THE PICTURESQUE SWETTING HOUSE

One of the most unique homes in “Picturesque Algona” – in fact in all of Algona even today – is the Swetting home located at 331 North Thorington Street.  Looking much like an old Italian villa, it was owned in 1900 by Ernest Volney Swetting and his wife, Bernice.  The superior craftsmanship of the mason is shown in the brick crowns over the windows and other features which give this house so much character.

E.V. SWETTING

E. V. Swetting first came to Algona in 1878 as a school teacher.  He also taught for a short time at Estherville.  His dream of becoming an attorney was realized when he began to study the law in the offices of Coolbaugh & Call, well-known Algona attorneys.  He passed the bar in 1886 and was admitted to practice. 

That same year he was married to Mrs. Bernice P. Johnson, a widow with a young daughter.  They lived briefly in Emmet County, but moved permanently to Algona in 1891.  By the time “Picturesque Algona” was published in 1900, the Swettings were living in this lovely brick abode.

In talking to its current owners, Harley and Anne Kohlhaas, I was told that their research indicated that the structure was likely built in the late 1860s or sometime in the 1870s.  That period falls within the time frame when the Italianate style of home was most popular in the United States, but was certainly earlier than 1891 which is when the Swettings permanently settled in town.  I found it hard to reconcile the difference in dates because I assumed the Swettings had built the house (a rookie mistake).  Once I realized my error, I attacked the search with a broader mind.  I was hopeful that as I researched the house, I would be able to discover the truth.

My first stop was at the Kossuth County courthouse.  Records there revealed that Lelia E. Benham deeded the real estate on which the house sits to E. V. Swetting on March 30, 1894.  An article from the Algona Republican published on April 4, 1894 states that “E. V. Swetting has bought the Mrs. Benham place on Thorington street and will make it his future home.  There is a pretty and commodious brick house and four desirable lots.  He got the property cheap at $1600.”  A piece of the puzzle fell into place as I now knew the house was in existence in 1894.

THE BENHAMS

So who was Lelia Benham and how did she become owner of the house?  By 1894 Mrs. Benham was a widow.  Her husband, Napoleon Bonaparte “Poley” Benham had died in May of 1890 at the age of 47 years.  I knew a little about Mr. Benham from a Civil War project that I had contributed to for the Kossuth County Genealogical Society several years ago. 

Benham had enlisted in the 106^th New York volunteers in 1862 at the age of 19.  While serving under General Sheridan at the battle of Winchester on September 19, 1864, he was shot in the right lung while his regiment was charging a rebel battery.  His obituary published in the Upper Des Moines on May 14, 1890, states:  “The bullet went in just below the collar bone, and was not found for two weeks.  But with the indomitable grit that characterized him, he picked up his musket and walked to the hospital three miles distant.  Parts of his coat and shirt were taken from the wound, and probably some were never found but remained to poison his blood.  In December he had recovered sufficiently to go back to the front, where he was made a second lieutenant, and where he served till the war closed.”  He would never truly recover from his wound.

Following the war, Mr. Benham settled in Clayton County, Iowa, where he met and married his wife, Lelia Benham.  A short time later he drove across the prairies with fellow veteran Adam Sawvel to Kossuth County.  Liking what he saw, he took a homestead in Lotts Creek township and also took one for A. A. Brunson, a childhood friend and army comrade.  In 1870 he moved his family to a sod house he had built on the property.  They remained on the farm for several years where they added a barn, but always lived in the sod house.  The grasshopper plague brought their farming venture to an end.  The family then moved to Algona where Benham became manager of Lockwood’s Store. 

Knowing that the Benhams moved to Algona in the mid-1870s gave me a further clue.  I have to admit that tracking the chain of ownership to the property in question was not easy.  Legal descriptions had changed through the years as areas of the town were platted.  The legal description used at the time the property was sold to E. V. Swetting was not the same description used when it was purchased by the Benhams.  After several hours of searching through courthouse records and receiving the helpful and knowledgeable assistance of the personnel at the Assessor’s and Recorder’s offices, I was able to determine that N.B. Benham purchased the property July 16, 1878 from Asa C. Call.  I do believe that the property would have been unimproved at the time Benhams purchased it since Asa Call owned mostly unimproved lots which he would sell for development.

