Trails to the Past

Iowa

Sac County

Biographies of Sac County Index

 

 

History of Sac County 
by William H. Hart - 1914

McLAUGHLIN, JOHN B. -----The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The gentleman whose life story herewith is briefly set forth is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the special sphere to which his talents and energies have been devoted. 

John B. McLaughlin, a retired farmer of Iowa, was born January 2, 1856, in Mercer county, Illinois. He was the son of Allen Henry and Lovina J. (Morford) McLaughlin. Allen H. McLaughlin was born December 22, 1830 near Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and died November 21, 1913, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, ten months and twenty-nine days. In the spring of 1853 Allen H. McLaughlin decided he would seek a home in the West and, in the company of others, started westward, making the trip by the long, tedious overland trail.

They first located in Jackson county, Iowa, and within the first year after young Allen H.  reached this county he was married, on September 15, 1853, to Lovina J.  Morford, of Jackson county, Iowa. The next month they moved back to Mercer county, Illinois, where they continued to reside until the spring of 1877, when they came back to Iowa and located in Clinton county. In the early spring of 1879. Allen H. and his family again turned their faces towards the setting sun, and another overland journey brought the family to Sac county, where they settled on a farm one and one-half miles southwest of Schaller, although the town at that time had no existence. Here they continued to reside until the spring of 1907, when they retired from the farm and spent the latter days of their life in quiet retirement. Mr. and Mrs.  Allen H. McLaughlin were the parents of six children, only one of whom is deceased. The living children are: Mrs. J. B. Harris, John B., Henry A., Francis M. McLaughlin and Ben H. Allen H. McLaughlin and wife were married more than sixty years, and it is remarkable that in this three score years of their married life his was the third death in all of the McLaughlin family, out of six children, twenty-five grandchildren and thirteen greatgrandchildren. 

John B. McLaughlin came with his parents to Sac county, Iowa, in 1879, when he was twenty-three years of age. His father had traded his Clinton county, Iowa, farm for a section of land in Eureka township and J.  B. McLaughlin settled on a part of this, his father giving him eighty acres.  Later he bought another eighty adjoining, built a home and resided on this farm of one hundred and sixty acres until the spring of 1910, when he moved to Schaller and retired from active farming. After buying his one hundred and sixty acres, he added more land until he now has two hundred and fifteen acres in Sac county, besides a fine residence in Schaller near the park. 

Mr. McLaughlin was married in 1876, in Mercer county, Illinois, to Mary L. Smith, who was born in that county in 1857. To this marriage seven children were born, six of whom are living: William Locke, who is on the home farm, married and has two children, Lucille and Jeanette : John Herman, deceased: Henry Allen, who lives near Dennison, Iowa: Joseph Marian, a farmer living north of Schaller, is married and has three children, Charles, Ruby and Irvin; Willard F., operating a furniture and undertaking establishment in Schaller, Iowa, and the father of one child Florence Mary, an infant; Mrs. Etta McOuigg, living on a farm southwest of Schaller, has one daughter, Lenora ; Mrs. Nina Woodke, whose husband is a farmer in Edin township, is the mother of one son, George Willard, an infant. 

Mr. McLaughlin is an adherent of the Republican party and, although he is interested in the general principles of his party, he has never taken an active interest in its deliberations. Religiously, he, as well as the other members of his family, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gives to it his earnest support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and takes an intelligent interest in the work of that order.

Mr. McLaughlin has lived a life which has been characterized by energy, industry and a high sense of honor. Since he believes in doing well what he has to do, all who know him speak of him as a prompt, free spoken man, who has been wide awake in business, shrewd in dealings, but honest and straightforward in all matters. He is a man of pleasing personality who has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the community where he has spent so many years.

McNEILL, FRANCIS -----There is no earthly station higher than the ministry of the Gospel, no life can be more uplifting and grander than that which is devoted to the amelioration of the human race, a life of sacrifice for the betterment of the brotherhood of man, one that is willing to cast aside all worthy crowns and laurels of fame in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possible to measure adequately the height, depth and breadth of such a life, for its influence continues to permeate the lives of others through succeeding generations, so the power it has cannot be known until the "last great day when the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible." One of the self-sacrificing, ardent, loyal and true spirits that has been a blessing to the race, who has left in his wake an influence that ever makes the world brighter and betters the lives of those who follow, is the Rev. Francis McNeill, whose life forcibly illustrates what energy, integrity and a fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by noble aims and correct ideals. He has ever held the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people among whom he has labored, and his career can be very profitably studied by the ambitious youth standing at the parting of the ways. 

