BIOGRAPHIES: Past & Present of BV Co., 1909; A thru K; Buena Vista County, Iowa ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES PROJECT NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://usgwarchives.net/ ************************************************************************ The USGenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. All submissions become part of the permanent collection. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Sheryl McClure Febuary 9, 2002 ____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: For more information on Buena Vista County, Iowa Please visit the Buena Vista County, IAGenWeb page at http://iagenweb.org/buenavista/ ____________________________________________________________________________ Fom the History Book; Buena Vista Past & Present (1909) Index AHNTHOLZ, William BALLOU, Loyal E. DIERWECHTER, Lewis P. ECKMAN, Carl A. ECKMAN, J.P. ERIKSEN, Christian FOELL, Lawrence FOLEY, Fred C., MD HARVEY, Herbert A. HEYWOOD, John M. KJARSGAARD, Nels C. KOONS, Jacob Walter WILLIAM AHNTHOLZ William Ahntholz is a successful agriculturalist, who owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Coon township, Buena Vista county. He was born near Ninborg, Germany, April 12, 1876, a son of Charles and Sophia (Limply*) Ahntholz, who likewise was born near Ninborg and came to America in 1890. The father died in Buena Vista county at the age of sixty- seven years, but the mother still survives at that age and is making her home with her son Fred. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ahntholz are: Margaret, the wife of Henry Steinbock, who resides in Oklahoma; Fred, a farmer of Coon township; Dick, who follows blacksmithing; William, of this review; and Henry, who also follows farming. William Ahntholz spent his early boyhood and youth in his native land and attended school there to the age of fourteen years. At that time he emigrated with his brother Fred to America and locating in Buena Vista county, was here employed at farm labor for ten years. During this time he carefully saved his earnings, which he invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land. He then established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Anna Nitzke, who was born in Buena Vista county, a daughter of C. H. Nitzke, and a sister of Edward J. Louis and Samuel L. Nitzke, all of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Ahntholz eventually sold his original farm and invested in his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Coon township. He has improved the farm with good buildings, has placed the land under a high state of cultivation and altogether made it a valuable property. Mr. Ahntholz gives his political support to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Methodist church. He belongs to that class of representative young men who are rapidly forging to the front, and at the same time he is regarded as a citizen of worth in the community in which he lives. END *actually "Lampe" Loyal E. Ballou The distinctive and specific office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of the public opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Buena Vista county, Loyal E. Ballou is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. While he has in no sense been a man in public life, he has, nevertheless, exercised a beneficial influence on the city and county of his residence, being one of he men of large affairs in this locality. His interests have been a factor in the county's development and in the control of his investments he has displayed marked business ability and energy. Loyal E. Ballou was born in Essex County, New York, in 1839, and was the third in order of birth in a family of seven children. His father, Collin Ballou, was born in Rhode Island, and came of English ancestry. He was a farmer by occupation and removed to Iowa at an early period in the development of the west. He settled in Clayton County and then went to Red Oak, where his remaining days were passed. In politics he was an old-line whig and when that party passed out of existence he joined the new republican party. He married Miss Samson, who was born in New Hampshire, and died in 1857. She too was of English lineage. Loyal E. Ballou was reared on the home farm and mastered the common branches of learning in the district schools, while later he attended a private school. He followed the occupation of farming in his youth and was early trained to the work of the fields. He afterward engaged in he tilling of the soil until the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and in May, 1861, he offered his services to the government and enlisted in Clayton county, Iowa, as a member of Company K, First Iowa Cavalry. He thus served ujntil september, 1864, and was mustered out at Davenport. At Prairie Grove, Arkansas, he was taken prisoner and was confined at Fort Smith, Arkansas for two weeks, after which he was exchanged. He then returned to his regiment and was in a number of skirmishes. He faithfully performed every duty that devolved upon him, whether it called him to the firing line or! stationed him on the lonely picket line. When Mr. Ballou was mustered out he returned to Clayton County with a creditable military record and there remained for a year. He afterward went to Madison County, this state, where he resided until 1886, when