In 1878 Benham was elected Clerk of court where he continued to serve for ten years.  At that time the office of Clerk was an elected position.  In the campaign of 1882, the Upper Des Moines newspaper ran an editorial which came out in favor of Benham’s competitor.  The article states, “Mr. Benham has also had the office for four years.  He is a good man, but he is not the only good man in the county, and having held the office two terms he has no further claim upon it.  Before taking the office he held a lucrative position in the “Dollar Variety Store,” and is in independent circumstances, having one of the costliest residences in Algona, so that he will hardly make the claim of being entitled to sympathy.  Experience shows that it is better to change officers once in four years at least, and this rule has usually been recognized in this county, but, of course, Mr. Benham wants to hold onto a good thing just as long as he can.”  (Emphasis mine).

After gathering all of this circumstantial evidence, it is my theory that this distinctive, one-of-a-kind home was built by Napoleon and Lelia Benham in the late 1870s following his election as Clerk of Court.  This time frame corresponds with the estimated age suggested to Harley and Anne Kohlhaas. It is unknown where the Benhams lived when they first moved to Algona, but it had to be quite a transition going from a sod house to a more traditional home.  Moving to this brand new magnificent structure just a few years later must have been a dream come true for its residents.

N.B. Benham

Despite anything in the editorial to the contrary, Benham was well liked and an efficient public servant.  His health continued to decline, however, when the poison in his lung spread to his neck.  Leaving office in 1888, his last two years of life until he passed away were spent as an invalid.  It is mentioned in several sources that no matter his circumstances, Poley always maintained a genial spirit and greeted everyone with a smile and kind word.  He died May 8, 1890.  His funeral was held at the residence with a large attendance.  Following the service, a large group of Masons wearing white crepe led the long procession which wended its way to Riverview cemetery where his body was laid to rest.  He left behind a wife, a daughter and two sons to mourn his passing.

THE SWETTINGS

The house became a fine home for the Swettings as well.  Both were involved in the community and the Congregational Church.  Bernice was a member of the Woman’s Library Aid Society and enjoyed homemaking and entertaining her friends, hosting various meetings in her home.  Besides being a member of the local bar, Mr. Swetting was an active Mason.  He, too, enjoyed entertaining at his home and would often invite lawyers visiting from other areas to his home for a pleasant evening and sometimes a game of skat.  E. V. loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.  He never quite lost the love of teaching as he continued to have a great deal of interest in young people and never missed a high school debate or declamatory contest.

E. V. also deeply loved Bernice’s daughter, May, who grew up to marry T.P. Harrington, another local attorney.  He was a doting grandfather to her children.  Bernice passed away from an illness with cancer in 1921 leaving a large void in E. V.’s life.  The untimely death of May’s son, Howard Harrington, in October of 1926 was a significant blow to him as well.  A few months later on a Thursday evening while playing cards with his friends Judge Quarton and Dr. Alf Rist and others, he suddenly fainted.  He was taken to the Harrington home.  He remained on bed rest even though initially feeling better on Friday, but was seized with a fatal heart attack early Saturday morning, February 20, 1927, and died around eleven o’clock that morning.

The house in 2015

The house has seen many owners and many changes through the years—even serving as an apartment house for a period of time.  The structure has undergone numerous alterations to both its interior and exterior during its lifetime, but still retains its very unique character.  Thorington Street would not be quite the same without this irreplaceable residence.  It truly does make Algona more “picturesque.”

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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THE HANNA HOUSE IN LUVERNE

I am always fascinated by the beautiful old homes that were built near the turn of the 20^th century.  I came across one that was featured in the semi-centennial issue of the Upper Des Moines Republican which was published on October 5, 1904.  It was the home of George W. Hanna, the founder of LuVerne.