Rev. Father Francis McNeill, son of James and Bridget (Dillon) McNeill, was born in Ireland September 19, 1864. His father died in Ireland, and Father McNeill came to this country when he was nineteen years of age.  He had already received a good elementary education in the schools of Ireland, and a few months after arriving in America he entered St. Vincent's Seminary at Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he remained for four years, and then entered St. Vincent's College at Los Angeles, California, where he spent two years. He next attended St. Marv's College at Perryville, Missouri, where he spent three years. In the meantime he had been doing some teaching. He was ordained in June, 1892, and taught two years at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1894 he was made assistant priest of St. Patrick's church at LaSalle, Illinois, where he labored to noble purpose for a period of three years, and was beloved by the entire parish. He then returned to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and taught two more years as prefect of St. Vincent's College, and he was in charge of the parish church for one year of this time. In 1899 Father McNeill went to the Black Hills, in South Dakota, and did mission work on the prairies. He lived with the cowboys and miners and led an outdoor life such as they live. He built a little church in Central City, in the Black Hills, and here worked and labored, doing an incalculable amount of good for the next five years. He made a home at St.  Onge, South Dakota, where he built a house after two years work in the Black Hills, and attended a circuit of one hundred miles. Among the missions which he attended and where he held services as often as he could make his rounds, were the following: Spearfish, Bellfourche, Whitewood, Indian Creek, Morrow, Camp Crook. He also attended the missions of Aladdin and Beulah, in Wyoming. However, the exposure brought about a severe attack of rheumatism, which took him out of this field. He then came to Sioux City diocese and was stationed at Onawa, Iowa, for four years. Then he was at Rolfe, for nine months, and was then transferred to Schaller, where he is now working. He also supplies the church at Holstein, Our Lady of Good Council, on every second Sunday in the month.

The Schaller St. Joseph Catholic church was a mission from 1884 to 1904, and was attended by the priest located at Early. It was created into an independent parish in 1904.  Rev. Father Francis Wrenn was the first resident pastor and built the present parish residence, and after one year he was succeeded by Rev. Father William Shannon, and two years and a half later by Rev. Father Francis McNeill. A large new church, costing eighteen thousand dollars, was dedicated on Thanksgiving day 1913. The church at Schaller now has two hundred and five persons enrolled in membership.  Father McNeill is a very companionable man and has his heart in his work, serves faithfully his Master, and the good which he does will never receive its full reward on this earth.

MEAD, HUGH H. -----The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Sac county who are well known because of the part they have taken in public affairs is Hugh H. Mead.

Hugh H. Mead, a prosperous farmer, stock raiser and justice of peace of Boyer Valley township for the past twenty-five years, was born on June I, 1864, in the state of Wisconsin. His parents, Elijah and Sarah (Hall) Mead, were natives of Vermont, who settled in Wisconsin while it was yet a territory. In 1866 the Mead family moved to Minnesota, and in 1875 to Sac county and settled on the farm where Hugh H. Mead is now residing.  Elijah Mead lived on this farm until his later years, when he went to Early and lived with his daughter until his death, in May, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Mead were born five children: Mrs. Marie Prentice, of Louisiana; Mrs. Agnes Prentice, of Early; Hugh H., whose history is related in this narrative; Guy and Abbie, who died in childhood. 

Hugh H. Mead came with his parents from Minnesota to Sac county and has lived from that time on the farm which his father bought in 1875.  He received his education in the district schools of Boyer Valley township and the town school of Early. He taught in rural schools and has taken an active interest in school work. He worked with his father on the home farm until his marriage. On becoming of age lie bought forty-six acres joining his father's farm, and five years later bought fifty-four acres, paying forty dollars an acre, which was the record price at that time for farming land in Sac county. He bought his father's farm before the latter's death and has recently added more so that he now has two hundred and forty acres in this township. He has taken a prominent part in the affairs of his township for the past twenty-five years, being the first to engage in raising of alfalfa. He is of a judicial temperament and since his early manhood has served as justice of the peace of his township. In fact, he has held some township office ever since he reached his majority. 

Mr. Mead was married November 30, 1892, to Alice Haradon, who was horn on April 23, 1865, in Bremer county, Iowa. She is the daughter of Orlin and Mary Ann (Hart) Haradon, natives of Vermont and Michigan, respectively. Her parents came to Sac county and bought land in Boyer Valley township in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Mead have one daughter, Mary, who is now about two years of age.

Politically. Mr. Mead has long been a Republican, and has been honored time and again by his party with positions of trust and honor. He is a prominent fine stock raiser, his principal lines being Poland-China hogs, Jersey cattle and standard bred horses, having forty horses at this time. He is a tree grower and trees from his farm may now be seen on many lawns in Sac and adjoining counties. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and identify themselves with the work of their church in this community. Mr. Mead has always been prominent m the various movements in his community which concern the public welfare and has never shirked his duty in doing what he thought would benefit his locality. His whole career in this township speaks for itself, and gives him the right to be classed among our best American citizens.

MEAD, ISAAC N. -----The biographer is especially gratified when he finds before him the task of preparing even a brief sketch of the life of a man who by his own unaided efforts has raised himself from humble circumstances to a pleasing competence and high regard in the esteem of his fellowmen. Success in this life almost always comes to the deserving. It has been repeatedly proven that one gets out of this life what he sincerely puts into it, plus a reasonable interest on his investment, and to the young man who starts out in life with a firm determination to win a place for himself, and regulates all his affairs of life by the correct principles of living, success is sure to come. This is success of the highest type, which cannot be truly appreciated by many so-called successful men who at the very outset of life found themselves surrounded by many advantages procured for them by a kind and indulgent parent. Men of this latter class can but appreciate the effort put forth by the man who starts in life unaided and by sheer force of will forges ahead and at length, through many disappointments possibly, arrives at a place of honor among his fellow citizens. The subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of our government. 

