in Lawrence County, where his death occ! urred in 1886. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Allen two children were born - Jennie, who died when eighteen years of age, and James, who is employed in the iron works in St. Joseph, Mo. Mr. Irwin is classed by his fellow-citizens as one of the public-spirited and representative men of the township, and by his decision of character, integrity and true worth has won the confidence and esteem of his community, which he has served in various official capacities with fidelity, having been Supervisor of Roads, Township Trustee three years, and having served several terms as one of the School Directors. In politics he is a strong Republican, gives his cordial support to the party, contributes generously to campaign expenses, and after the election of Harrison to the Presidency allowed his friends to select one of his finest beeves for the barbecue and jollification at Andrew. Religiously, he is a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ MAHLON G HYLER, b. 2 Sep 1823 ~ Related Surnames - HYLER, DURHAM, ROCHE Among the merchants of Bellevue none is considered more reliable than the subject of this sketch. Mahlon G. Hyler is a native of New York State, having been born in Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson County, Sept. 2, 1823. He is the son of John and Lucy Hyler, both of whom are natives of New York State. His paternal ancestors were of the Mohawk Valley Germans, and the maternal ancestors were New England Yankees. He had a number of relatives in the War of 1812, and many of his ancestors on his mother's side were soldiers in the Revolution. When Mr. Hyler was but ten years old he accompanied his mother to St. Clair County, Ill., where they made their home for eight years. In 1842 he came to this county with P.J. Potter, an uncle. Mahlon Hyler was given the beginning of an education, which he constantly enlarged and broadened by reading, until he is now one of the most thoroughly posted men in this county. For a time after he arrived here he engaged in farming, but has been in the mercantile business much of the time since 1842, and continuously since 1852. Beginning as clerk, he was associated with his uncle, P.J. Potter, until 1852, after which time he went into business for himself with his cousin, L.B. Potter, with whom he was connected until 1861. At this time he formed a partnership with J.K. Perkins, who died in 1869. After the death of his partner Mr. Hyler became sole proprietor. Besides having valuable property in the town, Mr. Hyler is also largely interested in land, mostly in Jo Daviess County, Ill. When he began here he had scarcely a dollar which he could call his own, being one of the many other poor boys who sought fortunes in the West. He has been the author of his own fortune, and is entirely a self-made man. He was married, on the 10th of June, 1849, to Jerusha Durham, who bore him four children: Lucy; Julia, the wife of Dr. Joseph Roche, dentist of Bellevue; Charles, foreman of Dorchester & Hughey's lumber-yard; Benjamin, a dentist at Savanna, Ill. Our subject has served in the Town Council, and has been Mayor of Bellevue one year, and at an early day served as Town Clerk of Bellevue Township. He is one of the earliest settlers of this county, and has seen it grow up from a wild condition, and did considerable breaking up of land in the pioneer days. He has been successful in all his business undertakings. In politics, Mr. Hyler is a Republican, and has always been at the front in all plans for improving the county. He has been an active leader in the interests of the town of Bellevue, and is one of the most prominent and leading citizens. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ ALFRED HURST, b. 1841 ~ Related Surnames - HURST, KENDALL, STINE, LARY Alfred Hurst is classed among the most stirring, able, and progressive of the enterprising business men of Jackson County, who have been largely instrumental in the upbuilding of the city of Maquoketa, and he is the head of one of its most important industries, A. Hurst & Co.'s Lime Works. He is of English birth, having been born in Lincolnshire, England, the home of his ancestry, in 1841. His paternal grandfather was a sawyer by trade, and followed his calling in that shire, spending his entire life there. Abraham Hurst, the father of our subject, was reared to man's estate in his native shire, and when old enough, learned of his father the trade of sawyer, at the time when mahogany veneer was sawed by hand. He pursued his trade there until 1852, when he resolved to better his condition if possible by emigration to America, and setting sail from Liverpool with his family, landed in New Orleans, after a voyage of eleven weeks. From the Crescent City he ascended the Mississippi River to Davenport, Iowa, then but a small village, where he commenced work as a brick-layer, and followed that trade there until his demise in 1856. He was a good, honest, and hard-working man, and a reliable citizen, and his death was a severe blow to his family. The maiden name of his wife, mother of our subject, was Eliza Kendall. She was, like himself, of Lincolnshire birth, and her father, William Kendall, a farmer, was a life-long resident of that shire. After the death of her husband, Mrs. ! Hurst married Charles F. Stine, a resident of Davenport, where she still resides. There were six children born of her first marriage, two of whom are now living, our subject and his brother William. The former was a child of five years when he came to the United States with his parents, but he still has a recollection of the old English home, and the long ocean voyage to this country. He was nine years old when his father died, and he continued with his mother until the breaking out of the war, and while still a mere lad, determined to take part in the great conflict, and enlisting in the transportation service, was engaged nineteen months with the Mississippi fleet; was present at the battles of Paducah, Ft. Donelson, and Shiloh, and accompanied Banks on his Red River expedition. After the terrible engagement at Shiloh, he assisted two days in burying the dead. In September, 1863, he was captured by the rebels and forced into the Confederate service under Forest, and was with him at the time he made his raid on Memphis. Watching for an opportunity, he and two of his comrades deserted the Southern army, and made their escape, and our subject returned to St. Louis. ! He soon engaged in steamboating on the Upper Mississippi, continuing thus employed until 1866, when