Clear Lake Mirror, Souvenir Edition
Issued by the Ladies of the Library Association. [Clear Lake, Ia: Gray and Boal; Volume 31, No. 10; March 29, 1900.(16 pp., unpaginated)]

S. J. Clausen

On a wild and stormy day in 1871, a Scandinavian bark was beating her way against stormy head seas; under close reefed topsails and with rails awash she was fighting her way in the teeth of the gale round that desolate and dangerous point, Cape Horn. Among the hardy crew there was a young sailor, blue eyes, bronze of cheek and stalwart of frame. He looked like a Norseman of old, a veritable Viking, standing on the foam-swept deck of the homeward bound ship. There was indeed good reason for such a likeness, for the blood of daring adventurers was in his veins. He was a descendant of the Jutes, the ancient sea-wolves who so long ago carried rapine and bloodshed to the shores of England and sent hardy navigators across the Atlantic before Columbus discovered America. When a lad of thirteen with the same spirit of adventure and with the song of the sea in his ears, he was lured from his home and sent, like so many of his countrymen, wandering over every part of the known seas. Now only a boy of nineteen, he was doubling this stormy cape for the sixth time.

How little significance we attach to the oft-repeated phrase “Truth is stranger than fiction,” yet in the lives of so many men is it abundantly verified. How strange that there should be any connection, any similarity between this boy with his love for the sea and a quiet citizen of a little town in an inland state. In this sketch of the young sailor in whose life had been crowded so much which smacked of the eventful and the romantic, no one would be likely to recognize him whom we know only as a prosaic, thorough man of business, an a genial, public-spirited citizen, Mr. S. J. Clausen.

It has been said that in every man’s life there is enough of romance to make an interesting book. Surely here there is enough of rolicsome adventure to make a book which the boys of the generation would clamor for.

Mr. Clausen was born in Jutland, Denmark, in 1852. When but a boy he went to sea. During the first two years of this life he sailed back and forth on the Baltic and the North seas. It was during this time that he was shipwrecked on the coast of England. Shipwrecked in the North sea! A book could be written of that but we pass it on with a single word.

For seven years he served before the mast, and by the time he was little older than his son is today, twice had rounded the cape of Good Hope and ten times crossed the equator. Up the stormy Baltic his good ship ploughed he way through the sunny Mediterranean; next it is half a world away in the wide Pacific, visiting islands known to us only by name, and seeing half the countries of the known world.

In 1874, Mr. Clausen came to America and went to Milwaukee expecting to form a partnership with his brother in buying a lake vessel, and sailing it in the grain trade.

Here however the tide of his affairs turned. He became interested in business and the change in his life came, and a great change it was, transforming the sea-rover into the steady, substantial man of affairs as we know him now. He started into the grain trade with his brother, and in 1882 he came to Clear Lake. Since then he has been one of our enterprising citizens, and has helped to make Clear Lake grow and thrive. Shortly after coming her he enlarged his business and built the large elevators which have become well known.

He has been eminently successful and his is a success which has been won by honesty and energy. That he labors not alone for himself may be seen by a glance at a few ways in which he serves his town. For nine years he has been a member of the council, and for six years he has served on the school board. He is an influential party in the Western Resorts Co., which has done much for Clear Lake in making it an attractive summer resort. He is interested in everything that makes for the upbuilding of the town. As a rule the man who has done well for himself does well for others. The man who by his energy and industry has succeeded in laying the foundation of a fortune is the man upon whose strength the weak and inefficient ones depend, and to whom they come for advice and counsel. Helpfulness should be the true measure of success, and that Mr. Clausen is truly successful his many friends will testify.

The busy man, the man who has much work and many interests is the one who finds time and energy to give to his town, to the public, and to the good of the community in which he lives. ‘Tis he who is the good citizen because he is public-spirited and generous.

Not many years ago Mr. Clausen built one of the largest and most costly houses in Clear Lake. Here he and his family live and enjoy the luxuries which are well won.

Perhaps he sometimes dreams of the time when he was as Viking of old, when he braved many dangers and tasted alike of the bitter and sweet of a sailor’s life, but in such a home he cannot long for the “life on the ocean wave.”