Isaac N. Mead, farmer of Cook township Sac county, Iowa, was born on February 7, 1852, in the state of New York, the son of Almond and Elizabeth (Ricks) Mead, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in England. In 1856 Almond Mead decided to become one of the pioneers of the great and growing West, and brought his family to the state of Wisconsin, settling in Grant county. Here he engaged in farm work and was making fair progress in business matters when the Civil War broke out, and, being a man of strong patriotic principles, he enlisted as a private in the Thirty-third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and died while in the service, never having been able to return to his home. This left his young widow with the problem of raising her three children without a father’s help.  The oldest child was Isaac N. of whom this narrative speaks, who at the tender age of eleven began working out in an effort to assist his mother in supporting the others. He succeeded well in his earnest efforts and with his assistance the mother was able to keep the little family together. One child, Janie, died at the age of nine years, and the third child of the family is Andrew, who is engaged in farming in Ida county, this state. Mr. Mead’s mother continued to make her home in Wisconsin and died there in March, 1910.

In the spring of 1874 Mr. Mead first came to this state, coming directly to Sac county, and secured employment on a farm located about three miles south of Odebolt. Here he remained for six years, working by the month.  He saved his money and in the fall of 1878 was able to purchase a tract of land of one hundred and’ sixty acres, for which he paid seven and one-half dollars per acre. He continued at his place of employment for two years more, and in the spring of 1880 moved onto the land which he had bought, which, being raw prairie land, he proceeded to clear and cultivate in true pioneer style. He erected a small but comfortable dwelling, sixteen by twenty-four feet in size, and has since made this his home, making additions and improvements to the original house at two different times. While he has not increased the acreage of his home farm, he has purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in the Red River valley in Minnesota. For the past several years he has been retired from the active work of the farm, which is in the competent hands of his son.

On December 30, 1879, Mr. Mead was united in marriage with Mellia Leota Gulliford, which union has been blessed with one child, Lester, the son above referred to, who is married and resides on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Mead’s religious affiliations are with the Christian church at Schaller, and in the affairs of that society they take a commendable interest. In politics he is a Republican, inclined to progressive ideas. Mr. Mead is a man who easily makes friends and retains them. United in his composition are so many elements of a provident, practical nature that throughout the years they have earned for him a place among the enterprising men of his county and a just recognition of his worthiness.

MEHLBRECH, W. LOUIS -----There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or county, or even a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indefatigable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of “progressive,” and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was winning his way in material affairs of life gained a reputation for up rightness and honor.

W. Louis Mehlbrech, one of the prosperous young farmers of Clinton township Sac county, Iowa, was born in Lee county, Illinois, on September 16, 1881. His parents, John and Gertrude Mehlbrech, were born, reared and married in Germany. They came to the United States and settled in Lee county, Illinois, where they lived until the spring of 1882. They then moved to Sac county and settled on the southwestern part of section 16, in this township, where they lived until 1906. They then moved to South Dakota, where they are now residing. Mr. and Mrs. John Mehlbrech were the parents of ten children: Henry, Mrs. Catherine Frey, W. Louis, John, Elizabeth, Mrs.  Anna Elstrom, May, George, Augusta and Will. Three of the children, Louis, Elizabeth and Anna are in Sac county: all of the others are now living in South Dakota.

W. Louis Mehlbrech was reared and educated in Clinton township and early in life began to work upon his father’s farm. He was married in the year his parents moved to South Dakota and remained there one year. In 1913 Mr. Mehlbrech bought three hundred acres of land in Clay county, two and one-half miles northeast of Spencer, for one hundred and twenty-six dollars an acre and sold his Clinton township land for two hundred dollars an acre. He moved to his Clay county farm on March 1, 1914, where he is now residing. 

Mr. Mehlbrech was married on January 17, 1905 to Lucelia Fuchs the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs is the county supervisor of Sac county at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Mehlbrech have four children: Glen, born January 23, 1907: Elwin, born March 21, 1909; Fay, born July 31, 1911, and Fern, born October 19, 1913.

The Republican party has held Mr. Mehlbrech in its ranks since he became of voting age and while he has never taken an active interest in his party, yet he has kept himself well informed on the main political questions of the day. He and his wife are loyal members of the German Reformed church and give liberally of their means to its support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

MENDENHALL, GEORGE W. -----The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life-a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose.  To do this will be to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well.

George W. Mendenhall, a retired farmer of Sac City, Iowa, being a former resident of Cedar township, was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 1, 1860. His parents were W. B. and Mary Ellen (Neff) Mendenhall. His father, W. B., was born in Preble county, Ohio, of English ancestry, in 1834, and his mother was born in Ohio in 1841 and died in March, 1909.  W. B. Mendenhall and family left Ohio in about 1883 and, after stopping for two years in Illinois, located in Rice county, Kansas, where W. B. Mendenhall is still living. W. B. Mendenhall and wife were the parents of five children, who are living: Charles M., of Lyons, Kansas; Joseph O.. of Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. E. G. Schenck, of Sac county, Iowa; Mrs. Effie Mason, of Hutchinson, Kansas, and George W., whose history is portrayed in this connection.