he returned to Davenport to learn the trade of brick and plaster mason, and pursued it there until 1871. In that year he came to Maquoketa and founded his present business, and we will quote the following from a circular issued in regard to their works, concerning its establishment. "In 1871, shortly after the completion of the Maquoketa, Hurstville & Dubuque Railway, which is now the branch line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago and Northwestern Railways, into Maquoketa, Alfred Hurst and C.F. Stine came up from Davenport. They carefully looked over the country with a view of discovering a lime rock of the Clinton and Niagara strata, which he knew from his experience in the business, if properly burned, produced the purest, whitest lime, and embraced the most adhesive qualities of any upon the market. After some little time he found a ledge of rocks one ! and a half miles north of Maquoketa, that met his ideas exactly. He at once constructed a 'pot' kiln, and commenced burning on a small scale. His first season's production was nearly all consumed at home, it having averaged about 100 barrels per week, and the total output for the year aggregating but 3200 barrels. While the first season's business was encouraging to Mr. Hurst, yet as compared with later years, it was quite insignificant. The second year a draw-kiln was built, and from that time on the business grew and developed very rapidly, until to-day four of the latest improved draw-kilns are in operation with a capacity of 800 barrels per day, if required. The firm now consists of Alfred and his brother William, who has been actively identified with the works for the past eleven years, and whose practical ideas, together with his excellent business qualifications have been important factors in the rapid and successful growth of Maquoketa'a important industry. The! firm have some $75,000 invested in the plant and owns a very large tract of farming and timber lands - 820 acres - in the vicinity of the kilns. They employ over fifty men, whose annual wages amount to many thousands of dollars. Their works afford an excellent market for wood, having upon hand at the present time some 3200 cords. Wood is used exlusively for fuel, as their experience has taught them that it makes much purer and stronger lime than coal. The firm manufacture their own barrels, storing their staves (of which they have narly a million now on hand), heading and hoops in large warehouses, that they may become thoroughly seasoned before being worked up. Quite a village has sprung up about the works, numbering fourteen residences, besides a large, two-story frame boarding house, 40x60 feet, and a handsome new school-building. "A. Hurst & Co.'s lime works are the largest shippers from Maquoketa, and their business is duly appreciated by the railway companies centering here. Their freight-bills last year amounted close to $40,000, and the outlook for this year's business promises to considerably swell that amount. Their lime finds ready sale in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and in fact, throughout the entire Northwest. A. Hurst & Co.'s lime is handled by the best dealers throughout the country, and has been used in many of the finest and largest public buildings erected in the West in the past few years, viz.: The Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown; large new hotels in Sioux City, Lemars and Tama City; Dakota University; Scott County Court House; Jackson County Poor House and Asylum for the Insane, and many other buildings too numerous to enumerate. In addition to the manufacture of lime, this firm are also extensive wholesale and retail dealers in cement, hair, fire ! and building brick." The Messrs. Hurst are largely engaged in stock-raising and feeding and shipping cattle. Short-horns are their favorite breed, and they have a large herd of high-grades. In 1888, our subject organized the Maquoketa, Hurstville & Dubuque Railway Company, and constructed the same from Maquoketa to their lime works. They expect in the near future, to continue the road in a northwestern direction, the terminus not yet being decided upon. To the lady who presides so charmingly over his home, and renders it a cosy, attractive retreat from the manifold cares and perplexities of a large business, Mr. Hurst was united in marriage, Dec. 12, 1873. Five children have been born unto them, namely: Charles, Eliza, Abrah, Alice, and William. Mrs. Hurst's maiden name was Sarah Lary, and she is a native of Virginia. Her parents were natives of Virginia, and are now deceased. Mr. Hurst is a man of fine mental and physical calibre, and is gifted with a bold and enterprising spirit, and an exceptional talent for business, and in whatever scheme he is intereted, he pushed it through with characteristic energy and tact, and his hand is felt in every movement for the benefit of the city, no one going beyond him in liberality and public spirit. It is to such men that Maquoketa is indebted for its high standing as the metropolis of a wealthy and important county. His fellow-citizens, recognizing his rare qualities as a business man, and knowing that his services as a sound and wise counselor would be invaluable in the administration of public affairs, in 1886 elected him to be a member of the Board of County Supervisors, in which office he is now serving his third year. To him is this city indebted for its excellent fire department which he was instrumental in organizing. He is a Democrat in politics, and is active in the support of party measures a! nd candidates. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ RALPH N HUNTER, b. 13 May 1813 ~ Related Surnames - HUNTER, SLOAN, DENNISTON, MILLER, DAVIS, WHITNEY, NICKERSON, HANNAH Ralph N. Hunter, a venerable and venerated citizen of South Fork Township, cast his lot with the pioneers of Jackson County thirty-five years ago, and has been closely connected with its agricultural interests ever since. He owns and occupies a beautiful, well-tilled and highly productive farm on section 32, and here he and his wife are spending the declining years of a well-filled life in the enjoyments of the comforts of one of the coziest homes in the locality, which has been built up by their united toil. Mr. Hunter was born in Beaver County, Pa., May 13, 1813. His father, William Hunter, was a native of the same State, born in Westmoreland County, and was there reared and married, Mary Sloan, a native of Armstrong County, becoming his wife. After marriage they moved to Beaver County, and were among its first