Dr. M. E. Colby

Dr. Colby is a self made woman. Few men have attained more for themselves after reaching middle age than this ambitious broadminded woman who stands as a living example of what determination and [courage] will do for one, even in fighting circumstances. She is an inspiration to other women, and a source of strength to her friends. She is one on whom others depend and her life and work seem to show that she is living “not to be ministered unto but to minister.”

John L. Etzel

A Notable Business Career.

John L. Etzel was born in New York City in 1857. When he was but a year old his parents moved to Iowa City, Iowa, so, although of eastern birth he is a child of the west where he has grown to manhood. After leaving the public school he went to St. Louis where he attended the St. Louis University for three years. He also spent a year in the State University of Iowa. After this he served an apprenticeship of three years in the pharmacy of Dr. Wm. Vogt of Iowa City and then came to Clear Lake staring in business in 1876. This was the beginning of Mr. Etzel’s successful career. He established himself in what was known as the Red Front Drug Store and here he won the confidence and goodwill of the people. Here he continued his business until 1891 when he put up a new building, large and commodious, and well suited to meet the requirements of a popular and well equipped pharmacy. Besides being convenient for its proprietor and pleasant for his customers this building made a decided improvement in the appearance of Main street, and was the beginning of extensive building among the business men.

Mr. Etzel has not confined himself so closely to making a success in his business that he has no time for anything else. There are few more public spirited men in the community, and all his friends admire his generosity. He was one of the organizers of the Cerro Gordo State bank serving as one of the directors since that time. At present he is President of the Clear Lake Electric Light Co., a corporation which was formed largely through his efforts.

In 1885 he was appointed postmaster by Cleveland and served five years. In this position he added to a popularity which has grown and never lessened. That this popularity is not limited to his fellow townsmen is shown by his election in 1897, to the presidency of the Iowa Pharmaceutical Association.

Mr. Etzel owns one of the most luxurious homes in Clear Lake. He is also the owner of much other town property. He has by his business ability, and by courteous treatment of his patrons accumulated a competence for himself. As much as possible of his means he has invested for the improvement of Clear Lake, and Clear Lake and her people appreciate the fact that they owe a debt of gratitude to this man who has done well for himself, well for others, and well for his town.

Charles E. Geist

Note: The corner of the newspaper page from which this transcription is taken was torn away. There is text missing from 14 or so lines of the newspaper article in the middle of the following transcription, resuming full text as the original article continued beyond the corner to the second column of the page.

A Leading Stockraiser.

Thirteen years ago a young man from Joliet came to Clear Lake and rented a farm. A year after this time he bought what was then known as the Freeman place, and since that time he has gained an enviable reputation as a successful farmer.

Mr. C. E. Geist was born in Joliet in 1862. When he was twenty years old he rented land for himself. During the time he was renting he made his home with W. D. Mason, brother of the ex-mayor of Chicago. In the fall of 1887 he started west, and found the country around Clear Lake to his liking. A year after settling here he married Miss Johnston of Chicago. Since that time he has become one of the leading farmers of the vicinity.

Mr. Geist thoroughly understands and enjoys agriculture. This year he had over 700 acres under his control and it is needless to say made a success of this undertaking.

His fame as an agriculturist nevertheless is second to that of a stock raiser. At present he is making a specialty of black Poll cattle of which he about fifty head. This is one of the finest breeds of cattle in the state, bringing the remarkable price of $8.25 [per] hundred pounds Christmas week, [the] highest price every recorded [text missing] markets. Early this spring [text missing] head of black Poll year- [text missing]. For several years he [text missing] buying and sell- [text missing] quite an ex- [text missing].

[Text missing] -ful with [text missing] the [text missing] which [2 or 3 lines missing] -ser farm has long been pointed out as one of the richest tracts of land for miles around, and is one of the finest equipped and best ordered stock farms in the county. That Mr. Geist will increase the value of this land is not doubted by those who know his ability to make the land give up its best.

Mr. Geist's success as a man is second only to his success in making friends and keeping them. He is generous and open-hearted. Since he came here he has made many friends who recognize in him those sterling qualities which [make] him a man worth knowing. His genial humor and unpretentious manner attract all those who prize honest worth above the shams of society veneer. His [acquaintances] respect him and his friends trust him, and respect and trust are tributes to upright manhood.