George W. Mendenhall was educated in the public schools of Butler county, Ohio, and when twenty-one years of age left home to seek his fortune.  He went to Illinois and located in Macon county, where he rented a farm and also engaged in the hardware and furniture business in Macon county. Shortly after he came to Macon county, Illinois, his parents also moved there. In 1907 Mr. Mendenhall moved to Sac county, Iowa, and bought two hundred and forty acres in Cedar township, for which he paid sixty-four dollars an acre. Later he bought forty acres adjoining this farm, at eighty dollars an acre, and now has two hundred and eighty acres of fine land in Cedar township. In 1911 he erected a fine residence, and in the seven years in which he has lived in this township he has built a bam and has done a large amount of fencing and draining. The land in Cedar township, in order to be the most productive, demands scientific drainage and, since coming to this farm, Mr. Mendenhall has spent over two thousand dollars in tiling and considers the money well spent. His land has rapidly increased in value and is now worth at least two hundred dollars an acre. In November, 1913.

Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall left the farm in charge of their sons, Harry and Ralph, and moved to Sac City, where they purchased a fine residence.  George W. Mendenhall was married in 1886 to Laura Schenck, of Macon county, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Schenck. Mr.  and Mr. Mendenhall have seven children, all of whom are living: Harry and Ralph are managing their father's farm; Glen is in the schools at Sac City; Grace, Fern and Bernadine are still with their parents, and Iva married F. G. Hall and lives northeast of Lytton, in this county. 

Mr. Mendenhall has always allied himself with the Republican party and, while taking a deep interest in local politics, yet has never been a candidate tor any public office. He and the members of his family are regular attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church and give it their earnest support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Daughters of Rebekah, the Knights of Pythias, the Rathborne Sisters and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Mendenhall is a quiet, plain and kind-hearted man, respected by all who know him, and one who has always been regarded as honest and upright in all his dealings. Personally, he is a pleasant man to meet, affable, obliging and a man who is esteemed wherever he is known for his many good qualities.

MERKLEY, EDGAR C.  -----A farmer of today should be the most contented man in the country, since he is the only one who lives an independent career. Every other profession looks to the farmer for support and as long as the farmer is successful the country at large is prosperous. If the farmers of the United States should go on a strike and for one year refused to raise any crops, a panic would sweep across this country which would totally demoralize every other business. In fact, it is the farmer who makes it possible for the banker, the manufacturer, the lawyer and even the minister, to live, and without the noble occupation of farming this country could not exist. 

Edgar C. Merkley, a prosperous farmer of Eden township, Sac county, Iowa, was born March 28, 1861, in Ontario, Canada. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Castleman) Merkley. William Merkley was born in 1833 in Canada, where he is now living. His wife also was a native of Canada, born in 1836, and to the union of Mr. and Mrs. William Merkley were born the following children: Mrs. Eva Whittaker, who is in Canada; Mrs. Ella Castleman and Mrs. Lucy Castleman, both now residing in the state of California: Aden, also of California: Mrs. Sarah Whittaker, of Canada, and Edgar C, whose history is herewith presented. 

Edgar C. Merkley was reared and educated in the schools of Canada, came to Sac County when he was twenty-two years of age, and in 1884 he moved to Eden township, where he has since resided. He has bought land from time to time in this township until he is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres in sections 10 and 30 of this township. His annual output of stock includes ninety head of cattle, one hundred head of hogs and twenty head of horses. He is the owner of a Percheron stallion and is a breeder of Percheron horses. He has a modern and attractive home and good buildings of all kinds on his farm, his place being well improved in every way. 

Mr. Merkley was married January 17, 1885, to Matilda Wiley, a native of Canada, and to this marriage have been born seven children, six sons and one daughter: Merle, of Eden township: Isaac, who is in Minnesota: Mrs.  Stella Adams, whose husband is a farmer of this township; Lorne, Rosa, Vernon and Glen, the last four named being still with their parents at home. 

Politically, Mr. Merkley is a Democrat, while all the family are loyal and consistent members of the Lutheran church. In his fraternal relations he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Merkley is a man who always takes an interest in the welfare of his community and identifies himself with such enterprises as have for their object the bettering of the community in which he lives, and is regarded by all who know him with honor and esteem.

MESSER, MARTIN A. -----One of the best known and enterprising of the younger generation of agriculturists of Sac county is Martin A. Messer, now in the very prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable, upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come. He is the owner of fine farming lands in Sac county, which he conducts in a manner that stamps him as fully abreast of the times. 

Martin A. Messer the owner of a fine section of land in Richland township Sac county, Iowa, was born January 24, 1880, in Benton county, this state, the son of Adam and Emma (Gresie) Messer. who were both natives of Germany, who first settled in Illinois upon coming to this country.  Adam Messer was a carpenter and followed that trade in Illinois for some years. He then came to Benton county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land and in that county met his wife, Emma Gresie. In 1881 Adam Messer sold his land in Benton County and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Richland township. Sac county, and so successful was he in his agricultural operations that he was able to buy additional land from time to time until he is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Messer are the parents of seven children: Mrs. Kate Hoefling. a resident of Richland township, this county; Mrs. Minnie Sudegar, of Lyon county, Iowa ; Harry, of Correctionville, this state ; Charles, a resident of Jackson county, Minnesota ; Pearl, of Colorado Springs, Colorado: Mrs. Edna Konradi and Martin A. 

