In early life the parents bade adieu to the green isle of Erin and sailed for the new world. It was in this country that they became acquainted and were married and as early as 1840 had established their home in Jones county, settling in Castle Grove township. With its early development and progress they were closely associated and as pioneer residents took an active part in reclaiming the district for the purpose of civilization. For many years Dennis M. Hogan continued a factor in business circles and on the 3d of December, 1893, passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother is quietly spending her declining days upon the old homestead in Castle Grove township and is one of the worthy pioneer women of the county whose memory covers the period of its early development. Unto this worthy couple there were born twelve children: Elizabeth and Catherine, twins; Mary; William Andrew, of this review; Daniel; Nellie; Matilda; Agnes; Lawrence and Stacy, twins, both of whom died in infancy; Dennis. who died at the age of fifteen as the result of a runaway accident; and Marcella, who passed away at the age of fifteen.

On the old homestead William Andrew Hogan spent his youthful days, assisting in the farm duties and receiving all the educational advantages offered by the public schools. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and was busily engaged in the work of the fields until 1887, when at the age of twenty-four years, be was elected to the office of sheriff of Jones county, creditably filling the position for six years. On his retirement from office he turned his attention to merchandising as proprietor of a meat market and grocery store, under the firm name of Koffman & Hogan. He continued in that business for fifteen months, and then sold out to his partner. Soon afterward he engaged in the exportation of horses, which he followed for about a year, after which he resumed farming on the old homestead, there remaining from 1898 until 1904. In November, 1903, he was once more chosen to the office of sheriff and has since continued in that position, so that his service in the office altogether will cover thirteen years. He is prompt, faithful and fearless in the discharge of his duties and his name has become a menace to those who do not hold themselves amenable to the law. Mr. Hogan is a democrat in his political views and affiliation and the fact that he has been elected to the same office six times in a republican district shows his popularity as a man and citizen, while his reelection indicates the fidelity of his services during his first term.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Hogan is connected with the Knights of Columbus at Cedar Rapids and with the Modern Woodmen Camp at Anamosa. He is also a member of the Catholic church. His entire life has been passed in the county of his nativity where he has many friends who have known him from his boyhood days to the present time. A gentleman of fine personality, courteous and genial, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 108.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 629.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 640.

When a young man of eighteen years the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Clinton county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand until the outbreak of the Civil war. Joining the army, he loyally fought for the interests of the Union during a period of four years, participating in many hotly contested engagements. When hostilities had ceased he returned to Clinton county, where he purchased a tract of forty acres of timber land, while later he bought one hundred and twenty acres, more, making his home thereon until 1884. In that year he disposed of the property and came to Jones county, purchasing a farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres in Scotch Grove township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his attention throughout the remainder of his life. He also became the owner of another tract of four hundred and eighty acres and was widely recognized as one of the most extensive landowners and prosperous agriculturists of the county. His demise occurred on the 25th of November, 1906, and his wife had been called to her final rest on the 24th of April of the same year. Their children were three in number, as follows: Anna, the wife of John H. Reimers, of Jones county; Nicholas C., of this review; and Cornelius M., who is in partnership with his brother.

Nicholas C. Holst and his brother, Cornelius M. both obtained their education in the common schools and when not busy with their text-books assisted in the work of the home place, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. They now own and operate the old homestead farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres in Scotch Grove township and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, they also make a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds, both branches of their business proving a gratifying source of remuneration to them.

On the 29th of April, 1908, Nicholas C. Holst was united in marriage to Miss Toni M. Rohwedder, a native of Madison township, this county, and a daughter of John H. Rohwedder, who is mentioned on another page of this volume.

Politically the Holst brothers are stalwart advocates of the democratic party. They are young men of enterprise, unfaltering energy and good business ability and have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which they have spent practically their entire lives.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 522.

Our subject was born in Ireland January 8, 1832, and when three years old emigrated to New Brunswick in company with his parents, who made their home in St. John's. There he attended school, and upon completing his education learned the trade of a stone and brick mason, together with plastering, under the instruction of Otis Small, of Bangor, Me.

March 30, 1857, Mr. Holt crossed into the States, coming, May 30, to Anamosa, which at that time was a small town. He immediately found work at his trade and ere long began contracting, building stores, dwellings and churches. He was thus employed until 1893, when, having accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods, he retired from active business, devoting his time to looking after his property in the city.

In the spring of 1894 Mr. Holt was appointed Postmaster of Anamosa, entering upon the duties of the office May 9, 1894. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has served as Chairman of the Central Committee. He has always been interested in educational affairs and for a period of twelve years rendered efficient service on the School Board. Mr. Holt, with his family, occupies a beautiful residence in the city and numbers his friends among its best residents.

In 1861 Edward C. Holt and Miss Mary A. T. Sales were united in marriage. The lady was the daughter of Dr. Nathan G. Sales, who was a prominent physician and politician of this city and a most praiseworthy citizen. He held the office of Receiver of Moneys in the land office at Chariton, Iowa, from 1853 to 1856, under the administration of Franklin Pierce. He departed this life December 24, 1892. Mrs. Holt departed this life June 19, 1885, leaving a family of six children, namely: Tirzah C., Josie A., Harry J., Eddie S., Clara L. and Nellie. Harry J. assists his father in the post-office. Mr. Holt built the brick opera house on the corner of Maine and Garnavillo Streets in 1867, and is still the owner of that property besides much other valuable real estate in the city.

From Dubuque, Jones, and Clayton Counties History, 1894, pgs. 248-251, and submitted by Becky Teubner.

EDWARD C. HOLT, contractor and builder, Anamosa; is a native of Ireland, and was born January 8, 1832; when only 3 years of age, his parents came to St. John, New Brunswick; he grew up to manhood there and served an apprenticeship, and learned the trade of stonemason with Otis Small, of Bangor, Me; in 1857, came to Iowa, and, on the 30th of May, arrived in Anamosa, which was then only a smal place; he began working at this trade, and afterward engaged in contracting and building; he has erected many of the best buildings here; in 1867, he built the brick block and Opera House on the corner of Main and Garnavillo streets, which he still owns, with other city property. He has held town and school offices, and is now serving as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. In August, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A.T. Sales, daughter of Dr. Sales, one of the early settlers of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Holt have six children—--Tirzah C., Josephine A., Harry J., Eddie S., Clara and Nellie.

From "Fairview Township", History of Jones County, Iowa, (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1879), p. 559, and submitted by Mary Kay Kuhfittig.