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Full text of "History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present"

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HISTORY 



OF 



JONES COUNTY, IOWA 



PAST AND PRESENT 



R. M. CORBIT, B. S. and LL. B. 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 



IN TWO VOLUMES— ILLUSTRATED 



VOLUME II 



CHICAGO 
S. J. CLjVBKE publishing CO. 

1910 



990 44K 



u 1&*^_ 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



COLONEL WILLIAM TUCKERMAX SHAW. 

Colonel William Tuckerman Shaw for many years occupie<^ a central place 
on the stage of public activities in Jones county and won distinguished honors 
in military fields, rendering valuable aid to his country in the Mexican and again 
in the Civil wars. Indentified with the banking and agricultural interests of the 
state, his record is that of an honorable business man, who recognizes and uses 
his opportunities. In every relation of life he held to high standards of conduct 
and without invidious distinction he may be termed one of the foremost men that 
Jones county has numbered in its citzenship. 

Colonel Shaw was born in Steuben, Maine, September 22, 1822, and came 
of one of the oldest New England families whose members were valorous, indus- 
trious and chivalrous. The Shaws were of Scotch descent. The earliest record is of 
Thomas Shaw, who married Sarah Gyles in Boston in 1716. Their son, Francis, 
was prominent in Boston and with his son, Francis, Jr., and others, received from 
the king a large grant of land in what is now Washington county, Maine. This 
grant included many islands, some of which w-ere owned until recently by the fam- 
ily as a part of the land still is. Of this family Samuel Shaw won distinguished 
honors through his military service in the Revolutionary war and also as a dip- 
lomat and statesman in later life. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, Octo- 
ber 2, 1754. His father, a man distinguished for intelligence and enterprise, con- 
ducted an extensive business as a merchant, and in training for life's practical 
duties sent his son, Samuel Shaw, to one of the public schools of Boston at the 
usual age. He continued his studies in a Latin school, coming under the instruc- 
tion of James Lovell, one of the leading educators of that day. He manifested 
special aptitude in his studies and the knowledge of Latin which he acquired en- 
abled him in after life, in the leisure of the camp and on his voyage to India 
and China, to become familiar with the most popular and admired Latin poets 
and historians. Being destined for commercial pursuits, Samuel Shaw soon 
quitted the school for the counting room, but the political exigencies of the age -)f; 
interfered with his plans of mercantile life. He had not attained his majority 
when his patriotism was aroused by the oppressive measures of the mother coun- 
try and the restriction of American rights. Moreover, the northern part of 
Boston, where he resided was the abode of some of the most active and ardent 
spirits who gave character and impulse to the first movements' of the Revolu- 
tionary war. Troops were sent from England to hold the colonies in subjection 
and paraded the streets of Boston. This continually excited and angered the 
colonists and intense feeling was everywhere manifest. Boston at that time was 



6 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

regarded by the British as a garrison town and the troops took possession thereof. 
The house of Francis Shaw was assigned for quarters to Lieutenant Wragg and 
Major Pitcairn. In the meantime excitement grew and on the 26. of October. 
^775> when Samuel Shaw reached his majority, he receved the assent of his 
father to his plan of becoming enrolled in the American army, which was then 
collecting at Cambridge. He was thereafter an interested eye witness or an 
active participant in the events which finally brought about American indepen- 
dence. As a member of the military family of General Knox, in the ensuing 
November, he accompanied General Washington when he and Governor Clinton 
took possession of New York after its evacuation by the British. On the 4th of 
December of that year he was present when Washington bade farewell to the 
officers of the American army, among whom there was hardly a dry eye, so 
greatly had his comrades and fellow officers become attached to him during the 
eight years of sanguinary struggle that resulted in the establishment of the 
republic. Through the war Colonel Shaw had remained as an active advocate of 
the American cause, suffered the hardships and privations of the American soldier 
and had conscientiously performed every duty, making a military record of which 
his descendants have every reason to be proud. In Alay, 1783, he received from 
General Washington a testimonial of his services in the army, which reads: "By 
his Excellency, George Washington, Esq., general and commander-in-chief of 
the forces of the United States of America : This certifies that Captain Samuel 
Shaw was appointed a lieutenant of artillery in the army of the United States 
of America in 1775; the year following he was appointed adjutant and in 1777 
was promoted to the rank of captain, lieutenant and brigade major in the corps 
of artillery, in which capacity he served until August, 1779, when he was ap- 
pointed aide-de-camp to Major General Knox, commanding the artillery, with 
whom he remained until the close of the war, having been promoted to the rank 
of captain of artillery in 1780. From the testimony of the superior officers 
under whom Captain Shaw has served, as well as from my own observation, 
I am enabled to certify that throughout the whole of his service he has greatly 
distinguished himself in everything which could entitle him to the character of 
an intelligent, active and brave officer. 

"Given under my hand and seal, this third day of November, 1783. Signed, 
General Washington, by his Excellency's command, Ben Walker, aide-de-camp." 
On the 5th of January, 1784. Major Shaw took final leave of the family of 
General Knox, from whom he received in his own hand writing the following 
certificate concerning his excellence as an officer: "This is to certify that the 
possessor of this letter, Captain Samuel Shaw, has borne a commission in the 
artillery in the United States of America upwards of eight years, more than 
seven of which he has been particularly attached to the subscriber in the ca- 
pacities of adjutant, brigade major and aide-de-camp. In the varied and arduous 
duties of his several stations he has in every incident evinced himself as an 
intelligent, active and gallant officer and, as such, he has particularly endeared 
himself to his numerous acquaintances. 

"This testimony is given unsolicited on his part. It is dictated by the pure 
principles of affection and gratitude inspired by an unequivocal attachment during 
a long and trying period jn the American war. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 7 

"Given under my hand and seal at West Point, upon the Hudson river, this 
fifth day of January, 1784. Signed, H. Knox, M. General." 

Following the close of the war and organization of the republic, Capt. Samuel 
Shaw was the first to receive the appointment of consul of the United States at 
Canton from the American congress in 1786, an appointment which President 
Washington renewed in 1790. Captain Shaw resided in that city for several 
years and for a considerable period was actively engaged in the commerce on 
the China and Indian seas. He made trade relations between this country, China 
and India a special object of study and furnished much valuable information 
upon the subject. His death occurred in 1794. 

The Shaw family founded a settlement called Goldsboro just before the 
Revolutionary war and in sustaining settlers during the war much of the family 
fortune was spent. Francis Shaw, Sr., and Francis Shaw, Jr., the great-grand- 
father and grandfather of our subject respectively, died in the same year. The 
latter left a widow and two sons. Robert Gould Shaw, the elder son, became a 
millionaire philanthropist and it was to his grandson, Colonel Robert G. Shaw, 
that the beautiful monument by St. Gaudens was erected on Boston Commons. 
The younger son was William Nickels Shaw, the father of Colonel William T. 
Shaw. He remained in Maine, a most generous kindly gentleman, and there 
married Nancy Davis Stevens, a daughter of Jonathan Stevens, of English de- 
scent, who in early life was a member of the English army but afterward joined 
the American forces in the Revolutionary war. Jonathan Stevens wedded Mary 
Tracy, a descendant of Lieutenant Thomas Tracy, of the Anglo-Norman family 
whose ancestor Sire de Traci fought at Hastings under William the Conqueror. 
The family of William N. and Nancy Shaw numbered twelve children. Hannah 
Townsley, who was born October 14, 1814, lived in Steuben, Maine, and died in 
1891. Mary Stevens, born April 19, 1816, died September 11, 1831. Francis 
R. G., born April 23, i8t8, wedded Mary E. ]\Ioore January 26, 1843. He was 
captain of a bark which sailed from New York for Barbadoes and was drowned 
on the passage out January 19, 1846. John, born May 8, 1820, became extensively 
engaged in shipbuilding at Machias, Maine. He wedded Relief Antoinette Bab- 
cock April 14, 1850. William T. is the next of the family. Eliza Willard, born 
July 16, 1824, was married May 18, 1851, to Seamore Leighton and died Feb- 
ruary 23, 1890. George Nickels, born September 11, 1826, went to California, 
was married there and died December 11, 1861. Edward Blake, born August 
30, 1828, lived in Steuben, Maine, until a year or two before his death, when he 
removed to Massachusetts and afterward to California, where the died July 17, 
1850. Judith T., born April 4, 1831, died September 9, 1834. Henry Coffin, 
born November 9, 1833, went to California. Mary Judith, born May 8, 1836, 
was married October 8, 1854, to William R. H. Dutton, of Ellsworth, and they 
became residents of Steuben, Maine. Sarah Russell, born December 13, 1839, 
made her home in Steuben, Maine. 

Colonel William T. Shaw was educated at Kent's Hill, a well known Meth- 
odist school. At an early age he went to Indiana, where he engaged in teach- 
ing in a private school, w^hich was the institution that proved the nucleus of De 
Pauw University. He afterward went to Kentucky, where he engaged in teach- 
ing and in studying law. At the time of the Mexican war Colonel W. T. Shaw, 



8 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

then a young man of twenty-three years, enhsted at Harrodsburg. Kentucky, 
whither he had emigrated from Indiana. At the battle of Buena Vi?ta all of the 
commissioned officers of his regiment were killed. Something of his experiences 
in Mexico may best be gleaned from the following letters which he wrote home 
to his mother. 

"Camp Agua, Nueva, Feb. 8, 1846. 
Dear Mother : 

Here I am 3000 miles from home and 100 miles from nowhere, fat and 
hearty and could eat a Mexican with as much gusto as I ever did a piece of roast 
beef. We are now 25 miles beyond Saltillo. where Gen. Taylor has established 
his headquarters. What our next movement will be I cannot tell, but it is believed 
here that our next movement will be San Luis Potosi. We have had 
considerable excitement in camj) lately. We were turned out every night 
for about a week to have a fight but nobody came to fight us and 
so we failed to get it. Although we have had no fighting we have 
had some hard service. For example, your humble servant, after having been 
on duty three days and nights without sleep, on the fourth night had laid him- 
self down on his blanket to get a little sleep. When I had got into a deep sound 
sleep. I was awakened by the cry of 'turn out. turn out !' and we turned 
and marched 15 miles that night to defend a pass where the Mexicans were sup- 
posed to be about to get into our rear. After having arrived there, and seeing 
no signs of the enemy we turned about and marched back making about 30 
miles in 10 hours, which is doing very well, considering we had to carry our 
guns, cartridge boxes and knapsacks making in all a good load for a jack. I 
stand marching very well, which T was rather fearful T should not account of 
the lameness in my ankles. 

If you cannot read this letter, wait till I come home and I will read it for 
you. 

Your afif. son. 

Wm. T. Shaw. 
Superscription, 
Mrs. N. D. Shaw. 
Stueben, Maine." 

Headfiuartcrs Agua, Xueva, Feb. 28th, 1846. 
Dear "Mother : 

We have had a big fight and I suppose you will be pleased to hear from me 
and that I am safe. The battle was fought on the 22 and 23 inst. Our reg. was not 
engaged with the enemy until the 23d, where after running us -^^j of a mile in 5 
minutes we charged ui)on about 3 times our number of Mexicans amidst a shower 
of musket balls and grape shot, but we soon made them show their backs, and 
the way we laid the yellow scoundrels out was the right way. We killed about 
150 in less than 10 minutes, not however, without considerable Inss on our side. 
But I have not time to give you a detailed account of the fight. But you may 
conclude we did some hard fighting for our company lost, killed and wounded, 
one third the number we took into the field. Our last charge was a desperate 
one. Our regiment with four com]ianies from the Second 111. regiment, making 
us about 500 men. worn down by the fatigue of the day. charged upon a large 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 9 

body of Mexican Infantry, when we were attacked on our flank by 3000 or 
4000 cavalry, which compelled us to retreat and a most bloody retreat it proved 
to us. I never knew until then, what it was to be where it lamed bullets. I 
thought I had a chance to be hit by about 1000, but by good luck, but two hit 
me, and those scarcely drew blood. One grazed the skin over my eye and the 
other hit me in the thumb. But I thank God, I have escaped. We have been 
almost continually on foot for 8 days, yet I scarcely feel fatigued, and am in 
good spirits and health. 

Your aiT. son, 

Wm. T. Shaw. 
Superscription, 
Mrs. N. D. Shaw, 
Steuben, Maine." 

After the Mexican war, in 1849, ^ company of thirty men was formed of 
which he was elected captain, to cross the plains of California. They went by 
the southern Santa Fe route, passing through Fort Smith and Santa Fe, etc. 
In California he engaged in mining until his health failed. Later he engaged in 
the lumber business. About 1851 he returned to the east via Nicaragua. Later 
he came to Iowa in about 1852. He did not remain here long but again passed 
overland, this time by the northern route described by Colonel Robert Evans in 
his book. 

Colonel Shaw returned east via Panama and came to Iowa, where he entered 
land in Jones county and married May 4, 1854, Helen A. Crane, daughter of 
Pauline and Roswell Crane, descendants of old Connecticut families. Mr. Crane 
was a descendant of Jasper Crane, one of the founders of the New Haven co- 
lony about 1636, and later of the Newark, New Jersey, colony. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shaw had two children, Helen L. and Nancy A. "Nannie" died during the 
colonel's imprisonment after Shiloh. Mrs. Shaw died May 2, 1867. Colonel 
Shaw married for his second wife. Retta Harmon, who died eleven months after 
her marriage. His third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Crane Higby, was a widow with 
two children, George Higby and Mrs. Frances Higby Dutton. Mrs. Shaw died 
eight years ago. From that time until his death, which occurred April 29, 1909, 
Colonel Sliaw and his daughter Helen, resided at the family home. Before an 
accident, which he had sustained five years previous to his death, they made 
year!}- visits to the old home in Maine, now owned by his nephew, Dr. Frank L. 
Shaw, of Machias, Maine. 

Among the first of the many building enterprises in which Colonel Shaw 
engaged in Anamosa was the erection of the Fisher house, now the Hotel Gillen. 
J. H. Fisher & Son were connected with it but the colonel was the active man and 
hired and paid the workmen. This hotel structure was built in 1855 and 1856 
and the first landlord was Amos H. Peaslee, of Dubuque, his brother Cornelius, 
being associated with him. This hotel was the first public building erected in 
this vicinity, all the business houses being in the west end of town, and it was a 
good deal of a vetnure for the investors to locate so far away from the business 
section. This was the beginning of Colonel Shaw's construction work in Ana- 
mosa and further details will appear later. 

Colonel Shaw was largely instrumental in 1857 in the building of the Dubuque 
Southwestern from Farley to Anamosa, now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee 



10 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

& St. Paul system, and had a contract for a portion of the line. He also assisted 
in pushing the line on to Marion. At this point we may also state that the 
colonel was president of the Midland road, now a branch of the Chicago & North- 
Western, and through his efforts it was completed to Anamosa in 1871. 

In the spring of 1861 Colonel Shaw went on a visit to Pittsburg when, hearing 
of the attack on Fort Sumter, he at once telegraphed Governor Kirkwood 
offering his service. This offer was promptly accepted and after a short visit 
in Maine he returned and organized the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers, which was 
mustered in November 6, 1861, Colonel Shaw later becoming commander of the 
Second Brigade and Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. He led his troops 
numbering twenty-two hundred men, at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shi- 
loh, and six months were passed at Mobile, Chalsa, Selma, Talladega, Madison, 
Macon and Libby. The regiment was reorganized in January, 1863, and General 
Curtis assigned Colonel Shaw to a commission to investigate the loyalty of cer- 
tain prominent St. Louis citizens, with the result that a number were sent south. 
In April, 1863, the Fourteenth Iowa was ordered to Vicksburg to rejoin the old 
brigade with the Second, Seventh, Eighth and Twelfth Iowa Regiments, but 
when they reached Cairo, where a large number of troops were received, incltid- 
ing three companies of new recruits of the Fourteenth, the Thirty-fifth Iowa 
Regiment was sent south in its place. In June, 1863, the Fourteenth went to 
Columbus, Kentucky, and Colonel Shaw was detached and appointed president 
of a court martial and later given command of the post. On the 2d of February, 
following, this regiment left Vicksburg on the Meridian campaign and returned 
on the ist of March, remaining at Vicksburg until April, 1864. 

Colonel Shaw was in command of the brigade in the battle of Fort de Russey. 
They marched twenty-eight miles in one day, built two bridges and at nightfall 
captured the fort. Joinmg General Banks, the brigade took active part in the 
battle of Pleasant Hill, Colonel Shaw bearing the brunt of the conflict and losing 
heavily. Though a victory was achieved by the Union arms. General Banks 
ordered a retreat and Colonel Shaw's brigade covered it almost the entire dis- 
tance to the mouth of the Red river. In July the Sixteenth was reorganized and 
Colonel Shaw was made commander of the Third Division and held that im- 
portant post until the muster out, the last service being the chase of Price's army 
out of Missouri. At Davenport, Iowa, November 16, 1864, the Fourteenth Iowa 
was mustered out, on which occasion the following order was issued : 

"Headquarters Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, 

Harrisonville, Mo., October 29, 1864. 
Special Order No. 132. 

Colonel William T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers is relieved from com- 
mand of the Third Division Sixteenth Army Corps and will forthwith join his 
regiment at Davenport. Iowa. The quartermaster will furnish transportation for 
himself and authorized servants. 

In relieving Col. Shaw from the command of the Third Division, prior to 
being mustered out, it is an act of justice to an energetic, thorough, competent 
officer, to say that for the last fifteen months he has been in this command as 
commanding a post, brigade and division. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 11 

In every position he has ever performed the incumbent duties faithfully and 
well, with an ability that few can equal, with courage, patriotism and skill above 
question. The service loses an excellent officer when he is mustered out. 

By order of 

Major General A. J. Smith. 
J. Haugh, A. A. G." 

Possibly no single event of Colonel Shaw's military record compares in sig- 
nificance to the "Hornet's Nest." Historians now agree that the bravery and 
strategy displayed by him at this time saved Grant's army from demoralization 
and ultimately won for the Union one of its main objects. In making, special 
mention of this it does not detract from the glory of others, but tardy justice is 
not without its reward. 

We quote from his message to his comrades at the dedication of the Shiloh 
monument these significant words : "I am the only surviving colonel of the eleven 
who commanded the Iowa troops at Shiloh. For the kind interposition of Divine 
Providence, I trust I have due regard, and today in the quiet of my home, far 
removed from Shiloh field, I speak to you of the Fourteenth. It is fit and proper 
that you and I remember our fallen comrades. It is fit and proper that our 
great commonwealth should erect these monuments to their memory to com- 
memorate the valor of the Iowa regiments which upheld the flag of their country 
and the reputation of their state upon this battlefield." 

Colonel Shaw resumed the duties of citizenship on the expiration of his term 
of service and his name was connected with many of the enterprises of Anamosa 
afterward. He was the first mayor in 1856, was on the school board for many 
years, a member of the legislature in 1875-6, built the old Congregational and 
Methodist churches, Shaw's block, where are located the county offices and court 
room, several of the blocks east of the hotel, nearly all the blocks between Niles 
& Watters' Savings Bank and Huber street, one or two on the opposite side, the 
schoolhouse on Strawberry Hill and a number of residences in various parts of 
town. Included among the latter was his own spacious, handsome home on a 
sightly eminence, a half mile southeast of town, from whose picturesque grounds 
one may gaze with enchanted vision on the broad expanse of prairie farms, groves 
and woodland that meet the eye at dififerent points of the compass. 

For something over thirty-five years he was the senior member of the Shaw 
& Schoonover Bank, now the Anamosa National Bank, and had more to do with 
the material growth and development of the town than any other citizen during 
his residence of fifty-six years. Partial blindness for a prolonged period, fol- 
lowed by practically total extinction of his eyesight during the last few years, 
made very active participation in business impossible, but the colonel thus grad- 
ually withdrawing from care, mellowed down very perceptibly from the rugged 
and sometimes imperious manner of address for which he was noted. But be- 
hind all of this his kindness of heart was proverbial in the care of his men in 
the army and was illustrated by benefactions of every conceivable kind during 
nearly sixty years of home life. The diamond of generous giving to the needy 
and helpfulness to many a man in need of help had a rough covering but it was a 
diamond just the same. Colonel Shaw detested the tobacco habit, was a stalwart 
worker in the prohibitory amendment campaign of 1882, contributed a large sum 



12 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

in the building of the Welch factory, was a helper in a multitude of enterprises 
for the benefit of the community, and, as the Cedar Rapids Republican well says: 
"he was a typical pioneer and we shall not soon look upon his like again." 

In his declining years Colonel Shaw was blessed with the comfort and cheer 
afforded by the companionship and devotion of his daughter, Helen L. Shaw. 
During the months in which his strength gradually failed, and long sickness was 
his, she was continually by her father's side to note his every want and to minister 
to his comfort, giving him every possible attention that a loving daughter could 
bestow. A contemporary biographer has said of him : 

- "In his personal character Colonel Shaw was modest in the extreme, readily 
yielding to others more credit for accomplished results than he cared to ascribe 
to himself. A close observer of events and a rare judge of men, through a long 
and eventful life, in which he had come in familiar contact with the greatest 
actors in a wondrous era, he was an entertaining person to meet, show- 
ing in his discourse the knowledge and discrimination of the critic and the well 
tempered judgment of the philosopher. Owing to his true friendship in which 
confidence was never lost or debased, his name is deeply engraved upon the hearts 
of thousands of men and women, who have known him in his early struggles, 
trials and triumphs. He was ever highly esteemed by all who knew him as an 
honest, sympathetic and public-spirited citizen. His every-day life was simple, 
unpretending and democratic, bringing him in close touch with all classes, whose 
feelings and aspirations he understood better than those who stood aloof. 

"Philosopher, scholar, thinker, philanthropist, his trained mind worked with 
the precision of a splendid piece of machinery. Indissolubly connected with Ana- 
mosa, its rise, progress and destiny, his public services and private virtues belong 
to the nation, as one of its great historical characters, and upon whom the town of 
Anamosa has long since conferred the enduring title of 'First Citizen.' 

"Statesman, patriot, soldier, friend. He died as he had lived and in a brave 
battle with the grim reaper he yielded at last to his first and only surrender. 

"Sofnewhere in eternity, within some golden palace walls, where old battle 
scarred banners float, and Union jacks keep guard, and Grants and Shermans 
reign, and all the patriot heroes dwell, the old and fearless warrior has joined the 
armies of the ages. Amid the dawning light of a new born century, in an age 
of iron, and steam, and armies, and in a world of peace, weary with the weight 
of years, death touched his tired heart and he was borne across the great 
divide that separates man from immortality. Free at last from all the turmoils 
and struggles of a long and busy life, the old veteran is at rest." 



HENRY J. BANGHART. 

Henry J. Banghart is a prominent and well known resident of Washington 
town.ship. who resides in Cascade, his native city, where he is engaged in the 
real-estate business, making a specialty of handling Kansas and Texas lands. 
He was born in 1854 and is a representative of one of the best known and highly 
respected families of Jones county, his ancestors originally coming from Holland. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 13 

His father, George G. Banghart, was born in Belvidere, New Jersey, in 1816, 
and came to Cascade, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1841, where about a year after 
his arrival he opened a general store, selling all kinds of merchandise. In the 
same year he purchased one thousand acres of land at two dollars per acre, 
all located in Jones county, and in connection with his store he carried on gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits. He became an extensive stock dealer, raising on his 
own farm from four thousand to six thousand dollars worth of stock annually, 
while he was the only buyer and shipper of stock in the vicinity of Cascade for 
about twenty-five years. He was also the leading merchant in that city, holding 
a foremost rank among the business men of the community up to the time of his 
death. He was a stalwart democrat in politics, serving efificiently as county su- 
pervisor of Jones county for eight years and was a very prominent and influential 
figure in all local affairs. Although his education had been very limited, having 
attended school in all but thirteen months, nevertheless his was naturally a very 
bright mind and he kept thoroughly posted upon all matters of general moment, so 
that he could readily respond with an impromptu address at any time upon any 
subject. He was a man of much wisdom and excellent judgment, and his opin- 
ions were universally accepted as authority upon almost every question. At the 
time of his death he was one of the most substantial and prosperous citizens of 
the community, still owning his farm of one thousand acres, which had greatly 
increased in value, and also three fine store buildings. The stores and the old 
Banghart mansion are still in the Banghart name and will continue so as long 
as the first generation exists. He was a faithful member of the Episcopal church, 
in the faith of which he passed away on the 13th of August, 1881. 

In 1837 George G. Banghart married Eliza A. Bucknam, who was born in Pon- 
tiac. Michigan, in 1821 while her death occurred on the 23d of December, 1906. 
She was the daughter of Caleb Bucknam, the original founder of Cascade. He 
platted the village in 1840, when its inhabitants numbered ten people. In 1843 
he donated the two cemeteries — the Catholic and Protestant — and was a promi- 
nent factor in the public affairs of the city, aiding materially in its growth and 
progress. He passed away in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George G. Banghart 
were born eight children, namely: Clarkson G.. born in 1839; Mrs. Carrie A. Mc- 
Vey. who was born in 1840 and passed away at the age of twenty-nine years; 
William J., born in 1847, whose death occurred in 1903 ,* Frank S., who was born in 
1850 and died in 1896; Henry J., of this review; Oscar H., born in 1858; Mrs. 
Mary L. Livermore, who was born in 1861 ; and Mrs. Fannie B. Cornell, who was 
born in 1863 and passed away in 1891. 

The period of his boyhood and youth were passed by Henry J. Banghart 
in the usual manner of the lads of his time, and he is indebted to the public school 
system of Cascade for the educational advantages enjoyed. He was reared under 
the parental roof, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the 
pleasures of the playground and the work assigned him at home, and upon at- 
taining man's estate started out in the business world on his own account. For 
a number of years he was engaged as traveling salesman and also handled Kansas 
and Texas lands, but is now located in Cascade, where he carries on real-estate 
operations. The business which he has built up for himself in this direction has 
become very gratifying in its proportions and is constantly increasing in growth 



14 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and importance. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of oppor- 
tunities which he improves to their full extent, he keeps in close touch with the 
market so that he knows where and when to buy and sell, and has therefore made 
continuous progress in the business world, his success indicating clearly the ability 
which he has displayed. 

On January 24, 1905, Mr. Banghart was united in marriage to Miss Alice Mc- 
Guire, a daughter of Michael and Margaret McGuire, well known farming peo- 
ple residing near Milledgeville, Illinois. He holds membership in St. Martin's 
Catholic church, and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. 
Throughout his entire life he has made his home in Cascade, covering a period of 
more than a half century, and his fellow townsmen know him as a straightforward 
and reliable business man and an enterprising and progressive citizen, who well 
merits the esteem that is universally accorded him. 



LAWRENCE SCHOONOVER. 

Lawrence Schoonover, whose memory is cherished by all who knew him while 
he was yet an active factor in the world's work, lives through his influence and 
the force of his splendid example in the lives of those with whom he came in 
contact. He was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor not alone by 
reason of the success which he achieved in business, although he became one of 
the prosperous residents of the county, but owing to the fact that he made busi- 
ness but one phase of existence, never allowing it to exclude the acts of pro- 
gressive and faithful citizenship or of a recognition of his obligations to his 
fellowmen. Those who were associated in life, when speaking of him, pay 
gracious tribute to his memory for his record was one which awakened admira- 
tion, confidence, respect and honor. 

Mr. Schoonover was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 
1828, and was the eldest son of Thomas and Sarah Schoonover. The first 
thirteen years of his life were spent in the place of his nativity and he then 
accompanied his parents on their removal to Franklin county, Indiana, where 
the family home was maintained for seven years. In 1848. a further removal 
was made to Fort Wayne, Allen county, Indiana, and thus upon the frontier of 
the Hoosier State during the pioneer epoch in its history Lawrence Schoonover 
was reared, sharing with the family in the hardships and privations which 
are always features in pioneer life. He continued under the parental roof until 
nearly twenty-one years of age and in the fall of 1849, went on foot to Naper- 
ville, Illinois, making his way to the home of an uncle residing there. In that 
locality, he was employed at farm labor by the month until the fall of 1853. In 
the meantime his uncle died and with his widowed aunt in the fall of 1853, 
he drove across the country in an open buggy drawn by one horse to Scotch 
Grove, Jones county, Iowa, looking for government land. Soon afterward he 
purchased three hundred and twenty acres in the eastern part of Wayne town- 
ship, after which he returned to Illinois and there remained until 1856. He then 
again came to Jones county to make it his home, his father having removed to 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 17 

the county about eight months before. In the spring of 1856, he began to 
develop his farm, plowing the fields and fencing the land. It was some time 
before the farm proved a profitable property and during the summers of 1858 
and 1859, he attended school in Bloomington, Illinois, while in the successive 
winters he engaged in teaching at Langworthy, Iowa. In i860, he was elected 
county supervisor from Wayne county, this being the first county board of 
supervisors. As the years came and went he continued an active factor in 
public affairs, whether in office or out of it, for his opinions were always re- 
garded as sound and proved influencing factors in molding public thought and 
action. 

Like the great majority of American citizens, Lawrence Schoonover was 
deeply aroused to the political situation of the country and its significance in 
the months which preceded the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the 
south. Just two months after Fort Sumter had been fired upon he offered his 
aid to the government, enlisting on the 13th of June, 1861, as a member of 
Company G, First Iowa Cavalry, with which he served with distinction until 
September 9, 1864. After more than three years spent at the front he was 
honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He was the first man from Jones 
county to enlist for three years. He had enlisted under the call for seventy-five 
thousand troops to serve for three months but for some reason was not mus- 
tered into the United States service under that enlistment. He continued with 
the army for three and a half years and during that time participated in a 
number of hotly contested engagements which were factors in the victory that 
finally crowned the Union arms. In 1865, the year following his return from 
the war, he was elected county treasurer and his fidelity and capability in that 
position are indicated in the fact that by reelection he was continued in the 
office for eight years or four terms. 

Mr. Schoonover was holding that position at the time of his marriage which 
occurred November 5, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Amelia J. Tanner. 
They became the parents of five children but three of the number died prior 
to the death of the father. Those who still survive are George L. and Mary, 
together with Mrs. Schoonover, between whom and her husband there existed 
a relation that was largely ideal. 

On his retirement from the office of county treasurer, Mr. Schoonover took 
his place in the ranks of the business men of Jones county and was soon occupy- 
ing a foremost position. In December, 1873, he entered into banking circles, 
forming a partnership with Colonel W. T. Shaw, E. M. Condit and J. A. Bell, 
for the conduct of a private banking business which was carried on for a number 
of years under the firm name of Shaw, Schoonover & Company, at the end of 
which time Mr. Condit and Mr. Bell retired, the partnership between Mr. Shaw 
and Mr. Schoonover being maintained until Colonel Shaw retired from business. . 
Mr. Schoonover was then alone in his banking enterprise until January 7, 1897, 
when it was consolidated with the Anamosa National Bank and he was chosen 
to the presidency of the latter, so continuing until his demise. 

In r^Iasonry Mr. Schoonover took high rank and was most deeply attached 
to the organization. He was initiated in Anamosa Lodge, No. 46. August 10, 
1866; passed, September 7, 1866; raised October 12, 1866. He served in the 



18 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

following offices of the blue lodge, namely: junior warden, 1867-69; senior war- 
den, 1869-76, 1883-87, 1889-92, 1896-1902, in all serving his lodge as a worthy 
and efficient master for seventeen years. Exalted as a Royal Arch Mason, De- 
cember 30. 1878, by Monticello Chapter, No. 42, Monticello, Iowa, and afterward 
became a charter member of Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, at its organization. 
Knighted in Order of the Temple, September 26, 1871, by Trinity Commandery, 
No. 16, Monticello, Iowa. Became a charter member of Mount Olivet Com- 
mandery, No. 36. Anamosa, Iowa. Served as first senior warden of Mount 
Olivet Commandery, No. 46. Also served as eminent commander. Mount Olivet 
Commandery, 1884-86. Constituted a noble of the Mystic Shrine. October 25, 
1901. Joined Mount Moriah Chapter, O. E. S., No. 16, March i, 1882. Served 
as worthy patron from 1892-1904. 

On account of failing health, Mr. Schoonover went to California in the 
fall of 1903, accompanied by his wife and daughter. In the succeeding winter 
he erected a residence in Los Angeles and spent each winter there until the time 
of his death which occurred February 2, 1907, when he had reached the age 
of seventy-eight years, one month and twenty days. His remains were brought 
back to Anamosa for interment and the funeral services were held under the 
auspices of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was so long an exemplary rep- 
resentative. Perhaps no better tribute to his memory can be given than in quoting 
from Judge B. H. ^Miller who on the occasion of the funeral said : 

"In his young manhood we find him possessed of that sturdy determination 
which afterward proved his great success in life. First a determination to come 
to the then prairie wilderness of the great and undeveloped west. Here to ac- 
quire property and make it a productive source of income by his industry and 
capable management. Taking upon himself the rugged responsibilities of the 
early pioneer and adapting himself to the conditions of an undeveloped country, 
which, by such industry as his. has been developed into a veritable garden of 
production suited to its soil and climate. Here he first learned the lesson of 
economy that has been am]-)ly re])aid by the accumulation of a comfortable for- 
tune for himself and family. He further showed by his efforts to obtain an 
education that he fully realized the necessity of being fully prepared and 
equipped for any position or station in an active and successful life 

"By his early enlistment he demonstrated the enthusiastic patriotism so 
essentially necessary to the existence and perpetuation of a government such as 
ours, no doubt feeling that if it required he would sacrifice his life that the 
nation might not die by its dismemberment. 'Such patriots are born and not 
made.' His inflexible fidelity to his country and watchful care and zeal and good 
faith in every official position in life, won for him the confidence and respect of 
all who knew him. His loyalty to home, friends and fraternal relations dis- 
played his great moral worth and won for him the admiration and love of those 
so associated with him. And his creed, 'Whatsoever you sow, that shall you 
reap,' was the strong and substantial foundation upon which he builded his soul- 
ful and manly life. He never sowed to the winds, neither did immorality of 
any kind or character find lodgment in his pure mind. Nothing dishonorable 
or untruthful was ever truthfully charged against him; but in every department 
of life he walked uprightly before God and man; squaring his actions by the 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 19 

square of justice; ever remembering that he was traveHng upon the level of time 
to a better, brighter and purer sphere than this. For a number of years he had 
not been united with any religious society, yet we find in his life many of the 
Christian attributes and virtues. His was a religion of works and deeds, rather 
than one of creeds and professions. He lived and died a manly man. His pass- 
ing was peaceful and without a groan or struggle, simply falling asleep to wake 
in a better and brighter world. He died as he lived, at peace with bis God, 
his neighbors and himself. As we look upon his physical face today, pale in the 
embrace of death, and his body serenely resting in that casket, we are again forci- 
bly reminded that all men are born to die. These are all striking emblems of 
mortality and afford serious reflection to a thinking mind; but they would be 
still more gloomy were it not for the emblem of immortality which once bloomed 
at the grave of the illustrious dead and which serves to remind us of that im- 
perishable part of man which bears the nearest affinity to the Supreme intelligence 
which pervades all nature and which can never, never die. 

" 'Still seems it strange that we should live forever? 

Is it less strange that we should live at all? 

This is a miracle, and that no more.' " 



CLIFFORD B. PAUL. 



Clifford B. Paul, junior partner of the law firm of Miller & Paul, at Anamosa, 
is now making steady progress in the profession of law, while in former years he 
was closely and helpfully associated with the educational advancement of the 
county. His birth occurred in Onslow, this covmty, June 9, 1877, and he has there- 
fore not yet reached the zenith of his powers, for he has not completed one-third 
of a century since starting on life's journey. His parents were John T. and 
Isabella (Wherry) Paul, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In the year 1854 
they came to Iowa, casting in their lot with the early settlers of Jones county. 

Reared under the parental roof Clifford B. Paul pursued his education in the 
schools of Wyoming until he had completed the high-school course. He was 
afterward graduated from Lenox College with the class of 1898 and displayed 
considerable literary merit as editor of the college paper. He made his initial 
step along professional lines as a teacher in the public schools of Coggon, Linn 
county, and the following year was elected county superintendent of schools, 
which office he filled for seven years, during which period the cause of public 
education was greatly stimulated by the zeal and energy which he displayed in 
discharging the duties of his position. He held to high ideals and worked ear- 
nestly and effectively for the improvement of the schools. He was also an ac- 
tive member of the Iowa Teachers' Association and was regarded as a prominent 
representative of educational interests in the state. During this period he also 
took an active part in politics, becoming recognized as one of the leaders of the 
republican party in his district, and in 1906 he was elected a representative to 
the Thirty-second general assembly. As a member of that body he gave earnest 
and thoughtful consideration to each question which came up for settlement and 



20 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

supported such measures as he beheved would prove helpful to the entire com- 
munity. While still filling the position of county superintendent he took up the 
study of law and was admitted to practice before the bar of the state in 1908. 
In January, 1909, he entered actively upon the work of the profession as a part- 
ner of Judge Miller, under the firm style of Miller & Paul. His laudable ambition, 
his studious habits and his association with one of the foremost members of the 
Jones county bar argues well for a successful future. 

Mr. Paul is widely known and popular in Jones county, where he is identified 
with various lines of activity. He is a member of the honorary law fraternity of 
Phi Delta Phi and of the college fraternity of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, belongs to 
the Masonic lodge of Anamosa and to various branches of Masonry, including the 
Mystic Shrine, while his political allegiance has been manifest in the stalwart sup- 
port which he has given the republican party since age conferred upon him the 
right of franchise. 



HENRY DEARBORN. 



On the roll of Jones county's honored dead appears the name of Henry Dear- 
born, who for many years figured as one of the most prominent representatives 
of industrial interests in the county, coming to this district before the advent 
of the railroads and entering actively upon the work of quarrying stone here. As 
the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening 
of completed and successful effort ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the 
night, so was the life of Mr. Dearborn to whom was vouchsafed seven years be- 
yond the alloted three score and ten. 

A native of West Compton, Grafton county. New Hampshire, Henry Dear- 
born was born Jime 14, 1829, his parents being Henry and Abigail (Spokesfield) 
Dearborn. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in his father's home, his 
time being divided between the work of the farm and the acquirement of an edu- 
cation in the district school. He then started in the business world by learning 
the stone cutter's trade at Lowell, Massachusetts, and the following year he 
secured employment on the construction of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Rail- 
road, at Meredith Bridge, New Hampshire, his time being devoted to stone cut- 
ting and mason work. For two years he labored between Meredith Bridge and 
Plymouth, New Hampshire, and in December, 1849, returned home to spend the 
winter and attend school. School life proved too dull for his active nature, how- 
ever, and on the second day he discontinued his studies and on the succeeding 
day engaged passage on the stage to Wells River, Vermont. He arrived there 
the next morning, hunted up Mr. Lewis, a contractor with whom he was ac- 
quainted, and within fifteen minutes had made a contract with him to take charge 
of mason work between Wells River and the village of Stevens. He satisfactorily 
completed the task about June i, 1850 — and had then not reached the twenty-first 
anniversary of his birth. 

Desiring to try his fortunes elsewhere than in New England he left Vermont 
for Abington Green, Pennsylvania, where he arrived June 14, 1850, the twenty- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 21 

first anniversary of his birth. He immediately started out in search of employment 
and that day made a contract with the superintendent of the Lackawanna & 
Western Railroad to take charge of a gang of masons and stonecutters on bridge 
work. He had as many as sixty-five men under his supervision and remained 
with the road for eleven and a half months without the loss of a single day, the 
work then being nearly completed. All through his life he displayed the utmost 
energy, and his close application and diligence were salient features in a success- 
ful career. 

The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Dearborn in Jones county, and he 
opened the first stone quarry at Stone City, developing a business to which he de- 
voted his energies throughout his remaining days. Three years passed before a 
railroad was built through the county, but nevertheless the new enterprise pros- 
pered, and with the building of the railroad and the rapid settlement of the lo- 
cality its patronage steadily increased. His business affairs were always conducted 
in a systematic, methodical manner, and unabating energy and unfaltering per- 
severance were also factors in his progress. In later years his sons were asso- 
ciated with him in business, and as he passed down the hill of life they relieved 
him more and more of the responsibility and arduous labors that were factors 
in the management of the business. 

On the 2ist of August, 1854, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dearborn 
and ISIiss Martha H. Frankland, of South Framingham, Massachusetts. Her par- 
ents were Luke and Elizabeth (Hostley) Frankland, both of whom were na- 
tives of England. The mother died in that country at the age of forty-four years, 
and the father came to the United States in 1847. Mrs. Dearborn, who was 
likewise born on the "Merry Isle," came to America with her older brother on a 
sailing vessel, being nine weeks on the voyage. The father had preceded them to 
this country about two years, and they joined him here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dear- 
born were born five sons and three daughters. Henry F., born June 19, 1859, 
married Miss Annie Farrell and unto them were born ten children: William 
James, Clarence Henry, George Franklin, Harrison Edward, Mary, Martha Ellen, 
Alice A., Irwin Ellsworth, Florence and Bertha. This family resides at Stone 
City. William N., the second son, born May 30, 1861, wedded Ora Belle Thomp- 
son, and lives in Stone City. Sarah M., born November 26, 1865, is the wife of 
David Gordon, a resident of Marion, Iowa, and their children are Gerald Law- 
rence, Henry, May Etta, and Franklin. George Edward, born July 8, 1868, wed- 
ded Miss Libbie Segrist and resided in Stone City, where he died July 24, 1889, 
at the age of thirty-one years, leaving four children : Laura H., ]\Iartha H., Ruth, 
and Frederick. Mary E., born July 8, 1873, is the wife of Edward J. Reed, of 
Stone City, and their children are Leota E., George E., Marion E., Sarah Dor- 
othy, Isabelle Harriet, and one who died in infancy. In addition to the above 
named Mr. and Mrs. Dearborn lost three children in infancy. 

The death of the husband and father occurred in 1908, when he had passed 
the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. Thus was closed a life of great 
usefulness. He had not only been an active factor in business circles but was an 
exemplary member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in community 
affairs took an active and helpful interest. He had become a resident of Cass 
township in 1856, making his early home on a farm in Cass Center, at which time 



22 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the crops were taken to Dubuque, the nearest market. All around stretched the 
wild prairie, and the winters were long and cold. During the second year Mr. 
Dearborn went to Anamosa, where he followed his trade of stone cutting and 
bridge building. In 1859 he opened his quarry at Stone City and for some time 
walked each day to and from his home in Anamosa. In December, 1870, how- 
ever, he removed to Stone City to be near the field of his operations, and in all 
of his business life he sustained an unassailable reputation for integrity. In the 
legitimate lines of trade he won success and gained for himself an honorable name. 
In June 23, 1874, he was appointed postmaster of Stone City, which office he filled 
for sixteen years, and from the organization of the republican party he gave to 
it stalwart support. His position on any vital question was never an equivocal 
one, and he stood freely in defense of his honest convictions. He came to be 
known as a man worthy of all respect and confidence and his memory remains as 
a blessed benediction to all who knew him. 



JAMES E. REMLEY. 

James E. Remley, who has been engaged in the practice of law at Anamosa 
since the ist of July, 1901, now occupies a leading position at the bar of eastern 
Iowa and for the past six years has been associated with his father, Howard M. 
Remley, under the firm style of Remley & Remley. His birth occurred in Ana- 
mosa, Jones county, Iowa, on the 24th of February, 1877, his parents being 
Howard M. and Mary U. (Underwood) Remley. The father, who has been a 
prominent representative of the legal profession at Anamosa for the past thirty- 
seven years, is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. The 
first representatives of the Remley family in this country came from Germany 
about 1760, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1790 they took up their abode in Vir- 
ginia, now West Virginia, while the year 1856 witnessed the removal of the 
family from that state to Iowa. The maternal ancestors of our subject came to 
this state from Rhode Island, locating at ]\Iuscatine. 

James E. Remley obtained his early education in the common schools of his 
native city and subsequently entered the high school here, completing the pre- 
scribed course in 1896 and graduating as salutatorian of his class. In September 
of that year he became enrolled as a student in the collegiate department of the 
university of Iowa, where he won the degree of bachelor of philosophy in June, 
1900, while in June, 1901, the degree of bachelor of laws was conferred upon 
him by the law department of that institution. On the 1st of July, 190 1, he began 
the practice of his profession at Anamosa, remaining alone until the ist of Jan- 
uary, 1903. when he formed a partnership with his father, Howard M. Remley, 
which has been maintained to the present time, the firm being known as Remley 
& Remley. At the time of the organization of the firm the senior partner had 
just retired as judge of the eighteenth judicial district. In no profession is there 
a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor 
is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of 
the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis 




J. K. REMLEY 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 25 

of all human rights and privileg-es. Unflagg-ing application, intuitive wisdom 
and a determination fully to utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which 
insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the 
stern conservator of justice ; and it is one into which none should enter without 
a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for suc- 
cess does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive 
fray, but come only as the diametrical result of capacity and unmistable ability. 
Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, James E. Remley soon 
gained a position of leadership at the bar and his practice is extensive and of an 
important character. 

In his political views Mr. Remley is a republican, while his religious faith is 
indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He is identified with several 
fraternal societies and has held various offices therein, being now chancellor 
commander of the Knights of Pythias. While still a youth he became interested 
in the law and determined to make its practice his life work. He early displayed 
marked oratorical powers and took a prominent part in the activities of the de- 
bating societies both in high school and at college. He belongs to the Sigma Nu 
fraternity, a social organization, and also to the Phi Delta Phi, a law fraternity 
whose membership is based upon scholarship. A young man of genial manner, 
unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cordiality, he has an extensive circle of warm 
friends in the city where his entire life has been passed. 



THOMAS LISTER. 



One of the practical enterprising and prosperous farmers of Jones county is 
Thomas Lister, who has spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having 
here occurred in t868. His father, James Lister, who for twenty-one years was 
the chief mason of the state penitentiary, owned a fine farm, which the family 
occupied, and at the old homestead Thomas Lister spent the days of his boy- 
hood and youth, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist as he tills his fields and raises his stock. His literary 
education was acquried in the public schools and he was then qualified for life's 
practical and responsible duties. He chose as his life work the occupation to which 
he was reared and in connection with his brother Arthur, who is mentioned else- 
where in this volume, he owns and operates what is known as the Ridgewood 
stock farm, consisting of four hundred acres situated in Fairview township about 
three miles' west of Anamosa. This is one of the valuable farms of the kind, 
its soil being rich and productive so that good crops are annually gathered. Stock 
raising, however, is the main feature of the place and the brothers handle a 
large Imount of fine stock annually securing for it a ready sale on the market. 

On the I St of January, 1900, Thomas Lister was united in marriage to Miss 
Marie Carper, a daughter of Asa and Amanda Carper, who are natives of 
Virginia The death of Mrs. Lister occurred in 1904, when she was thirty- 
seven years of age. There was one child of that marriage, Margaret Louise, born 
February 11, 1904. Mr. Lister is a member of Anamosa Lodge, No. 40, I. O. 



26 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

O. F., and is in sympathy with the basic principles and teachings of the fraternity. 
His political support is given to the republican party, with which he has been iden- 
tiiied since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always lived 
in this county and his life of well directed energy and thrift has brought to him 
substantial success and made him one of the representative business men of 
this section. 



SPRAGUE MALON HOSFORD. 

Sprague Malon Hosford, son of Orlando Franklin and Alice Mowrey Hosford, 
was born September lo, 1872, in Castle Grove township, Jones county, Iowa, 
where he now resides. Orlando Franklin Hosford was born in Johnsonville, 
Trumbull county, Ohio, and was the son of Daniel S. and Pauhne Palmer Hos- 
ford, both natives of Connecticut. Alice Mowrey Hosford was born in Gustavus, 
Trumbull county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Isaac and Betsy Pelton Mowrey, 
the former a native of Connecticut and the latter a native of Vermont. Orlando 
Franklin Hosford and Alice Mowrey Hosford came to Iowa in the early '60s, 
the former in i86i, and the latter a few years later. They were married Sep- 
tember 14, 1865, and to them was born one child, the subject of this sketch, who 
now resides on section 16, Castle Grove township on a farm of two hundred acres, 
one of the best improved in the township. 

S. M. Hosford received his education in the rural schools of Castle Grove 
township, with the addition of a year and a half spent in the Monticello high 
school. Though not having the benefit of graduating from the high school, or of 
attending college, he is one of the brightest and best informed men in the township. 
He is a keen observer, has a fertile mind and is gifted with liberal ideas. 

After leaving school, he assisted his father in the labor of the farm and has 
always enjoyed outdoor exercises. He has always lived on the same farm, and, 
upon the retirement of his parents in 1900, his parents moving to Monticello where 
they now reside, he assumed the management. A glance at the sleek cattle, the 
well filled barns, the large crops, the use and practice of modern methods of 
farming and the general air of prosperity surrounding the premises, will speak 
of the degree of success he has attained as a farmer. His attention was early 
turned to the breeding of high bred stock, and he is now the owner of the Silver- 
dale herd of registered short-horns, one of the finest herds of stock to be found 
anywhere and one of which this young farmer, as well as the people of the town- 
ship, can well feel proud. 

Mr. Hosford, with his native ability and successful business methods, easily 
attracted the attention of the people of the township, and it was only natural 
that they should wish the same business principles applied to the public business 
as this young man applied to his private affairs. For several years he served as 
secretary of the Downerville Cooperative Creamery. He was township assessor 
in 19OT and in 1902. He is now serving his fourth term as a member of the 
township schoolboard. Upon the organization of the Farmers' Mutual Insur- 
ance Association in 1908, he was chosen secretary, and the rapid progress and 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 27 

present business standing of the association, stand as a vindication of the judg- 
ment of the members making this selection. With risks amounting in the aggre- 
gate to over two hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, the clerical work 
connected with the office of secretary, and the clear head required to keep in 
touch with business and keep things moving smoothly and properly, requires 
a man of more than ordinary ability. Air. Hosford, in connection with his other 
duties, has found time to take an active part in local politics and during the past 
two campaigns has performed the duties of township member of the county repub- 
lican central committee with the same fidelity and success as has been note- 
worthy in his other fields of activity. His broad grasp of afifairs, his progress- 
ive farming methods, his excellent memory, his intelligent mind and practical wis- 
dom, combined with his natural ability as a writer and a speaker, make him 
one of the most popular and deserving young men in the township. 

S. M. Hosford and Miss Katie Irene Brown were married at Kasota, Min- 
nesota. February 15, 1900. Mrs. Hosford is the daughter of Philander and 
Emily Pettis Brown. Philander Brown was born in Coldwater, Michigan, in 
1838. He was a frontiersman of three states, namely: Michigan, Iowa and Min- 
nesota. In the 40's, he resided for a time near Cascade on the Jones county 
border. He served in the United States army during the Indian uprising in 
Minnesota, and in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion. Emily 
Pettis Brown was born in Pittsfield, Illinios, in 1844. Philander Brown and 
Emily Pettis Brown were married April 2, 1863. Mr. Brown died at Williston, 
North Dakota. December 18, 1907. Mrs. Brown is now living at Williston, North 
Dakota. 

Two children have come to bless the home life of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Hos- 
ford, a daughter, Gladys Mittylene Hosford, born June 24, 1901, and a son, 
Kenneth Brown Hosford, born August 16, 1909. S. M. Hosford and family now 
reside on the same farm where Mr. Hosford was born in Castle Grove township. 
Happiness, contentment and prosperity is theirs to enjoy, and the community is 
enriched by their having lived in it. 



SAMUEL ORR. 



Samuel Orr, whose demise occurred December 27, 1875, was actively and 
successfully identified with agricultural interests in Clay township for a number 
of years. He was born in Ireland in 1831, his parents being Joseph and Agnes 
(Erskine) Orr, who spent their entire lives in that country. In the year 1853, 
when a young man of twenty-two, Samuel Orr crossed the Atlantic to the United 
States, taking up his abode in Connecticut. In that state he wedded Miss Sarah 
Orr, a native of Ireland, who made the ocean voyage to this country in company 
with her sister. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Orr enlisted for service in the 
Union armv as a member of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteer In- 
fantry, participating in the battle of Gettysburg. The year 1867 witnessed his 
arrival in Clay township, Jones county, Iowa, and here he purchased land and 
followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away Decem- 



28 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

ber 27, 1875, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his loss was the occa- 
sion of deep and widespread regret, for he was recognized as a most upright, 
honorable and respected citizen. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orr were born nine children, six of whom yet survive. 
The mother is still living and resides on the old home farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres in Clay township, which is now being operated by a renter. She 
is a valued and devoted member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of 
which she takes an active and helpful interest. She is widely known in Jones 
county, where she has now lived for more than forty years, and throughout this 
entire period she has enjoyed the respect and esteem of those with whom she 
has come in contact, while her good deeds have closely endeared her to many. 



HERMAN J. INGWERSEN. 

Herman J. Ingwersen is a successful merchant of Oxford, engaged in the 
hardware business. He is a native of Jones county, born ]\Iay 10, 1877. His 
father, Peter C. Ingwersen, was born in Germany, September 16, 1839, and was 
there reared and educated, and for three years served in the German army. He 
is one of a family of eight children, born unto Nicholas and Lucy Ingwersen, who 
emigrated to the new world in 1865, and spent their remaining days in this 
country. One of 'heir children died prior to their emigration to America and 
four died here. When twenty-five years old, foreseeing no future in the old 
world for him and having heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the 
opportunity for advancement in this country, he decided to leave home. It was 
in 1864, a year prior to his parents' emigration, that he first set foot on Ameri- 
can soil. He was in debt to the extent of one hundred dollars when he arrived 
here but he possessed the determination and energ}^ that is sure to win success, 
and accordingly made his way to the west, locating in Clinton county, Iowa. He 
rented land there for several years and through the cultivation of the same ac- 
quired the money that enabled him later to buy a farm in Jones county. He 
engaged in the operation of that farm for a quarter of a century and then 
disposed of the place and bought other land, owning at the present time two 
hundred and fifty acres in Oxford township and he and his son own two hun- 
dred and sixty-two acres in Clinton county, this state. He also owns a nice 
residence property in Oxford Junction, where he is living retired. 

Mr. Ingwersen was married to Miss Johanna Peterson, who was likewise born 
in Germany, and their union has been blessed with three sons and one daughter : 
Paul N., a resident of Hale township, Jones county ; L. P., who makes his home 
in Clinton county; Laura M., at home; and Herman J., of this review. Mr. 
Ingwersen is a democrat in his political views but has never been active in public 
afifairs. He and his wife were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, to 
which they now belong. The superiority of business opportunities and advan- 
tages in America is a fact little realized by the man who is born and reared in 
this country but Mr. Ingwersen, like many others of foreign birth, was quick to 
appreciate this fact and allowing no opportunity to pass if he could profit thereby, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 29 

he has worked his way upward to a substantial place among the valued residents 
of Oxford and Jones county. 

Herman J. Ingwersen, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in 
the common schools of Jones county and remained on the home farm until he 
reached years of maturity. He then joined John Buresh in the conduct of a 
hardware and implement business, in which he is still engaged having bought out 
the interest of his partner. The industry and perservance so characteristic of the 
German race is strong within him and the success he has attained in his chosen 
field of labor is very gratifying. He is a young man of many good qualities and 
has many friends both in social and business circles. 

Mr. Ingwersen has followed in the political steps of his father and gives his 
support to the democratic party, on which ticket he was elected and served 
for five years as township clerk. He is a member of Masonic lodge. No. 435, 
at Oxford Junction and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. 



ALBA M. FAIRBANKS. 

Alba 3il. Fairbanks, an enterprising member of the younger generation of 
Castle Grove's agriculturists, was born in Cass township. Jones county, !\ larch 
2.y. 1870, and is a son of A. \.. Fairbanks, Sr., whose sketch appears in another 
part of this volume. He worked upon his father's farm from the time he was 
able to hold the lighter farm implements until he became of age, when having 
married he was desirous of starting a home of his own. He then moved across 
the road from the homestead to the land on which he now resides. In 1900, he 
went to Knox, Benson county, North Dakota, to take up a government claim and 
after three years spent upon it, the time necessary to secure his possession of the 
three quarter sections he had chosen, he returned to Castle Grove township, where 
he has since devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He owns one hundred and 
sixty acres here, separated from the home place by the township line, on which 
he pursued a diversified line of farming. His fields are well improved and 
through up-to-date methods of cultivation show no signs of diminishing fertility. 
He has made stock raising one feature of his operations while the fact that he 
has also planted about seven acres in fruit, indicates the varied character of his 
interests. In addition to his own responsibilities, with his brother he assists in 
the management of the three hundred and sixty acre farm which belongs to his 
father. Energetic and progressive, he has made a place for himself among the 
active men of the township and his success has secured their good will and 
approbation. 

In 1891 ]\Ir. Fairbanks wedded IMiss Electa Stephens, who was born near 
Burlington. Iowa, and is a daughter of John and Helen (Clark) Stephens. Their 
union has been blessed with three children: Harry A., Helen and Lily, all of 
whom live at home. 

Mr. Fairbanks is a strong supporter of the Presbyterian church in Castle 
Grove township, while in the exercise of his right of franchise he casts his 
ballot for the candidates of the republican party. Indeed, he has evinced an 
active interest in political matters and in the local councils his opinion is accorded 



30 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

no small consideration. Fraternally he is connected with the Monticello lodge 
of the ^Modern Woodmen of America and among its members he has made many 
stanch friends, for he is a man who though successful in his own affairs is ever 
willing to exert himself in the behalf of those who are near to him. 



THOMAS RUSSELL ERCANBRACK. 

Thomas Russell Ercanbrack lives in the memory of his friends, enshrined 
in the halo of a gracious presence, a kindly spirit, unfeigned cordiality and strong 
intellectual attainment. To know him was to honor and respect him. He had a 
very wade acquaintance for he was one of the prominent lawyers of Jones county, 
was recognized as one of the leaders of the republican party in the state and was 
equally widely known for his activity in Masonic circles and in the church. High 
principles of Christianity constituted the dominating force of his life and his 
memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. 

The birth of Mr. Ercanbrack occurred at Ephratah, Fulton county, New 
York, August 19, 1832. and he was about nine years of age when he accompanied 
his parents on their removal to Byron, Illinois. Excellent educational opportuni- 
ties were afforded him, his public school course being supplemented by study at 
Mount Morris Seminary of Mount Morris, Illinois, the Beloit (Wis.) College 
and in the Wesleyan University at Middletown. Kentucky, from which institu- 
tion he was graduated with the class of 1858. He was admitted to the bar at 
Albany, New York, and was also licensed to practice in Illinois. After his grad- 
uation he devoted the succeeding ten years of his life to the profession of teaching, 
in which he manifested eminent ability. He was principal of the grammar schools 
of Peoria, Illinois, in i860 and of the high school in Marengo, Illinois, from 1861 
until 1865. He was also superintendent of public instruction in McHenry county, 
Illinois, from 1863 until 1865. and in the succeeding year was elected president 
of the North Missouri Collegiate Institute in Louisiana, Missouri. He acted as 
principal of the high school at Evanston, Illinois, in the school year of 1867, which 
terminated his active connection with the profession, although he remained 
throughout his entire life a stalwart champion of the cause of education and a 
warm friend of the teacher. He was ever appreciative of the service and sacrifice 
which the teacher renders the state and could find no language too choice and 
too courteous to express his unfailing esteem for those whom he often char- 
acterized as "the crown jewels of the republic." 

Mr. Ercanbrack, however, determined to devote his life to the practice of law 
and in 1867. was graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University 
and in January. t868, located for practice in Anamosa. Here he established his 
home, having in December, 1863, i" Marengo, Illinois, wedded Miss Harriet A. 
Boyce, with whom he traveled life's journey happily for thirty-eight years. No 
closer tie of companionship and love perhaps has ever existed between husband 
and wife, for they were as one in all of their interests, activities and ideals. Mrs. 
Ercanbrack was born in Brockville in the proivnce of Ontario. Canada, in 1839. 
Her father. David G. Boyce, was a native of Connecticut and removed with his 
parents to Canada, where he engaged in farming and merchandising. At the time 



I'- 




THOMAS R. ERCANBRACK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 33 

of his death he was a money broker. He had returned to the Uniteo States and 
died in IlHnois in 1853, when about fifty-seven years of age. He held mem- 
bership in the IVIethodist Episcopal church and gave his political alleg'-nce to the 
republican p-artv. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Delilah Booth, was 
born in New York and died in 1877, ^t the age of seventy-six years. She, too, 
was an earnest Christian, identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. In 
their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Ercanbrack was the fourth in order 
of birth. 

Soon after coming to Anamosa Mr. Ercanbrack entered into partnership with 
Judge C. R. Scott, now deceased, and later for twenty years was connected with 
Judge H. ]M. Remley. the association being maintained until Judge Remley was 
elected to the bench, about four years before the death of Mr. Ercanbrack. In 
the latter part of 1896 he formed a partnership with Ex-Senator F. O. Ellison, 
being a member of the firm of Ellison & Ercanbrack until the death of the latter. 
He was an industrious and able lawyer, well known to a large number of the mem- 
bers of the bar throughout the state. 

Following his demise, when the Jones County Bar Association met to give 
expression of their regard for Mr. Ercanbrack, M. W. Herrick said : "In all of 
his dealings with his brother attorneys he never violated his word or the obliga- 
tions of a gentleman. His life is a magnificent example to the young attorneys 
now entering the profession." Judge Thompson on the same occasion said : "For 
a quarter of a century I have known and appreciated Mr. Ercanbrack. I have 
tried cases with him and against him. The facts were always well presented. 
He was always honest and always opposed to pettifogging and hypocrisy." As 
the years passed Mr. Ercanbrack built up an extensive practice, being always 
connected with the most important litigation tried in the courts of the district. He 
was always careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional 
ethics. He never sought to lead the court astray in a matter of fact or law. 
Calm, dignified, self-controlled, free from passion or prejudice and overflowing 
with kindness, he gave to his client the service of great talent, unwearied in- 
dustry and rare learning, but he never forgot that there were certain things due 
to the court, to his ov/n self-respect and, above all, to justice and a righteous ad- 
ministration of the law which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of 
success would permit him to disregard. He was an able, faithful and conscien- 
tious minister in the temple of justice and he Avas endeared in private life to all 
who knew him by the simple nobility of his character. He continued in active 
practice up to the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1901. 

The motive spring of his conduct and of his relations with his fellowmen 
was to be found in his Christian belief. He was a faithful follower of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, in which he long served as an officer and also as superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school. He took the greatest delight in the work of the 
church and did everything in his power to further its interests and extend its in- 
fluence. He was also prominent as a Mason and was in fullest sympathy with 
its basic principles concerning the fatherhood and the brotherhood of man. He 
was accorded the highest honors within the gift of the order in the state. He 
was grand high priest of the Grand Chapter of Iowa in 1886-7 and grand com- 
mander of the Knight Templars of Iowa in 1896. He was also grand patron of 



34 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the Order of the Eastern Star from 1882 until 1886 inckisive. He had attended 
seven conclaves of the Knight Templars, was for many years a thirty-second de- 
gree member of the Iowa Consistory at Cedar Rapids and belonged to El Kahir 
Temple of the Mystic Shrine. On the occasion of his death W. H. Norris, grand 
commander of the Grand Commandery of Iowa said that Mr. Ercanbrack's demise 
was a great loss to the Masonic fraternity and especially to the order of Christian 
knighthood. He continued: "His life has been such as to command the respect 
of all Masons. None can truthfully write the history of Masonry in Iowa without 
devoting much time and space to his Hfe. For a long period he has been the 
committee on fraternal correspondence and his work has been thoroughly ap- 
preciated by his brethren. He has been promoted again and again in the per- 
formance of the high duties and responsibilities of Masonry. He was one of 
the originators of the grand chapter charity fund of so much value to our order." 
In local connections Mr. Ercanbrack was equally active in behalf of Masonry. 
Soon after his arrival in Anamosa he was elected master of the lodge and served 
for four or five years, and at the organization of the Royal Arch chapter he acted 
as high priest for twenty-seven years. He also became the first eminent com- 
mander of the Knight Templars, performing an immense amount of work and 
was retained in that position for five or six years. On the occasion of his fu- 
neral many of the leading representatives of Masonry in Iowa gathered to pay 
their last tribute of respect to the departed brother. Mr. Ercanbrack also be- 
longed to the Odd Fellows fraternity. 