he came to Storm Lake, where he made a permanent location, and has since been one of the men of large affairs in this city. On the 18th of February, 1908, he and W. A. Jones organized the Security Bank, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and they are now doing a general banking business, Mr. Ballou being president and Mr. W. A. Jones, cashier. Mr. Ballou married Miss Ellen M. Taylor, a native of Massachusetts, and they have two sons; Loyal E., Jr., who is now assistant cashier of the Security Bank; and Ernest S. Both are graduates of Storm Lake high school and of the commercial department of Buena Vista College. They are still at home with their parents. Mrs. Ballou is a member of the Presbyterian church, and the family are prominent socially. In his political views Mr. Ballou is a republican but without desire for office, his business interests making full claim upon his time and attention. LEWIS P. DIERWECHTER Lewis P. Dierwechter, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing in section 15. Washington township, was born in Schuykill county, Peennsylvania, June 26, 1864. His father, Jacob Dierwechter, a native of Germany, was there reared and on emigrating to the new world located in Schuykill county, Pennsylvania, where he wedded Miss Mary Clappier. He was a stonemason and plasterer by trade and made his home in the Keystone state until called to his final rest in 1892. His wife, however, still survives him. Their family numbered nine children, five sons and four daughters. Lewis P. Dierwechter remained in the county of his nativity until fourteen years of age, attending the common schools in the acquirement of education. In 1878 he removed to La Salle county, Illinois, where for several years he worked by the month as a farm hand. For two years prior to his marriage he lived in Kansas, and on the 19th of April. 1893. in Mendota, Illinois, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Betz, a native of Burton county, Illinois, and of German parentage. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm in La Salle county for a number of years. In 1900 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Washington township, taking up his abode thereon on the 1st of March, 1901. He at once began to develop and improve the property, added to and remodeled the residence, built a good barn and all necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and likewise set out an orchard. There are two miles of wire-woven fencing and the place is also well tiled. In addition to the work of general farming he also raises and feeds stock, fattening steers and hogs on an extensive scale. His farm is situated within three miles of Storm Lake and is well kept and highly improved property, for he follows the most advanced methods of agriculture and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Moreover, he has ever maintained a reputation for strict integrity and unfaltering honesty in all business matter, his word being as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dierwechter have been born two sons, Arthur A. and Earl H. Dierwechter. They also lost two children in infancy. In his political views Mr. Dierwechter is independent but has no desires for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his private business interests. He has, however, served as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers and the Fraternal Insurance Order, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Storm Lake, with which his wife is also identified. They are well known and highly esteemed in Storm Lake and this part of the county, having ever displayed those traits of character which in every land and clime win admiration and respect. END Carl A. Eckman submitted by Dick Barton Carl A. Johannesen, known as Carl A. Eckman, was born in Sweden, August 26, 1846, and is now an enterprising resident of Albert City. He spent the first twenty-two years of his life in the land of his nativity and then heard and heeded the call of the new world. It was in 1868 that he bade adieu to friends and native country, preparatory to coming to the United States with the hope that its more aggressive business methods and wider business opportunities would afford him a chance to work his way upward. He first located at Rockford, Illinois, where he engaged in chopping wood for four months, for he was empty-handed and faced the necessity of providing for his own support. It was while he was residing in Rockford that he changed his name, assuming the name of a Swedish town, from the fact that there were so many Johannesens at Rockford that he had difficulty in getting his mail. He regarded it as very important that his letters should reach him, for he was then corresponding with his sweetheart in the old country, therefore the change of name, since which time he has been known as Carl. a. Eckman. After four months spent at chopping wood he worked on the railroad, and in 1869 came to Iowa where he has since made his home. The northwestern section of the state was then but sparsely settled and much of the land was still in possession of the government. Mr. Eckman therefore embraced his opportunity of securing a farm at a low figure, taking up a homestead claim in Buena Vista county, upon which he still resides. It was a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres which he purchased of the