settlers, Mr. Hunter taking up a tract of forest-covered land, on which he built a log house, in which humble abode our subject first opened his eyes to the light of day. Mr. Hunter improved a part of the land, and lived on it a few years, and then sold it and bought another tract in the same county. In 1835 he made another move with his family, and became a resident of Mercer County, buying a farm in Springfield Township, and there he spent the remainder of his days, his wife also dying on the old homestead. There were nine children born to them, of whom the following eight grew to maturity: Nancy, Joseph, Mary, Sarah, James, Rebecca, Ralph, and Elizabeth. The subject of this biographical review was reared in his native county, and remembers well the incidents of his early life amid the pioneer scenes that surounded the home of his childhood. In those days of the early settlement of Beaver County, Pittsburg was the nearest market for some years. Mr. Hunter removed to Mercer County with his parents, and resided with them until their death, having charge of the home farm after he had grown to manood. In 1854 he sold his property there, having decided to try life in the West, and came to Iowa, the removal being made by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Bellevue, and thence by team to South Fork Township. He rented land for a time until he could find a suitable location, and finally invested his money on his present farm on section 32. The country roundabout was far from presenting the cultivated, civilized appearance of to-day, settlements were few and scattering, there were no railways, and the nearest markets w! ere at the river towns. Fifty-one years ago, March 29, 1838, Mr. Hunter and Miss Sarah Denniston were united in marriage, and thus for over half a century, through sunshine and shadow, they have journeyed hand in hand the path of life together, and they have been true to each other and to the obligations imposed upon them in their relation to others. Their kind hearts and friendly and charitable deeds have made them many warm friends since they came to make their home in this community, and they are regarded with respect and affection by whomsoever known. Their serene and happy wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of eight children, of whom the following is recorded: Aymer S. married Margaret Miller, and they live in South Fork; Nancy R. married Thomas Davis, and they live in Harden County; Emma J. married Oliver Whitney, and they live in Clinton County; Orlando C. married Annis Nickerson, and they live in Anamosa; Charlotte A. is a teacher in the public schools. Mr. Hunter has! always manifested a warm interest in his adopted township, and never hesitates to give substantial aid in forwarding plans for its improvement. He takes an intelligent view of political affairs, and is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. We cannot close this review of the life of our subject without further reference to that of Mrs. Hunter. She was born six miles from the town of Mercer, in Mercer County, Pa., April 1, 1818. Her father, Alexander Denniston, was a native of Ireland, as was his father, Edward Denniston, who is supposed to have spent his last years in that country. His widow came to America, accompanied by her three sons and four daughters, the names of the sons, Andrew, William, and Alexander. The family first settled in Washington County, and later moved to Mercer County, where the mother spent her last years. Mrs. Hunter's father was about seven years old when he came to America with his mother, and he was reared to manood in the Pennsylvania home. He served in the War of 1812, and was an early settler of Mercer County, Pa., where he bought a tract of timbered land. He first built a log house, the one in which Mrs. Hunter was born, and resided in that county until 1854. In that year ! he sold his farm and came to Jackson County, and located in South Fork Township. He bought a tract of land on which there was a log house and stable. He was in poor health when he came here, and died a few days after his arrival, and all that is mortal of him lies buried in Buckhorn Cemetary. His wife spent her last years with her children in this township. Her maiden name was Nancy Hannah, and she was born in Berks County, Pa. Her father, Edward Hannah, was a native of Ireland, who, emigrating to the United States, settled in Berks County, and later in Mercer County. He was a prosperous farmer and owned a large farm, and there died. One son, William O., died in Davenport, Iowa, while a soldier in the late war. James A. died at the home of his parents in South Fork at the age of twenty-four years; and a daughter died in infancy. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ EDWARD B HUNTER, b 1 Feb 1851 ~ Related Surnames - HUNTER, BATTLES, HAZEN, HARNS Edward B. Hunter stands among the foremost of the skillful, enterprising young farmers and stock-raisers of Richland Township, and is a fine representative of the native-born citizens of Jackson County, who have grown with its growth and are active in sustaining and extending its interests and material prosperity. He comes of good Pennsylvania stock, and his father, Joseph Hunter, was a native of the Keystone State, born in Mercer County. His grandfather, Joseph Hunter, Sr., was born in Ireland, and was of Scotch descent. After his emigration to America, he located in Pennsylvania, in Mercer County, and subsequently removed from there to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was engaged as a farmer in pioneer times, and a part of the town of Niles was built on his homestead that he had cleared from the forests. The father of our subject was bred to the life of a farmer, and he was married in Trumbull County, Ohio, to Miss Jane, daughter of John Battles, a native of that county. In 1848, like his father before him, Mr. Hunter became a pioneer, and sought to build up a new home on the wild prairies of Iowa, coming here with a team, and locating in Richland Township, among its earliest settlers. He bought an entire section of land, paying $1.25 an acre for it, and became the largest land owner in the township, improving a good farm and engaging extensively in stock-raising and general farming. He soon became one of the most prominent men of the county, and took a conspicuous part in public affairs for many years. He served as County Supervisor for a great many years, and also as Township Trustee for a long time, and he was one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributed largely to its upbuilding