George and Ophelia Hanna

George Washington Hanna was born June 3, 1850 in Waterloo, the son of George W. and Mary (Melrose) Hanna.  After receiving his early education in the Waterloo and Goldfield, he attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette and

George W. Hanna

received an M.A. degree.  Too young to serve during the Civil War, he assisted his father and uncle in furnishing beef to the war prisoners housed at Rock Island.  He went on to teach for a few years and also operated a mercantile in the town of Goldfield before coming to Kossuth County in 1880 at the age of 30 and founding the town of LuVerne.

In 1876 he was married to Ophelia K. McIntosh.  Mrs. Hanna had been born in Wright County, Iowa, November 22, 1857.  Her parents, O.C. and Selina McIntosh, were early settlers of that county.

The Founding of LuVerne

In the early 1880s, the Northwestern railroad had built a station at an area they called Whitman.  Approximately one half mile away, the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad had established a station in a location they called Vernon.  Each station was endeavoring to attract settlers and the rivalry was high.  This was the situation discovered by George Hanna and B. B. Bliss when they came to see which site would make the best location for a store.  Sizing up the situation, Hanna decided that the wisest course of action would be to purchase the tract of land between the two stations.  He did just that and started to lay out a town which became LuVerne.  The railroads did everything in their power to dissuade him from his plan.  However, Hanna circulated a petition to establish a post office at LuVerne which he carried to Fort Dodge by horseback.  Finding that neither railroad had attempted to obtain a post office at their site, he successfully persuaded Congressman C. C. Carpenter to establish a postal facility in LuVerne and appoint Hanna as postmaster.

Situated between the two railroads, LuVerne prospered.  Whitman and Vernon were eventually absorbed into LuVerne.  George was a very astute businessman and with a series of wise investments that included farm land, livestock and the establishment of the Bank of LuVerne, he became quite wealthy.  He served two terms in the state legislature representing this county.  By 1897, the family needed a new home to reflect their stature in the community.

The Hanna Mansion

On February 3, 1897, the Algona Republican published the following description of the plans which was being reprinted from the LuVerne News:

“The extreme outside measure is (including all porches) 50x94 feet.  The kitchen and wood house are one story, the balance has 22 foot posts.  The whole house will be built in an up-to-date way, of best material. It will be heated throughout with either steam or hot water and will be furnished with two bathtubs, two water closets, lavatories, halls, and in fact will be modern and complete in every respect.  There will be a covered driveway with handsome stone railing.  Also round porches and bays, also dumb waiter, bent glass and art glass will adorn it.  There will be twelve large rooms and as many closets and small rooms.  The inside finish is white and yellow pine, cypress, sycamore and oak, all finely varnished.  The vestibule will have a fine parquette floor, and there will be fine waxed floors of maple and yellow.  The shingles will be dipped in stain; double doors and sash, also double floors and plaster will unite with the heating plant to keep George from freezing.  The stairs and grilles of fancy hardwood are bound to be very ornamental.  To cut a long story short, Mr. H. will have a house of which a large city might be proud.”

The Hannas went on to raise four children in this home.  They included Eugenia, W. Scott, Geneva, and Consuelo.  Both W. Scott and Consuelo became attorneys and both came home and worked at the family bank. At the time that she passed the bar, Consuelo was the youngest woman lawyer in the state of Iowa.

Both Scott and Consuelo became involved in the family bank which George had

Published in the
Upper Des Moines
Jan. 20, 1886

established in 1886.  He also owned Hanna ranch which was located in LuVerne township which he stocked with cattle, horses and hogs.  He accumulated over 6,000 acres of farm land.  George served several years in the state legislature as the representative from this area.

George enjoyed his home for 20 years, passing from this life in January of 1918.  Ophelia survived him and continued to live in the house until September of 1931 when she passed away.  This was during the height of the depression and, ironically, the family bank was closed by bank examiners on the day of her death. 

Neither Consuelo nor Scott ever married and so they continued to live in the family home following their mother’s passing.  Scott died in 1934 after a long illness with arterial schlerosis. 