C. S. Goodwin

An Old Settler

Fire was discovered last Saturday night about half after eleven in what is known as the Hans Grove house about two blocks south of the city park, and thereby hangs if not a tale, at least some interesting reminiscences.

Chief Engineer and Flue Inspector Perley Goodwin was one of the firemen who rushed to the scene of the fire and as he did so he thought, “here is the old house where I was born.”

C. S. Goodwin left Nashua, N. H., Jan. 15, 1856, “to seek his fortune,’ as he says in his diary, “on the wild land of the state of Iowa.” He arrived in Dubuque Jan 21st and in Cerro Gordo county about the 18th. “After a very tedious journey, and to my great disappointment found that my friend and brother-in-law, A. J. Abbot, had been dead some two months, having been frozen to death on the prairie between Owens and Brentner’s groves.”

Mr. Goodwin settled in Clear Lake in 1856 where he lived until his death some nine years ago. He built the old part of the house where the fire was Saturday night and the timber came from its immediate vicinity. The sidings, casings, and doors are of black walnut, the floors of oak.

The fire Saturday night was soon put out although the boys work under great disadvantages, the electric lights having been on one of the “Tares” For which they were noted last week and everything but the old house being dark as pitch. The building has not been occupied for some time and the origin of the first is a mystery.

Charles M. Grimm

Straight Kills are his Favorites.

Chicago Times Herald: “One of the gamest men that ever handled a gun,” is the expression of opinion by sportsmen in regard to American’s present live bird champion. He is said never to know when he is beaten, and has pulled many a race out of the fire after it was seemingly lost. An illustration still fresh in the memory of local enthusiasts took place at the Dupont tourney last August. It was in the state team race. The Illinois aggregation, captained by Chauncey Powers, had killed forty-nine out of a possible fifty live birds, and was in the lead for first money, worth $980. Four of the “Iowa Indians” had shot, dropping thirty-nine birds, when Captain Grimm went to the score. A straight kill of ten was needed to create a tie, and excitement was at a fever heat. Grimm’s nerve was equal to the test, and a roar of applause went up when he brought down his last bird. First money was then divided. Grimm hails from Clear Lake, Iowa where he owns a 400-acre farm, the working of which he superintends. He has been prominently identified with trap shooting for a number of years past, and there is seldom a tournament of any importance anywhere in the country which he does not attend. Grimm’s defeat of Dr. Carver for the cast-iron medal last Wednesday was well received by shooters, as he is deservedly popular. It is thought more interest will be awakened by having it change hands, Dr. Carver having held it nearly three years. In the race he killed ninety-eight out of a possible 100 birds, breaking the Watson Park record of ninety-six, formerly held jointly by himself and Dr. Carver of this city. Besides the cast-iron medal, emblematic of the American championship, Grimm is the possessor of the world’s fair medal, valued at $150. It is in the form of a watch charm, studded with diamonds. It was won from a field of fifteen in 1893. In that contest the Iowan established his reputation for gameness. An entrance fee of $125, made first money well worth winning. Grimm missed two in his first four birds, then finished his remaining ninety-six with only two more misses, getting a score of ninety-six and capturing first honors. He also holds nearly a score of state and minor trophies. Grimm will be one of the party of cracks who are to compete in the coming San Antonio and Little Rock tourneys.”

It is not often we can quote the Times-Herald in speaking of a man who belongs to Clear Lake. Perhaps a tribute from Mr. Grimm’s fellow citizens would show a few things that the sporting editor did not know. The Grimm farm of 400 acres is one of the best regulated in the county. Mr. Grimm has recently made extensive improvements on his land and on his home. His record as a sportsman is [equally] by his success as a farmer. That he is a generous host is proved by the token of appreciation he received from his sporting friends who were her during the tournament and were pleased because of the full measure of hospitality accorded to them. This gift was a combined book-case and writing-desk, a thing of beauty in itself and of infinite value because of the feeling of friendship that prompted its donors.

That Mr. Grimm’s popularity is not confined to the sporting world is shown by the fact that his [many] friends in Clear Lake gave him a complimentary banquet after his victory over Carver, and the expressions of esteem for him as a gentleman and fellow citizen were most flattering, even to a man who is called the champion wing-shot of the world.