and helped to organize several other churches, and was Class! -Leader for many years. He was a man of a high order of ability, of incorruptible integrity, and of marked force of character. From the first organization of the Republican party he supported its principles and its candidates with well-directed zeal, and on all questions of public importance he was always found on the right side, and was a champion of the cause of temperance. His death, May 18, 1885, at the age of sixty-nine years, was a severe blow to his community and to the county at large. His wife, who was his devloted companion for many years, a member of the same church, and who sympathized with him in his views, preceded him in death many years, dying in 1869. Seven children were the fruit of their marriage, three of whom are now living - Edward; John, in Sioux County; Joseph, in Andrew. The names of those who died are Nancy J., Levi E., Mary, and James. Their son Levi gave up his life for his country in the late war. He was a member of Company I, 31st Iowa I! nfantry, and took part in the battles in which his regiment was engaged till after the siege of Vicksburg, his death occurring shortly after, he dying of congestive chills in 1863. Mr. Hunter, of this sketch, was born in Richland Township, Jackson County, Iowa, Feb. 1, 1851, and was reared on the homestead to a stalwart, independent manhood, receiving his education in the public schools. He remained with his father till he was twenty-one, when he began life on his own account. In his boyhood the surrounding country was still in the hands of the pioneers, and retained many traces of its original wildness. He can remember seeing deer on the farm near his home, and it used to be one of his amusements, as soon as he was large enough to handle a rifle, to go hunting and trapping for wild game, and besides supplying the family larder with game, having fur to sell in Dubuque. When he was twenty-two years old he rented the old homestead where his youth had been passed, and managed the farm with excellent success until 1880, when he located on his present farm of 104 acres, on sections 27 and 28, which was given him by his father. It was in a state of natu! re, with no improvements whatsoever, and our subject has had the pioneer labor of clearing it and breaking the soil, putting up buildings, etc. He now has it under admirable cultivation, and has erected a fine set of farm buildings, including a well-built residence, 16x24 feet, with a wing 14x24 feet in dimensions, and two barns, one 46x62 feet and the other 30x30 feet; he has also put up a wind-mill and tank, and has all the modern conveniences and appliances for farming after the most approved methods. There is a fine orchard on the place, and it is well stocked, as our subject engages extensively in raising graded Short-Horn cattle, Poland hogs, and Percheron Norman horses, having ten of the latter of high grade, using two teams in working his land. September 20, 1876, Mr. Hunter and Miss Lucy S. Hazen were united in marriage, and to them have come four children - Edward, deceased; Blanche, Edna, and Gladys. Mrs. Hunter is, like her husband, a native of Richland Township; she is a lady of education and refinement, and prior to her marriage was engaged in school teaching. Her parents, Monroe and Catherine (Harns) Hazen, are natives of Pennsylvania. They formerly lived in Richland Township, where the father was engaged in farming, but they are now residents of Montgomery County, and he there follows the same occupation. Our subject is a high minded man, possessing fine mental endowments, and is well fitted by education and temperament to be an active and useful member of society. He stands at the head of the Republican party in this section of the county, and has repeatedly represented it at county conventions. He has served on the United States Jury at Dubuque. He is connected with the A.F. & A.M., as a member of Lodge No. 51, at Bellevue, and the Chapter of Bathkol, in Maquoketa. His fellow-townsmen have often shown their appreciation of his ability and worth by placing him in some of the most responsible local offices. Thus he has been Township Collector two years, School Director two years, Township Assessor two years, and has been Supervisor of the Roads. His life-record, both as a civic official and as a private citizen, is without blemish, and reflects credit on the citizenship of his native town and county. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ EMANUEL HOOVER, b. 16 June 1824 ~ Related Surnames - HOOVER, GREEN, WILLIAMS, HOSE Emanuel Hoover, an industrious and honest member of the farming community of Perry Township, is well worthy of representation in this Biographical Album of Jackson County. His farm on section 24 comprising 103 acres of land under excellent cultivation is situated amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in this section of the country, and he was very fortunate in the selection of such a pleasant site for a home. Mr. Hoover comes of an honorable Holland ancestry, but is himself a Pennsylvanian by birth. His great-grandfather was a native of Holland, and at some period of his life he emigrated to this country, probably in colonial days, and settled in New Jersey. His son, Henry Hoover, grandfather of our subject, was born in the State of New Jersey. He was a blacksmith by trade, and moving to Mercer County, Pa., spent his last years there. His son, William, father of our subject, was born in that county. He became a farmer, clearing a farm from the Pennsylvania forests which was rendered valuable by the discovery of a rich vein of coal. He had learned the trade of a blacksmith of his father, and was thus enabled to be his own blacksmith. He served with credit in the War of 1812, when a young man, and returning to his Pennsylvanian home after the cessation of hostilities, continued to reside there until he closed his eyes in death, having rounded out a useful and honorable life ! of seventy-three years. The maiden name of his wife was Susan Jane Green, and she was born in Maryland, and died in Mercer County, Pa. She was an esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in every respect a truly good woman. Her father, John Green, was born in Maryland and was of German antecedents. During some period of his life he removed to Mercer County, Pa., and was there engaged in farming until his death. Eleven children were born to the parents of our subject, as follows: James, Katie, Tilda, John, Margaret, (all of whom are deceased), Emanual, Betsy, Mary A. and Susan