In his political allegiance he was a republican and was often called to repre- 
sent his ward in the city council. He also was active in county politics and many 
times served as a member of the county central committee and as its chairman. 
He also kept informed on the questions and issues of the day, political and other- 
wise, was an omnivorous reader, a close and discriminating student and possessed 
a remarkable memory. He was, moreover, an eloquent speaker and left the 
impress of his individuality upon the public thought and action. He strove to 
promote the mental activity of the city and stood at all times for those things 
which are highest and best in life. 

In the absence of his pastor, Rev. J. F. Black of the Methodi.st Episcopal 
church. Rev. W. E. Glanville, of the Baptist church at the funeral services said: 
"During my residence in Anamosa I have been somewhat closely associated with 
Mr. Ercanbrack in promoting the literary welfare of the community. First as 
one of the organizers and most active and prominent members of the Cosmopoli- 
tan Club, and more recently as one of the organizers and presidents of the 
University Extension Club, our friend rendered valuable service. At a time of 
life when many are seeking an easy chair and dismissing mental activity from 
their attention. Mr. Ercanbrack displayed unusual intellectual vigor. Especially 
during the past two years he manifested a remarkable grasp of economy and of 
the causes and conditions governing these problems, which was a surprising reve- 
lation to his fellow members. The varied and accurate information he possessed 
charmed and edified his hearers. He was a gifted conversationalist. When in 
the mood he would pour forth reminiscence after reminiscence with a flow and 
a freedom, a lucidity and a dignity of language that was delightful. In the later 
vears of his life those who were in close contact with him failed not to discern 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 35 

a mellowing process going forward in his soul which regarded with charitable 
tendencies the failings and infirmities of others. To his friends he was stanch 
and loyal. Concerning one of them he made the remark a year or two since, 'I 
would do anything for that man; yes, anything.' As a citizen, a man of affairs, 
a counsellor and a friend, Mr. Ercanbrack stood as a unique personality in our 
community. His Hfe, reaching nearly three score years and ten, was filled with 
intelligence and industry even on to its latest moment." 

Mrs. Ercanbrack is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and loyal 
to its teachings and active in its work. At the time of her husband's death he 
was possessed of a set of abstract records and his widow has retained these and 
has since engaged in the abstract business, in which she has been successful. She 
was also in full sympathy with her husband's activity in Masonry and belonged to 
the ladies' auxiliary of the order. She became a member of the Order of the 
Eastern Star in 1881 and served as worthy matron of the chapter of her own 
town for fifteen years. In 1886 she was elected worthy grand matron of the state 
and filled that position for five years. In 1889 she was elected right worthy grand 
treasurer of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the 
world and is still holding the office, having served therein for twenty years. She 
has also been active in other societies and is a lady of broad general culture and 
intelligence, well fitted for the position of leadership which has been accorded her 
in connection with the Eastern Star. 



BENJAMIN B. BEHRENDS. 

Benjamin B. Behrends, who located in Lovell township a few years ago and 
is now a successful farmer and dairyman here, was born while his parents were 
crossing the Atlantic ocean, April 12, 1861, being a son of Henry and Anna 
(Heiken) Behrends. They were natives of Germany and started upon their 
journey to the United States shortly after their marriage. For a year and a half 
after their arrival in this country they lived in Alton, Illinois, coming to Jones 
county in 1863. Here the father engaged in farming, although he was permitted 
to enjoy life in this section of the state for only three years, his death having oc- 
curred in 1866. His wife is still living in Jones county. Two children were born 
to them. Benjamin B. Behrends alone surviving, for their daughter, Margaret, 

has passed away. 

Benjamin B. Behrends was but five years of age when his father died, so that 
as soon as he was able he had to assist his mother. Until he was twenty he re- 
mained at home, and then went to St. Louis to attend high school, having long 
looked forward to the time when he might continue the education received m the 
county school. Afer one year spent in that city he obtained a position as clerk 
in a grocery store, going two vears later to Le Mars, Iowa, where he engaged m 
the grocery busines for himself. Two years later he sold his interests there, gomg 
thence to Monticello. where he opened a store, which he conducted very profitably 
for eleven years. At the end of that period, however, he decided that he would 
like an agricultural life better, so he came to Lovell township, where he leased the 



36 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

farm he tills at present. It is a tract of one hundred and sixty-six acres, which 
besides being fitted for diversified farming, afifords a good pasture for his cattle, 
for he has engaged extensively in the dairy business. The venture has so far 
prospered very well and Mr. Behrends has every reason to be pleased with his 
change of occupation. Although the agricultural life and the commercial are far 
dift'erent in character the principles upon which he based his success in the busi- 
ness world are not unlike those upon which he hopes to build his prosperity as a 
farmer. Through years of experience he has learned the value of hard work if 
one is to satisfy his ambitions, and of good management if he is to win the best 
returns for his expenditure of effort. The capacity for these two essentials have 
always been among his salient characteristics. 

In 1887 Mr. Behrends wedded Miss Rosie Ichenberger, a native of Switzer- 
land. Seven children were born of this union : Henry T., Frederick, Otto, George, 
Benjamin, Jr., Anna M., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Behrends died in 
1898, and when A/[r. Behrends married again his second wife was Miss Margaret 
Lubben. She was born in Germany but had come to America with her parents 
in 1881. Five children were born of this union: Anna Marie, William, Frieda C., 
and Herman and Arthur, who were twins and have died. The parents are mem 
bers of the German Reformed church, while politically Mr. Behrends ^ - alwa/s 
given his support to the democratic party. He has never been an i , xdut^frvr 
public office, however, although he takes an interest in the progress c' ffii:-; 



S. W. FLAHARTY. 



Public spirited and with a deep interest in all matters which tend toward 
the development and improvement of the city in which he makes h' home, S. W. 
Flaharty is at present serving as mayor of Olin. He is also well known as one 
of its most enterprising merchants, having for several years been engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits here. He was born in Ohio, March 25, 1849, a son of Elza 
and Nancy (Hazlett) Flaharty, who were also natives of the Buckeye state and 
removed to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1849. The father was a shoemaker by trade 
and his time was thus occupied for three years subsequent to his removal to Iowa. 
At the end of that period he returned to Ohio, where he still resides. The mother, 
however, is deceased, her death occurring in 1854. 

S. W. Flaharty was reared in the state of Ohio and it was in the public schools 
there that he acquired the education that qualified him for teaching, which pro- 
fession he followed during eleven winter terms. In 1871 he came to Iowa and 
for eighteen years followed farming. This pursuit, however, did not prove con- 
genial to him and he then went to Morley, where he engaged in the mercantile 
business for seven years. Removing to Olin at the end of that time, he^was^ 
for a similar period engaged in the drug business but event-i"i1v sold h'*'^'^-^ 
terests in that line and once more embarked in merchandisinp .jh he^ks^i^?^ 
lowed to the present time. He carries one of the most complete lines of goods""- 
be found in this city and the success he has won in this field of labor is due to mod- 
ern methods, push and square dealing. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 37 

Although Mr. Flaharty is busily engaged with his private interests, he finds 
time to devote to public affairs and on the republican ticket was elected to the 
office of mayor of Olin in 1908, in which position he is now serving most effi- 
ciently. For SIX years he served as township trustee and in this office discharged 
his duties in a most acceptable manner. His fraternal relations are with the 
Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 245, at Olin. 

In June, 1870, Mr. Flaharty was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Lamley, 
a daughter of William and Jane Lamley. Mrs. Flaharty is one of a family of 
twelve children and was born and reared in Ohio, where she made her home until 
the time of her marriage. She has become the mother of three sons : Edgar C, 
making his home in Los Angeles, California; Harvey L., who has departed this 
life; and R. A., at home. The family is well known in social circles, while in 
business circles, Mr. Flaharty is equally well known, drawing his trade from 
various sections of Jones county. 



THOMAS DAWSON. 



'^"".e\y -^re more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising town 

iiction than ' '^r. Dawson. He has been an important factor in 
lesb '^ and his ' erity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the 

of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that 
•J is the proprietor of the brick and tile factory and for the past 
i.v . .111 ..V. _, .rs has also owned and conducted a lumberyard at Center Junc- 
tion. A native of England, his birth occurred in that country on the 20th of 
March, 1849. . J^is father, John Dawson, crossed the Atlantic to the United States 
in 1850, taking up his abode in New York, where he followed his trade of wagon 
making. At the end of a year, however, he left the Empire state and located in 
Hamilton, Canada, where he made his home until 1866. In that year he removed 
westward to Iowa, settling in Sabula, Jackson county, but twelve months later 
went to Spragueville and subsequently to Preston. After a short residence there 
he took up his abode in Audubon county, Iowa, where his remaining days were 
spent, his demise occurring in 1905, when he had attained the ripe old age of 
eighty-two years. 

Thomas Dawson was but a year old when brought to this country by his par- 
ents. He obtained his education in the common schools and on putting aside his 
text-books assisted his father in the wagon shop. After attaining his majority 
he conducted a shop of that character in Spragueville for about two years. In 
April, 1874, he opened a shop at Center Junction, Jones county, and in addi- 
.^n *o the manufacture of wagons was also successfully identified with carpen- 
'■ and building interests for a number of years. For the past twenty-three 
; owi 4nd conducted a lumberyard in Center Junction and he is 
^.\f^ the owner of the brick and title factory at that place. A prominent and 
nfiuential factor in the industrial and commercial circles of the town, he has 
earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in 



38 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him 
the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen. 

Mr. Dawson has been married twice. In 1871, he wedded Miss Alice Foster, 
of Spragueville, Iowa, by whom he had one child — Hon. Albert F., who is a 
resident of Creston, Iowa, and is now serving for the third term as congressman 
from the second district. Losing his first wife in 1873, Mr. Dawson was again 
married, on the 15th of August, 1885, his second union being with Miss Delia 
Corbet, a daughter of Miles Corbet, who died while defending the interests of the 
Union in the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have four children, as follows: 
Miles H., who is in the employ of Curtis Brothers, sash and door manufacturers 
of Clinton, Iowa; Alice, the wife of Dr. J. ]\I. Young; John V., a resident of 
American Falls, Idaho; and Minnie B., who is a trained nurse and lives at 
home. 

Politically Mr. Dawson is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, being 
convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has 
done effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board 
for many years and has also capably served as a member of the town council, 
having been repeatedly elected to that body. Fraternally he is identified with 
Center Junction Camp, No. 892, M. W. A., and Center Junction Lodge, No. 85, 
Mystic Workers. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, 
in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested. His salient char- 
acteristics are such as have commended him to the confidence and good will of 
all and he now occupies an enviable position in public regard while in business 
circles he has gained that material reward for labor that now classes him with 
the substantial and prosperous residents of Jones county. 



CAPTAIN A. M. LOOMIS. 

Captain A. M. Loomis, a prominent, influential and respected citizen of Wy- 
oming, has continuously served as postmaster of the city since 1904. His birth 
occurred in Jefferson county. New York, on the 30th of April, 1831, his parents 
being Milo and Lucy A. (Greenly) Loomis, likewise natives of that county. The 
paternal grandfather. Aaron Loomis, was a soldier in the war of 1812'. Milo 
l-oomis, who was born in 1802. removed to Medina, Ohio, in 1833 and there fol- 
lowed the shoemaker's trade until the time of his demise in 1852, his death being 
occasioned by typhoid fever. His wife also fell a victim to that disease and died 
six weeks later. They left a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, 
of whom A. M. was the second in order of birth and the eldest son, so that the 
care of the other children largely devolved upon him. All became prosperous 
and worthy members of their respective communities. M. B. Loomis, a brother 
of our subject, studied law, became a successful practitioner of Chicago and 
likewise served on the bench. T. G. Loomis remained in the state of Ohio, where 
he became a very prosperous merchant and farmer and was elected a member of 
the state legislature and senate. F. R., the publisher of the Norwalk Chronicle 
for many years, was well known in journalistic circles. 




A. AI. Loo.Mis 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 41 

In early manhood A. M. Loomis learned the shoemaker's trade under the 
direction of his father and in the year 1856 came west to Wyoming, Jones county, 
Iowa, where he followed his trade until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1862 
he enlisted as a member of a newly organized company — Company K of the 
Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected second lieu- 
tenant, James D. Williams being made captain and Thomas Green first lieu- 
tenant. His regiment was assigned to the Department of the Gulf and he loyally 
fought for the Union until its supremacy had been established. He participated 
in many important engagements with his command, was with Sheridan in the 
Shenandoah Valley and took part in the Red River campaign with General Banks, 
In June, 1865, he was mustered out as captain, having served with that rank for 
eighteen months, and he returned to Wyoming with a most creditable military 
record. 

Once more taking up the pursuits of civil life. Captain Loomis was engaged 
in general farming for two years, at the end of which time he became a member 
of the mercantile firm of Fordham & Norton. Mr. Norton passed away in 1869 
and the name of the concern was changed to Fordham & Company, thus conduct- 
ing business until its dissolution a few years later. The company had been en- 
gaged in the mercantile business and also in the buying and shipping of stock, 
and when it was dissolved Mr. Loomis took over the mercantile department and, 
in association with his brother-in-law, A. E. Spitzer, established the firm of 
Loomis & Spitzer. Subsequently, however, the enterprise was conducted under 
the name of A. M. Loomis until it was sold out in 1899. Thus for almost a third 
of a century he was a prominent factor in the business life of Wyoming and the 
success which attended his efiforts in this direction came as the direct result of 
his close application, unfaltering energy and capable management. 

Captain Loomis has been married twice. In 1851 he wedded Miss Jane Briggs, 
who passed away in 1866, leaving two children. In 1868 Mr. Loomis was again 
married, his second union being with Miss Alice Spitzer, a native of Ohio, by 
whom he had four children, two of whom still survive. The record of the chil- 
dren is as follows : Josephine, who died at the age of twelve years ; Jessie Fremont, 
who is now the wife of Dr. C. S. Shepard ; Finney, a resident of Akron, Ohio ; 
Mabel, the widow of Dr. J. W. Kirkpatrick, who was a popular physician and 
highly respected citizen of Wyoming and whose sudden death came as a severe 
blow to the community ; and Milo, a medical practitioner of Omaha. 

Politically Captain Loomis is a stalwart republican, casting his first vote for 
John C. Fremont in 1856, and is an active and prominent factor in the local ranks 
of the party. He has capably served his fellow townsmen in the office of mayor, 
also as justice of the peace, as a member of the school board and in various minor 
capacities. Honored by election to the state legislature, he served as a member 
of that body in 1896, 1897 and 1898. In 1904 he was appointed postmaster at 
Wyoming and has since acted in that capacity, having been reappointed in 1908. 
He is a Presbyterian in religious faith and has been the president of the Jones 
County Sunday-School Association, while for a half century he has served as 
chorister and Sunday-school superintendent in one church. In citizenship he has 
been as faithful to his country as when he followed the old flag on southern battle- 
fields, and public opinion, which seldom errs, places him in the front rank among 



42 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

those who are deserving of the admiration and respect of their fellowmen. He 
has justly earned the proud American title of a self-made man ana is now enabled 
to spend his remaining days in a beautiful home in Wyoming, surrounded by many 
of the comforts and luxuries which go to make life worth living. The period of 
his residence in this county covers more than a half century and he has therefore 
witnessed a wonderful transformation as pioneer conditions have been replaced 
bv all the evidences of an advanced civilization. 



VV. I. CHA.AIBERLAIN. 

W. L Chamberlain, a well known and successful representative of the legal 
fraternity in Tones county, having practiced his profession at Wyoming since 
June, 1870, has also been prominently connected with journalistic interests for 
the past twenty-nine years as the eciitor and publisher of the Wyoming Journal. 
His birth occurred in Broome county. New York, on the 24th of IMarch, 1846, 
his parents being Park and Mary Rebecca (White) Chamberlain, who were 
likewise natives of the Empire state, the former born in Broome county and the 
latter in Westchester county. In 1864. when he was forty-six years of age, 
Park Chamberlain came to W^yoming, Iowa, and after following farming for a 
time accepted a position with the Iowa Mutual Insurance Company. He re- 
mained a worthy and respected resident of Wyoming until called to his final rest 
March 7, 1884. Unto him and his wife were bom twelve children, seven sons 
and five daughters, all but one of whom yet survive. 

W. I. Chamberlain supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the 
public schools of his native state, by a course at Binghamton Academy. He was 
a young man of eighteen years when the family home was established in this 
cottnty, and here he took up the study of law under the direction of his uncle, B. H. 
White, a prominent attorney of Wyoming. He was admitted to the bar in June, 
1870, and has practiced in Wyoming to the present time, having occupied the 
same office since 1874. Throughout the years he has enjoyed a large clientage 
and has been regarded as one of the strong and able members of the Jones county 
bar, preparing his cases with great thoroughness and care; while the presenta- 
tion of his cause indicates cogent reasoning, sound logic and comprehensive 
familiarity with the principles of jurisprudence. On the 30th of May, 1880, he 
purchased the Wyoming Journal, which had been established in 1870 and has 
since edited and published the paper with signal success. 

In 1875 Mr. Chamberlain was united in marriage to Miss Lucy W. Witter, a 
native of Ohio, who was engaged in teaching school at Wyoming. Her mother 
lived to attain the ripe old age of ninety-three years, passing away in October, 1908. 
For twenty-five years she had made her home with ^^Ir. and Mrs. Chamberlain. 
Our sttbject and his wife have three sons, all of whom are graduates of the 
Wyoming public schools and the Iowa State University. Park, the eldest, whose 
birth occurred in 1877 and who is a lawyer by profession, is now acting as 
cashier of the Anamosa National Bank. William, born in 1879, '^ ^ prominent 
lawyer of Cedar Rapids, practicing his profession as a member of the firm of 



HISTORY OF JONES COUjNTY 43 

Barnes & Chamberlain. Ben. H., a physician of Wyoming, is mentioned on 
another page of this work. 

Pohtically Mr. Chamberlain is a stalwart advocate of the democracy. He has 
held the office of mayor in Wyoming and has also served as a member of the 
town council and as president of the school board, ever proving a most capable 
and faithful public official. Fraternally he is identified with Keystone Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M., of Wyoming, to which his three sons also belong. He is a public- 
spirited man and popular, an unfeigned cordiality and uniform courtesy gaining 
him the warm friendship and kindly regard of the greater number of those with 
whom he comes in contact. 



E. A. GRIMWOOD. 



E. A. Grimwood, whose success in commercial lines is evidenced in his well 
appointed drugstore, has been numbered among the leading pharmacists of Ox- 
ford Junction for about two decades. He became connected with the business 
interests of the town in May, 1887, being then a young man of twenty-three 
years. He was bom in northeastern Iowa December 8, 1863, a son of Isaac and 
Eliza (Moore) Grimwood, both of whom were of English birth. In childhood 
they had come to America with their parents in the latter part of the '20s, set- 
tling in the state of New York. Subsequently they came to Iowa, taking up 
their abode in the northeastern part of the state, where the father died in 1880. 
The mother still survives at the venerable age of eighty-six years and makes her 
home with her son. 

E. A. Grimwood acquired his early education in the public schools. He was 
forced for a time to discontinue his studies, but in May, 1887, after having devoted 
three years to the mastery of the scientific principles which constitute the basis 
of knowledge for a pharmacist, he received his diploma from a school of phar- 
macy and in September of that year came to Oxford Junction as assistant to 
Dr. G. R. Moore. • Other business and professional demands made upon the 
physician caused the management of the store to devolve upon Mr. Grimwood, 
and after a few months' experience in which he proved his capability, he was 
admitted to a partnership. Active in the management of the store from that 
time, his enterprise and determination were salient features in its success and 
the business was carefully and successfully conducted. In 1898 a disastrous fire 
swept over Oxford, in which the store of Mr. Grimwood was destroyed. Im- 
mediately, however, he secured a lot and erected upon it one of the finest modem 
store buildings in the town, the first floor being used for the conduct of his 
business interests and the second floor for office and lodge rooms. He has a 
splendidly equipped drugstore and not only carries a large line of drugs and 
physician's remedies, but also wall paper and house decorating materials. He 
gives careful attention to the wants of his patrons, and his reasonable prices, fair 
dealing and enterprising methods have won him a liberal and growing trade that 
has made his business one of profitable proportions. He carries in addition to 
other lines mentioned toilet articles, stationery, books and magazines, and his 



44 HISTORY OF J ONES COUNTY 

close study of the public taste has enabled him to supply his store with a stock 
that finds ready sale. 

Mr. Grimwood is not only well known as an energetic and progressive business 
man but is ever a welcome figure in musical circles in the town, possessing a 
fine voice which has constituted an attractive feature in the choir of the Luth- 
eran church for many years and in various musical entertainments given in Ox- 
ford. His social qualities, too, render him popular with many friends, and he is 
well known as a member of the New Era Lodge, No. 88, K. P., and Zealous 
Lodge, No. 435, A. F. & A. M. A stanch republican in his political views, he 
exerted his ability as an organizer in the interests of his party and has been a 
member of and chairman of the county central committee for several years. A 
man of forceful character, he has left the impress of his individuality upon the 
public life of the community as a business man. a citizen, a musician and a 
political leader, and his genuine worth is attested by all who know him. 



THOMAS H. DUNN. 



Thomas H. Dunn, who was called to his final rest on the 7th of May, 1906, 
was for almost a half century actively and successfully identified with the agri- 
cultural interests of Tones county and was well known within its borders as a 
most respected and worthy citizen. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
on the 25th of October, 1834, being the only child of Thomas and Catherine 
Dunn. The father, who was a stone cutter by trade, having been employed on 
Girard College, worked in that capacity until the fall of 1836, when he con- 
tracted lung fever and passed away. Shortly afterward his widow removed with 
her little son to the vicinity of Boston, where she had relatives. 

In early life Thomas H. Dunn learned the wheelwright's trade, working at 
that occupation in factory and shop and caring for his mother until she, too, 
was called to her final rest. She passed away in the summer of 1848, dying 
suddenly of heart disease. Mr. Dunn continued a resident of Massachusetts 
until the spring of 1853, when he went to Providence, Rhode Island, securing 
employment in the machine shop of the Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Com- 
pany, where he remained until the fall of 1855. He had been married in the 
meantime and on leaving Providence brought his young wife to the state of 
Minnesota, where he took up a claim among the Indians, the survey not having 
been accepted by the government. The year following his arrival in Minnesota 
he worked at the carpenter's trade at Zumbrota, helping to cut the logs for the 
first house that was there erected. Zumbrota was about twelve miles distant 
from his claim and his wife would stay alone from Monday morning until Sat- 
urday night, nothing daunted by the fact that there were two or three hundred 
hostile Indians in camp less than a mile from her little home. The panic of 
1857 came the next year and times were very hard. Shortly afterward there 
began to be rumors of rich mines being discovered at Pike's Peak and every 
one who could get away left for the gold fields. In 1859. in company with others, 
Mr. Dunn and his family started for Pike's Peak, but they were late in getting 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 45 

started and it was the middle of June before they reached the CaUfornia trail 
in Iowa. Seeing so many teams returning, they believed it best to go no farther 
but wait until the next year when they could start with the California train, as 
the Indians were very troublesome. Having ox teams they were prepared to 
break prairie, which they did during the summer, intending to go on to California 
or Pike's Peak the following spring. Before that time, however, they had be- 
come favorably impressed with this portion of the country and continued to 
remain residents of Rome township, Jones county, until the spring of 1877. Mr. 
Dunn then disposed of his place to H. L. Smith and purchased the Hutchins 
farm of two hundred and four acres on section 19, Wayne township, which re- 
mained his home until he passed away. As the years passed by he placed many 
substantial improvements on the property and brought the land under a high 
state of cultivation, the fields annually yielding bounteous harvests as a reward 
for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. The oldest house in 
Wayne township still stands on this farm, it having been erected in 1843 by 
Aaron Spencer, who utilized it as a tavern and residence. Mr. Dunn made his 
home therein until he erected the dwelling in which his widow now resides. 

On the 19th of April, 1855, in Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Dunn was 
joined in wedlock to Miss i\Iary A. Farnham, whose birth occurred in North 
Andover, Massachusetts, on the 9th of September, 1835, her parents being 
John and Almyra (Ames) Farnham. The father, who was a farmer by occu- 
pation, spent his entire life in the old Bay state. When seven or eight years of 
age Mrs. Dunn was brought by her parents to Lowell, where she was reared to 
young womanhood and then went to Providence and was married. Mr. and Mrs. 
Farnham reared a family of five children, namely: William, whose demise oc- 
curred in 1907; Henry, a resident of Boston; Sarah, who became the wife of 
Thomas Hall and passed away in Oregon; Mrs. Dunn; and Hiram, living in 
Morley, If)wa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were bom eight children, as follows : 
William, who died in infancy ; W. E., who makes his home at Plankinton, South 
Dakota; Mary Estella, who likewise died in infancy; Henry, living in West 
Bend, Iowa; John E., of Coggon, Iowa; Mrs. Grace Wallace, a resident of Cass 
Center, Iowa ; Clara M., who married G. L. Crete of South Dakota ; and Leslie, 
who is still at home with his mother. 

Mr. Dunn gave his political allegiance to the men and measures of the repub- 
lican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called 
him to various positions of public trust. In the fall of 1894, he was elected to the 
office of county supervisor and was twice re-elected, remaining the incumbent in 
that position for nine years. He was called to his final rest on the 7th of May, 
1906, at the age of seventy-one years, six months and twelve days, and as the 
circle of his friends was almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, 
his death was the occasion of deep and sincere regret throughout the community. 

The following is an extract from an obituary written by B. H. Miller and 
published in the Anamosa Journal : "At all times Mr. Dunn was of a cheerful 
disposition and kindliness of soul that made him friends wherever he was known. 
He was brave and courageous in defense of the right and the truth, strong in its 
support, and mild and determined in his resistance to the wrong. His was not 
a disposition to use policy as an art, but to be politic in all things. When re- 



46 in STORY Ol- JONES COUNTY 

proving anyone for an immoral act, it was in that kindly spirit that won and held 
the friendship of those he so advised. In every position we have known him in 
Hfe. whether it were private or pubHc, the same honorable manhood characterized 
him. * * * As a neighbor and friend he held and deserved to hold the respect 
and affections of all who knew him. In public life he was held in the same confi- 
dence and respect. In fact, so far as our knowledge and acquaintance of and with 
him. he was a model man when and wherever found. He was a devoted friend 
and always held his friendships sacred ; spoke ill of no man ; devoted to his wife 
and children and did all within his power to make life pleasurable for them." 
Mrs. Dunn, who still survives her husband, has now made her home within the 
borders of Jones county for fifty years. She is a gentle, kindly woman, chari- 
table in her estimate of every one and her many excellent traits of heart and 
mind have won for her the esteem and admiration of a host of warm friends. 



ROBERT JOHNSON. 



Expression of public confidence came to Robert Johnson in his election to the 
office of mayor of Anamosa in the spring of 1909. He is, moreover, well known 
as a real-estate dealer of the city and is now conducting a successful business in 
that line. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1837, his parents being 
Adam and Sarah (Hazelett) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Augusta 
county, Virginia. The family went to Ohio in 1833 ^^^ were pioneers of that 
state. Adam Johnson was very prominent in the community in which he lived, 
exerted considerable influence in shaping the political policy of the state and was 
an intimate friend of George H. Pendleton. In his family were eleven children : 
Evelyn, who is now the widow of James Riley and resides in Ohio : liessie, who 
served as a soldier of the Civil war, being captain of the Fifty-first Illinois Regi- 
ment ; Robert, who was the third in order of birth ; Elizabeth May. the wife of 
Snell Brookings, a resident of Ohio ; Amos, who married Harriett Elliott and 
served for three years in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war, after which he 
became an ordained minister of the Presbyterian church and died in Jefferson 
county, Iowa, in 1904; Thomas Jefferson, who served for four years as a defender 
of the Union cause and died in 1902, leaving a widow who bore the maiden name 
of ^lary A. Seeman and now resides in Jefferson county, Iowa; Emerson, who 
wedded Cynthia Jones and makes his home in Huron, South Dakota ; William, 
who wedded Nellie Elliott and resides in McCook county, South Dakota ; Cor- 
delia, the wife of Joe Wagner, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas ; Elmore, a 
resident of South Dakota ; and one who died in infancy. 

Robert Johnson was reared in his father's home, where lessons of industry 
and integrity were early impressed upon his mind. The full story of his career is 
another instance of the fact that "truth is stranger than fiction." In his early 
manhood he was a prosperous and substantial farmer, surrounded by a happy 
family when through some strange irony of fate he was made the victim of a most 
malicious prosecution. To maintain his honor and integrity he was forced into a 
costly litigation, which was carried on through the courts for a period of many 




ROBERT JOIIXSOX 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 49 

years. His entire fortune was required to meet the expenses of the law suit and 
the best years of his life were used in that way. He was, however, a hard fighter 
and through all the weary years in which the legal battle dragged on and amid 
all the losses and discouragements he never wavered nor had a thought of giving 
up. In nearly every one of the many hard trials he won the decision of the jury, 
but afterward some judge would reverse the decision until finally the judgment 
was sustained. He has lived to see his name vindicated and honored, while his 
enemies who were active in the prosecution with the exception of one have long 
since gone the way of all the earth. 

The litigation in which he was involved is known throughout the Iowa courts 
as "The Jones County Calf Case." It is the most noted case of the character that 
has ever been tried in the state. Mr. Johnson had become a resident of Iowa in 
1857 and was recognized as a man of excellent character, living as a prosperous 
farmer about twelve miles south of Anamosa in Rome township. His attention 
up to this time had been directed to the development and improvement of his farm 
and he was winning success in his undertakings, while his straightforward busi- 
ness methods at all times commended him to the confidence and regard of his 
fellowmen. In 1874 a man named Potter, then of Greene county, Iowa, with 
whom Mr. Johnson had had an acquaintance from boyhood days, came to Jones 
county for the purpose of buying calves and stated also that he would continue 
his journey to the east for the same purpose. He asked Mr. Johnson while he was 
gone to pick up some cows for him and he would take them on his return. The 
next day Mr. Johnson, while in the store of Coppess & Der in Olin, inquired of 
the firm whether they knew of any cows for sale. A stranger in the store spoke 
up and said he had some for sale and that they were running on the commons 
near Sergeant Bluff. Mr. Johnson replied that he and his brother were on their 
way to Stanwood and if the man, who gave the name of Smith and said he was 
the son-in-law of Clem Lane with whom Mr. Johnson was acquainted, would go 
with them and point out the calves they would look at them. The three men 
started and when they reached the bluffs found three of the four calves which 
Smith said were his. Mr. Johnson bought the calves in his brother's presence, 
told Smith to leave them in the Len Heins pasture and come to his house for his 
money. Smith replied that he must have the money that afternoon as he had been 
sued, so Mr. Johnson gave him what money he had and borrowed the balance 
from his brother to make full payment. Smith took the calves to the Heins pas- 
ture and was seen on his way by several people. 

Not long afterward Potter returned from the east with a drove of calves and 
secured of Mr. Johnson the four he had purchased of Smith and two or three 
others which he had bought of other parties. By this time John Forman, a neigh- 
bor of Mr. Johnson, lost four calves and after searching for them for some time 
learned that Potter had taken a lot of cattle west to Greene county. Forman went 
there and found his calves or, at least, claimed that he found them in Potter's 
herd. Potter said that he got them of Johnson or some other man whom he named. 
Potter and Forman then came to Jones county and Forman told Mr. Johnson 
that he had found his four calves in Potter's herd, while Potter claimed that he 
thought that he got those four calves of Mr. Johnson. The last named then told 
how he had purchased the calves and, having implicit confidence in both Potter 



50 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and Forman, he had no doubt that he had handled the Forman calves and that 
they were the ones which he had bought of Smith. He told Mr. Forman that he 
would give him his note for the calves and that he would then have Smith arrested 
for stealing them. This was agreed to but before doing it Mr. Johnson insisted 
that Potter and Forman go with him to the store of Coppess & Der and talk with 
Mr. Coppess, which they did. Mr. Coppess informed them that he was present 
when the man named Smith offered to sell the calves. Mr. Johnson gave his note 
for the calves and then got out a warrant for Smith's arrest and started to find 
him. In order to do this he went to Clem Lane, the supposed father-in-law of 
Smith, who said that he had no such son-in-law and that there was no man of the 
name living in the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson searched diligently for Smith but 
was never able to find him. 

At that time there was an organization in the southern part of Jones county 
called the Iowa Branch of the Northern Missouri Anti-Horsethief Association. 
Members of this association heard of the transaction and evidently thought that 
Mr. Johnson should be prosecuted. Forman and Potter became members of the 
association and through their efforts, together with those of some other members, 
Mr. Johnson was indicted for the larceny of the Forman calves. He and his 
brother then went to Greene county and had Potter point out the four calves 
claimed by Forman. They proved to be high grade calves and one of them way 
nearly white. The calves that Johnson had bought of Smith were scrubs and of 
dark color. Mr. Johnson then for the first time discovered that he had not han- 
dled the Forman calves at all and began to think that Potter had stolen them 
and laid it to him. He then refused to pay the note that he had given for the 
calves and suit was brought before a justice. Mr. Johnson defended on the 
ground that there was no consideration ; that is, that he had never handled the 
calves at all. But after long and expensive litigation he was beaten and had to 
pay the note on the ground that it was in the hands of an innocent purchaser. In 
the meantime excitement in his neighborhood was intense. Colonel Preston, then 
one of the leading lawyers of the state, filed a demurrer to the indictment. While 
this was pending Mr. Johnson was the recipient of anonymous threatening let- 
ters. His demurrer, however, was sustained. Another indictment was found. 
A change of venue was taken and a trial resulted in the jury standing eleven for 
Mr. Johnson and one for the state. Another trial resulted in his acquittal. 

Several years had passed. He had expended all that he possessed in defending 
himself. He then began the famous suit of Johnson versus Miller et al. The de- 
fendants were Forman, Potter, Miller and three or four other prominent farmers, 
whom he thought had been very active in his prosecution. The suit was for mali- 
cious prosecution and he asked for ten thousand dollars damages. After several 
changes of venue it came for trial and was tried twice at Vinton, resulting each 
time in a verdict for Mr. Johnson, but each time the judge refused the verdict. 
A trial was afterward held in Clinton, giving Mr. Johnson a verdict of 'seventy- 
five hundred dollars, but this the judge set aside. In Waterloo the case was tried 
four times, each time a verdict being returned for the plaintiff and the last trial 
in 1898 gave to Mr. Johnson the judgment with costs amounting to about six 
thousand dollars, which was finally paid. During the progress of this litigation 
th? most prominent lawyers in tbf state were engaged by the respective parties 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 51 

at one trial or another. It lasted nearly a quarter of a century but in the end Mr. 
Johnson was vindicated, and he has lived not only to enjoy the respect and good 
will of his fellowmen but to be honored by his fellow citizens to the highest office 
within their gift, having been elected mayor of Anamosa in 1909. 

It was in July, 1861, that Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
A. Saune, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Saune, natives of Ohio. The par- 
ents went to Indiana in 1842 and a few years later to Jones county. Here the 
mother died in 1874, while the father, long surviving her, passed away in 1908. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born a son and a daughter, Frank and 
Alma. 

Mr. lohnson and his son are now engaged in the real-estate business and have 
secured a large clientage. They have handled many important realty transfers 
and are thoroughly conversant with property values and with the real estate that 
is on the market. ]\lr. and Mrs. Johnson hold membership in the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. He was one of its founders and builders and is now serving as one 
of its stewards. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln and he 
now usually votes with the democracy, but does not consider himself bound by 
party ties. Notwithstanding the opposition which he met with he has held to the 
course which he has believed to be right and the hardships which he encountered 
served to prove to him the strength of some of the friendships which were his. 
He is now numbered among the most worthy, valued and respected citizens of 
Anamosa and as its chief executive officer is now giving to the city a public-spir- 
ited end beneficial administration. 



J. P. ELLISON. 



Prominent among the representatives of business Hfe in Jones county is 
I. P. Ellison of Martelle, the owner of extensive farming interests and closely 
associated with financial and commercial enterprises in the village as the owner 
of the bank and also of a large double general store. He has made rapid and 
substantial progress in his business career as the result of his ready and intelli- 
gent appreciation for and utilization of opportunities that others pass by heed- 
lessly. Energy and perseverance constitute the foundation upon which he has 
builded his business prosperity, and the reliability of his course furnishes an 
example well worthy of emulation. Mr. Ellison was born on a farm three mdes 
north of Mount Vernon, Linn county, Iowa, April 26, 1851. and is a son of Samuel 
Ellison who arrived in that countv in 1840 and homesteaded the place upon which 
the subject of this review opened his eyes to the light of day eleven years later. 
Samuel Ellison had been married m 1848 to Miss Mary Scott, and they became 
the parents of the following named: William G.. who resides on the old home- 
stead- J P of this review; Mrs. Ruth A. Chamberlain, whose home is north of 
Mount Vernon; Mrs. Mary M. Oxley. residing east of Marion. Iowa; and Mrs 
lane Platner, whose home is near Mechanicsville. The death of the husband 
and father occurred on the old homestead March 23. 1888 but Mrs. Elhson 
still survives and is now living in Mount Vernon. Samuel Elhson was of that 



52 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

type of pioneers who developed the rich resources of the state and profited by 
their labors, which were not only a source of individual success but also consti- 
tuted a potent element in the development of the state. 

J. P. Ellison was reared on the old homestead and assisted in the arduous 
task of developing a new farm, continuing his ' work in the fields as the years 
went by. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the common 
schools while his business training was of the practical character that comes with 
farm work. 

On the 2d of January, 1884, Mr. Ellison was united in marriage to Miss Eva 
Newman, a daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Spade) Newman, who were 
the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are living in 
Greenfield township with the exception of Elmer, who resides in Lee county; 
Otis, whose home is in TJnn county; and Mrs. E. E. Miller, who is living at 
Estherville, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have been born two children, 
Samuel H. and Ethel G., both of whom are at home with their parents. After 
attending the public schools in Anamosa they became students in Drake Univer- 
sity at Des Moines, from which institution the daughter was graduated in June, 
1907. She afterward returned to Drake University where she studied music for 
a year. Both the son and daughter are now assisting their father in his banking 
and commercial enterprises. , 

Mr. Ellison is one of the extensive land owners of Jones county, owning a 
homestead property of six hundred and fifteen acres on section 4, Greenfield 
township. This is valuable property and the soil, naturally rich and productive, 
brings forth large crops as the reward of the care and labor bestowed upon the 
fields. The farm is splendidly equipped with all modern accessories and con- 
veniences and from his agricultural interests Mr. Ellison derives a substantial 
annual income. Seeing the necessity for a bank in Martelle he organized one, 
placed it upon a substantial basis and inaugurated a safe and conservative policy 
which has won for it substantial success. It has. moreover, proved a valuable 
adjuct to the business interests of the village, and that the townspeople are ap- 
preciative of the convenience which it affords is indicated in the liberal patron- 
age accorded it. Mr. Ellison is also the owner of a large double store in Mar- 
telle in which he carries a complete line of hardware, dry goods, groceries and 
shoes. He also derives a gratifying income from numerous residence properties 
which he owns. In matters of business judgment he is seldom if ever at fault 
and he does not fear to venture where favoring opportunity leads the way. His 
judgment of men and circumstances is sound and his recognition of possibili- 
ties in the business world has led him into important relations whereby his own 
success has been greatly promoted while the welfare and progress of the town 
have likewise been augmented. 

Mr. Ellison and his family are members of the church of Christ at Mar- 
telle, and the son belongs to White Rose Lodge, No. 279, K. P. Although Mr. 
Ellison has never sought nor desired political preferment, his fellow townsmen, 
appreciative of his worth and ability, have several times called him to public 
office. He has served as township trustee for nine years and was a member of 
the school board of his district for about a quarter of a century. He has been 
called at two different times to serve on the United States grand jury and on 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 53 

numerous occasions has been on both the grand and petit juries of the county. 
He is a stanch advocate of democracy, believing firmly in its principles and there- 
fore giving unfaltering support to its men and measures. Mr. Ellison, moreover, 
is a man of kindly and generous spirit, befriending all who come to him in need. 
He gives generous support to the church and to public projects, meets every ob- 
ligation of life in an honorable method and has at all times the courage of his 
convictions. He and his family are prominent in the social life of the community 
and Mr. Ellison has for long years been recognized as an influential factor here, 
wielding a wide and beneficial influence. 



JOHN RONEN. 



John Ronen, proprietor of stone quarries at Stone City, Iowa, is numbered 
among the men of foreign birth, to whom the opportunities of the new world 
have opened avenues of success. He was born in Ireland, August 24, 1846, his 
parents being Moses and Catherine (Cloak) Ronin, the former a native of 
County Wexford, and the latter of the city of Wexford, Ireland. In the year 
1852, the father came with his family to America, settling in Bufifalo, New York, 
where he arrived on the 24th of May. A removal was made to Kankakee, Illi- 
nois, and in 1857, the family became residents of Waterloo, Iowa. There they 
remained until 1880, when they went to Viola, Iowa. The father died February 
20, 1898, at the age of eighty-six years, while the mother passed away in 1868 
at the age of forty-eight years. By occupation the father was a stone cutter, giv- 
ing his entire life to that work. 

John Ronen, whose name introduces this review, was a lad of six summers 
when the family left the Emerald isle and came to the United States. He ac- 
companied his parents on their various removals, attending school in the differ- 
ent towns in which they lived, and at the age of nineteen years he engaged in 
the stone construction business at Waterloo, Iowa, where he remained for four 
years. In 1875 he removed to Stone City, where he leased a quarry from Dr. 
Natson and engaged in cutting out stone in this way for ten years. During that 
time he prospered and from his earnings saved sufficient capital to enable him 
to purchase the quarry which he now operates. It was formerly the property 
of Martin Heisey and since it has come into Mr. Ronen's possession he has con- 
tinuously and successfully conducted the business, being now one of the leading 
dealers in stone in this part of the state. His quarry produces an excellent 
quality of stone for which he finds a ready sale on the market. 

Mr. Ronen is entitled to wear the grand army button from the fact that on 
the ist of September, 1864, when but eighteen years of age he responded to his 
country's call for troops, enlisting in Company F, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, under 
the command of Colonel Sommer and General O'Conner. He saw service on the 
western frontier, fighting the Indians through the Yellowstone and the Wyoming. 
He fought the Sioux on the same ground afterward made famous by the Custer 
massacre. He also participated in other engagements along the little Big Horn, 
including one battle which took place on August 24, the anniversary of his birth. 



54 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

He continued in active duty until the regiment was mustered out and he was 
sent home. It was an arduous warfare for the tactics and military maneuvres 
of the Indians were unlike those practiced by civilized men, and the soldiers 
were, therefore, constantly on the alert. 

On the nth of September, 1869, Mr. Ronen was joined in wedlock to Miss 
Mary Gleason, a daughter of Michael and Mary (O'Brien) Gleason. Seven 
children have graced this marriage : William, who wedded Prudence Hodgin and 
resides at Stone City; Carrie, at home; Mary, the wife of J. J. Green, a railroad 
conductor who was killed in an accident ; John Moses, postmaster at Stone City ; 
Charles, Anna and Walter, all at home. The family are well known in this part 
of the state, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the 
social circles in which they move. 

Mr. Ronen is a member of Fred Steele Post, No. 4, G. A. R., at Anamosa, 
and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He gives 
his political allegiance to the republican party, which was the defense of the 
Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and has always been the party of 
reform and progress. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is 
known as a successful, enterprising business man, who owes his advancement 
in commercial lines to his own efforts. He has worked earnestly and persistently 
to achieve the prosperity which he now enjoys, and his labor and reliability have 
brought to him gratifying success. 



GEORGE L. SCHOONOVER. 

Few among the younger generation of men today have played a more con- 
spicuous part in the financial prosperity of Anamosa than has George L. 
Schoonover. Not only has he evinced that fidelity to duty which has characterized 
those who have risen high in the affairs of the world, but he possesses those' 
qualities of enterprise and organization, which, having been so early brought into 
a healthy exertion, should bring him to even larger fields than those which now 
know his labors. One of the native sons of Anamosa, he was born February 7, 
1880, his parents being Lawrence and Amelia J. (Tanner) Schoonover. 

During the early years of his life, George L. Schoonover was a pupil in the 
public schools of Anamosa, from which he was graduated in June, 1895. There- 
upon he entered the Iowa State University. He received the degree of bachelor 
of philosophy from that institution in 1900, but returned for two years to take 
work in its law college, not beginning his business career until 1901, when he 
entered the Anamosa National Bank as bookkeeper. After having proved his 
ability and his trustworthiness by less than three years of industry, January 
12, 1904, he was elected cashier of the institution. This afforded him an oppor- 
tunity to exercise some of the power with which he felt he was endowed, and be- 
lieving that the future of the bank was large, he increased its capital stock to one 
hundred thousand dollars and guided its destinies along such a safe channel that 
in February, 1907, after the death of his father, he was appointed to succeed him 
in the presidency. That same year he organized the Schoonover Trust Company 




GEORGE L. SCHOONOVER 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 57 

with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and has since been president of the con- 
cern. Another venture of his which has proved equally successful was his estab- 
lishment of the First National Bank of Olin, Iowa, which was accomplished in the 
early part of 1905. Of this institution also he is president, and in his direction 
of its affairs has again proven that he is an able financier, a man upon whose judg- 
ment reliance may be placed, and one whose policies, while checked by a healthy 
conservatism, have tended in the main toward progress and advancement and 
the full utilization of all opportunities. 

Shortly after he had embarked upon his business career, on the 29th of Octo- 
ber, 1902, Mr. Schoonover wedded Miss Grace Lovell, a daughter of George L. 
Lovell, of Monticello, Iowa. Three children have been born unto them, namely: 
Catharine, who was born August 14, 1903; Lawrence, who was born March 6, 
1906, and Donald, whose birth occurred September 25, 1907. 

Politically Mr. Schoonover has given his allegiance to the republican party 
but has taken no part in public life. He is, however, prominent in the ranks of 
the Masons in this county. He joined the order in 1901, was elected junior war- 
den of Anamosa Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., in December, 1905, and in 1906 
became worshipful master, an office which he filled for three years. He was ex- 
alted as a Royal Arch Mason by Mt. Sinai Chapter and later was knighted in 
the Order of the Temple, by the Mt. Olivet Commandery, No. 36. In May, 1907, 
he joined the DeMolay Consistory, No. i, A. A. S. R. and has since been very ac- 
tive in the Scottish Rite, being in 1909 appointed Knight Commander of the Court 
of Honor by the supreme council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 
during the October session. True to the nobler ideals of manhood, he is not only 
a successful business man and financier, but loyal and faithful friend, of the many 
who coming to know him intimately regard him highly for the strong traits of his 
character. 



JOHN SEELEY STACY. 

John Seeley Stacy has for a half century been a prominent and successful rep- 
resentative of the legal fraternity in Jones county, though he has now practically 
retired from active connection therewith because of his advanced age. He was 
born at De Kalb, New York, on the 13th of May, 1833, a son of Pelatiah and 
Jerusha (Tanner) Stacy. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a man of 
great energy, benevolent, public-spirited and successful. Both the paternal and 
maternal ancestors of our subject fought in the Revolutionary war. One of them 
was taken prisoner on Long Island and for an entire winter was compelled to 
earn his own subsistence. 

John S. Stacy supplemented his preliminary education by a course in the 
Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary of Gouverneur, New York, and also as a stu- 
dent in Union College at Schenectady, that state. He attended the latter in- 
stitution during the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Nott and was graduated 
therefrom in 1857. Early in life he manifested a fondness for reading and 
during his college days he followed the profession of teaching. After complet- 



58 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

ing his collegiate education he took Horace Greeley's advice and went west, locat- 
ing in Iowa, where he has since made his home. Having determined upon the 
practice of law as a life work, he immediately began studying with that end in 
view and was admitted to the bar in 1859. From that time until recent years, 
when the infirmities of age have necessitated his retirement, he practiced his pro- 
fession with signal success, winning an excellent reputation as a lawyer of force 
and ability. He was likewise connected with banking interests for a period of 
ten years and he and his partner established the first bank in Jones county. 

At Buda, Illinois, Mr. Stacy was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte A. 
Kellogg, a daughter of Rev. E. W. Kellogg, who for forty years preached in the 
Congregational churches of Vermont and Illinois. She is eight generations re- 
moved from Governor William Bradford and John Alden, of the Plymouth colony, 
and her grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary war at the 
same time. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are the parents of four children, as follows : 
Marian Luella, now the wife of Dr. W. B. Skinner, of Anamosa ; Edson Eugene, 
who wedded Miss Martha Fisher, of Grinnell, Iowa; Bertha Sybil, who gave her 
hand in marriage to Dr. A. G. Hejinian of Anamosa; and William Kellogg. 

In politics Mr. Stacy has ever been a stanch advocate of the republican party, 
doing all in his power to forward its interest. He served as county judge for 
one term, held the office of mayor at Anamosa, acted as a member of the coun- 
cil and was also on the school board for many years. During the Civil war he 
was president of the Union League of both town and county, which served a 
patriotic purpose during the period of hostilities between the north and the south. 
It kept in check a rebellious element equal to the disorderly element in Indiana. 
He was offered the nomination for circuit judge of the eighth district but de- 
clined, and subsequently was nominated for judge of the district court, but was 
defeated on account of the rupture in the republican party over the prohibition 
question. In 1888 he was nominated for state senator and was defeated for the 
same reason, but carried his own county. He has been a member of the Con- 
gregational church for fifty-two years, serving much of the time as Sunday- 
school superintendent, trustee and deacon. While there is not about Judge Stacy 
the least shadow of mock modesty, he disclaims any great credit for what he has 
done and yet his fellow citizens recognize the fact that he has left the impress of 
his individuality for good upon the county of his residence in its political and 
legal interests, in its social life — :for he is a man of many friends — and in mold- 
ing public thought and action as well. 

One who knows Judge Stacy well has said: "Jo^"" S. Stacy has been 
a man of more than ordinary ability. He has been preeminently a man of in- 
tegrity and of unimpeachable character. Those who have been most intimate with 
his personal history can best testify as to the sacrifices he has made, the trying 
ordeals he has experienced, and the mastery he has accomplished in the main- 
tenance of manhood, humanity and personal character. Fate has raised her 
arm mightily against his efforts to accomplish several gigantic tasks he has under- 
taken. In the promotion of several railroad lines, he has found himself on 
the hill-top ready to claim the promised land when the financial panic of 1873 
and other panics have crushed to earth his months of heroic effort. In these 
calamities, he may have had the power to save himself at the expense of others, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 



59 



but this his manhood would not allow him to do. He has been a clear and 
logical thinker, had a well trained mind well stored with useful information, was 
of a judicial temperament, and well qualified for a business career. He has been 
abundantly fitted to occupy a high station in life." 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ERB, D. D. S. 

Dentistry is unique among the professions in that its demands are of a three- 
fold character. He who would win success in this field of labor must possess 
marked mechanical skill and ingenuity, must have comprehensive knowledge 
of scientific principles bearing upon the work and, moreover, must possess the 
business ability so to finance his interests that his labor shall bring its just and 
merited remuneration. Lacking in none of these qualities. Dr. B. F. Erb is 
practicing denistry in Anamosa and the number of his patients is increasing year 
by year. 

A native of Muscatine, Iowa, he was born October 14, 1867, of the marriage 
of Jacob and Susan (Funk) Erb. The father removed from Harrisburg, Penn- 
sylvania, to Iowa in 1848. The mother, who also spent her early life in Harris- 
burg, came to this state in 1847. With her parents she started on the Ohio river 
on a boat which burned below Cincinnati. The family lost all of their possessions, 
escaping with only their night clothes, and Mrs. Erb, then a Uttle maiden of twelve 
summers, was badly burned. Jacob Erb was proprietor of the first tobacco store 
in Muscatine and for a long period was identified with the business interests of 
that city. In 1850, however, during the gold fever on the Pacific coast, he went 
to California, spending four years in that state. In 1855, he returned and became 
a bookkeeper in the lumber office of S. T. Steen, while subsequently he became 
manager and acted in that capacity until his death in 1895, his connection with 
one firm covering forty years. He was seventy-one years of age at the time of 
his demise. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in Muscatine. 

Dr. Erb enjoyed the educational advantages ofifered by the public schools of 
his native city, continuing his studies in successive grades until he was grad- 
uated from the high school with the class of 1887. He afterward attended the 
Ohio College of Dental Surgery, where he completed a course by graduation in 
1889 and in 1892 he was a student in Haskell's Post-Graduate School of Pros- 
thetic Dentistry. When a boy he had delighted in designing and working with 
the zig saw or any tools which he could obtain. He was always fond of live stock 
especially horses. After leaving the public schools the desire for mechanical work 
and the love of instruments led him to take up the study of dentistry which he 
began at once. He entered upon the work at Iowa City on the 5th of October, 
1887, and the following summer worked for Dr. Rundle at Monticello, Iowa. 
In September, of the same year, he left for Cincinnati and was graduated from 
the Ohio College of Dental Surgery on the 4th of March, 1889. He then went 
to Monticello, Iowa, where he was associated with Dr. Rundle until the ist of 
November following, when he opened an office on his own account in Lisbon, 
Iowa, practicing there until the 15th of August, 1892. On that date he went to 



60 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Chicago, where he pursued a post-graduate course, and on October, 1893, he 
came to Anamosa, where he has since practiced. This town is almost in the 
center of his professional territory so that he regarded it as an excellent loca- 
tion. That he was wise in his choice time has proven. He has been very success- 
ful in his practice and has never been away from his work in twenty-two years 
more than eighteen days at a time. He keeps abreast with the improvements and 
advances made in the processes of modern dentistry, possesses superior mechani- 
cal skill, uses the latest instruments that invention has produced and in all ways 
his work is so satisfactory that his practice has contsantly grown. 

On the 8th of July, 1896, Dr. Erb was united in marriage to Miss Anna 
Kurtz. Her grandfather, John E. Kurtz, built the first gristmill in Linn county, 
Iowa, and platted the town of Lisbon. He was also prominent in political circles 
and served for one term as representative from Linn county in the state legis- 
lature. Her father, Henry C. Kurtz, was for four years a soldier of the Civil 
war. He has been engaged in merchandising throughout the greater part of his 
life and is one of the representative business men of his home town. In politics 
he is a stanch republican and is active in all that pertains to the welfare and 
progress of his community. He married Hannah Harper, a native of Indiana, 
while his birth occurred in Pennsylvania, and in the early '40s they arrived in 
Iowa. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Erb have been born three children: Dorothy K., 
Laurence W. and Marion E. The doctor is a man of domestic tastes. He joined 
the Knights of Pythias lodge in Monticello in 1889, but gave it up when he was 
married. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and contributes liberally to 
its support. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and while 
he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day as every true 
American citizen should do, he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to con- 
centrate his energies upon his professional duties, which are performed with a 
sense of conscientious obligations, that has brought him gratifying success. He 
is, however, serving as president of the Anamosa school board. 



W. F. HINTZ. 



W. F. Hintz, one of the well known agriculturists of Lovell township, was 
born in Cook county, Illinois. ]\Iarch 31, 1870, and is a son of William and 
Ida (Ehrke) Hintz. The parents were natives of Germany, but came to the 
United States in 1868, locating first in Cook county, Illinois. After about seven 
years' residence in that state they came to Iowa, settling in Buchanan county, 
where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is still Hving there, but 
his wife has passed away. 

W. F. Hintz attended the district schools of his native county, while he obtained 
practical instruction for the responsibilities of life at home, under the wise guid- 
ance of his parents. Until he attained his majority, he remained upon his 
father's farm, but it was not until 1905 that he came to Jones county and located 
in Lovell township. In that year he purchased a tract of one hundred and 
eighty-two acres, on which he is living today. It is cultivated carefully for the 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 61 

production of cereals, but Mr. Hintz gives much attention to the raising and 
feeding of cattle and hogs, which he ships in large numbers to the important 
markets. His land is improved according to the best methods, while it is culti- 
vated with full regard to the rotation of crops, a consideration of which sub- 
ject does so much toward prolonging the fertilitiy of the soil. 

It was in 1898 that Mr. Hintz was united in marriage to Miss Anna Rettig. 
She was born in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1868, and is a daughter of George and Louise 
Rettig. Her parents, who were natives of Germany, had come to America 
shortly after their marriage, and after spending a mnnber of years in Ohio came 
to Iowa, where Mr. Rettig followed farming for many years, but he has now 
retired and with his wife is enjoying a well deserved rest in Monticello. One 
of the twelve children born to her parents, Mrs. Hintz received a good educa- 
tion in the public schools and then attended Highland Park College, from which 
she was graduated. The five years before her marriage she spent in teaching, 
winning a reputation as a successful and progressive member of the profession. 
She has become the mother of two children : Irving R. and Paul W. 

Mr. and ^Mrs. Hintz are members of the Presbyterian church, making its 
teachings of practical value in their daily lives. Since he has been of an age to 
exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Hintz has invariably 
given his political support to the candidates of the republican party, feeling the 
utmost confidence in its principles. For himself, however, he has not sought for 
official perferment. although he has rendered valuable service to the people of Lov- 
ell township as a school director. 



CYRUS LAMB, JR. 



Cyrus Lamb, Jr., is one of Rome township's native sons, who after having tried 
life in other fields of activity returned to the place of his birth and engaged in the 
pursuit of farming. He was born :\Iay 18, 1863, and is the son of Cyrus and 
Elizabeth (Smith) Lamb. The father was born in Ohio, while the mother was 
of Pennsylvania nativity. When a struggling nation sent forth the call for her 
sons to rally to her support, Cyrus Lamb, Jr., responded and was numbered among 
those who sacrificed their ambitions and their lives upon the altar of their country. 
The mother, however, is still living at the age of sixty-six. 

Cyrus Lamb, Jr., the only child of his parents, was reared by his grandpar- 
ents and with them made his home until maturity. He received his education in 
the public schools of the county and then prepared for college. After several 
terms in college, he engaged in teaching, to which he devoted himself with suc- 
cess for a number of years. In 1900, he bought the farm in Rome township on 
which he is now living, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. In con- 
nection with it, he has devoted himself to the nursery business, making small 

fruit a specialty. . ^r- r^ r or -r 

In October. 1890, Mr. Lamb was united m marriage to Miss Caroline Pfeifer, 
a native of Rome township and a daughter of George and Barbara Pfeifer, who 
have now parsed awav. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lamb. 



62 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

They are consistent members of the United Brethren church and take an active 
part in reHgious work. PoUtically Mr. Lamb affiHates with the republican party, 
and his vote is ever given in support of its candidate. He is public-spirited, 
but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, but when his fellow 
citizens, appreciating the strong qualities of the man urged him to serve as a 
trustee of his township, he did not refuse and for the past two years has filled the 
position to their entire satisfaction. An educator himself it is but natural that his 
prime interest should be centered in the school, and that he should use every means 
to increase its effectiveness in his township. In his capacity as president of the 
board of education he has been able to institute some needed improvements and 
to raise the standard of the schools to a considerable degree. 



HOWARD MARSHALL REMLEY. 

Howard Marshall Remley, to whom the consensus of public opinion accords 
leadership at the Jones county bar, is now practicing as the senior partner of the 
law firm of Remley & Remley. He has been a representative of the legal profes- 
sion here for thirty-seven years, making steady progress in a calling where 
advancement depends entirely upon individual merit. 

He was born January 17, 1843, at Lewisburg, Greenbriar county, Virginia, 
now West Virginia, his parents being the Rev. James and Jane C. (Alderson) 
Remley. In the paternal line the family is of German lineage and was founded 
in America by the great-grandfather of Howard M. Remley, who crossed the At- 
lantic during the period when this country was still numbered among the colonial 
possessions of Great Britain. His son, Elias Remley, became a resident of Green- 
brier county, West Virginia, in 1791, and there the birth of the Rev. James Remley 
occurred January 15, 1812. He was educated at William and Mary's College in 
Virginia and on the nth of September, 1838, was united in marriage to Miss Jane 
C. Alderson, whose great-great-grandfather came from England in 1699. Her 
father was Colonel George Alderson, an officer of the war of 1812. His brother, 
father, grandfather and great-grandfather were ministers of the gospel and were 
pioneers in the religious advancement of the state of Virginia. Her uncle, the Rev. 
Lewis Alderson, was the first pastor of the First Baptist church of Atchison, 
Kansas. The birth of Mrs. Remley occurred March 12, 1816, in Randolph county. 
West Virginia, and, as previously stated, she gave her hand in marriage to James 
Remley on the nth of September, 183S. They came to Iowa in October, 1855, 
settling at Oxford, Johnson county. Lycurgus Remley, their first born, and 
George A., the second son, laid down their books to take up their muskets in 
defense of the country and gave their lives upon its altar. The surviving chil- 
dren of the family are : Ex-Attorney General Milton Remley, of Iowa City ; Judge 
H. M. Remley, of Anamosa ; Mrs. J. D. Glass, wife of Ex-Senator Glass, of Ma- 
son City, Iowa; and Miss Clara Remley, also of Mason City. 

Howard Marshall Remley was twelve years of age when he came to Iowa, his 
youth and early manhood being spent on the farm in Johnson county to the age 
of twenty-four years except when he was pursuing his education in Iowa City. 




H. M. REMLEY 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 65 

He afterward entered the Iowa state university and was graduated in 1869 with 
the degree of bachelor of arts. Making choice of the practice of law as a Ufe 
work he then made preparation for this calling as a student in the law department 
of the state university, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 
1872, while in 1874 his alma mater conferred upon him the master of arts degree. 

Judge Remley located for practice in Anamosa in July, 1872, and has since re- 
mained an active and representative member of the bar in this city save for the 
period of seven years, when he was district judge of the eighteeth judicial dis- 
trict. For the past six years he has practiced in partnership with his son, James 
E. Remley, under the firm style of Remley & Remley. They occupy a foremost 
position at the bar of eastern Iowa. Devotedly attached to his profession, sys- 
tematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, 
diligent in research, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, courteous and 
kind in demeanor and inflexibly just on all occasions, these qualities enable Judge 
Remley to take highest rank among those who have sat upon the bench of the 
state and made him the conservator of that justice wherein is the safeguard of 
individual liberty and happiness and the defense of our national institutions. 