original claimant, although not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon it. With characteristic energy he began the development of the farm and was one of the first settlers in Fairfield township. His place lies on sections 11 and 12 and is a finely improved property, equipped with all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. At the years passed by he prospered in his undertaking and in the course of time added to his property until he was the owner of six hundred and forty acres, but he has since greatly reduced his holdings by giving a tract of eighty acres to each of his children. His own place is a productive and valuable one and he derives therefrom a gratifying annual income. In 1871 Mr. Eckman was married at Fort Dodge to Miss Charlotte Israel, who was born in Sweden, February 19, 1841, and came to this country as the fiancee of Mr. Johannesen to whom she soon gave her hand in marriage. They became the parents of seven children: Hulda, the wife of Louis e. Larson; Emily, the wife of Gust Holmen; Olivia, who died at the age of six months; August, at home; Mrs. Sophia Dolbeck; J. Pitrus, who follows farming in Buena Vista county; and Emma, who is yet under the parental roof. Mr. Eckman assisted in organizing the German Lutheran church and was a member of the building committee and church treasurer when both the old and new houses of worship were erected. In his political views Mr. Eckman has always been a stanch republican since taking out his naturalization papers and studies the questions and issues of the day. He served for several years as a school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He withholds his support from no measure that is for the public good, and since becoming one of the first settlers of the township he has been active and influential in promoting its interests along lines of material development and improvement. END J. P. Eckman submitted by Dick Barton A well improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, situated in Fairfield township, is the home of J. P. Eckman, who is a native son of the township, born on a farm, July 5, 1884, a son of Carl A. and Charlotte (Israel) Eckman, who were both natives of Sweden but were married in this country. The father was born August 26, 1846, and came as a young man of twenty-two years to the United States, the year 1868 witnessing his arrival here. He first located in Rockford, Illinois, and was there employed in various lines for a few months. In 1869 he came to Iowa and the following year purchased a wild tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acre situated in Fairfield township. He was one of the first settlers of this locality and with characteristic energy he undertook the task of developing a new farm. He added to his landed holdings from time to time until his posessions at one time embraced six hundred and forty acres but he has given to each of his children an eighty acre farm. He is still engaged in farming on the home place and is one of the most highly respected citizens of this part of Buena Vista county. the mother, who was born in Sweden, February 19, 1841, was married in Fort Dodge in 1871. She has become the mother of the following children: Hulda, the wife of Louis E. Larson, whose sketch appears in this work; Emily, the wife of Gust Holmen, who is also mentioned on another page of this work; Olivia, who died at the age of six months; August, at home; Sophia, wife of J. P. Dolbeck; J. P., of this review; and Emma, who is still under the parental roof. J. P. Eckman was reared on the home farm and under his father's training acquired a good knowledge of the practical methods of farming. When he reached mature years the father gave to him eighty acres of land, situated on section 11, Fairfield township, and here he is engaged in general farming. It is improved with good buildings, including a nice country home, while the land is rich and productive, annually yielding good harvests as a result of the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. Mr. Eckman established a home of his own by his marriage on the 27th of June, 1906, to Miss Esther Olson, who was born in Pocahontas county, Iowa. They have become the parents of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Eckman gives his political support to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church. He is a young man of alert and enterprising spirit and he and his estimable wife are prominent in the social circles of their home locality. END CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN Christian Eriksen, who has long been actively and busily engaged in general acgricultural pursuits, came to the United States as a young man without capital but through the utilization of the opportunities that have come to him, he has accumulated a valuable farming property, embracing three hundred and twelve acres, from which he derives a good annual income. Mr. Eriksen was born in Denmark, May 6, 1851, and was reared and educated in his native country. In 1872, when he had attained his majority, he decided to try his fortune in the new world and accordingly set sail for the United States. He fiest located in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at any labor that would yield him an honest living. During this time he managed to save a small sum of money and in 1876 contuinued his journey to