J., (deceased) Perry, and Sarah. The subject of this sketch was born near the town of Sharon, in Mercer County, Pa., June 16, 1824, and was reared on the old homestead to a stalwart, self-reliant manhood, receiving the advantages of a common-school education. At the age of twenty-one he began an independent existence and sought to earn his livelihood by mining coal and by farming. He continued to reside in his native county until 1857, when he resolved to try life in the West. Accompanied by his family he started for his destination with a team, and traversing the intervening forests and prairies, finally arrived in the western part of Illinois, and located in Hanover, Jo Daviess County. He remained there five years, actively engaged in farming, and then decided to try the same pursuit still further westward, and crossing the Mississippi, came into this State, and in Springbrook, Jackson County, rented land until 1868, when he bought his present farm in Perry Township. It was partly improved at the tim! e, and by steady application to this work he has still further increased its value, and now has fifty acres under plow, and capable of yielding abundant harvests in return for his hard labor. The farm is well-fenced, and is watered by Brush Creek, and in the point of fertility is all that could be desired. Mr. Hoover carries on general farming, and pays especial attention to cattle-raising, and has a well-graded herd. To the wife who has encouraged and aided him in his work Mr. Hoover was united in marriage in Mercer County, Pa., in 1846. Her maiden name was Leah Williams, and she was born in Trumbull County, Ohio. Ten children have been born of this happy marriage, as follows: Julia E. and Perry D. are deceased; George; Charles, (deceased); Joseph E. is running a grubbing machine in Perry; Samuel S., Elmer E., Blanche, Emma, the wife of Fred Hose, of Perry Township; Mary A.; the others are living at home with their parents. Mr. Hoover is a man of true piety, whose moral, upright life is worth of emulation, and commands the respect of all with whom he associates. He is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and his fellow-members always find him a ready helper in their work of sustaining the Gospel. Politically, he is a strong Republican. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ N A HOFFMAN, b. 26 Nov 1849 ~ Related Surnames - HOFFMANN, GLASSNER, MILLER, HITER N. A. Hoffmann is conducting a prosperous business as a general merchant in La Motte. In 1889 he erected his present store, a commodious, well-arranged building, two stories in height, 22x50 feet in dimensions, neatly and tastefully fitted up, and stocked with a large line of first-class goods. Mr. Hoffmann is prominently connected with the civic life of the town, has held various important offices, and is still Township Clerk and Notary Public. Our subject is of foreign birth, born in Kehlen, Luxembourg, Germany, Nov. 26, 1849. His grandfather, Michael Hoffmann, Sr., was a native of the same province, and was there engaged as a horse dealer and trainer. The father of our subject was born in that country in 1805, and after attaining manhood became a wagon-maker, and had a shop in Kehlen, carrying on business there until his removal to American in 1861. On his journey to this country he was accompanied by his family, and they left Havre in a sailing-vessel, and after a ! voyage of thirty-four days landed in New York, and from thence came by rail to Dubuque. After his arrival in this State the elder Hoffmann invested some money in some land in Prairie Spring Township, and gave his attention to farming and stock-raising, improving a fine farm of 190 acres of excellent and highly productive land. He is now living in honorable retirement after a busy, prosperous life, on the homestead with his son. He is a respected member of the Catholic Church, and has always borne a high reputation as a man and as a citizen. His wife is also living, and the good old lady is now seventy-eight years old, having been born in Luxembourg in 1811, her maiden name being Catherine Glassner. Six children have blessed their union: Michael, living in Dakota; John, in Prairie Spring; Frank, in Dubuque County; N.A.; Angeline, in Richland; Mary, in Dakota. Our subject was reared in the fatherland until he was twelve years of age, and in its excellent schools obtained the foundation of a solid education. After coming to this country he attended the public schools of Jackson County, and remained at home with his parents until the year 1870. He then started out in life for himself as a merchant in Wood River, Holt Co., Neb., continuing there for six months, when he sold out and returned to Prairie Spring. He then took up the profession of a teacher, and was thus engaged in that township six years. In May, 1863, he moved to La Motte and bought a stock of general merchandise from John Wilson & Son, and also a half block of buildings. He enlarged the stock, and carries as fine an assortment as any firm in town, and is doing a flourishing business. His residence adjoins the store, and here he and his wife have established an attractive home, the centre of a generous hospitality which they extend to a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were united in marriage Feb. 1, 1875, and to them have been born five children, namely: Michael, Kate, John, Peter, and Frank. Mrs. Hoffmann's maiden name was Eliza Miller, and she was born in this State, Mosalem Township, Dubuque County, being her birthplace. Her parents, Michael and Mary (Hiter) Miller, were natives of Luxembourg, and came to this country and located in the township just mentioned, where Mr. Miller was engaged in farming until his death. Mr. Hoffmann is a methodical, practical man, and conducts his business systematically and with a shrewd eye to profit, devoting his whole time to it. He has a clear head and well-trained intellect, and is classed among our most intelligent and well-informed men, and is therefore very desirable as a public official, and, as before said, figures prominently in local civic life. He was elected to his present office of Township Clerk in 1878, and was appointed to that of Notary Public in December, 1882 by Gov. Sherman. While engaged in teaching he was Justice of the Peace four years, and he has been Town Counselor and Recorder. He is at present Secretary of the School Board, and no one in the town works more earnestly to further the cause of education in this locality than he. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, is one of the County Central Committee, and has been a delegate to county and State conventions. He is a valued member of the Catholic Chu! rch at Prairie Spring. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/579.580.2 Message Board Post: Do you have any names of the seiler family?....Im looking for a hubert or hubertus seiler????? thanks...