In 1873 Judge Remley was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Underwood, 
of Muscatine, Iowa, who was also a graduate of the state university. Four of 
their sons and two of their daughters are also graduates of these institutions, 
while another daughter is now a senior there and a fourth daughter is a member 
of the junior class. The family have a comfortable and attractive home in Ana- 
mosa, in which one of the chief features is an extensive library. The family 
numbers ten children, five sons and five daughters. Bertha, the eldest, has been 
a successful teacher in the Anamosa schools and Iowa Falls. James E. is a 
graduate of the law department of the state university and now as a member of 
the law firm of Remley & Remley practices his profession in Anamosa. Arthur 
is married and is conducting a successful grocery store in Anamosa. Alfred G. 
is one-third owner in the Anamosa Lumber Company. Robert G., who won an 
'T" in the athletic team in the state university of Iowa, is now in the grain business 
in Anamosa. Agnes is a teacher in the high school of Jefferson, Iowa. Elsie 
and Mary are attending the state university, and Clara and Howard M. are stu- 
dents in the graded schools of Anamosa. 

Judge Remley has always been a republican in his political faith but while 
firm in his own views he is perfectly willing that others should differ from him, 
according to each the right of individual opinion. While he has never sought or 
desired office for himself, he takes an interest in local and state politics and does 
what he can to further the growth and progress of his party. He holds member- 
ship in the Baptist church and is a teacher in its Sunday-school, having a class 
of fifteen or more members, four of whom are more than eighty years of age, 
while the average age is over sixty years. He has been teaching his class for 
more than thirty years and in his relig-ious study manifests the same keen ana- 
lytical spirit which has characterized his professional work so that he is able to 
present the lessons in a most clear, comprehensive and logical manner. He feels 
the deepest interest in the Sunday-scho'jl work and regards it as one of the most 
potent forces for good at the present day. He is now widely known throughout 
the state as one of its leading Sunday-school workers, having been president of 



66 HISTOKV OF JOXES COUNTY 

the Iowa State Sunday-School Convention, while for three terms he was the 
president of the Iowa Baptist State Convention. He has also been honored with 
the presidency of the alumni association of the Iowa state university and is a 
trustee of Des Aloines College. His v.'ife is a leading member of one of the 
chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and for years has been a 
trustee of the public librar}- at Anamosa. She has received the degree of master 
of arts from the state university and holds one of the very few life state teach- 
ers' certificates which has been issued. It will thus be seen that the influence of 
the family is for the upbuilding and advancement of all those forces which are 
effective in the contacts of life for the uplifting of the individual and for the bet- 
terment of conditions of society in general. Few lawyers have made more last- 
ing impression upon the bar of the state than has Judge Remley, both for legal 
ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which 
impresses itself upon the community. He is a member of the state bar associa- 
tion and for ten years was a member of the committee on law reform. His large 
representative clientage is indicative of the regard entertained for him by the 
general public, while the profession manifests high consideration for the integ- 
rity, dignity, impartiality, love of justice and strong common sense which have 
ever marked his character as a judge, as an attorney and as a man. 



R. H. SPENCE, M. D. 



Dr. R. H. Spence. who since 1901 has been engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine at Wyoming, where he is now enjoying an extensive and lucrative patron- 
age, was born on the 13th of December. 1874. His parents, John and Isabel 
(Swank) Spence, were both natives of the state of Ohio. The father, whose 
birth occurred in the year 1829, followed general agricultural pursuits throughout 
his active business career. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in defense of 
the Union as a member of Company I. Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with 
which he served for three and a half years. He participated in many hotly con- 
tested engagements and was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. His 
demise occurred in 1905. 

R. H. Spence, who was the youngest child in a family of two sons and three 
daughters, suppleniented his preliminary education by a high-school course in 
Ohio and subsequently attended Mar}-ville College at Maryville, Tennessee. Hav- 
ing determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered the 
Miami Medical College at Cincinnati. Ohio, from which he was graduated in 
1901. The same year he located for practice in Wyoming, Jones county, where 
he has since remained, his patronage continually growing in volume and impor- 
tance. He keeps in touch with the advancement that is being made in the line 
of his chosen profession through his membership in the County, State and 
National Medical Societies. 

In 1903, Dr. Spence was united in marriage to Miss Eva May Weingartner, 
a native of Cincinnati. Ohio, and of German descent. Prior to her marriage 
she was a teacher in the Cincinnati schools. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Spence has been 



HISTORY OF JOXES COUNTY 67 

born a son, Willard Cooper, whose birth occurred on the i8th of October, 1905. 
Fraternally the Doctor is identified with Keystone Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of 
Wyoming, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Pres- 
byterian church. While yet a young man, he has already attained a creditable 
position in professional circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood 
are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been 
otherwise associated. 



JAMES R. KENNEDY. 



James R. Kennedy is one of the important men of Clay township, where 
he owns a large and valuable farm, A native of Iowa, he was born December 
8, 1870, his parents being William and Mary (Orr) Kennedy, both of Irish birth. 
The former, who was born ]March 21, 1839, came to this country in the spring 
of 1859, and shortly afterward settled in Jones county, Iowa, where he commenced, 
his American career. He found employment upon a farm, continuing as a 
laborer for a number of years until he had saved sufficient from his earnings 
to enable him to purchase a tract of land. He first bought forty acres, and then, 
as he had opportunity, added another forty to it, afterward selling it and buying 
eighty acres in Buchanan county, Iowa. He was not permitted to enjoy many 
years of prosperity, however, for he was called by death March 20, 1879. Never- 
theless when he came to this countn,- he was a poor man and when he closed his 
life h( enjoyed a fair competence. His wife, whom he wedded in this state 
November 10, was born in July, 1847, ^^'^ came to America in 1863. She died 
May 5, 1876. Through her marriage she became the mother of four children: 
James R.. the subject of this sketch; John, who was born December 17. 1871 ; 
William Allen, who was born August 9. 1873, and is now living in North Dakota; 
and David Hamilton, who was born IMarch 27, 1875, 21^^^ ^i^d August 29, 1879. 

Jam.es R. Kennedy was but Httle more than eight years of age when his father 
died and he was sent to live with a paternal aunt, Mrs Jane Orr French, of 
Jones county, under whose care he grew to years of maturity. He was a pupil 
in the district schools, while he spent the hours not given to his lessons and his 
summer vacations in the cultivation of the fields, a vocation to which he has 
since devoted himself. Until he was twent}'-six years of age, he remained with 
his aunt, and then, having married, he sought to make a home of his own and 
achieve a name for himself. He first purchased two hundred and twenty acres 
and subsequently one hundred and fort}'-eight acres more, the whole three 
hundred and sixty-eight acres area constituting the tract he possesses and lives 
upon today. He follows general farming and is also interested in the stock 
bu-iness. each year pasturing from fifty to sixty head of cattle which he sends 
to the feeders. While industry has contributed its large share to his progress, the 
economiv which has marked his operations has been an equally conspicuous factor, 
and in this Mr. Kennedy has had valuable assistance from his wife, whose eager 
sympathy with his interests, ready counsel, and capacity for managing so that 



68 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the most may be made of each bit of money or produce has rendered him an 
aid that may not be estimated in tangible quantities. 

It was on the 9th of December, 1896, that Mr. Kennedy wedded Miss Min- 
nie Orr, a daughter of William and Jemina Orr, and their union has been blessed 
with two children : William Kenneth, born February 10, 1898 ; and Mary Carol, 
born December 10, 1904. 

Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is trustee, 
while he gives his support in political matters to the democratic party. While 
he cannot be called an office seeker, as township trustee he rendered the com- 
munity efficient service through two terms, and for two and a half terms he 
fulfilled the duties of town clerk with care and ability. As his record in public 
life is on a par with that of his private life, both giving evidence of strong quali- 
ties of a fine manhood, Mr. Kennedy is the recipient of many expressions of 
good will and congratulation on the part of those whose lives are closely allied 
with his own. 



GEORGE D. and T. J. McPHERSON. 

George D. and T. J. McPherson deserve special mention among the agricul- 
turists of Jones county, where they own and cultivate two hundred and sixty- 
two and a half acres of choice and valuable land in Greenfield township, consti- 
tuting one of its fine farms. They are sons of John and Martha (Davis) McPher- 
son. The father was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1829, and the mother's 
birth occurred in the same country on the 12th of November, 1835. They crossed 
the Atlantic on the same ship in 1853 and became residents of Philadelphia. Soon 
after their arrival in the new world they were married and continued their resi- 
dence in Philadelphia, for about eight years, or until 1861, when they believed that 
they would have still better opportunities in the middle west and removed to 
Jones county, Iowa, where they continued to spend their remaining days. Mr. 
McPherson secured a tract of land and began farming, being busily occupied in 
the work of the fields until his life's labors were ended in death in the year 
1880. Following the demise of her husband Mrs. McPherson continued to re- 
side upon the old homestead with her six children and reared them there. The 
farm is located on section 21. Greenfield township, and Mrs. McPherson not 
only cared for her children but also managed the business consequent upon the 
development of the farm. Of her children one son died in infancy, while two 
daughters have married and gone to homes of their own — Mrs. Ruth Beeman, 
who is residing in Cedar Rapids, and Mrs. Anna Nosley, whose home is in Linn 
county, Iowa. The other children yet remain on the farm which has been their 
place of residence through almost their entire lives. Here the mother died 
January 12, 1908. She was certainly a most devoted mother, counting no per- 
sonal sacrifice on her part too great if it would enhance the happiness and pro- 
mote the welfare of her children, who revere her memory and during her lifetime 
entertained for her the warmest love. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 69 

The sons, George D. and T. J. McPherson, with their brothers, J. P, and Sam- 
uel, all reside on the old homestead and are busily occupied with the work of the 
fields, being known as representative farmers of this part of the state. All are 
pronounced repubHcans, but are not offensive partisans. They hold firmly to 
the principles in which they believe but are not abusive to those whose opinion 
differ from theirs. They have been reared in the atmosphere of Presbyterianism, 
are considerate of the rights of others and in all business transactions are thor- 
oughly reliable. 

George D. and Thomas J. McPherson were educated in the pioneer schools 
of the early days and were reared amid the environments of frontier life, habits 
of industry, diligence and perseverance being formed by them as the result of 
the wise lessons impressed upon them by their mother. The result of their 
labors is seen in the broad acres of the McPherson farm, comprising two hun- 
dred and sixty-two and a half acres of rich and productive land in Greenfield 
township. They have added many modern improvements, as evidenced in the 
house and barns, the sheds and machinery, the well kept fences, the carefully 
cultivated fields and the high grades of stock. All these are an indication of their 
thrift, energy and perseverance, qualities which are indispensable to success. 
Moreover, they enjoy the confidence of the general public as business men and 
the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



JOHN L. RICHARDSON. 

John L. Richardson, a retired agriculturist residing in Wyoming, where he 
has made his home since 1898, is still the owner of five hundred and five acres of 
valuable land in Madison township, Jones county. His birth occurred in North 
Argyle, Washington county. New York, on the 31st of January, 1838. His 
father, James Richardson, who was born at Ewart, Northumberland, England, 
in 1798, was a carpenter and joiner by occupation and for several years worked 
at his trade in Edinburgh. In 1827, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, 
settling in New York, where he worked at his trade until the time of his marriage 
to Miss Susan Small, a native of Jackson township, Washington county, New 
York. Her parents were from Perthshire, Scotland, and in the maternal line 
she was descended from the samo ancestry as the Beveridge family of which 
Senator Beveridge is a member. Following his marriage James Richardson 
turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and in 1850 removed to 
Morrow county, Ohio, where he followed farming for twelve years. On the 
expiration of that period, in 1862, he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in 
Madison township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and ninety-five 
acres in 1864. He successfully operated the place for a number of years and on 
putting aside the active work of the fields sold the property to his son, John L., 
and took up his abode in Wyoming, where his remaining days were spent. He 
passed away in 1880 and his wife was called to her final rest eight years later. 

John L Richardson, who was the third in order of birth in a family of nine 
children received his education in an old log schoolhouse in Ohio and, though 



70 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

his advantages in this direction were limited, he eventually became a well in- 
formed man through reading, observation and experience. On the i8th of July, 
1861, he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company E. Twenty-sixth Regiment 
of Ohio Infantry, with which he served until discharged at Chattanooga on the 
31st of December, 1863. He reenlisted on the following day — January i, 1864, 
becoming a member of Company E, Twenty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer 
Infantry. He served in the Army of the Cumberland and participated in all the 
engagements of his command, including those at Shiloh, Stone river, Mission 
Ridge, Chickamauga, Resaca, etc. Although in many sanguinary conflicts, 
he was fortunate in that he was never wounded and when the country no longer 
needed his aid he returned home, being honorably discharged on the 21st of 
October, 1865. On the 2d of January, 1866, he arrived in Jones county, Iowa, 
taking up his abode on his father's farm in Madison township, which he event- 
ually purchased and which still remains in his possession. However, he extended 
the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until it now embraces five 
hundred and five acres of rich and productive land. The work of the farm 
claimed his attention throughout his active business career and he annually gath- 
ered bounteous harvests which found a ready sale on the market. In 1898, hav- 
ing accumulated a handsome competence, he left the farm and came to Wyoming, 
where he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well 
earned ease. 

Mr. Richardson has been twice married and by his first wife, whom he wedded 
in 1868, had four children, Mrs. Florence Thomas, being the only one living. 
In 1883, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Elmira Her, a native of Ohio, by whom 
he also had one child, namely : Mrs. Ruby E. Peeler, of Wyoming. 

In his political views Mr. Richardson is a stanch republican and for seven 
years has capably served as a member of the town council. His religious faith is 
indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church. The period of 
his residence in this county now covers more than four decades and he has long 
been numbered among its most substantial, respected and enterprising citizens. 



GEORGE DAVID McDONALD. 

One of the representative farmers of Madison township who has met with 
success in his chosen vocation is George David McDonald, who was born in that 
township on the 13th of November, 1872, and is a son of David S. and Catherine 
(Bender) McDonald. The father was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and 
when a young man came to the United States with his parents about 1855. His 
brother, John McDonald, had emigrated to this country about five years pre- 
viously and although he had not come to Iowa immediately on his arrival in 
America, he located here before the remainder of the family reached this country 
and had secured several tracts of government land in Jones county. They settled 
on the farm now owned and occupied by John A. McDonald, a cousin of our sub- 
ject. David McDonald, our subject's father, married Miss Catherine Bender, a 
native of Pennsylvania, and subsequently acquired a tract of land in Madison 




GEORGE D. Mcdonald 



>•> 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 73 

township on which they made their home until 1900, when he retired from active 
farming and removed to Center Junction. Two years later, however, they be- 
came residents of Wyoming, Iowa, where Mr. McDonald now resides. He has 
figured quite prominently in local affairs and has held several township offices, 
the duties of which he discharged in a most able and satisfactory manner. Reared 
in the faith of the Presbyterian church, both he and his wife have always affil- 
iated with that denomination. 

George D. McDonald spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the par- 
ental roof and acquired his education in the common schools near his home. He 
remained with his parents until their removal to Center Junction, when he and 
his brother John L. took up the farm which they successfully operated for four 
years. Our subject then m.oved to another farm in Madison township but a year 
later became a resident of Center Junction and for one year carried the mail on 
the rural route. He then secured the farm where he now resides, consisting of 
eighty-six acres which had previously belonged to his uncle, John McDonald, 
who deeded it to him in the spring of 1907. He erected a good residence and a 
substantial barn and outbuildings upon his place, and after the completion of 
these took up his residence thereon in September, 1907. He has since devoted his 
time and energies to the cultivation of the fields and is meeting with well deserved 
success in his life work. 

On the 19th of June, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Ad^r. McDonald 
and Miss Sarah J. Buck, who was born in Mills county, Iowa, but had taught 
school in Jones county for four or five years previous to her marriage. They 
now have one child, Anna B. 

Politically Mr. McDonald is identified with the republican party and has taken 
quite an active interest in public affairs, having served as township assessor for 
three years and is now serving his fourth term as township clerk. He also acts 
as secretary of the school board and for several years has been a member of the 
district republican committee. Socially he is a member of Junction Lodge, 
No. 711, I. O. O. F., and, being a strong temperance man, also affiliates with the 
Good Templars. His wife is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church and 
both are held in high regard by all who know them. 



HENRY K. PATTON. 



Any new theory or innovation of an) kind must establish for itself a place 
by its worth and merit, for it is always subject to opposition on the part of the 
conservative who resent change of any kind. This has been the history of oste- 
opathy, but its practice has in the passing years become firmly established as a 
system of worth in the restoration of health and the prevention of disease. A 
successful practitioner of this system of healing in Anamosa is Dr. Henry K. 
Patton. His life record began at Moberly, Missouri, while his parents, Thomas 
J. and Nellie (Daniels) Patton, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respec- 
tively. The parents lived in Missouri for many years and there the father died 
in 1891 at the age of fifty-four years, while the mother still survives at the old 



74 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

homestead in that state. In their family were nine children: Effie L., the eld- 
est, is the wife of J. B. Baker, a resident of Cairo, Missouri ; Oleta, died in in- 
fancy; Carson, who wedded May Patton, is a resident of Clifton Hill, Missouri; 
Arthur W., makes his home in Tampa, Florida; Henry K., is the next of the 
family; Mary Elizabeth is the wife of Fred Melvin, living in Blendinsville, 
Illinois; Pleasant L., who married a Miss Hill, resides on the old homestead at 
Jacksonville, Missouri; Earnest is married and makes his home in Kansas City, 
Missouri ; and John D., is married and lives in Kansas City. 

Henry K. Patton attended the public schools in his early youth and after- 
ward pursued a complete course in the University of Missouri, thus becoming 
qualified by a liberal education for life's practical and responsible duties. He 
afterward entered the college of osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, and was grad- 
uated therefrom with the class of June, 1900. On the 27th of the same month he 
located at Anamosa, where he has established a large practice, his patronage 
steadily increasing as the years have gone by and he has demonstrated the value 
and worth of his professional services. He has comprehensive knowledge of 
anatomy and the component parts of the human body and in his practice has done 
such excellent work that many cures are now recorded to his credit. 

In June, 1904, Dr. Patton was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Irene 
Sullivan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Sullivan, natives of Jones county, 
Iowa. They had one daughter, Dorothy Josephine. Dr. Patton belongs to Ana- 
mosa Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., and is also connected with the Mystic Work- 
ers. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church 
while his political belief is that of the democratc party. His salient qualities are 
those of honorable manhood, of progressive citizenship and fidelity to a high 
standard of professional service, and the regard in which he is held has thus 
followed as the logical sequence of his salient and commendable traits of character. 



FRITZ GUHL. 



One of the enterprising farmers of Rome township, who is industriously mak- 
ing a home for his children in this land and a name for himself among the cattle 
men of Jones county, is Fritz Guhl. German born and reared, he is yet one of 
Iowa's best citizens, for he has brought the strong characteristics of the sons of 
the fatherland to swell the racial elements that contribute to her greatness. His 
parents, Ludwich and Dora (Todts) Guhl, were also of German nativity and never 
left the land of their birth. They are now deceased. 

Fritz Guhl was born September 11, 185 1, and received his education in the 
schools of Germany, in which country he grew to manhood and was married. In 
1890, he came to America to make for himself a home upon a farm in Iowa. For 
eight years after his arrival he rented land, and then, having prospered in his un- 
dertakings, he was able to purchase the farm he now occupies in Rome township. 

It is a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, good for agricultural purposes, but 
especially adapted to the feeding of hogs and cattle. To this enterprise accord- 
ingly Mr, Guhl has given more and more attention and with increasing success. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 75 

He ships several carloads of stock every year and is always certain of finding a 
ready market and good price. 

While still living in his native land Mr. Guhl married Miss Dora Todts, who 
has borne him four children. It was only after these young people were well able 
to stand an ocean voyage and the trip across this country that Mr. Guhl brought 
his family to America. They have grown up in America, and some have already 
started out to make their own way in the world. Charles, the eldest, has married 
and follows farming in this county. Louis is still at home. Mary has become the 
wife of Louis Westphal, of Wyoming township. Fred, the youngest, remains at 
home and assists his father on the farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Guhl were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and still 
give to it their allegiance, being members of the congregation at Olin. The chil- 
dren, too, have been brought up in that faith and all have been confirmed. Frugal, 
industrious and determined to succeed, Mr. Guhl bids fair to become one of the 
more important farmers of Rome township, and his advance can only be viewed 
with good-will by his fellows, for they benefit and do not suflfer through his eflforts. 



CHARLES HENRY ANDERSON. 

On the list of city officials in Anamosa appears the name of Charles Henry 
Anderson for he is the popular, efficient postmaster of the city, prompt, capable and 
systematic in the discharge of his duties. He is numbered among Iowa's native 
sons, his birth having occurred in Hartford, Warren county, on the 23d of Novem- 
ber, 1861. His parents were Leonard V. and Julia A. (Taylor) Anderson, na- 
tives of Ohio and North Carolina respectively. The father was born in Knox 
county, Ohio, May 13, 1834, while the mother was born in North Carolina Sep- 
tember 12, 1827. They became pioneer residents of Warren county, Iowa, 
where they resided until 1863, and then removed to Linn county, this state, re- 
maining there for twenty-three years or until 1886, when they became residents of 
Anamosa. The father was a carpenter by trade and lived a busy and useful life, 
passing away in April, 1899, at the age of sixty-five years. The wife still sur- 
vives at the advanced age of eighty-two years and is now living in the old home in 

Anamosa. 

Charles H. Anderson was the third in order of birth in a family of four chil- 
dren, but is the only one now living. At the usual age he began his education in 
the public schools and continued his studies until he was graduated from the high 
school of Viola, Iowa. He was only two years of age when his parents removed 
from Hartford to Viola, where he continued to reside until October, 1885, when 
he became a resident of Anamosa. He had previously made his initial step in the 
business world as a clerk in a general store at Viola, where he remained until his 
removal to Jones county. In the city where he now resides he had secured a clerk- 
ship in the grocery store of Buell Evans and continued with him for about a year, 
after which he engaged in the firm of Brasted & Prentice. He continued with 
them for three years, at the end of which time he accepted a position as traveling 
salesman, representing the wholesale grocery firm of John A. Tolman & Company 



76 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

of Chicago. He held that position for about two years and was next engaged as 
bookkeeper with the grocery firm of Shaw & Buttow at Anamosa, acting in that 
capacity for six years. On the T5th of April, 1898, he was appointed postmaster 
of Anamosa and has been the incumbent in the office to the present time, covering 
a period of more than eleven years. His long continuance in the position indicates 
clearly the fidelity which he has displayed in discharging his duties and the 
promptness and capability that has characterized his service at all times. 

On the 1 2th of September, 1883, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to 
Miss Cora L. Meader, a daughter of George W. and Julia A. (Howe) Meader, the 
latter a direct descendant of Eli Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine. Mrs. 
Anderson's parents were natives of New York and at an early day removed west- 
ward to Michigan, while subsequently they became pioneer residents of Linn 
county, Iowa, where the father died. The mother afterward removed to Jones 
county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born two sons : Leonard E., who 
is now attending law school in Chicago ; and Roy ]., a cartoonist, who is connected 
with the St. Joseph News Press. 

In his political views Mr. Anderson has always been a stalwart republican 
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He keeps well informed 
on the questions and issues of the day and is thus able to support his position by 
intelligent argument. He has served as a member of the school board and the 
cause of education finds in him a diligent and effective champion. He belongs to 
the Baptist church and fraternally is connected with Anamosa Lodge, No. 16, A. 
F. & A. M. ; Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M.; Mount Olivet Commandery, 
No. 36, K. T. ; and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds member- 
ship with the Mystic Workers and the Modern Woodmen and is loyal to the teach- 
ings of these orders, which are based upon the principles of mutual helpfulness 
and brotherly kindness. His life record in all of its phases has measured up to 
the standard of honorable manhood, and in Anamosa, where he has now resided 
for almost a quiarter of a century, he has a circle of friends that is nearly if not 
quite coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. 



HON. NATHAN POTTER. 

When a good and noble man has passed from the midst of the community in 
which he had lived and for whose welfare and advancement he had exerted him- 
self, the richness of his life comes strongly to the fore and his comrades realize 
fully, perhaps for the first time, the dignity of a fine character. So it was with 
Nathan Potter, who responded to the call of death November 30, 1908. His was 
a life worthy of emulation, whether it be regarded as that of a citizen, as that of 
a minister of the gospel or as that of a public servant. He was born in Hartford, 
Licking county, Ohio, October 26, 1835, being a son of William and Rachel Pot- 
ter. The former was bom in England, August 28, 1767, and was a descendant 
of one of the men who crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower. In 1844 he brought 
his family to Jackson county, Iowa, where they experienced all the hardships of 
pioneer life and where the parents lived the rest of their lives. Eight children 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 77 

were born to them, namely, Nathan, the subject of this sketch; James G., of Mon- 
mouth, Illinois ; Mrs. Charles Brown, of Anamosa ; Mrs. Jacob Pitzenbarger, of 
Linden, Iowa; John, of Waynoka, Oklahoma; Luke, of Ruthven, Iowa; Jarvis, of 
Dallas Center, Iowa ; and Mrs. Marion Gilmore, of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. In 
addition to his full brothers and sisters, Mr. Potter had two half-brothers and 
three half-sisters, all of whom preceded him to the grave. 

In 1844 Mr. Potter came with his parents to Iowa, where he grew to manhood, 
sharing in the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of those courageous 
men and women who made for themselves and their families a home in the heart 
of the wilderness. Regular training he did not know, but by dint of application 
and study at home he fitted himself to teach in the common schools. In 1865, hav- 
ing married five years previously, he removed to Jones county, where he procured 
a farm in the neighborhood of Anamosa, on which he and his wife lived happily 
until her death. He improved the property and erected several large and com- 
fortable buildings, while he cultivated the soil with skill and profit. Two years 
after his wife's demise, in 1896, j\Ir. Potter removed to Olin, which remained his 
home until his life was brought to a close. 

While still a young man Mr. Potter was converted to the Christian faith, tak- 
ing up ministerial work shortly after his conversion, and in 1863, ^^ Clayton 
county, Iowa, he was regularly ordained to prea.ch the gospel in the Christian 
church, continuing in that work until his death. When he assumed charge of the 
congregation in Jackson township, Antioch church was in an unfinished condition, 
but he threw himself into the actual work of construction with a vigor that ever 
distinguished his acts and did as much as any other to complete the structure. His 
life and his interest in pubHc affairs made him prominent, and the people, who in 
recognition of his abilities, elected him to different township offices and to the 
mavoralty of the city of Olin. He also served in the legislature as a member of 
the Twenty-fourth General Assembly, and being an able and painstaking man ac- 
quitted himself with honor and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics 
as in religion he was always broad-minded, respecting the opinions of others, but 
when once convinced that he was right or that the welfare of society and humanity 
demanded a certain attitude on his part, he never hesitated to assert his convic- 
tions, so that in all sincerity the house in which he had sat might pass the follow- 
ing resolutions: 

Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Potter the state and county in which he 
resided loses a worthy and honored and upright citizen; and that we extend to 
his bereaved wife and relatives our sincere sorrow and sympathy in their great 
loss ; and that an enrolled copy of these resolutions be spread upon the journal of 
the house ; and that a copy be sent to the bereaved family. Adopted, March 13, 
1909. Signed by, 

W. M. Byerly 

J. W. Ellis 

A. W. Kendall 

Guy a. Feely^ speaker of the house. 

G. R. Benedict, chief clerk of the house. 
Mr. Potter was twice married. In January, i860, he wedded Miss Clementine 
Demoss, of Canton, Iowa. Two children were born of this union: Mrs. J. L. 



78 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Streeter, of Olin ; and Mrs. Dell Olmstead, of Maquoketa, Iowa. Mrs. Potter 
died June 19, 1894, and November 9, 1899, Mr. Potter married again, his second 
wife having been Mrs. W. D. Hutton, nee Shaw. She was born in Scotland, 
March 9, 1858, and was a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Gordon Lamond) 
Shaw, also natives of that country. Her father died in 1871, but her mother is 
still living in the land of her birth, having attained the advanced age of eighty- 
two years. Four of the seven children born to her and her husband are also living. 
In 1877, in Scotland, Mrs. Potter was united to her first husband, W. D. Hutton, 
and in 1892 they came to America, locating in Jones county, Iowa, where Mr. Hut- 
ton died. Four children were born to them: A. C, who is in Olin, in the employ 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; Margaret C, who is the wife of 
A. C. Ramsey, of Rock Island, Illinois ; Mary G., who is at home with her mother; 
and David, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Potter adopted a son, James R. Shaw 
Potter. 

Mr. Potter was a IMaster Mason from 1869 to within a short time of his death 
and was also made a member of the Mt. Olivet Commandery at Anamosa. He was 
a marf of great physical strength and tough fiber, but the end came suddenly, with- 
out any warning, for he died as the result of a paralytic stroke which seemed to 
cut him ofif while still in the enjoyment of good health. An esteemed friend and 
an eminent citizen, he was deeply mourned at his death. Mrs. Potter, who was 
administratrix of his afifairs, now owns a fine three story, brick hotel, seven lots 
in the village of Olin, a well improved farm in Hale township, besides having 
numerous interests in Scotland. These interests she manages with great business 
skill. 



ARAM GARABED HEJINIAN, M. D. 

Ability will come to the front anywhere and the circumstances of a man's 
birth or early environment have little to do with the position to which he may 
attain if he wisely develops his native powers and talents and directs his energy 
by sound judgment and discrimination. This is evidenced in the record of Dr. 
Aram Garabed Hejinian, one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of eastern 
Iowa, practicing in Anamosa. 

He was born July 25, 1863, in Arabkir in the province of Harpoot, Armenia. 
His parents were Garabed A. and Surmaly Y. Hejinian. The father was de- 
scended from an aristocratic familv of that countrv and his life was a most active, 
useful and honorable one. During the Crimean war he was appointed by the 
English government as a local agent for the province of Harpoot, which impor- 
tant position he held until the war was over. For several years he was the civil 
head of the protestant community of Harpoot, representing it before the Turkish 
government. For many years he was a member of the city council of Arabkir 
and for about ten years was a member of the court of commerce in Constanti- 
nople. For more than seven years he was judge of the court of commerce at Van 
for the stame province in eastern Armenia, being appointed by Sublime Porte 
at Constantinople. He was born in rhe ancient Armenian church but became 
one of the first protestants of Arabkir and was one of the first to invite American 




DR. A. G. HEJINIAN 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 81 

missionaries to establish an American mission at that place. He had a prom- 
inent and responsible position in the church and also in educational lines and was 
one of the foremost men of the city and province in which he hved. His death 
resulted from a severe mental shock caused by events of the Armenian massacre 
of 1895, in which he lost the old family home and estate by fire and pillage but 
worse than that in the same massacre lost one of his sons, who was a distin- 
guished lawyer, a Hnguist of fame and had been advocate in various courts, even 
being recognized as an advocate of the English courts of Cyprus. His wife's 
maiden name was Surmaly Yaqubyan. The Yaqubyan family is one of promi- 
nence in Arabkir and representatives of the name are now bankers in Cairo, 
Egypt. Mrs. Hejinian was a devoted member of the old Armenian church until 
her death. 

The Hfe history of Dr. Hejinian is one of interest because of the wide and 
varied experiences which have been his. His primary education was acquired 
in the schools of Arabkir, supplemented by a high-school course at Harpoot, 
while in 1885 he was graduated from Euphrates College at Harpoot. Before 
his graduation C. H. Wheeler, D. D., the president of the college had chosen him 
from a large class and invited him to fill the vacancy in the chair of higher 
mathematics during a leave of absence of the regular professor who had gone to 
America for further study. Dr. Hejinian accepted the position and taught at 
the college for two years, after which he decided to come to the United States 
to prepare himself for his life work. On the 17th of September, 1887, he left 
Armenia and made his way to Cairo, Egypt, where Hved a brother and a sister. 
They requested him to pass the winter season with them and in the following 
spring he came to the United States, landing at New York City on the 22d of 
May, 1888. He then visited a friend m Philadelphia for a few day?, reaching 
Chicago on the 4th of June. As it was then vacation time he prepared to enter 
the Chicago Theological Seminary in the fall and was graduated therefrom in 
1890. 

Immediately afterward Dr. Hejinian entered Rush Medical College with the 
intention of returning to his native land well equipped in medicines as well as in 
theology. He completed his course at Rush in 1893 and was elected class chap- 
lain. In all collegiate courses he held a leading position in his classes. Follow- 
ing his graduation from medical college he accepted a position in the Chicago 
health department as health inspector during the World's Columbian Exposition. 
That summer the Armenian massacres began and the condition of his native 
country was such that it would not warrant safety of life for him to return as 
he had always intended doing. Being compelled to remain, he reentered Rush 
Medical College, where he pursued a special post-graduate course in 1893-94 
with the intention of preparing himself not only for the active practice of medi- 
cine in this country but also that he might compete with the leading members 
of the medical fraternity here. Through the influence of the late Dr. Nicholas 
Senn, one of Chicago's most famous surgeons and the head professor in surgery 
at Rush Medical College, he entered St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, as resident 
physician and surgeon, remaining there for about two years— from 1894 until 
i895_during which time his broad experience in hospital work greatly aug- 
mented the knowledge which he had acquired through collegiate training. Dr. 



82 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Senn was in charge of the hospital and thus almost daily Dr. Hejinian was in 
close touch with that master surgeon and master mind, from whom he received 
not only his practical surgical knowledge but also stimulated his ability for keen 
observation and accurate diagnosis in complex cases. 

After leaving the hospital in 1896 Dr. Hejinian went to Monmouth, Iowa, 
for a short vacation and rest, visiting a friend who was a physician at that place. 
While there a colleague at Wyoming, Iowa, requested him to take care of his 
practice during a three months' absence and Dr. Hejinian acceded the request. 
Then he left Wyoming for Chicago, intending to locate in that city and make it 
his future home, but after reaching the metropolis by the lake he received some 
communications from Iowa which caused him to return to this state, settling in 
Anamosa on the 4th of August, 1896. Since then he has been surgeon in charge 
of the local hospital at this point and has, moreover, enjoyed a lucrative practice. 
His success, especially in surgery, has been equal to that of anyone in the state. 
Almost every year he visits some of the chief medical centers of the world to 
keep himself abreast with the advances of the time. He took post-graduate work 
in surgery in 1902-03 in London, Berlin and Vienna and when abroad was ac- 
companied by his wife and little daughter, Lucea. He not only studied while in 
Europe but visited many points of ancient and modern interest, including the 
cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cologne, Paris, Dresden, Venice, Florence, Rome 
and Naples. He likewise went to Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt and after an 
absence of eight and a half months returned to the United States. In his prac- 
tice he has displayed marked ability and familiarity with the most advanced 
methods and processes of surgical work and has performed some very important 
and difficult operations. In addition to his hospital work and his private prac- 
tice he is now medical examiner for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance 
Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the Aetna Life Insurance Company of 
Hartford, Connecticut ; the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and the 
Provident Life & Trust Company, both of Philadelphia ; and the Central Life 
Assurance Society of Des Moines. He is also medical examiner for the Modern 
Woodmen of America and the Mystic Workers of the World and he is one of the 
original stockholders of the Citizens Savings Bank of Anamosa and has been 
one of its directors since its organization. 

On the 14th of September, 1898, Dr. Hejinian was married in Anamosa to 
Miss Bertha S. Stacy, a daughter of Judge John S. and Charlotte A. K. Stacy. 
Her father has been prominently identified with the growth of Anamosa and 
Jones county, being recognized as one of the leading residents here through 
m.any years. His wife is a descendant of Governor Bradford, of Massachusetts. 
Mrs. Hejinian is a graduate of the Cornell College art department and has taken 
post-graduate courses in the Chicago Art Institute and Cowles School of Art in 
Boston, Massachusetts. For several years she was at the head of the art de- 
partment of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Dr. and Mrs. Hejinian have 
two children: Lucea M.. born June 18, 1899; ^"^ John S., born July 2, 1904. 

Dr. Hejinian received his final naturalization papers on the 31st of May, 1895. 
He has always been a republican in his political views and cast his first presi- 
dential vote for William McKinley in 1896. He belongs to Anamosa Lodge, No. 
42, A. F. & A. M. ; Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M. ; Olivet Commandery, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 83 

No. 36, K. T. ; and Moriah Chapter, No. 16, O. E. S. He is also connected with 
the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 167, M. W. A., and Anamosa Lodge, No. 
171, of the Mystic Workers of the World. His religious faith is that of the Con- 
gregational church, in which he is serving as a deacon and trustee. In specific- 
ally professional lines he is connected with the Jones County, the Iowa Union 
and the Iowa State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. 
Dr. Hejinian is a man of earnest purpose and of high ideals. He has kept to 
high standards in his profession but not more so than in every relation of life, 
being actuated in all that he does by the principles that govern upright and hon- 
orable manhood and Christian citizenship. 



HERBERT G. A. HARPER. 

On the roster of county officials appears the name of Herbert G. A. Harper, 
who is now acceptably filling the position of county clerk and his record is in har- 
mony with all that makes for good citizenship and for loyalty and progressiveness 
in public affairs. His life record began in Buckhannon, Upshur county. West 
Virginia, on the 30th of December, 1873, his parents being the Rev. Enoch and 
Jane (Heckert) Harper, who were also natives of West Virginia. In the year 
1886 they removed to Colorado where they remained for about four years and in 
1890 came to Iowa, settling in Olin, where they resided until 1897. Subsequently 
they were located in different parts of the state and are now living at Julian, Ne- 
braska. Rev. Harper has recently completed his forty-sixth successive year in the 
ministry and for the past three years has been presiding elder of the North Ne- 
braska conference of the United Brethren church. His influence in behalf of 
moral progress has been of no restricted order and his labors have not been denied 
the full harvest nor the aftermath. The family numbered but two children, the 
elder being William O., who married Myrtle Legler, the adopted daughter of J. 
J. Legler, of Muscatine, Iowa, and they now reside at Aurora, Nebraska, 

At seventeen years of age Herbert G. A. Harper assumed the responsibilities 
of life. He had attended the public schools and also enjoyed the benefits of a 
course of study in the West Virginia Academy at Buckhannon during the year of 
1885-86. The family then removed to Colorado, after which he attended the pub- 
lic schools there for two winters. The summer months were devoted to farm 
work in Colorado for about four years. In the meantime, however, he had con- 
tinued his education by entering the Western College at Toledo, Ohio, in 1889 and 
was graduated from the commercial department of this school in June, 1891. Af- 
ter his education was completed he secured employment in the general store of 
Lamb Brothers at Olin, remaining in their employ from 1891 until 1897. In the 
latter year he went to Chicago and secured employment in the wholesale produce 
commission house of Gregson, Easterly & Company. He remained with that 
firm until October, 1903, when he came to Jones county and has since made his 
home in Anamosa. Here he was appointed a guard at the Iowa State Peniten- 
tiary and in May, 1905, was made turnkey of the institution, which position he 
held until the 13th of September, of that year. On that date he received ap- 



84 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

pointment to the position of deputy clerk of the district court of Jones county 
and in November, 1908, was elected clerk of the court, which position he is now 
filling. In all places of public trust his record has been characterized by the utmost 
fidelity to duty and by unswerving allegiance to all that which is best in public 
service. His political support is given to the republican party for he has firm 
belief in the efficiency and value of its principles as factors in good government. 
On the 9th of February, 1897, at Olin, Iowa, Mr. Harper was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Ada Belle Easterly, a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Jane 
(McConkir) Easterly, who were natives of Ohio and came to Iowa at an early 
date, settling in Jones county near the town of Olin. The father died in 1907 
at the age of eighty-five years, while the mother still resides at Olin. Mr. and 
Mrs. Harper have but one child, Eugene Austin, who was born April 9, 1899, in 
Chicago, Illinois. In his fraternal relations Mr. Harper is a Mason, belonging 
to Anamosa Lodge. No. 46, A. F. & A. M., and De Molay Consistory, No. i, of 
Clinton, Iowa. He joined the lodge in 1907 and in 1908 was appointed senior dea- 
con and in 1909 was elected senior warden. He is also connected with the Mystic 
Workers, his membership being in Anamosa Lodge, No. 171. He and his family 
attend the Congregational church and he is now serving as director of the choir. 
His salient qualities are those of honorable manhood and progressive citizenship, 
and he is held in high regard wherever he is known and most of all where he is 
best known. 



WILLIAAI O. SHAFFER. 

William O. Shaffer, a successful and enterprising merchant of Wyoming, 
dealing in clothing, shoes and men's furnishings, was born in Center county, Penn- 
sylvania, on the 3d of November, 1862. His parents, Nathan and Mary (Durst) 
Shaffer, are likewise natives of the Keystone state, the former having been born 
in Columbia county in September, 1823, while the latter's birth occurred in Center 
county in 1833. Nathan Shaft"er was a minister of the Methodist church and in 
1863 removed with his wife and two children to Buchanan county, Iowa, where he 
preached the gospel for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to 
Canton, Jackson county, this state, where he likewise labored in a ministerial ca- 
pacity for three years. At the end of that time, in 1869, he came to Jones county, 
purchasing a farm in Madison township on which he made his home until 1896, 
since which time he has resided at Wyoming. His wife also still survives and they 
are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. Their children 
were five in number, namely: Harriet B.; William O. ; of this review; Charles 
B. ; Margaret ; and Arthur, who is deceased. 

William O. Shaffer was reared to manhood on the home farm in Madison 
township, this county, obtaining his education in the country schools and also 
at Wyoming. After putting aside his text-books he assisted in the cultivation 
of the home place and when his father retired from active life he took charge of 
the farm, managing it successfully for a number of years. In 1899 he came to 
Wyoming and purchased the interest of R. S. Williams in the firm of Fishwild 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 85 

& Williams, being thus identified with mercantile affairs until 1906, when he 
bought the interest of Mr. Fishwild and has since conducted the enterprise alone. 
He deals in clothing, shoes and men's furnishings and has built up an extensive 
and profitable trade along these lines, owing to his reliable and straightforward 
business methods. His establishment is up-to-date in every particular and he is 
widely recognized as one of the progressive and representative merchants of the 
county. 

In March, 1891, Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Miss Amy Brush, a 
daughter of William Brush, who was an early settler of Jones county. They have 
become the parents of four children, as follows : Berdale ; Wallace ; Dillon, who 
died at the age of four years ; and Elizabeth. 

At the present time Mr. Shaffer is capably serving his fellow townsmen as a 
member of the city council. He is a valued and consistent member of the Meth- 
odist church and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a worthy 
exemplar. A resident of the county for four decades, he is widely known within 
its borders and the substantial qualities which he has displayed in the varied re- 
lations of life have gained him a high place in the regard and good will of all with 
whom he has come in contact. 



C. A. SCHATZ. 



C. A. Schatz, who is a successful representative of the agricultural interests of 
Lovell township, is a native of this county and was bom June 15, 1858. His par- 
ents were August and Eliza (Altmans) Schatz, both of German birth. In 1854, 
shortly after their marriage, they came to America, locating first in Dubuque 
county, Iowa, and three years later coming to Jones county. Here Mr. Schatz 
pursued the life of a farmer until he retired from active participation in his voca- 
tion and took up his residence in Monticello, where he and his wife are still liv 
ing. Five children were born to them : Dora, who is the wife of Fred Kellogg, of 
Center Junction, Iowa; C. A., who is the subject of this sketch; Bertha, who has 
remained at home ; one who died in infancy ; and Anna, who is also deceased. 

C. A. Schatz was reared at home and in the common schools of the township 
learned the practical lessons which would fit him for the responsibilities of life. 
At the age of twenty-seven he married, and being desirous to establish a home of 
his own bought eighty acres of land in Lovell township, which is part of the place 
on which he now lives, for as the years brought rich returns to his diligent and 
unremitting industry he has been able to add to the original tract until he has now 
tripled its acreage, owning two hundred and forty acres in Jones county. He also 
has one hundred and sixty acres in Texas, a fact which serves to show that he is 
a man to seize every opportunity for advancement that presents itself. On his 
farm in Lovell township, in addition to the raising of cereals, he devotes consid- 
erable time to dairying, obtaining from both industries an income that is a gratify- 
ing reward for his many hours of hard labor and serves to place him among the 
substantial men engaged in like pursuits in his locality. 



86 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Mr. Schatz was united in marriage to Miss Anna Harms, a native of Illinois 
and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Harms who are now deceased. Eight 
children have been born to the couple, namely: E. A., Mary, Dora. Harm, Carl, 
Anna, Eliza and Clara. The youngest has passed away, and Mary is now the wife 
of Adolph Egger, of Delaware county, Iowa, but the others live at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Schatz are members of the German Lutheran church, that being 
the faith in which they were reared, while Mr. Schatz gives his support in poli- 
tical matters to the democratic party, placing all confidence in the principles enun- 
ciated in its platform. While he cannot be called a politician in the sense of be- 
ing a seeker for office, the success he was won in his own private concerns naturally 
suggested to his fellow citizens that he would be a man in whose judgment they 
might place reliance when it was exercised in their behalf. Accordingly through 
a period of twenty-seven years he was called upon to serve them as a school di- 
rector and is now one of the trustees of the township. His duties have ever been 
administered with care and honor, so that he enjoys the respect and good will of 
those who have come in contact with him in a business way or as a representative 
of the people. 



JOHN MATHIAS RUMMEL. 

John Mathias Rummel, second son of George P. and Mary Stouflfer Rummel, 
was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1828. Seven years after his 
birth, in 1835, the father moved his family to Richland county, Ohio, locating in 
Worthington township, where John M. Rummel remained until 1846, with the 
exception of three summers, living with his five brothers and one sister. The 
latter was the youngest, and he was second in order of birth, having one brother 
older. 

In the fall of 1846 Mr. Rummel went to Mansfield, Ohio, to learn the tanning 
business, at a time when the town had but one railroad, the New York & San- 
dusky. It was at Mansfield that he saw his first train of cars drawn by an engine 
and curious it looked to the country-bred lad. He remained with the firm of Lake 
& Hooker until November, 1848, when they dissolved their business. The fol- 
lowing spring Mr. Rummel embarked in a tannery business for himself with 
R. W. Hazlett and they remained together until the fall of 1853. In the mean- 
while he had lost his mother, on February 26, 1849, after an illness of but a few 
days, and he had devoted some time to assisting his father on the farm. 

On July 26, 1853, Mr. Rummel married Margaret Ann McConkie, the oldest 
daughter of John and Margaret (Watts) McConkie, born in Richland county; 
Ohio, August 13, 1832. John McConkie was born September 13, 1800, in West- 
moreland county, Pennsylvania, and married Margaret Watts, January 4, 1827. 
She was born near New Lisbon, Ohio, April 20, 1808. They had nine children, 
namely: Thomas, who is deceased; Margaret Ann, who married John Rummel; 
Sarah Jane, who married Jonathan Easterly; Catherine, who married Calvin 
Hazlett; Samuel, who is deceased; James, who is the sixth in order of birth; and 
Mary Ellen, who is also deceased ; Harriet, who married William Robinson ; and 
Hannah, who married John D. Frink. 




JOHN M. RUMMEL 




MRS. JOHN M. RUMMEL 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 91 

From the time of his marriage, Mr. Rummel began preparing for his removal 
to Iowa, being greatly attracted to this state. He sold his stock in the tanyard 
and by September i, 1853, had an outfit consisting of a span of horses, a wagon 
and a few boxes of necessities. In company with his wife and his brother Andrew 
he set out for what was then considered the far west, September 20, 1853. With 
them were John and William Moffitt. John Law, R. W. Hazlett and several 
others, it being the custom to travel in bands for protection and company. They 
came through Indiana, crossed the Mississippi River on a ferry-boat and landed 
in Rome, now Olin, Iowa, October 15, 1853. 

On May 29, 1854, occurred the birth of their first child, Mary C, who is now 
the wife of C. W. B. Derr, of Anamosa, and seven others were later bom, they 
being: John Albert, who lives at Lebanon, Missouri; OHver Clark, who resides 
at Baxter Springs, Kansas ; George Franklin, who lives at Chicago ; David Sher- 
man, who makes his home in Olin; Ella May, who died September 22, 1869; 
Fannie Rosetta, who married Wilbur Starry of Olin; and Margaret Jane, who 
lives at home. There are now five grandchildren in the family: George Franklin 
Derr, Ella Mabel Rummel, Roscoe Renne Rummel, Clarice Bernice Starry and 
Marguerite Rummel Starry. 

A memorable event in the Rummel family was the celebration of the golden 
wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Rummel at their home in Olin, July 26, 1903. Seventy- 
eight near relatives attended the reception and assisted in making happy the two 
who had lived together for so long. Unfortunately in less than three years after- 
ward the earthly ties that bound them were severed, when on Monday morning, 
April 9, 1906, Mr. Rummel breathed his last, and passed peacefully away to the 
God whose service he had entered on February 18, 1848, when he was converted 
in the old Methodist church at Mansfield, later joining that denomination and 
remaining true to its teachings for over half a century. At the time of his demise 
he lacked but ten days of the seventy-eighth anniversary of his birth. Mr. Rum- 
mel left three brothers, George W., Josiah and David, and his widow, children and 
grandchildren as well as a wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. His other 
brothers were Andrew, who died March 27, 1905, and Jacob, who died October 
II, 1900. The sister, Nancy Jane died near Olin, June 19, 1861. Prior to his 
demise, Jacob Rummel completed a very valuable genealogy of the Rummel fam- 
ily, dating it back to John Rummel, May 30, 1774- 

The subject of this review lived on his farm until March 15, 1894, when he 
retired to OHn, locating in the home now occupied by Mrs. Rummel and there 
the remaining years of his happy life were spent. He was a man of careful habit, 
possessing a somewhat retiring disposition, unquestionable integrity, a benevo- 
lent spirit and a most sacred devotion to his family. He always treated his 
brothers with exceptionable kindness. Mr. Rummel was a great lover of God's 
house and all His people of whatever name or faith and was punctual in his at- 
tendance upon the services. While true to the teachings of the Methodist church, 
in 1857 he united with the United Brethren denomination on account of there 
being no church of his faith in his locality. This class was organized by Samuel 
Easterly in a schoolhouse south of Olin, and afterward formed the St. John class. 
Later when he removed to Olin, Mr. Rummel transferred his membership to the 



92 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

United Brethren class of this place, with which communion he remained until 
his death. 

"And thus the noble of this life 

Are bidding us adieu ! 

To join the faithful gone before, 

And beckon us there too." 



HENRY C. PRESTON. 



Henry C. Preston, the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of one 
hundred and fifty-five acres in Madison township, has now made his home within 
the borders of this county for forty-five years. His birth occurred in Defiance 
county, Ohio, on the 7th of December, 183 1, his parents being William C. and 
Acenath (Butler) Preston, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter 
of Michigan. Locating at Fort Defiance, the father there conducted a trading 
post for ten or twelve years, on the expiration of which period he removed to 
Williams county, Ohio, where he entered a quarter section of land and turned his 
attention to general agricultural pursuits. This farm afterward became the site 
of the town of Edgerton. The death of William C. Preston there occurred in 
1837, when he had attained the age of fifty-two years. His political allegiance was 
given to the whig party and he served for two terms as sheriff of Defiance county. 
He was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity and the weight of his in- 
fluence was ever given on the side of right, truth, justice and progress. His 
widow, long surviving him, removed westward in 1854 and throughout the re- 
maining years of her life made her home among her children in Iowa. She lived 
to attain the ripe old age of eighty-five years, passing away in April, 1888. At the 
time of Hull's surrender she was a resident of Detroit. 

Henry C. Preston was reared amid rural surroundings, in a sparsely settled 
and still undeveloped district. The schoolhouse in which he obtained his education 
was a primitive log structure with slab benches and puncheon floor. He lost his 
father when but five years of age and was thus early thrown upon his own re- 
sources, working for neighboring farmers when a little lad of ten years. He was 
employed as a farm hand and also in other capacities until 1856, when he was 
married and the following year started out as an agriculturist on his own account. 
The young couple began their domestic life in an old log cabin, their furniture con- 
sisting of a Jewsharp stove, a half dozen handmade chairs with split bottoms, a 
bed and some minor effects. The farm on which he located, consisting of fifty 
acres in Williams county, Ohio, had been purchased prior to his marriage. There 
he carried on the work of the fields energetically and successfully for eight years 
and in the spring of 1864 made his way to Iowa, locating in Madison township, 
Jones county, where he has since continued to reside. The farm which he now 
owns and occupies came into his possession in 1880 and has been his place of abode 
from that time to the present. It is a very productive and valuable property and 
indicates in its neat and thrifty appearance the practical and progressive spirit of 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 93 

the owner, who has long been numbered among the substantial and respected citi- 
zens of the community. 

Mr. Preston has been twice married. In 1856 he wedded Miss Helen Parker, 
of Bridgewater, Ohio, who was called to her final rest in the year 1870. Unto 
them were born four children, three of whom still survive, namely : Estella, the 
wife of William Stingley, of Center Junction, Jones county; William H., who 
operates the home farm; and Helen A., the wife of Eugene Woodburn, of Jersey 
City, New Jersey. 

In April, 1884, Mr. Preston was again married, his second union being with 
Mrs. Olive Collier, the widow of Joel Collier. Her parents, Horace and Humility 
(Evans) Bartow, came to Iowa from the state of New York in 1854 and took 
up their abode on Bear creek in Madison township, this county, on a land grant 
which had been given the father in recognition of his services as a soldier in the 
war of 181 2. Subsequently he entered more land until his farm in Madison town- 
ship comprised two hundred and forty acres, while he also owned a quarter sec- 
tion in Tama county, Iowa. He passed away in 1880, at the age of eighty-five 
years, and two years later his wife was also called to the home beyond, being at 
that time eighty-two years of age. The family has been a patriotic one, Mrs. Pres- 
ton's father not only served in the war of 1812, but her maternal grandfather, 
Benjamin Evans, fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war, 
and her brother served two years and eight months in the Civil war, being a mem- 
ber of Company G, First Iowa Cavalry, and was discharged at Davenport. By 
her first marriage Mrs. Preston became the mother of four children, three of 
whom are yet living, as follows : Henry, a resident of Center Junction, Jones 
county; Ida, the wife of George Andrews, of Madison township, this county; 
and Ella, the wife of William H. Preston, who operates his father's farm. 

Politically Mr. Preston is a stalwart advocate of the democracy, while his re- 
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, 
with which his wife is also identified. He has now passed the seventy-seventh 
milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and respect which should 
ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and 
whose career has been at all times upright and honorable. 



JOHN PASHEK, JR. 



John Pashek, Jr., an enterprising agriculturist of Oxford township, owning 
and operating a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres on sections 22 and 23, 
was born in that township, on the 24th of February, 1884. His parents, John and 
Barbara Pashek. who were natives of Bohemia, emigrated to the United State 
in the vear 1879 and, coming to Jones county. Iowa, purchased and located on the 
farm which is now in possession of our subject. They now make their home in 
Oxford Junction and are well known and highly esteemed residents of the com- 
munity. Their children are two in number, namely: John, of this review; and 
Mamie, who is still under the parental roof. 



94 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

John Pashek, Jr., attended the common schools in pursuit of an education 
and early in life became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the 
lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the 
work of the home place. When twenty-one years of age he purchased the old 
homestead farm, comprising one hundred and seventeen acres on sections 22 and 
23, Oxford township, and has since devoted his time and energies to its further 
cultivation and improvement with gratifying success. The neat and attractive ap- 
pearance of the place indicates his careful supervision and practical and progres- 
sive methods, and he has already gained recognition among the substantial and 
representative agriculturists of the community. 

In February, 1906, Mr. Pashek was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Wos- 
oba, a native of Oxford Junction, this county, and a daughter of A. J. and Mary 
Wosoba. The father was born in Bohemia and crossed the Atlantic to the 
United States at an early day. The mother is a native of Iowa and is still a resi- 
dent of Oxford Junction, but her husband has passed away. Their children were 
three in number. 

In politics Mr. Pashek is a democrat but has no desire for office, preferring to 
give his undivided attention to his business affairs. Both he and his wife are faith- 
ful communicants of the Catholic church and their many good qualities have won 
them an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which they 
have spent their entire lives. 



J. P. SCROGGS. 



J. P. Scroggs needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for his 
record is largely a familiar one to the citizens of Jones county. He has figured 
long and prominently in the public life of the community, and over the record of 
his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. He has 
recently retired from the mayoralty, having given Anamosa a public-spirited, 
businesslike administration, characterized by both reform and progress. He was 
born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1841. and is a son of Allen and Eliza (Ryan) 
Scroggs, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In the year 
1849 they left the Buckeye state and removed westward to Jones county, Iowa, 
making the journey by boat and landing at Dewitt, while the remainder of the 
way was covered with ox-teams. Eventually they reached Anamosa, which was 
then a small but growing town. The father was a physician, becoming one of the 
first practitioners in Jones county, and in the early days, when this district was 
but sparsely settled, he rode for long miles across the prairie to minister to the 
sick and suffering. He remained for many years the loved family physician in 
many households and at the ripe old age of eighty-five years passed away honored 
and respected by all who knew him. His wife died at the age of seventy-seven 
years. Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the fam- 
ily save that the grandfather. Allen Scroggs, was of Scotch descent, while his wife 
was of German lineage. In the father's family there were the following children : 
Samantha, the deceased wife of C. L. Niles, a resident of Anamosa ; Lena, who 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 95 

became the wife of Linas Pitcher, who resided in Anamosa for some years and 
then went to Boston, and is now deceased, his widow making her home in Bos- 
ton ; Nellie, the wife of C. L. Niles, of Anamosa, by whom she has one son, Clif- 
ford; Maude, the wife of William Louden, of Seattle, Washington, by whom she 
has five children ; J. P., of this review ; John, who married Miss Hattie Streeter, 
resided at Anamosa, Iowa, and finally at Kirkman, this state, where his death oc- 
curred when he was forty-five years of age, his widow and one child, Lewis sur- 
viving; and L. A., who lives in Beatrice, Nebraska, and has six children. 

J. P. Scroggs remained at home through the period of his minority and pursued 
his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses which were a common fea- 
ture in pioneer days. He went through the usual experiences, hardships and pri- 
vations of frontier life, and his memory covers che period when much of this dis- 
trict was a wild and unsettled prairie, covered with the native prairie grasses 
through the summer months, while in the winter seasons it presented the appear- 
ance of an unbroken and dazzling sheet of snow. He was only twelve years of 
age when his father sent him to Muscatine with the vigilance committee. The 
father was much interested in raising and selling horses, and the vigilance com- 
mittee was the protection of the stock-raisers against the thieving band who 
roamed over the country and stole the stock. After attaining his majority J. P. 
Scroggs engaged in clerking for a year. He was quite young when he began to 
work at the carpenter's trade, but later turned his attention to buying and selling 
horses, which he shipped to Boston and New York. He is now one of the oldest 
horse dealers in the county and his business has been scarcely equaled in extent 
by that of any other dealer. In a measure he still continues in the same line of 
business, though not so actively as in former years. In all of his undertakings he 
has manifested a spirit of enterprise that has enabled him to overcome difficulties 
and obstacles and work his way steadily upward in business lines. 

In the spring of 1865 Mr. Scroggs was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Graves, 
a daughter of William and Electa Graves, natives of New York. They came to 
Iowa about i860 and established their home in Jones county. It was in that year 
that Mr. Scroggs went to Pike's Peak, attracted by the gold discoveries in that 
section of Colorado. He traveled westward with four yoke of oxen and remained 
for a year in the mines, after which he returned to Jones county, where he has 
resided continuously since. Unto him and his wife was born one son, Charles P., 
who married Miss Mamie Burke, a daughter of Thomas Burke, and now resides 
in Dallas, South Dakota. They have two daughters, Ethel and Ruth. Mrs. Eliza 
Scroggs died in 1896 and in 1898 Mr. Scroggs was again married, his second union 
being with Mrs. Nina S. Hales, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Duncan, who 
were natives of Illinois. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Scroggs is an Odd Fellow, having become a 
member of the order in 1864. He was a charter member of the lodge at Earlville. 
Iowa, and now belongs to Anamosa Lodge, No. 40. In politics he is an indepen- 
dent republican, usually supporting the candidates of that party yet not consider- 
ing himself bound by party ties. He has been active and influential in political 
circles, and that he has the entire confidence of the public in matters of citizen- 
ship is indicated in the long period in which he has been retained in office through 
the vote of his fellow townsmen. He served for about a quarter of a century 



96 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

as a member of the city council and in 1906 was elected mayor of Anamosa, fill- 
ing the office for three years. He has also acted as a substitute for other mayors 
during their absence from the city and at all times has exercised his official pre- 
rogative in support of measures that have been instituted for the benefit and up- 
building of the city. He has been a member of the school board for many years 
and is active in public matters, having been a source of value in promoting the 
municipal welfare. He possesses in his nature those qualities of sociability and 
geniality which everywhere win warm friendships and high regard. 



ANDREW DAVIDSON. 



One of the well known and substantial men of Lovell township is Andrew 
Davidson, who was for some years one of the most extensive breeders of pure 
bred shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses in this county. He was born in 
South Ontario, Canada, June 29, 1845. his parents being James I. and Barbara 
(Hendrie) Davidson, both natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 1841, shortly 
after their marriage, they crossed the Atlantic settling in South Ontario county, 
Ontario, Canada, which remained their home throughout the remainder of their 
lives. There James I. Davidson engaged in agricultural pursuits but he soon be- 
came interested in breeding shorthorn cattle, looking to the land of his birth for 
the foundations of his stock. His first animals were brought from the herd of 
Amos Cruikshank, of Sittyton, who has since won a world-wide fame for his 
breed of animals, and arrived about 1871. Speaking of this consignment, one who 
knew of his work said: "(It) transferred to America some of the most valuable 
blood of the Cruikshank herd, from which have descended a large number of the 
best cattle in the breeding herds of Canada and the United States, and predomi- 
nates largely in the most successful show cattle of the present day." In the 
course of years, although he remained loyal to his first choice, he never let slip 
an opportunity to better the quality of his animals or bring them to a grade that 
met with his ideals. A friend, John Dryden, the Ontario minister of agriculture, 
in speaking of his work after his death said in part: "He was always a liberal 
feeder and was able to bring out the best in any of his animals. He had the 
canny ways of a well-bred Scotchman in dealing with his customers, and was al- 
ways considered among those of us who knew him best to be a good salesman; 
but when a bargain was made, his word as always as good as his bond. His judg- 
ment of a beast was always sound, and even in his latter years, when his eyesight 
had partially failed, if his hands could be allowed to run over a few animals on 
which his judgment was desired, he seldom failed to select the best. His name 
will always be connected with the history of shorthorns in America." 

Such a man was it who had the distinction of having polled a majority in his 
home town when he was the reform candidate to represent the riding in the 
Canadian parliament. It was only through constant urging that he accepted the 
nomination, for he was a man of modest and retiring disposition, but he had many 
friends and few if any enemies, as the result of the election demonstrated. Four 
sons and one daughter were born to him and his wife: John, of Ashburn, On- 




ANDREW DAVIDSON 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 99 

tario; James L and Mrs. Miller, who live with their father; George, of Mon- 
ticello, Iowa; and Andrew, who is the subject of this sketch. The father's death 
occurred February 15, 1902, when he was in the eighty-fourth year of his age. 
His life was noble and the remembrance of it makes for better citizenship and 
will always exercise an inspiring influence both in the immediate fields in which 
he was active and beyond in the world of men and affairs. 