Martin A. Messer was educated in the district schools of Richland township, where his parents moved when he was about one year old. When he was twenty years of age, he went to Brookings county, South Dakota, and operated his father's farm in that state for five years. He then returned home and worked out for three years, moving on to his present farm March 1, 1913. He is now operating a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is well improved in every way and one of the most productive farms of the township. His annual income from the farm is divided between his grain and stock interests. In 1913 he raised on his farm twenty-eight head of cattle, forty-six head of hogs and ten head of horses. 

Mr. Messer was first married September 13, 1903, to Minnie Stanley, and to this marriage were born three children. Pearl, Iva and Ruby. Mr.  Messer's second marriage occurred January 22, 1913 his wife being Ruth Mead, the daughter of Hugh H. Mead.

Politically, Mr. Messer is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never yet been an aspirant for any political office. Religiously, his faith is that of the Presbyterian church, to which he and his wife both belong. Mr.  Messer is a young farmer and has a long and prosperous career before him.  With the start which he has already made, it is safe to predict that in the years to come he will be one of the most substantial farmers of the county.

MEYER, CONRAD ------A man of sterling worth and exemplary character is Conrad Meyer, one of the German citizens of Odebolt, Sac county, Iowa. Before coming to this country he served six years in the German army, and the splendid training and discipline which was acquired during those six years has been no small factor in making him the successful man that he has become since settling in this township. Not only has he been of material benefit to the progress of his county, but in all public enterprises he has taken such a part as ranks him as a loyal citizen of his adopted country.  Conrad Meyer was born July 1, 1840, in Bayern, Kolembaugh, Germany.  His parents, George and Barbara Meyer, lived all their days in the land of their birth. George Meyer was a farmer in Germany, and when Conrad Meyer was twenty-two years of age he enlisted in the regular German army and served his allotted six years.

Upon the expiration of his enlistment he came to America and landed in New York city. Shortly afterward he went to Lee county, Illinois, and worked on a farm in that county for two years. He then married and rented a farm, remaining in Lee county, Illinois, until October 1873, at which time he came to Clinton township, Sac county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land for five dollars an acre. He only had one hundred dollars to pay down on the land but, with the thrift which characterizes his countrymen, he went to work with a will and soon had this land paid for. He then bought four hundred acres in section 28, Clinton township, and after making his second purchase of land Mr. Meyer began to deal in real estate throughout the county, and has made considerable money by buying and selling land, always buying his land for cash, and has never lost by any of his numerous transactions. Before he divided his land among his children, he was the owner of ten hundred and twenty-nine acres, as follows: One hundred and sixty acres in Clinton township, three hundred and forty-nine acres in Levey township, one hundred and twenty in Wall Lake township and six hundred and forty in Spink county, South Dakota.

Mr. Meyer was married in 1872 to Anna Katrina Engle, who died in 1907, leaving six children: Mrs. Mary Schulte, of Wall Lake township, who has four children, Andrew, George, Susie and Mary; Mrs. Anna Martha Souder deceased, whose Five children, Caroline, Annie, John, George and Mary, were reared by their grandfather; George, a farmer of Clinton township; Mrs. Katharine Kolbe, of Clinton township; John and Henry, farmers of Clinton township.

Mr. Meyer was married the second time on May 22, 1908, to Mrs.  Marie (Hailing) Pritchard. a native of Schleswig-Holstein. Germany, and who was born on July 9, 1853, the daughter of H. P. and Marie Hailing.  The Hailing family came to America in 1865, and first settled in Clinton county, Iowa, where they remained for three years. They then moved to Clarke county, Iowa, and in 1900 came to Sac county. Mr. and Mrs. Hailing were the parents of five children: H. P. and John, farmers of Cook township, this county; Cyrus, of Adair county, this state; Mrs. Lena Mollm, who lives in South Dakota, and Mrs. Meyer. Marie Hailing was married in 1878 to James Pitchard who died at Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1907. 

Mr. Meyer cast his first vote for James A. Garfield, and has called himself an independent voter since that time, preferring to cast his ballot on election days for the best men, irrespective of their politics. Accordingly, in 1912, he voted for Woodrow Wilson, believing that he was the best man for the presidency. He is a member of the Lutheran church, to which he contributes liberally of his substance. In 1909 Mr. Meyer moved to Odebolt, where he is now living a life of ease and comfort and enjoying the fruits of his long years of hard labor. The life of this typical German emigrant, who came to this county with practically nothing. affords a striking example of the man who makes a comfortable living for his declining years by the sweat of his brow. In no other country in the world can this be accomplished so easily as in the United States, and every state in the Union is glad to welcome such men as Conrad Meyer.

MINER, ALBERT D. -----One of the most prosperous farmers of Coon Valley township, Sac county, Iowa, is A. D. Miner, who was born December 7, 1846, in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. His parents were Ransom H. and Lucinda (Post) Miner.  Ransom H. Miner was born August 25, 1809, and was the son of Asher Miner, a native of New York who bought land in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in about 1836 from the government at one dollar and a quarter an acre. Asher Miner was born in Schoharie county, New York. Ransom H. Miner came from New York to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, when he was twenty-nine years of age and lived there until his death in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Ransom H.  Miner were the parents of eight children; Lwelleyns V., deceased; John A., deceased; Mary A., deceased: Gertrude E., deceased; Beulah A., deceased; Mrs. L. M. Scofield, of Chicago: Mrs. Jennie Harris, of Stockton. Illinois, and A. D., with whom this narrative deals.