John Halvorson

A Successful Business Man.

Clear Lake is to be congratulated upon having among her inhabitants so many foreigners who bring from their mother country the spirit of industry and thrift which makes good business men and reliable citizens. Such a one is John Halvorson. Seventeen years ago he came to Clear Lake with his family. To-day he owns a fine store building and has the largest trade of any merchant in Clear Lake.

The first we knew of Mr. Halvorson as a business man was when he formed a partnership with Mr. Sondrol. This firm continued but a short time when Sondrol sold and Mr. Halvorson became whole proprietor. Here his business increased to such an extent that in a few years he was compelled to put up a new store which would be in accord with his growing trade. In 1890 he moved into the new building where there was room to spread out if necessary. Three years ago the spreading out took place. Part of the partition which divided the building was knocked out and then it was that the big double store came into existence. In the last ten years the business as well as the store has been doubled.

A year ago Mr. Halvorson admitted his son Henry into partnership and the firm became Halvorson & Son. During the years that Mr. Halvorson has been in business he has been approaching gradually to the Department Store and he has always succeeded in accommodating the public.

Capt. Huntting

An Original Character.

On the shores of New England among sea-faring men the name of Huntting has been known for generations. Nothing less than the command from the doctor to get away forever from salt water if he would save his life could induce a man whose family were sea-captains and whalers to live so far inland that never a sea-breeze could reach him. But his loss has been our gain for it and has given us the pleasure of [knowing] Captain Huntting, as he is called, of talking with him, and of hearing from him of a whaler’s life, a life daring and bold, filled with reckless adventure.

Mr. Huntting was born in [Southampton], Long Island. True to the traditions of his family he went to sea as soon as he was grown. After he had been a year on a coaster he embarked on a whaling ship. The first trip, they [were] gone from home four years. The next trip Mr. Huntting was taken sick when he was in the Arctic Ocean. He came home and tried coasting again.

Whaling as it was when Capt. Huntting was of the crew is a thing of the past, and for this reason it is especially interesting to hear him tell of this hard yet fascinating life. These stories lose nothing in the telling. The Captain has a sailor’s gift for storytelling; his vocabulary is original and graphic and by virtue of his many travels and varied experiences he brings into our life something that is new and entirely pleasing.

Mr. Huntting has for a long time been connected with the work of the Congregational church. He is a man of principle and of strength to carry out his principles. For many years he has taught a bible class in Sunday-school and it is safe to say that his popularity as a teacher accounts in a great measure for the size of the class. He tries not to break down old customs, but to direct the tide of life into channels of right thinking. His influence for good is greater than he knows and there are a host of people who are proud to call him their friend.

William Knaak

A Country Mansion.

In riding through the country of northern Iowa one cannot but be struck by the appearance of prosperity as evidenced by the number of large and goodly farm-houses that come to view. Where once a log hut or small shanty sufficed for the family needs, now stand neat frame houses two or three stories high with plenty of windows and porches and many of the luxuries not long ago impossible for a farmers home.

One of the most notable of these comfortable houses is two and half miles north east of Clear Lake and is the [property] of Mr. William Knaak. This prosperous farmer is a German by birth his native town being near Berlin. He came to this country in 1870 and after various changes of fortune he came to Cerro Gordo county. Four years later and staked off the acres which formed the foundation of one of the richest farms in this vicinity. This began his career as a successful farmer, and now he is well known as one of the big stock raisers of Northern Iowa. He is the only man in this county that ever received the highest price in the Chicago market for his stock. This happened in 1895. While he has been eminently successful as a farmer he does not give all his attention to agriculture. He is a man of public spirit, and serves his county in many ways. Not long ago Mr. Knaak with a few other prominent citizens was chosen to serve on the Sheriff’s Jury, a select body of men commissioned to assess valuation of property for the right of way of the new branch of the Northwestern R. R.

Mr. Knaak is another [striking] example of a man who, by his energy and perseverance has won, not only wealth, but influence. He is forty-nine years of age. His farm of four hundred and forty acres speaks for itself of prosperity and industry. Many large and costly barns, and modern improvements are here, but as it should be the house is the crowning feature. It is new, and no expense has been spared to make it comfortable and convenient. It is frame, two stories high, 42 x 49, with hot and cold water in each of the twenty-four rooms. In the midst of its spacious acres, and easily within reach of town and lake, stands this veritable county mansion, the envy of many, and the pride of its owner.