Buena Vista county, Iowa, where in 1879 he purchased forty acres of wild land, which in course of time he improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. In 1881 he added to his origianl purchase forty acres more and from time to time extended its boundaries until he now owns altogether three hundred and twelve acres situated in Nokomis township. He has built a good house, barn and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, has tiled and fenced the land, set out fruit trees and altogether made it a valuable farm property. Since the time of his arival in Buena Vista county in 1876 he has beenn engaged in tilling the soil and has now accumulated a competency, which has enabled him to put aside business cares and he has removed to Alta, having in 1905 purchased a residence here, which he has remodeled to suit the convenience of Mr. Eriksen and wife. No man is more eserving of success than he, for no one has labored more earnestly and energetically to gain a foothold in the business world. Mr. Eriksen chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Jensine P. Peterson, whom he wedded in 1878. She is likewise a native of Denmark and is the eldest of a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Eriksen has been blessed with six children: Erick S.; Rena E., the wife of Frank Wilson, who is engaged in farming in South Dakota; Rane; George; Christian Jr.; and Mary, a young wife at home. Mr. Eriksen gives his political support to the republican party and for twelve years served as school director, while at present writing he is acting as road supervisor. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He came to this country a poor man but through the enterprise, industry and frugality so characteristic of his race, he has worked his way upward until he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Buena Vista county. END LAWRENCE FOELL Prosperity is the result of hard labor combined with sound business judgment and this truth is abundantly verified in the life of Lawrence Foell, who now owns four hundred acres of valuable land on section 19, Hayes township. Mr. Foell is a native son of Iowa, born on a farm in Jefferson township, Dubuque county, May 27, 1859 a son of George Foell, now a resident of Storm Lake. The son was raised in his native county to the age of sixteen years and acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Buena Vista county during its early development. The father located on a tract of unimproved land and the son gave his entire time to the work of development and improvement on the homestead and remained under the parental roof until he attained mature years. He and his father then entered into an agreement whereby they would share equally in the profits derived from their farming and stock-raising interests and in this way the son made a start in the business world. This not only brought to him a gratifying income, but also a wide experience that worked to his advantage when he began business alone. He eventually purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he has added from time to time until his place now embraces four hundred acres all in one body, and situated on section 19, Hayes Twp. He has fenced and tiled the land, which is now very productive, has planted an orchard, has erected a good residence, supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories for the comfort of the inmates, has built a good barn and cribs, has a wind pump that forces water to various parts of the farm for watering the stock and there are also pipes running to the house, furnishing an ample supply of water for household purposes. Mr. Foell gives his time to general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of red polled cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, fattening from one to two carloads of each annually. He also is a stock-holder in the canning factory at Storm Lake. Mr. Foell established a home of his own in November, 1892, by his marriage to Miss Clara Fultz, who was born in Allamakee county, this state, and there spent her early girlhood, but later removed to Buena Vista county. The home of Mr. and Mr. Foell has been blessed with four children, but Guy died at the age of one year. The others are Karl L., Vernon L. and Caroline. Politically Mr. Foell has been a life long republican, but has never sought nor desired office, for he finds that his entire time and attention is needed in his private business affairs. He is a member of the Storm Lake Methodist Episcopal church and his fraternal relations are with the Masons at Storm Lake. He is a public-spirited, progressive citizen, and although he ahs accumulated a handsome competency he has never allowed this to in any way to affect his demeanor toward those less fortunate. From early youth his duties have been performed with the greatest care and business interests have been so managed as to win the confidence of the public and the prosperity which should always attend honorable effort. END FRED C. FOLEY, M.D. Fred C. Foley, who followed his preliminary professional labors as a teacher in the schoolroom by a careful preparation for the practice of medicine, is now a leading an successful physician and surgeon of Newell, his ability being demonstrated in the excellent results which follow his professional labors. He was born in Arlington, Iowa, December 29, 1868, and is a son of Thomas and Jeannette (Hall) Foley, both of whom are natives of Illinois. The former was a son of Thomas Foley, a native of Canada and a tailor by trade, who lived near the city of Prescott. There he spent his entire life, passing away at the age of seventy-five years. His widow is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-five years, and possesses in a remarkable degree all of her faculties. She makes her home in Clayton, New York and is greatly esteemed in that locality. Their family numbered seven sons: Thomas, James, John, William, Joseph, Frank and Bernard. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland, and followed the occupation of farming as a lifework. He was married in his native land and on emigrating from Scotland he and his wife settled in Canada, but later removed to Illinois, becoming pioneer residents of that state. They took up their abode near Rockford, where Mr. Hall followed farming until his labors were ended in death when he was yet in the prime of life. His widow survived to the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of five sons and seven daughters: William, James. John, Lovejoy, Thomas, Ellen, Kate and Martha (twins), Sarah, Agnes, Jeannette and Margaret. Thomas Foley, father of Dr. Foley, is a contractor and builder living in Rockford, Illinois. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church are people of the highest respectability. Their family numbered two sons and a daughter, the brother of our subject being Dr. Clarence L. Foley, a practicing dentist of Rockford, Illinois; and Ma Belle, also living in Rockford. Dr. Foley was reared to manhood in New Milford, Illinois, and after attending the public schools there until he had mastered the elementary branches of English learning he became a student at Rockford. Later he engaged in teaching for several years, but thinking to find other professional labors more congenial and profitable he matriculated in Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he completed the full course by graduation with the class of 1894. In that year he came to Newell, where he has since remained and in his practice has met with gratifying success. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases, and while never hasty in discarding the old and time-tried methods of practice, who value has been proven, he yet keeps in touch with all the progressive ideas of the profession, and utilizes every method which his judgment sanctions as of worth in his work of restoring health and checking the ravages of disease. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investment in property. On the 26th of June, 1895, Dr. Foley was married to Miss Lena Redfield, a daughter of John and Eldona (Gilbert) Redfield. They became parents of a daughter who was named Eldona, for her maternal grandmother. The mother died in 1899, and Dr. Foley has since married Miss Caddie Mankey, a daughter of James and Lizzie Mankey. Her death occurred in 1908, and Dr. Foley wedded Miss Fern Fay Ashley, of Des Moines. Dr. and Mrs. Foley attend the Congregational Church and occupy a prominent place in the social circles of the city. He belongs to the Masonic and the Odd Fellows lodges and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but while he is interested in all that pertains to public progress and cooperates in various measures for the public good, his attention is chiefly given to his professional duties and he keeps in touch with the advancement of the medical fraternity through his membership in the Buena Vista County Medical Society; the Sioux Valley Medical Society; the Iowa State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. END HERBERT A. HARVEY Herbert A. Harvey, who is the architect of his own fortunes, is now cashier in the Bank of Newell, and occupies an enviable position in business circles by reason of his ability and enterprise. He was born in Excelsior, Richland County, Wisconsin, Dec. 8, 1868, and is a son of Dr. Leonard J. and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Harvey, who were natives of Ohio and Canada, respectively. His paternal grandfather, Hiram Harvey, was also born in Canada and followed he occupation of farming as a life-work. He died in Newell, Iowa in 1897, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy years. Four of their children died in infancy and four sons and a daughter reached maturity, namely: Eldah, the wife of William Carruthers; Edgar; Leonard J. Thurber; and Gary. Dr. Leonard J. Harvey is now following his profession at Alta, Iowa. On coming to this state in December, 1870, he settled at Storm Lake and the following July was joined by his family. He there continued to practice for many years but eventually moved to Alta, where he now makes his home. At the time of the Civil War he espoused the Union cause and joined Company H, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Having been discharged on account of disability, he later enlisted in Company C., Twenty -third Wisconsin Regiment, and was on active duty in the hospital service. He is now a member of the Grand Army post at Alta, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. The mother of our subject holds membership in the Methodist church. She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Egglefield) Hawkins. Her father passed away in Wisconsin in 1863, at the age of forty-seven years, and her mother died in 1893, at the age of eighty-five. In their family were the following children: Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Maria, Eleanor, Belle, James, Thomas and Albert. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have been born seven children, four sons and three daughters: Minnie, the wife of J. O. Peterson, of Alta, Iowa; Charles L., a resident of Wellington. Colorado; Herbert A., of this review; Ella B., the deceased wife of J. W. Barber; Cora M., the wife of O. O. Harlan, of Marionville, Missouri; Ray W., who died at the age of two years; and Henry C., a resident of Carthage, South Dakota. Herbert A. Harvey was reared in Storm Lake from the age of two years and was a student in the public schools until he completed the high-school course by graduation in the class of 1885. He was engaged in clerking in Brown Brothers store in Storm Lake for six years, after which he and his brother Charles L. came to Newell and purchased a clothing store, conducting business for two years. On the expiration of that period Herbert A. Harvey sold his interests to his brother-in-law, J. W. Barber, after which he spent a few months in Wakonda, South Dakota, and later engaged in clerking for two years. For the past nine years, however, he has been connected with the Bank of Newell and has been its cashier since 1900. During this period he has thoroughly mastered the banking business and the success of the institution is attributable in no small measure to his efforts. JOHN M. HEYWOOD John M. Heywood, in connection with his sister, owns two hundred and forty acres of land, situated on section 35, Nokomis township, known as the old Heywood homestead. Mr. Heywood was born in La Salle county, Illinois, July 7, 1860, a son of John and Sarah (Folsom) Heywood, the former a native of Massachusetts, born in 1824. He was reared in that state and in New Hampshire and later removed to Maine, where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Folsom, a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For a time the father worked in a factory in the east, but believing that the west offered greater opportunities to the ambitious man, he made his way to La Salle county, Illinois, and located on a farm, he and his brother-in-law each purchasing eighty acres of raw and undeveloped land. After improving and cultivating his tract for some years he purchased a farm near Tonica, La Salle county, where he made his home until 1884, when he removed to Buena Vista county and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, situated on section 35, Nokomis township. This was an improved tract when it came into his possession and in due course of time he made it a valuable property. He spent his remaining years on the farm, passing away in December, 1896, while his wife departed this life in October, 1892. Their family numbered three children, of whom our subject is the only son, his sisters being: Elizabeth, who was married and reared a family of nine children, her death occurring in 1898; and Lucy, who is with her brother. John M. Heywood was reared in Illinois and there received a good education, completing the high school course. He was a young man of twenty-four years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from the Prairie state to Buena Vista county. He helped his father and assisted in the operation of the farm until the latter's death, when he and his sister Lucy purchased the interest of the other sister in the farm, which is still their home. The land is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, while the soil has been made rich and arable through the rotation of crops and the practical methods of farming which Mr. Heywood employs in carrying on his work. In connection with general farming he also raised and feeds cattle and hogs, having some pure-blooded, registered shorthorns. He is also a stockholder in the elevator and creamery at Alta. Politically Mr. Heywood is a prohibitionist, adhering to strict principles of temperance. He and his sister are members of the Alta Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Heywood is serving as an elder and both are teachers in the Sunday School. They are well known in both Alta and Storm Lake, where they are highly esteemed, while by those with whom Mr. Heywood has business dealings he is known for his strict integrity and honesty in every transaction and is now numbered among the honorable and substantial agriculturists of his home locality. END NELS C. KJARSGAARD Denmark has furnished to Buena Vista county a considerable portion of her enterprising successful citizens, who have done much to her upbuilding and development in agricultural lines. To this class belongs Nels C. Kjarsgaard, a resident farmer of Newell township, living on section 23. He is also one of the oldest settlers of the community and has therefore witnessed it development from the time when the county was largely an unimproved prairie. He has five hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is well improved and the fields annually give to him golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he is bestowing upon the place. He has almost reach the seventieth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Denmark near Nibe, April 19, 1839. His parents were Christ and Mary (Winther) Peterson*. His paternal grandfather was a