A. D. Miner was reared and educated in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and was married in that state. About ten years later he came from Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and settled in Jackson county, Iowa, coming to this state in I.S82. In 1892 he moved to Clinton county, where he lived for eight years.  In February 1900, he came to Sac county and bought his farm of one hundred and forty acres in Coon Valley township for seventy-six dollars an acre.  Later he purchased forty acres, for which he paid one hundred dollars an acre.  This land is now easily worth two hundred dollars an acre. Mr. Miner still owns ten acres in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, which was a part of the land which was homesteaded by his grandfather in 1836. 

Mr. Miner was married in 1873 to Ella A. Watts, of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and to this marriage have been born six children: Mrs. Florence E.  Wilson, of Cedar township; Dwight L., of Jackson township, who is farming one hundred and twenty acres; Abby G.; Kingsley A., born March 29, 1887, and now engaged in real estate and land business in Sac City; Paul R., who is at home, and Frank Watts, a student at Ames College. 

In politics, Mr. Miner has been affiliated with the Republican party since he cast his first vote. While living in this state he has held various township offices, in all of which he performed satisfactory service. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have always taken a deep interest in church activities. Mr. Miner is a member of various fraternal insurance orders. He has always been active in the public affairs of his community and has performed his full part as a public-spirited citizen, and in the various official positions which he has filled he has used the same sound judgment and good business principles which he has exercised in his own personal affairs. Honest in his various business dealings and faithful to his many friends, he has won and retained the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the township and county.

MINER, KINGSLEY ALBERT -----One of the enterprising and rising young men who are native born to Sac county and who are making names and reputations for themselves in the marts of trade and in their chosen professions, is Kingsley A. Miner, the son of A. D. Miner, one of the substantial farmer citizens of the county. Marked aptitude and diligence characterizes the activities of this young man, who is highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities and for his quiet, gentlemanly methods of transacting his business affairs in the community. The headquarters of his business is located in Sac City; which place has been his home since leaving the home place in Coon Valley township to carve out a career for himself.

Kingsley Albert Miner, of Sac City, was born on a farm in Sac county, March 29, 1887, and was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood.  the Sac City high school the Auburn high school and the Highland Park Seminary. For the past four years he has followed the difficult profession of sales and livestock auctioneer and is meeting with creditable success in his life work. He devotes his activities to the promotion of land sales and handles considerable real estate and also devotes some attention to the insurance business. His specialties, however, are the sale and purchase of farm lands and the crying of public sales for the people of the surrounding community.  Although Mr. Miner is young in years, he is gifted with a poise and ability common to older heads and is universally liked and esteemed for his many sterling qualities of heart and mind.  Mr. Miner was united in marriage with Irene Furman, June 10, 1914.  He is religiously associated with the Methodist Episcopal denomination and is an Odd Fellow. Politically, he is allied with the Republican party.

MOCK, MARION -----One of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Sac City and one who has achieved marked success, first as an agriculturist and then as a miller, is Marion Mock, proprietor of the grist and flour mill operating in the west part of the city. This mill was established in 1897 and was purchased by Mr. Mock in 1908. The mill has an output and a capacity of five hundred bushels of grain daily. It is fitted with two grinders and one assistant is employed to operate the machinery.

Mr. Mock was born May 28, 1860, in Polk county, Iowa, and was the son of Daniel and Catharine (Hart) Mock, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Daniel Mock migrated to Iowa as early as 1845 and settled in Polk county when Des Moines consisted of only a fort and a cluster of houses and was a trading station in the wilderness. For some years he teamed from Keokuk to Des Moines, and made the first trip to the new country from Indiana. He purchased a farm about twelve miles north of Des Moines, and became the owner of a quarter section of river bottom land, over which there was considerable litigation for a number of years, but he eventually secured a clear title to the same and then disposed of it. Mr. Mock had a government title to this tract, but it was claimed by the River Land Company and the consequent litigation ensued. After disposing of his first farm, he bought another quarter section, ten miles north of Des Moines, but sold this seven years later and moved to Springfield, Missouri.  for awhile. Returning to Iowa, he settled near the state fair grounds, in the vicinity of Des Moines, and died in 1910.

Mr. Mock left Polk county in the spring of 1890 and came to Sac county, locating in Cedar township, where he purchased eighty acres of prairie land at a cost of sixteen dollars an acre. He improved this farm and resided thereon until 1899, and then sold his land for forty dollars an acre. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres at a cost of forty dollars an acre in Jackson township, which he sold three years later for sixty-five dollars an acre. He made his residence in Sac City from this time on and continued investing in land. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres southwest of Sac City for sixty-five dollars an acre, rented it to a tenant, and later sold it for eighty-three dollars an acre. In partnership with a real estate man, he bought two hundred acres of land northwest of Sac City in 1910 at a cost of seventy-five dollars an acre and sold it recently for one hundred and thirty-five dollars an acre. Another recent investment or speculation was in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clay county.  which cost eighty dollars per acre and was sold for one hundred and ten dollars per acre.