The End of an Era

In 1939, Consuelo decided to build a smaller home.  The mansion was taken down in June of that year and her dwelling was erected on the same property, just northeast of where the original home sat.  Unfortunately, she did not get to enjoy her new home for very long.  That fall she had traveled to visit her sister in Monterey, Mexico.  After spending several months there, she was on her way home.  While in Corpus Christi, Texas, she was walking along train tracks when she stepped in front of a train and died instantly.  According to friends, Consuelo was hard of hearing and they assumed that she did not hear the train come up behind her.  She was only 41 years old.  Her ashes were eventually returned to LuVerne where she was buried next to her parents and brother Scott.

The other family assets had been liquidated prior to Consuelo’s death and her passing brought this LuVerne family dynasty to a close.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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RIVERVIEW CEMETERY

I don't know about you, but I like to visit cemeteries.  When I was a young girl, my house was right across the railroad tracks from Riverview Cemetery.  My mom and I would go for walks in the cemetery, often pausing to look at one stone or another that caught our eyes.  Sometimes we would do pencil etchings of an interesting tombstone.  I still find it a fascinating place.

HISTORY OF RIVERVIEW CEMETERY

Did you know that Riverview is the oldest cemetery in the county?  The History of Kossuth County published in 1913 by Benjamin Reed states: 

Michael Fisher gravestone

“The first burial on land which later became a part of a cemetery was that of Michael Fisher, brother of Mrs. John Heckart, who was laid to rest in what is now Riverview cemetery, Algona, in March 1857.  Those who dug the grave did so keeping an eye on the timber close by for fear the Indians might be watching to scalp them, as this was soon after the Spirit Lake massacre.”

I have been unable to confirm when the name “Riverview” was actually chosen, but I do know that by 1861 the Algona Cemetery Association had been formed.  Any person who owned a lot in the cemetery could become a member.  The association held annual meetings, elected officers and transacted all business relating to the cemetery. 

At the time Riverview Cemetery was platted, it was quite the fashion to design a cemetery to look more like a park, with areas for picnics and quiet contemplation.  Some lots were laid out in circles and others in neat rows.  There was an area provided as a Potter’s Field. 

In this particular case, the cemetery was a community project right from the beginning.  Lumber for fencing was donated by area residents.  It appears that the city did not provide upkeep.  Owners or their family members were expected to cut the grass and care for their lots.  Several times a year a “clean up” day was scheduled where lot owners and volunteers made necessary repairs and beautified the grounds.

The association dealt with many problems, not the least of which was non-payment for lots.  In 1869 two motions passed at the annual meeting.  The first was that the Secretary be instructed not to permit a lot in the Cemetery to be occupied in any case until paid for.  The second stated, “That those having friends buried on lots not paid for, be notified that unless payment be made, the bodies will be moved to the free ground, and the lots sold to other parties.”  It is unknown as to whether or not the association ever carried out its threat.  The problem continued to plague the association for many years.

ESTABLISHING A SOLDIERS’ PLOT

By 1885, the veterans of the Civil War were beginning to pass away in larger numbers each year.  Many veterans had already purchased lots in the cemetery, but the local James R. Taylor post of the G.A.R., felt that there should be an area of the cemetery dedicated as a soldiers’

burying ground.  These lots would be provided to any veteran free of charge.  On Sunday morning, May 31, 1885, a delegation from the G.A.R. post consisting of Dr. H. C. McCoy, J. M. Comstock, A. A. Brunson, John Wallace and S. I. Plumley, accompanied by President Pettibone of the Algona Cemetery Association, went to the cemetery and chose Block 39 as the military section.  This area is directly to your left as you enter the main gate of the cemetery today.  Two veterans formerly buried in the area known as Potter’s Field, Fred Shields and O. A. Atwood, were moved there to lie in honor next to their fellow soldiers.  Today veterans from every war and conflict since that date rest beneath the flag located in the center of the block.