gardener of Denmark and in that country reared a large family and died at an old age. The maternal grandparents were Ole and Christina (Anderson) Winther. Christ Peterson followed the occupation of farming in Denmark throughout his entire life and there died at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife passed away when seventy-eight years of age. Both were Lutherans in religious faith and were people of genuine worth. The father served his country as a soldier of the regular army. Their family numbered four sons and one daughter: Ole, Peter, Nels C., Paul and Christina, the wife of Christ Jensen. Nels C. Kjarsgaard was reared as a farmer boy in Denmark and after his marriage came to the United States in 1870. During the first summer succeeding his arrival he followed farming near Cedar Falls and on the expiration of that time period he came to Buena Vista county where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Newell township. Later he sold sixty acres of that to Paul Winther, but has added to his holdings, from time to time by additional purchases until he now has over three hundred acres in Buena Vista county and one hundred and sixty acres in Pocahontas county. His farm property is valuable because of the many improvements he has placed upon it and by reason of the fact that he is untiring in his labors of tilling and cultivating the soil. He has resided in Newell township continuously since 1871 and is therefore one of it oldest settlers. In 1870 Mr. Kjarsgaard was married to Miss Anna Kathrina Larson**, a daughter of Nels and Anna Patria Larson. Nine children were born of this marriage: Louis, who died at the age of one year; Louis, the second of the name, who is operating his father's farm in Pocahontas county and who married Christina Jensen, who whom he has two children, Katherine Sylvia and Harold Jensen; Anna, Bertha, Ottilia and Henry, all of the home; Albert, who died at the age of eighteen years; Henry, who died when seven and one half years old; and Mary, who died when fourteen years of age. The mother of these children passed away August 13, 1904, when fifty-five years of age. She was a Baptist in religious faith, while Mr. Kjarsgaard is a Lutheran. He served his country as a soldier in the navy and participated in the war of 1864 against Prussia and Austria. Since coming to America he had studied the political questions and issues of the day, and has always given his political support to the republican party, for he believes that it principles best conserve good government. He is most loyal in his attachment to his adopted land, and Buena Vista county numbers him among her progressive citizens. He came to the county when comparatively few settlements had been made within its borders. As the years have gone by, he has lived to witness remarkable changed as the county has become thickly settled by a prosperous and contented class of people, who, carrying on various business interest have promoted the agricultural, commercial and industrial growth of the county and made it one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth. END JACOB WALTER KOONS Jacob Walter Koons, an enterprising and progressive farmer residing in Lincoln township, was born in Henry County, Indiana, on the 18th of November, 1878. The father, Edward Koons, a native of Pennsylvania, was seventeen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Sarah Koons, also a native of the Keystone state, who, when twenty years of age, made the journey to Indiana alone. Subsequent to their marriage, Mr. And Mrs. Koons took up their abode near Flora, Illinois, where the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, residing thereon for a period of twenty years. At the end of that time he came to Buena Vista County, Iowa, and here rented land, though he did not sell his Illinois farm until 1908. He now makes his home in Jackson County, Minnesota, and is a substantial and public-spirited citizen, giving his political allegiance to the republican party. His children were as follows: Jacob Walter, of this review; Harry, who is connected with our subject in the operation of a farm of three hundred and twenty acres; and Ida, deceased. Jacob Walter Koons attended the district schools of Illinois until eighteen years of age and then returned to the home farm. Subsequently he came to Buena Vista County, Iowa, and, in partnership with his brother Harry, has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lincoln township. In addition to the work of the fields he raises about a carload of Poland China hogs annually and has met a well-deserved measure of prosperity in his undertakings. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Koons chose Miss Katie Sangel, whose birth occurred in Jackson County, Minnesota. Her mother still survives and makes her home with her son in Washington. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Koons was born a son, Carl, who died in infancy. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Koons has given his political allegiance to the republican party, believing its principles most conductive to good government. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Mutual Protective Lodge. His good qualities, and they are many, have strongly endeared him to those with whom he has been associated and wherever he is known he is popular with a large circle of friends. END