In politics Mr. Mock is a stanch Democrat and is a pronounced admirer of President Wilson and his policies. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both subordinate lodge and encampment, the Rebekahs and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was married February 9, 1880, to Mary Jane Doke and is the father of three children: Mrs. Nettie Shoemaker, of Los Angeles, California: Alfred, of Montana; Wayne, aged sixteen years, at home.

MOLSBERRY, FRANK R.  D. D. S. -----There are many avenues open toward the goal of success for the young men of the present day. Not all who are called to enter the various lines of endeavor are rewarded with success. The learned and skillful professions have ever been attractive to the young individual who would seek to advance himself from among the average of mankind. Nowadays, where there seems to be a tendency to increase the numbers of those whose profession is to leaven and ease the sufferings of mankind, the successes are often notable and clearly defined. Though newcomers to Sac City, in a certain sense. Molsberry brothers, practicing dentists, have already established themselves as a component and useful part of the community body. Dr. F. R.  Molsberry, with whom this biography is particularly concerned, is certainly entitled to a place of prominence in the pages of this history, plainly because of his sterling worth, educational attainments, pronounced ability in the practice of his chosen profession, and his general and specific usefulness as a citizen.

F. R. Molsberry was born in Plymouth, Worth county Iowa. June 11, 1876. His father was William P. Molsberry a native of Ohio and the son of J. M. and Jane (Jordan) Molsberry. W. P. was born on March 8, 1840, and migrated to Iowa with his parents in 1854. He was reared to young manhood on a pioneer farm in Worth county and there married Anna Heiny a native of Bohemia. Austria, who emigrated to America with her parents when a young girl in her teens. The senior Molsberry followed farming as a regular occupation until of late years, when he has practically retired. Until recently he made his home in Wyoming, but spends the major portion of his declining years in sojourning among his children, with whom he is always welcome. He moved from Worth county to Wyoming in 1904. He is the father of ten children, namely: Mary, wife of E. L. Smith, of Kensitt, Iowa: Emma, wife of John McMutrie. of Maley, Iowa: Minnie, wife of V. E.  Pesak. of Manley, Iowa: J. J., a resident of Plymouth, Iowa: Effie, wife of J. F. Dostal. of Minneapolis; Bertha, wife of James Crimmons. of Grafton, Iowa; Irene, wife of A. R. Merrill, of Thermopolis, Wyoming: Dr. F. R. and Dr. W. L. Molsberry, of Sac City.

Doctor Molsberry was educated in the district schools and in the Plymouth high school and the high school of North Springs, Iowa. He entered the State University after the necessary preparation in the public and high schools and graduated from the dental department in 1905. For a period of three years he practiced his profession in the city of Sheldon, Iowa, and in 1908 removed to Sac City, where he was soon joined by his brother. He enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice and is one of the most popular young professional men of the city.

His qualifications are of a varied order, he being an accomplished musician. This talent being inevitably discovered by his associates in the city, he was selected as manager and director of the Sac City Commercial Club Band, a position in which he is serving without pecuniary reward. This band was organized in December, 1902, and is composed of an excellent array of talented players and musicians. The credit of the efficiency of the band and its continual growth in popularity is due in a large measure to the excellent management and direction given it by Doctor Molsberry. He is a Republican in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Sac City. 

Doctor Molsberry was married on June 1, 1911, to Elma Pearl Cooper, of Sac City. They have one child, a daughter, named Floris Evelyn.

MOLSBERRY, WILL L. -----The life of the young dentist and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example of well defined purpose with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellowmen as well. He is building up a distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge with the skill to apply the same without which one can not hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to dental ills. 

Dr. Will L. Molsberry of the dental firm of Molsberry Brothers, of Sac City, Iowa, was born in Worth county, Iowa, February 14, 1884. His parents were William and Anna (Heiny) Molsberry, natives respectively of Michigan and Iowa. William Molsberry was born in 1842. the son of Benjamin Molsberry, one of the pioneer settlers of Worth county. The Molsberrys came to Worth county in 1850 and there made their permanent home. Mrs. William Molsberry died in 1887, and her husband is still living with one of his children in Worth county. They were the parents of a family of ten children, all of whom are living: Mrs. Mary Smith, of Worth county; Mrs. Emma McMurtrie, of Worth county; Jesse, of Worth county; Mrs. Effie Dostal, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Minnie Peshak, of Worth county; Frank R., of the firm of Molsberry Brothers; Mrs. Bertha Crimmins and Mrs. Carrie Sanderson, of Cerro Gordo county, Iowa; Mrs.  Irene Merrill, of Wyoming, and Dr. Will L. whose history is sketched in this connection.

Doctor Molsberry was educated in the public schools of Worth county and then graduated from the Manly high school and Nore Springs Seminary, of Floyd county. He then entered the University of Iowa, at Iowa City, and graduated from that institution in the department of dentistry in the spring of 1908. He then came to Sac City, where he and his brother formed a partnership for the practice of dentistry. Frank R. graduated from the State University in 1905 and practiced in Sheldon until joining his brother Dr. Will L. in Sac City in the spring of 1908. The young men are rapidly building up a lucrative practice, because of their technical skill and courteous treatment of their customers.