Andrew Davidson, who has proved himself a worthy successor of his father 
and has engaged in similar lines of work, was reared at home, while he received 
his education in the common schools. Even after he reached man's estate he re- 
mained with his father until he was past the age of thirty. In 1877 he and his 
brother George came to the United States, locating in Castle Grove township, this 
county, where they purchased the White farm of three hundred and twenty acres. 
In the following years they added to it until it embraced five hundred and thirteen 
acres, which was for many years the scene of their joint labors. In partnership 
they engaged in the breeding and importing of registered horses and of shorthorn 
cattle, becoming widely known throughout the country as having some of the 
finest stock in the middle west. In 1902 the brothers severed their connection and 
Andrew Davidson removed to his present handsome home, with a plot of forty 
acres in the suburbs of Monticello. Here he has in a small way continued the 
breeding of shorthorn cattle, but has practically given up his interests in horse 
breeding. His name is still potent among those engaged in like pursuits and his 
judgment of animals is regarded as valuable, being frequently sought by others. 
On the 25th of December, 1874, Mr. Davidson wedded Miss Janet Burns, of 
South Ontario. Three daughters have been born to them: Margaret B., who is 
now the wife of Samuel P. Eberhart, of Laredo, Missouri; Mary, who is at home; 
and Jessie G., who is the wife of Lawrence T. Gaylord, a civil engineer in the 
employ of the government at Port Arthur, Texas. All three daughters graduated 
from the Monticello high school, and the two younger ones received degrees from 
the State Agricultural College at Ames. The family are members of the Con- 
gregational church, in which Mr. Davidson is a deacon. 

When he was made a citizen of this republic Mr. Davidson espoused the prin- 
ciples of the republican party, but he has never been an aspirant for public office. 
He holds active membership, however, in various societies connected with his 
particular field of activity, including the Shortorn Breeders Association and the 
Clydesdale Breeders Association. Looking back over his life's record, open and 
patent as it has been to all, it may well be said not only that he is one of the 
leaders of his Hne of work, but that he richly deserves the high esteem in which 
those who have known him intimately, socially and in a business way hold him. 



PIATT STRIEBY. 



Piatt Strieby, a farmer of Pome township, was bom in Pennsylvania, Feb- 
ruary 7, 1871, his parents being A. L. and Joan (Sedam) Strieby, also natives 
of the Keystone state, and the father never left that part of the country but died 
and was buried in the place of his birth. The mother, on the other hand, came 



OVkn M 



100 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

west to Iowa when several of her children had found that the opportunities for 
life here were better than in the east. She is now living in Cedar county and is 
in the sixtieth year of her age. To Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Strieby were bom six 
children: Piatt, of this review; W. J., of Olathe, Colorado; Maggie, who is the 
wife of A. A. Schick, of Cedar county, Iowa; S. S., who lives in Texas; B. B., 
who lives in Michigan ; and Helen, who makes her home in Cedar county. 

Piatt Strieby received a fair education in the common schools and remained 
with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began life for 
himself. He came to Iowa to obtain his start and for a year worked in Cedar 
county as a farm hand. He then found employment in a tile factory and after two 
years' experience was made foreman of a party of workmen, a position he held 
for six years. In 1904 he rented a farm for three years and on the expiration 
of his lease bought the eighty acres in Rome township on which he is living today. 
It is a tract of good land lying on section 36, where Mr. Strieby pursues gen- 
eral farming with much profit to himself. 

In 1894 Mr. Strieby was united in marriage to Miss Estella Rummel, who was 
born in 1874 in Cedar county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Josiah and Isabel (Stew- 
ard) Rummel. Her parents were both natives of Ohio, the father born in Rich- 
land county, the mother in Delaware county, but came to Iowa with their respec- 
tive parents in 1850 and were married in 1863. They lived together in Jones 
county until the mother passed away December 3, 1900. Mr. Rummel is still liv- 
ing and makes his home in Olin. Six children were born to him and his wife: 
Nancy J., who is the wife of William Oberton, of Cedar county, Iowa ; one who 
died in infancy; Sarah J., deceased; Charles P., of Brazoria, Texas; Estella B., 
who married Mr. Strieby; and David H., who lives at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Strieby have five children: Alfred L., Inez M., Howard R., Ilah 
F. and William J. They are members of the United Presbyterian church and 
are rearing their children in conformance to its doctrines. Fraternally Mr. 
Strieby enjoys congenial relations with the Modern Woodmen of America at 
Stanwood, Iowa, while in politics he gives his support to the democratic party and 
is a stanch supporter of its principles. 



HARVEY W. FLENNIKEN. 

Harvey W. Flenniken, the cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Olin, which 
he established in 1899, was born in Millsville, Clayton county, Iowa, on the 7th 
of February, 1859, his parents being Wallace W. and Gertrude (Harvey) Flen- 
niken. The paternal grandfather, John Calvin Flenniken, was a brother of the 
mother of United States Senator Cummins. Wallace W. Flenniken, the father of 
our subject, was a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and a millwright by 
trade. He was a man of much mechanical skill and ingenuity and was the in- 
ventor of the Flenniken water wheel. His demise occurred at Colesburg, Iowa, 
in 1863, when he was only about thirty years of age. His widow still survives and 
makes her home with her son, Harvey W. She also has another son, John Calvin, 
who is a resident of Strawberry Point, Iowa. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 101 

Harvey W. Flenniken spent the first nineteen or twenty years of his life on 
a farm in his native county, obtaining his prehminary education in the district 
schools, while subsequently he attended a graded school at Elkader. On leaving 
Clayton county he Vv^ent to Rockford, Illinois, where he learned the machinist's 
trade, with which he was actively identified for twelve years. He remained in 
Rockford for but two years, however, and then removed to Springfield, where he 
secured employment in a watch factory as a builder of machinery. Later he made 
his way to Aurora, Illinois, and assisted in the installation of machinery in the 
watch factory there. Afterward he worked at his trade in Chicago for two years 
and then went to Delmar, Clinton county, Iowa, there establishing the Bank of 
Delmar. After conducting the same for seven years he sold out to his partner 
and came to Olin, Jones county, in 1899, here establishing the Citizens Savings 
Bank, a state institution, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. He is 
thoroughly informed concerning the banking business and while he promotes a 
progressive policy he also holds to such conservative methods as merit the trust 
of the general public. 

In 1898 Mr. Flenniken was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Donley, a na- 
tive of Jackson county, Iowa, and a daughter of J. C. Donley. They are now the 
parents of two children, John Calvin and Donald Arthur. 

In his political views Mr. Flenniken is a stanch republican and while living in 
Delmar served as mayor for five years and also as justice of the peace for one 
term. He is a member of Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200, A. F. & A. M., at 
Olin, likewise of the chapter at Aurora and of Olive Lodge of the Eastern Star. 
He is interested in all ihat pertaias .j J.e general welfare, and his cooperation is 
given to many measures calculated to promote the material, political and moral in- 
terests of the community. 



REV. P. H. McNAMARA. 

Rev. P. H. McNamara, who is ministering to the spiritual needs of the Cath- 
ohc parish at Oxford, was born in County Clare, Ireland, February 27, 1874, a 
son of Andrew and Ann (Hayes) McNamara, who have spent their entire lives 
on the Emerald Isle, where they still maintain their home. Their family num- 
bered nine children, seven of whom have reached years of maturity, namely: Rev. 
Andrew }^'cXamara, of County Tipperary, Ireland; Father P. H. McNamara, of 
this review : James and Michael, who are upon the home farm in Ireland ; Sister 
Mechtildes, a Sister of Mercy at Kilrush, Ireland; Theresa, at home with her par- 
ents ; and Elizabeth, who died in Ireland at the age of twenty-one years. Two 
cousins of Father McNamara are residing at Oxford Junction : Miss Nell Lalor 
who is a teacher of music, and Miss Agnes Lalor, who is clerk in the creamery 
office at Oxford, the former having been in America for two years and the latter 
for five years. 

Father McNamara, of this review, was reared in his native county and for 
four years was a student in the diocese college. He afterward entered All Hal- 
lows College, a foreign mission school at Dublin, Ireland, there completing a 



102 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

course in June, 1898. In September of the same year he came to the United 
States, settHng at Dubuque, Iowa, where he was appointed chaplain of the Sis- 
ters of Mercy. After four months he was sent by the archbishop to Charles City, 
Iowa, where he labored as assistant priest for eight months, when he was trans- 
ferred to South Sheldon, Iowa, and had charge of the parish there for eight 
months, during the absence of the regular priest in Europe. He was also for three 
months at Ryan, Iowa, and in November, 1900, came to Oxford Junction. There 
are also two missions in connection with this parish — at Baldwin and at Hughes 
settlement. The Baldwin church was destroyed by fire in June, 1909, and is now 
being rebuilt. Father McNamara has done excellent work in behalf of the church 
during the nine years of his residence here, carefully ministering to the spiritual 
needs of his congregation and at the same time proving of assistance to them in 
material things by his kindly advice and counsel. 



D. S. COOLEY. 



For the past ten years the village of Onslow has claimed D. S. Cooley as one 
of its most honored and respected retired citizens. The rest which he now en- 
joys is well merited for throughout a long period he was busily engaged in farm- 
ing and still owns a valuable property of two hundred and thirty-two acres in 
Wyoming township. Jones county. Mr. Cooley was born in Licking county, Ohio, 
October 28, 1827, a son of Clark and Mary (Sinkey) Cooley. The father was 
born in the state of New York, while the mother claimed Pennsylvania as the 
place of her birth. They removed to Licking county at a very early day and the 
father there purchased a tract of timber land. He at once made a small clearing 
sufficient to erect a log cabin and after getting his family settled in this crude 
dwelling he gave his time to clearing the remainder of the land, which in due time 
he placed under cultivation and reaped good harvests. He made his home in Lick- 
ing county until the fall of 1841, when attracted by the opportunities offered 
farther west, he made his way to Jackson county, Iowa, and there entered a claim, 
which he improved and cultivated until his death. His family numbered twelve 
children but only two are now living — our subject and one daughter. 

D. S. Cooley early became familiar with pioneer life. He was reared in Lick- 
ing county to the age of fourteen years and while there assisted his father in the 
arduous task of developing and improving his farm. The family then removed to 
Jackson county, Iowa, and there, too, the son shared in the hardships incident to 
making a home in a new country. The advantages he enjoyed were few. In the 
summer months he had to assist in the farm work and in the winter seasons pur- 
sued his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, in which the methods of 
instruction were quite as primitive as the structure. He remained under the 
parental roof until he attained his majority, when he entered a tract of land in 
Jackson county, which he developed and improved, making his home thereon for 
a decade. In the spring of i860 he traded that land for a farm of two hundred 
and thirty-two acres in Wyoming township, Jones county. Removing to that place 
he there made his home for thirty-nine years and diu-ing this period ?a\v much 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 103 

arduous labor. At that time the farm machinery was crude as compared to that 
used at the present time and to cultivate a farm of that acreage meant much hard 
labor. However, Mr. Cooley was equal to the task and as the years passed he 
prospered, each year gathering rich crops as a reward for his work. In 1899, be- 
lieving that he was comfortably situated in life and that he might spend the re- 
mainder of his days in rest, he took up his abode in Onslow, where he has since 
made his home. He occupies here a comfortable residence and is surrounded by 
a host of warm friends. He still retains possession of his farm property and this 
supplies him with all the comforts of life. 

On the 22d of September, 1850, Mr. Cooley was married to Miss Katherine 
Hogle, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 11, 1832, a daughter of 
Peter and Elizabeth (Baker) Hogle, the former born in New York and the latter 
in Maryland. They reared a family of four children. Both the parents are now 
deceased, the father passing away in Licking county, while the mother died at 
the home of her daughter in Jones county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cooley have been 
born seven children, three sons and four daughters, as follows • Smith, now a resi- 
dent of Lyon county, Kansas ; Geneva, the wife of Samuel Paul, a resident of On- 
slow ; Oscar, of Oakland, California ; Elizabeth, the wife of J, F. Cohoon, of Ce- 
dar Falls, Iowa ; Louie Bell, the wife of O. E. Tabor, of Jackson county, this 
state ; Josephine, deceased ; and R. D., a resident of Wyoming township, Jones 
county. 

Mr. Cooley has always given his political support to the men and measures of 
democracy but has never been active in the work of the party or in public affairs, 
the only public office he ever filled being that of school treasurer. Both he and 
his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
Mr. Cooley is regarded as one of the worthy pioneers of Jones county, who, though 
in a quiet way, has exerted immeasurable influence upon the community in which 
he has so long made his home, and now in the evening of his days he is enabled 
to enjoy, with his wife, the accumulations of the passing years. 



JOHN H. EDEN. 



John H. Eden, one of the substantial farmers and dairymen of Lovell town- 
ship, was born in Hanover, Germany, February 7, 1853, and is a son of John H. 
and Margaret (Bachenhauser) Eden. The parents were also natives of Germany 
and never left the fatherland in which all their life was spent. They have now 
passed away as have six of the eight children born to them, Margaret, now Mrs. 
Dix, of Monticello, Iowa, and John H. being the only ones surviving, 

John H. FAen was a man grown, who had already had some experience in life, 
when in 1877 he came to the United States. Almost immediately after his arrival 
in this land he located in Jones county, where he secured work as a farm hand. 
For four years he toiled in that capacity and then, having acquired some famil- 
iarity with the language and customs of the country of his adoption, he rented a 
tract of land, which he tilled for two years. Then he went to Le Mars, Iowa, 
where he purchased a farm and lived for four years. At the end of that period 



104 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

he returned to Jones county, married and rented the place which belonged 
to his father-in-law, it being his home at present. It is a tract of two hun- 
dred and thirty-three acres, situated on sections 35 and 36, Lovell township, 
and is now in the possession of Air. Eden. In addition to this he owns ten 
acres near Alonticello, twenty acres in Richland township, one hundred and eighty 
acres in Castle Grove township and eighty acres in Wayne township, all of which 
indicate the success with which he has followed his chosen vocation. In connec- 
tion with the cultivation of cereals he has engaged in the dairy business, obtain- 
ing a profit from this field of operations that is equally as gratifying as that de- 
rived from his purely agricultural interests. His industry has ever been one of 
the important elements in his character, and this united with his economy has been 
the source of the good fortune that places him in the foremost rank of the farmers 
of Lovell township. 

Mr. Eden was married March 8, 1887 to Miss T. Margaret Haken, a native 
of this county and a daughter of Wesley B. Hanken, a sketch of whose life ap- 
pears elsewhere in this volume. Five children have been bom to them : John H., 
Jr., Wesley B., Nannie, F^ddie G. and Anna M. Nannie has passed away, but the 
others are living at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eden are members of the German Lutheran church at Sand- 
hill and are rearing their family in accordance with its teachings. PoUtically Mr. 
Eden is a republican, that being the party to w^iich he looked for guidance when 
he was admitted to citizenship in this republic. Having received a good education 
in the land of his birth, where educational institutions are of the very highest 
kind, he has always evinced a keen interest in the welfare of the school here and 
now enjoys the satisfaction of seeing his public spirit in this matter recognized by 
his fellow citizens who elected him president of the school board. In this ca- 
pacity he has been able to exercise considerable influence for the improvement of 
popular instruction. 



GEORGE W. JOHNSON. 

George W. Johnson, who owns one of the best farms in Jackson township, is 
not only a good farmer but also a prominent democrat and party organizer whose 
influence in local matters is strong although the republicans are in the majority 
in this locality. Mr. Johnson is a native of Jones county, having been born in 
Jack.son township. April 13, 1868, and he has put forth his best efforts here. He 
is a son of the Rev. Joseph H. and Katherine E. (Bowlby) Johnson, the former 
of whom was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1827, and the latter in the same place in 
1829. In i860 they came to Jones county, Iowa, where both died, the father Feb- 
ruary 26, 1886. while his wife passed away February 3, 1882. Mr. Johnson was a 
clergyman of the Christian church, as well as a farmer, and was a most worthy 
and excellent man who made many friends wherever he went. He and his wife 
had nine children as follows: Owen, who lives in Farnam, Nebraska; Naomi, 
who married John Landis ; Margaret, who married John McMurrin ; Homer B., 
who lives in Jackson township ; Maria, who married Milton Byerly ; George W. ; 




G. W. JOHNSON 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 107 

Mary J., who married James McMurrin of Greenfield township, brother of John 
McMurrin; OlHe A., who married A. W. Hopkins of Fairview township; and 
Walter, who lives in Denver, Colorado. Owen and Naomi were twins, and the 
latter and Margaret are deceased. 

After the death of his father George W. Johnson lived with his sister Mrs. By- 
erly until his marriage. He now owns eighty acres on section 4, Jackson town- 
ship, and has converted it into one of the finest pieces of farming property in his 
part of the county. In addition to this farm, Mr. Johnson has owned Colorado 
lands and is now interested in some silver ore mines in that state. Ever since at- 
taining to man's estate he has been an important factor in the democratic party in 
Jones county and was defeated in 1896 and 1908 for county clerk. In 1896 he 
ran ahead of his ticket and in 1908 was only beaten by one hundred and seventy 
votes. In spite of the fact that his party is in the minority, Mr. Johnson has 
served as township clerk for six years, owing to his personal popularity. His re- 
ligious connections are with the United Brethren church and he belongs to that 
denomination. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America 
and takes an interest in that order. 

In 1891, Mr. Johnson was married to Rose V. Hay, who was born in Jackson 
township. January 12, 1S73, a daughter of Orlando W. and Delia L. (Dunlap) 
Hay, the former of whom is deceased and the latter resides at Anamosa. Mr. 
and Mrs. Johnson have one daughter. Belle, who is a student at Cornell College, 
Mount Vernon, Iowa. 

The Johnson family is of English descent although unfortunately the date of 
settlement in the new world has not been preserved, but Mr. Johnson has inherited 
many of the English sterling traits of character and has made his own way in life, 
never shirking a duty or refusing to support a principle he believed was right, 
and it is such men as he who make up the reliable portion of any community. 



E. M. BABCOCK. 



The mercantile interests of Wyoming find a worthy representative in E. M. 
Babcock, proprietor of a drug and jewelry store of that city. His birth occurred 
in New York on the 6th of March, 1852, his parents being Cottrell and Martha 
L. (Armstrong) Babcock, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The 
first representatives of the Babcock family in this country came from England 
in 1640 and took up their abode in Massachusetts but subsequently removed to 
New York. Cottrell Babcock, the father of our subject, was an agriculturist by 
occupation and in 1858 came west to Jones county, Iowa, purchasing a farm in 
the eastern part of Wyoming township. There he successfully carried on his 
agricultural interests until 1884, when he put aside the active work of the fields 
and lived retired in Wyoming until called to his final rest in 1889 at the age of 
sixty-seven years. He was a well known and highly respected citizen of the 
community and an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the 
work of which he was deeply and helpfully interested. His wife had passed away 
in the year 1863. Their union was blessed with five sons and two daughters, as 



108 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

follows : Charles H. ; E. J\I., of this review ; Edward R. ; Herbert C. ; Mrs. Alice 
Calahan ; and two who died in infancy. 

E. J\I. Babcock, who was a little lad of six years when he came to this county 
with his parents, pursued his education in the country schools and also in the 
public schools of \\'yoming. Subsequently he gave his father the benefit of his 
services in the cultivation of the home farm for two years and in 1878 came to 
Wyoming establishing himself in the drug business. Afterward he opened a 
jewelry store and has since built up an extensive business in this line, now enjoy- 
ing a large and remunerative patronage. In 1900, in association with Peter Jan- 
sen, he installed the Independent Telephone System in Wyoming, being connected 
therewith until 1908, when he sold out his interest. 

In 1879 Mr. Babcock was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wherry, who 
was born in Ohio, her parents being David and Mary Ann (Bratton) Wherry, na- 
tives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Mrs. Babcock, who was one of a 
family of five sons and five daughters, was but two years of age when brought to 
this county by her parents. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have been bom two chil- 
dren : Irma A., now the wife of Wayne Pringle, of Galesburg, Illinois; and Ken- 
neth E. 

Politically Mr. Babcock is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and, 
though he does not desire the honors and emoluments of office, has been called to 
serve the public in various capacities. He acted as mayor of Wyoming for three 
years and has been a member of the council for thirteen or fourteen years and on 
the school board for six years, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt 
and efficient manner. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and to the 
Masonic fraternity, being now past master of Keystone Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of 
Wyoming. The period of his residence in Jones county covers more than a half 
century and he is widely recognized as one of its most prosperous, worthy and 
representative citizens. 



WILLIAM ANDREW HOGAN. 

in all the relations of life in which William Andrew Ilogan has figured he 
has been found a man of sterling worth and reliability, active and energetic in 
business, systematic and methodical in the discharge of public duties. He is now 
filling the position of sheriflf of Jones county, in which capacity he has served 
continuously since January, 1904. He was born December 25, 1864, in Castle 
Grove township, this county, his parents being Dennis M. and Susan (Buyan) 
Hogan. both of whom were natives of Ireland. 

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 ccn- 
tiniied a factor in business circles and on the 3d of December, 1893, passed away 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 109 

at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother is quietly spending her decUning days 
upon the old homestead in Castle Grove township and is one of the worthy pio- 
neer women of the county whose memory covers the period of its early develop- 
ment. Unto this worthy couple there were born twelve children : Elizabeth and 
Catherine, twins ; Mary ; William Andrew, of this review ; Daniel ; Nellie ; Ma- 
tilda ; Agnes ; Lawrence and Stacy, twins, both of whom died in infancy ; Den- 
nis, who died at the age of fifteen as the result of a runaway accident; and Mar- 
cella, who passed away at the age of fifteen. 

On the old homestead William Andrew Hogan spent his youthful days, assist- 
ing 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, he 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 mar- 
ket 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 after- 
ward 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 difring his first term. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Hogan is connected with the Knights of Co- 
lumbus 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 frienrls 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. 



THEODORE CLOTHIER. 

Theodore Clothier, now living retired at Olin. Iowa, was born near Kemp- 
ville, Ontario, Canada. July 30, 1840, being a son of John S. and Annie (Hol- 
den) Clothier, natives of Corinth, New York, where she was born in 1803 and he 
in 1805. They were there reared and married, having two children before their 
removal to Ontario, Canada. Three more children were born in their new home 
before they returned to New York state, settling in Oswego, where still another 
child was born. In 1847 they moved west to Winnebago county, Illinois. The 
next change was a trip back to Oswego, New York, but in 185 1 they again went 



110 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

to Winnebago county, Illinois, and from there to Jones county, Iowa, where a 
settlement was made in Rome township. The spirit of the pioneer sent the family 
west to Nebraska in 1879, Theodore Clothier locating in Harlan county and the 
remainder in Hamilton county, where the parents died, the mother when ninety- 
three and the father when ninety-eight. By trade he was a carpenter. A lover of 
home, he took no part in public affairs aside from casting his votes first for the 
candidates of the whig and later the republican party. His first republican vote 
was for Fremont, his last for McKinley. The children born to John S. Clothier 
and wife were six in number, as follows: Smith is now residing in the Soldiers 
Home at Marshalltown, Iowa, having served in the Second Illinois Volunteer Ar- 
tillery during the Civil war ; Cynthia Ann married William H. Blackmar and died 
when thirty years old, leaving two children ; Theodore is the third in order of 
birth ; Thurlow lives in Hamilton county, Nebraska, on the first farm which his 
father there purchased; Sabrina E. married Albert H. Colby of Pleasant Valley 
township, Jones county, but now a resident of Cotesfield, Howard county, Ne- 
braska ; and Horatio lives in Olin, Iowa. 

Theodore Clothier began working with his father at the carpenter trade when 
fourteen years old, following that vocation until he attained his majority, when 
he rented a hotel and operated it for some time. Afterward he engaged in busi- 
ness as a contractor and builder until his retirement. 

Mr. Clothier has a splendid war record, enlisting August 12, 1862, in Com- 
pany G. Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege of 
Vicksburg, the battles of Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, Missionary Ridge, 
was in the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, then on through the Carolinas 
to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. He was in a number 
of other engagements and was one of the twenty-three of his company who sur- 
vived to return home. He was w'ith his command continuously and participated 
in every engagement in which it took part. He is now a member of Don M. Car- 
penter Post, No. 191, G. A. R., of Olin. He is also a charter member of the 
Knights of Pythias, at that place, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and is active in lodge work. For forty years he has been a member of the 
Methodist church, and his political views make him a republican. 

On August 9, i860, Mr. Clothier married Nancy Marsh, who was born in 
Jasper county, Indiana, July 5, 1843, and was brought to Jones county, Iowa, in 
1857 by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Marsh. She died January 13, 1903. 
The following five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clothier : John Cyrus born 
May 20, 1861, died as the result of an accident, March 13, 1904, leaving a widow 
and two daughters ; Theodora, born September 1862, while her father was serving 
his country, died when ten months old and he never saw her ; Elmer E., born 
in 1866. is the publisher of the Railway Bridge and Building Magazine and is 
a foreman on the Milwaukee Railroad, being a carpenter by trade; Annie E. is 
the wife of W. F. Glick, of Anamosa ; and Freeman Smith died in infancy. All 
the children were born in Olin, Iowa. 

Mr. Clother's life has been filled with exciting incidents. In 1859, when a 
lad of nineteen, he left his home in Winnebago county, Illinois, and went to Pike's 
Peak with an ox-team. As there was so much danger anticipated from the In- 
dians, people traveled together, and there were forty wagons in the band joined 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 111 

by Mr. Clothier. Leaving Omaha in the spring he reached Pike's Peak in due 
time, returning the same fall to find his father and family making ready to move 
to Iowa. He made the trip with them and, reaching this state, secured employ- 
ment as a mail carrier. His trip took three days, he covering forty miles per day 
and continuing this work for two years. He has met with four seemingly fatal 
accidents, being blown up by a discharge of powder ; was nearly drowned ; was 
one out of five who were poisoned in Benton Barracks and as the only one lo sur- 
vive a stroke of lightning, but the last accident has left its mark, from which he 
feels he can never fully recover. It happened June ii, 1870, near Stanwood, Ce- 
dar county, Iowa. The sky was almost cloudless when the lightning struck Mr. 
Clothier and charred his body so badly that he was regarded as dead. So terrible 
was it that a rule he carried in his hip pocket had its brass ends completely melted, 
as were his keys, the ring to which they were attached and a nail set and the 
blades of his knife. Plowever, he was resuscitated and has outlived his wife. 
The scars of this terrible experience remain, however. The horse he was rid- 
ing when struck was killed instantly. For many years Mr. Clothier received let- 
ters asking that he explain the accident. Finally the case attracted such universal 
interest that the New York Electrical Review under February 13, 1895, came out 
in a long article giving an account of it in detail, publishing a letter from Mr. 
Clothier. In it he expresses the fear that he will lose his sight as a result of his 
terrible experience and therefore no longer be able to see his wife. This is piti- 
ful in view of the fact that she has passed away, leaving her afflicted husband 
to bear his burdens alone. 



H. ERICKSON. 



H. Erickson, one of the substantial and leading agriculturists of Madison 
township, was born in Norway on the 7th of April, 1848. His father was a 
farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Norway. Mr. Erickson was 
reared under the parental roof and obtained a common-school education, but 
his opportunities in that direction were limited, for the schoolhouse was so far 
distant from his home that regular attendance was out of the question. On 
attaining his majority he determined to test the truth of the reports which he had 
heard concerning the many advantages to be enjoyed in the new world and in 
1869 crossed the Atlantic to the United States. During the summer of that 
years he worked as a farm hand in Mount Carroll, Carroll county, Illinios, 
and in the fall went up the Mississippi river on a flat boat to the northern part 
of Iowa, renting a farm in Winneshiek county. Two years later, in association 
with his two brothers, Oliver and Erick, he purchased an eighty-acre tract of 
grub land for one thousand dollars. The three brothers cleared the land and 
soon developed a good farm which they successfully operated for about four 
years, during which time they kept "bachelor's hall." In 1875, H. Erickson and 
his brother Oliver came to Jones county, leaving Erick in Winneshiek county. 
Mr. Erickson of this review purchased a farm of eighty acres in Madison town- 
ship, on which he made his home for about nine years, when he took up his 



112 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

abode on a tract of eighty acres cornering on the former place. Subsequently 
he bought a third farm of eighty acres, erected thereon a modern and substantial 
residence and barns and removed to the place in 1907, since which time it has 
remained his home. He has met with a gratifying and highly creditable degree 
of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has long been num- 
bered among the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the 
community. 

In 1878, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Anderson, who 
was born in Fulton, Illinois, but was residing in Madison township, this county, 
at the time of her wedding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have been born three 
children, as follows : Elsie, the wife of Harry Manuel, of ]\ladison township, 
Jones county; Zachariah, who wedded Miss Geneva Rolfshus, of Mabel, Min- 
nesota, and cultivates his father's old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres ; 
and Herman, a graduate of the Wyoming high school, who is now teaching school 
and preparing for a college course. 

In his political views Mr. Erickson is a stanch republican, but he has never 
sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Both he and his wife 
are faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying 
its teachings in their daily lives. He has never had occasion to regret his deter- 
mination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life 
empty-handed he has gradually worked his way upward, enjoying the advan- 
tages offered in this country, which is unhampered by caste or class. 



FRANK ZAMASTIL. 



Frank Zamastil, a young man whose personal history is inseparably inter- 
woven with the agricultural development of Tones county. Iowa, by reason of 
his life residence and substantial work toward the further improvement of this 
locality, was born in Oxford township, one and one-half miles south of his pres- 
ent farm, on the 3d of January, 1872. His parents were John and Annie 
(Beranek) Zamastil, both of whom were born in Bohemia. The father was bom 
in December. 1846, and came to the United States when he was twentv years of 
age, while the mother of our subject was born December 25. 1852, and accom- 
panied her parents on their emigration to this country in 1856. They were 
married in Jones county and since the death of her husband in May. 1907, Mrs. 
Zamastil has made her home with her son Frank in Oxford township. She was 
married twice and Frank, having lost his own father when very young, took his 
step-father's name. He has two half-sisters; Annie, the wife of Frank Pawelka, 
of Oxford township : and Julia, who m.'irried John Sazama, also residing in Ox- 
ford township. 

Born and reared in Jones county, il was here that Frank Zamastil received 
his education in the district schools and, eager to learn the more practical les.sons 
taught in the school of experience, he early became familiar with all the duties 
and labors that fall to the lot of a boy reared on a farm. Choosing this field of 
labor as his life work, he studied the best methods of tilling the soil and the rota- 











> \\ iJ 




■A 





JOHN ZAMASTIL AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 115 

tion of crops and purchased the most modern machinery that, with the least 
expenditure of time and labor, would enable him to obtain from his farm a most 
substantial income each year. That his persistent efforts along this line have 
been rewarded is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of a good farm 
containing two hundred and fifty-five acres and situated on sections 3, 10 and 
II. It is well improved in every way, has good buildings for the shelter of grain 
and stock and in its neat and attractive appearance reveals the spirit of the owner 
to whom all the credit is due for the improvement made and the well kept con- 
dition of the place. In addition to general farming he also engages to some 
extent in stock raising and, being a man still young in years, ambitious and in- 
dustrious, a bright future is undoubtedly in store for Mr. Zamastil, who is now 
numbered among Jones county's progressive agriculturists. 



J. E. GABLE. 



While J. E. Gable maintains his residence at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he is well 
known at Oxford Junction and in other parts of the county as an enterprising and 
progressive business man, who is the senior partner of the firm of John E. Gable 
& Company, dealers in lumber, coal and building materials at Oxford Junction. 
He is the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Eby) Gable and was born October 6, 
1852, near Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was a lad of twelve years when he 
accompanied his parents on their removal to Mount Carroll, Carroll county, Illi- 
nois, and at the age of fourteen years he became a resident of Lost Nation, Clin- 
ton county, Iowa, living on a farm in the vicinity of the town to the age of nine- 
teen years when he put aside the duties and labors of the fields and left the farm 
to learn the carpenter's trade, believing that he would find industrial or commer- 
cial pursuits more congenial and profitable than agricultural life. 

Mr. Gable worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of years and in 1879 
in company with J. C. Fay purchased the lumberyard in Lost Nation of F. E. 
Moses. This was conducted under partnership arrangements for two years and 
eight months, after which Mr. Gable purchased Mr. Fay's interest and in the fall 
of 1883 sold out to the firm of Louisfield & Cressey. At that time he purchased 
a fourth interest in two lumberyards at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in company with 
J. C. Fay. William Fay and F. M. Thompson, the new firm being organized under 
the firm style of Fay Brothers & Company, with yards at No. 400 South First 
street. In 1906 Mr. Gable also purchased the present business at Oxford Junc- 
tion where, in connection with his son O. A. Gable, he is owner of a lumber and 
coal yard, also dealing in all kinds of building materials. This business is now 
managed by the son and is conducted under the firm name of John E. Gable & 
Company. . ■ 

In 1875 when twenty-two years of age John E. Gable was married to Miss 
Heala E. Leinbaugh, of Elwood, Iowa, and they had four children: Frank R., of 
Jerome, Iowa, who is engaged in the wholesale coal trade ; Ed B., of Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, who is head salesman for Fay Brothers & Company; Otis A., of Oxford 
lunction ; and Onalee E., who was born August 24, 1885, and was married June 



116 HISTORY OF JOXES COUNTY 

10. 1908. to L. A. Fuhrmister. while her death occurred May 14, 1909. The 
parents reside at No. 317 South Eighth street in Cedar Rapids, the father devoting 
his time and energies to the conduct of his himber and other interests in that 
city. He is a man of unfakering enterprise, managing his interests with ability, 
his labors being of a character that contribute to general progress and prosperity 
as well as to individual success. 

Otis A. Gable, managing the interests of the firm at Oxford Junction, was 
born at Lost Nation. Clinton county. Iowa, June 16, 1879, and was a little lad of 
four summers when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Cedar Rapids. 
There he resided until he came to Oxford Junction to take charge of the busi- 
ness and his education was acquired in the public schools of the former city and 
in the Cedar Rapids Business College. His practical business training was re- 
ceived imder the direction of his father in connection with the lumber trade so that 
broad and thorough experience qualified him for active management when he 
came to Oxford Jitnction to assume control of the business here, when he and 
his father became factors in the commercial circles of the town for the sale of 
lumber, coal and building materials. As manager, the son has built up a good 
trade and the patronage is steadily increasing. 

On the i6th of June, 1904. Mr. Gable was married to Miss Sadie Hammill, 
of Cedar Rapids, a daughter of J. H. Hammill, of that place. They have two 
children. Pauline E. and Ruth O. Their home is a hospitable one, ever open for 
the reception of their many friends. ^Ir. Gable takes active part in the affairs 
of the community, especially in the promotion of interests for the betterment of 
the town and is a member of the board of education. He also belongs to the Com- 
mercial Club; to Zealous Lodge. No. 435. A. F. & A. M.. of Oxford Junction; 
and to Cedar Rapids Lodge. No. 141. I. O. O. F. He is a young man of enter- 
prising spirit to whom opportunity is a stimulus for renewed and active efiFort, 
and in the legitimate lines of trade he is meeting with gratifying success. 



JAMES E. DAVIES, M. D. 

Dr. James E. Davies, one of the able and successful physicians of Jones 
county, maintaining his home and his office at Oxford Junction, was bom at 
Sangersville, Augusta coimty. Virginia. May 13, 1873. His parents were Dr. 
William H. and Margaret (Phillips) Davies, who left the Old Dominion in 
1883 and established their home in Maquoketa. Iowa; where Dr. Davies engaged 
in practice with excellent success for thirteen years. He was born in Rocking- 
ham county, \irginia, near the town of Bridgewater, and represented one of the 
prominent old families of that state. His father, James Davies. was bom in 
the same house in which Dr. W. H. Davies first saw the light, and his father, also 
named James Davies. was born on the same farm. He was a son of John 
Davies. a native of Ireland and of Scotch ancestry, who emigrated to America 
in colonial times and became a pioneer of Rockingham county, Virginia. He was 
a weaver by trade and followed that pursuit a part of the time after coming to 
this countn.'. He took up a tract of timber land, clearing a large portion of it, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 117 

and thereon made his home until his death, his residence being most attractively 
situated in a beautiful region at the confluence of flossy creek and North river. 
In 1769, he erected a substantial two-story frame dwelling. The windows in it, 
however, were so narrow that a person could not possibly effect an entrance in 
that way, and the reason for this is said to have been as a protection against the 
Indians. James Davies, Sr., devoted his life to farming and always remained 
at the old homestead. James Davies, Jr., inherited a part of the estate from 
his father and passed his entire life within the old colonial mansion where his 
birth occurred and where he closed his eyes in death in February, 1885. He 
lived a pure, upright life, enjoying the unqualified respect of his neighbors. He 
was a man of influence and standing in his community and many sought and 
profited by his wise counsel. A Presbyterian in religious faith, he served for 
forty years as an elder of that church in which his father and his grandfather 
were also members. James Davies, Jr., wedded Mary A. Hogshett, a native 
of Augusta county. \'irginia. and a daughter of William E. and Isabella (Gwin) 
Hogshett, natives of Augusta and Highland counties, Virginia, respectively, and 
of Scotch-Irish descent. 

Dr. W. H. Davies pursued his education in Mossy Creek Academy and was 
graduated therefrom with the class of 1859. He early became imbued with a 
desire to practice medicine and began preparation therefore as a student in the 
oftice of Doctors Gordon and Williamson, at Harrisonburg, Virginia, while in 
the winter of 1859-60, he attended the Winchester ^^ledical College founded by 
Dr. McGuire. Later he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and 
was graduated in March, 1864. On the 4th of April following he formed a part- 
nership with Dr. J. G. Minor, of Bridgewater, Virginia, where he remained until 
the ist of July. Not wishing to become a soldier, he entered the medical de- 
partment of the Confederate army at the time a second draft was made and 
during the last three years of the conflict was assistant surgeon. Following 
the war he located in Sangersville, Augusta county, \'irginia, where he continued 
in active practice until 1875, when he removed to Churchville, in the same county. 
He applied himself so diligently to his professional duties that his health became 
impaired, and. hoping to benefit by a change of climate, he came to Iowa, select- 
ing Maquoketa as a suitable location. There he established his family and opened 
an office, continuing in active practice there until a short time prior to his 
death. He became one of the prominent and successful physicians of his sec- 
tion of Jowa, enjoying an extensive private practice and also acting as division 
surgeon of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He was honored with 
the presidency of the Jackson County Medical Society, belonged also to the State 
^ledical Society of Iowa, and to the American ^ledical Association. In 1887, he 
bought a half interest in a drug store, of which he remained one of the proprietors 
throughout the residue of his days. 

]\Ir. Davies was twice married. On the 14th of May, 1863, he wedded Eliza- 
beth \'. Henton. a native of Augusta county, Virginia, and a daughter of Silas 
and Margaret Henton. Her death, however, occurred February 9, 1866, and in 
October. 1868. Dr. Davies wedded ^Margaret Phillips, who was born in Sangers- 
ville. \ irginia. Jvily 18, 1849, ^ daughter of Henry and Lavinia Phillips. The 
death of Dr. Davies occurred in 190 1 at San Bernardino, California, to which 



118 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

place he had removed with his family in 1897. His widow still resides there. In 
their family were five children : Bertha L., the wife of J. F. Dickinson, of San 
Bernardino, California; Lulu, the wife of Rev. J. P. Van Horn, of Miles, Iowa; 
James E. ; William P., who is living in Rialto, California; and Walter R., who 
died in that state in 1909. 

Dr. James E. Davies was a youth of ten years when he accompanied his par- 
ents to Iowa, remaining a resident of Maquoketa until he had completed the 
public-school course and was graduated from the high school with the class of 
1894. He then began the study of medicine in Iowa City, in 1895, spending two 
years there, after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at 
St. Louis, that institution conferring upon him his M. D. degree in 1898. He 
then located for practice at Monmouth, Jackson county, Iowa, where he remained 
until October, 1900. when he came to Oxford Junction and entered upon general 
practice here. His entire time is devoted to his profession, of which he is an 
able representative, and his proficiency is continually being increased by his 
broad reading and study. He is now serving as division surgeon for the Chi- 
cago, Alilwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Company. He is a member of the Jones 
County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American ^Medi- 
cal Association, and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profes- 
sion. Dr. Davies also holds membership in Zealous Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., 
at Oxford Junction, in which he is now serving as master, and in New Era Lodge 
No. 88. K. T.. at Oxford Junction. He holds to high standards in his professional 
service, perforrning every duty with a sense of conscientious obligation and as the 
years go by is making continual progress in his chosen field of labor. In 1902 Dr. 
Davies was married to Miss Margaret May Everhart. a native of Wheatland, 
Iowa, and a daughter of A. M. Everhart. 



JOHN SCHLADETZKY. 

In any community where there is a constant growth in population and a 
consequent demand for new business houses and dwellings all of the building 
trades with their associated lines of activity flourished and the handling of the 
commodities connected with building operations is engaging the attention of some 
of the progressive men of Jones county. One of the successful dealers in lum- 
ber, hardware and farm implements is John Schladetzky, of Hale. He is one 
of the sturdy citizens Germany has given to the United States as he was bom 
in Husum Schleswig-Holstein, December 20, 1868, a son of Peter and Louise 
(Jensen) Schladetzky, also natives of Germany. The family originated in 
Russia as the name indicates but its representatives can be traced back four 
hundred years in Germany. The father was a carpenter by trade. He and his 
wife had one other child besides our subject, Anneta, of Hamburg, Germany, 
who was younger than he. 

In 1885, Mr. Schladetzky came to Jones county, Iowa, alone and has made 
this county his home ever since, gradually learning the language and firmly estab- 
lishing himself in a good business. He had only five dollars when he arrived 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 119 

here among strangers, but this did not dismay him for he had youth, enthusi- 
asm and knew how to work and economize. Soon he obtained employment at 
farm work at forty dollars for the first year and he continued to work for others 
for six years and then rented land for twelve years. After this he had enough 
money to buy one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hale township and resided 
upon it for five years, when he sold his property and in the spring of 1909 he 
bought his present business and now carries a full line of lumber, hardware, 
coal, cement and farm implements. His establishment is a large one and he has 
the finest trade of any business man in Hale, although his concern is yet in its 
infancy. In 1909 Mr. Schladetzky invested in two hundred and forty acres in 
South Dakota and has great faith in the future of that locality. 

In 1891, ^Ir. Schladetzky married Mary Ahrendsen, who was also born 
in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, May 20, 1874, and was brought here with her 
parents in 1886. She is a daughter of Lorenz and Christine Ahrendsen, the 
latter of whom is deceased, but the former now resides at Onslow. Mr. and 
Mrs. Schladetzky have six children, as follows: Peter, Louise, Louis, Anna, 
John and Henry. 

Some men are successful in whatever they attempt; that seems part of their 
nature; and the gentleman of whom we write without doubt belongs to this 
class. Coming here poor, unknown and without a working knowledge of the 
language, he has risen until he does the largest business of any man in Hale and 
also owns valuable farming property elsewhere. There has been no royal road 
for him, however, but a hard and narrow one, paved with constant labor and 
strict economy and it has led him straight to the goal of success. 



B. H. CHAMBERLAIN, M. D. 

Dr. B. H. Chamberlain, who has been a successful practitioner of medicine at 
Wyoming since 1903, was bom in this city on the ist of February, 1881, his 
parents being W. I. and Lucy W. (Witter) Chamberlain. A sketch of the 
father appears on another page of this volume. Dr. Chamberlain of this re- 
view obtained his early education in the public schools of Wyoming and subse- 
quently attended successively the Iowa State College and the Iowa State Uni- 
versity, being graduated from the medical department of the latter institution in 
1903. Returning to Wyoming, he here purchased the outfit and took up the 
practice of his former preceptor. Dr. J. W. Kirkpatrick, who had died in May, 
1903. Wyoming has since remained the scene of his professional labors and he 
now enjoys a large and lucrative practice, which has come in recognition of his 
skill and ability in the application of remedial agencies and the restoration of 
health. He belongs to the Jones County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medi- 
cal Society, the American Medical Association and the Iowa Union Medical 
Society. 

In July, 1903, Dr. Chamberlain was united in marriage to Miss Iva Tomp- 
kins, a native of this county and a daughter of Chauncey and Mary (Jennings) 
Tompkins. Her paternal grandfather. Rufus Tompkins, made his way from 



120 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

New York to Jones county, Iowa, at an early day, and her mother came from 
Ohio. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Chamberlain has been born a son, Chauncey, whose 
natal day was June 28, 1908. 

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Dr. Chamberlain has 
given his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as county 
coroner for the past five years and has also acted as a member of the school 
board. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, is now worshipful 
master of Keystone Lodge, No. 206, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the 
chapter and commandery at Anamosa and the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. 
In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. Although still a young man, he has 
already attained an enviable position in the ranks of the medical profession and 
in all life's relations has maintained a high standard of conduct, thus justly 
meriting the confidence which is so uniformly accorded him in this, his native 
county. 



CHARLES F. SAXON. 



Charles F. Saxon took up his abode on his present farm in Madison township 
in 1900 and here owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land 
which is the ^'isible evidence of a well spent, active and honorable life. His birth 
occurred in Mercer county, Illinois, on the 4th of August, 1869, his parents be- 
ing Daniel and Elizabeth (Phillips) Saxon, who were natives of Lancashire, Eng- 
land, and Cumberland, Maryland, respectively. The father, who was born In the 
year 1829, was a young man of twenty-one w^hen he crossed the Atlantic to the 
United States in 1850. He spent some years in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, 
and Kentuck}' and about i860 located in Mercer county, Illinois, where he met 
the lady who afterward became his wife and who was residing with a sister at 
that time. Daniel Saxon prospected for coal and also took contracts for the sink- 
ing of coal shafts. In 1883 he left Mercer county and made his way to Frontier 
county, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead claim and carried on general 
agricultural pursuits until the time of his demise in May, 1891. His widow still 
survives and now makes her home with her children. 

Charles F. Saxon obtained his education in the common schools and remained 
under the parental roof until twenty-five years of a2:e. when he came to Jones 
county, Iowa, and for five years was busily engaged in the cultivation of a tract 
of rented land. In 1899 he rented a place of one hundred and forty acres and 
a year later bought and located on the farm of one hundred and ten acres in Madi- 
son township on which he has since continued to reside. In the spring of 1909 
he extended the boundaries of the place by the purchase of an adjoining tract of 
fifty acres, so that his farm now embraces a quarter section of land, all well 
improved and highly cultivated. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted 
to soil and climate he also deals in stock to some extent, feeding a carload of cattle 
annually, and in both branches of his business is meeting with a most gratifying 
and well merited measure of success. 

On the 6th of June. 1901, Mr. Saxon was united in marriage to Miss Lucy L. 
Brunner, of Marble Rock, Floyd county, Iowa, by whom he has two children, 




C. F. SAXON 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 123 

Dorothy E. and Carl B. He is a republican in his political views but does not 
consider himself bound by party ties and at local elections casts his ballot for the 
candidate whom he believes best qualified. He capably served as census enum- 
erator for four years and at the present time is acting as a township committee- 
man. Fraternally he is identified with EUiott Lodge, No. lo, Highland Noble- 
men, and in religious faith is a Presbyterian, being a member of the board of trus- 
tees of the church. His wife holds membership in the Baptist church. Since 
starting out in life on his own account he has worked on persistently, year after 
year, and his diligence and perseverance constitute the basis of his present 
prosperity. 



OLIVER J. FELTON. 

One of the substantial men and well known citizens of Cedar Rapids, where 
for the past nine years he has pursued his profession as an attorney at law, is 
Oliver ]. Felton. A native of Jones county, this state, he was born on section 
lo, Madison township, and is a son of M. O. Felton, a sketch of whose life ap- 
pears elsewhere in this volume. 

Oliver J. Felton was reared at home and after completing the course of 
study prescribed by the local school near his birthplace, attended Cornell College, 
Mount \ernon, Iowa, where he received further instruction in the fundamental 
branches of English education and also the culture that is distinctive of men of 
his profession. In 1887 he engaged in teaching, being connected with educa- 
tional work for the greater part of the five subsequent years. In 1889, he took 
up the study of law under the preceptorship of E. M. Sharow, of Davenport, and 
in January. 1891. was admitted to the bar, before the supreme court of Iowa, 
Straightway he established himself in Oxford Junction, where for nine years he 
practiced with a success that suggested the feasibility of entering larger and more 
remunerative fields. Accordingly in 1900 he removed to Cedar Rapids and has 
permanently identified himself with the bar there. A large constituency indicates 
the confidence he has won from the people among whom he has practiced for 
almost a decade, while a more tangible evidence of his success is afforded by the 
extent of the landholdings entered upon the records in his name or in that of his 
wife, for in addition to the old Felton homestead of two hundred acres which 
he and a brother, G. L. Felton, cashier of a bank in Middleton, Oklahoma, own, 
Mr. and ^Irs. Felton are possessed of over one thousand acres in Jones and 
Linn counties. The greater part of the land in the latter county is embraced in 
the Brookdale farm, lying upon the outskirts of Cedar Rapids and is considered 
of great value. 

On the 8th of December, 1891. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Felton 
and Miss Emma J. Eldred, a daughter of J. S. Eldred, a well known private 
banker of Oxford Junction. He was also one of the pioneer settlers of his part 
of Jones county, for in 1853 he entered two hundred and fifty-three acres of 
government land, which is still in the possession of the family. 

Politically Mr. Felton gives unqualified allegiance to no party, but the best 
man and the measure that has for its object the advancement of the welfare of 



124 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

his fellow citizens invariably receives his support. The acumen which has dis- 
tinguished his conduct of cases has also marked his land investments, for he has 
made a specialty of buying Iowa property and has derived therefrom a pro- 
nounced success. Ever a stanch advocate of his clients' interests, clever in sum- 
ing up the evidence of a case and keen in the detection of subtleties in his adver- 
sary while he is ever on the alert to grasp the clue that will obtain for him an 
honorable victory, his name may well be placed among those who work for the 
fair name of their profession, at the same time acquiring a gratifying reward 
for the thought and labor expended in the behalf of others. He has never sought 
public office, but his influence has been just as effective for the advancement of 
the community as if he were the actual incumbent of a public trust. 



WILLIAM DAVIS GORDON. 

It is with pleasure that we present to our readers the life history of William 
Davis Gordon, the second oldest merchant in Anamosa. For years he has here 
been connected with the drygoods trade and the record which he has made is 
most commendable. There has not been a single esoteric phase in his career, 
for he has governed his actions by the rules of strict and unswerving integrity as 
well as of unfaltering industry and progressiveness. His birth occurred in 
South Wales on the 26th of November, 1854. 

His father, William I. Gordon, was a native of England, who became a resi- 
dent of Wales and was there married to Aliss Amelia Davis. In early life he 
crossed the Atlantic to America and resided for a time in Ohio. During the 
period of the Civil war he enlisted as a volunteer in the Fifth Ohio Infantry and 
remained at the front until 1863, when he received honorable discharge. During 
that period he had been captured at Harpers Ferry and was held as a prisoner 
of war at Belle Isle and at Andersonville, the rigors and hardships of his prison 
experience being such as to incapacitate him for further field duty. After his 
release from Andersonville he was sent to the hospital at Washington, where 
he remained for a few months and was finally discharged in the autumn of 
1863. He then returned to England and twenty years afterward again came to 
America and resided in this country until his death, which occurred in 1899, 
when about sixty-seven years of age. His wife died in England in 1889 at the 
age of forty-nine years. 

William D. Gordon arrived in the United States on the 2d of May, 1885. He 
had been educated in the schools of this country and of England, and follow- 
ing his return to America located in Anamosa, where he immediately established 
himself in business. His first location was in a little building where he carried 
a small stock of dry goods. The people of the community soon discovered that 
he was pleasant to deal with, that his business methods were reliable and that 
he carried a well selected line of goods. His trade therefore steadily increased 
and he accordingly enlarged his stock from year to year, eventually becoming one 
of the leading merchants in the county. There is now, with one exception, no mer- 
chant of Anamosa ulio has been for a longer period continuously connected 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 125 

with its trade interests. His entire life has been connected with commercial 
pursuits. He served an apprenticeship in his native land between the ages 
of fifteen and eighteen years and has always found merchandising a congenial 
field of labor, wherein, as the result of his close application, industry and per- 
severance, he has won substantial success. 

On the 22d of February, 1879, in the city of Manchester, England, Mr. 
Gordon was united in marriage to Miss Emily Puleston, a daughter of William 
and Jane (Thompson) Puleston, who were likewise natives of Manchester. 
The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon is Emily A., who was born in Man- 
chester. Mr. Gordon is a member of Anamosa Lodge, M. W. A., and Anamosa 
Lodge, No. 263, A. O. U. W. He votes the republican ticket and in his religi- 
belief is an Episcopalian. These associations indicate something of the nature 
of his interests and the principles which have governed his life, making him a 
man among men, loyal to high standard, so that he is honored and esteemed by his 
fellow townsmen and wherever he is known. 



JOSEPH HEN IK. 



The agricultural interests of Jones county find a worthy and successful repre- 
sentative in Joseph Henik. who owns a valuable and well improved farm of two 
hundred and fifteen acres on section 13. Hale township. He was born in Bo- 
hemia on the 17th of March, 1854, his parents being Michael and Josephine 
Henik. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States when their son Joseph 
was but six months old, settling in Iowa City, Iowa. The demise of the mother 
occurred near Salem. Iowa, in 1896, when she had attained the age of seventy- 
three years, while the father was called to his final rest in 1899, w^hen seventy- 
seven years of age. They were the parents of eight sons and three daughters, 
namely : Antone. whose death occurred in Oxford ; Frank, who enlisted in the 
Fifty-fourth Iowa A'olunteer Infantry at the time of the Civil war and was 
killed while in the service ; George, a resident of Kansas ; Joseph, of this re- 
view ; John, living in Hale township; James, of Oxford township; WilHam, who 
makes his home in Hale township ; Frank, who resides in Cedar Rapids ; Katie, 
the widow of Frank Xowachek, of Oxford Junction ; and two daughters who 
have passed away. 

Joseph Henik remained under the parental roof until the time of his mar- 
riage, and for nine years following that important event in his life he was suc- 
cessfully engaged in the cultivation of his farm of fifty-six acres near Iowa 
City. After disposing of that property he came to Jones county, purchasing 
a tract of eighty acres on section 13. Hale township. As the years went by 
and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and 
capable management, he gradually extended the boundaries of his farm by addi- 
tional purchase until it now embraces two hundred and fifteen acres of rich 
and productive land. The many substantial improvements which are seen on the 
property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and he is widely recog- 
nized as one of the progressive and representative agriculturists of the com- 



126 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

munity. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate 
he also devotes some attention to stock raising, which branch of his business 
adds materially to his income. 

On the 29th of April, 1879, Mr. Henik was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary 
Sobers, whose birth occurred in Johnson county, Iowa. Her parents, James 
and Mary Sobers, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, passed away in this 
country. Mrs. Henik was one of a family of four daughters and one son and 
by her marriage has become the mother of seven children, as follows : Lily, the 
wife of Albert Vohoska, of Cedar county; Anna, the wife of Frank Vansickle, 
of Hale township ; and Mary, Frank, Lydia, George and Charles, all at home. 

In his political views Mr. Henik is a stanch republican, while his religious 
faith is indicated by his membership in the Bohemian Catholic church of Oxford 
Junction. His aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further every move- 
ment calculated to benefit the community and he and his estimable wife are 
held in high regard by their many friends. 



ALBERT F. WALTERS. 

Albert F. Walters, a retired machinist of Onslow, is one of the well known 
and esteemed residents of the town. His birth occurred in Herkimer county, 
New York, on the 20th of August, 1856. his parents being David A. and Adaline 
(Hemingway) Walters, likewise natives of that county, where they were reared 
and married. In i860, the father brought his family to Iowa, trading his New 
York farm for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Madison and Scotch 
Grove townships, Jones county. The grandfather had come to this county prior 
to i860 and secured that quarter section. David A. Walters purchased an addi- 
tional tract of forty acres, so that his farm comprised two hundred acres, in the 
cultivation of which he was actively engaged until December, 1877, when he 
disposed of the property and took up his abode in Onslow. For two years fol- 
lowing his arrival here he successfully conducted a lumberyard. He remained a 
resident of Onslow until called to his final rest on the 6th of September, 1896, 
passing away in his seventieth year. He was a stanch republican in politics but 
did not desire ofifice as a reward for his party fealty. A worthy Christian gen- 
tleman, he was one of the founders of the Freewill Baptist church in Clay town- 
ship. He was made a ]\Iason in 1868 and was one of the charter members of 
Onslow Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The period of his 
residence in this county covered more than a third of a century and he was 
widely recognized as one of its respected and representative citizens. His wife 
was called to her final rest on the 26th of February, 1904. when seventy-nine 
years of age. 

Albert F. Walters, who obtained his education in the common schools, was 
a young man of twenty-one years when he came with his parents to Onslow, 
where he was associated with his father in the lumber business for a short time. 
In 1880 he made his way to Elgin, Tllinios, where for two years he was employed 
in the Elgin watch works. Subsequently he went to Springfield, Illinois, where 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 127 

he was employed in a watch factory for a similar period, while afterward he 
spent two years in a watch factory at Aurora, Illinois. His next removal was to 
Rockford, Illinois, where he worked in the watch factory for a period of ten 
years. He was thoroughly familiar with all the mechanical parts necessary in 
the construction of a watch and during more than twelve of the eighteen years 
which he spent in the manufacture of watches had charge of one or another of 
the various departments. In October, 1893, work at the watch factory having 
been suspended, Mr. Walters went to Belvidere, where he secured employment 
with the National Sewing Machine Company, remaining with that concern for 
about a year. He next made his way to Richmond, Indiana, and for two years 
acted as superintendent of a bicycle factory there. His health failing, he then 
returned to Jones county, Iowa, and purchased the old Walters homestead, on 
which he had been reared to manhood and which still remains in his possession. 
He did not take up his abode on the farm, however, but resided in Onslow until 
October, 1901, when he again went to Rockford, Illinois, working in the watch 
factory there until January, 1903. Subsequently he went to Belvidere, Illinois, 
as superintendent of the automobile factory and in July, 1903, secured a position 
in the small arms department of the Rock Island arsenal, there remaining for 
three years. In 1906, he was taken ill and came to Onslow, intending to resume 
his work as soon as he was able. His position was held for him for almost 
a year, but the condition of his health has been such as to prevent his return 
to active labor and he has lived retired. 

On the 3d of July, 1880, Mr. Walters was united in marriage to Miss Ella 
Plank, of Potter Brook, Pennsylvania. The two children born unto them are 
now deceased, the daughter, Marian H., passing away at the age of eleven 
years. 

In his political views Mr. Walters is a stanch republican, while fraternally he 
is identified with Keystone Lodge, No. 206, F. & A. M., of Wyoming. Both he 
and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community, having 
won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in 
contact. 



ARTHUR A. VAUGHN. 



Arthur A. Vaughn, cashier of the First National Bank of Wyoming, with 
which institution he has been continuously identified since 1882, was born in 
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of March, 1855. His parents, George 
and Jane (Elder) Vaughn, were likewise natives of the county, the former being 
a representative of an old Pennsylvania family. George Vaughn was a farmer 
and carpenter by occupation and made his home in Lawrence county until called 
to his final rest in 1874. They were devoted and consistent members of the old 
Cumberland church. 

A. A. Vaughn, who was the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine 
children, obtained his preliminary education in the schools of his native state 
and when fourteen years of age came to Jones county, Iowa, entering the home 
of his sister Mary, who was the wife of C. S. Gilbert, a merchant, grain dealer 



128 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and cheese manufacturer of Wyoming. He attended the Wyoming high school 
and also pursued a course in the Davenport Business College, and after com- 
pleting his education was associated with his brother-in-law for a year. Subse- 
quently he entered the general store of A. M. Loomis a salesman and book- 
keeper, being thus employed until 1882, when he became assistant cashier of the 
First National Bank. In 1904 he was made cashier of the institution and has 
since acted in that capacity. He is thoroughly conversant with the banking 
business in principle and detail and his capable control of the First National 
Bank is manifested in its growing success. 

Mr. Vaughn has been married twice. In 1877 he wedded Miss Sarah Gilbert, 
who passed away on the loth of November, 1886, leaving two children: Vera L. 
and Minnie S. On the 22d of August, 1889, Mr. Vaughn was agained married, 
his second union being with Miss Frances Sykes, a native of Ohio and a daughter 
of Ralph and Theresa Sykes. In her girlhood days she accompanied her parents 
on their removal to Jones county. By his second wife Mr. Vaughn also has two 
children : Aleta A. and Florence M. 

In politics Mr. Vaughn is a stalwart republican and has served his fellow towns- 
men in several positions of trust and responsibility. He acted as mayor for a 
year and at the present time is a member of the town council. He has likewise 
been identified with the school board and has served as its president and secre- 
tary. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows and in religious faith he is a ^Methodist. He has now resided 
in this county for four decades and is widely and favorably known within its 
borders, his upright and honorable career commanding the respect and esteem 
of all with whom he has been associated. 



THOMAS C. GORMAN. M. D. 

Prominent among the representatives of professional interests in Jones county 
is Dr. Thomas C. Gorman, successfully practicing as a physician and surgeon in 
Anamosa. He holds to high ideals in his chosen life work and his careful prepara- 
tion has made him well qualified for the onerous duties which devolve upon him 
in professional connections. He was born in Hale, Jones county, on the 4th of- 
August, 1874, and is a son of John and Mary (Rooney) Gorman, both of whom 
were natives of Ireland. The year 1847 witnessed their arrival in America and in 
Troy, New York, their marriage was celebrated. Soon afterward rhey removed 
to Chicago. Illinois, where they remained for about five years and later came to 
this state. 

Dr. Gorman has spent his entire life in Iowa, pursuing his education in his 
youthful days in the schools of Dubuque. Later he determined upon the practice 
of medicine as his life work and to this end was matriculated in the Rush Medical 
College of Chicago in 1893. He pursued the regular four years course and was 
graduated in 1897. He spent the succeeding year and a half at St Elizabeth Hos- 
pital, thus putting to the practical test his theoretical training and qualifying for 
the onerous duties of a private practice in the broad and varied experience for 



J^^^tr '^'^^^^jMil 


















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SH_ 


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DR. T. C. GORMAN 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 131 

hospital work. On leaving- that institution he came to Anamosa in i8g8, opened 
his office here and has since successfully practiced, being regarded as one of the 
leading physicians and surgeons in this part of the state. He is also acting as 
surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern Raihvay at this point. He is very care- 
ful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment seldom if ever is at fault in 
determining the outcome of disease. He performs all professional duties with a 
sense of conscientious obligation that has won him the confidence and support of 
the general public and the regard of his professional brethren. In addition to his 
practice he owns a city dwelling, three farms, two farms of three hundred and 
forty acres in Fairview township and another tract of four hundred and eighty 
acres of land in Texas. He is a stockholder and director in the Niles & Waters 
Bank, a director of the pubHc library and also a director in the Anamosa Fair 
Association, and in the control and management of these interests he displays the 
qualities of an enterprising and progressive business man as well as the salient 
features of a successful medical practitioner. 

On the 15th of October, 1902, Dr. Gorman v/as married to Miss Nellie E. 
Gavin, a daughter of Malachi and Mary Ellen Gavin, both of whom were natives 
of Ireland. Dr. and Mrs. Gorman now have two sons, Thomas Gavin and Edward 
Carroll. 

In his fraternal relations Dr. Gorman is connected with Mount Carmel lodge 
of the Knights of Columbus at Cedar Rapids and with the Modern Woodmen 
Camp, No. 167, at Anamosa. He is also a member of the Catholic church and 
his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He is a man fearless in the de- 
fense of whatever he believes to be right and his position is never an equivocal 
one. In matters of public concern he manifests discriminating and intelligent 
citizenship, laboring earnestly and effectively for the welfare of the community, 
while in social life his genial qualities have won for him warm friendships and 
kindly regard. 