DECORATION DAY CELEBRATIONS

The cemetery hosted a large celebration for Decoration Day which was celebrated then on May 30^th each year.  The program for Memorial Day exercises in 1889 is a fine example.  At the request of the James C. Taylor post, the mayor issued a request that all businesses be suspended during the hours of 12 o’clock noon and 4 p.m. to allow all citizens the opportunity to participate in the observance.

Colonel Robert Spencer acted as marshal of the parade.  The members of the G.A.R. post gathered at the Army hall (the building now known as the Kossuth County Historical Museum) and marched to the Congregational Church led by the Algona Cornet Band.  Following an opening program of music, prayer and an address by Col. Chas. A. Clarke, the parade formed on Moore Street.  Led by Colonel Spencer in full dress uniform atop his beloved white horse, the formation of the column was as follows:  Cornet band; Junior Sons of Veterans; girls representing the 42 states of the union; girls carrying flowers to decorate the graves escorted by a detail of four members of the Post for each squad.  Then came the members of the James C. Taylor post, the West Bend post, the Charles Gray camp Sons of Veterans, the Civic Societies and finally the local citizens.  The parade would turn on to State Street from Moore and then proceed to the cemetery.

Once all participants in the parade had reached their destination, the program would begin.  The first order of business was the reading of the Roll of Honor, listing all of the veterans who had passed during the previous year.  This was followed by the decoration of graves.  Music was played as the decorating was performed. 

Flowers for decorating the graves had been gathered the day before.  Area gardens were cleaned out and children were encouraged to secure all of the wild flowers they could find by that afternoon.  Bouquets were constructed at the Congregational Church the morning of the parade.  Can’t you just picture the lovely little girls as they scampered throughout the grounds placing flowers to honor the fallen heroes?  By the end of the day, there was no site more beautiful anywhere.

A formation of the hollow square at the soldiers’ burying ground was next, followed by exercises by the 42 girls representing the states and the District of Columbia.  A salute by the firing guard and closing ceremonies by the post finalized the program. 

A CHAPEL AND RECEIVING VAULT

By 1896 the association was considering the construction of a receiving vault as well as a chapel.  Although the receiving vault would not be built for many years, the chapel became a reality in 1897.  It contained stained glass gothic windows, was built to seat 200 people, and housed a grand piano lent by Mrs. S. C. Spear.  At the time of its construction, there were no undertaking parlors in the city and most funerals were conducted from the homes of the decedents.  That was not always practical and so the non-denominational chapel was built to provide an alternative for grieving families.  It stood proudly on the grassy area just west of the soldiers’ plot until 1928 when its use had diminished. It was torn down by John Byson who used the lumber for other building projects.

The same year that the chapel was razed, a receiving vault was constructed just east of the main gate.  This was to be used as temporary storage of caskets during winter months when graves could not be dug.  It had a flat concrete top in which there was an opening to receive caskets, which would be lowered through the top to the floor.  The center of the room below contained an alley 12 feet wide running the length of the vault.  Along each side of the alley were storage areas for up to 30 caskets.  The vault had a side entrance on the east for funeral directors and pallbearers to enter to place the casket in its designated niche.  I clearly remember this vault, although at the time of my memory it was used exclusively as a maintenance shed for the caretaker.  It was demolished years ago.

I would encourage you to take a walk through a cemetery when you can.  It is so much more than a burial ground.  I often think of Riverview as an outdoor art gallery.   Of course the stones themselves are the shining stars, the masterpieces.  Sadly, years of freezing temps and beating sun have taken their toll on many of the stones, as have modern day lawn mowers.  There are many that are broken, are loose or have fallen over.  As each one is lost, a piece of our history vanishes.

For each grave in the cemetery, there is a unique and interesting story to be told, whether they have a fancy marker or not.  We should take care that those stories don’t vanish as well.