This remarkable type of German American though still a young man, will before a great while retire from the farm, leaving it to be operated by his only son Herman. The “old man” will the move to Clear Lake where he will pass his remaining days and where he will be welcomed by a [?] of [friends]whose number is only limited by the population of the town.

M. C. Lambertson

A Story of Success

Among the many successful business men of Clear Lake there is none better or more favorably known than M. C. Lambertson, owner and manager of the livery and feed stables that bear his name.

Coming to Clear Lake over twenty-two years ago, with no capital except a large amount of natural ability and a firm determination to achieve success, Mr. Lambertson, by close application and a constant study of the requirements of a strictly first-class and up-to-date stable, has established a business that stands without a parallel is any city of equal population in the state.

By making a tour of his establishment we may discover one reason at least why Mr. Lambertson’s method of doing business is so widely and favorably known. Nothing is haphazard or slip shod, everything is done according to a system. The bar itself is a well built and conveniently arranged structure, covering, in connection with the feed-shed, one fourth of a block. It was erected in 1884, and has been enlarged and remodeled at various times. The large feed-sheds were added a year ago, and have proved a very desirable adjunct, as they have been liberally patronized by the farmers, and by others who recognize the need of having shelter for their horses.

The interior arrangement of this barn is superior to its outward appearance. Back of the office is the harness room. The remaining front part is used for storing buggies and carriages. Two large apartments at the back part, with high ceilings, good light and excellent ventilation, provided with roomy stalls constructed with a view to the comfort and safety of the animals, constitute the stable, which furnished accommodations for one hundred and fifty horses. The whole barn is lighted by electricity, and is supplied with city water. Neither care nor expense has been spared to make this in every respect a safe and comfortable hostelry for our equine friends. Worn out and patched up harnesses, broken down horses and dilapidated vehicles are not visible, but here we find clean and bright harnesses, carefully groomed, and well-bred horses, and a great array of modern equipage.

No doubt Mr. Lambertson owes as much of his success to the courteous attention he extends to his patrons, as to his comprehensive grasp of the requirements of the business in which he is engaged. He is richly endowed with a fund of goodnature, he is generous, just, and upright in all his dealings.

Because of these traits Mell Lambertson numbers among his friends as large a following as any man in Clear Lake.

John Phillips

A familiar form on the streets of Clear Lake is that of a white haired, white bearded old man. He walks with a cane now, but he is still stalwart of form, broad shouldered and strongly built. He wears a Grand Army hat and gives the military salute. For many years this figure has been seen on our streets and on the lake and is known to all as Uncle Johnny Phillips.

This man, old in years but with the spirit of youth still upon him, may be seen going about the home where he lives with his son like one who still has his work to do. He looks after many things and keeps all in ship shape. He owns one of the finest row boats on the lake in which he whiles away many happy hours. He is a lucky fisherman, and brings in many a fine string of scaly fellows. The victims of his hook do not lie in the bottom of the boat and dry in the sun, but by the aid of a closely woven bag of his own invention they are kept in the water until he comes ashore so they are alive and fresh, and the pride of the ingenious fisherman.

Mr. Phillips came to Clear Lake about 1869 and engaged for a short time in the livery business. In 1871 became proprietor of the most popular hotel of the town, the Phillips House. Under his management and that of his energetic and brave wife this house became a haven of rest to the homeless travellers. At the time of the grasshopper famine people coming back from the land of starvation made the Phillips House a stopping place and here Mr. Phillips showed his benevolent spirit by feeding hundreds of people for no pay but gratitude.

Here Mr. and Mrs. Phillips made many warm friends, and they were known far and near as Uncle John and Grandma Phillips. There are people who still visit out town who always have a word of praise for the way they were served in other days at the Phillips House.

He always has been a prominent citizen and interest in the welfare of the town. He was at one time commander of the Tom Howard Post and is still an honored member of that organization. Of his war record he is rightfully proud. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 29th Wisconsin. He served nine months and received disability. His health gave way under the severe strain and for months he lay in the hospital suffering from fever. News reached his family that he was dead, and indeed he had been so near to death that it was almost a miracle that he survived. He never fully recovered his health. Mr. Phillips comes from a race of soldiers. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather was one of the Revolutionary patriots. On every national holiday the stars and stripes, floated from a flagstaff near his door, tells of Mr. Phillip’s patriotism.