JAMES A. BRACHA. 



James A. Bracha, who for twelve years has been proprietor of a general mer- 
cantile store at Oxford Junction, while his activity in public affairs supplemented 
by a zealous desire for the general good, has made him a valued and representa- 
tive citizen, was born in Bohemia, September 18, 1870. His parents, John and 
Mary (Cerny) Bracha, were also natives of that country. The latter died in 
1884, but the father now resides on a farm near Parkston, South Dakota. Since 
losing his first wife he has married again. 

James A. Bracha is the eldest of the seven children of the first marriage 
and was a lad of ten summers when, in 1880, he accompanied his parents across 
the Atlantic and on to Chicago, where they established their home. A year and 
a half later, however, they removed to Bonhomme county, South Dakota, and 
since that time or from the age of eleven years, James A. Bracha has been de- 
pendent upon his own labor for whatever success he has enjoyed. He worked 
on a ranch as a herder of sheep for three years and was afterward employed at 



132 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

general labor on a farm until seventeen years of age, when he became connected 
with mercantile interests, securing a clerkship in the general store at Armour, 
South Dakota. Fourteen years ago he went upon the road as traveling sales- 
man for a grocery house, spending two years in that way and in the fall of 1896 
he came to Oxford Junction, where he assumed the management of the general 
store of Johnson Brothers, remaining in charge for about eight months. He was 
then married and entered his present business in the fall of 1897, since which time 
he has been proprietor of a general mercantile establishment at this place. He 
has the largest store in town and he owns as well the building which he occu- 
pies and which he erected. In the spring of 1898, his store was swept away in a 
disastrous fire which occurred in the town and his was the first building erected 
after the conflagration. He has a one-story brick structure, forty-four by 
seventy feet with a basement under the entire building. His establishment is 
conducted on the department store plan under the firm style of Bracha & Com- 
pany. Mrs. Bracha has been an able assistant to her husband since the business 
was established. 

Mr. Bracha's mercantile interests, however, by no means limit the extent of 
his activities. He has been very prominent in community affairs and was twice 
elected mayor on the democratic ticket but resigned in the winter of 1908-9. In 
the spring of 1909 he became president of the board of education and is doing 
effective work in the interests of the schools. He cooperates in every move- 
ment for the material, intellectual and social progress of the city and has served 
as a committeeman from his township on the democratic central committee. 

In August. 1897. Mr. Bracha was united in marriage to Miss Frances B. 
Wosoba, a native of Oxford township and a daughter of Michael B. and Anna 
(Dusanek) Wosoba, who were natives of Bohemia and now reside at Oxford 
Junction. Mr. and Mrs. Bracha have two children, Adaline and Amelia. Mr. 
Bracha belongs to New Era Lodge, No. 88, K. P., and Zealous Lodge, No. 245, 
A. F. & A. M., and of the Commercial Club is vice-president. He is a promi- 
nent factor in the business life of the town, contributing to its commercial pros- 
perity through his efforts, while his labors in behalf of general improvement 
are far-reaching and beneficial. 



GEORGE C. GORMAN. 



Among the younger representatives of the Jones county bar is George C. 
Gorman, who is steadily making his way to the head of the profession. He 
was born at Wyoming, Iowa, December 21, 1882. and is a son of John and 
Margaret S. (Ciirran) Gorman, the former a native of the state of New York, 
while the latter was born in Jones county. They were married on the i6th 
of April, 1878, and continued to reside in Jones county until the ist of March, 
1909, when they removed to Davenport, Iowa, where Mr. Gorman is engaged in 
the real estate business. Their family numbers the following named : John C, 
who is married and living at Ottumwa, South Dakota; James R., now deceased; 
Nellie E., a trained nurse, who resides in Davenport; George C, of this review; 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 133 

M. J., a student of the Law College at the Iowa State University at Iowa City; 
Mary M., a school teacher of Davenport; Daniel A., a student at St. Joseph's 
College at Dubuque; Lillian G., also a student at Mount St. Joseph's Academy, 
at Dubuque; Raymond F., a student at St. Ambrose College of Davenport; 
and Margaret, deceased. 

At the usual age George C. Gorman entered the public schools, wherein he 
continued his studies through successive grades until he was graduated from the 
high school. He pursued his more specifically classical course at St. Joseph's 
College in Dubuque, while in Iowa City he prepared for the practice of law as 
a student in the law department of the State University. He was there grad- 
uated and was admitted to the bar in June, 1905. For a time he was associated 
in practice with Judge Ellison of Anamosa, but the latter was elected to the 
bench in 1907, and Mr. Gorman then joined the firm of Jamison & 
Smyth, under the present style of Jamison, Smyth & Gorman. This 
is one of the strong law firms of the city, and Mr. Gorman is adding to its repu- 
tation by the earnest work which he is doing in the courts. He is very careful 
and systematic in the preparation of a case and his arguments are characterized 
by terse and decisive logic. Fraternally Mr. Gorman is connected with the 
Knights of Columbus of Cedar Rapids and with the Modern Woodmen of 
America, at Anamosa. The circle of his friends however, is not limited by the 
membership of those organizations, for he is widely and favorably known in this 
county, where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his 
energies and his activities as to win the respect and good will of those who have 
known him from his boyhood as well as of the acquaintances of later years. 



E. H. KNITTLE, M. D. 



Dr. E. H. Knittle, who since 1899 has been a successful representative of the 
medical profession in Onslow, is now enjoying a most extensive and lucrative 
practice and is also the proprietor of a modern and up-to-date drug store. His 
birth occurred in Maquoketa, Iowa, on the lOth of April, 1874, his parents being 
Henry and Maria (Engalls) Knittle, who were natives of Pennsylvania and 
New York respectively. The father, who came to Iowa when about fourteen 
years of age, worked at the painter's trade for two years and then secured em- 
ployment as a clerk in the store of a Mr. McGregor of Maquoketa, in which con- 
nection he became familiar with the business in principle and detail. At the end 
of two years he embarked in business on his own account as a merchant at 
Maquoketa, forming a partnership with Benjamin A. Spencer, which continued 
throughout the remainder of his active connection with mercantile interests. He 
was for many years a prominent factor in business circles and was widely recog- 
nized as one of Maquoketa's most enterprising, progressive and public-spirited 
citizens. It was largely owing to his efforts that the Chicago & Northwestern 
and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroads built their lines through that 
town, and in fact his aid and influence were ever given on the side of progress 
and improvement. His death, which occurred in March, 1903, when he had at- 



134 HISTORY Ob JONES COUNTY 

tained the age of sixty-two years, was deeply mourned by all who knew him, and 
it was uniformly conceded that the community had lost one of its most respected 
and influential residents. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge in 
Maquoketa and a worthy exemplar of the craft. 

Dr. E. H. Knittle was reared in the place of his nativity and, beginning his 
education at the usual age, was graduated from the Maquoketa high school 
with the class of 1893. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life 
work, he entered the office of Dr. A. B. Bowen at Maquoketa, under whose direc- 
tion he read during the periods of vacation until he had won his degree. In the 
fall of 1894 he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University and 
was graduated from that institution in 1897. He then began the practice of his 
chosen profession in partnership with his former preceptor, Dr. Bowen, which 
association was maintained for two years. On the expiration of that period, in 
1899, Dr. Knittle opened an office in Onslow, Jones county, where he has since 
built up an extensive and altogether enviable practice. His skill and ability have 
been constantly manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts 
for the alleviation of human suffering and the restoration of health, and he well 
merits the confidence which his patients repose in him. He keeps in touch with 
the onward march of the profession through his membership in the Iowa State 
Medical Society and the Jones County Medical Society. In the spring of 1907 
he opened a handsome and well equipped drug store at Onslow and, placing a 
registered pharmacist in charge, has already built up an extensive trade in this 
connection. 

In 190 1 Dr. Knittle was united in marriage to Miss Beth Xeelan, of Onslow, 
by whom he has a daughter, Grace Maurine. His political allegiance is given 
to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership 
in the Presbyterian church, with which his wife is also identified. His fraternal 
relations are with Keystone Lodge, No. 206, F. & A. M., of Wyoming; Onslow 
Lodge, No. 296, I. O. O. F. ; Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 2120; and the 
Mystic Workers of the World. While yet a young man. he has already attained 
a creditable position in professional circles, while the salient characteristics 
of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with 
whom he has been otherwise associated. 



MOREY SICKLE. 



Although Morey Sickle has been a resident of Anamosa for a comparatively 
brief period during the past seven years he has established himself as one of the 
prominent and enterprising merchants of the city, conducting a well appomted 
enterprise known as The Leader. Here he carries a large line of dry goods, 
clothing, men's and ladies' furnishings, etc. and has built up a gotd trade which 
is constantly increasing as the years go by. 

Mr. Sickle is a native of New York city, born January 24. 1867. His par- 
ents, I. H. and Fannie (Raff) Sickle, were both natives of Washington. D. C, 
and were long residents of New York but in later years removed to Minnesota. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 135 

The mother died about 1898, when forty-three years of age and the father, sur- 
viving her until 1902, passed away at the age of sixty-five years. In their family 
were eight children: Nathan, Bertha, Morey, Isadore, Anna, j\Iay, Irene and 
Herbert, who died in infancy. 

Morey Sickle spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home 
and the early educational privileges which he enjoyed were those offered by the 
public schools, and he later attended college. His early business training was 
received in New York city and he entered upon an independent business career 
in 1898, when he opened a clothing and drygoods store at Wells, Minnesota. He 
built up a large trade, there continuing the business for four years but, believing 
a better field of opportunity was offered in Anamosa, he came to this city in 
1902 and has since made it his home. Here he established the store which is now 
known as The Leader. He carries a very complete general stock, including dry 
goods, clothing, men's and ladies' furnishings, trunks, ladies' cloaks, suits 
etc. and the store is very popular for his prices are reasonable. The store is 
neat and tasteful in its arrangements and the wishes of the patrons are attended 
by Mr. Sickle and a corps of competent assistants who are always courteous and 
obligating. 

In 1907 Mr. Sickle was united in marriage to Miss Esther Rosenfield, a daugh- 
ter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rosenfield, of Rock Island, Illinois. Their home 
is now blessed with two children, Marion and Josephine. Fraternally Mr. Sickle 
is connected with the Masons and with the Modern Woodmen of America. His 
attention, however, is chiefly given to his business affairs which make heavy 
demands upon his time and attention. He gives to each detail of the business 
his personal supervision, knowing that the neglect of minor things has often been 
the rock upon which mercantile ventures have been wrecked. He is diligent, 
persevering -and progressive and his success is well merited. 



JOHN HENIK. 



John Henik. now residing on his farm of twenty-two acres on section 25, 
Hale township, where he is successfully engaged in the growing of small fruits, 
is also the owner of a farm of two hundred acres on the same section, which he 
has leased for the past three years. His birth occurred in Johnson county, Iowa, 
on the 27th of March, 1857, his parents being Michael and Josephine Henik, 
natives of Bohemia. In 1854 they set sail for the United States and after 
landing on the shores of this country made their way at once to Johnson county, 
Iowa, spending the remainder of their lives on a farm there. The mother was 
called to her final rest in March. 1896, while the father passed away on the 20th 
of August, 1899, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven years and 
three months. Their children were eleven in number, as follows : Antone, whose 
demise occurred in Oxford ; Frank, who enlisted in the Fifty- fourth Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry at the time of the Civil war and was killed while in the service; 
Katie, the widow of Frank Nowachek, of Oxford Junction ; George, a resident 
of Kansas; Joseph, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; Mary, 



136 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

who died in infancy; John, of this review; Anna, who passed away at the age 
of sixteen years; James, of Oxford township; William living in Hale town- 
ship ; and Frank, the second of the name, who makes his home in Cedar Rapids. 

John Henik lived at home until he was married in 1884, since which time 
he has been a resident of Hale township, Jones county. He first bought a tract 
of eighty acres on section 25, but gradually increased his landed holdings by 
additional purchase from time to time until the farm now comprises two hun- 
dred acres of rich and arable land. There he successfully carried on agricultural 
and stock raising interests until about 1906, when he leased the place and took 
up his abode on a tract of twenty-two acres on section 25, where he has since de- 
voted his attention to the growing of small fruits, for which he finds a ready 
sale on the market. 

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Henik and Miss Anna Chabal, 
who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 25th of September, 1861. Her 
parents, James and Katie (Merkosh) Chabal, were natives of Bohemia but were 
married in this country. They came to Iowa in 1855 and here spent the re- 
mainder of their lives, passing away in Johnson county. Mr. and Mrs. Henik 
are the parents of six children, namely: Mary, who resides on her father's farm 
with her husband; Frank Fritz; Anna, the wife of Louis Mizaur, of Oxford 
township ; Rosa, the wife of John Cloid, of Oxford Junction ; Tilly, the wife of 
Louis Luke, of Oxford township ; Gilbert, at home ; and Fred. 

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Henik has supported 
the men and measures of the democracy and has capably served his fellow towns- 
men in various minor offices. He is a faithful communicant of the Bohemian 
Catholic church at Oxford Junction and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen 
of America at that place and the C. B. A., a Bohemian lodge. The period of his 
residence in this county now covers a quarter of a century and he 'enjoys in 
large measure the esteem and good will of those with whom he has come in 
contact. 



WILLIAM ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM. 

Many of the business men of Anamosa have come here after the prosperity 
of the town was assured, attracted by the atmosphere of progress that surrounds 
it or because of the unusual opportunities here afiforded. To their energy and 
ability all praise is due, save that which belongs to the men who started the town 
upon its upward career. Among the latter must be numbered William Alexander 
Cunningham, an ice dealer and the president of the gas company, who has not 
only watched the growth of Anamosa but has been most active in bringing about 
its commercial advancement, for many of the industries, in whose flourishing 
condition the citizens take a pride, were either instigated by him or given that 
encouragement which insured their development along extensive lines. 

Mr. Cunningham was born in Indiana February 21, 1850, his parents being 
Samuel and Hannah (McQueen) Cunningham, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and the latter of Ohio. In 1853 they came to Anamosa, where Samuel 
Cunningham engaged in the mercantile business, conducting a general store until 




W. A. CUNNINGHAM 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 139 

his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was forty-nine years of age. His 
widow survived him for a long period, for she was not called to her final rest until 
1904. when she was in her seventy- fourth year. 

William Alexander Cunningham was enrolled as a pupil of the graded school 
in Anamosa and later attended the Hazel Knowl Academy. His first business 
venture was in the ice business, on which he embarked in 1868, and although he 
has still made it his principal concern the conditions connected with it forty years 
ago were very different from what they are today. Then delivery of ice was made 
by basket, and only one man is living in Anamosa today who was his customer at 
that time. For one season after he started in his business the supply of ice gave 
out, and the price rose to one dollar a hundred, three times the price at which 
Mr. Cunningham had made his contracts at the opening of the season. Such was 
his idea of honor, however, that although he might lose money by the transac- 
tions, he continued to serve his customers at the stipulated price, and they were 
permitted to buy as m.uch as they desired. But one competitor, and that for only 
one season, has invaded the territory which Mr. Cunningham has come to con- 
sider his own, not that the town might not support another, but his patrons have 
been so w^ell satisfied with his conduct of the ice business that they would need 
many inducements to bring them to the point of giving their custom to another. 
He supplies both wholesale and retail orders, but makes a specialty of winter 
shipments, and were one to inquire for a reason for his success he would un- 
doubtedly modestly disclaim any part in it himself, laying it solely to the excellent 
quality of the Wapsipinicon ice he handles. 

Among the other business enterprises with which Mr. Cunningham has been 
identified may be mentioned the Citizens' Savings Bank and the People's Gas 
Company. The former was organized March 14, 1907, with William A. Cun- 
ningham as president; William Thomas, as vice-president; F. G. Ray, as cashier; 
and as directors. William A. Cunningham, William Thomas, F. G. Ray, Colonel 
William T. Shaw, Dr. Hejinian and J. A. Belknap. The People's Gas Company 
was organized in 1909, with a capital of thirty-five thousand dollars and with im- 
portant men of the town as its officers. William A. Cunningham is president. 
F. G. Ray is vice-president. J. E. Remley occupies the position of secretary, 
while E. K. Ray is the treasurer. The board of directors number W. A. Cun- 
ningham, F. G. Ray, William Thomas, C. L. Niles, J. A. Belknap, E. K. Ray and 
J. E. Remley. The concern is prospering and gives promise of a successful career, 
profitable alike to its organizers and those who will share in the conveniences 
which it puts within the reach of all. 

On the 8th of February, 1875, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to 
Miss Helen Sales, a daughter of Dr. J- T. and Sarah (Fleck) Sales, the former 
a native of Canada, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Some time in the early '50s 
they came to Iowa, settling in Brighton, where they passed the remainder of their 
lives. 

Until 1900 Mr. Cunningham voted the democratic ticket but has since that time 
given his political allegiance to the republican party and has ever taken an active 
part in local affairs, serving the public well as chief of the fire department, as 
street commissioner, and for six years as constable. Fraternally he is prominent in 
the ranks of the Knights of Pythias and has held many offices in the lodge, filling 



140 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the positions of grand vice-chancellor and trustee, besides serving on numerous 
committees. Among the Mystic Workers of the World he has also been active, 
for he served as director for six years, and was afterward elected supreme master, 
in which capacity he served for four years. His religious adherence is given to 
the Episcopal church. 

Liberal and progressive in his ideas, broad minded in his outlook upon life, 
Mr. Cunningham is one of those men who has let few opportunities slip through 
their hands. On the contrary he is ever on the alert to benefit through experience, 
and having discerned a need of the community and a ready means to satisfy it, 
he has the ability to carry it to its conclusion. These qualities united with a 
great fund of energy have procured him success, but more than that they have 
placed him among the important men of Anamosa and of the county. 



JAMES H. MAPLE. 



James H. Maple, a farmer of Wyoming township, is one of those men, who 
despite a youth which knew more hardships than comforts and that saw few 
opportunities for study or advancement, has attained to a position among the 
agriculturists of his locality which is almost enviable. He was born in Columbi- 
ana county, Ohio, January 4, 1852, and is a son of Louis and Rebecca A. (Paul) 
Maple. The parents were both natives of the Buckeye state but came to Iowa 
in 1854 and here they secured a claim of government land. After a residence 
of about three years, they returned to Ohio, where the father died shortly after- 
ward leaving the mother with three young children. Later she returned to 
Jones county, where she reared her family and where she is still living at the 
advanced age of seventy-nine years. James H., the subject of this review, is 
the oldest of the children; Elizabeth is now the wife of R. E. McCain, of Water- 
loo, Iowa ; and Grace has been a teacher in the schools of Onslow for the past 
nineteen years. She lives in the village and makes a home for her mother. 

As the oldest of the fatherless family, James H. Maple early had to assume 
a man's responsibilities. Indeed he was but fifteen when he undertook to man- 
age the farm for his mother, tilling the soil faithfully and diligently until he 
became of age. He had been able to obtain only the most meager education, but 
through experience, united with a determination to succeed, he has made his 
way along the highroad of life. Upon attaining his majority he rented the home 
farm for a few years, and then bought it, adding to it from time to time, as 
occasion ofifered until he now owns a tract of two hundred and twenty-four 
acres. It is well improved and highly cultivated, although Mr. Maple has given 
his attention especially to the raising and feeding of stock, is now a breeder of 
pure breed Aberdeen Angus cattle. When he started out in life for himself, 
the conditions were much more difficult than they would be now for any boy 
similarly situated, but the courage which inspired his mother to come to a 
land that was at the time practically in the first state of development was his 
birthright and supported him in the years of his struggle, which are now little 
more than memories, though they do afford him a justifiable gratification as 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 141 

glancing from them he views the position he now occupies in the community of 
Wyoming township. 

On the 17th of July, 1884, Mr. Maple wedded Miss Viola K. Thomas, who 
was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 16, i860. Her parents were Benson and 
Eliza (Hough) Thomas, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Pennsylvania. 
They came to Iowa, however, when this state was first being sought as the place 
of residence, owing to government inducements. Mr. Thomas pursued farm- 
ing until his death, which occurred in Wyoming, but his widow is still living with 
her children, of whom there were seven. Mr. and Mrs. Maple have had four 
children : Florence B., who has had a fine musical education and is now in 
Colorado teaching that branch of art ; Louis T., who is at home ; and Paul H., who 
is in Idaho in the drug business ; and Benson, who died when about a year old. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maple give their religious support to the Presbyterian church, 
of which they are both consistent members, and in whose work they take an 
active interest. Politically Mr. Maple finds himself more closely in sympathy 
with the republican party, but he has never aspired to any public office, although 
the substantial success he has won would naturally suggest him to his fellow 
citizens as a worthy candidate for their support. He is a member of Keystone 
Lodge, No. 206, A. F. & A. M., and is frequently seen at its meetings. 



JOSEPH PAWELKA. 



Joseph Pawelka occupies one of the fine homes of Oxford Junction and is 
known as one of the progressive citizens of his part of the county, as loyal to pub- 
lic interests and the general welfare as he was to the old flag when in the for- 
tunes of war he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields. He 
was born in Bohemia, January 13, 1843, and was a youth of eleven years when 
he came to Jones county, Iowa, with his parents Wensel and Katharine Pawelka. 
The father preempted forty acres of land on section 11, Oxford township, in 
the year of his arrival. The family took up their abode upon that farm, which 
through the efforts of the father was converted into a rich and productive tract 
of land. He spent his remaining days thereon, while his widow died at the home 
of a daughter in Tama county, Iowa. By a former marriage the father had four 
children, and by the second union there were three children: Joseph; Antone, 
deceased ; and Annie, the wife of John Dolize, of Tama county, Iowa. 

Joseph Pawelka spent the first eleven years of his life in the land of his na- 
tivity and on the 13th of September, 1854, arrived at Iowa City in company with 
his parents. Soon afterward he took up his abode on what became the family 
homestead in Oxford township, Jones county, and remained with his father for 
a short time, but later began to work for Solomon Pence in Wyoming township, 
in whose employ he remained for eight years. He was afterward in the serv- 
ices of different men until he enlisted in the Civil war, being enrolled among 
the boys in blue on the 13th of September, 1861. He was one of the first three 
years' men from this district. He joined Company I, Twenty-sixth Iowa In- 
fantry, with which he served for one year and nine months, when he was hon- 



142 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

orably discharged, having had his ankle crushed by an ambulance. He was 
transferred from one hospital to another, owing to the outbreak of typhoid fever. 
He took part in the battle of Little Rock, Arkansas, and in Sherman's charge at 
Vicksburg and the campaign of the Yazoo river. Being taken ill he was sent to 
the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, and was at length discharged at Benton 
Barracks, St. Louis. He then returned home but was laid up for a year with 
his injured ankle. He afterward engaged in threshing for two years, at the 
end of which time he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- 
tion 14, Oxford township. This he improved, residing on it until 1904 when he 
came to his present home in Oxford Junction. In the years which he devoted 
to general agricultural pursuits he met, with substantial success, bringing his 
fields under a high state of cultivation, his energy and diligence being the chief 
factors in his prosperity. On coming to Oxford Junction he erected a fine resi- 
dence, one of the most attractive homes of the town. He has now retired from 
active business but is a stockholder in the Oxford Junction Savings Bank. 

It was in 1863 that Air. Pawelka was united in marriage to Miss Delia Mori- 
vick, who was born in Bohemia, May 4, 1845, ^^^ i" December, 1854, came with 
her parents, John and Barbara Morivick to the United States, the family home 
being established in Jackson county, Iowa, where both her father and mother 
passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pawelka have been born four children : 
Joseph, now living in Hale township; Frank, whose home is in Oxford township; 
Annie, the wife of Henry Shimerada of Oxford township; and Emanuel, at 
home. They also lost four children : John, who died in infancy ; Fannie, at the 
age of three years ; and Eddie, at the age of six years ; and Eddie, the second 
of that name. 

Mr. Pawelka holds membership in the Grand Army post at Oxford Junction, 
When he was enrolled his name was placed on the records as Joseph Pawelker, 
but he prefers to retain the original Bohemian spelling. He was a most loyal 
defender of the stars and stripes and at all times has been a faithful citizen, de- 
voted to the best interests of his adopted country. Earnest, persistent labor 
brought him success, and he is now living retired in the enjoyment of rest which 
he has truly earned and richly deserves. 



WILLIAM G. PEET. 



William G. Peet figured for many years as one of the most successful farmers 
of Jones county, carrying on business on a most extensive scale. He was bom 
here during the pioneer epoch in the history of the county and lived to witness 
its wonderful transformation, bearing an active and helpful part in the work 
of progress and development. He was seldom, if ever, at error in matters of 
business judgment and his enterprise and keen discrimination enabled him to 
win success that placed him among the county's most wealthy citizens. He 
was born near Fairview. in Fairview township, Jones county. May 8, 1846, and 
was of Welsh extraction. His parents, James and Anna Peet, came to this 
county at a very early day, being among its first settlers. They were worthy 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 143 

people and aided in the reclamation of the district for the purposes of civiliza- 
tion. They entered land in Fairview township and the father devoted his ener- 
gies to the work of transforming the wild prairie into richly cultivated fields that 
he might provide thereby for the support of his family. 

William G. Feet was reared to manhood on the old homestead, amid the 
wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of 
the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of those who established homes 
on the frontier. At the usual age he attended the public schools, but the methods 
of instruction were very inferior to those in vogue at the present day. His 
training at farm labor was not meager, for as soon as old enough to handle the 
plow he took his place in the fields and continued in that line of work for many 
years. He remained upon the old homestead until 1888, when he removed to 
Anamosa, there spending the rest of his life. While on the farm he engaged 
largely in the tilling of the soil and also in buying and selling stock. He con- 
tinued in the latter after his removal to Anamosa and also engaged in the grain 
trade. As he prospered in his undertakings he made investment in farm lands 
from time to time until he became one of the most extensive landowners in this 
part of the state, his possessions at the time of his death aggregating over two 
thousand acres in Jones county. 

In 1872 Mr. Feet was united in marriage to Miss Eliza E. Saum, who was 
born in Rome township, this county, July 28, 1847, and is a daughter of George 
and Susanna Saum, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. 
They were among the first settlers of Jones county, arriving in 1839, at which 
time they took up their abode in Rome township, where Mr. Saum entered land 
from the government. He was one of the honored early settlers here and the 
history of his life is given at length on another page of this work. 

In his political views Mr. Feet was a democrat but had neither time nor in- 
clination for public office, .for his business interests claimed all of his energies. 
He manifested keen sagacity and insight in all of his investments, was thoroughly 
reliable in his undertakings and was never known to take advantage of the 
necessities of another in any business transaction. He did all things openly 
and above board and as the years passed became one of the county's most 
wealthy and honored citizens. He was a man of tall and commanding pres- 
ence, courteous and kindly in disposition arid merited the high regard which was 
uniformly given him. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Feet were born four children of whom one died in in- 
fancy. The others are James S., Lorinda M. and Truman G. The last named 
is married and resides in Anamosa. The daughter is the wife of James Temple- 
man, a farmer of Walnut Grove. The eldest. James S. Feet, was born at Wal- 
nut Grove, in Rome township, June 11, 1875, attended the district schools and 
afterward continued his education in the public schools of Anamosa and in a 
business college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On leaving school, he went upon his 
mother's place and managed the farm for "about six years but in 1900 took up his 
abode in Anamosa, where he has since lived. In 1905 the Feet Lumber Company 
was organized, the stockholders being James S. Feet and his mother. In this 
connection they carry on an extensive business as dealers in lumber and coal, 
the company being now accorded a large patronage. Mr. Feet manifests many 



144 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

of the sterling business qualities which his father displayed and in the control of 
his interests gives evidence of a spirit of progress and enterprise which is al- 
ways an essential factor in the attainment of success. His political support is 
given to the democracy, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and 
issues of the day he has neither time nor inclination for public office, as his 
business affairs claim his attention and make ample demand upon his time. 



ALLEN LEONARD FAIRBANKS. 

No history of Jones county would be complete without extended mention of 
Allen Leonard Fairbanks, who although he has already passed the Psalmist's 
allotted span of three score years and ten is still an active and helpful factor in 
the world's work. He comes from a most illustrious family and one which has 
long been identified with American interests. All representatives of the name in 
America trace their ancestry back to Jonathan Fairbanks, the founder of the fam- 
ily in this country, who came to Boston, Massachusetts, from Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, in 1633. Since that time various members of the family have figured 
prominently before the public eye. Mr. Fairbanks, of this review, is a relative of 
former Vice-President Fairbanks, of the United States, and also claims relation- 
ship with Erastus Fairbanks, the well known manufacturer and politician, who 
patented the famous Fairbanks scales and was also governor of the state of Ver- 
mont for two terms. 

Born in Hyde Park, Vermont, on the 25th of February, 1832, Allen Leonard 
Fairbanks is a son of Adam and Cynthia (Wilber) Fairbanks, natives of Massa- 
chusetts and of England respectively. The mother came to America in childhood 
and was married in Vermont, where she passed away when the son was twelve 
years of age. The father, a farmer by occupation, was again married and spent the 
latter part of his life with our subject, his death occurring in 1882 when he had 
reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was the father of seven 
children, of whom Allen Leonard was the sixth in order of birth. The others 
were: Victor iMonroe, of LeRoy, Minnesota, who has attained the age of ninety- 
two years ; Caroline Lane and Volney W., who are both deceased ; Carlow, who 
was killed during the Civil war, having enlisted as a soldier from Vermont ; Lor- 
inda Chesley, deceased ; and Cynthia Janette. 

No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of daily life for 
Allen Leonard Fairbanks during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were 
spent on his father's farm in Vermont. At the usual age he was sent as a pupil 
to the common schools, which he attended until sixteen years of age. He re- 
mained under the parental roof until twenty-one years old, and in the meantime 
was variously engaged about the home farm, 'assisting in the work of the fields 
and picking stone and brush from the rough land. When he attained his major- 
ity, however, he entered the business world on his own account, going to Man- 
chester, New Hampshire, where he remained for about two years, being there 
employed in the cotton mills and also in the machine shops of the locomotive works. 




A. L. FAIRBANKS 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 147 

On the 15th of August, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriett N. 
Glazier, a native of Johnson, Vermont, born on the 31st of December, 1833. Dur- 
ing the infancy of their daughter Harriett, the parents removed to Hyde Park, 
Vermont, where she was a schoolmate of Mr. Fairbanks. She went to Manchester, 
New Hampshire, a year previous to the arrival of our subject in that city, and 
there was employed in the cotton mills. She wove the cloth which was awarded the 
premium at the World's Fair at Paris. She and Mr. Fairbanks were employed 
in the same mill, No. 3, Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, and after their mar- 
riage continued to work therein for a time. 

On the 6th of March, 1854, they started for tho west, coming direct to Jones 
county, Iowa, the journey as far as Warren, Illinois, being made by train and the 
remainder by stage. It took them one week to make the trip to Dubuque, Iowa. 
Their destination was Cass township, Jones county, and Mr. Fairbanks rented a 
farm in Castle Grove township for a year, operating the place on shares. In May 
of the same year he entered an eighty-acre tract, which now forms part of his 
present farm, and with the passing of the years he has added to his original hold- 
ings until eventually this farm consisted of five hundred and twenty acres. He 
now owns three hundred and sixty acres in Cass township located on sections 2 
and 3. He has engaged very extensively in buying and selling property but has 
never traded nor speculated. At one time he owned thirteen hundred acres and 
now he and his sons own one thousand acres all in one body, located in Cass and 
Castle Grove townships. He has now been engaged in farming for fifty-five years 
and during this time has been identified with various branches of agricultural 
pursuits. During the early days of his residence in Jones county he made a spe- 
cialty of cultivating wheat, raising one hundred and twenty-five acres annually, 
which sold for two dollars per bushel. His product was a specially fine grade of 
winter wheat which he sold for seed, and was known and used extensively by 
farmers throughout the surrounding country. Later he was identified with the 
dairy business and for about fourteen years, in connection with his general farm- 
ing, was engaged in making cheese, keeping fifty cows for that purpose. At first 
there were no railroads for the convenience of shippers, and he was compelled once 
a month to go to Dubuque with his product. The superior quality of his cheese 
commanded a ready sale upon the market and brought excellent prices, his re- 
turns being as high as nine dollars per day during the season. He was also 
engaged very extensively in the hog business, shipping three carloads at a time 
which sold for six dollars and forty cents per hundredweight. He received as 
much as four thousand dollars for one shipment which he raised. At one time 
he was a large cattle raiser, making a specialty of polled Angus cattle, but later 
he sold the bulk of that business to his son. However he still owns one hundred 
and eight head of fine steers, and last year shipped three carloads of cattle, inde- 
pendent of his son. In the conduct of these varied interests he has manifested 
excellent business ability, wise sagacity and keen discrimination and these factors 
have proved the salient elements in a success which has given him rank among the 
most substantial and well-to-do farmers of his section of the county. 

Not only was Mr. Fairbanks a well known and leading figure in agricultural 
circles of Jones county, but he also found time to engage in other lines of activity. 
For two years he served as the president of the Castle Grove Cooperative Cream- 



148 HISTORY OF JOXES COUNTY 

erj' Company and was the first chairman of the Castle Grove Horse Breeders 
Association, occupying that office for two years, when he withdrew. Mr. Fair- 
banks was a director of the Jones County Agricultural Society for twenty years 
and also served as vice-president and president of the society. He is now a 
director in the Lovell State Bank at Monticello, having served in that capacity 
since its inception. He has also been an active and prominent figure in public af- 
fairs, having lent his aid to many measures and movements which have had for 
their object the permanent upbuilding and growth of the community. He assisted 
in building the Methodist church at Hickory Grove and has since held membership 
in that organization. Until recently he was chairman of the board of trustees of 
Cass Center cemetery, having been thus connected with that body since its origin. 
He has ever been a stanch champion of the cause of education, having been inter- 
ested in schools since the organization of Cass township. He served as a member 
of the board which had charge of the building of all schoolhouses in the township. 
They first erected four buildings and later erected others until they now have 
eight schoolhouses in the township. He has held the office of director, president, 
secretary- and treasurer of the township school board and is now acting as treas- 
urer. In politics he is a republican and has given stalwart support to the principles 
of that part}- since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He was county 
supervisor for seven years and was also chairman of the board for a long time, 
during which period he superintended the construction of a number of river 
bridges. He assessed Cass township fourteen dift'erent times and took the census 
of 1880. He enrolled the township three times during the Civil war and was com- 
missioned by Governor Kirkwood second lieutenant and was also deputized 
provost marshal for the second district. He served notices on drafted man and in 
this capacity performed the hardest duty which ever came to him. He has always 
been a leading and influential figure in local party ranks and has several times 
served his party as delegate to various district, county and state conventions. He 
has ever made an excellent official, discharging the duties of the various offices 
in a manner that not only brought honor upon himself but also reflected credit upon 
his constituents. In whatever relation of life he is found the rules which govern 
his conduct are ever in harmony with the principles of honorable and upright 
manhood, and the consensus of public opinion accords him a foremost place among 
the valued and representative citizens of Jones county. 

As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks has 
been blessed with eight children, as follows : Alice, who passed away September 
14, 1867, when thirteen years of age; Harriett M., the wife of Clarence Thomas, 
of Mohall, North Dakota ; Arthur Lincoln, residing upon a neighboring farm in 
Castle Grove township ; Eunice, who died when eight months old ; Charles Allen 
and Alva Monroe, also residing near the homestead, the former in Cass township 
and the latter in Castle Grove township; Mary E., deceased wife of G. G. Gill, 
by whom she had one daughter, the mother passing away in May, 1906; and 
Bertha, who married August Blassing and died in January, 1901, also leaving one 
daughter. 

Such in brief is the life record of Allen Leonard Fairbanks, who for more 
than a half century has been identified with the growth and development of Jones 
county. When he arrived in this district he was the second to take up his abode 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY U9 

upon the open prairie, an act frought with considerable danger and peril inasmuch 
as bands of redmen still roamed the country and the earlier settlers who had 
braved the dangers of the frontier had erected their homes within the shelter of 
the forests. The country was but sparsely settled, there being but one house be- 
tween his home and Monticello and only three between him and Anamosa. Deer 
were plentiful during the early days and Mr. Fairbanks has seen as many as thir- 
teen head on his place at once. An Indian 'once killed five on his farm in one 
afternoon, all of which he carried at once into camp. Threshers had not yet been 
introduced into this county, the nearest machine being located in Delaware county, 
and this was operated throughout the entire year. Few other improvements had 
as yet been made, for although the land was rich in natural resources, its oppor- 
tunities had not yet been utilized. During the years of his residence here, however, 
Mr. Fairbanks has witnessed a wonderful transformation and in the work of 
general progress and development has taken his full share. In his sevei;ty-seventh 
year he is still active and interested in the world's work, and he now enjoys the 
unqualified honor, respect and good will of everyone with whom he has come in 
contact. 



JOHN THOMSEN. 



John Thomsen, who is now capably serving his fellow townsmen as chair- 
man of the board of county supervisors, is widely recognized as a prosperous 
and progressive agriculturist as well as one of the most extensive and success- 
ful cattle feeders in the county. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, 
on the 8th of IVIay, 1858, his parents being Carston and Maria (Petersen) Thom- 
sen, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Mr. Thomsen of this review 
spent his youthful days under the parental roof and obtained his education in the 
public schools of his native land. In 1878, in order to avoid military service, he 
emigrated to the United States, landing in New York cit}- in August of that year. 
Owing to the fact that he had a brother-in-law, August Levsen by name, living 
in Jones county, Iowa, he made his way at once to this part of the country and, 
securing employment as a farm hand, was thus busily engaged for three years. 
On the expiration of that period he went to Carroll county, Iowa, where he 
rented a farm and was successfully engaged in its operation for two years. 
He then returned to this county and for a period of twelve years was here iden- 
tified with agricultural pursuits as a renter. At the end of that time, owing to his 
frugality and unremitting industry, he had accumulated capital sufficient to en- 
able him to purchase a home of his own, and in 1896, he came into possession 
of the old Pratt farm of three hundred and sixteen acres of !Madison township — 
one of the finest farms in the entire county. In addition to his agricultural in- 
terests he also handles stock on an extensive scale and is widely recognized as 
one of the largest and most successful cattle feeders in Jones county, having 
acquired a snug little fortune from this source in the past few years. 

In 1884 Mr. Thomsen was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Jensen, a native 
of Germany, who came to the United States in 1883. By this imion there were 
five children, namely : Dora, who attended Coe College ; Meinhardt, a graduate of 



150 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the Wyoming high school ; Clara, a graduate of Coe College ; Jennie, who has also 
completed the course in the Wyoming high school ; and August, who is now pur- 
suing his studies in that institution. All of the children are still at home. The 
wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 7th of January, 1909, and 
her death came as a severe blow not only to her immediate family but also to a 
large circle of friends. 

Mr. Thomsen is a stalwart democrat in his political views and has served as 
a member of the school board for many years. He fully realizes the value of good 
mental training as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life 
and his children have enjoyed the best advantages obtainable in this direction. 
In 1906 he was appointed to the ofifice of county supervisor to fill a vacancy and 
on the expiration of the term, in 1907, was regularly elected for another term. 
He is therefore the present incumbent in the position, the duties of which he 
discharges in a highly satisfactory and most capable manner. His record may 
well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others who are obliged 
to depend upon their own resources for success, for when he arrived in this 
country he was not only without money but also in debt for his passage. Work — 
earnest, persistent work — has been the source of his prosperity, enabling him 
to pass on the highway of life many who started out more advantageously 
equipped. His three daughters are members of the Presbyterian church, and 
the difl^erent members of the family are well known and highly esteemed through- 
out the community. 



JOHN H. ROHWEDDER. 

John H. Rohwedder. a i)rominent and prosperous farmer of Madison town- 
ship. Jones county, was the first German to settle near Wyoming. Iowa. He was 
born in Schleswig-Holstein. Germany, on the 2d of October. 1845. ^"^ came 
with his parents to America in 1852. After residing in Illinois for three years, 
his parents took up their a1x)de in Clinton county. Iowa, and resided there until 
their death. 

John IT. Rohwedder was but seven years of age when he accompanied his 
parents to the promising shores of America. He remained under the sheltering 
roof of his parents, until the year 1871. when he was married to Miss Frederica 
Guebel. a native of Germany. Upon their marriage, they started out in life on 
their own account, first renting a tract of land in Missouri, which they farmed 
for two years. On returning to Iowa, in 1874. Mr. Rohwedder purchased the 
old Harvey Niles farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Madison township, 
Jones county. Iowa, on which he located in the spring of 1875 and which remained 
his place of residence until 1899. when he purchased the old Nathan ShaflFer 
farm of three hundred and twenty acres, also in Madison township, which has 
continued to be his home and upon which he now resides with his wife and chil- 
dren. His family consists of his faithful wife and companion in life, and seven 
children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Harro C. at home; Hans H.. re- 
siding at Hale, who married Frederica Sieveke. March 4. 1908; Ernest F. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 151 

residing in Madison township, who married Elsie Levsen, December 20, 
1906; Toni (Eohwedder) Hoist, residing in Scotch Grove township, who married 
Nicholas Hoist. April 29. 1908; Albert G. Minna H.. and Otto G., residing at 
home. 

For the past thirty- four years, Mr. Rohwedder has devoted his attention largely 
to the feeding of cattle and the raising of hogs. He is widely recognized as one 
of the most extensive stock feeders of the county, feeding from eight to ten car- 
loads of cattle annually. He likewise raises from one hundred and fifty to two 
hundred head of hogs each year. He is a progressive and a successful farmer. 

Mr. Rohwedder is a democrat in politics but is not a bitter partisan. He will 
often support a candidate of the opposition party if he believes such a course 
will best conserve the general welfare. Fraternally he is identified with the 
Wyoming Camp, No. 183, M. W. A. Both he and his wife have now resided in 
this county for more than a third of a century and have a wide and favorable 
acquaintance throughout the county. Mr. Rohwedder is a substantial man in 
every respect. He is not only successful as a farmer, he is a practical and a 
worthy citizen, a man large of heart, kind by nature, liberal in thought and 
worthy of trust and confidence. 



W. W. EYE. 



W. W. Eye, a well known farmer of Wyoming township, was born in this 
county, June 28, 1856, and is a son of George J. and Margaret Eye. The par- 
ents were both natives of Virginia, but about the time the government first opened 
this state to homesteaders, oflFering large inducements to those. who would come 
here, they started upon their journey across the mountains and prairies, travers- 
ing a large part of the distance by wagon. When he arrived in Jones county 
Mr. Eye had about five cents in his pockets, but it was at a time when physi- 
cal strength and courage coimted for more than money if a man were to convert 
the virgin fields and wilderness into a productive farm land. For many years the 
family lived in a cabin which he had built of logs with a clapboard roof, and 
when conditions improved he was able to move to a better dwelling. In the 
course of years, amid the comforts of his later life the hardships and privations 
of the first years became a memory merely, so that at his death, in 1893, he felt 
a pardonable pride in the success which had come to him in requital for his years 
of toil. His wife died in 1894, within six months of his death, and was survived 
by her five children: J. W., who lives in this county; Mary M., who is the wife 
of C. A. Sinett, of Jones county; L. M., who is the wife of P. Snyder, of this 
county; Susanna, deceased; and W. W., the subject of this sketch. 

Being the oldest of this family W. W. Eye bore his share of the early hard- 
ships of the family, assisting in the farm work even during his school days. He 
received a fair education from the popular institutions of instruction and re- 
mained with his parents until he became twenty-five, when he married and started 
in life for himself. At first he rented his father's place and later bought the 
farm on which he now lives. It consists of one hundred and fifty-two acres on 



152 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

which he carries on general farming, with a success that has made him one of 
the substantial agriculturists of Wyoming township. His fields are well improved 
and cultivated to a high degree, in their appearance evincing the skill and thrift 
of their owner. 

On the 5th of March, 1881, Mr. Eye wedded Miss Ellen Taylor, who was 
born in Dubuque county, Iowa, a daughter of James and Lucina Taylor, both 
natives of Kentucky. Of this union twelve children were born: R. W., who 
is living in South Dakota ; Albert W., who is now in Idaho ; Lucina M., who is 
the wife of P. W. Bodenhof er, of Moline, Illinois ; L. Maude, Ora E. and Wil- 
liam A., who are at home; Verna T. and Vera M., who are twins; and four who 
have passed away. Mrs. Eye died March 15, 1903, and was buried in North 
Mineral Cemetery, Wyoming. 

Mr. Eye is a democrat in his political views, but he has never sought nor held 
any office within the gift of the people. He gives his religious adherence to the 
Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a devout member and in whose 
work he takes a deep interest. 



CHARLES HENRY STOUT. 

Charles Henry Stout, one of the younger generation of farmers of Wayne 
township, was born in Cass township, Jones county, April 8, 1873, and is a son 
of William and Mary (Jacques) Stout. The parents were both natives of County 
Cork, Ireland, where William Stout was born July 13, 1825. At the time of the 
famine in the land of his birth he came to the United States, settling near the 
city of Boston. Massachusetts, where he was married and where three of his chil- 
dren were born. In irSro the family came to Jones county, Iowa, locating 
upon forty acres he had purchased in Cass township. There he devoted himself 
to agricultural pursuits with considerable success, for at one time he owned two 
hundred acres in Cass and Wayne townships, and at the time of his death still 
owned one hundred and sixty. While in the east he had worked as a laborer 
so that on coming to the west he made the best use of the opportunities afforded 
by the farm to attain to a position of independence. He had been reared in the 
faith of the Episcopal church and was a republican in his political views. On the 
3d of July, 1898, in Wayne township, his life was brought to a close and he was 
buried beside his wife, who had died in September, 1890, at the age of fifty-nine. 
They were the parents of eleven children: Elizabeth, the widow of W. W. Gray; 
Richard, a resident of Cass township ; John, who died at the age of eighteen ; 
Charlotte, who died when fifteen years of age; Thomas, who died at the age of 
eighteen ; Charles Henry, of this review ; Dora E., who married Nelson Bradley 
and lives in Lamoine, Iowa ; and four who died young. 

Since he was fifteen years of age, Charles Henry Stout has lived upon the 
farm which is now his home and to which his parents moved in 1888. He has 
devoted his whole life to the cultivation of the soil, for even the period when the 
city boy spends his days in the preparation of lessons was not without its practical 
training for the vocation of his later years. He now owns one hundred and fifty 




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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 155 

acres, on sections 19 and 30, Wayne township, on which he follows general farm- 
ing with profit to himself. He is both thrifty and hard working, and unites with 
these characteristics a will and capacity to make the best use of the scientific ad- 
vancement in the methods of cultivating the soil. He makes an especial study of 
the crops best suited to his fields, finding his care well rewarded in bountiful 
harvests. 

On the 23d of March, 1898, Mr. Stout wedded Miss NeUie E. Dunning, who 
was born in Cass township, June 16, 1875. Her parents, Harrison and Elizabeth 
(McDaniels) Dunning, were natives of New York state, the father having been 
born in Wyoming county, May 31, 1835, and his wife on Staten Island December 
23, 1842. She came to Iowa with her parents, but he came here alone. In Ana- 
mosa they were married and then settled in Wayne township, where they passed 
the remainder of their days. Mr. Dunning was engaged in farming during his 
active life and saw several years of service as a soldier of the Civil war, for on the 
ist of August. 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry for 
three years. At the expiration of his term he reenlisted and remained at the 
scene of war until the close of hostilities. His life was ended November 17, 1902, 
and his wife had preceded him to the grave some years, her death having oc- 
curred May 5. 1898. They were the parents of three daughters: Vina, who is 
the wife of Frank Lamb, of Anamosa; Mary, who is the wife of Wylie Smith, of 
Jackson tovrnship ; and Nellie, who is Mrs. Stout. Mr. and Mrs. Stout have two 
chilren : Mary E. and Clififord William. 



HERMAN E. TECH. 



While Herman E. Tech is of German birth the greater part of his life has 
been passed in Oxforjd Junction, and he has come to occupy a leading position 
in the business circles of the town as proprietor of a furniture store and under- 
taking establishment. He was born in Germany, October 7, 1873, his parents 
being 3ilichael and Wilhelmina (Rux) Tech, who in the year 1882 left their 
native country and with their family came direct to Oxford Junction, Iowa, 
where they spent their remaining days, the death of the mother occurring March 
26, 1893, while the father passed away November 26, 1902. In their family 
were five children : Augusta, now the wife of M. Herbstreuth, of Oxford Junc- 
tion ; August, who is living at Strawberry Point, Iowa ; John E., who follows 
farming near Algona. Iowa ; Carrie, the wife of William Abernethy, of Port- 
land, Oregon ; and Herman E. 

The last named was but nine years of age when the family sailed for the new 
world, and in the town where he yet lives he was reared and educated, the public 
schools aflfording him his opportunity for intellectual development. Following 
his mother's death he went to Arizona, where he was employed in mining copper, 
and after several years spent in the southwest he returned to Oxford Junc- 
tion in 1902 and purchased a half interest in his present business. The store 
contains a large line of furniture of yarious grades, and in addition a well stocked 
undertaking establishment is conducted. Mr. Tech was in partnership with 



156 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

F. E. Zeigler until about 1906, when he became sole owner. He also is half 
owner of the building in which he conducts business, it being one hundred and 
ten by twenty-two feet, and its entire space being occupied by Mr. Tech for his 
stock of furniture. He has a well appointed establishment and the neat and 
tasteful arrangement of his store, together with his well known business probity, 
is a prominent feature in his success. 

On the 24th of September, 1902, Air. Tech was united in marriage to Miss 
Josephine Nowachek, who was born in Oxford Junction, March 7, 1873, and has 
always resided here. She is a daughter of Frank and Katie (Henak) Nowachek, 
the former a native of Bohemia, while the latter was of Bohemian parentage. 
The father is. deceased, while the mother makes her home with her children, who 
are six in number. Mr. and Mrs. Tech have one child, Lois. Theirs is a hos- 
pitable home, whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. They 
are members of the Catholic church. 

In politics he is an independent repubHcan, advocating the principles of the 
party at national elections but voting without regard to party ties on other occa- 
sions, regarding only the capability of the candidate in his election to the public 
service. Mr. Tech is now acting as a member of the village council, in which 
position he discharges his duties with promptness and fidelity, seeking at all 
times the general welfare of the community. He is a self-made man, for what- 
ever he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors. He started out 
empty-handed and in the legitimate lines of trade and commerce has worked his 
way upward. 



HENRY G. MANUEL. 



One of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Madison township is Henry 
G. Manuel, a native of Iowa. He was born in Mahaska county, March 2, 1879, 
and is a son of James L. and DeHa (Boutilier) Manuel, the latter a native of 
Nova Scotia. James L. Manuel, on the other hand, was born in England, but 
came to this country when a lad of nineteen years. He located first in Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania, where he found employment in the anthracite mines. After two 
years there spent, he came west to Iowa and for about three years remained in 
Mahaska county, where he farmed as a renter. He wfent from there to Han- 
cock county, where, having secured a section of land, he lived and worked until 
within the past few years, when he retired from active life and removed to the 
town of Britt. There with his wife he enjoys the comforts of life which he so 
richly deserves after his years of toil. They are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church and active in its work. Politically Mr. Manuel is in sympathy with 
the principles of the republican party and has closely identified himself with the 
public life of his township, having filled a majority of the offices that are within 
the gift of the people. His voice is ever raised in behalf of progress and good 
government and he occupies a position of influence in his section of the county. 

Henry G. Manuel received his early training for life at home under the wise 
guidance of his parents. He attended the public schools, whose instruction he 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 157 

supplemented by a business course at Charles City College. He was graduated 
from that institution with the class of 1898 and in 1900 commenced farming 
on his own account. For a period of four years he operated a rented farm in 
Hancock county, and then in March, 1905, came to Jones county, where he had 
previously purchased eighty acres of his present farm in Madison township. 
Here he located and has lived since, though as the years brought him rich re- 
turns for his toil he has been able to increase the extent of his fields until now 
he owns two hundred acres. It is good land and by care and study he has made 
it one of the most fertile tracts in Madison township, for he is a progressive man 
and employs scientific methods in the cultivation of his crops. 

In 1901 Mr. Manuel was united in marriage to Miss Elsie E. Erickson, of 
Madison township, a daughter of H. Erickson, of whom extended mention is made 
in another part of this volume. Of this union there have been born two children: 
Albert T. and Harvery H. Mrs. Manuel is a member of the Presbyterian church, 
but her husband does not belong to any denomination, though he is a Christian 
in the larger acceptation of the term. The perseverance which has distinguished 
his labors has brought him more than the success which is evident to any one who 
has seen his farm and the well kept buildings ; it has brought him the good-will of 
his fellow citizens who supported him so effectively when his name was put upon 
the republican ticket as a candidate for the office of township trustee. Fra- 
ternally he is a member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 147, I. O. O. F. and of the 
Mystic Workers of America. 



GEORGE SAUM. 



In the death of George Saum there passed away one of Jones county's promi- 
nent and honored pioneer residents. His history is worthy of appreciation for his 
life was characterized by many sterling qualities, and the work which he did in 
the development and improvement of this section of the state was of a most im- 
portant character. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 22, 1814, and 
was a son of Jacob Saum. 

As the name indicates the family is of German lineage and was founded in 
America by the grandfather of George Saum, who held official position in the 
commissary department of the continental army under Washington. In 1828 
Jacob Saum removed with his family from Ohio to Warren county, Indiana, so 
that the experiences of pioneer life in the latter state were familiar to George 
Saum during the period of his youth. He continued in Indiana during the ages 
of fourteen and twenty-five years and in 1838 made his first trip to Iowa, stop- 
ping on the Indian reserve in Lee county. He made temporary location there 
with his family but in June, 1839, removed to Jones county, settling at Walnut 
Grove, Rome township. His family then numbered a wife and three children — 
J. D., afterward of Olin; Nicholas, who became a resident of Mechanicsville, 
Iowa, and died February i, 1907; and Polly A., who became Mrs. Robert John- 
son, of Anamosa. 



158 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Mr. Saum's first purchase of land was one hundred and sixty acres which is 
still in the possession of the family. Through some mistake Orville Cronkhite 
entered eighty acres of the same quarter which Mr. Saum was improving, and the 
latter gave him his note for one hundred dollars with twenty per cent interest. 
He succeeded in wiping out the indebtedness in two years, although that was at a 
time when money was very scarce in the neighborhood. On reaching the farm the 
family camped under a bur oak tree, but Mr. Saum at once began the construction 
of a good log house, and although it contained only one room it was sixteen by 
eighteen feet. In its building he had the assistance of the few men who were then 
living in the district. His possessions, aside from his land, consisted of a yoke of 
oxen, an old wagon and a pony which would not have sold for a sum sufficient to 
enable him to discharge his indebtedness, which amounted to eighty dollars. Wal- 
nut Grove at that time contained about six hundred acres of good timber land. 
The well known Tom Green afterward a resident of Wyoming, a man of the Dan- 
iel Boone type in some of his sterling traits of character, also located at Walnut 
Grove and the two married sisters. They were also associated in the purchase of 
three hundred and twenty acres of land held as a claim by William Hamilton, and 
each thus secured eighty acres of prairie and eighty acres of timber land. Mr. 
Green attended the government land sales in Dubuque in July, 1840, completed the 
entry of the three hundred and twenty acres and paid for it. 

After arriving in the county Mr. Saum bent his energies to general agricultural 
pursuits and continued to reside upon his farm until 1878. As the years passed he 
prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of about sixteen hundred 
acres in Jones county and four hundred acres in Cedar county. About 1874 he 
divided up something like sixteen hundred acres between his eight children, and at 
that time he closed out his other business interests. For three or four years, how- 
ever, he continued to reside in Anamosa and in Davenport, after which he went 
to California, where he devoted twenty years to horticultural pursuits. In the 
meantime he had been one of the early horticulturists of Jones county, for in the 
spring of 1842 he bought from an old Quaker from Richmond, Indiana, about one 
hundred apple trees and a few pear and cherry trees, which he planted on his farm 
in Rome township. The apple trees were soon in good bearing and for years 
thereafter he made display of his fruit at the county fairs, thus giving tangible 
evidence to the unbelieving of what could be done in the line of fruit production 
on the Iowa prairies. He was likewise the pioneer in the introduction of thor- 
oughbred shorthorn cattle, for in 1846 he brought to the county three cows and 
an imported bull, I.ocomotivc, which had been purchased in England by a Ken- 
tucky company. Cattle then sold at a very low figure, but Mr. Saum purchased 
his shorthorns at a cost of a little over one hundred dollars each. He had to 
borrow a part of the money, but he determined to have the best stock, and the wis- 
dom of his course was demonstrated. His farm work was at all times actuated 
by the spirit of progress and improvement, and he was among the first to introduce 
the improved farm machinery which invention gave to the agriculturist. In 1844 
lie purchased the first McCormick reaper brought into the county and with it 
cut his own wheat and oats and also assisted his neighbors. This reaper was sold 
a year later for another and afterward that was replaced by a third, having a 
Moore attachment. In those days the plows used had wooden mold-boards, and 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 159 

Mr. Saum was among the first to learn of the manufacture of steel plows — made by 
John Deere of Grand De Tour, Illinois. He then handled plows for Mr. Deere 
for six or seven years, selling to the farmers of the community, and although he 
trusted them for payment he never lost a cent. 

As previously stated, Mr. Saum had three children when he came to Iowa. 
Seven children were born unto him and his wife at Walnut Grove, of whom one 
died in infancy. The death of the mother occurred on the home farm May 22, 
1873, ^^^ ^" 1^74 ^^'"- Saum married Miss Cordelia Huggins, of Anamosa, a sister 
of Burrill Huggins, now of Indianola. In 1879 they removed to Healdsburg, Cali- 
fornia, Mr. Saum there giving his attention to fruit culture for twenty years. 
Throughout this period, however, he considered Anamosa his real home and in 
1899 returned to this city. His last years were there passed, and he delighted in 
recounting incidents of pioneer life and recalling the conditions which then existed 
in contrast with the improvements and progress that was made. His memory 
formed a connecting link between the primitive past and the prosperous present. 
In early times he did everything possible to stimulate growth and development 
here along lines that would work for the betterment of the community. Denied 
but the most meager educational advantages in his own youth, he always advocated 
education and in 1842 opened the first school in Walnut Grove, giving the first 
log cabin which he had erected to be used for school purposes. Two years later 
he and his hired man cut down trees, hauled the logs together, gathered in the 
neighbors and put up a new schoolhouse which they seated with puncheon benches. 
Occasionally a church service was held in this schoolhouse, the scattered families 
of the region coming to hear the gospel proclaimed by some circuit rider. The 
Sunday school was always carried on quite regularly there. 

In their earlier years Mr. and Mrs. Saum were devoted members of the United 
Brethren church, and at all times his life was upright and honorable. It was a 
matter of deep rejoicing to him that Iowa won for herself such prominent place 
in the Union through the utilization of her natural resources and the development 
of her varied interests. He lived here at a time when Dubuque, Davenport and 
Muscatine were the only markets for wheat, corn, oats, pork, cattle and even for 
butter and eggs. He was always an optimist, a man of large views of present pos- 
sibilities and still larger views of the possibilities and achievements of the future. 
"On more than one occasion has he given free rein to thought and imagination," 
said one who knew him well, "we have been greatly impressed with his remarkably 
clear grasp of national character in all the higher elements of greatness and power 
and in America's supreme eminence and present and ultimate influence among the 
nations of the earth. Faith in the future was an inborn characteristic of his na- 
ture and this was what brought him to Iowa six years before the state was admit- 
ted to the Union, it being only a wilderness inherited by Indians, while deer, elk 
and rattlesnakes were among its natural products. This unquenchable spirit in 
those years of privation, trackless prairies and bridgeless streams, made Mr. Saum 
not only a pioneer but a heroic helper and leader in securing for himself and For 
his fellow workers every available instrumentality in education and in material 
equipment necessary for the founding and building of a state. His greatest pride 
was in Iowa and in her steady growth he wrought well his part and to him and 



160 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

those who labored with him is Iowa largely indebted for her peerless record among 
the commonwealths of the Union." 

Mr. Saum spent hjs last years in the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Peet, 
save the last week when he was at the home of another daughter, Mrs. Johnson, 
where he passed away at the age of ninety-four years. His life was one of suc- 
cess, judged not only by what he accomplishes for himself but by the high stan- 
dard of success in what he did for others. As a leader in lines of progress he did 
much both directly and indirectly for the county, and at all times he was ready to 
assist another by word of advice or encouragement or through a substantial aid. 
He was one of the best known and most honored of the pioneers of Jones county. 



J. A. McLaughlin. 



That the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and unfalter- 
ing industry a successful career is indicated in the life record of J. A. McLaugh- 
lin, one of the leading and representative agriculturists of Castle Grove town- 
ship, Jones county. His birth occurred in Wayne township on the 30th of June, 
1843. He is a son of James and Alary (Hill) McLaughlin, both natives of Ire- 
land, who came to America early in life. In the year 1837, James McLaughlin 
with his family settled on section 2 of Wayne township, Jones county, Iowa, 
where they resided until 1846, when they removed to Castle Grove township, which 
continued to be their home until their death several years ago. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Jones county and has 
made this county his home continuously during the entire period of his life. As 
a lad he did chores about the farm and attended the common schools of his home 
district, where he acquired a good knowledge of the branches of English learning. 
He later had the privilege of attending Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa, for 
two years, and also took a course of study in Notre Dame, Indiana, for one year. 
As in his other duties, he applied himself diligently to his studies and made good 
use of his privileges. 

Upon reaching man's estate, he started out in business on his own account, 
wisely choosing as his life work the occupation of farming, to which he had been 
reared. For several years he operated the old homestead in the capacity of 
renter and later bought the place, which has continued to be his home to the 
present time. 

Mr. McLaughlin, by his untiring energy and the application of good business 
methods, became the owner of other lands besides the family homestead and now 
owns about a section and a half of choice farm land in Castle Grove township, 
to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes a large part of his time 
and attention. He has equipped the farm with many of the modern accessories 
and conveniences, and it is conceded to be one of the finest improved properties 
in the township. 

In connection with his agricultural pursuits, he makes a specialty of rais- 
ing and feeding stock, and in this branch of his business, as well as in the rais- 
ing of crops, he is meeting M'ith most gratifying success. Energy, industry and 




J. A. McLaughlin 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 163 

perseverance have been salient elements in the prosperity which he now enjoys, 
and through close application and good management he has attained a worthy 
rank among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of the locality. 

It was in 1878 that Mr. McLaughlin was united in marriage to Miss Alice 
Downer, who was born in Jones county, a daughter of Horace Downer and Ruth 
Downer, pioneers of Castle Grove township, who were natives of Vermont. 
The parents came to this county in 1840 and entered land, continuing to make 
their residence within its borders until their death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McLaugh- 
lin have been born seven children, all of whom are yet living. The children are 
as follows: Frank, who resides in Chicago, Illinois; William D., at home; John, 
also making his home in Chicago ; Richard, of South Dakota ; Clarence, also of 
Dakota; Minnie and Eugene, both under the parental roof. Being appreciative 
himself of the advantages to be obtained through a good education, Mr. Mc- 
Laughlin has given all his children excellent educational training and advantages, 
each having benefited by a course of study at college. 