Please visit the Kossuth County History Buff Facebook page to see a short video of a “virtual walk” through Riverview.  This past fall I photographed some of the more eye catching stones so that I could share them with you during a cold winter day.  I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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THE ENTERPRISING DR. C. H. CRETZMEYER

“Enterprising Men of Algona” was a book that was printed by the Upper Des Moines Republican in 1917.  It consisted of 28 cartoons of well-known Algona businessmen.  The cartoons had been printed in previous issues of the newspaper during 1916-17 before being combined into a book.  Each cartoon featured information about the subject which included hobbies, background facts and tidbits about their lives.  I find the artwork remarkable—sadly I have been unable to determine the identity of the artist that created the unique drawings.

From time to time, I plan to feature one of the enterprising men so that I can share their story—and their cartoon—with you.  To begin, let’s take a look at enterprising man Dr. C.H. Cretzmeyer.  Pictured as a very dapper man, complete with bow tie, the drawings scattered around the edge of the picture offer a peek into an active life.

THE DOCTOR COMES TO ALGONA

Born and raised in Waverly, Charles H. Cretzmeyer taught school for a short time following graduation from high school before enrolling in the University of Iowa.  He graduated from medical school in 1901 and completed his internship in 1902.  At the time the young doctor was undecided where to set up his practice.  During a trip to Chandler, Minnesota, to visit his grandfather, he had an all-night layover in Algona. Charles had several acquaintances in the area including Bill Hinchon, a young lawyer.  They spoke very highly of the community and urged him to consider casting his lot here.  Before leaving on the rest of his trip, Dr. Cretzmeyer toured the new Galbraith building at the corner of Moore and State Streets.  He selected several rooms on the second floor and became John Galbraith’s first tenant.  On April 16, 1902, the doors officially opened.  His office would remain in the same spot for 51 years. 

The new doctor set up housekeeping at the Durdall Hotel with unique payment arrangements.  He told proprietor Harry Tremain “I’m a young doctor. . .I’m going to work here. . I haven’t any money, but when I have some I’ll pay you.”  Tremain agreed, stating that he looked honest, and that arrangement lasted until the doctor had a home of his own.

When reminiscing in his later years, the doctor recalled that in the early days when he did not have many patients, he would sometimes grab his medical bag and run out of his office and down the street, hoping that observers would think he was called out on an emergency.  It didn’t take long for his practice to grow.  At that time he would travel by foot, horseback or buggy over dirt roads.  In the spring they were often bottomless mud pits.  Dr. Cretzmeyer would use a cutter to make his calls during the winter. 

HIS FAMILY LIFE

In March of 1904, Maude Low came to Algona and for the next year worked as a trimmer in the millinery store of Mrs. James Taylor.  She caught the eye of the young doctor and they were married the next year on her birthday, June 5, 1905.  The two were quite devoted to one another and the marriage was a happy one.  However, Mrs. Cretzmeyer’s health began to fail.  An operation was recommended to relieve her symptoms and Dr. Guthrie of Dubuque came to perform the surgery.  Complications followed and Maude died on the 9^th of December, 1909.  Her father took her remains to Osceola for burial in the family plot.

Dr. Cretzmeyer did remarry a few years later.  Bertha Henry of Oskaloosa had come to Algona to serve as a piano teacher and organist in the Methodist Church and had made a large circle of friends.  She and the doctor were married quietly at the Catholic parsonage by Fr. Halpin on October 14, 1915.  Although they attempted to keep the nuptials quiet, neighbors and friends discovered their plan and as they made their departure from the parsonage, the couple were showered with rice, cheers and well wishes.  They then drove to Fort Dodge and caught a train for St. Louis where they spent their honeymoon.

The couple went on to have two children—Dr. Charles H. Cretzmeyer, Jr., who like his father became a medical doctor, and their daughter, Jane Cretzmeyer, who became a teacher.

HIS PRACTICE

Dr. Cretzmeyer became well known for his surgical skills.  Shortly before he died he estimated that he had performed over 6,000 surgeries during his career.  I was amazed to learn how many cataract surgeries he performed.  To think over 100 years ago he was capable of such delicate operations on the eye is very impressive.  He was often called in on the most dangerous and gruesome of accident cases—a young man who jumped from a hay mow into a wagon landing on the handle of a pitchfork which punctured his rectum and colon as well as a railroad fireman who fell off a platform and beneath the approaching train.  Although he and several other area physicians did everything they could, these patients did die. 