The beginning of the large fleet of boats now on the lake was established by Mr. Phillips. He put several sail boats on the lake which he used for pleasure and profit in connection with his hotel business. He is still very fond of the water and there is no one who gets more pleasure from the lake than Uncle Johnny.

He was instrumental in the organization of the Odd Fellows lodge in this city and was the first W. G. in this district.

----------------------------------

The following was submitted by John George Phillips:

The ancestry of John W. Phillips can be traced back to the years 1586 - 1588 starting with his great ancestral parents Nicholas Phillips and Abigail Sewell of Wendover Buckinghamshire England

John W. Phillips, born August 14, 1821 , Riga Township Monroe, NY . He at some time moves to Randolph Twnshp., Columbia Co., Wisconsin for we find him in the 1850 census living there as a farmer. By the time of the census of 16 Jul 1870 we find him in Lake Twnshp. , Cerro Gordo Co. as a farmer with real estate valued at $2,000. He must have retired from farming for the census indicates that he is a Hotel Keeper with property worth, $2,000 and personal wealth of $3,500.

We find him lastly in the census of 22 Apr 1910 Clear Lake Twnshp., Clear Lake Town, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa where he is living with John Phillips Jr. who is probably his son named George John Phillips.

His father was Zebulon Phillips born August 30, 1795 in Dighton , Massachusetts . Zebulon moves to Riga Township Monroe were he marries Sophia (last name unknown) and they have their first child John W.. To them is also born a daughter, Mary C. Zebulon remains in Riga Township for he dies there January 08, 1883 . Sophia the mother born about 1803 dies young August 25, 1827 .

Zebulon the father remarried three more times suffering a loss of his second wife, Martha who died at age 28 on June 06, 1836 . To this marriage son Edwin and daughter Ellen were born. He married for a third time Rebecca (again her last name) is unknown and they had George W., Andrew J., Chauncy Z. and Adalaide G.. Rebecca died at age 57 January 08, 1862 . He remarries for a fourth time Eunice Sheldon who died July 05, 1880 . There were no children of this marriage.

Zebulon and all of his wives are buried in the North Chili Rural (Evergreen) Cemetery in Monroe , Chili, New York .

Zebulon's father was Joshua Phillips born 1751 in Dighton , Massachusetts . His mother was Elizabeth Fish. They had nine children born to them. Joshua served with Capt. Peter Pitts's Company, Col. Timothy Walker's Regiment. He enlisted May 2, 1775 and had service for 3 mos. 6 days.

Joshua's father was Joshua Phillips III born 1726 in Dighton , Massachusetts . His mother was Elizabeth Pitts born 1724 in Dighton , Massachusetts . There are known of four children in this marriage. Joshua III dies 1790 in Dighton , Massachusetts , his mothers date of birth is unknown.

Joshua Phillips III had service in the Revolution. He was a Private, Capt. Peter Pitts's Company, Col. Timothy Walker's Regiment. He muster enlisted May 2, 1775 and had service of 3 mos. 6 days. He has additional service from 1777 to 1780 and is described as age, 25 yrs.; stature, 5 ft. 7 in.. He engaged for town of Dighton .

Joshua Phillips III father was Joshua Phillips Jr. born 1689 in Weymouth , Massachusetts . His mother was Hannah Jones. There are known of eight children in this marriage. Joshua Jr. dies 1748 and his mother Hannah dies 1738 both in Dighton , Massachusetts .

Joshua Phillips Jnr. father was Joshua Phillips Sr. born 1662 and his mother was Amy Drake born 1665 both in Weymouth , Massachusetts . There were two known children of this marriage, Joshua and Amy. Joshua Sr. dies 1691 and mother Amy after 1700 both in Weymouth , Massachusetts .

Joshua Snr. served under Capt. William Turner for some time from the 7 of April 1676 on the Connecticut River at the Garrison in Hadley during King Philip's War.