Ever since the time when age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. 
McLaughlin has been a stalwart supporter of repubhcan principles, although he 
has never been an aspirant for political office, being content to concentrate his 
energies upon the conduct of his own business affairs. He has spent his entire 
life within the borders of Jones county, and throughout his active business career 
he has ever been identified with its substantial development and improvement and 
has likewise ever been a hearty supporter of those movements which had for 
their object the maintenance and promotion of civic virtue and civic pride. His 
home has always been one of cheerful hospitality, and the welcome hand is ever 
extended to the friend and the stranger who may pass that way. He is widely 
known throughout the community, and the fact that among his warm friends are 
numbered many who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his 
salient characteristics are such as command the respect, confidence and good 
will of his fellow-men. 



CHANCEY TOMPKINS. 

Chancey Tompkins is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Wyoming 
township, whose home is on section 20. He was born in New York state, Octo- 
ber 16, 1854, and is a son of Rufus and Harriett (Woodard) Tompkins. They 
were natives of the same state as their son and came with their family to Iowa in 
1867, locating in Wyoming township, Jones county, where they passed the re- 
mainder of their days. Nine children were born to them. Carrie, who is the wife 
of Fordam Woods, of Wyoming township; Mary, deceased; Rhoda, who is the 
wife of George Holub, of the same township ; Emma, who is the wife of John 
Demming, now living in Montana ; Chancey, the subject of this sketch ; Edward, 
who lives in South Dakota ; Gus, a resident of Goodland, Kansas ; John, of Wy- 
oming township ; and one who died in infancy. 

Chancey Tompkins was about thirteen years of age when his parents came to 
this county and received his education in the common schools, whence he derived 



164 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

all the instruction he could during the few months in which they held session. In 
the meanwhile he worked upon the farm with his father, participating in all of the 
labor that was carried on there, and not until he was twenty-six years old attempt- 
ing to start in life for himself. At that age he married and established his home 
on a rented farm. After live years' experience as a tenant he bought the place 
on which he is now living but which was only partly improved at the time. It 
embraces one hundred and forty-seven acres on section 20, and through careful 
cultivation well supports the general line of agriculture to which Mr. Tompkins 
has devoted his energies. He has also engaged largely in the stock business, rais- 
ing, feeding and shipping large numbers of cattle and hogs. From experience he 
has learned the value of incessant toil in obtaining appreciable returns in his call- 
ing and his capacity for industry united with the good judgment he displays in 
the management of his affairs has won him a measure of success that is gratifying 
indeed. 

At the age of twenty-six, Mr. Tompkins wedded Miss Mary Jennings, a native 
of Ohio, and their union has been blessed with two children. Iva, the older, grad- 
uated from the Wyoming high school and is now the wife of Dr. Chamberlain, of 
Wyoming. Lyle, lives at home. 

Mrs. Tompkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but Mr. Tomp- 
kins does not profess allegiance to any creed. Politically he is in sympathy with 
the platform of the democratic party, for whose candidate he almost invariably 
casts his vote at the polls. For himself, however, he has never sought office, al- 
though he has served efficiently as a school director for a number of years. 



SAMUEL W. WALTON. 

Since the spring of 1885 Samuel W. Walton has resided in Anamosa, in which 
year he established the marble works now conducted under the firm name of Wal- 
ton & Son. In the intervening years he has met with a fair measure of success 
and has made a record which places him with the enterprising and reliable busi- 
ness men of the city. His birth occurred at Wisbech, England, October 30, 1849, 
his parents being William and Harriet (Thornton) Walton, who were likewise 
natives of England and are now deceased. The father was also a marble cutter 
by trade and throughout his life carried on his business in connection with the 
manufacture of monuments. 

Samuel W. Walton, the youngest in a family of eight children, attended the 
public schools of his native country and afterward served his apprenticeship as a 
marble cutter under the direction of his father. He was only fifteen years of age, 
however, when his father died and the responsibility of conducting the business 
devolved upon his young shoulders. He resolutely undertook the task and did 
good work for one of his years. There he remained until 1881, when he came to 
the United States, bringing his wife with him, for he had been married in the 
meantime. Making his way into the interior of the country he settled first at 
Waukegan, Illinois, where he remained for four years, being foreman in monu- 
ment works of that place. He removed thence to Anamosa and has been a resident 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 165 

of the town since the spring of 1885. He was first employed in the stone quarries 
here, but found the work was too strenuous, and in the same year he began busi- 
ness on his own account, establishing the marble works of which he has since been 
proprietor, and which are now conducted under the firm style of W'^alton & Son 
Monumental Works. Their excellent workmanship, fair prices and earnest ef- 
forts to please their patrons have secured for them a growing trade and many fine 
specimens of expert skill are seen in the cemeteries of this district. 

On the 17th of October, 1872, Mr. Walton was married in England to Miss 
Hannah J. Marshall, who was born on the 2d of April, 1848. They have become 
parents of four children: George W., who is now in the wall paper business in 
North Dakota ; Alfred E., who since 1897 has been a member of the firm of Wal- 
ton & Son; Herbert M., who died in infancy; and Harriet M. The parents are 
members of the Baptist church and are loyal to its teachings. In the social circles 
of the community they occupy an enviable position, the hospitality of the best 
homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Walton is a member of the Odd Fellows 
Society, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the American Patriots. His son 
is also connected with the Knights of Pythias. Both father and son are stalwart 
supporters of the republican party and the latter is now township clerk of Fair- 
view township. They are recognized as business men of good ability, actuated 
in their undertakings by the spirit of enterprise, and Mr. Walton feels that he has 
no occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for he 
has here found and improved good opportunities and has made for himself a com- 
fortable living. 



CHARLES ANDREW SCHWAB. 

Charles Andrew Schwab, conducting a profitable business as a general farmer 
and stock raiser, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
constituting the northeast quarter of section 9, Oxford township, was born in Am- 
boy, Lee county. Illinois, October 10, 1855. He was only six months old when his 
parents. Martin and Mary (St. John) Schwab, removed to Oxford township, 
Jones county. The father was a native of Germany, the mother, of Ireland, and 
they were married in the state of New York. Soon afterward they sought a 
home in the middle west, locating first in Lee county. Illinois, while in 1856 they 
became residents of Jones county, Iowa, and spent their remaining days upon the 
farm which is now the home of their son Charles. Here the father died in March, 
1909. at the venerable age of eighty-four years, while his wife, who was born in 
1827. passed away in 1893. Their family numtbered seven children : John H., who 
is living in Grinnell, Iowa ; Charles A., of this review ; Mary Ellen, who died at 
the age of twenty- four years ; Margaret Mary, who died when twenty-two years 
of age; ?>Iartin Luther, who passed away at the age of twenty-five years; George 
S., who died leaving a widow and one daughter; and Delia Jane, who died when 
two and a half years of age. The eldest two are the only ones now living. 

As previously stated, Charles A. Schwab was but six months old when his par- 
ents came to Oxford township and here he has since lived with the exception of 



166 HISTORY Ob JONES COUNTY 

about eight years spent in Story county, Iowa. He continued on the old home- 
stead until three years after his marriage when he went to Story county, there con- 
tinuing until about 1905 when he took up his abode upon his present farm, con- 
stituting the northeast quarter of section 9, Oxford township. This is a well im- 
proved tract of land supplied with good buildings which are kept in a state of ex- 
cellent repair. The father bought eighty acres of this as raw prairie and made all 
of the improvements upon it, while later he purchased eighty acres more. Mr. 
Schwab is diligent in carrying on the work of the fields, developing the land ac- 
cording to modern methods and annually harvesting good crops as the reward of 
his labors. In addition to cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate 
he makes a specialty of the raising of Norman horses. He likewise conducts a 
dairy business and sells to the creamery company. He also raises fruit of all 
kinds upon his place and has a splendidly developed property, well equipped in 
all lines of general farming. 

In 1879 ^r- Schwab was united in marriage to Miss Ella Walston, a native of 
this county and a daughter of William Walston. She died leaving three children : 
Ira Martin ; Lula Pearl, the wife of John Tordson, of Oxford Junction ; and 
Ernest A. For his second wife, whom he wedded in 1894, Mr. Schwab chose Mrs. 
Minnie (Turkic) Schwab, his brother's widow. She is a native of Ohio and a 
daughter of Joseph Turkic. By this marriage there is one son, Lloyd Turkic, and 
by her former marriage Mrs. Schwab has a daughter, Laura Elizabeth. Mr. 
Schwab belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and to the Knights of Pythias 
fraternity, and is a member of the Lutheran church of Oxford Junction. He has 
worked diligently and persistently to attain the success which is now his and as 
the years have gone by his energy has conquered all the difficulties and obstacles in 
his path, making him one of the substantial farmers of the district. 



CHARLES J. CASH. 



In a history of the legal profession in Jones county mention should be made of 
Charles J. Cash, now a partner in the law firm of Herrick, Cash & Rhinehart, 
with offices in Anamosa and Monticello. His record stands in contradistinction 
to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, 
for he is a native son of the city in which he makes his home and where he has 
so directed his efforts as to gain recognition as the reward of marked ability and 
one whose devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. 

His father, John Cash, was a native of Ireland and coming to the United 
States in 1859 settled in New York city, where he engaged in teaming for a time. 
He remained in the eastern metropolis until 1867 with the exception of three 
years, which he spent as a soldier in the Civil war. He enlisted in ^Tarch, 1862, 
as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry 
and afterward served with the One Hundred and Fifth New York Infantry until 
mustered out after the close of hostilities in August, 1865. He participated in 
the battles of Gettysburg and other important engagements and after being 
wounded was sent to the Nashville Military Hospital. In 1867 lie removed to 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 167 

Anamosa, where he worked by the day until he could gain a start. He then turned 
his attention to farming in Fairview and later became the owner of a tract of land. 
His political allegiance was given to the democracy, while his religious faith was 
that of the Catholic church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine 
O'Brien, was born in Ireland and came with her parents to the United States in 
1859, the family home being established in New York city, where she was married. 
She, too, was a member of the Catholic church and died in that faith in 1883. In 
their family were six children: William, who was born in 1861 and followed the 
stone cutter's trade until his death in 1902 ; Edward, who was born in 1867 and 
is a locomotive engineer of Louisiana with headquarters in New Orleans ; Mary, 
who was born in 1868 and is living in Dubuque; Charles J.; John, who was born 
in 1872, in Anamosa. and now resides in Lincoln, Nebraska ; and Stephen, whose 
birth occurred in Anamosa in 1875. 

Charles J. Cash acquired his literary education in the public schools of this 
city, which he attended during the winter months from 1876 until 1889. He 
worked on a farm during the summer seasons and pursued his studies evenings 
without assistance. Although tired from the day's work he would study evenings 
while in bed until he would fall asleep. Being of unusual physical strength he 
was interested and also active in outdoor sports. After leaving school he took 
an extended trip in the west, but returned to Anamosa and began the study of 
law, having concluded from observations that special training for some trade or 
profession was essential, and, possessing, moreover, a long cherished desire to 
enter the legal profession, he entered the office of F. O. Ellison, who directed his 
reading for two years. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1894, and at once 
entered upon the active practice of his profession. He remained alone until 1900, 
when he formed a partnership with B. E. Rhinehart under the firm style of Cash 
& Rhinehart, the connection remaining unchanged until 1908, when M. W, Her- 
rick, of Monticello, became a member of the firm, which is now known as Her- 
rick. Cash & Rhinehart. They have offices in Anamosa and Monticello and their 
clientage is extensive and of a representative character. Through his own efforts 
and determination Mr. Cash has acquired a splendid reputation as a lawyer and 
reached a high place as a member of the legal bar. His success in a professional 
way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong ad- 
vocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. His pleas have 
been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather 
than by fiights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from 
the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to en- 
shroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles 
of right and equity involved. 

On the 2ist of June, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cash and Miss 
Margaret Kennedy, for ten years a teacher in the public schools of Sioux City, 
Iowa, and unto them was born a son, Paul, whose birth occurred January 26, 
1900. The wife and mother passed away on the 23d of April, of the same year, 
at Sioux City. In December, 1903, Mr. Cash was again married, his second union 
being with Josephine Shaffer, of Cascade, Iowa, who was also a school teacher 
and a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Shaffer. Her grandfather, Nicholas 
Shaffer. Sr., came to America in 1830. He had served several years on the staff 



168 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

of the great Xapoleon, and after the disastrous march of Moscow he was captured 
and for some time acted as a teacher of the French language to the Russian no- 
biHty. Mr. and Mrs. Cash now have one son, Charles J., who was born June i, 
1905. Their parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Cash belongs 
also to the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers and the Knights of Columbus, 
while in more speciticially professional lines he is connected with the Jones County 
Bar Association. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, and he is rec- 
ognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He was chairman of the demo- 
cratic county central committee and for many years was one of its members, while 
since attaining his majority he has taken a very active part in whatever has per- 
tained to the welfare and the interest of the party. For four years he served as 
justice of the peace and was also alderman from the second ward. In 1902 he was 
elected prosecuting attorney, was defeated in 1904 and was reelected in 1906 and 
1908, so that he is now the incumbent in the position. Chosen three times for this 
office, his reelection is incontrovertible proof of the ability which he has displayed 
in discharging his duties. He has been unusually successful as a prosecutor and is 
the only incumbent in that office who has been returned by increased majorities at 
each succeeding election. As a candidate for office he has commanded the votes 
of those who know him best, having in every instance received his party vote and 
nearly a majority of the republican vote in his home town. 



FREDERICK OSCAR ELLISON. 

Judge Frederick Oscar Ellison was in 1906 called to the bench of the eighteenth 
judicial district and his course has been distinguished by high legal ability. To 
wear the ermine worthily it is not enough that one possess legal acumen, is 
learned in the principles of jurisprudence, familiar with precedents and thor- 
oughly honest. Many men, even when acting uprightly are unable to wholly 
divest themselves of prejudice and are unconsciously warped in their judgments 
by their own mental characteristics or educational peculiarities. This unconsci- 
ous and variable disturbing force enters more or less into the judgments of all 
men but in the ideal jurist this fact becomes so small as not to be discernible in 
results and loses its potency as a disturl)ing force. Judge Ellison in the opinion 
of the bar is exceptionally free from judicial bias. His varied legal learning and 
wide experience in the courts, the patient care with which he ascertains all the 
facts bearing upon every case that comes before him gives his decisions a solidity 
and exhaustiveness from which the members of the bar can take no exception. 

A native of New York city. Judge Ellison was born July 4, 1853, of the mar- 
riage of Thomas B. and Ann (Ruxton) Ellison, both of whom were natives of 
Ireland. They came to America in early life and were married in Connecticut. 
After living for some time in New York city, they removed to Indianola. Warren 
county, Iowa, in 1870 and there remained for about ten years, after which they 
returned to the eastern metropolis. The father died in New York in 1891 at the 
venerable age of eighty-two years while the mother passed away in 1891 at the 
age of seventy-two years. In iheir family were the following named: Levina 




F. O. ELLISON 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 171 

M., who is the wife of E. M. Pearson and resides in Detroit, Michigan; Anna G., 
who is the widow of Henry Laird and resides in New York City; Charles R., 
of New York City, who wedded Mary Brown, now deceased; Margaret and 
Henrietta, both of whom died in childhood; Thomas W., who wedded Mary 
Cadugen and died in 1894; Frederick, of this review; George Walter, who died 
at the age of sixteen years ; Florence A., who became the wife of Dr. D. C. Cox, 
of New York City, and after his death, which occurred in 1889, married J. W. 
Cassell ; Nina D., the wife of John Eakins, a resident of New York City. 

Reared in the American metropolis, Judge Ellison continued his studies in the 
high school of New York and also in the academy there. At the age of sixteen, 
however, he started out in life on his own account and in 1870 took charge of 
a farm his father purchased for him. The following winter was passed in St. 
Louis but in the spring he returned to the farm which was located near Indianola, 
Iowa. About a year later he began reading law with the firm of Todhunter & 
Williamson of Indianola and after thorough preliminary study was admitted to 
the bar in 1873. He then located for practice in Clinton, Iowa, where he re- 
mained for a year and a half and in 1875 came to Jones county, soon estabHshing 
a large law practice in Wyoming. His ability was recognized in the able manner 
in which he handled his cases and his clientage increased in volume and impor- 
tance, connecting him with much of the litigation tried in the courts of the dis- 
trict. In June, 1889, he removed to Anamosa, where he has since resided. In 
1887 he had been elected county attorney, which office he filled for six years, 
his reelection coming as the merited expression of public confidence in his ability 
and trustworthiness. He is so thoroughly well read in the minutia of the law 
that he is able to base his arguments upon thorough knowledge and familiarity 
of precedents and to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize 
che main points at issue and never neglecting to give thorough preparation. 
His logical grasp of facts and principles of the law applicable to them has been 
another potent element in his success and the remarkable clearness of expression 
and adequate and precise diction which enables him to make others understand 
not only the salient points of his argument but his every fine gradation of mean- 
ing may be accounted one of his most conspicuous gifts and accomplishments. 

Judge Ellison has long been recognized as one of the leaders of the republican 
party in his district and in 1894 was elected a member of the Iowa house of rep- 
resentatives, in which he served for one term. He was then chosen state senator 
and while serving in the upper house as well left the impress of his individuality 
and far-sighted judgment upon the laws enacted during that period. In 1904 
he was chosen presidential elector from his district and in 1906 was elected 
judge of the district court and is now serving on the bench, his record as a judge 
being in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, characterized by the 
faithful performance of every duty and a masterful grasp of every problem pre- 
sented for solution. 

On the 3d of November, 1875, Judge Ellison was united in marriage to Miss 
A. E. McCutchen, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Adams) McCutchen, who 
were natives of Pennsylvania and on coming to Iowa in 1868 settled in Indianola, 
Warren county. There they remained until 1874 when they removed to Lyons, 
Iowa, where they spent their remaining days, the father passing away in 1881 



172 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

at the age of seventy-one years while the mother reached the advanced age of 
eighty-three years. Unto Judge and Mrs. Elhson have been born five children. 
Dr. Clifford W. Ellison, the eldest, now in New York City, married Miss Maude 
Spears and they have one son, Frederick Spears. The second member of Judge 
Ellison's family died in infancy. Frederick Harold passed away in 1895 ^^ ^^^ 
age of eleven years. Roland R. is at home and Mildred is attending the Chicago 
University. 

While Judge Ellison is perhaps best known through the state at large as a 
strong and able member of the Iowa bar and the capable and impartial judge, 
ne is regarded in Anamosa as a valued citizen because of the active part which 
he has taken in municipal affairs and in furthering the interests of the community 
in various ways. He is now president of the library board and is a director in the 
Anamosa National Bank. While living in Wyoming, he served as mayor of that 
city and in 1894 was chosen mayor of Anamosa, capably administering municipal 
interests so that the welfare of the community at large was conserved. He has 
also been city attorney for one term. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd 
Fellows and with the Masons, belonging to Anamosa Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & 
A. M. ; Mount Sinai Chapter. R. A. M. ; Olivet Commandery, No. 36, K. T. ; 
and the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. He is likewise a member of the Modem 
Woodmen of America and his religious faith is indicated in his membership in 
the Methodist Episcopal church. His life is typical of all that is progressive and 
loyal in citizenship and honorable in manhood. While on the bench he fully main- 
tains the dignity of the office, his friends find him a social, genial gentleman, with 
whom association means expansion and elevation. 



FRED T. STORM. 



Fred J. Storm, a substantial and enterprising agriculturist of Jones county, is 
the owner of a well improved and productive farm of two hundred and fifteen 
acres in Madison township. He was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 3d of 
March, 1865, his parents being Fred and Dora (Ehlers) Storm, the former a na- 
tive of Mecklenburg, Germany, while the latter's birth occurred in Schleswig- 
Holstein, Germany. They came to the United States in young manhood and wo- 
manhood and eventually located in Jackson county, Iowa, where they were mar- 
ried. There the father took up the work of farming but was not long permitted 
to enjoy his new home, being drowned in the flood on the 17th of March, 1865, 
when his son, Fred J., was but fourteen days old. His widow afterward mar- 
ried Conrad Meyers, to whom she proved a faithful companion and helpmate 
until the time of her demise in April. 1907. 

In his youthful days Fred J. Storm attended the common schools in pursuit of 
an education but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited, as his 
assistance was needed in the work of the home farm. He lived with his mother 
and stepfather until twenty-three years of age, when he secured a position with 
a horse breeder and for five years had charge of thoroughbred stallions. On the 
expiration of that period he was married and brought his young bride to Wyom- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 173 

ing, Jones county, taking up his abode on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres 
adjoining the town. After residing thereon for six years he disposed of the prop- 
erty and purchased a tract of two hundred and iifteen acres of land in Madison 
township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his 
time and energies. He is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the 
soil and planting the crops and has won a gratifying and well merited measure of 
success in his agricultural interests. In addition to cultivating the cereals best 
adapted to soil and climate he also raises thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, all of his 
stock being of the best breeds. The prosperity which he now enjoys is all the 
more creditable by reason of the fact that it has been attained entirely through his 
own well directed and untiring industry, for he started out in life empty handed, 
wholly dependent upon his own resources for whatever success he might hope to 
achieve. 

In 1893 Mr. Storm was united in marriage to Miss Anna Louisa Lucksted, of 
Clinton county. Iowa. Her father was John Lucksted, a native of Germany, who 
crossed the Atlantic to the United States late in the '50s. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Storm have been born five children: Elmer C. ; Ira C, who died August 18, 1909; 
Arnold F. ; Mira D. ; and Nora L. The four living are at home. 

Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Storm gives his political 
allegiance to the democracy but at local elections casts an independent ballot, sup- 
porting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for office. Both he and his 
wife are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church and are well 
known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of upright, hon- 
orable lives. 



W. N. FRENCH. 



W. N. French, a substantial and enterprising agriculturist of Madison town- 
ship, where he owns an excellent farm of two hundred and ten acres, is likewise 
well known as a raiser of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. His birth oc- 
curred in Clay township, Jones county, Iowa, on the 23d of October, 1857, his par- 
ents being Joseph and Grace C. (Beaver) French. They were natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Ohio respectively and came to this state as young people. Joseph 
French, who arrived in Iowa in 1846, spent about two years in Jackson county 
and then went to Indiana, where he remained for a similar period. Subsequently 
he returned to Jackson county, Iowa, where he entered a quarter section of gov- 
ernment land and made his home for three years. At the end of that time he came 
to Jones county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Qay 
township at eight dollars per acre. In the year 1883 he took up his abode in 
Madison township, where he bought the farm of two hundred and ten acres which 
is now in possession of his son, W. N. After residing thereon for four years he 
put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Wyoming, where he lived 
retired until the time of his demise in 1900. His political allegiance was given to 
the men and measures of the democracy, while his religious faith was indicated 
by his membership in tjie Presbyterian church. He took an active and helpful 



174 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

part in the work of the church and served in various official capacities. His up- 
right and honorable life gained him the esteem of a large circle of friends and 
he was widely recognized as a most substantial and respected citizen of the com- 
munity. His widow, who still survives him, has attained the age of seventy-three 
years and now makes her home with a daughter in Wyoming. She is a devoted 
member of the United Presbyterian church and is highly esteemed for her many 
good traits of heart and mind. 

In his youthful days W. N. French attended the common schools in the ac- 
quirement of an education, and when not busy with his text-books he gave his 
father the benefit of his services in the work of the home farm, thus early be- 
coming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. 
He was married when a young man of twenty-one years and subsequently farmed 
a portion of the home place for three years. On the expiration of that period he 
removed to Delaware county, where he was engager! in the cultivation of a 
rented farm for three years. In the meantime he had chosen a location for his 
future home in Nebraska and had already begun making preparations for his re- 
moval to that state but was dissuaded from his purpose by his father, who, retir- 
ing from active life, wished him to purchase and conduct the home farm in Madi- 
son township, this county. His time and energies have since been given to the 
further cultivation and improvement of this property, and his labors as an agri- 
culturist have been rewarded with a gratifying and commendable measure of suc- 
cess. He likewise raises shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and feeds all 
the grain which his farm produces, feeding a carload of cattle annually. 

In 1878 Mr. French was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Orr of Dubuque 
county. Iowa, by whom he had eleven children, ten of whom still survive, namely: 
Nellie \".. the wife of N. A. Huston, of Stanley county, South Dakota; Lillian B., 
the wife of Charles Buck, of Stevens county. Washington; Grace M., who is as- 
sistant bookkeeper in a mercantile establishment at Cedar Rapids ; and James E., 
Cecil R.. Elta A.. Mildred, Lester D., Elizabeth I. and Dorothy L., all of whom 
are at home. 

Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. French votes the demo- 
cratic ticket but at local elections casts his ballot for the candidate whom he be- 
lieves best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. His fraternal rela- 
tions are with Wyoming Lodge, No. 147. I. O. O. F., and Wyoming Camp, No. 
183, M. W. A. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the com- 
munity in which he resides and has gained enviable recognition among the rep- 
resentative and progressive citizens of his native county. 



DR. WILLIAM W. BRONSON. 

Dr. William W. Bronson. a veterinary surgeon residing at Wyoming, enjoys 
an extensive and lucrative practice in this connection and is a prominent repre- 
sentative of the profession in Jones county. He was born in Wyoming, on the 
lOth of Tune. 1876. his parents being James W. and Augusta M. (Brainard) 
Bronson. who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The paternal 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 175 

grandfather, Rev. Asahel Bronson, whose birth occurred in Connecticut, Novem- 
ber 3, 1807, was a son of Ezra Bronson, of Tolland, Connecticut, but later of 
Fairfield and Danbury. The latter was drafted at the age of sixteen and be- 
came a soldier in the war of the Revolution, for many years acting as captain 
of the militia at Danbury. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Knapp, 
was a resident of that place. In 1857 the Rev. Asahel Bronson, having secured 
a transfer from the Wyoming conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in 
New York to the Upper Iowa conference, took up his abode in Wyoming, Jones 
county, Iowa. His labors as a minister of the gospel proved effective and far- 
reaching and he lived to attain the remarkable age of ninety-eight years, passing 
away August 8, 1905. In early manhood he married Philena Horton White, who 
was born March 19, 1820, and died July 4, 1904. 

James W. Bronson, the father of Dr. W. W. Bronson, was born in West- 
chester, New York, June 20, 1842, and was a lad of fifteen years when he came 
with his parents to this county. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Twenty- 
fourth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities between the north 
and the south. The following is an extract from an obituary appearing in one of 
the local papers at the time of his demise: "He was not only mustered out with 
an honorable discharge but with a certificate from Chaplain Martyn of Christian 
character to admit him into membership of any Evangelical church. Said the 
chaplain to one much interested : T bring this young man back one of the few 
young men who have gone through this war pure and undefiled.' What a great 
record that was before God and man !" Soon after the close of the war James 
W. Bronson took a course of medical lectures at Iowa City. Owing to delicate 
health he did not finish his studies, but was engaged for twenty-five years or 
more as a veterinarian, in which profession he was quite successful. In 1867 he 
wedded Miss Augusta M. Brainard, by whom he had two sons, Benjamin and 
William W. His death, which occurred suddenly on the 19th of October, 1898, 
was deeply mourned not only by the members of his immediate family but also 
by a large circle of relatives and friends. He was a man of keen intellect and 
was, moreover, noted for his brilliant oratorical powers. Upright and honorable 
in all the relations of life, he abhorred shams of every kind and his word was as 
good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. He was a valued and 
honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ben Paul Post, 
G. A. R., both of which organizations passed resolutions of respect and con- 
dolence at the time of his demise. 

Dr. W. W. Bronson was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his 
preliminary education by a course in the Wyoming high school, from which he 
was graduated with the class of 1895. In early manhood he took up the study of 
veterinary surgery under the preceptorship of his father and in the fall of 1896 
entered the Chicago Veterinary College, attending that institution for one school 
year. He then returned home and in the fall of 1899 became enrolled as a student 
in the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago, there remaining for a year. In 
1901 he again entered the Chicago Veterinary College and following his gradua- 
tion in 1902 he returned to Wyoming and took up the practice of his profession. 
In 1903 he was employed by the government as meat inspector at St. Paul, Min- 
nesota, but with the exception of that year has been continuously engaged in the 



176 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

practice of veterinary surgery at Wyoming and is widely recognized as a prom- 
inent and successful representative of the profession in his native county. 

In 1900 Dr. Bronson was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Franks, of 
Wyoming, by whom he has two sons, Howard and William. His political al- 
legiance is given to the men and measures of the republican party, while his re- 
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the :\Iethodist Episcopal church, 
with which his wife is also identified. He belongs to Keystone Lodge, No. 206, 
F. & A. M., and likewise has membership relations with the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. In whatever sphere of 
life he is found he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman and en- 
joys in unlimited degree th.e respect and confidence of his fellowmen. 



HON. WILLIAM M. BYERLY. 

Some men are personalh popular enough to rise above party lines and ties and 
to carry all before them. They possess the characteristics needed in public men 
and these are recognized and appreciated by those in whose hands lies the voting 
privilege. The Hon. William M. Byerly of Jackson township, present member of 
the lower house of the general assembly from his district, is a man whose pop- 
ularity is remarkable and whose public life is without a blemish. He was born 
in this township. March 31. 1S54, and l)elongs to one of the best known families 
of Jones county, being a son of the pioneers Michael and Elizabeth ( Jeflferies) 
Byerly. 

Michael Byerly was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 10, 18 18. while his 
wife was born in P'auquier county, Virginia, May 6, 181 5, but she was taken to 
Fairfield county by her parents and was there married November i, 1840. Six 
years later they came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in Jackson township, which 
ever afterward was their home. The father died here July 10 1896. and the 
mother passed away December 22, 1900. Michael Byerly entered the land now 
owned by his son William M., fifty-six acres being in timber and forty in prairie. 
He also bought other claims imtil he owned one hundred and sixty-six acres. 
This land has never been out of the family or been incumbered in any way. In 
politics he was a strong democrat and held various township offices. He was also 
active in religious work and was one of the founders of the Antioch Christian 
church as well as one of its trustees. He and his wife had the following family: 
Alvin R., who lives at Fredonia, Kansas; Milton J. and John W. who live in 
Jackson township; Malinda, who married R. B. Johnson, of Jackson township; 
William M., of this review ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; and 
three children who died in infancy. The eldest, Alvin R. enlisted in 1862 in 
Company K. Sixth Iowa Cavalry and served three years in rhe Civil war, or until 
1865. 

William M. Byerly has spent his life in Jones county with the exception of 
three years, from 1880 to 1883, when he was in Barton county, Kansas. He was 
educated in the common schools of Jackson township and at Lennox College, Hop- 
kinton, Iowa. Following this he taught school twelve terms during the winter in 




AY. M. BYKRLY 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 179 

the country and boarded among the people of his district. During the summer 
months he farmed and eventually became the owner of five hundred acres in three 
farms adjoining each other. For some years he has made a specialty of feeding 
Duroc Jersey hogs, having three hundred and fifty head. He also feeds horses 
and about three carloads of steers annually, and he milks about twenty-five cows, 
selling his product to the creamery. This farm, for it is conducted as one, is a 
thoroughly modern one and Mr. Byerly prides himself upon his superb equip- 
ment and methods. In addition to other interests, he is a stockholder and has been 
a director from its organization of the Miles & Walters Savings Bank of Ana- 
mosa. He is also a director of the Anamosa District Fair Association. 

One of the strongest democrats in the county, he has held many of the town- 
ship offices and was assessor for twelve years and school director for eighteen 
years. In 1906 he was elected a member of the board of supervisors by a ma- 
jority of six hundred and nineteen and was serving as chairman of the board 
when elected to the legislature, in the fall of 1908, receiving at that time a 
majority of one hundred and thirty-six in a county normally republican by a thou- 
sand majority. Mr. Byerly is a member of the democratic county central com- 
mittee and has often been sent as delegate to state conventions. His work in the 
house was marked by a broad-gauged policy, which, while defending and pro- 
tecting the interests of his people, did not swerve from the straight path of moral 
rectitude. He was reared in the Christian church but is not a member of any 
religious denomination. 

On March 17, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Byerly and Eliza Wag- 
goner. She was born in Jackson township, December 22, 1857, a daughter of 
Barnhart and Barbara (Emert) Waggoner, the former born in Alsace, Germany, 
(then a part of France) August 26, 1803, and the latter in Somerset county, 
Pennsylvania. The mother's death occurred in March, 1859, when she was but 
thirty-eight. Barnhart Waggoner came from his native land to New York City, 
February 23, 1827, and to Ohio in 1833. There he was married in 1840 and in 
1852 he came to Jones county, where he lived until his death, which occurred 
February 6, 1898. By his first marriage he had eight children that grew to ma- 
turity, four boys and four girls, and one son by a second marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Byerly have had eleven children as follows : Gaud, who is in 
the employ of the Illinois Central railroad at Waterloo; Jay, who is at home; 
Floy, who is the wife of Rev. J. C. Tourtellott, a Presbyterian preacher of Fair- 
bury, Nebraska ; Blanche, who married Roy Russell of Jackson township ; Jennie, 
who died at the age of ten years; and Guy, Grace, Lee, Beulah, LilHan and Mil- 
dred, who are at home. 



PETER C. LEVSEN. 



Peter C. Levsen, the owner of an excellent and highly improved farm of three 
hundred and twenty acres in Madison township, is widely recognized as one of 
the most extensive and successful cattle feeders in the county. His birth occurred 
near Husum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 23d of October. 1858. his 



180 HISTORY Oi^ JONES COUNTY 

parents being Edlef H. and Elsabe (Jansen) Levsen, who were also natives of 
that country. In the year 1869 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, 
locating in Clinton county, Iowa, where the father became identified with general 
agricultural pursuits as a renter. Seven years later, in 1876, he came to Jones 
county, purchasing the farm of two hundred and forty acres in Madison town- 
ship which is now in the possession of his son, Peter C. Here he made his home 
until the time of his demise, devoting his energies to the work of farming with 
excellent success. He passed away in 1888, at the age of seventy-seven years, 
while his wife was called to her final rest in 1902, when eighty-three years of age. 
They were both devoted and faithful members of the German Lutheran church. 

Peter C. Levsen, who was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his par- 
ents on their emigration to the new world, supplemented his early education, ob- 
tained in the schools of his native land, by a course of study in the public schools 
of this state. He was twenty years of age when his elder brother, Hans, was mar- 
ried and left the parental roof and thereafter the management of the home farm 
devolved upon him. Subsequent to his father's death he bought the interest of 
the other heirs in the property and thus came into possession of one of the most 
valuable and highly improved farms in the entire county. He has since extended 
its boundaries by additional purchase until it now embraces three hundred and 
twenty acres, and he likewise owns a half section of valuable land in the Sas- 
katchewan district in Canada. For years he has dealt in stock on an extensive 
scale and is today one of the heaviest cattle feeders in Jones county, feeding from 
eight to ten carloads annually. He has been very successful in both his farming 
and live-stock interests and has long been numbered among the most prosperous, 
enterprising and progressive citizens of the community. 

In 1890 Mr. Levsen was united in marriage to Miss Louisa H. Rick, of Sa- 
bula, Iowa. They are now the parents of four children, namely : Paul, who is a 
graduate of the Wyoming high school ; Hettie, a high-school student ; and Emil and 
Marvin, who are attending the public schools. 

Politically Mr. Levsen is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy 
but at local elections supports the candidate whom he believes best qualified for 
office, regardless of party afifiliation. His business interests have been carefully 
conducted, his duties of citizenship capably performed, and at all times he has been 
true to the obligations and responsibilities that has devolved upon him in every 
relation of life, so that he well merits the esteem and good will which are uni- 
formly accorded him. 



TAMES HENIK. 



James Henik, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres on 
section 31, Oxford township, devotes his time and energies to general agricultural 
pursuits with excellent success. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 
28th of September, i860, his parents being Michael and Josephine Henik, natives 
of Bohemia. Both are now deceased, however, passing away in Johnson county, 
this state. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 181 

James Henik was the ninth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, 
seven of whom still survive. When about seventeen years of age he secured em- 
ployment by the month as a farm hand, being thus busily engaged until the time 
of his marriage, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in 
Hale township, Jones county. After operating this place for ten or eleven years 
he sold the property to his brother Joseph and bought his present farm of one 
hundred and fifty-five acres on section 31, Oxford township, to the cultivation 
and improvement of which he has since devoted his time and energies. He has 
erected most of the buildings on the property and in his farming interests has won 
a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the substantial and 
enterprising agriculturists of the community. 

In the year 1884 Mr. Henik was united in marriage to Miss Anna Wasoba, 
whose birth occurred in Bohemia in 1865. When about two years of age she 
was brought to the United States by her parents, Michael and Barbara Wasoba, 
who established their home in Oxford Junction, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henik 
have been born three children, namely : Frank, at home ; Mary, the wife of George 
Dasonik, of Madison township; and Antony, who is still under the parental roof. 
The parents are widely and favorably known in this locality and their home is 
justly celebrated for its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality. 



AUGUST H. JANSEN. 



The agricultural interests of Jones county find a worthy and successful repre- 
sentative in August H. Jansen, who now makes his home in Wyoming township. 
He was born in Germany on the 5th of February, 1859, a son of Peter and Ce- 
cilia Jansen. who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the year 1882. 
They took up their abode in Jones county, Iowa, and here spent their remaining 
days. They had a family of nine children, five of whom still survive, as fol- 
lows : Hans, a resident of Chicago, Illinois ; John, living in Wyoming, Jones 
county ; Johanna, who likewise makes her home in this county ; August H., of this 
review ; and Peter, the cashier of the Wyoming Bank. 

August H. Jansen attended school in his native land but had only limited op- 
portunities in that direction. He accompanied his parents on their emigration 
to the new world and remained at home until he had attained his thirtieth year, 
when he was united in marriage to Mrs. Melvina Reimer. Subsequently he rented 
a farm in Clinton county, Iowa, and was successfully engaged in its operation for 
ten years. He made a specialty of buying, feeding and shipping stock and handled 
as many as thirty carloads a year, this branch of his business proving very re- 
munerative. In 1899 he returned to Jones county and bought a farm in Madison 
township, residing thereon until 1908, when he disposed of the property. He then 
bought a farm of seventy-two acres in Wyoming township, adjoining the vil- 
lage of Wyoming, and has since devoted his time and energies to its cultivation 
and improvement. He likewise owns six hundred and forty acres of land in 
Canada, all of which is now under cultivation and three hundred and twenty acres 
of which was planted to wheat in 1909. Though empty handed when he started 



182 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

out in life on his own account, he has made good use of his opportunities and as 
the years have gone by has prospered as the result of his unfaltering industry and 
capable management. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jansen have been born three children, namely : Peter C, 
who is a graduate of the Wyoming high school; Albert H., who has likewise com- 
pleted his studies in that institution ; and Arthur M. The three sons are still under 
the parental roof. 

Mr. Jansen gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the 
democracy, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. 
The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has 
been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought, — which, by the 
way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, — and making the best of 
these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, per- 
severance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now en- 
rolled among the best citizens of Jones county. 



JACOB WILBUR DOXSEE. 

Jacob Wilbur Doxsee, attorney at law and publisher of The Monticello Ex- 
press, was born at Western Star. Summit county, Ohio. January 17, 1857. His 
father, Alfred R. Doxsee, was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 27, 1832, 
and was descended on the paternal side from ancestors who cyme into New 
York from Holland, previous to the Revolutionary war, and on the maternal side 
from those who were known as Quakers. The father of Alfred R. Doxsee was 
Jacob Doxsee. and his mother's maiden name was Mary Vickers. The mother 
of the subject of this sketch was Mary Jane Bennett, the daughter of parents 
living on the Western Reserve in Ohio, where she was born May 31, 1837. Her 
father, Abel Bennett, was a native of Canada and her mother, whose maiden 
name was Cylenna Tyler, w^as born in New York. The parents of the subject of 
this sketch were married August 13. 1854, by Rev. Almond Green, in Summit 
county, Ohio. 

The family lived at Sharon Center, Ohio, until they came to Iowa and settled 
on a farm on Bowens Prairie, Jones county, in October, 1863. Jacob Wilbur, 
the eldest of the four children, remained on the farm until he entered Lenox 
College, at Hopkinton, at the age of fifteen years. In 1874 he became a student 
at the Iowa State College, at Ames, and graduated with the class of 1877, in the 
scientific course. During his college course he availed himself of the privilege 
of teaching during the winter vacations and thus earned almost enough to defray 
his college expenses. 

In the spring of 1878. Mr. Doxsee began the study of law in the office of M. W. 
Herrick. at Monticello. He was admitted to the bar the next year and soon 
after entered into partnership with Mr. Herrick. During their partnership 
Messrs. Herrick & Doxsee wrote a treatise on the Probate Law and Practice of 
Iowa and Dakota, which was well received by the legal profession. On December 
I, 1883. they purchased The Monticello Express, a newspaper which they con- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 183 

ducted in connection with their law business until the dissolution of their part- 
nership in 1888. Since that time Mr. Doxsee has conducted his law practice alone 
and has found time to superintend the publication of his newspaper. He has 
been a director of the Lovell State Bank as well as its attorney since its organiza- 
tion, and was for a long time president of the Monticello Electric Company. 

Mr. Doxsee is a republican but has never sought political preferment, choos- 
ing to give his entire time to his profession and business. He was one of the or- 
ganizers of the Fifth District Editorial Association and was its president in 1895. 
In July, 1899, he was appointed by President McKinley, supervisor of the census 
for the fifth congressional district of Iowa, a position which came unsought. 
He had the supervision of the taking of the twelfth census in that territory. In 
1894 he was a delegate from the fifth district of Iowa to the republican national 
convention which nominated Theodore Roosevelt, and he was a member of the 
committee appointed by that convention to notify the vice-presidental nominee, 
Charles W. Fairbanks, of his nomination. In 1905 he spent nearly four months 
traveling in Europe in company with C. S. Bidwell. He has been a member of 
the school board during the past eight years. 

Mr. Doxsee was united in marriage on the 3d of February, 1887, to Miss 
Jessie Sloan Fawcett, at the home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Faw- 
cett, at Salem, Ohio, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Ezra Hingley. They 
have two children: Charles Alfred, born August 7, 1888, and Mary Eliza, born 
August 9, 1890, both of whom are students at Cornell College. 



F. B. WOSOBA. 



F. B. Wosoba, who was formerly identified with farming interests in Oxford 
township, now makes his home in Oxford Junction and is serving as marshal of 
the village. He was born on his father's farm in Oxford township, March 14, 
1872, a son of Michael and Anna Wosoba, who were natives of Bohemia, and 
accompanied their respective parents to the United States in their childhood. The 
parents are still living and make their home in Oxford Junction. Their family 
numbered four children but the youngest, John, is deceased. The other members 
are: Mary, the wife of Albert Hronik, a resident of Silvis, Illinois; Frank; and 
Frances B., the wife of James Bracha, of Oxford Junction. 

F. B. Wosoba acquired his education in the common schools and remained on 
the home farm, assisting his father in the work of the fields until he attained his 
majority, when he began farming on his own account, cultivating for ten years 
the farm which he still owns in Oxford township, this tract comprising two hun- 
dred and sixty acres, located on section 15. In addition to his farm work he also 
raised stock, making a specialty of this branch of business. In 1902, however, 
he put aside his farming interests and took up his abode in Oxford Junction, 
where he owns a fine modern residence. 

Mr. Wosoba was married in 1892 to Miss Anna Lipchausky, who was born in 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and this union has been blessed with two children : Vlast, 



184 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

who is employed as clerk in a store and is with his parents ; and Lilly, who is a 
high-school student at Oxford Junction. 

Mr. Wosoba is a democrat in his political views. For the past four years he 
has served as marshal of Oxford Junction and in this connection is doing much 
good for the community, while at the same time he is gaining an honorable name 
for himself. He is a Modern Woodman and also belongs to the Knights of 
Pythias Lodge, Xo. 85, at Oxford Junction. He likewise affiliates with the C. Z. 
B. J., a Bohemian organization. In whatever relation of life he is found, he is the 
same honorable and upright man, loyal in friendship and true to every duty that 
devolves upon him in citizenship. 



T. E. BOOTH. 



There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which 
is uniformly accorded to T. E. Booth, for through more than a half century's 
connection with Anamosa's history his record has been characterized by all that 
makes for honorable manhood and progressive citizenship. With him success 
in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to 
every manly principle. The record is uneventful if judged by the standard of 
exciting experiences, yet his influence has not been a latent factor in the life 
of the community but rather a steady moving force which has wrought for 
general progress and advancement. He is known in journalistic circles through- 
out the state as the proprietor of the Anamosa Eureka. He set his first line of 
type in the office of which he is now the owner. 

His father, Ldnrund Piooth, was at one time the owner of the Eureka, and 
when he passed away at the age of ninety-four years he was the oldest editor 
in America and the oldest teacher of the deaf, probably, in the world He was 
himself a semi-mute, for though he could speak he could not hear, and his wife 
was both deaf and dumb. Their marriage license is the first one recorded in 
Jones county, Iowa, having been issued in 1840. Their son, T. E. Booth, was 
born February 11, 1842, in Fairview township, and has since Hved within its 
borders save for a period of less than two years. His early education was 
acquired in common schools of the most ordinary kind, and even then his oppor- 
tunities were limited because of the necessity for his labor on the farm. His 
ambition, however, was not in agricultural lines, but tended toward the printer's 
trade and lie served a three years' apprenticeship in the office of the Eureka, 
which had been established in the fall of 1856 by John E. Lovejoy, a brother of 
the distinguished orator and Illinois congressman, Owen Lovejoy, and also of 
Elijah Lovejoy, who was killed at Alton, Illinois, because of his advocacy of 
anti-slavery sentiments. The new paper had little support and proved such a 
disheartening enterprise that Mr. Lovejoy sold it to C. L. D. Crockwell, a local 
druggist, a few weeks after it was started. In January, 1858, Matt Parrott, a 
job printer of Davenport, Iowa, purchased a half interest in the paper and was 
local editor and foreman when Mr. Booth began his apprenticeship. "The first 
thing he did on that day so eventful to us." writes Mr. Booth in the Eureka many 




EDMUND BOOTH 




T. E. BOOTH 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 187 

years afterward, "was to bring forth a big box of nonpareil pi, probably a half 
peck of small legal matter type that some printer unluckily spilled out of a case. 
Mr. Parrott set a line to show which side up the nicks should be and turned the 
stick over to us. Another boy, Douglas, son of Mr. Crockwell, started at the 
same time. He soon tired of the job and quit." 

The Eureka at that time had a circulation of four hundred, including ex- 
changes, but it had little advertising patronage and its main source of support 
came from, the sheriff sales, original and probate notices and the tax list after 
the county went republican in 1859. Not long after Mr. Booth became con- 
nected with the paper his father purchased a part of Mr. Crockwell's interest 
in the Eureka, of which practically he had been the editor from the first. The 
equipment of the plant included a Washington press but there was no job press, 
the hand press being used to print the few little "jobs" that were brought to them. 
For his apprenticeship Mr. Booth was to receive thirty dollars for the first year, 
forty-five dollars for the second year and sixty dollars for the third, but such 
was the financial outlook of the paper that during the three years he did not re- 
ceive, perhaps, more than ten dollars in cash, with the smallest possible allow- 
ance for clothing. During the second summer he and Mr. Parrott set up and 
printed the paper without any other help. His apprenticeship concluded, he 
spent twenty months in an eastern academy and then returned to take his place 
in the office of the Eureka. Since that time he has been continuously connected 
with the paper, doing every kind of work in the office, mechanical, business and 
editorial. He had thought in early youth to some day become connected with a 
metropolitan establishment, but fate decreed otherwise and he has remained in 
the Eureka office, which has been owned by the Booths for more than four de- 
cades. The Eureka has always been an example of clean journalism, character- 
ized by progressiveness in keeping with the advancement that has characterized 
the country press. Its columns have been used to advocate all measures and 
movements which has had for their object the betterment of municipal or county 
interests and in the discussion of state and national policies its tone has been no 
uncertain one, yet with none of the bitter aggressiveness or partisanship that 
is too often seen in the local press. Mr. Booth is himself a fair-minded man, 
capable of looking at the question from an unprejudiced standpoint and his ad- 
vocacy of any issue or principle has been sufficient to win for it other followers 
on account of the public confidence felt in his judgment. 



CHARLES O. WOODARD. 

Charles O. Woodard, whose standing as a farmer and business man is known 
all over Jones county, has for many years been a resident of Hale township. He 
was born in this county, two and a half miles northwest of Wyoming, Madison 
township, September 17, 1869, a son of Leonard and Jennie (Hall) Woodard. 
The father was a native of Oneida county, New York, while the mother was born 
near Dunkirk, New York, being a daughter of Joseph and Sophia (Taylor) Hall, 
both natives of the Empire state. Three children were born to them, as follows : 



188 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Lewis, of Wyoming; Charles O., of Hale and Albert, of Canada. After losing his 
first wife in Ohio, Leonard Woodard removed to Jones county, Iowa, where 
he now resides. 

Until he attained his majority, Charles O. Woodard assisted his father upon 
the homestead, but at that age he commenced working out by the month on neigh- 
boring farms, being thus employed for a year. After his marriage he rented land 
in Madison township and commenced farming for himself. In 1903 Mr. Wood- 
ard bought his present farm of one hundred and eighty-seven acres on section 11, 
Hale township, and he also has fourteen acres on the Wapsi river. His farm is 
well improved and yields a comfortable annual income. He has learned the best 
methods of working his land so as to secure the largest profits and he feels sat- 
isfied with the results of his efforts and good management. 

In 1891 Mr. Woodard married Amanda Lage, of Rock Island, Illinois, who 
was born in March, 1873, a daughter of Henry and Margaret Lage, natives of 
Germany, who now reside in Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard have two chil- 
dren, namely: Bertha L. and Margaret. Mr. Woodard is a republican but as yet 
his farm duties have prevented his holding public office. His religious affiliations 
are with the Methodist church of Hale, of which he is a member. 

One of the best stone quarries in the neighborhood is located on his farm. It 
has been in operation for fifty years and all of the stone used in Wyoming was 
procured from this quarry. Other villages and towns also depend upon it for 
stone as the product of the quarry is excellent. A good farmer and business man, 
careful and conscientious in his dealings with others, consistent in his church life, 
Mr. Woodard is a good citizen and a man whose example others would do well 
to follow. He and his wife have an ideal home life and welcome their friends 
with true hospitality that knows no distinction because of social standing or 
worldly prosperity. 



BENNETT E. RHINEHART. 

Bennett E. Rhinehart, for twelve years an attorney at the Anamosa bar, en- 
joying during this period a constantly increasing clientage, was born at Waynes- 
burg, Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of November, 1868. His par- 
ents were Bennett and Catherine Rhinehart. The father was born in Greene 
county, Pennsylvania, February 7. 1833 and died in 1908, having passed the sev- 
enty-fifth milestone on life's journey. He was a farmer by occupation and came 
to Iowa on the loth of February, 1869, settling first in Taylor county, where he 
secured a tract of land, making it his home during the greater part of his remain- 
ing days. He became prosperous as the years went by and retired about ten years 
prior to his death, which occurred while he was on a visit to his children in Wal- 
ter, Oklahoma. He held membership in the Christian church and his life was in 
consistent harmony with its teachings. Politically he was a strong republican 
giving unfaltering allegiance to the principles of the party. Fraternally he was 
connected with the Odd Fellows and also with the Grand Army of the Republic. 
At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call foi troops, enlist- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 189 

ing in his native county as a member of Company K, Fifteenth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, with which he served for about a year. He took part in the battle of 
Stone River and for about a year was ill in the military hospital at Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, after which he was honorably discharged. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Catherine Leonard, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on Christ- 
mas day of 1842 and is now living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is a con- 
sistent member of the Christian church and was a most devoted mother to her 
family, which numbered ten children. 

Bennett E. Rhinehart, the sixth in order of birth, pursued his education in the 
schools of Bedford, Iowa, and after attending the district schools was graduated 
from the high school of that place with the class of 1891. Immediately afterward 
he took up the study of law under private instruction, thus continuing his review 
for a year, after which he began to work in order to secure money that would 
enable him to pursue a law course. He then entered the Iowa College of Law at 
Des Moines and was graduated in May, 1896, with the degree of B. L. He then 
took the examination before the supreme court on the 13th of May, of that year, 
and was admitted to practice at the Iowa bar. His early experience was that 
of the average farm boy, who is deprived of all but the actual necessities. He 
worked for nine months each year on the farm and attended school in the winter. 
He was ambitious, however, and, determining to follow a professional career, 
pursued his plans for becoming a member of the bar, as previously stated. Fol- 
lowing his admission he at once began practice in Anamosa on the ist of January, 
1897. He continued alone until 1900, when he formed a partnership with Charles 
J. Cash under the firm style of Cash & Rhinehart, and they practiced together 
until 1908, when M. W. Herrick joined them under the style of Herrick, Cash 
& Rhinehart. Their progress in a professional way has been extremely flattering. 
This is recognized as one of the strongest law firms of the county, their clientage 
being of a most extensive and important character. In 1904 Mr. Rhinehart was 
elected city attorney of Anamosa and is now serving for the third term in that po- 
sition, his reelections being evidence of his ability and the confidence imposed in 
him by the public. He was also justice of the peace from the ist of January, 1897, 
until January i, 1901. Aside from all professional connections he is known in 
financial circles as one of the stockholders of the Citizens Savings Bank. 

On the ist of March, 1894, Mr. Rhinehart was united in marriage to Miss 
Julia Florence Feehan, who was born in Onslow, Jones county, November 27, 
187 1, a daughter of John and Julia Feehan, who came to this county about 1852, 
making the journey with John Russell from Ohio. Mr. Feehan was a brother of 
Mrs. Margaret (Feehan) Russell, the wife of John Russell. Mrs. Rhinehart pur- 
sued her education in the schools of Anamosa and for a time engaged in teach- 
ing in the country schools. The household is a most hospitable one, and both Mr. 
and Mrs. Rhinehart are numbered among the valued members of the Baptist 
church. Mr. Rhinehart belongs to Anamosa Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M.; 
Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M. ; Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 36, 
K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander, and El Kahir temple of the 
Mystic Shrine and the Eastern Star. He is likewise connected with Sumner 
Lodge, No. 92, K. P., of which he is a past chancellor, has been a member of the 
Pythian grand lodge and served on the committee on judiciary, which committee 



190 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

recodified the grand statutes during the year 1909. He was reappointed on the 
committee for another year. Air. Rhinehart is likewise connected with the Mystic 
Workers and with the Jones County Bar Association. His poHtical allegiance has 
always been given to the republican party, and he has never wavered in his sup- 
port thereof, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good gov- 
ernment. Endowed by nature with strong intellectual force and developing his 
talents by the prompting of a laudable ambition, he is making steady progress in 
the profession which he has chosen as his life work. 



ROBERT McNALLY. 



Despite his advancing years Robert McNally is still actively engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits in Richland township, which for almost two score years has been 
the scene of his labors. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1835, and is a 
son of Thomas and Jane (Farrell) McNally. The parents were both natives of 
Ireland, coming to America in 1833, shortly after their marriage. For two 
years they resided in Brooklyn and then removed to Maryland, where they lived 
for three years. In 1841 they came to Jones county, Iowa, settling in Washing- 
ton township, where Mr. McNally "squatted" on a tract of land. When the land 
of this section of the state was put upon the market he secured it from the gov- 
ernment through fulfilling the conditions prescribed for homesteaders and it re- 
mained his home for the rest of his life. On it he built a log cabin, that served 
to shelter him and his family from the weather until he was able to erect a more 
substantial and adequate dwelling. Forty-five years later, in 1886, when his death 
occurred, he had the satisfaction of contrasting the comforts which he then en- 
joyed with the hardships of those early years and felt a justifiable pride in the 
results of his years of labor. His wife, although she died a year before her hus- 
band, was also able to partake of the ease which added pleasure to the later years 
of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Robert, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; one who died in infancy; Bernard and Frank, who have also 
passed away; Mary, who is the wife of James Linch. of Richland township; 
Anna, who has not married ; J. T.. of this county ; and Norbertis. who is deceased. 

Robert McNally was reared at home and attended the public schools to obtain 
what education they were able to give in the early years of the colonization of this 
county. He continued to reniain with his parents even after he had reached his 
majority, until he was thirty-two years old. in fact, when he married and had the 
natural desire to establish a home of his own. Then he bought the farm on which 
he is living today. It embraces two hundred and twenty acres of good, arable land 
in Richland township, on which Mr. McNally carries on general farming. 
With a diligence that may well serve as an example to others he has tilled and im- 
proved his fields, until he has brought them to the point where they return a mosf 
generous harvest for his industry. This, indeed, has ever been the means of his 
success and has obtained for him an enviable position among the substantial agri- 
culturists of his township. 



HISTORY Oi' jOXES COUNTY 191 

At the age of thirty-two Mr. McNally wedded Miss Maria Kenny. She was 
a native of New York state, born May i, 1840, but her parents, Michael Kenny 
and his wife, were of Irish birth. One of a family of six, through her marriage 
Mrs. McNally became the mother of eleven children ; Jennie, who is the wife of 
Hillar Souser, of Randolph, Nebraska ; Anna, who married Theodore Maire and 
lives in Cascade, Iowa : Lettie, who is a nurse ; Katie, who is the wife of Nic Fre- 
gen, of Dubuque, Iowa ; Nellie, who married James Suple and lives in Cascade, 
Iowa; Agnes, who is the wife of J. Hayes, of Cascade; Thomas, who is at home; 
Bernard, Austin and Arthur, who are living in South Dakota ; and Robert, who is 
now attending college in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Mrs. McNally died in 1907, and, having been a devout member of the Catholic 
church throughout her life, her death was attended with all the consolations of that 
religion. Mr. McNally also professes that creed, in which all of his children 
have been reared. Politically he has affiliated with the democratic party from the 
time he cast his first vote but has never sought office, although he served very 
efficiently for a number of years as a justice of the peace. 



G. H. GEORGE. 



George H. George, whose success as a farmer is representative of the agri- 
cultural prosperity of Lovell township, while as a stockman he is also prominent 
in his locality, vx'as born on the farm which is now his home, April 6, 1856, and 
is a son of George and Anna (Faragher) George. The father was a native of 
England, while the mother was born on the Isle of Man, but in 1842 they came 
to the United States, locating in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where Mr. George 
bought forty acres of land. He had been there but a few years, however, when 
in 1850 the rumor of the discovery of gold in California reached him and he 
was inspired with the desire to go to the Pacific coast. He started overland with 
an ox-team and remained away three years. In the meantime, in 1850, his wife 
sold their Illinois farm and in company with a brother came to Jones county, Iowa, 
purchasing part of the place now occupied by her son G. H. At that time there 
were but two log cabins in the village of Monticello, while conditions of living 
were in keeping with that primitive kind of architecture. In 1853, when Mr. 
George returned from his western trip, he began the improvements on the farm 
his wife had purchased and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. It was with 
success, too, for as the years passed he was able to add to the original tract until 
at the time of his death, in 1883, he owned over seven hundred acres. In the 
meantime the conditions of the outdoor worker had been greatly ameliorated ; the 
harsh conditions of the early years were but memories, the few loghouses had 
been replaced by numerous well built homes, barns and outhouses, while cultivated 
fields filled the stretches which were at that time covered with unturned sod and 
primitive forests. Mrs. George lived until 1896, so that she enjoyed the addi- 
tional pleasure of seeing the prosperity of her son. Four children were born to 
the couple : William, deceased ; Sarah, who is the wife of Frank Oltmann, of Rich- 
land township: James, deceased; and G. H., the subject of this sketch. 



192 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

G. H. George was reared at home and in the county schools received a fair 
EngHsh education. When he reached his maturity he was put in charge of the 
parental farm, on which he had grown up, operating it even during the lifetime of 
his father. In addition to the cultivation of the soil he has engaged largely in the 
stock business, making a specialty of breeding shorthorn cattle. He is also rais- 
ing Clydesdale draft horses and standard breed road horses, having in his stables 
today some noted stallions of this last class. The reputation he has made for 
himself as a skillful and careful man in his line extends beyond the confines of the 
township, although the success he has attained may perhaps be indicated more 
adequately by a citation of his landholdings. In Jones county he owns four hun- 
dred acres, while in Plymouth county, this state, he has six hundred and forty 
acres, besides having property in Marion county. He holds considerable stock 
in the State Bank of Monticello. one of the leading financial institutions of Iowa, 
and is one of the directors upon whom the stability of the concern rests. Surely 
his is a record of a life well spent in honest labor, of industry assisted by a care- 
ful husbanding of one's resources. 

In 1877 Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Anna Belle Wilson. She 
is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Robert and Catherine 
Wilson, who came to Jones county in the early years of its development. Six 
children have been born of this marriage: George, deceased: Robert Wilson, re- 
siding in Canada; Catherine Ivthel, who is at home; and Raymond Henry. 
Thomas Irving and lola Frances who are at home. The last is a graduate of the 
Monticello high school, while Miss Catherine finished the four years' course at 
the University of Wisconsin and is now engaged in teaching- 



FRANK J. BRAIN ARD. 

When Frank J. Brainard passed from this life on the 12th of March, 1902, 
Cass township lost one of its most valued and representative citizens, who for more 
than four decades was activcl\- and hel])fully identified with community afifairs. 
Few men's lives are crowned w itli the honor and respect which were unifomily ac- 
corded him and few have enjoyed in so great a measure the love and confidence 
of their fellowmen. A life governed by the most honorable principles, Mr, 
Brainard never deviated from what he believed to be right between himself and 
his fellowmen and in much that he did was actuated by a public spirit that found 
manifestation in the tangible aid which he gave to the county of his adoption. 
His personal characteristics, his straightforward business career and his effi- 
cient public service have made his memory sacredly cherished since he was called 
from this life. 

Mr. Brainard was born on the 24th of September, 1842, in Wyoming county. 
New York, on the old homestead farm located about one and a half miles east 
of the town of Gainsville. His parents were Stephen and Jemimah (Helmer) 
Brainard. also natives of Wyoming county, where their entire lives were passed. 
Their family consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters, but only 
one son now survives. 




F. J. RRAIXAKI* 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 195 

Under the parental roof Frank J. Brainard was reared to manhood and at 
the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district schools near his father's home, 
later attending an academy and high school. He supplemented his early training 
by a course of study in the academy at Pike, New York, and after completing 
his course in that institution engaged in teaching school for three terms, the sum- 
mer months being devoted to farming in partnership with his father. In 1866, 
he sold his interest in the farm and came west to Iowa to visit friends living 
in Anamosa. He was so impressed with the excellent opportunities which this 
state ofifered along agricultural lines that he decided to take up his permanent 
abode here and consequently, in the spring of 1867, he purchased a farm of 
eighty acres in West Cass, for which he paid ten dollars per acre but sold in 
1909 for one hundred and twelve dollars and fifty cents. He added another tract 
of forty acres to his original purchase and on that farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres he continued to make his home until 1876, when he sold out and 
purchased the farm upon which he was residing at the time of his demise and 
which is now operated by his son. It consists of two hundred and forty acres 
of land, located on section 9, which, under his careful management, was brought 
under a high state of cultivation, the farm becoming one of the best improved prop- 
erties in the township. The place is equipped with two comfortable and attractive 
dwellings and has a large barn forty-eight by one hundred feet, while he also addeH 
all the modern conveniences and accessories used to facilitate farm labor. In 
addition to his general farming he made a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, 
and was a most successful, all around agriculturist, whose well directed labors 
were crowned with a most gratifying degree of prosperity. 