He had many success stories, however.  The doctor loved to relate the story about a farm hand who came to his office one hot summer day begging for help for his very sick 11 year old son.  Going to the man’s home, Dr. Cretzmeyer found it to be a tent.  An examination of the child confirmed the physician’s suspicions that he was experiencing an appendicitis.  Despite the flies and unsanitary conditions, it was imperative that the surgery be performed immediately.  Dr. Cretzmeyer sterilized his instruments in an old Rochester sterilizer and called upon the assistance of Dr. Stull who administered ether. They placed the boy on a cleanly scrubbed old door set atop two salt barrels and the doctor successfully removed a gangrenous appendix. 

Ella Burke who served as the office nurse for Dr. J. W. McCreery for 25 years, recalled another incident when a lady who lived near Bode required emergency surgery in the middle of a very bad winter.  It was a bitterly cold night and Drs. McCreery, Cretzmeyer and Kenefick were called in.  Snow had closed the roads so they traveled by horse and cutter through the fields, cutting the fences as necessary.  The surgery was performed by lamplight in the home.

The delivery of babies also took much of the doctor’s time.  Once being called to the home, the practitioner would stay with the expectant mother until the arrival of the new little one.  This could mean many long hours monitoring labor.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN

Charles was very involved in the community of Algona as well as in the medical community.  He served a term as president of the Kiwanis club and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Association of Railway Surgeons, the Austin-Flint, Cedar Valley, and Twin Lakes medical societies, and was a past president of the Kossuth County Medical Society.

He served as the first Chief of Staff of the new St. Ann’s Hospital and was active in setting the policies for the facility.

HIS HOME

Bertha and Charles built a beautiful home which still stands at 400 East Nebraska Street in Algona and is known as Hearten Bed & Breakfast.  An inviting porch wraps around the house providing the residents a place to catch a soft summer breeze.  The home features a staircase with a landing large enough for the placement of a piano to showcase Bertha’s musical talent.  One can picture the family seated in the parlor and patients coming by after hours, seeking help from the good doctor. 

At the time the house was built, Bertha Cretzmeyer special ordered two chandeliers made from Austrian crystal.  The fixtures featured large amber teardrop crystals at the top surrounded by gold filigree with icicle-like clear prisms hanging in the lower portions.  These two fixtures were later sold along with other original fixtures.

An article in the Kossuth County Advance published on November 4, 1920, describes a Halloween party held at the house.  “Seventy-two ladies were delightfully entertained at a one o’clock luncheon Saturday given by the Mesdames C.H. Cretzmeyer and F. H. Seiler at the former’s home.  The spacious and beautiful Cretzmeyer house was decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and Halloween conceits in bright orange.  A “witch” showed the ladies where they were to sit at table.  One of the interesting and amusing features of the afternoon was a fortune-telling booth.  This had been fitted up with kettle, firelight, and a skeleton borrowed from Doctor Cretzmeyer.  The ladies had their fortunes told in turn.  The rest of the afternoon was spent at bridge.”

THE END OF THE STORY

Charles continued to practice medicine right up until his passing on Monday, May 6, 1957 at the age of 78.  He had suffered a heart attack late Sunday evening and was rushed to the hospital.  A second attack the next day took his life.  Bertha died three years later following a long illness.  Both are buried in Calvary Cemetery.

William C. Dewel, a good friend, wrote a tribute at the time of the doctor’s passing which was published in the Kossuth County Advance on May 7, 1957.  He stated, “In both public and private the doctor was upright and faithful to the best concepts of physician and citizen.  I regard his passing as a symbol of the end of an era in the history and growth of Algona and Kossuth county.  Fifty-five years ago he came to just another country town, and now he leaves as it is blossoming into a new era as a rising small city.”