Joshua Phillips Sr. father was Ensign Richard Phillips born 1635 Wendover Buckinghamshire , England and his mother was Mary Packard born 1636 Wyndomham Suffolk , England . To this marriage there are known ten children born.

Little is known of Richard Phillips life until in 1656/7 when he married Mary Packard, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Packard. This family came from England , Wymondham, Norfolkshire, in the "Diligent" in August 0f 1638. They first settled at Hingham , but removed to Weymouth in 1653; still later the family moved to Bridgewater .

1663 - In the list of lots and land, Richard has lot #78 and sixteen acres near the town.

1673 - Richard and six others are named as owners of Grape Island .

1673 - Elected constable of the town.

8 May 1678 - Made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

1680 - It was "voted that Richard Phillips be Clerk of the Market in the Town of Weymouth ," the town to provide him with "skales and weights", measures for dry substances, liquids, and of length.

27 Nov 1682 - Richard was chosen as one of a committee of 25 to decide about the "Old Meeting House", whether to repair it or build a new one.

18 Dec 1682 - The committee reported that a new one should be built, and a contract was let to John Nash to erect it for 280 pounds.

1683 - The title of "Sergeant" is applied to Richard, when Sergeant Phillips was elected one of the seven selectmen of the town.

Aside from a fowling piece he owned a musket and a sword, which bears out the military titles.

1690 - He is called "Ensign", and that designation was carried to the end of his life as the inventory of his estate is called that of

Ensign Richard Phillips. Sometime previously, date not known, his wife Mary died, and he had married Elizabeth Edson, widow of John

Kingman of Weymouth, who survived her second husband.

27 Oct 1695 - He made his will and signed it "RICERD PHELLIPES".

Ensign Richard Phillips died 1695, his first wife, Mary and mother to Joshua, died after 1670 both in Weymouth , Massachusetts . Richard remarried Elizabeth Edson after the death Mary. She died 1691. All died in Weymouth , Massachusetts .

Ensign Richard Phillips father was Deacon Nicholas Phillips born 1611; his mother was Elizabeth Jewson born 1612 both in Wendover Buckinghamshire , England . He died 1672 and she before 1671 both in Weymouth , Massachusetts .

Deacon Nicholas originally lived in Contentment Massachusetts Bay Colony, now Dedham , Massachusetts , arriving 1635-1636. Some of his land was taken by forfeiture by John Allan. His original property is now in the center of the town and borders what is now called "the ancient burying ground'.

Nicholas Phillips was a resident of Contentment in the Massachusetts Bay Colony by August 18, 1636 for on that day he was granted 12 acres of land there. He had probably moved there within the year as he was not listed as an attendee of the first town meeting, held September 1, 1635 , but was for subsequent ones. His 12 acres bordered the Charles River and, interestingly enough, the land of Ezekiel Holliman , who is possibly an ancestor in the Westcott line. Ezekiel moved to Providence by 1637 and joined in founding the first Baptist Church in America . In November of 1637 Nicholas and three others were commissioned to fell trees for a meeting house. He was also chosen on August 28, 1638 to mow, gather up, and bring in thatch for the meeting house.

On August 1, 1639 Nicholas sold his Dedham land and no longer attended town meetings after that date. This is probably about the time he removed to the nearby town of Weymouth . He became a freeman on May 13, 1640 . By Feb. 8, 1660 Nicholas Phillips had become a deacon in the First Congregational Church in Weymouth . The fact that he was such an active and respected member in the church suggests that he may have come to this country for religious freedom. It may also give the reason he left Dedham . It is known that Ezekiel Holliman left Massachusetts because of its religious intolerance. Dedham may not have been to Nicholas' liking. Martin Phillips, his brother, had also moved from Dedham to Weymouth and was a neighbor to Nicholas in the latter town. Henry Phillips, his other brother, remained in Dedham . Nicholas promised part of his lot to Martin, which is a very good indication of a family relationship. Nicholas sold some of his land to Henry Phillips.

“NICHOLAS, Dedham 1638, brother of Henry and Martin, removed to Weymouth perhaps late in life, became a freeman 13 May 1640, had Experience, born 8 May 1641; Caleb, 22 Jan. 1644; was Deacon and died Sept. 1672. His will of 2 June 1671 , proven 3 Oct. 1672 , makes Richard his eldest son executor, but wishes brother Henry to act as overseer, divides estate to his children Richard, Joshua, and Benjamin, Alice or Elizabeth Shaw, Experience King, Hannah White and Abigail Phillips.