On the 2ist of October, 1866, in Gainsville, New York, Mr. Brainard was 
united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Price, native of that town, born on the 
15th of July, 1843. Her father had been twice married, Mrs. Brainard and two 
brothers being the children of the second union, while by his former marriage 
he became the father of six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brainard were born 
five children, namely: Fred A., of North Dakota; Grace May, who passed away 
when seven years old ; Walter and Warren, twins, who died at the age of three 
months ; and George, who resides upon and operates the home farm. The last 
named married Emma Pfiel, by whom he has two children, Geraldine and Carl- 
ton, while Fred, the eldest son, is also married, the lady of his choice being Miss 
Lizzie Grain. They are the parents of seven children, namely : Asa, BertTia, 
Chauncy, Dorothy, Ethel, Florence and Glenn. 

Aside from the high rank which Mr. Brainard attained as an agriculturist, 
he also became a well known and influential factor in community affairs, although 
he never sought to figure prominently before the public. A life-long republi- 
can, he did all in his power to further the influence of that party in the com- 
munity, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his genuine worth and ability, called 
him to various public ofifices. He was elected township trustee, in which office 
he served during the years 1886 and 1887, and was also chosen as assessor and 
justice of the peace. In 1899, further civic honors came to him in his election 
to the office of county supervisor, being a member of the board at the time of 
his demise and discharging the arduous and sometimes tedious duties of this 
office with exemplary diligence and fidelity. During his entire lifetime he had 



196 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

been a faithful and regular attendant at church and Sabbath school, never being 
absent unless detained by illness. On the 6th of March, 1879, he became a 
member of the Cass Center Congregational church, and for nearly eighteen years 
served as deacon therein. In the Sunday school he was by turn scholar, Bible 
class teacher and superintendent, occupying the latter office for eight years. He 
was a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance, doing all in his power to ex- 
tend its influence in the community, for he realized that the liquor traffic is one 
of the greatest evils against which the country has to contend. He remained 
throughout his life an earnest student, keeping in touch with modern thought 
and advancement, and was well known as a man of sterling integrity and well 
cultivated intelligence. 

Two weeks prior to his demise Mr. Brainard was seized with a chill devel- 
oped into grippe, and this, with a complication of heart trouble, proved to be his 
fatal illness. He passed away on the 12th of March, 1902, at the age of fifty- 
nine years, five months and sixteen days, his remains being interred in Cass Cen- 
ter cemetery. His death was a great shock to the members of his family, for 
he had ever been a most loving husband and father, while his loss was also 
sorely felt throughout the community, where he was known as a faithful and con- 
siderate neighbor and a man of kindly thought and spirit, generous and helpful 
in action, and at the same time his genial disposition made him the life of every 
social gathering. Just prior to his final illness he was engaged in a characteristic 
ministry, assisting to care for a sick neighbor. He realized as few men seem to 
do his obligations to his fellowmen and to the community in which he resided. 
He looked at life from a broad standpoint and the simple weight of his character 
and ability carried him into important relations with his fellowmen and won 
for him the unqualified regard and esteem of everyone with whom he came 
in contact. 



WILLIAM R. ROBINSON. 

William R. Robinson, one of the prosperous farmers of Greenfield town.ship, 
is also one of the early settlers of Jones county and can relate many stirring tales 
of the bandits and Indians, whose bloody deeds imperiled the lives of the men 
and women brave enough to endure the hardships of the pioneer life He was 
born in Champaign county, Ohio, November 26, 1836, and was about four years 
of age when his parents, Asa and Hannah (Stratton) Robinson, in the vanguard 
of the early settlers, came to Fairview township, this county. For two years the 
family remained there and then removed to Cedar county, where William R. Rob- 
inson grew to manhood. It was in the period just preceding the Civil war that 
the cruelty of the Indians reached its highest pitch, and the family, together with 
the other inhabitants, resorted to a common camp at night for greater safety. 
Thieves and robbers, too, were at large and pillaged the little communities with- 
out fear of apprehension. One noteworthy instance was the murder of Mr. 
Gowdy of Linn Grove, whose life was held of no value as compared with the 
three hundred dollars the robbers knew he carried. In spite of the hardships and 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 197 

the risk to life and property William Robinson and other children of the family 
grew up. Pie had two brothers, Charles, who had helped to build the first mill in 
Jones county and died in Shelby county, Iowa, at the age of sixty-six, and Her- 
man, who died at the age of fifteen. There were also three sisters, Mrs. Lavina 
Comstock, Mrs. Rebecca Lindsay and Mrs. Eva Platner, all now deceased. Mr. 
Robinson also had three half-brothers : one who died in infancy ; Jacob, who 
died in Colorado at the age of forty-five; and Alva, who resided in Cedar county 
to within a few years ago when he went to Garden City, Kansas, his present home ; 
and five half-sisters : Mrs. Hannah Melton, deceased ; Mrs. Amanda Franklin, 
who resides in Story county, Iowa; Mrs. Cynthia Ann Osborne, of the state of 
Washington; Isabelle, who lives in Hastings, Nebraska; and Mrs. Torre Cole, 
who lives in Hall county, Nebraska. 

The fact that he was but sixteen years of age at the outbreak of the Civil war 
did not deter Mr. Robinson from offering his services in defense of his country. 
On the loth of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-fifth Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and took part in every engagement, about eighteen in all, and all 
the skirmishes in which his regiment shared. One of the most notable battles was 
that before Vicksburg, in which Grant and Sherman were his commanders, and 
Colonel Hill had the charge of the regiment. Though he was a little more than 
three years in the service, he received no wound and was never in the hospital 
and his bravery was unquestioned. About the ist of September, 1865, Mr. Rob- 
inson was honorably discharged and returned to civil pursuits, taking up his resi- 
dence in Greenfield township.' In 1870 he married and settled upon what is now 
his homestead. It consists of two hundred and sixty acres, and through his ef- 
forts and toil has been placed under a fine state of cultivation and exhibits many 
improvements which are the result of his progressive ideas. He also owns thirty- 
one acres of timber land. 

On the loth of March, 1870, Mr. Robinson wedded Miss Lizetta Piper. She 
was born September 28, 1850. near Fort Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of William 
and Minnie (Reese) Piper. The other children — four sons and four daughters 
that were born to her parents were : Henry, of Lisbon, Iowa ; William, of Rome 
township, Jones county; Lewis, also of Rome township; Augustus, of Mechanics- 
ville, Iowa ; Mrs. Minnie Jackson, also of Mechanicsville ; Mrs. Johanna Kohl, of 
Clinton, Iowa; Mrs. Elvina Floyd, of Lisbon; and Mrs. Augusta Krohm, of 
Springville, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born eleven children, 
seven daughters and four sons : Frank Walter, of Greenfield township ; Mrs. 
Anna Maley, of Mechanicsville; Mrs. Ahce Viola Mershon, of Sac City, Iowa; 
Lewis F., deceased ; William, who lives at home ; Mrs. Ida May Miller, of Mor- 
ley, Iowa; Asa, of Greenfield township, this county; Mrs. Bertha Vanderbilt, of 
Greenfield township ; Mrs. Bessie Fisher, of Mechanicsville ; Mrs. Minnie S. 
Parks, who is living in Cedar county, Iowa; and Ishmael Murfield, of Grand- 
field, South Dakota. This large family was reared in the most harmonious home 
surroundings and in the faith of the United Brethren church. By their own ef- 
forts have Mr. and Mrs. Robinson attained to their present position of comfort. 
Hardships they have both known, especially Mr. Robinson from his boyhood's 
days, when nature seemed to conspire against man, as in i860, when the great Co- 
manche cyclone swept the country and destroyed his home and when man knew 



198 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

no limit to greed and debauchery. In the changed condition of the times, these 
things have been all but forgotten and the man that survived them can only be 
grateful that the severity of those days taught the lessons that made possible the 
advance of today. In his political sympathies Mr. Robinson is a republican. 



A. A. COLE. 



A. A. Cole, proprietor and publisher of the Olin Recorder, is a man of wide 
experience and broad-gauged knowledge and is eminently fitted to shape the opin- 
ion of his locality through the medium of his paper. He was born on a farm at 
Nigger Point, afterward Pleasant Hill, Hale township, January 21, 1859, a son 
of John and Rebecca Cole. When he was but eighteen Mr. Cole, who had been 
attending the district school, began teaching in his home district and succeeded 
remarkably well, continuing there for several terms. When Professor C. L. Por- 
ter began agitating the matter of a college at Olin, Mr. Cole organized a sum- 
mer school for him at Pleasant Hill in 1876, after which he with others assisted 
Professor Porter in carrying out his plans, and the college became an accom- 
plished fact in September, 1878, and the following spring it was incorporated. 
Mr. Cole was one of the first pupils and graduated from the new college in the 
class of 1880. 

Following this he had a varied experience, for the young man was ambitious 
and endeavored to find the work for which he was best suited. In the fall of 
1882, he located in Olin. where he purchased a furniture store and conducted it 
for several years. Tn the meanwhile he studied law, and in October, 1900, he 
passed the examination before the supreme court of Iowa and was admitted to 
the bar, since which time he has been in active practice. His inclinations, how- 
ever, had always led him toward newspaper work and in 1896 he formed a part- 
nership with his youngest brother. John L. Cole, and thev bought the Ojin Re- 
corder. This association continued until February 2^ 1907. when the junior 
member retired, and A. A. Cole has since continued alone, owning the printing 
plant and the building in which it is located, and acting as editor. Mr. Cole is 
a fearless writer and never hesitates to take a decided stand upon public matters, 
and his paper is regarded as an authority upon all subjects which he discusses. 

On September 23. 1883, Mr. Cole married Miss Nancy Elizabeth Coleman 
and they have had seven children as follows : Raymond, who married Grace 
Switzer, lives in Olin and is foreman of his father's printing office ; Clarence 
C. who married Hallie Clancey, lives at Coggon, Iowa, and is editor and proprie- 
tor of the Coggon Monitor; Glen F., Letha M., Ruth M., Esther M. and Frances 
L. are at home. Clarence C. has a school record of which his parents are very 
proud as he entered the Olin school when five years old and completed the en- 
tire course in twelve years without being absent or tardy. 

Mr. Cole has often been called upon to represent the republican party in town 
and township offices and for fifteen years he has served faithfully on the school 
board of the independent school district of Olin, and his experience as an educa- 
tor has been of considerable benefit to his people. In 1900 he joined the United 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 199 

Brethren church of Olin and was made superintendent of the Sunday school and 
with the exception of two years has given the church his services in this ca- 
pacity ever since. Prominent in so many other ways, Mr. Cole also takes an in- 
terest in fraternal matters and is a member of the Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 
200, A. F. & A .M., of which he is secretary; also Meridian Lodge, No. 245, 
Knights of Pythias, of which he is chancellor commander. Big Wood Camp, No. 
526, M. W. A. of which he is venerable consul ; Olin Company, No. 9, Uniform 
Rank Knights of Pythias, of which he is captain; Hyacinth Temple, No. 72, Py- 
thian Sisters, all of Olin; and of Ben De Meer Temple, Xo. 12, D. O. K. K. of 
Maquoketa. In legal circles, in newspaper work, socially, fraternally and in his 
church Mr. Cole easily dominates by reason of his personality and energy, and 
he is extremely popular, winning and retaining friends everywhere, so that there 
are few men of Jones county who are more widely known or who are better 
liked than he. 



GEORGE ROGERS. 



George Rogers, a successful representative of the agricultural and stock- 
raising interests of Jones county, is the owner of an excellent farm of four hun- 
dred and twenty acres in Richland township. He was born in Dubuque county, 
Iowa, on the 25th of October, 1854, his parents being Peter and Catherine 
(Moonen) Rogers, both natives of Ireland. In 1849 ^^^7 crossed the Atlantic to 
the United States, taking up their abode in Dubuque county, Iowa, where the 
father was engaged in mining. In 1856 he came to Jones county, purchasing a 
portion of the farm which is now in possession of his son George. He made his 
home thereon throughout the remainder of his life, devoting his time and ener- 
gies to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying results. His demise occurred 
in 1880 and his wife, surviving him but four years, was called to her final rest 
in 1884. They were the parents of five children, namely: Patrick, a resident of 
Jones county ; Michael, who is deceased ; George, of this review ; Catherine, who 
lives with her brother George; and Jane, who has likewise passed away. 

George Rogers spent his youthful days under the parental roof, attending 
the common schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the prac- 
tical and responsible duties of life. When twenty-one years of age he took charge 
of the old home farm, operating the same until his father's death, at which time 
it came into his possession. He is now the owner of four hundred and twenty 
acres of rich and arable land in Richland township, this county, and also has a 
tract of three hundred and twenty acres in Cedar county, Nebraska. In addi- 
tion to the production of cereals he makes a specialty of raising and feeding 
stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. 
His industry has ever been one of his salient characteristics and has been the 
measure of his success. 

In 1905 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Rosanna Troye, a native 
of Austria, who came to this country in the year 1902. They now have three 
children : Joseh Peter, Catherine B. and Mary G. 



200 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rogers has cast his 
ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. His fellow towns- 
men have honored him by election to various positions of public trust and he has 
acted as township trustee and supervisor, while for about a quarter of a cen- 
tury he has served as school treasurer. His religious faith is indicated by his 
membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a communicant. 
He has now made his home in this county for more than a half century and his 
life, ever upright and honorable, has gained for him the warm esteem and un- 
qualified confidence of those with whom business or social relations have brought 
him in contact. 



JOHN J. MERRITT. 



John J. Merritt, one of the venerable citizens of Hale, Iowa, who is now 
living retired after a long and useful life spent in agricultural pursuits, was 
born December 4, 1833, near Lockport, New York, a son of John and Katharine 
(Culp) Merritt. His father was also born in New York state in 1806, and there he 
married Katharine Culp, also a native of New York, who was born in 1800. In 1837 
he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating a claim northwest of Olin, in what 
is now known as Rome township, and is supposed to have been the first white 
man to reach a point that far west in 1837, although many settlers came during 
the following year. This was before the county or state had been organized 
and the district was then known as the Black Hawk Purchase, later Wisconsin 
Territory. Returning to New York, Air. Merritt brought his family by boat 
from Pittsburg down the Ohio river to the Mississippi, and up the latter river 
to where Clinton, Iowa, is now located, and here the family resided for one year 
on account of wild condition of the country around the new claim and the num- 
erous Indians in the locality. This was a hard year for the little party of 
pioneers, whose meat consisted of deer and wild duck, while the meal for their 
bread was pounded corn. Milk was churned in a jug, and in all things the most 
primitive conditions prevailed. In 1838, the family located on the claim, which 
originally consisted of five hundred acres, a part of which was given to a 
neighbor some time later. The nearest trading points at this time were Du- 
buque and Davenport, each about fifty miles away, and no postoffice was located 
in the district until 1842. John Merritt spent his whole life in farming and here 
died December i, 1886, his wife having passed away in 1855. They had a family 
of seven children, namely: Horatio Nelson, who lives in Washington; Agnes, 
who was the wife of Mathias Houseman and who died three years ago; Joseph, 
who is a resident of Black Hills; John J.; William, who lives in Washington; 
Dollie, who married John Lyons and who is now deceased ; and Cornelius, who 
resides in Newport, Iowa. 

John J. Merritt received a limited education in a log schoolhouse situated two 
miles from his home, but he has since improved his every opportunity for learn- 
ing, and is an excellent conversationalist and takes pleasure in relating incidents 
of the strenuous days of early Iowa, He followed farming throughout his 




JOHN MKliKITT 




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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 205 

active life, owning four hundred acres of fine land in Rome township, one-half 
of which, however, he has disposed of. In 1897, he retired from active work 
and moved to his residence in the village of Hale, where he has since lived. 
He still supervises the work on his farm, however, which is located on sections 2 
and 3, Rome township, and is devoted to the growing of grain and the raising of 
high-grade stock. 

On June 5, 1856, Mr. Merritt was married to Rebecca Blainey, who was 
born July 25, 1839, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and died May 30, 1905. Unto 
them were born eight children, as follows: J. B., who resides in Webster City; 
Miranda, who died aged thirty-two years ; Mary, who is the wife of Charles 
Walston, of Olin ; Gus, who lives in Nebraska ; Augusta, who was the twin of 
Gus, and who died when thirteen years of age ; D. Carl, who lives in Olin ; 
Irving, who lives in Cedar Rapids; and W. Dell, on our subject's farm in Rome 
township. 

Mr. Merritt has been a stanch republican all his life, his first presidential 
vote having been cast for John C. Fremont, and he has been active in his party's 
success in this section, serving in numerous township offices. Fraternally he is 
connected with Olin Lodge, No. 200, A. F. & A. M. 



W. HOWARD NORRIS. 



W. Howard Norns, a representative farmer of Scotch Grove township, was 
born in Maryland, February 8, 1869. His parents were George R. and Eliza 
(White) Norris, both descendants of families who had for generations been iden- 
tified with the affairs of that state. It was their birthplace, as well as that of 
their son, and remained their home until 1822. In March of that year Mr. Norris 
moved his family to Jones county, Iowa, locatmg in Scotch Grove township, 
where he resided, with the exception of two years, until his death. His life was 
brought to a close in 1892, but Mrs. Norris is still living, making her home with 
her son Arthur in that township. 

W. Howard Norris was reared at home and obtained his education in the 
district schools. After the death of his father, he and his brother Arthur con- 
tinued to farm the home place until 1902, when Howard Norris came to live upon 
the land which is now the scene of his operations. In 1901 he had purchased one 
hundred and four acres, with the farm buildings thereon, of the old William Mc- 
Intyre place, and in the winter of that year he bought an additional fifty-six acres, 
so that he might have a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he re- 
moved in the spring of 1902. In 1904 he purchased an adjoining eighty acres, so 
that he now owns two hundred and forty acres in one body. Although this con- 
stitutes his landholdings at the present, in 1899 he bought the Finley Lewis farm, 
near Onslow, Scotch Grove township, embracing one hundred and twenty acres. 
He never located on that place, however, but, after renting it for several years, 
disposed of it in 1904 at a handsome profit. Mr. Norris has devoted himself 
largely to diversified farming but he has every year engaged more extensively 
in the stock business. A careful husbandman, industrious and ambitious to ob- 



206 ifTSTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

tain the best resiilts possible for his investment of time and labor, he has risen 
to an enviable position among the agriculturists here. Open, honest and upright, 
his life has won the respect of all who have come in contact with him. 

In May, 1901, Mr. Norris wedded Miss Augusta Scheer, of Wayne township, 
a daughter of Christ Scheer, one of the leading farmers of that township. Of 
this marriage have been born three children: Alice Rosa, Edna Margaret and 
Lucille Esther. Mr. Norris has ever given stanch support to the republican party, 
as he places the utmost confidence in its platform, but has taken no part in the 
local public affairs. His wife is a devout member of the Lutheran church, and 
although he does not give allegiance to any religious body the principles by which 
he orders his life are those encouraged by all Christian faiths. 



JOHN HENRY DIRKS. 



John Henry Dirks, whose agricultural success has added to the fair name of 
Jones county and of Scotch Grove township in particular as one of the pros- 
perous sections of the state, was born in Hanover. Germany, December 18, 1850, 
a son of Dirk and Maria (Jacobs) Dirks. They followed their son to this coun- 
try in 1880 but after about four years sojourn here returned to their native land. 
There in 1887 the mother died and in the summer of the same year the father 
came again to the Linited States, making his home with his children. His death 
occurred June 15, i8g8. 

At home, under the wise guidance of his parents, John Henry Dirks re- 
ceived the practical education which supplemented the training he obtained in the 
public schools of his native land. In 1870, when he was about twenty years of 
age, he decided to come to the United States to make his fortune. After land- 
ing upon our shores he came to Jones county, Iowa, where he worked for four 
years in the employ of Peter Schwartz. At the end of that time, as the latter 
wished to take a trip to Germany, Mr. Dirks rented his place and began farming 
on his own account. Eor sixteen years he prosecuted his labors as a tenant in 
different sections of the township and then, in 1888, bought at the sheriff's sale 
the place which had belonged to Hugh McCain. It embraced one hundred and 
twenty acres, lying on section 31, Scotch Grove township. For the first two years 
of his possession, however, Mr. Dirks rented it to the son of Mr. McClain, not 
taking up his own residence upon it until 1890. Since that time it has been his 
home continuously. In 1891 he purchased forty acres adjoining his place, so that 
his present farm has a total area of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1902 he 
purchased another tract of land of eighty acres in Wayne township, which he 
operates in conjunction with that on which he lives. This large acreage may 
well be contrasted with the three dollars which was the extent of his possessions 
when Mr. Dirks entered tliis country. Mis huidholdings and the success he has 
won from his cultivation of the soil make him now one of the substantial farmers 
of this county. 

On the 25th of June, 1886, Mr. Dirks was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
Otten, of Scotch Grove tov.nshi]). She is a native of Hanover, Germany, and 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 207 

came to this country in 1885. Nine children have been born to the couple: Mary, 
Anna, Dirk, Grace, Otto, Henry, Frederick, Herman and William. They are all 
at home. The family are members of the German Lutheran church, in harmony 
with whose teachings they order their lives, while politically Mr. Dirks has given 
his support to the republican party, for he feels that he has seen repeated dem- 
onstration of the value of its principles of government. 



MARSHALL W. HERRICK. 

During- the two score years and more that Marshall W. Herrick has practiced 
his profession, that of the law, in the town of Monticello, he has so closely iden- 
tified himself with the best interests of the community that his fellow citizens 
have several times chosen him for positions in' which reliance was placed upon his 
judgment and discrimination. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, November 
15, 1844, his parents being John and' Emeline (Higganbotham) Herrick. The 
former was a native of New York, where he was born in 1818, while the latter 
was one of the daughters of Virginia, her birth occurring in the same year as 
that of the man she afterward married. The father followed farming through 
the years of his activity and died in Monticello at the age of seventy-seven. The 
mother also passed away in the same town, although she lived to be eighty years 
of age. 

Marshall W. Herrick was reared at home and was but six years of age when 
in 1850 his parents left their Indiana home and removed to a farm in the vicinity 
of Madison, Wisconsin. In 1856 they became residents of the town of Burnett 
in Dodge county. Wisconsin, which remained his home until after the completion 
of his education, when he came to Monticello. After attending the public schools 
he entered Wayland University at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, taking up the read- 
ing of law during his last year at that institution. In 1866 he entered the law 
school at Albany, New York, and after graduating therefrom "in 1867, was ad- 
mitted to practice in the court of appeals in New York. He returned then to his 
family in Wisconsin, being admitted to the courts of that state, and to those of 
the state of Iowa when, in 1868, he took up his residence in Monticello. He is 
also licensed to practice in the United States district and circuit courts and in 
the court of appeals. His energy and his efficiency in handling cases intrusted 
to him won for him the election as county attorney of Jones county, a position he 
held from September, 1895, to January i, 1901, and the disinterested part he had 
ever played in the affairs of the town of Monticello secured for him the loyal 
support of its citizens when he was the candidate for mayor. His freedom from 
partiality, his broad views and well balanced intellect on the other hand, made 
him a valuable addition to the school board of the city and to the library board, 
while his success in his profession has won recognition among his fellow practi- 
tioners through election to the presidency of the Jones County Bar Association, 
a chair he has held for several years past. 

On the 13th of September, 1870, at Monticello, Mr. Herrick wedded Miss 
Mary C. Chamberlin, a native of New York. Two children have been born to 



208 HiSTORY OF JOXES COUNTY 

them: Mrs. Mabel Grace Hall, of Monticello; and Mrs. Frances Marion Bates, 
of Stanford. South Dakota. Politically Mr. Herrick has always affiliated 
with the republican party, while with his open-mindedness and independence of 
judgment he finds in the beliefs of the Christian Science church the religious 
tenets that please him and he is connected with that denomination in Monticello. 
Since 1869 he has been a Master Mason, being a member of Burns Lodge, No. 
173, A. F. & A. M. 



THOMAS McGOVERN. 



One of the larger farmers of Richland township, who has taken some part 
in local affairs, is Thomas McGovern, who was born in Washington 
township, this county. He is the son of William and Jane (Heery) Mc- 
Govern, both natives of Ireland where the father's birth occurred in 1825 and 
the mother's in 1819. In 1837 they came to the United States, separately, and 
sixteen years later were married in New York. The following year, that of 
1854, they came to Jones county. Iowa, where for a short time they rented land, 
later buying the farm in Richland township, on which their son Thomas now 
lives. Although they came after the first band of men and women had braved 
the hardships of pioneer life, there was yet much to be done before their property 
could be brought to the state of cultivation it showed after they had lived here 
nearly half a century, for Mr. McGovern lived until 1900 and his wife six years 
longer. Of the eight children born of their union, two now survive: William, 
a farmer of Richland township; and Thomas, the subject of this sketch. 

Thomas McGovern received a fair education in the common schools of this 
county, and, being reared at home, he obtained a thorough and practical train- 
ing for the work of life. He remained with his parents until their death, as- 
suming the heavier cares of the cultivation of the farm when his father's ad- 
vancing years made active work impossible. Upon the death of the latter he 
bought the interests of the other heirs and has continued to make his boyhood's 
home the scene of his mature labors. He has added to the original tract, how- 
ever, as success has crowned his efforts, and now owns five hundred and seventy- 
seven acres of good, arable land in Richland township. In connection with 
general farming Mr. McGovern has made a specialty of feeding stock for the 
market, finding that a most profitable adjunct to his other interests. The suc- 
cess which he now enjoys has not been a thing of chance but the well deserved 
revvard for years of conscientious toil, bringing with it a satisfaction that comes 
from the work of one's own hands and not through the misfortune of another. 

In 1891 Mr. McGovern was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Dolphin. 
She was born in this county in 1857 and is a daughter of James and Mary T Go- 
gen) Dolphin, the latter a resident of Cascade. Iowa, and seventy-six years of 
age. Mr. Dolphin, however, has passed away. Three children were born to Mr. 
McGovern and his wife: Mazie. Valinda and George. Mrs. McGovern died Jan- 
uary 12. 1909. in the faith of the Catholic church, in which she has been reared 
and of which she was a devout member during her lifetime. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 209 

Mr. McGovern is also a member of that church, while politically he is in 
sympathy with the principles of the democratic party. For a period of sixteen 
years he was clerk of his township, and later, since he has taken an increased 
interest in the educational opportunities here, he has been secretary of the 
school board. 



WILLIAM ALBIN STINGLEY. 

William Albin Stingley, the section foreman of the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad at Center Junction, which position he has occupied continuously 
for twenty-six years, is one of Madison township's most representative and highly 
esteemed citizens. A native of Indiana, he was born in Henry county on the 
30th of March, 1849, a son of Andrew and Lucinda (Ireland) Stingley. The 
mother was born in Ohio while the father was probably born in Pennsylvania, 
his parents having come of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. In the course of time, 
however, both the Stingley and the Ireland families removed to Henry county, 
Indiana, where the parents of our subject were united in marriage, and in 1849 
they came west to Jones county, Iowa, locating about four miles north of Me- 
chanicsville, in Rome township, where the father entered one hundred and sixty 
acres of land. In 1853 the father was accidentally shot by a friend while deer 
hunting and later the mother was married to Alexander Long. He, too, met 
an unnatural death, having been caught in a blizzard while in Cerro Gordo county 
in company with another party, at which time he was frozen to death. The 
mother was again married, her third union being with Collins McClaflin. She 
was a member of the Christian church, and in the faith of that denomination she 
passed away on the 27th of August, 1902, at the age of seventy-four years. 

William Albin Stingley spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his na- 
tive state and was but four years of age at the time of the death of his father. 
Owing to the limited means of his widowed mother it was necessary for him at 
a very early age to assist in the support of the family, and the educational ad- 
vantages which he enjoyed therefore, were very meager, for he laid aside his 
text-books at the age of fourteen years. He remained under the parental roof, 
giving his mother the benefit of his aid, until sixteen years of age, when he left 
home and started out to earn his own livelihood in the business world. He was 
engaged in agricultural pursuits as a farm hand for about nine years, at the end 
of which time, through hard labor and careful saving of his earnings, he had 
accumulated sufficient means with which to engage in farming on his own ac- 
count. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Estella Preston, a daughter 
of H. C. Preston, of Madison township, Jones county, further mention of whom 
appears elsewhere in this volume. 

After his marriage Mr. Stingley operated the farm of his father-in-law for 
about five years, and in 1882 withdrew from agricultural life and removed to 
Center Junction, where he became identified with the railroad business. With 
the exception of the first fifteen months he has held the position of section fore- 
man on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at this place continuously 



210 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

for the ensuing twenty-six years, a fact which stands in incontrovertible evi- 
dence of his efficiency, promptness and faithfulness. Energetic, industrious and 
trustworthy at all times, he has succeeded in making himself indispensable to 
the company and today is one of their most trusted and valued employes at this 
place. 

As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stingley has 
been blessed with nine children, eight of whom still survive, namely : Bertha, the 
wife of William Spohn, of Center Junction; Maud, who married J. E. Duncan 
and also resides in Center Junction ; William A., operator for the Chicago, Bur- 
lington & Quincy Railroad at Norton, Kansas; Earl H.. statiotj^ agent for the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul at Center Junction; Harry, residing at home; 
Alma, now deceased ; and Roscoe, Olive and Helen, all still under the parental 
roof. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stingley are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
of which he is a member of the board of trustees and is also class leader. He is 
likewise serving as a member of the board of trustees of the cemetery. Fra- 
ternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while politically 
he gives stalwart support to the republican party. For four years he served as 
town assessor and was town clerk for six years, while he is now serving efficiently 
as the secretary of the Center Junction high school. Although his educational 
advantages were very limited, nevertheless he is a. well informed man, having 
always been a broad reader, keeping in touch with all matters of general interest 
and public moment. He is loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship, an unas- 
suming, pleasant and companionable gentleman, standing among the first for in- 
tegrity of purpose and general high character in the community where he has 
so long resided. 



JAMES M. D. JOSLIN, M. D 

Dr. James M. D. Joslin is one of the oldest among the native sons of Ana- 
mosa and Jones county and is a representative of one of the most honored pioneer 
families. His birth occurred June i, 1848, in the old family home which still 
stands near his present place of residence. His parents were Dr. Clark and Eliza- 
beth (Hale) Joslin. natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. The paternal 
grandfather, John G. Joslin, was a soldier of the War of 1812 and aided in 
building forts under the direction of General William Henry Harrison. He lived 
to be seventy-four years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Candace (Wolcott) Joslin, 
reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. 

During the gold expedition to the Pacific coast John G. Joslin with two of his 
sons made the trip to California with ox-teams over the old Fremont trail. Wliile 
en route he decided to make a little side trip, telling his sons he would meet them 
at Webber river. But he became lost and for three days and nights wandered 
over the mountains. The sons started out in search of iiim and just as they were 
about to give up the hunt they found him. He had wandered thirty miles back 
over the mountains and had been without water or food save a sage hen which he 




DR. CLARK JOSLIN 
First Physician in Jones County 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 213 

had killed. He was almost exhausted when they reached him, being so weak 
that it was necessary for the sons to carry him on their backs a distance of 
thirty miles. It was just an accident that they found him. At another time he 
left his sons and started off up the mountain. He soon succeeded in killing a deer 
but after he had fired his shot was surprised to see something bob up in the grass 
and discovered that Indians were trying to cut him off from camp which he suc- 
ceeded in reaching, however, by creeping through the deep grass so that he could 
not be seen by the redmen. On reaching California the party located on the 
xA.merican river where they engaged in placer mining with good success for the 
year, one day washing out twenty-eight dollars in free gold. But the father be- 
came ill with scurvy and was obliged to return home, the trip being made by way 
of the Isthmus of Panama and up the Mississippi river to Davenport. Two of 
his sons were soldiers of the Civil war — Harrison and Daniel Joslin, both of whom 
died while in the service, while another uncle of our subject, Phineas Baker, also 
passed away while defending the interests of the Union. 

The maternal grandfather, Philip Hale, was of German descent and died when 
about seventy years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Polly Hale, was also about the 
same age at the time of her demise. It will thus be seen that Dr. Joslin comes 
from a long-lived ancestry in both the paternal and maternal lines. 

Dr. Clark Joslin, the father of our subject, was born at Bricksville, Cuya- 
hoga county, Ohio, about thirty miles south of Cleveland, and when a boy as- 
sisted in clearing two farms on the river bottoms in Ohio, these being covered 
with heavy chestnut timber. He afterward assisted in clearing two farms in 
Michigan before coming to Iowa. His father plowed around four sections of 
land in this state, which he thus secured as a claim, but afterward gave away some 
of it. Dr. Joslin, at one time, owned twenty-eight hundred acres of land in this 
state, of which ten hundred and fifty acres were in one tract. During the war he 
sold off much of the land for taxes were very high, it requiring about eighty acr^s 
to pay the taxes each year. He arrived in Fairview township, Jones county, 
Iowa, in 1837. He had been married in Michigan some years before and his 
wife died in that state while Dr. Joslin was in Iowa. They had one child, Mary 
L., who became the wife of C. H. Bingham, a resident of Clinton, Iowa. Their 
children are : Alfred, Fred, Charles, Frank and Bertha. For his second wife Dr. 
Joslin chose Miss Elizabeth Hale, whom he wedded in January, 1842. William 
Cullen Joslin, the eldest child of that marriage, wedded Mary Caffrey, who died 
in 1881. Their children were James C, Mamie and Edna, who died in infancy 
For his second wife William Cullen Joslin chose Emma Chismann, of Cedar 
county, Iowa, and they have one child, William. The residence of William C. 
Joslin was in Cass township, Jones county, and he died in 1906. Mary Ann, 
the second of the family, is the deceased wife of David Ellis, who resided for a 
time in Jackson county, Iowa, while later he lived in Bismarck, North Dakota, 
and afterward in Sioux City, Iowa. Their children were : Charles C, Ed. E., 
Emma E., and Curtis. The mother, Mrs. Mary A. Ellis, passed away about 1902. 
Dr. James M. D. Joslin was the next of the family. Two of the children died in 
infancy. 

Dr. Clark JosHn was the first physician of Jones county and his practice ex- 
tended over a radius of fifty miles He made professional calls within seven 



214 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

miles of Davenport, treating five cases of typhoid within a short distance of that 
city. He made all of his trips on horseback and was a very familiar figure in 
this part of the state in pioneer times. He had a remarkable record as a hun- 
ter, killing many deer and other large game. On one occasion he killed a deer 
within eighty rods of the present site of the depot at Anamosa. On first com- 
ing to the county, he located in the little town of Fair view but later established 
his home in the county seat. In pioneer times he suffered from exposure and 
hardships incident to the long rides across the wild prairies but he was a skill- 
ful physician and never hesitated to respond to a call for his professional serv- 
ice when needed. At one time nearly the entire population of the district were 
ill with bilious fever. He made his way to Dubuque and Muscatine for needed 
medicines and on one occasion led a cow to Dubuque, selling her for six dollars. 
He invested this money in quinine, which then sold for nine dollars per ounce, 
so that it took the price of a cow and a half to buy a single ounce of the medicine. 
Dr. Joslin, however, was a botanist with much knowledge of plants and there- 
fore in his practice used many herbs in the treatment of the sick. As the country 
gradually settled up, however, he found he could secure drugs and other re- 
medial agencies with which to minister to his patients and thus modern practice 
took the place of the old methods of bleeding and purging. He had commenced 
the study of medicine in Michigan, where he practiced for about three years 
before coming to Iowa and in this state was in continuous practice from 1837 
until 1899, or for nearly sixty-two years. He had followed the Thomsonian 
method but later took up the methods of practice known to the regular or allo- 
pathic school. He assisted in treating cases of cholera as early as 1832 and 
thus his entire life was given to a work which proved of the greatest benefit to 
his fellowmen. 

Dr. James M. D. Joslin, whose name introduces this review, was reared on 
the old family homestead amid the environment of pioneer life in Jones county. 
One of the incidents of his youth which he well remembers is that in the early 
'50s, when his father and grandfather went into the bottom lands toward Inde- 
pendence on a hunting trip. They were gone three days and killed twenty-two 
deer, so that they were enabled to enjoy smoked venison for sometime. His 
youthful days were spent under the parental roof and his early education was 
acquired in the public schools. He afterward took up the study of medicine and 
is a graduate of the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Keokuk. In the spring 
of 1875 he commenced practice in association with his father. He has now been 
a representative of the medical fraternity here for thirty- four years and through- 
out the entire period his conscientious performance of duty, his capability and the 
steady progress which he has made along professional lines by reason of his 
research and investigation have made him one of the most successful physicians 
of the county, giving to him an extensive patronage. 

In 1877 Dr. Joslin was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Sweeny, a 
daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth (Young) Sweeny, natives of Ireland and 
New York, respectively. At an early date they became residents of Elgin, 
Illinois, and subsequently removed to Lansing, Iowa, in 1855, there continuing 
to make their home until called to their final rest. Dr. and Mrs. Joslin have 
one son, Clark Eccless, an electrical engineer, who is new manager of the Jones 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 215 

county Telephone Company. He wedded Estelle Irene Plourde, a daughter of 
Fred Plourde and a native of Wisconsin. They have one child, Irene Lenore. 
They were married in Plattville, Wisconsin, where Mr. Joslin was employed by 
an electrical company. He was born on the 4th of March, 1879, and acquired 
his literary education in the public schools and afterward pursued his course in 
electrical engineering at Ames, Iowa. 

As the years have gone by Dr. Joslin has prospered and is not only enjoying 
a large practice at the present time but also has an excellent income from valu- 
able farming property. He owns one hundred and forty acres of land on sec- 
tion 32, Cass township, and one hundred and fifty acres on section 4, Fair- 
view township. He also owns a stone quarry, which is operated by James Law- 
rence, and some town property including two houses and lots. Dr. Joslin is well 
known as a representative member of the Odd Fellows society. He belongs to 
the lodge in which he has held all the dififerent offices and he has also taken the 
military degrees of the order. His political allegiance is given to the democracy 
and he served as pension examining surgeon under President Cleveland. For 
fourteen years he was city alderman and was elected county coroner but resigned 
that office. His life has ever been a busy and useful one, crowned with honor 
and respect, and he is a most worthy representative of one of the leading pioneer 
families of this part of the state. 



JOSEPH F. FRITSCH. 



Joseph F. Fritsch, the leading photographer of Anamosa, is a native of 
Zauchtel, Austria, his parents being Fred and Anna (Simper) Fritsch, who were 
likewise born in that locality. The father was reared in his native country and 
there learned the machinist's trade. In 1893 with his family he crossed the 
Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Garner, Iowa, where he 
followed his trade until 1897 and he has since been successfully engaged in 
business as a photographer. 

Joseph F. Fritsch obtained his education in the public schools at Garner and 
after putting aside his text-books devoted himself to the mastery of the art of 
photography, which profession he had determined to make his life work. He 
studied under such prominent photographers as Jacob SchaefiFer, of Chicago, 
C. G. Stearns of Minneapolis and W. B. Wright of Mason City, Iowa. In 1906 
he opened his first studio at Mason City, where he remained for three years, 
then he came to Anamosa and purchased the studio of D. E. Cook, which he 
has conducted since the 15th of April, 1909. In 1907, at the convention of the 
Photographer's Association of Iowa, he won first honors among about fifty com- 
petitors and was presejited with a heautiful bronze vase eighteen inches high. 
This trophy is on exhibition in his studio at Anamosa and he prizes it very highly. 
He recognizes the value of light and shade and of contrast, employs the latest 
improved processes and in his business has gained a measure of success that is 
most gratifying. 



216 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Mr. Fritsch exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- 
ures of the republican party. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic 
church and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the 
Photographer's Association of Iowa and of the Photographer's Association of 
America. 



GEORGE LAFAYETTE LOVELL. 

Few positions in the world of affairs and business demand a greater executive 
capacity, a keener acumen in commercial matters and a healthy union of con- 
servatism and progress than does that of president of a banking institution. 
These are the qualities possessed in high degree by George Lafayette Lovell, who, 
for more than three decades, has been connected with the financial interests of 
Monticello and for more than a third of that time has been the president of the 
Lovell State Bank. 

He was born in Climax, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, March 20, 1856, and 
is a son of Dr. Lafayette W. and Catharine (Eldred) Lovell, who as children 
had gone to J\lichigan in the second quarter of the past century. The father was 
a native of Windham county, Vermont, and was descended from English and 
Welsh ancestors who were early settlers of New England, some of them being 
prominent in the affairs of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Their descendants 
have in turn followed the course of the history of this country, each playing his 
part in the life about him. In 1835, Dr. Lafayette W. Lovell came west with his 
parents, who located in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where he grew to man- 
hood and established himself as a physician. Besides achieving distinction in his 
profession he became prominent in county and state affairs, in which his in- 
fluence was felt until his death, in 1896. His wife. Miss Catharine Eldred in her 
maidenhood, was a native of Otsego county. New York and a daughter of Judge 
Caleb Eldred, who had gone to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, in 1832. The 
young people were united in marriage in 1848, together passing down life's high- 
way until 1892, when Mrs. Lovell was called to her final rest. 

George Lafayette Lovell was reared under the parental roof, obtaining his 
early education in the village schools of Climax, Michigan. Their course of in- 
struction completed, he was enrolled as a student in Olivet College, Olivet, Mich- 
igan, and after spending two years there he went to Cornell University, Ithaca, 
New York, at which he remained from 1873 to 1875. The winter of 1875-76 he 
devoted to study at Parsons Business College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, completing 
the prescribed course. He came to Monticello, Iowa, in March, 1876, and for 
the next few months acted as bookkeeper in the bank here and that in Straw- 
berry Point. Early in 1878 he entered into partnership with G. W. Lovell, an 
uncle, under the firm name of G. W. & G. L. Lovell, and the two conducted a 
profitable banking business here for nineteen years, until 1897, when the death 
of the older man compelled a reorganization of the concern. It was then in- 
corporated under the state laws as the Lovell State Bank and Mr. Lovell has 
since acted as its president. The sound financial policy which has characterized 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 217 

its existence, the stability of the investments in which its funds have been placed 
and its general safety as a repository for the moneys of others, these and many 
other things have won for it the confidence of the citizens and for its owner the 
highest respect. 

On the 19th of December, 1878, in Olivet, Michigan, Mr. Lovell was joined 
in wedlock to Miss Fredrika M. Green, a native of Lancaster, Erie county, New 
York. Three children were born of the union : Grace, who is the wife of George 
L. Schoonover, of Anamosa, Iowa; Lafayette W., who married Miss Lisle M. 
Richardson; and Catharine E. One of the pioneer bankers of the town, Mr. 
Lovell has added to that distinction the fact that his career has ever been marked 
by a high conception of honor and integrity. 



HENRY HENRICHS. 



Henry Henrichs, who throughout the period of his residence in Scotch Grove 
township was recognized as one of its honored, respected and valued citizens, 
claimed Germany as the country of his nativity, his birth occurring in Olden- 
burg on the 27th of November, 1859. There he was reared to manhood, ac- 
quiring his education in the public schools, and when twenty-three years of age 
decided to come to the new world, which, he had heard, offered excellent oppor- 
tunities for advancement along business lines. Consequently in 1882 he left his 
home and friends and sailed for America, coming direct to Scotch Grove town- 
ship, Jones county. Here he worked as a farm hand for George Bohlken until 
1883, when he returned to the fatherland and remained with his parents until 
the following year. Once more crossing the Atlantic he again made his way 
to Scotch Grove township, where for a period of two years he was engaged as 
a farm hand, working by the month. 

On the 4th of March, 1886, Mr. Henrichs was united in marriage to Miss 
Lizzie Meinen, a native of Wayne township, Jones county, and after their mar- 
riage they began their domestic life upon a farm of one hundred acres in Scotch 
Grove township, which had come to his wife by inheritance. They resided upon 
that farm about six years and removed to an adjoining farm of seventy acres 
which Mr. Henrichs had purchased in the meantime. In 1898 they took up their 
abode upon the present home farm where he spent the remaining days of his 
life and upon which his widow still resides. He engaged in general agricultural 
pursuits and also made a specialty of the dairy business, keeping on hand from 
twenty to twenty-five cows for that purpose. Systematic and methodical in the 
conduct of his affairs, a combination of these stalwart German characteristics 
with the more American spirit of enterprise and progress insured him a most 
gratifying measure of success which placed him among the substantial and rep- 
resentative citizens of the township. At the time of his death he and his wife 
owned jointly two hundred and ninety acres of land. 

With the passing of the years Mr. and Mrs. Henrichs became the parents of 
six children, Charles, Nellie, William, Emma, Mabel and Lillie, all of whom are 
still at home. He was a member, as is his wife, of the Evangelical Lutheran 



218 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

church and was a man of many sterling traits of character, whose entire career 
measured up to a high standard of honorable manhood. Independent in poli- 
tics, he reserved the right of casting his vote for the men and measures which 
in his opinion were best adapted to conserve public welfare regardless of party 
ties. He served efficiently for several years as a member of the school board 
and his influence was ever upon the side of material, intellectual and moral 
development. He passed from this life on the 21st of March, 1909, and his 
death was mourned by a large number of friends who had come to respect and 
honor him for his genuine worth of character. His wife still resides upon the 
home farm and is a very capable woman, conducting her affairs in a most care- 
ful and businesslike manner. Kindly in spirit and pleasing in disposition, she is 
popular with a large number of warm friends throughout the community, who 
know her for an excellent neighbor and a true and loyal friend. 



L. and L. F. ZELLER. 



Nothing is more indicative of the material prosperity of a city or town 
than the character of the banking institutions which are supported there. Upon 
these depends the development of all other interests ; their standing more than 
anything else influences keen business men in establishing industries in their 
vicinity. In consequence, judging from this attitude of the world at large, it 
would seem that the great progress which Oxford Junction has made in the 
last twenty years, has been due in no small measure to the enterprise, the fidelity 
and the banking policies of L. and L. F. Zeller. father and son, who are the 
owners of the Citizens Exchange Bank. It was organized first in 1889, but as 
its business increased to large proportions its capital was accordingly increased 
to fifty thousand dollars and an individual responsibility to over one hundred 
thousand dollars. 

L. Zeller, who was the first to see the need and opportunity for a bank in 
Oxford Junction, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1839. At the age of thirteen 
he came to America, taking up his residence in Trenton, New Jersey, where he 
lived until 1859. ^" that year he started for Iowa. After about one year spent 
in Keokuk, he came to Jones county, locating upon a farm which was then known 
as the Stafford place and is now owned by his sister. In 1875, he disposed of 
his land and moved to Oxford Junction, which was but a village in those days, 
being a very new town, for the Sabula & Ackerley and the Davenport & St. Paul 
railroads had only been laid about four years before. Deciding to go into busi- 
ness he accordingly built a store, which afterward was changed to the Arlen 
House, and placed on sale a large stock of up-to-date merchandise. Successful 
as the venture was financially, the change of occupation did not agree with his 
health so he sold his goods to J. B. Richards & Son, of Wyoming, and the store 
to Frank Arlen, who has since converted it into a hotel. Then he built the fine 
residence now owned by P. C. Ingwersen. which was the first brick structure 
of its kind in the city, and, in the course of years selling it, he erected the fine home 
where he and his son now reside. 




L. ZELLEE 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 221 

From 1880 to 1889, Mr. Zeller was not actively engaged in any particular busi- 
ness but he was keenly alive to the world of finance, making a thorough study 
of loans, banking, investments and the general business methods of financiers, 
thus acquiring a knowledge which has made his advice and judgment eagerly 
sought by investors. It also, united with his reputation for promptness and 
honest dealings, has made possible his success in the conduct of the Citizens 
Exchange Bank. 

In 1864, Mr. Zeller, married Miss Josephine Egida, and of their union was 
born L. F. Zeller, who is following in the footsteps of his father, although he 
enjoys a strong character and a fair name all of his own making. He was born 
in Oxford township in 1866, but as his parents moved to Oxford Junction when 
he was eight years old, his education has been in large measure derived from 
the public schools there. After finishing the high school course he entered 
Cornell College for a year, and then went to Lenox College, from which he was 
graduated with the degree of B. S. It was in 1888 that he started upon his busi- 
ness career, finding employment as a clerk in a hardware store in Cedar Rapids. 
There he remained until, as he expresses it, "We were struck with the banking 
fever," and he joined his father in the new enterprise. Put to many severe tests 
his capabilities were found sufficient to meet all the demands made upon him and 
he was taken into partnership. Now he has full charge of the bank, while his 
father attends to the outside business, such as land investments, collections and 
rentals, and so forth. 

L. F. Zeller soon won recognition for his ability even beyond the confines 
of his office, for in 1892, when the younger men of Oxford Junction decided 
to take the government out of the hands of the older and experienced directors 
of affairs, the name of L. F. Zeller was placed at the head of their ticket. He 
was elected by a large majority, served with his usual fidelity to the trust im- 
posed in him, winning notice throughout the state as being the youngest mayor 
then in office in Iowa. A man full of energy and enthusiasm, he is a most 
worthy member of the public library board, while his sound business methods, 
his faithfulness and his courtesy have contributed their share toward promot- 
ing the success of the bank. 

A few words regarding the institution itself will not be out of place. Organ- 
fzed October 19, 1889, with a capital of ten thousand dollars, in a year and a half 
it had outgrown its accommodations so that it had to be moved to a place better 
adapted to its needs. In 1897, another removal was necessary for the same rea- 
sons, and a new safe was installed in a fire proof vault. This last adjunct was 
secured none too soon for in 1898 the bank building was wrecked by fire, which, 
however, did no damage to the valuables placed in the vault, which has since 
been made doubly secure against all the perils to which safes are subject. The 
present building in which the bank is housed was erected at a cost of three thous- 
and dollars and is one of the most attractive edifices on Broadway. The entire 
first floor is given over to the needs of the concern, the banking rooms being 
fitted in the most modern and attractive style. There money is received from 
anyone, interest being paid upon deposits at the current rate, while accounts of 
farmers, merchants and others are received on favorable terms. Commercial 
and real-estate loans are made upon acceptable security, exchanges are bought 



222 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and sold and collections made ; indeed, a general banking business in all that that 
implies is carried on. But in addition the concern has the agency for the leading 
life, fire and accident insurance companies and the buying and selling of real 
estate. From them may be obtained letters of credit to any port across the 
ocean. As the greater part of the bank's securities are placed in farm land, much 
of it in the vicinity of Oxford Junction, its patrons know that its funds are 
safely invested. This fact combined with the reputation its owners enjoy have 
made the institution one in which the greatest confidence is placed by those in 
Oxford Junction and in its vicinity. 



ALEXANDER BEATTY, JR. 

Alexander Beatty, Jr., is one of the successful agriculturists of Richland 
township. He was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 2, 1879, and 
is a son of Alexander and Mary (South) Beatty. The latter was born in Pike 
county, Missouri, but the father was a native of Ireland, coming to America in 
1848, at the time of the great famine when so many of Erin's sons sought refuge 
in this country. He made his way almost directly to Jones county, Iowa, where 
he bought the land on which his son Alexander makes his home today. Upon 
this place his wife died in May, 1895, and here he passed away January 11, 1901. 
Nine children were born to them : Agnes, who is now the wife of Robert Lee, 
of Muscatine, Iowa; John S.. who lives in Richland township; Joseph, of Inde- 
pendence, Iowa; Eva, who is the wife of J. B. Atchison, of Cascade, Iowa; Hat- 
tie, who married J. L. Fober, of Dubuque county, Iowa; Alexander Jr., the sub- 
ject of this sketch; and Thomas, William and Mary, deceased. 

Alexander Beatty, Jr., has always lived on the farm which was his birth- 
place and is his home today. He attended the district schools of the township, 
from which he derived a fair education, and then returned to the duties at home 
which had not been relinquished during the years he was a student, for from an 
early age he assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm. When the latter 
was released from the cares of this world he assumed the management of the 
place, purchasing the interests of the other heirs. Since then he has devoted all 
his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, making the one hundred and thirty 
acres produce bountiful harvests. His industry has brought him a pronounced 
success and it has also served as an inspiration to others who have witnessed the 
substantial returns that have resulted from it. 

In June. 1894, Mr. Beatty wedded Miss Sadie Nachtrieb, who was born in 
Cascade, Iowa, in 1870, and was a daughter of John and Harriett (Lewis) Nach- 
trieb. one of the three children born to the couple. Both parents are dead now 
but during their lives they were important members of the agricultural com- 
munity of Dubuque county. Mrs. Nachtrieb was a native of Indiana, while her 
husband was born in Germany, but he had come to the L'^^nited States in his 
youth. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beatty: Beulah M. and 
Gladys. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 223 

In political matters Air. Beatty has always given his support to the republican 
candidates, being wholly in sympathy with the platform of that party, but has 
never sought office or any public recognition of his abilities. He has been 
very active, however, in the Cascade Lodge, No. 127, A. F. & A. M., not only 
participating in most of the meetings but through the occupancy of many of the 
chairs directing the policy of the organization there. With his wife he belongs 
to the Eastern Star, No. 626, at Cascade, and like her is a consistent member of 
the Baptist church. 



ERVIN E. REED. 



Ervin E. Reed, one of the successful young lawyers of Monticello, was born 
in South Fork township, Delaware county, Iowa, June 15, 1873. ^^^^ father, 
John S. Reed, was a farmer, who settled in that township in 1848, when it was 
first opened by the government for colonization. His mother, whose maiden 
name was Christiana McDonald, was also one of the early settlers of Iowa, 
having come to the state in 1854 and to Scotch Grove township two years 
later. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent and the mother of Scottish 
ancestry. 

After the death of John S. Reed in 1887. his widow removed from the old 
homestead in Delaware county to Monticello, where Ervin E. Reed was sent to 
the public schools. He was graduated from the high school in 1891 and after 
teaching for a period in the rural schools of the county he matriculated in the 
Iowa State College of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts at Ames. From the 
scientific course of that institution he was graduated in November, 1895, and in 
1898 he received his degree of LL. B. from the law department of Drake Uni- 
versity at Des Moines, having completed the course in that school. 

While a student Mr. Reed pursued a systematic and thorough course in mili- 
tary science in connection with his regular collegiate work and in 1894 he was 
detailed to act as battalion adjutant of the First Regiment Iowa National Guard 
during its annual encampment. Immediately after the encampment he was ap- 
pointed to fill that position with the rank of first lieutenant, serving as such at the 
opening of the Spanish-American war. In April, 1898, he was ordered into the 
United States service with his regiment, which was rechristened the Forty-ninth 
Iowa Infantry Volunteers when it was mustered in. It was ordered to Jackson- 
ville. Florida, where a military camp had been established under the name of 
Camp Cuba Libre. There the Forty-ninth Iowa Infantry remained until 
October, when it moved to Savannah, Georgia. In December it was sent to 
Havana. Cuba, and became a part of the Am.erican Army of Occupation under 
Major General Fitzhugh Lee. When the regiment arrived at Camp Cuba Libre 
it was only partially equipped and the work of providing the new recruits with 
the necessary accouterments for active campaigning was delayed because of the 
confusion due to the lack of trained and competent men in the quartermaster's 
department. In August Lieutenant Reed was made quartermaster of his regi- 
ment and with the capacity for organization that has ever distinguished him he 



224 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

proceeded to bring order out of the confusion and complete the equipment of his 
men for field work. So well were his duties performed that when the regiment 
moved into Cuba it was among the best prepared body of men in the army. 
Lieutenant Reed was present with his regiment every day from the time when 
at Des Moines he received telegraphic orders to join it until he was mustered 
out of the service at Savannah, Georgia, in May, 1899, five months of that time 
having been spent on the island of Cuba. At the close of the war Mr. Reed 
engaged in the practice of law in Monticello and has since devoted himself con- 
tinuously to that profession, in which a large and remunerative practice indicates 
his success. 

In 1901 Mr. Reed was married to Miss Gwendolen Doxsee, of Rolfe, Iowa, 
a graduate of the Iowa State College of the class of 1897. Three children have 
been born of this union: Elaine, Alfreda and Alice Miriam. In politics Mr. Reed 
has given his unqualified support to the republican party and is at present chair- 
man of the republican county central committee. His devotion to the interests 
of his clients and the pronounced ability which has ever distinguished his conduct 
of cases secured for him election as city attorney of his home town, a position he 
held through two terms. In 1901 and 1902 he was county attorney of Jones 
county, again proving that he was a most competent exponent of the laws of 
the state and country. 



WILLIAM McGOVERN. 

William McGovern, who has a large farm in Richland township and conducts 
a dairy in connection with his agricultural interests, was born in this 
county, and is a son of William and Jane (Heery) ]\IcGovern. The parents 
were natives of Ireland, where the father was born in 1825 and the mother in 
1819, and came to America in 1837. In 1853, in New York state they were mar- 
ried and the following year came to Jones county, Iowa. Here they rented land 
for a few years and then bought the farm in Richland township on which their 
son Thomas lives today. It remained their home until their deaths, which oc- 
curred at the opening of the twentieth century, after they had witnessed some 
of the more important changes which had been wrought in the appearance and 
condition of the county since they had taken up their residence here. The father 
died in 1900, but the mother survived until 1906, when her life was also brought 
to its close. They were the parents of eight children, only two of whom are now 
living: William, the subject of this sketch, and Thomas, a farmer in Richland 
township 

William McGovern attended the common schools of this county, from which 
he derived a fair education in the rudimentary branches of English instruction. 
Home training supplemented whatever were the shortcomings of his formal 
schooling and through practical experience in the tilling of the soil, in which he 
assisted from his early boyhood, prepared him for the vocation to which he has 
given his attention. Until he was thirty-three years of age he remained with his 
parents and then, starting out in life for himself, bought the farm on which he 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 225 

is living today. It is a tract of two hundred and eighty acres, which is main- 
tained under a high state of cuUivation, besides being improved with substantial 
and commodious buildings of an excellent kind. In connection with his purely 
agricultural interests he conducts a dairy, which has proved a profitable under- 
taking financially, for the same care and diligence which has characterized his 
work as a farmer is noticeable here. A certain skill is of course necessary in 
obtaining the best results from the soil, but it is a skill that comes from ex- 
perience born of industry and a determination to succeed, rather than from any 
esoteric maneuvers in a world foreign to his vocation, that has brought Mr. Mc- 
Govern the good fortune he now enjoys. 

In 1891 was celebrated the wedding of Mr. McGovern and Miss Nellie Hogan, 
who was born in Castle Grove township, Jones county, and is a daughter of 
D. M. and Catherine Hogan. The former is now deceased, but the latter is 
living in Castle Grove township. Four children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. McGovern : William L. G., who is at home ; Mary J., who is attending 
the high school at Anamosa; Dennis M. and Agnes C, who are at home. 

The parents are both members of the Catholic church and are rearing their 
family in that faith. In his political views Mr. McGovern finds himself in 
sympathy with the democratic party and invariably casts his vote for its can- 
didate. For himself, however, he has never sought office, although he has served 
very efficiently as a school director, a position he is still holding. 



JOSEPH M. EBY. 



Joseph M. Eby, the owner of a tract of four hundred acres of well improved 
and valuable land in Scotch Grove township, is actively engaged in the pursuits 
of farming and stock-raising. His birth occurred at Sabula, Iowa, on the 28th 
of February, 1873, his parents being Samuel and Harriet Eby, the former a na- 
tive of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter of England. They still sur- 
vive and their children are six in number. 

Joseph M. Eby obtained a good practical education in the common schools 
and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. When 
twenty-one years of age he went to Oregon, but at the end of a year came to 
Jones county, Iowa, and took charge of the mill on the farm which is now in 
his possession. At the present time he owns four hundred acres of rich and 
productive land in Scotch Grove township and, in addition to cultivating the 
cereals best adapted to soil and climate, makes a specialty of feeding stock. 
Alert, energetic and enterprising, he has won a gratifying and well merited de- 
gree of prosperity in his undertakings and is widely recognized as a most suc- 
cessful agriculturist and substantial citizen. 

In March, 1897, Mr. Eby was united in marriage to Miss Anna Espy, who 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1879, her parents being James and Elizabeth 
(Smith) Espy, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Eby was one of a family of 
four children and by her marriage has become the mother of three, namely: 
Raymond L., Hazel I. and Dorothy. 



226 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Mr. Eby gives his political allegiance to the republican party and at the 
present time is serving as a school director, the cause of education ever finding 
in him a stalwart champion. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the 
Presbyterian church and they are both people of the highest respectability, whose 
good qualities of heart and mind have won for them the confidence and friendly 
regard of all who know them. 



J. A. OVERLEY. 



J. A. Overley, who during his lifetime was one of the substantial agricultur- 
ists of Madison township, was born in Kentucky, April 6, 1850. His parents 
were John C. and T^ucinda (Arnold) Overley, who came to Jones county when 
he was about two years of age. In his boyhood he experienced some of the 
hardships that surround the sturdy men and women who seek to make a home for 
their families in the country which has but comparatively recently been thrown 
open to homesteaders. He attended the district schools, obtaining from them a 
fair education in the fundamental branches of English instruction, while the 
practical training he received at home, which well fitted him for the responsibili- 
ties of life, amply supplemented any shortcomings that might have been the 
fault of the local schools. To agricultural pursuits he devoted all the years of 
his active life, with a success that was a gratifying interest upon his invest- 
ment of thought and labor, for when, on the 6th of September, 1905, he was re- 
leased from the cares of this world, he was in the possession of one hundred and 
sixty acres of rich and arable land in Madison township. His fields ever bore 
witness to his thrift and industry, while the buildings, which were his pride 
during his lifetime, in their substantial construction and fine state of repair in 
which they were always maintained evinced the good management which dis- 
tinguished Mr. Overley through all his years. Since his death his widow has 
carried on the place, operating the farm with a skill which is a credit to her busi- 
ness ability. 

For almost thirty years Mr. and Mrs. Overley were permitted to travel life's 
highway together. Mrs. Overley was Miss Emily D. Nicholls in her maidenhood 
and their marriage was celebrated February 10, 1876. She was born in Canada 
in 1853, being about three years of age when in 1856, her parents, Martin and 
Eleanor (Nugent) Nicholls came to Jones county. They bought land here and 
built a log cabin, which remained their home for a considerable period, until 
having improved their farm and won a good income from the cultivation of 
their fields, they were able to erect a more durable habitation. Mrs. Overley was 
one of a family of four children and she is also the mother of four children : 
Martin S., deceased ; Alice, who is at home ; Roy, who is at home ; and one who 
died in infancy, 

Mr. Overley was actively identified with the Masons, being a member of 
the lodge at Wyoming, while he was connected with the lodges of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America located at 
Onslow. He also belonged to the Mystic Workers, to nhich his widow still be- 




J. A. OVERLEY 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 229 

longs. She is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Onslow. 
Politically Mr. Overley was a supporter of the republican party and throughout 
life took an active part in the local councils of that organization, where his 
opinion was ever accorded a gratifying deference. 



PATRICK ROGERS. 



Patrick Rogers, a prosperous farmer of Richland township, was born in Ire- 
land, December 25, 1848, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Moonen) Rogers, 
both natives of the Emerald isle. Shortly after his birth the parents came to the 
United States, taking up their residence in Dubuque county, Iowa, where the 
father engaged in mining. In 1856 Peter Rogers came to Jones county, where 
he purchased a portion of the farm which is now in the possession of his son 
George. On it he spent the remainder of the years allotted to him, devoting 
himself assiduously to agricultural pursuits with such results that by the time of 
his death, which occurred in 1880, he was in the enjoyment of a comfortable 
income. His wife survived him only four years, when in 1884, she too was 
called to her final rest. They were the parents of five children : Patrick, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Michael, who is deceased; George, a farmer of Richland 
township ; Catherine, who lives with her brother George ; and Jane, who has 
passed away. 