AMOS HODGE Related Surnames - HODGE, SAFFORD, BENTLEY, LEFFINGWELL, MITCHELL > > > Amos Hodge, a well-known resident of Maquoketa, is a native of Harrisburg, Lewis Co., N.Y., and > the son of Ela Hodge, who was born in Schenectady, N.Y. His paternal grandfather, Palmer Hodge, > who was a farmer by occupation, removed from Schenectady and settled near Harrisburg in its > pioneer days, purchasing a tract of timber land, from which he cleared a farm. He also kept a > public-house, and resided there a number of years, then removed to a point nears Tylersville, > where he purchased a farm and occupied it the remainder of his days, rounding up the ripe old > age of eighty-six years. > > Ela Hodge was quite young when his parents took up their residence in Harrisburg, N.Y., and he > was there reared to man's estate. Upon starting out for himself he purchased 100 acres of land > two miles from his father's home, put up a log house and commenced clearing away the timber. > After the lapse of some years what was once a forest was transformed into a farm, and there the > father of our subject resided until his death, which occurred April 10, 1880, when he was in the > eightieth year of his age. He had added to his first purchase, and accumulated a good property. > > Mrs. Margaret (Safford) Hodge, the mother of our subject, was a native of Salem, Washington Co., > N.Y., and the daughter of Samuel Safford, an early settler of Harrisburg. She passed away at > the old homestead prior to the demise of her husband. They were the parents of nine children, > seven of whom grew to mature years. Harvey L. now owns and occupies the old homestead. John > learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and died in Copenhagen, N.Y. Louisa A. and > Marietta are also deceased; Merlis Delos died at the age of seventeen; Lorenzo D. resides with > his elder brother on the homestead. > > The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, and lived there until 1854, > acquiring his education in the public schools. Then, starting for the Far West, on a visit to > friends in Maquoketa, this county, he was so well pleased with the place and people that he > concluded to make this his home. That same year he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. > J.G. Dearborn, and a few months after purchased the office fixtures and good-will of his tutor, > and regularly established himself as a practitioner, and has been thus engaged since that time. > > In 1860 Dr. Hodge was married to Miss Maria M. Bentley. Mrs. Hodge was born in Queensbury, > N.Y., in October, 1839, and is the daugher of William Bentley, who came to this county in 1841. > She died on the 14th of December, 1883, at the age of forty-four years and ten months. Of this > union there were born two children, Lorenzo D. and Mary E., the latter of whom died Feb. 4, > 1882, in the seventeenth year of her age. Lorenzo was graduated in dentistry from the State > University in 1886, and is practicing his profession in Arkansas City, Kan. > > Dr. Hodge was married a second time, in September, 1884, to Mrs. Ella L. (Leffingwell) Mitchell, > who was born in Clinton County, this State, and is the daughter of William and Celinda > Leffingwell and the widow of Theophilus Mitchell. > > ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the > Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.) __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/

~ AMOS HODGE ~ Related Surnames - HODGE, SAFFORD, BENTLEY, LEFFINGWELL, MITCHELL Amos Hodge, a well-known resident of Maquoketa, is a native of Harrisburg, Lewis Co., N.Y., and the son of Ela Hodge, who was born in Schenectady, N.Y. His paternal grandfather, Palmer Hodge, who was a farmer by occupation, removed from Schenectady and settled near Harrisburg in its pioneer days, purchasing a tract of timber land, from which he cleared a farm. He also kept a public-house, and resided there a number of years, then removed to a point nears Tylersville, where he purchased a farm and occupied it the remainder of his days, rounding up the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Ela Hodge was quite young when his parents took up their residence in Harrisburg, N.Y., and he was there reared to man's estate. Upon starting out for himself he purchased 100 acres of land two miles from his father's home, put up a log house and commenced clearing away the timber. After the lapse of some years what was once a forest was transformed into a farm, and there the father of our subject resided until his death, which occurred April 10, 1880, when he was in the eightieth year of his age. He had added to his first purchase, and accumulated a good property. Mrs. Margaret (Safford) Hodge, the mother of our subject, was a native of Salem, Washington Co., N.Y., and the daughter of Samuel Safford, an early settler of Harrisburg. She passed away at the old homestead prior to the demise of her husband. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom grew to mature years. Harvey L. now owns and occupies the old homestead. John learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and died in Copenhagen, N.Y. Louisa A. and Marietta are also deceased; Merlis Delos died at the age of seventeen; Lorenzo D. resides with his elder brother on the homestead. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, and lived there until 1854, acquiring his education in the public schools. Then, starting for the Far West, on a visit to friends in Maquoketa, this county, he was so well pleased with the place and people that he concluded to make this his home. That same year he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. J.G. Dearborn, and a few months after purchased the office fixtures and good-will of his tutor, and regularly established himself as a practitioner, and has been thus engaged since that time. In 1860 Dr. Hodge was married to Miss Maria M. Bentley. Mrs. Hodge was born in Queensbury, N.Y., in October, 1839, and is the daugher of William Bentley, who came to this county in 1841. She died on the 14th of December, 1883, at the age of forty-four years and ten months. Of this union there were born two children, Lorenzo D. and Mary E., the latter of whom died Feb. 4, 1882, in the seventeenth year of her age. Lorenzo was graduated in dentistry from the State University in 1886, and is practicing his profession in Arkansas City, Kan. Dr. Hodge was married a second time, in September, 1884, to Mrs. Ella L. (Leffingwell) Mitchell, who was born in Clinton County, this State, and is the daughter of William and Celinda Leffingwell and the widow of Theophilus Mitchell. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ JOHN HENRY HINRICHS, b. 30 Jul 1840 ~ Related Surnames - HINRICHS, EHRENSBERGER, KAYSER John Henry Hinrichs, Postmaster of Van Buren, has been a resident of Van Buren Township since 1870, and may be properly termed a self-made man, who has worked his way up to a good position, socially and financially. He is looked upon as a useful member of his community, and is one of the pillars of the German Lutheran Church at Spragueville, in which he has officiated as Elder for some time. In his younger years he learned the tailor's trade in his native province in Germany, but latterly has been quite extensively interested in bee-keeping, and has prosecuted this industry very successfully. Our subject was born in the little town of Reastadt in what was then the Kingdom of Hanover, July 30, 1840, and was placed in school when a little lad six years of age. He mastered the common branches in his native tongue, and about the time of leaving school, when fourteen years old, was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, in the doctrines of which he had been carefully reared by his parents. He then began working on a farm, and was thus occupied five summers, after which he worked at the tailor's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He followed his trade in various cities of Germany, and in all prosecuted it a period of twenty years. Shortly before reaching the thirtieth year of his age Mr. Hinrichs set out, in the year 1870, for the United States, joining his brother, who had located in Jackson County three years previously. He soon opened a shop in Van Buren, and before long was in the enjoyment of a fine patronage. Finally, the growth of the town came to a standstill, and the tailor business, like that of others, suffered in a corresponding degree, and he became interested in bee-keeping. To this he seems peculiarly adapted, and delights in studying the habits and needs of the busy little workers. He has about seventy-five stands, and finds no trouble in disposing of his honey. Mr. Hinrichs was married after coming to this county, Oct. 23, 1877, to Miss Bertha Ehrensberger. This lady was born in the city of Ustea, canton of Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 28, 1855, and came to American in 1877, when a young lady of twenty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Hinrichs continued their residence in Van Buren Township after their marriage, and are now the parents of six children, namely: Anna S., Minnie S., Adelheit B., John Henry, Jr., Otto William and Dorothy A. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Hinrichs identified himself with the Democratic party, and received his appointment from President Cleveland in July, 1887, under the endorsement of Democrats and Republican alike. He has a genuine love for the institutions of his adopted country, with whose interests he has become thoroughly identified, and no citizen, either native or foreign-born, stands higher in the community. The father of our subject, Jurgen Hinrichs, was a native of the same place as his son, and married Miss Anna Catherine Kayser, who was born and reared near the home of her husband. The father spent his entire life in Hanover, and died in 1869, at the age of sixty-three years. The mother is still living there, and is now seventy-eight years old. They were the parents of three children only, John Henry, our subject, being the eldest. The other two were twins, a boy and girl, named respectively Frederick Wilhelm and Eliza, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty years. Frederick came to American in 1867, and died two years later in Van Buren Township. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ J HILSINGER, b. 4 Mar 1835 ~ Related Surnames - HILSINGER, CONRAD, SCARBOROUGH Hon. J. Hilsinger, ex-State Senator, banker, County and City Attorney. A native of New York State, the subject of this notice was born at Marathon, March 4, 1835, and is a son of Barnabas and Polly (Conrad) Hilsinger, both natives of the Empire State. Their family consisted of thirteen children - ten of whom are still living - three older and nine younger than our subject. Mr. Hilsinger was reared to manhood in his native State, where he acquired quite a liberal education, without pecuniary assistance from anyone. He worked on the farm as a farm-hand, and at his trade as carpenter and joiner and millwright in the spring and summer, and attended school in the fall and winter, until 1857. He read law during his leisure time, and finished his law studies with Judge Kingley and Judge Crandall, of Cortland Village, N.Y., and was examined and admitted to the bar at Ithaca, N.Y., in the fall of 1857, after a thorough examination in open court, before the full bench of the Supreme Court of that State. The year following he came West, and located temporarily in Floyd County, Iowa, and some years after was admitted and authorized to practice in the Supreme Court of the State. In July, 1858, he left Floyd County and located in Sabula, Jackson Co., Iowa, where he has ever since resided. He was principal of the Sabula High School for two years, after ! which he turned his attention to the practice of his chosen profession. In 1860 Mr. Hilsinger was elected Township Supervisor, which office he held six or eight years, with credit to himself, and profit to the people of the county. He was appointed Postmaster of Sabula in 1861, and held the office the larger part of the time until after the election of President Cleveland, and in the fall of 1885 he resigned the office to enable the President to fill the position with some one who was in harmony with his administration. In 1861, or 1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln, or the War Department, as enrolling officer of Jackson County, to enroll all who were subject to military duty in said county, and was a member of the Enrolling Board, to hear and determine claims for exemptions from military duty at the same time, and he made and completed the enrollment in a creditable manner, preparartory to the impending draft, to fill the calls made by the President for men to subdue the rebellion. Mr. Hilsinger was elected State