We do know that Deacon Nicholas father was Nicholas Phillips born between 1586 and 1588 in Dedham, Essex , England . He died near 1615. His mother was Abigail Sewell born near the same time as Nicholas also in Dedham , Essex , England . They both remained and died in Wendover Buckinghamshire England . We know of four children of this marriage.

W. C. Tompkins

Pioneer Lumbermen.

W. C. Tompkins is a quiet and unassuming man who has a host of friends. His personal history is interesting because it is a record of a boy who had to do for himself, who saw the east, west, north, and south, who took part in some of the bloodiest battles of the civil war. He was born in Lockport N. Y., but shortly afterwards his parents moved to Canada. When but a lad he came back to the States and lived in Illinois until he grew to manhood. In 1854 he came to Iowa and settled in Hardin Co., near Iowa Falls. Four years afterward he made a trip to the west not returning until 1861 when he settled in Clear Lake. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the 12th United States Infantry. Mr. Tompkins experienced some of the heaviest service of the war including the battles of Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Petersburg. At Weldon he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison and afterward to Salisbury. When he was exchanged and discharged he came back to Cerro Gordo Co. For many years he was a resident of Clear Lake, employed by Woodford & Wheeler in their lumber business. In 1879 Mr. Tompkins was elected county treasurer and went to Mason City to live. He served the county in this capacity until 1884 and it is safe to say that more able or more trusted treasurer never graced that office. Ten years ago he returned to Clear Lake and became associated with the firm now known as Woodford, Wheeler & Tompkins.

This was the first lumber yard in Clear Lake. It was established in 1869 by Woodford, Wheeler & Johnson. The lumber was drawn by teams from Mason City. Mr. Johnson retired in 1873. The senior and original member of the firm is Truman Woodford, of Milwaukee. He has long been known to Clear Lake people as a wealthy and kindly man.

A few years after the retirement of Mr. Johnson, George G. Woodford came here with his family and became associated with the firm. Under his direction the business grew and thrived. He was a man of sterling qualities, one who made friends and inspired confidence everywhere. At his death his son Charles who had been long associated in the business assumed the responsibilities. Ten years ago Mr. Tompkins became a member of the firm known all over northern Iowa. They have an extensive lumber trade and besides this they deal in lime, stucco, cement, wood and coal. They have yards located at Ventura, Garner, Pomeroy, Fonda, Algona and Britt.

R. S. Young

A Reliable Real Estate Man.

The man whom the people of Clear Lake have recently chosen for their chief officer was born in Illinois in Freeport. When he was but a child his parents moved to Shannon, Ill. And it was there that Mr. Young lived until he came to Clear Lake in 1875. He engaged in farming for several years. His ability for making money was first manifested in 1882 when he traded forty acres for horses which were of such a value as to make this a successful deal. This was the beginning of Mr. Young’s prosperity in the real estate business. In September in 1892 Mr. Young and his family bade farewell to the farm and were welcomed as town people by those who knew the advantage to the town of having one of Mr. Young’s ability numbered among its citizens. He bought out S. G. Scott who was an insurance agent and immediately made the business a thriving one. At this time also he began on what he seems to have a special gift for, that of buying and selling farms and land.

When he came into town six years ago he was a man of only moderate means. Now he is independently well-to-do, and with his success in gaining a competence he has never lost the favor and confidence of men. The high esteem in which he is held was clearly demonstrated by the recent election.

He was chosen mayor of Clear Lake by the largest majority ever given any candidate. He received four-fifths of the votes cast at the largest caucus ever held in this city.

Of late years Mr. Young has dealt extensively in real estate and in doing so has done much to help the town. He has handled more land than any man in the county. He owns and controls, besides his property in town, extensive tracts of valuable land in Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota. His business is not confined to the vicinity of Clear Lake, but through communication, he deals largely with the men away from here who are seeking to make paying investments in western real estate.

Anyone who is contemplating buying or building will do well to address Mr. R. S. young and find out for themselves on what a large scale and by what reliable and honorable methods the mayor of Clear Lake transacts the business of a dealer in real estate.