Doctor Molsberry is a Republican in politics, but the nature of his profession naturally prevents him from taking an active part in political affairs.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he renders substantial support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and also holds membership in the Eastern Star. 

Doctor Molsberry was married in December, 1910, to Irene Brownell the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Brownell. Doctor Molsberrv is a man of energy and ambition, who is not afraid to work and within the short time that he has been a citizen of this community he has won the confidence and respect of those with whom he is brought in contact.

MONTGOMERY, ARTHUR H. -----Diligence in every effort; faithfulness in the discharge of public duties; bravery and patriotism displayed in the service on the battlefields of the nation these elements make for a combination of true American citizenship which cannot be excelled. There are no more striking nor more venerable figures in the different communities of today than the retired Civil War veterans.  The nation and posterity owe these noble heroes a debt which can never be fully paid. We can only seek to do them honor while they are yet among us. The survivors of this glorious race of fighting men who are with us yet are composed of the strongest and sturdiest of the vast armies which saved the Union from destruction. Many of them have won renown in civic life in addition to the emoluments which are theirs by right of fearless facing of death and injury on the battlefields. Of this class is Lieut. Arthur H.  Montgomery, of Schaller, a native of the state of New York and an early settler of the town in which he resides.

Mr. Montgomery was born January 8, 1842 in St. Lawrence county, New York, and is the son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Elliot) Montgomery, natives of Scotland and North Ireland respectively. The mother was born and partly reared in North Ireland, the daughter of Scotch parents who first emigrated to Ireland and thence to America when she was a young lady in her teens. Hugh Montgomery was born in 1800, came to America and settled in New York state in 1822. He was a man noted for his educational attainments, having been educated for the practice of law. After settling in St.  Lawrence county, New York, he followed the profession of teaching for a number of years, dying in 1858. His death orphaned three children: Arthur H. ; Elliot, a resident of Canada : Mrs. Isabella Briggs, deceased. 

Arthur H. received his education in the common schools of his native village, and when yet a youth of twenty he hearkened to the call of President Lincoln for troops to serve in defense of the Union. He enlisted July 25, 1862, in Company A. One Hundred and Forty-Second Volunteer Infantry Regiment of New York. He served until June 7, 1865 in the department of Virginia. He participated in many hard-fought engagements and was several times wounded in hand-to-hand conflicts. The principal battles in which this brave soldier was engaged were Suffolk, Virginia; West Point, Virginia; Morris Island, South Carolina: Drury's Bluff, Virginia. He was wounded three times during the battle of Drury's Bluff', in the left arm, left shoulder and in the left side, and was incapacitated for some time after the battle. He was forced to lie in the hospital until the latter part of September, 1864. He received a saber wound in the left hand at the battle of Suffolk.  Other battles in which he took an active part were Chapin's Farm, fought September 29, 1864, in which he was under fire continuously during the engagement, until October 27, 1864, when the second battle of Chapin's Farm was fought. He continued in service with the Army of the James until December, 1864, when he was sent to make an attack upon Fort Fisher, North Carolina, December 25, 1864. He also participated in the second attack and subsequent capture of Fort Fisher, January 16, 1865. He fought in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, in March, 1865. He was honorably discharged at Raleigh, North Carolina, June 7, 1865. Mr. Montgomery first enlisted as a private in the ranks : was soon promoted to a sergeant, then was made first sergeant of his company and was commissioned first lieutenant by Gov. R. E. Fenton of New York, February 17, 1865, as a fitting reward for exceptional bravery and faithfulness in the discharge of his soldier's duties.

After the war he farmed in St. Lawrence county until 1881, and then came to Sac county in December of that year and settled in Eureka township. His occupation was primarily that of mechanic and artisan with especial skill as a wagonwright. He saw an opportunity to exercise his skill in this avocation and established a wagon repair and manufacturing shop in Schaller, operating the same until 1896. It was only natural that the people should recognize his attainments in an exceptional manner, and in 1896 he was elected to the office of auditor of Sac county. He was again elected two years later and served in all four years. At the close of his term of office he returned to his home in Schaller, where he has lived a retired life, though frequently being called upon to serve the people of the community in various capacities, among them being the superintendence of the installation of the water works and sewerage systems in the city.  Mr. Montgomery has always been allied with the Republican party and has filled several civic offices in the town. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is fraternally associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Grand Army of the Republic (Price Post), and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Mr. Montgomery's first marriage occurred February 11, 1869, to Jennie E. Hall, of Lisbon, New York, and who was his faithful wife until death intervened in 1886, leaving two children motherless, Mrs. Laura E. Jones, of Sioux City, and Richard L., who died in 1888. His second marriage was with Mattie C. Craven, of Des Moines, in 1892. Mrs. Montgomery is a native of Iowa born at What Cheer, the daughter of Samuel and Lydia Fleming Craven, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. Samuel Craven died in Adams county. The mother and daughter came to Sac county, where Mrs. Montgomery taught school in Sac City from 1887 to 1891. She is well educated and a cultured and refined woman and a fitting companion for many of Mr. Montgomery's attainments and is greatly interested in church work.

 

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