Senator in 1864, serving four years. In 1883 he was elected on the Republican ticket County Supervisor of his district, which was largely Democratic, for three years, and was re-elected in 1886, which office he resigned in January, 1889, having been elected County Attorney in the fall of 1888. The fact that he, a Republican, was elected by a majority of forty-eight, in a county Democratic by 1000 majority, illustrates in a forcible manner the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. He has been City Attorney of Sabula ever since its incorporation, in 1863, and Mayor a part of the time. Our subject has always been a strong, active Republican in politics, having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for President, in 1856, and has been Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and a member of the Republican State Central Committee for several years, and a delegate to the Republican State Convention nearly every year since he became a citizen of the State, and was a delegate from Iowa to the Republican National Convention, which nominated the Hon. James G. Blaine for President in 1884. He has always been satisfied to do what he could do for the success of the Republican party, without himself being an applicant for its favors. He never sought any office, and was never defeated at any election when placed on the ticket by the people for any office. Socially, Mr. Hilsinger belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he stands high, having taken the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar degrees, and up to, and including, the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and was elected and served as Grand Treasurer of the Iowa Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M., from June, 1874, to June, 1875, and was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the A.O.U.W. of Iowa, in 1886, serving two years. He was also elected Grand Treasurer of the Iowa Legion of Honor, in 1885, for two years, and was re-elected in 1887 and 1889, and he is also a member of the V.A.S. of Iowa, a fraternal insurance organization. In 1872 Mr. Hilsinger opened a bank in Sabula, in connection with his other business, and the same has been in successful operation ever since. Probably one of the most important events of our subject's life was his marriage with Miss Mary Scarborough, in October, 1867. She is a lady of culture, and, at the date of her marriage, was a very successful teacher of music. The household of our subject and his estimable wife was brightened by the birth of six children, only two of whom are living, George E. and Margaret L. The first-mentioned is a very bright and well-educated youth of his age, and is at present connected with his father's bank, and although only fourteen years of age, seems to understand the business better than many an older head. And, in short, Mr. Hilsinger is a self-made man in every sense of that term, his early advantages for an education being quite limited; and, in fact, he did not attend school at all until he was fifteen years of age. The history of his life from that time to the present shows what can be accomplished by honesty, industry, and integrity. He has discharged the duties of every station he has been called upon to fill, with ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency; and he has the unlimited confidence of all who know him best. His business habits have been such that he seldom or never made any mistakes in his public or private business; and he has no enemies: unless it be political ones, for political reasons alone. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ARENS, COSSMANN Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/908.2.1.1.1.1.3 Message Board Post: Tara, Thank you very much. Yes indeed, I would love a photo of Katherine and Joseph Josten. Please send it at a resolution of over 200 dpi if you can. I would also like to exchange gedcoms of your COSSMANN>HALFMAN>JOSTEN line. I have photos of COSSMANN/HALFMAN/JOSTEN headstones from the Elgin, NE cemetery if you may interested in any of them. I am in the process of recording all Luxembourger AREN(D,S,T,Z), or variations thereof, that I can find in the LDS films. I record them into Familytreemaker along with their baptism sponsors and village and wedding witnesses and village and then try to connect them to my ARENS. By studying the village of residence and baptism and marriage records, I’ve become very nearly convinced that all these Luxembourger AREN*** variation people are indeed related. I currently have over 2000 of them that are not yet connected. Your Susanna Arens was not yet in my file. I see that Lannen, Luxembourg and Grendel, Belgium are less than 3 miles apart. Could you also send me a gedcom of those that you have connected to Susanna ARENS so that I may add them to my Familytreemaker file? Does your March 28, 1791 marriage record for Susanna Arendt to Nicolaus Groat list the parents of Susanna? My email is: lavaeandbob@cs.com My home page is: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/r/e/Bob--Arens/

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ARENS, COSSMANN Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/908.2.1.1.1.1.2 Message Board Post: Tara, Thank you very much. Yes indeed, I would love a photo of Katherine and Joseph Josten. Please send it at a resolution of over 200 dpi if you can. I would also like to exchange gedcoms of your COSSMANN>HALFMAN>JOSTEN line. I have photos of COSSMANN/HALFMAN/JOSTEN headstones from the Elgin, NE cemetery if you may interested in any of them. I am in the process of recording all Luxembourger AREN(D,S,T,Z), or variations thereof, that I can find in the LDS films. I record them into Familytreemaker along with their baptism sponsors and village and wedding witnesses and village and then try to connect them to my ARENS. By studying the village of residence and baptism and marriage records, I?ve become very nearly convinced that all these Luxembourger AREN*** variation people are indeed related. I currently have over 2000 of them that are not yet connected. Your Susanna Arens was not yet in my file. I see that Lannen, Luxembourg and Grendel, Belgium are less than 3 miles apart. Could you also send me a gedcom of those that you have connected to Susanna ARENS so that I may add them to my Familytreemaker file? Does your March 28, 1791 marriage record for Susanna Arendt to Nicolaus Groat list the parents of Susanna? My email is: Lavaeandbob@cs.com My home page is: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/r/e/Bob--Arens/