Until next time,

Jean

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MEMORIES OF CAPT. JEANSON AND FAMILY

Recently I featured a story about Captain R. E. Jeanson who promoted settlement of Swea Township for the American Emigrant Company.  Jeanson himself settled in Eagle Township, building a large estate on the shores of Eagle Lake.  Today I want to share an article that was written by Jennie G. Simpson who served as a governess for the Jeansons’ children in the 1870s.  It was first published in the Swea City Herald on August 18, 1938.

Memories of the Jeanson family

Three of the most satisfying years of my life were spent at “Engendomen,” the Jeanson home at Swea as teacher of the children.  I doubt if I taught them as much as I learned from them.

How can Captain Jeanson be described in a few words, so diversified were his talents and characteristics?

Pastor of the Swedish church, a devout Christian, a shrewd business man, a wit who saw the comical side of every situation, rich in repartee and withal a delightful companion.

Mrs. Jeanson, a fit mate with rare executive ability, kept the many branches of the home running smoothly.  An even-tempered woman, endowed with talent in every line of household activity, no problem was too intricate for her to solve.  She inherited from her gifted mother the “know how.”

Mrs. Jeanson’s mother, “Murmur,” excelled any person I ever knew in household arts and crafts, weaving carpets in intricate designs, braiding straw in artistic patterns and sewing into modish hats for all the family.  And will I ever forget or cease to long for one of her “sil salats.” 

I can hear yet in memory Captain’s call of the children, “Riba, Rina, Robert and Ross,” a symphony in R’s.  Also Captain’s salutation to his mate, “Mina lila, rara, sata, alskade guma!”

I recall with pleasure the helpers inside the house and on the land—Anders, the staid reliable man; Nils Anderson, the joker; Amanda, Matilda, Lena and Anna the cook.  Riba is the serious motherly child; Rina the generous, lively, oft  misunderstood one; Robert, grandma’s especial charge who inherited his father’s gift of repartee; Ross, affectionate and lovable.  He always wore the straw hats made for him pulled down on his head like a hood.  I can yet vision the chic suits Mrs. Jeanson made for all the children.

We never lacked for outdoor activities, summer or winter.  There was boating and bathing at Eagle lake in summer even if we did sometimes find “blood eaglers” between our toes.

Every member of the family except grandma had skates.  I recall the wonderful moonlight nights when we older ones skated; especially the night when the wind almost swept me into Minnesota.  The rough ice finally caused my downfall.  I feared to examine my teeth when I arose, but they were intact.

The little Morgan mares, Nellie and her daughter Lillie, were delightful saddle horses.  The coupe, only one in northern Iowa I imagine, made us feel city bred when we rode to Bancroft in it.  The big covered sleigh rendered travel possible and comfortable in winter.

Permit one or two anecdotes:

Staid Anders was seen doing a highland fling in the field he was plowing; explanation, a toad had hopped up his trouser leg.

I was attracted one afternoon by the ringing of the bell in the tower.  Found small Ross tolling it.  Reason given “the men told me to ring the bell for the old sow are dead.”  The funeral procession then wended its way down to the meadow.

Robert and I were taking a spring walk along the road where the hay had been hauled.  He picked up an armful as he said to help across a swampy place.  When we reached it only a wisp of hay remained under his arm.  Undaunted, he brought to the fore the chivalry inherited from his father, and placed his tiny foot encased in felt boot in the center of the hole with the remark, “there Miss Simpson, step on my foot.”  Did Sir Walter Raleigh do more?

With many happy memories never to be forgotten my tenure of office ended, as do all things.

The memories shared by Miss Simpson give us an intimate look at the daily life of the Jeanson family.  One can picture the fun they shared boating, swimming and ice skating on Eagle Lake.  We are thankful that Jennie Simpson took the time to record her recollections of the time spent in their employ.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to “like” and SHARE to Facebook.  Not a Facebook user?  Sign up with your email address in the box on the right to have each post sent directly to you.

Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.