Patrick Rogers was reared at home, where from the careful training of his 
parents he derived those lessons which have contributed so much to the success 
of his later years. He also attended the public schools, in which he learned the 
rudiments of an English education, so that by the time he had attained his ma- 
jority he was well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. At 
that age he left the parental roof and bought the farm of ninety-five acres on 
which he lives today. With the passing years he has been able to add to the 
original tract until now he owns two hundred and thirty acres lying on sections 
4 and 9, Richland township. This he has improved by planting a large grove of 
spruce trees and by erecting a fine house and many other buildings which are in- 
dicative of the progressive ideas which have contributed so much to his success. 
In addition to the cultivation of general crops he has engaged extensively in the 
raising of hogs, obtaining from both a gratifying income. 

In 1884. ^Ir. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coos, a native of 
Wisconsin and a daughter of Nicholas and Susanna Coos. The parents were 
both natives of Germany, and the mother is still living at the advanced age of 
eighty-three years, making her home with Mr. Rogers. Our subject and his 
wife have eight children : George P., John N., Catherine, Charles, Joseph, Laura, 
Lettie and Frank. The eldest is a farmer of this county, with whom Catherine 
makes her home. Laura has graduated from the common schools. 

The family are members of the Catholic church, that being the faith in which 
the parents were reared, and are devout in the performance of their religious 
duties. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of a citizen 
of this republic. Mr. Rogers has allied himself with the democracy and has re- 



230 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

ceived evidence of the confidence placed in him by his' fellow citizens, who have 
elected him to the school board and for twenty years chose him as one of the 
trustees of the township. This sign of public approval is even more gratifying 
than the substantial financial success which has rewarded his efforts. 



JOHN J. LOCHER. 



John J. Locher, a representative of the Monticello bar and in other capacities 
identified with the best interests, financially and otherwise, of the city, was bom 
in Sandspring, Iowa, December 8, 1877, a son of Anthony S. and Carrie Locher. 
He was reared at home, while he obtained his first introduction to the world of 
education in the common schools of his birthplace. Early he evinced a liking for 
books and study, and the desire to accomplish some achievement through brain 
work was not silenced through the presence of hardships which would mean that 
his student life was not to be without its toils and privations. From the age of 
ten until he had almost reached man's estate he worked upon the farm during 
the summer months, while in the winter he prosecuted his les.sons as best he 
might. After leaving the common schools he went toQuincy and from there to 
Chicago, entering finally the law department of Drake University, from which 
he was graduated with the class of 1904. In the meantime, however, he had had 
several years' experience in teaching, that he might thereby obtain the funds with 
which to continue his education. 

Having been admitted to the bar of Jones county, immediately after receiving 
his diploma Mr. Locher established a law office in Monticello. In the five sub- 
sequent years he has built up a lucrative practice in his profession, for almost 
from the first he won the confidence of the men among whom he lives. He is a 
man who believes in using every opportunity to its fullest extent and accordingly, 
seeing other business openings, has not hesitated to embark upon them, feeling 
that beside increasing his income, they would afford him larger experience in the 
world of affairs, one of the perquisites of a successful lawyer. Therefore he 
has opened an insurance agency, in which policies against life, fire and accident 
may be written and which is known as the Locher Insurance Agency, and under 
the firm title of Lanigan & Locher has engaged in the real-estate business. An- 
other association which evidences the width of his interests and sympathies is 
that with his brother, F. A. Locher, under the name, Locher Brothers, dealers 
in musical instruments. 

Of all the professions, perhaps no other makes such heavy demands upon the 
man who would succeed in it as does that of the law. A broad, liberal education 
is but the foundation; upon it must be built a structure which results from high- 
mental endowments, a ready sympathy with and understanding of human nature, 
and the power to present facts, truthfully, concisely and persuasively. Endowed 
with these, and enjoying the confidence of his constituents, there is every reason 
to believe that a young man, unafraid of hard labor will come out ahead in the 
battle for success. It is upon such qualities as these that ]\Ir. Locher has relied 
in his work ; and now having on more than one important occasion given proof 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 231 

of the character of the man he is, of his integrity of purpose and of his power, 
there is every reason to feel confidence in the good fortune which the future 
holds in store for him. 



JOHN F. MOORE. 



John F. Moore, whose well tilled fields are representative of the agricultural 
prosperity of Richland township, was born in Switzerland, April 14, 1854. His 
parents, Melchoir and Magdalene (Tules) Moore, were also of Swiss birth and 
came to the United States in 1868, locating in Jones county, Iowa, where Mr. 
Moore procured eighty acres of arable land. His wife died ten years after her 
arrival here, but he lived until 1907, in the enjoyment of the many comforts 
which had requited his arduous toil. Seven of the fourteen children born to the 
couple still survive. They are Aldine, the wife of Joseph Kipfer, now residing 
in Livingston county, Illinois ; Adolphine, who is the wife of John Holler, of this 
county ; Alfred and WilHam, both residents of Jones county ; Nieman, now living 
in Leadville, Colorado; Edward, residing in Lyon county, Iowa; and John F., 
who is the subject of this review. 

John F. Moore was about fourteen years of age when his parents emigrated 
to this country. In the public schools of this county he completed the education 
which had begun in his native land, while at home he received practical instruc- 
tion for the responsibilities of life. At the age of twenty-one he left the parental 
roof, going forth to make his own way in the world. For six years he toiled as 
a farm hand, and then, having married, he engaged in agricultural pursuits for 
himself on land he had purchased in Wayne township. After a period of three 
years' residence there he sold that place and removed to Richland township, buy- 
ing the farm on which he lives today. It is a tract of two hundred and twenty 
acres, on which he pursues a diversified farming which renders him a gratifying 
income for the many hours of hard labor he has expended in the cultivation of 
the fields. The place is well improved, as the result of his own efforts, presenting 
an appearance of prosperity that is indicative of the industry and good man- 
agement of its owner, qualities which have made him one of the substantial men 
of his township. 

In 1881 Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jacobs, a native of 
this county and a daughter of John and Matilda Jacobs. Her mother has passed 
away, but her father is living in California. Eleven children have been born of 
this union : Matilde, deceased ; John L., now living in North Dakota ; Matilde, 
who has remained at home ; Anna, who has graduated from the Cedar Rapids 
Business College and is now in Cedar Rapids ; Charles, who is at home ; Martha, 
who is residing in Cedar Rapids ; Frederick, who is at home ; George, who has 
passed away ; Laura, who is now attending high school in Monticello ; Frieda, 
who is at home; as is George E., the youngest of the family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore are consistent members of the German Reformed church 
and are not only regular in their attendance at its services, but endeavor to put 
to practical application in their daily lives the lessons taught by it. Politically 



232 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY • 

Mr, Aloore has ever given his support to the republican candidates as the choice 
of the party in whose principles he places the greatest confidence. As for him- 
self, however, he has never sought any office within the gift of the people, al- 
though he has filled with credit the position of school director, and during his 
incumbency proved that he was deeply concerned for the advancement of his 
community. 



SAMUEL CAIRY MAYBERRY. 

Agricultural pursuits characterized the efforts of Samuel Cairy Mayberry, 
deceased, throughout his entire business career, and the farming interests of 
Cass township found in him a worthy representative. Born in Pennsylvania on 
the 13th of April, 1854, he was a son of Alexander and Jane (Walker) May- 
berry, who came from Pennsylvania to Iowa when our subject was a little lad, 
locating upon a farm in Jackson county, where their remaining days were passed. 
In their family were four children, of whom Samuel Cairy, of this review, is 
the eldest. The names of the others are: Mahala, the deceased wife of E. J. 
Head, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume ; William, who is oper- 
ating the old home place in Jackson county ; and Nancy, who married Charles 
Giapman and makes her home near Blairsburg, Iowa. 

No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Samuel 
Cairy Mayberry during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent 
amid the scenes and environments of rural life. At the usual age he became a 
pupil in the district schools, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the various 
branches of English learning, while the periods of vacation were devoted to as- 
sisting in the work of the home farm. He early became familiar with the tasks 
that fall to the agriculturist and continued to remain under the parental roof 
until two years after his marriage. In the spring of 1876 he came to Jones county 
and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section i, Cass town- 
ship, where he made his home until his demise. He erected a comtortable 
dwelling and made many improvements upon the place while about two years ago 
a good barn was built. He carried on general agricultural pursuits and was also 
engaged to some extent in the dairy business, milking from ten to twenty-six 
cows at a time. Under his careful management the farm became a well improved 
property and his industry, energy and well directed efforts were salient character- 
istics in the creditable degree of prosperity which he enjoyed. 

It was on the 20th of October. 1874, that Mr. Mayberry was united in mar- 
riage to Rachel Barkley, whose birth occurred in Mercer county. Indiana, on the 
lOth of September, 1854. her parents being Henry and Matilda (Davis) Bark- 
ley, both of whom have passed away, the latter when their daughter was only 
three years of age. and the former when she was seventeen years old. Mrs. 
Mayberry was the youngest in a family of three children, the others being: 
Serepta, the deceased wife of Raymond Diley. of Kansas; and Silas, who is also 
married and resides on a farm in Maquoketa, Iowa. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 233 

Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mayberry were born seven children, who are 
as follows : Elmer, of Sherman county, Kansas ; Henry J., who also resides 
in Sherman county, Kansas; Luella, the wife of John Daily, of the same place; 
Matilda, who married W. F. Hubbard, of Sherman county; John, who went to 
Stanley county, South Dakota, when twenty-three years of age and took up a 
homestead claim ; Leona, who married Henry Uhr, of Cass township ; and 
Ernest, who operates the home farm. The husband and father passed from this 
life on the 14th of March, 1892, when the youngest child was but twenty months 
old, and after his death the widowed mother continued to rear her family on 
the old homestead until one by one the six eldest were married and established 
homes of their own. She has proved an excellent mother and something of the 
wholesome influence which she exerted in the home is manifest in the upright 
lives of her children. She and her husband were faithful and consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church at Langworthy, in which she still holds 
membership. 

In politics Mr. Mayberry was a stanch republican, giving stalwart support 
to the principles of that organization although he never sought nor desired public 
office as a reward for party fealty. He had been ill for about three years pre- 
vious to his demise and with his passing away the township lost one of its repre- 
sentative and valued citizens whose interests had been thoroughly identified with 
those of the community and whose influence was ever on the side of improve- 
ment, reform and progress. Honorable and just in all of his dealings, his honesty 
and geniality made him popular with all who knew him and the standard of life 
that he set up for himself was one that commanded for him the confidence and 
respect of his fellow citizens. 



THOMAS M. REDMOND, M. D. 

One of the successful younger physicians of Monticello, Iowa, is Dr. Thomas 
M. Redmond, who was born in Dysart, this state, December 24, 1878, the son of 
James and Mary (Gill) Redmond. The father, who died in Dysart, May 23, 
1909, at the age of seventy-two, was born in Acklow, County Wicklow, Ireland, 
April 5, 1837. The Redmond's emigrated to America in 1851 and became resi- 
dents of New York state. In 1867 they located in Benton county, Iowa, where 
the survivors of the older generation still reside. The subject of this sketdi 
is the oldest of four children born to the parental union, the others being: James 
F., owner and manager of a department store at Lament, Iowa: ^^"illiam H., a 
senior medical student at Northwestern University Medical school ; and Mae, a 
student at St. Clara College, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. 

Thomas M. Redmond was reared at home and after graduating in 1895 from 
the Dysart high school entered the employ of the Kullmer Drug Company and 
after three years as clerk with this firm he became a student at the State Uni- 
versity, where he combined the academic course with that of medicine. Two 
years later he enrolled as a student in the medical school of the Northwestern 
University of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of 1904. Dur- 



234 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

ing this period, however, he served for six months in Wesley Hospital, sub- 
stituting for a physician who was ill. When he received the degree entitling him 
to practice his profession he was offered a remunerative position with the Bat- 
tle Creek Sanitarium, but under the impression that larger opportunities awaited 
him elsewhere he refused this appointment and assumed charge of Dr. Connor's 
practice at Reinbeck, Iowa, during the latter's four months vacation. It was 
in November, 1904, that he located in Monticello. Since that year he has built 
up an extensive and lucrative practice, winning the confidence of a large clien- 
tele. He has been successful in surgery as in the practice of the healing art. 

On the /th of November, 1906, Dr. Redmond was joined in wedlock to MiSs 
Catherine Mullen, of Laporte City, Iowa, and to them has been bom one child, 
Ralph N. During his college career he was initiated into the Kappa Sigma fra- 
ternity and later became one of the organizers and a charter member of the 
Mu chapter of the Phi Rho Sigma Medical fraternity, the first medical fraternity 
organized at State University of Iowa. Since leaving college he has also been 
largely interested in fraternal matters, having joined Root Camp, No. 282, 
M. W. A., the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Mystic Workers, the Fraternal 
Bankers, the Home Guards and the Homesteaders. As a member of Jones 
County Medical Society, of the Iowa State Medical Society, of the Iowa Asso- 
ciation of Health Officers, of the Cedar Valley Medical Society and the American 
Medical Association he keeps abreast with the advancement of his profession. 
He is now and has been health officer at Monticello the past four years. Partly in 
recognition of his skill as a practitioner Dr. Redmond was appointed medical 
examiner for the American Life Old Line Insurance Company, the Equitable Life 
Insurance Company, and the Bankers Life Association, all of Des Moines, and 
the Cedar Rapids Insurance Company of Cedar Rapids, and in this capacity he 
has again proved his title to be known as one of the successful physicians of 
Monticello. He is a member of the Catholic church. 



LINUS L. IRELAND. 



Linus L. Ireland, one of the successful farmers and substantial citizens of 
Madison township, was born in Champaign county, Illinois, June 22, 1854, and 
is a son of Purviance and Rebecca M. (Lyon) Ireland, natives of Indiana and 
Ohio, respectively. In the latter state the couple were married and shortly after 
their union removed to Champaign county, Illinois, where the father followed 
farming. In the spring of 1866, he moved his family to Jones county, Iowa, set- 
tling on a farm in Greenfield township. Although he subsequently made several 
changes, the greater part of his later life was passed in this county. In 1903, 
he departed this life, in OHn, where he was then residing, while his wife sur- 
vived him about four years, being then seventy- four years of age — two years 
younger than her husband when he responded to the call of death. In politics 
Mr. Ireland was a republican, though never an office-seeker, and in religious 
matters he and his wife gave their allegiance to the Christian church, of which 




MR. AND MRS. L. L. IRELAND 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 237 

they were devout members. A few years before his death, however, Mr. Ire- 
land's health failed him to such an extent that he was unable to attend its 
services. 

Linus L. Ireland was reared at home and received his education in the com- 
mon schools. Meager as this training might have been it was amply^ supple- 
mented by practical experience in the fields, which laid the foundations for 
the success of his later years. Still a young man, scarcely out of his teens, Mr. 
Ireland married and established a home of his own. For four years he operated 
rented land and then bought a farm of sixty-five acres in Fairview township, 
this county. In three years he was convinced of the wisdom of disposing of 
that piece of property and again became a renter for a period of six years. In 
February, 1891, he purchased the farm on which he lives today. It is a fine 
tract, one hundred and forty acres in extent, fertile to begin with, but vastly 
improved since Mr. Ireland obtained possession of it, for he cultivates the soil 
in accordance with the most approved scientific methods and has erected build- 
ings that are modern in every detail. As a result the farm is one of the richest 
and most valuable in Jones county. 

On the 26th of May, 1873, ^^^- Ireland was united in marriage to Miss Jen- 
nie S. Hamilton, of this county, who was born in Huron county, Ohio. Of this 
marriage there have been born nine children, seven of whom survive: Effie 
E., the wife of Benjamin McGuire, of Madison township; Lizzie L., the wife 
of Arthur G. Bender, also of that township ; Millie M., who married Louis R. 
Buchholtz, a farmer of Madison township ; and Viola V., Louis L., Alice A. and 
Grace G., who live at home. 

Although he has been repeatedly urged to do so, Mr. Ireland has steadily 
refused to accept any office within the gift of the people. He takes an interest 
in public matters nevertheless, and is always at the polls on election days when 
his ballot is given to the candidates of the republican party. A man who has 
never shirked hard work, his success is equally due to his progressive methods 
and temper of his mind, which is ever receptive of the improvements that are 
being made in the appurtenances of farming as in other fields of business. 
Uprightness and honesty have distinguished his intercourse with his fellow- 
men and he is highly esteemed in his section and throughout the county. 



WILLIAM WYLIE HUNTER, M. D. 

Dr. William Wylie Hunter, who for more than two decades has practiced in 
Monticello, has, like most established family physicians, obtained an influence in 
his community that is more far-reaching than that of any man sustaining other 
relations to the public. Dr. Hunter was born in Jones county, July 11, 1858, a 
son of Cyprian and Sarah Jane (Clark) Hunter, who came to this state from 
Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The father, who followed farming as a life work, 
was also a defender of the Union cause in the Civil war and lost his life at 
Young's Point, during the struggle. 



238 HISTORY OF JOxNES COUNTY 

The son was reared on the home farm and acquired his elementary learning 
in the public schools. From his youth he had a strong ambition to enter profes- 
sional lines and after reaching mature years abandoned the quiet life of the farm 
and took up the study of medicine in the medical department of the State Uni- 
versity of Iowa, graduating from that institution in 1886. In the meantime, in 
1885, he acted as interne in Mercy Hospital at Davenport, Iowa, and through this 
means acquired a practical knowledge of the science of medicine. Following his 
graduation he located for practice in Center Junction, spending two years in that 
place. He sought a broader field of labor, however, and subsequently opened 
an office in Monticello, where he has engaged in general practice to the present 
time. He is a busy and successful practitioner, having become the dependable 
family physician in many a household, not only in Monticello but in the territory 
adjacent to the city. 

It was during his residence in Center Junction that Dr. Hunter was married 
on the 29th of February, 1888, to Miss Lillian E. Winner. They have a son and 
daughter. Blanche Pauline, now eighteen years of age, is in her second year in 
college at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Harvey Dean, a lad of twelve years, is at home. 

Dr. Hunter has, since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, sup- 
ported the men and measures of the republican platform, and in 1893 was elected 
mayor of Monticello, in which office he served faithfully and well. He is a 
Mason, becoming identified with the order in 1883. while in 1894 he joined the 
Odd Fellows society and in 1899 became a member of the Knights of Pythias. 
In the line of his profession he belongs to the American Medical, the Iowa 
Union, the Iowa State and the Jones County Medical Societies, while in religious 
faith he is a Methodist. He has gained recognition as one of the able and success- 
ful physicians of the state, and by his labors, his high professional attainments 
and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence in which he 
is held by the medical fraternity and the local public. 



T. W. SHERIDAN. 



T. W. Sheridan, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of Richland township, 
was born on the farm on which he now lives October 9, 1859, and is a son of 
James and Rosanna (Boyle) Sheridan. The parents were both natives of Ire- 
land and after coming to this country located in Pennsylvania, where they re- 
mained six or eight years. Some time in the early '40s they came to Jones county, 
Iowa, acquiring a tract of land from the government. It was in the first years of 
the colonization of this part of the state so that some of their experiences here 
were those of pioneers in a new land, necessitating a great deal of courage to 
meet all the hardships which they had to encounter and overcome. Although 
they did not live to enjoy the sight of the full development of this county, in 
1875, when the mother died, and in 1880, when the father's death occurred, many 
changes had transpired which told of the line of progress. Nine children were 
born to them, who assisted them in the struggles of those early years. They were 
Frank M., who is living in Galesburg, Illinois ; James L., deceased ; John A., 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 239 

now living in Warren county, Illinois; Mary A., who is the wife of Jesse Sey- 
more, of Seattle, Washington ; Abby J., who lives on the homestead ; T. W., the 
subject of this sketch; Patrick A., who is living in California; Steven H., who 
makes his home with his brother, T. W. ; and one who died in childhood. 

At the age of ten years T. W. Sheridan started to make his own way in the 
world. When many boys have little thought for anything besides play he was not 
only planning how he might obtain the money for his own needs but also how he 
might render assistance to his parents. He was able, nevertheless, to obtain a 
fair education in the county schools, while he learned those lessons even more 
important relative to the best use of one's time and the value of thrift and in- 
dustry. Now he and his brother Steven own the old homestead, on which they 
conduct a profitable business in dairying and in the raising of fancy chickens. 
It is a tract of two hundred acres, a part of which is tilled by approved methods 
for a system of diversified agriculture, and part used as pasture land for their 
large herds of cattle. 

The brothers have given their allegiance in political matters to the democratic 
party, and while they are not office seekers, T. W. Sheridan has rendered 
efficient service as a school director. He is a member of the Cascade Lodge, 
No. 1077, M. W. A., and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in that 
village. In both organizations he is very active, being ever willing to exert him- 
self in promoting the welfare of his fraternal brothers. His allegiance in relig- 
ious matters is given to the Catholic church. 



CHARLES H. NELSON. 

Farming claims the attention of Charles H. Nelson, who operates one hun- 
dred and sixty acres in Scotch Grove township, which was inherited by him and 
his sister from the father's estate. Mr. Nelson was born on this farm, July 24, 
1883, the only son of the marriage of Mathew J. and Ellen (Overly) Nelson. 
The father was bom in Pennsylvania and coming to Jones county as a young 
man, he was married here to Miss Overly, who was born in Scotch Grove town- 
ship. Soon thereafter Mr. Nelson purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres, on which our subject now resides. He carefully tilled the soil and made 
farming his life work, being thus engaged up to the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in March, 1901. His wife, however, died many years before, her death 
occurring when the son was but seven months old. Mr. Nelson was a republican 
in his political views but was never active in the work of the party, his farm 
work and the care of his family fully claiming his time and attention. He was 
a man of kindly purposes, of strict integrity and of genial nature and during his 
long residence in Scotch Grove township he was looked upon as one of its most 
prosperous and highly respected citizens. Beside our subject there was left to 
mourn his loss one daughter, Ella May, the wife of R. P. Clark, of Scotch Grove 
township. 

Charles H. Nelson was reared under the parental roof and was given the ad- 
vantages of a good common-school education. He was but eighteen years of age 



240 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

at the time of his father's death and he had been bereft of a mother's love and 
care from his infancy. Being thrown upon his own responsibility at an early 
age, the strongest traits of his character were brought forth. He was, however, 
left in good circumstances, the farm of one hundred and sixty acres being left 
to him and his sister. He rents the latter's share and operates the entire tract, 
his work being carried on very successfully. 

Mr. Nelson finds a faithful helpmate in his wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Miss Maggie Serbousek, and whom he wedded on the 12th of February, 1908. 
She is a native of Madison township, this county. Mr. Nelson follows in the po- 
litical footsteps of his father, giving his support to the republican party. Having 
spent his entire life in Scotch Grove township, he is popular with a large circle 
of friends and his estimable wife shares in the esteem in which he is uniformly 
held. 



L. C. LAWRENCE. 



L. C. Lawrence, who about ten years ago joined the agricultural community 
of Lovell township and is now one of the substantial men of this section of the 
state, was born in that township, October 24, 1867. His father, Frederick Law- 
rence, was a native of Prussia, who came to the United States in 1854. For the 
first three years after his arrival in this country, he worked in the pineries of 
Wisconsin and then, at the expiration of that period, came to Iowa, finding em- 
ployment for four years as a farm hand in Dubuque county. In i860 he took 
up his residence in Monticello, where he enlisted in the Union army in 1862. 
As a member of Company H, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, he served 
until the close of the Civil war, participating in many of the more important 
engagements and receiving a wound in the siege of Vicksburg. After the close 
of the war, in 1866, he married, his bride being i\Iiss Sarah Waterman, a native 
of Minnesota. Thereupon he settled upon the land he had procured in Jones 
county, Iowa, which remained his home until twenty years ago, when he removed 
to Delaware county, Iowa, where he still lives. Forty acres of the tract here 
he had bought in 1862, but owned ninety acres on his removal to Delaware 
county. He and his wife are strong in their support of the doctrines of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work. 

L. C. Lawrence was reared at home, acquiring the practical lessons for life 
under the wise guidance of his parents and in the public schools, where he was 
a pupil through the months they were in session. In 1895. he left the parental 
roof to seek work for himself. He found employment as a farm hand with 
John Smyth, of Delaware county, and during the four years he spent with him 
wooed his daughter, who promised to become his wife. In 1899, after his mar- 
riage, he bought the tract of land he now occupies. It was formerly known 
as the William Cline place, embracing three hundred and forty acres of some of 
the best land in Lovell township, Jones county. Its fertile fields are well culti- 
vated, yielding large harvests. Industrious, progressive and a good manager, 
Mr. Lawrence has risen in the short period of his residence here to a position 
of respect among his fellow citizens, who regard his success with good will 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 241 

and no bitterness. Such should be the case, for his fair fortune is the result 
of his own efforts. 

It was in 1899 that Mr. Lawrence married Miss Emeline Smyth and to them 
were born four children, but none are now living. In his political views, Mr. 
Lawrence is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party but he has 
taken no part in local politics. He is a member of the fraternal Order of the 
Eagles and is active among his brethren of the local lodge. With his wife he 
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, whose teachings he endeavors to 
put into daily practice, thus ordering his life by a standard higher than the mere 
accumulation of a fair fortune and evincing a desire to be known as a man of 
honor and responsibility. 



JOHN B. MORRISON. 



John B. Morrison, a successful and enterprising farmer and extensive land- 
owner and stockraiser of Jones county, whose well directed efforts are bringing 
him a gratifying measure of success, was born on the 25th of December, 1845. 
He is a son of Thomas and Katharine (McDermott) Morrison, both natives 
of Ireland, born in 1810. The father, who was a native of County Mayo, came 
to America about 1832, landing in Quebec, where for a time he lived with a 
Quaker family. He then came to the United States and entered the regular army 
as a private cavalry soldier, and during his term of enlistment did frontier ser- 
vice. After leaving the army, he located in Galena, Illinois, where he was en- 
gaged in burning charcoal until the time of his marriage, after which he set- 
tled in Jackson county. In 1844 or 1845, he removed to Richland township and 
purchased a farm, which he sold in 1849 with the intention of going to Cali- 
fornia. Later he changed his mind and invested in a quarter section of land 
in Washington township, Jones county, which farm is now owned by the subject 
of this review. Although a stalwart democrat in politics, nevertheless dur- 
ing the Civil war he was a strong Union man and so publicly declared himself. 
On the 8th of December, 1839, he was united in marriage in Galena, Illinois, 
to Miss Katharine McDermott, and unto this union were born two children. 
Mary Ann, who was born in Galena, Illinois, on the 9th of May, 1841, is now 
in a Catholic school in Dubuque, where she is known as Sister Margaret Mary, 
having devoted her life to this work since 1873, 

John B. Morrison was reared under the parental roof and acquired his edu- 
cation in the common schools and at the old seminary at Cascade. The periods 
of vacation were devoted to assisting in the work of the fields and he continued 
to give his father the benefit of his assistance until the latter's death, when he 
came into possession of the home farm, upon which he has since made his home. 
With the passing of the years he has been very successful and from time to 
time, as he has prospered, he has added to the home farm until his property 
holdings today aggregate five hundred and forty acres, constituting him one of 
the large landowners of the township. He has made many improvements upon 
the place and last season erected a new barn at a cost of thirty-three hundred 



242 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

dollars. He has a deep affection for the old homestead, of which he has every 
reason to be proud, for it is today one of the most valuable and desirable prop- 
erties in the locality. He carries on general farming, raising from sixty to sev- 
enty acres of corn annually, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he 
engages extensively in stockraising, keeping from sixty to eighty cattle and about 
one hundred and fifty hogs, while he keeps from eighteen to twenty cows on 
hand for milking purposes. He possesses excellent business ability and his 
affairs have been so wisely and carefully managed that the various branches 
of his business are proving very remunerative and he is ranked among the 
leading and prominent agriculturists of the township. 

On the 15th of September, 1885, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to 
Miss Ellen V. O'Brien, a daughter of Mrs. ]\Iary O'Brien, of Cascade, and unto 
this union have been born four children, as follows: Joseph A., born July 12, 
1886; Mary J., born May 4, 1888; Theressa Mildred, whose birth occurred April 
27, 1891, and John H., born on the 24th of June, 1895. All of the children have 
had good educational advantages, the sons acquiring their training at the Temple 
Hill school, while the daughters attended the Academy of the Visitation at 
Dubuque. AH are still under the parental roof, the family circle remaining 
unbroken by the hand of death. 

The family are communicants of the Temple Hill Catholic church, while polit- 
ically Mr. Morrison gives stalwart support to the democracy. He has served 
efficiently as township assessor for two terms, and in both private and public 
life his actions have ever been actuated by the principles which govern honor- 
able and upright manhood. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Jones 
county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends which is almost coextensive 
with the circle of his acquaintances, and his salient characteristics are such as 
have gained for him the unqualified respect, esteem and good will of his fellow- 
men. 



WILLIAM H. CLICK. 



William H. Click is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Hale township, Jones 
county, where he owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres of excellent land*, 
and in his undertaking is meeting with gratifying success. A native of Indiana, 
he was born near Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, on the 24th of June, 1841, a 
son of John and Hannah (McCamman) Click. The father was born in Stark 
county, Ohio, on the ist of January, 181 3, while the mother's birth occurred in 
Pennsylvania in 181 7. They were married in Ohio in 1840, immediately after 
which they removed to Indiana, transporting their entire household belongings 
in a one-horse wagon. The year 1856 witnessed their arrival in Jones county, 
where Mr. Click purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Hale town- 
ship, for which he paid two dollars and twenty-five cents per acre. At the time 
of the purchase the land was all raw prairie, with not a furrow turned, but with 
characteristic energy he at once set about breaking the sod and converting it into 
productive fields. As the years passed by he brought the farm under a good 
state of cultivation and continued to reside thereupon up until the time of his 




W. H. ULICK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 245 

demise. His death occurred in 1898, ten years after that of his wife, who passed 
away in 1888. Of the ten children born unto them five reached maturity, namely: 
William H., of this review; Samuel, residing in Hale township; Mitchell, who 
makes his home in Jones county ; J. A., of California ; and J. L., of Missouri. 

William H. Click was reared in his native state until fifteen years of age, 
and in the meantime attended the public schools in the acquirement of his educa- 
tion. In the fall of 1856 he came with his parents to Jones county, where he has 
since continued to reside. After laying aside his text-books he was busily en- 
gaged in the work of the home farm, giving his father the benefit of his assist- 
ance for a number of years. At the age of twenty years, however, he put aside 
all personal interests to assist his country in her hour of need, and on the 12th 
of August, 1861, at the first call for troops to serve for three years, enhsted as 
a member of Company B, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Under Captain 
Don A. Carpenter he saw much active service and took part in many important 
engagements, among which were the siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge, besides many other minor battles. At the battle of Mission- 
ary Ridge he received a wound, a bullet passing through about eight inches of 
his body and coming out through the shoulder blade. He was taken to a hos- 
pital and later did duty with the invalid corps for some time, while on the 2d 
of September, 1864, he received honorable discharge. Throughout the three 
years of his term of enlistment he fought bravely and fearlessly in defense of the 
Stars and Stripes, his service being actuated by a spirit of loyalty that won for 
him a most creditable military record. 

After returning home Mr. Click resumed his connection with agricultural 
pursuits, remaining on the home form with his parents until his marriage. He 
then took up farming on his own account, purchasing a farm of one hundred and 
ten acres on sections 19, 20 and 29, Hale township, about a mile and a half north 
of the old homestead. Here he has since continued to make his home, directing 
fiis energies toward the further improvement of the fields which he has brought 
under a high state of cultivation. He has made a close study of agriculture, 
possesses good business ability and is methodical, systematic and progressive, 
so that he is numbered among the substantial and successful farmers of his 
section of the county. 

Mr. Click was united in marriage in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth E. Stevens, a 
native of Hamilton county, Ohio, born in 1847. She lost her mother in in- 
fancy, and with her uncle came to Iowa in 1855. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Click have 
been born four children, namely: Dora E., the wife of L. G. Freeman, of Olin; 
John A., also residing in Olin; Henry Harlan, who passed away in infancy; 
and Harry M., who is married and resides at home, assisting in the operation of 
the homestead. 

Politically Mr. Click has been a stalwart republican from the time age con- 
ferred upon him the right of franchise, casting his first vote for Abraham Lin- 
coln when reelected for a second term. He has held various offices in the town- 
ship, including that of trustee, clerk and justice of the peace, and was also county 
supervisor for ten years. Fraternally he is connected with Ancient Land Mark 
Lodge, No. 200, A. F. & A. M. of Olin, is a Royal Arch Mason and holds mem- 
bership with the Knight Templars of Anamosa. He also maintains pleasant 



246 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

relations with his old army comrades through his mem.bership in Don A. Car- 
penter Post, G. A. R., of Olin. Patriotism has been a strong element in his life 
record, for in all matters of citizenship he has been as loyal to his country in 
times of peace as when following the old flag upon southern battlefields. In all 
relations of life in which he is found, whether social, business or public, he has 
been true to high principles of manhood and his salient characteristics are such 
as have won for him the honor, respect and good will of his fellowmen. 



C. J. MURFIELD. 



C. J. Murfield, who is filling the office of county supervisor, making a credit- 
able record by his faithfulness and promptness in the performance of every 
duty that devolves upon him in this connection, was born in Greenfield town- 
ship, Jones county, September 3, 1857. The days of his boyhood and youth were 
here passed in the usual manner of farm lads, the labors of field and meadow 
early becoming familiar to him. His father, J. S. IMurfield, had come to this 
county in pioneer times, settling in Highland Grove, while from the government 
he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Greenfield. It was a wild and 
uncultivated tract, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improve- 
ment made, but with characteristic energ}' he began its conversion into rich and 
productive fields, his labors being in time rewarded with good crops. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary E. Bancroft. Upon the home farm they reared their family 
consisting of five sons and three daughters, of whom C. J. Murfield was the 
fifth in order of birth. 

At the usual age, our subject entered the public schools and therein mastered 
the common branches of learning through the winter seasons, while in the 
summer months, he attended to the labors of the field that were assigned him 
by parental authority. Thus he gained broad practical experience in the best 
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has ever been a man 
of enterprise and diligence, carefully performing the tasks that have devolved 
upon him, doing with all his might whatever his hand has found to do. Through- 
out his business life he has followed farming and has devoted considerable at- 
tention to the breeding of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

In 1884, Mr. Murfield was united in marriage to Miss Arra Belle Gregory, 
a daughter of Samuel Wesley Gregory, who became one of the early settlers of 
Cedar county. Iowa. He married Miss Isabelle ]\IcKay and Mrs. Murfield is 
the only living child of that marriage. Both Mr. and Mrs. IMurfieJd are well 
known in this part of the county, having a circle of friends almost coextensive 
with the circle of their acquaintance. 

At the present linne Mr. Murfield is serving as county supervisor and his 
election was more remarkable in that he was the candidate on the democratic 
ticket and lives in a district which usually gives a large republican majority. He 
is appreciative of and adheres to his settled plan of equal rights to all and special 
privileges to none. He is well known in fraternal circles, affiliating with White 
Rose Lodge, No. 79, K. P.. of Martelle. and with the D. O. K. K.. at Maquoketa, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 247 

Iowa, of wliich he is a charter member. He has attained high rank in Masonry, 
belonging to Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A. M., at Anamosa, while in the consistory 
at Qinton, Iowa, he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. 
He is Hkewise a member of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. His sahent 
quahties are such as have won for him the confidence and regard from all and 
he is popular and prominent in social and fraternal circles, in politics and in 
business life, in all which his reliability is recognized as one of his most pro- 
nounced traits. 



LEWIS DARLING. 



Among the leading men of Scotch Grove township, whose prosperity is 
representative of the best interests of his locality, is Lewis Darling, who is now 
.serving his second term as township trustee. He was born in Lake county, 
Illinois, June 11. 1849, and is a son of Charles and Amanda (Tucker) Darfing, 
both natives of Orange county, Vermont. Mrs. Darling had previously mar- 
ried John O. Booth, with whom she went to Lake county, Illinois, in 1835, but 
Mr. Booth died shortly after his advent there and in 1837, his widow married 
Charles Darling, who reached Lake county in 1836. In 1865, the couple came 
to Jones county, Iowa, where Mr. Darling had procured a quarter section in the 
northwest corner of Scotch Grove township. Upon that farm they took up 
their residence and passed the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1873, 
but the mother survived almost twenty years, her death occurring in 1891. 

Lewis Darling was reared at home and acquired his early education in the 
public schools, later attending the Monticello high school, from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1870. Until 1873, he remained at home, associated 
with his father in his industries, and then in that year began farming for him- 
self. For one season he operated the home place as a tenant and then, in 1874, 
purchased it and has made his home thereon for the past thirty-five years. It 
originally embraced one hundred and sixty acres on the northwest quarter of 
section 6, Scotch Grove township, but Mr. Darling added eighty acres of tim- 
ber land on section 5 to it and then sold eighty acres which his father had 
procured, so that he now owns one hundred and sixty acres. The agricultural 
pursuits which he has carried on there have brought him such returns that he is 
well numbered among the substantial men of his locality. 

In 1880 Mr. Darling wedded Miss Louisa Bobletter, of Scotch Grove town- 
ship. To this union four children have been born : Ruth, who is a graduate 
of the Monticello high school and is now teaching in the Marion high school; 
Charles J., of Stanley county, South Dakota ; and David E. and Arthur, who are 
at home. 

Mr. Darling has given unqualified support to the republican party and is 
active in the local affairs of his township for he is now serving the second term 
as a member of the board of trustees and is secretary of the school board, to 
which body he has belonged for a considerable period. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the Court of Honor 



248 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and the Mvstic Workers of America. In the first mentioned he is especially 
prominent, belonging to the encampment and to the commandery. The record 
of liis life, which is one of successful endeavor, and the part he has played in 
local atfairs. which is marked by devotion to high ideals of honor and integrity, 
well entitles him to the respect he enjoys among the men who have come in 
contact with him in business or socially. 



A. W. CRAMER. 



A well improved farm comprising one hundred and eighty-seven acres in 
Castle Grove township, which is now the propetry of A. W. Cramer, has been 
in possession of the family since 1865. The parents, A. K. and Matilda (Pierce) 
Cramer, were both natives of New Jersey, whence the father went to Ohio in 
1816, and purchased land, which he had to clear and on which he built a log 
cabin. He engaged in farming in that state until 1865 and in that year came 
to Jones county and purchased the farm on which the son now resides. His 
family numbered nine children, of whom five still survive. The father died 
on the home farm. Nevomber 20. 1875. and the mother, surviving for only about 
two years, was called to the home beyond on the 8th of December. 1877. Both 
were laid to rest in the Castle Grove cemetery. 

A. W. Cramer was born during the residence of his parents in Trumbull 
county. Ohio, the date of his birth being April 30, 1846. His education was 
acquired in the schools of that district and he was a youth of nineteen years 
when the family came to Jones county. The country at that time bore little 
resemblance to this district at the present time. Then few settlements had been 
made, the homes were widely scattered and much of the land was still in its 
virgin state. In a few years, however, the settlers began to come in, take up 
land and build homes and today Jones county is one of the most prosperous and 
advanced counties of the state of Iowa. Mr. Cramer was active in helping his 
father to establish the home here and remained under the parental roof until 
he attained his majority. He then started out to make his own way in the 
world. After he had accumulated a sum of money sufficient to invest in prop- 
erty, he piu'chased the old homestead farm of one hundred and eighty-seven 
acres, located on sections ii. 14, and 15. Castle Grove township, and to its care 
and cultivation he has since bent his energies. The place is supplied with good 
buildings and everything about the place is kept in good repair, indicating Mr. 
Cramer's progressive spirit. 

Mr, Cramer was married April 27, 1876, to Miss O. E. Smith, who was born 
in Butler county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of S. H. and Margaret H. (Wilson) 
Smith, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, whence they removed 
to Iowa in 1857. After spending about two decades in this state, in 1877, they 
removed to Texas and there made their home until they passed away, the father 
dying in May. 1908, while the mother departed this life in December. IQ05. 
Their family numbered twelve children, of whom ten are still living. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 249 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have been born six children: Fred C, who is 
still at home, has served as assessor of Castle Grove township for the past four 
years. Margaret j\F is the wife of S. C. Pfeil, of this township. Elsie E. is the 
wife of William Heller and they make their home in Delaware county, Iowa. 
The fourth member of the family died in infancy. Eda M. is the wife of Pro- 
fessor J. G. Van Buren, who is now connected with the schools of Little Rock, 
Arkansas. Olive H.. who is a graduate of the Monticello high school, is now 
engaged in teaching. 

Mr. Cramer is a democrat in his political views and affiliations and has 
served as a member of the school board and in other minor township offices. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His 
record has been one of unremitting and tireless toil but through this means 
he has worked his way up until he has become one of the influential and sub- 
stantial citizens of Jones county. 



E. R. YOUNG. 



E. R. Young, devoting his time and energy to agricultural pursuits, in which 
line of activitv he is meeting with most gratifying success, was born in Jones 
county on the 24th of April, 1872. and is a son of James and Amanda (Prince) 
Young, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Reared 
under the parental roof he spent the period of his boyhood and youth amid the 
scenes and environment of rural life, and in the district schools near his home 
acquired his preliminary education, while later he supplemented that training by 
a course of study in a seminary at Epworth, Iowa. When not busy with his 
text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and early 
became familiar with the tasks that fall to the agriculturist. He gained thor- 
ough knowledge of the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and 
continued to give his father the benefit of his aid until thirty years of age, when 
he started out in the business world on his own account, operating one of his 
father's farms in the capacity of renter for about two years. He then purchased 
the farm and is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of valuable land 
located in Madison and Scotch Grove townships. He follows up-to-date and 
progressive methods in the conduct of his farming interests and his affairs are 
wisely and carefully managed, his diligence and perseverance being salient 
elements in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he today enjoys. 

It was in 1901 that Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Margaret 
Gowan, who was bom in Dubuque county, Iowa, and was one of nine children 
born unto David and Elizabeth Gowan. The father is now deceased while 
the mother still survives and makes her home in Cherokee county, Iowa. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Young were born three children, namely : Eloise ; Elizabeth ; and 
an infant son. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, 
the teachings of which form the guiding influence in their lives. 

In politics Mr. Young has followed the example set by his father and gives 
stalwart support to the prohibition party, doing all in his power to further its 



250 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

influence throughout the community. He is loyal and public-spirited in citizen- 
ship and is now serving efficiently as school director, while he has also served 
as county secretary, being elected on the prohibition ticket. Having passed 
his entire life within the borders of Jones county, he has gained an extensive 
circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, 
and he has won the unqualified respect and good will of his fellowmen by reason 
of his many excellent traits of character. He is indeed a worthy son of an 
honored father and the consensus of public opinion accords him a high place 
among its valued and representative citizens. 



S. E. RORICK. 



S. E. Rorick, a retired farmer and banker, who is living in the enjoyment 
of a well earned rest in Oxford Mills, Oxford township, was born in Franklin 
county, Ohio, October 31, 1849. His parents, C. H. and Julia F. (Kimball) 
Rorick, were natives of New Jersey, where they were reared and married, but 
in 1836, came west as far as Ohio, where they entered timber land and secured 
a farm. They built a log cabin as their first habitation in the new state, and 
after twenty years' residence there removed to Indiana, in 1856. Two years later 
they came to Iowa, locating in Jones county after a period of six months spent 
in Clinton county. Here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits, and here 
after many years of active labor his life was brought to a close. His wife also 
passed away in this county. Of the nine children born to them six now sur- 
vive, bearing daily witness to the sturdy principles inculcated into them in their 
youth. 

S. E. Rorick was reared at home, acquiring a fair education in the neighbor- 
ing schools, and he worked upon the farm during his school days, so that he 
was well prepared through practical experience for the responsibilities of life. 
Until he became of age his father received the benefit of his labor, but after attain- 
ing his majority he commenced farming for himself. For six years he rented 
land in this county, but in 1884 went to Hand County, South Dakota, where he 
engaged in real-estate transactions. After an experience of one year, however, 
he returned to Jones county, engaging in the buying and selling of stock of all 
kinds. During the five years he devoted himself to operations of that kind he 
was able to purchase three hundred and twenty-three acres in Oxford town- 
ship, on which he lived for ten years, or until 1900. During that time the fields 
brought forth bountiful returns for his endeavors, so that when he retired to 
to Oxford Mills he was able to organize what was known as the Oxford Junc- 
tion Savings Bank. But the active cares of life were becoming heavier as the 
years went by and in 1905. Mr. Rorick sold his interest in the institution and 
retired. 

In the three score of years that have now measured his span of life, he has 
known many hardships and privations, but with determination, he faced his trials, 
and through unswerving devotion to what he believed to be his dutv has at- 




S. E. ROKICK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 253 

tained to a position that is attended with the respect ever accorded to success and 
uprightness. 

In 1876, Mr. Rorick wedded Miss Charity Green, who was born in Ohio 
in 1849. -H^r mother died when she was but a small child, but her father lived 
until 1884, when he too passed away. Five children were born to her parents, 
and through her marriage, Mrs. Rorick has become the mother of two — Cor- 
nelius H., who is at home, and Edna, who is deceased. 

Politically Mr. Rorick has invariably given his support to the democratic 
party and while he has not been a seeker for office, he has served as trustee of 
his township off and on for the past twenty years and was twice nominated by 
his party for sheriff. 

Although he does not affiliate with any church, his life has been ordered in 
accordance with Christian principles so that his success carries no bitterness with 
it. He belongs to the Oxford Junction Lodge, No. 435, A. F. & A. M., and 
to the Owls, being at present the treasurer of the local chapter of this latter 
body, a fact that bears additional testimony to the confidence, those who know 
him best place in his judgment and integrity. 



ALEXANDER McKEAN, M. D. 

Dr. Alexander McKean, deceased, who for eighteen years was prominently 
and successfully connected with the medical profession of Center Junction, was 
born in Carroll county, Ohio, on the 22d of June, 1838, a son of James and 
Nancy J. (Smith) McKean. The parents, who were both natives of Ohio, came 
to Jones county in 1856 and located on a farm in Scotch Grove township, where 
both passed away. In their family were eight children but only one now 
survives. 

Dr. Alexander McKean remained a resident of his native state until eighteen 
years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Jones county. 
Later deciding upon a medical career as a life work, he took a course of study 
at Rush Medical College, of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated 
in 1884. Returning to Jones county he immediately began practicing in Center 
Junction, and for twenty- four years, or up to the time of his death, he followed 
his profession in that city, Onslow, Anamosa and Scotch Grove. During that 
period he worked up a large and successful practice which, as the years passed 
and his ability became recognized in the community, continually increased in 
volume and importance until he was the loved family physician in many house- 
holds. He ever remained a student and kept in touch with the general trend 
of progress and improvement made by the medical fraternity through his reading 
and investigation, and everything that served to bring to man the secret of 
that complex mystery which we call life was of intense interest to him. He 
fully recognized the obligations which rested upon him in his chosen field of 
labor and he ever performed his duties in a conscientious and careful manner 
that won for him the high commendation and confidence of his fellowmen. 



254 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

It was on the 24th of May, 1871, that Dr. McKean was united in marriage 
to Miss DeHa A. Strohl, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, on the loth 
of March, 1838. She was a daughter of John and Katherine (Beghler) Strohl, 
and was one of eight children born unto them, two of whom still survive. Her 
parents removed to Iowa in 1846 and here their remaining days were passed. 
Dr. and Mrs. McKean were both members of the Presbyterian church, in which 
he served as elder for eighteen years, and both were actively and helpfully in- 
terested in church work. He assisted in raising the money to purchase the 
organ and bell for the church in Scotch Grove. Fraternally he was a member 
of the Masonic order, the Legion of Honor, and the Odd Fellows, and in these 
organizations was well known and active. On the 23d of February, 189 1, he 
was called to his final rest and when he passed away Center Junction lost one 
of its respected, honored and valued citizens, who, during the period of his 
residence here had proved a factor for good in the life of the community. At 
the time of his death he was the owner of three sections of land in Texas and 
also of several acres of timber land in Jones county, and this property is now 
proving a source of revenue to his widow, who still survives and makes her 
home in Center Junction. She is a most estimable lady, who through her many 
good traits of mind and heart has gained an extensive circle of warm friends 
who hold her in high regard and esteem. 



J. T. LANIGAN. 



J. T. Lanigan, who for the past eight years has been the editor and pro- 
prietor of the Jones County Times, was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 12, 
1867. His parents, Paul and Mary Lanigan, were natives of Ireland and emi- 
grated to the United States in 1852. For many centuries the home of the Lan- 
igan family was near Clonmell. County Ticperary. whence came the valiant men 
who thought it a sweet and appropriate thing to fight and die for their country. 
They resisted every encroachment upon their liberties, took part in every revolu- 
tion stirred up for the liberty of Ireland, but the traits of characters that made 
them patriots centuries ago have made their descendants fine citizens of today. 
After coming to this county, Paul Lanigan engaged in farming in Butler county. 
Ohio, winning a large measure of success in his vocation. 

John T. Lanigan attended the Mason high school after he had completed the 
course of study in the common schools and then entered the National Normal 
University at Lebanon, Ohio. Upon completing his work as a student he engaged 
in the profession of teaching, coming to Iowa in 1892. For four years he taught 
in the schools of Center township, Clinton county, and then entered the employ of 
Fay Brothers, publishers of the Clinton Advertiser. His duties at that time were 
manifold, he was solicitor of advertisements and of subscriptions, while he was 
also special correspondent and contributor. In 1901 he left their employ to pur- 
chase the Jones County Times, which he has since edited, bringing it up to a high* 
standard as a reputable dispenser of news, increasing its circulation until it is a 
valuable advertising medium while through tersely written editorials making for 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 255 

an advancement of the public thought. Success has attended his endeavors, as 
is indicated by the fact that he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Hughes county, South Dakota, and an equal area in Finney county, Kansas. 

A personal friend of William Jennings Bryan, he is a stanch supporter of the 
democracy advocated by that man, but he has steadfastly refused all nominations 
to public office. He has not, however, been wholly lacking in public spirit, for 
from 1893 to 1896 he served in Company L, First Regiment of Iowa National 
Guards. Religiously he affiliates with the Catholic church, that being the religion 
in which he was reared. 



GEORGE WATT. 



Few residents of Cass township more justly deserve the proud American 
title of a self-made man than does George Watt, who, starting out in life at 
the early age of thirteen years to earn his own livelihood, has gradually worked 
his way upward from a humble beginning to a place among the substantial and 
representative farmers of this township. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 
27th of October, 1848, he is a son of Andrew and Agnes (Henry) Watt, who 
Spent the entire lives on the old Watt homestead known as Little Elrick Farm. 
The estate, which originally consisted of twenty acres but now includes thirty- 
six acres, has been in the family for many years and has been presided over 
by three generations of Andrew Watt, a brother of our subject by that name 
being the present owner. 

George Watt, whose name introduces this record, was the seventh in order 
of birth in a family of five sons and five daughters, eight of whom still survive. 
All make their home in the old country with the exception of our subject. Spend- 
ing the period of his boyhood and youth in his native land, he was early trained 
to agricultural pursuits and when only thirteen years of age started out alone 
in the business world as a farm hand. The two previous years were spent in 
herding sheep, and with the first money which he earned he purchased a lamb, 
which cost ten shillings or two dollars and fifty cents in American money. After 
starting out in his independent career as a farm hand he received but seven- 
teen and a half dollars for his first six months and during the next six months 
was advanced to twenty-two and a half dollars, while during the entire period 
of his connection with agricultural pursuits in his native country he received 
only seventy dollars for the hardest year's work he ever did. He was engaged 
in this capacity until he reached years of manhood and then he learned, through 
an uncle who resided in Canada and had returned to the old country for a visit, 
that he could easily earn one hundred dollars per year as a farm hand in 
Canada. Consequently, in 1868, he bade adieu to friends and country and 
crossed the Atlantic, arriving in Ontario, Canada, with but ten dollars in his 
pocket. He immediately sought and obtained employment as a farm hand and 
was thus engaged for ten years in Ontario. He received sixteen dollars per 
month for the first six months, and that he was capable and efficient in the 
performance of his duties is indicated by the fact that he continued in the serv- 



256 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

ice of one man for seven years. Hearing rumors of the greater opportunities 
for advancement in business lines in the United States, however, in 1878, he 
came to Iowa, locating in Jones county, where he purchased eighty acres of land 
which form the nucleus of his present possessions. He later purchased other 
property until today he owns a well developed and highly cultivated farm of 
one hundred and iifteen acres located on sections 3 and 4, Cass township, the 
place being known as the Hickory Grove Farm. The soil is naturally rich 
and fertile and responds readily to the care and attention bestowed upon it. In 
his business he has combined his sturdy Scotch characteristics with the spirit of 
American progress, and so as the years have come and gone he has met with a 
very substantial success which ranks him among the representative agriculturists 
of his section of the county. He has placed many modern improvements upon 
the farm, including an attractive twelve-room house, which was built eleven 
years ago, and a substantial barn, forty by seventy-two feet, erected in 1909, 
and the place is lacking in none of those things which go to make tip a model 
farm, in connection with his general farming interests he engages to some extent 
in stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding shorthorned cattle and Clydesdale 
horses. Both branches of his business are proving remunerative and he now 
enjoys a substantial annual income. 

It was on the 15th of March, 1878. that Mr. Watt was united in marriage 
to Ellen S. Horn, who was born in Green Bank, Ontario, on the 24th of August, 
1857, a daughter of Alexander and Ann (Dobson) Horn, natives of Scotland and 
Canada respectively. Unto this union have been born four children, namely : 
Agnes Ann, the wife of Ernest Condit, of North Dakota; Andrew, at home; 
Mabel, the wife of A. J. Lake, residing in Amber, Jones county; and Ella May, 
a student of Highland Park College, of Des Moines, Iowa. 

Mr. Watt is a faithful and consistent member of the Cass Congregational 
church, and he gives stalwart support to the principles of the republican party. 
He has never sought nor desired party preferment, however, the only office which 
he has tilled being that of school director. His record has been characterized 
by steady progress resulting from the wise and intelligent utilization of every 
opportunity that has come to him. He is numbered among those who left 
their native country to identify themselves with American life and institutions, 
who have pushed their way to the front and who are a credit alike to the land 
of their birth and that of their adoption. 



V. E. SOBOTKA. 



Among tliose of foreign birth who have become prominent in the business 
circles of Jones county is numbered V. E. Sobotka, who conducts a clothing 
establishment in Oxford Junction. He was born in Bohemia. March 28, 1872. 
a son of John and Josiephine Sobotka, who, likewise natives of that country, emi- 
grated to the new world in 1889 and located in Jones county. To them were 
born seven children, of whom five still survive. The parents are now living in 
Oxford 1 unction. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 257 

V. E. Sobotka was a youth of seventeen years when he accompanied his 
parents to America. Upon their arrival in Jones country the son obtained work 
as a farm hand, being thus engaged for seven years. He then rented land 
for six years and subsequently engaged in the clothing business with his brother- 
in-law, Charles \\'. A'lach. After a time he purchased the interest of his partner 
and is now alone in business. He studies the needs and demands of his patrons 
and keeps on hand a full line of clothing, having one of the finest establishments 
of its kind in this section of Jones county, while his business methods are such 
as commend him to the good will and patronage of the public. 

Mr. Sobotka was married October 4, 1899, to Miss Emma Vlach, who was 
born in Oxford Junction, a daughter of Emanuel and Mary Vlach, in whose 
family were three children. The father was born in Bohemia but the mother 
was born in Jackson county, Iowa, and both have departed this life. Mrs. 
Sobotka acquired her education in Oxford, completing the high school course. 
Later she engaged in teaching for three years prior to her marriage. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sobotka has been blessed with two daughters and 
a son, Loretta, Louise and Raymond. Mr. Sobotka is a democrat in his political 
views and is now serving his second term as councilman, and he is also a school 
director. He is a member of the Western Bohemia Brotherhood. Coming here 
a poor boy, unknown, and without even a knowledge of the English language, 
he has risen to a substantial place among the business men of Oxford Junction. 
His path was a hard one but by strict economy, perseverance and determination, 
it has led him to success. 



RICHARD McOUILLEN. 

Among the cotmtless numbers who have answered the call of opportunity to 
the shores of the new world were the parents of Richard McOuillen. John 
McQuillen, his father, and Margaret Lang, his mother, grew to young manhood 
and womanhood among the green vales of Erin. When they came to America, 
both young people settled in Albany, New York, where they were soon united 
in marriage. The father was an engineer on the New York Central Railway, 
his route lying between Albany and Schenectady, New York. That was in the 
early '40s and the New York Central at that time could boast of only three 
engines. The one upon which John McOuillen plied the throttle lever was 
named the John Bull, but even this constant reminder of other days was unable 
to dampen the enthusiasm of the young Irishman for the country to which he 
had come. 

Richard ]\IcOuillen was born in Albany. New York, May i, 1843, and in 
1846 the family came west to Jones county, Iowa, arriving here on the 4th of 
July. Iowa was still a territory at that time and the father bought a claim in 
Richland township, his son John residing on this land at the present day. Sadly 
enough the head of the family lived but two months after acquiring his home- 
stead, his death occurring on the 23d of August, 1846. In his family were 
five sons: Bernard, deceased; George, deceased; John, who lives on the old 



258 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

homestead in Richland township; Richard, the subject of the sketch; and 
Thomas, who is now located in Dubuque county, where he holds the position of 
county supervisor. The mother of these boys kept the family together and 
reared its members to manhood. This brave and dauntless woman lived to the 
advanced age of eighty-two years, her death occurring in September, 1889. 

Richard AIcQuillen enjoyed the experience so interesting to the younger gen- 
eration, used as, it is to a more advanced civilization, of growing up in an old 
pioneer log cabin with its open fireplace and puncheon floor. He also acquired 
his education in a log cabin schoolhouse. In his tenth year he attended the 
Farm Creek district school, but in 1857 a log schoolhouse was erected in the 
district in wdiich he was living. The McQuillen boys assumed many of the 
burdens and responsibilities which would naturally have fallen upon their father's 
shoulders and cooperated in the cultivation of the farm. They kept together until 
1870, when George settled in Washington township, and in 1880 Thomas re- 
moved to Dubuque county, leaving Richard and John to their cooperative farm- 
ing for another decade. In 1890 they divided the property and Richard took 
possession of a farm of his own, which consisted of three hundred and eighty 
acres, two hundred and sixty of which he had purchased two years previously. 
He also owns some three hundred acres in Washington township. He makes a 
specialty of pasturing and raising cattle and has extensive interests in that 
line. 

Mr. McQuillen was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Winters, of Du- 
buque. IVIarch 31, 1891, and three sons have been born to them: John R., who 
is a student at St. Joseph's College in Dubuque ; Charles T. and Francis J., who 
are at home. 

Mr. McQuillen is a stanch member of the democratic party and for twelve 
years was actively identified with it as township trustee. Both he and his wife 
are members of the Catholic church. He is recognized as one of the sound and 
influential men of his communitv. 



CHARLES B. WAGGONER. 

Charles B. Waggoner, who is residing on his well developed farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres on section 22. Jackson township, is one of the repre- 
sentative farmers of Jones county, as well as one of its best citizens. He was 
born in Hardin county, Ohio. September 15. 1838, a son of Anthony and Ruth 
(King) Waggoner, natives of France and New York state, respectively. An- 
thony Waggoner became a resident of New York state in boyhood and there 
learned the trade of a carpenter. After his marriage he emigrated to Ohio in 
search of better opportunities. He was called upon to mourn the loss of his 
wife when his son Charles B.. their only child, was but two weeks old. Later, 
he married again and had three sons and three daughters, by that union. Los- 
ing his second wife, he married a third time, and his daughter by this union, 
Abiah, married Charles Waggoner, of Cedar Rapids, who although bearing the 
same name, is not a relative of the family as far as is known. After his second 




CHARLES B. WAGGONER 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 261 

marriage, Anthony Waggoner moved to Iowa in 1854 and located on a farm in 
Jones county. His death occurred about 1899, when he was between seventy- 
five and eighty years of age. 

Charles B. Waggoner was brought to Iowa by his father and step-mother 
and was reared to manhood in Jones county, having lived in Jackson township 
ever since coming to the state. His well developed farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres shows that his understanding of farming is complete, and the fine 
buildings on his property, all of which were put up by him, demonstrate that he 
is a carpenter as well as a farmer. 

In 1863, Mr. Waggoner married Mary May, who was born in Lewis county, 
West Virginia, March 8, 1846, but was brought to Jones county, Iowa, in 1855 
by her parents. She is a daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Erbach) May, 
natives of Germany, where they were married, later emigrating to the United 
States. They both died after coming to Jones county, Iowa. There were six 
sons and five daughters in their family. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner have four 
children, as follows : Jacob, who lives four miles south of Anamosa ; Frank, 
who lives in Jackson township; Walter, who lives in Anamosa; and Ruth, who 
is at home. 

Mr. Waggoner is a republican, but, as his time has been so taken up with 
his agricultural duties, he has never aspired to public honors, prefering to lend 
his influence and exert himself for the good of the community simply as a priv- 
ate citizen. He and his family occupy an enviable position among their neigh- 
bors for they are well liked and held in gratifying esteem. 



FRED PULESTON, M. D. 

Among few of the professions of life are a broad outlook, a liberal edu- 
cation and wide experience so necessary to real success than in that of medi- 
cine and these attributes are possessed in their fullness by Dr. Fred Puleston, 
who about eight years ago commenced practice in Monticello. During this 
period he has won a patronage that compares favorably with that enjoyed by 
older men, while his success in treating the diseases of the ear, nose and throat, 
and affections of the skin and the nerves has spread beyond the confines of the 
city. He was born in Manchester, England, November 22, 1866, his parents 
being William and Jane (Thompson) Puleston, also natives of Manchester, 
where the father was well known as an extensive shipping merchant, and they 
spent their entire lives in their birthplace. 

Fred Puleston was reared at home, acquiring his education in Owens Col- 
lege, now known as Victoria University. At the age of nineteen, he went to 
Africa on a hunting expedition, but his stay on that continent was prolonged 
until it covered a period of twelve years. During that time he became well ac- 
quainted with Stanley, the immortal explorer, and his party, accompanying 
them upon many of their trips into the interior and for four years he served 
as British consul to the dark land. Many were the exciting experiences he 
encountered in those years, for the country had not then become as well known 



262 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

as it is at present, and when he returned to England he brought with hnn many 
trophies of his skill in the chase and relics of the native tribes he had visited. 
It was in 1887 that he went to his home and after a stay of one month there 
he came to the United States on a visit, as he thought, but to remain perman- 
ently, as it has proved. A sister whom he had not seen for nineteen years was 
living in Anamosa, Iowa, and when she heard that he had come to America 
she begged him to visit her, and then prevailed upon him to remain here. 

About nine months after his arrival. Dr. Puleston took up the study of 
medicine and in the fall of 1897 entered the medical department of the Iowa 
State Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. 
During his period as a student, he had shown unusual adaptation for the pro- 
fession so that he was made demonstrater of pathology and assistant demon-, 
strater of anatomy, while to increase his efificiency as a practitioner he took a 
special course in bacteriology, so that he is now able to perform his own work 
in that department of his profession, a thing which few physicians are able to 
do. Immediately after his graduation Dr. Puleston opened an office in Mon- 
ticello, making it one of the most complete in the county, for he intended 
building u]) a large practice. The years have ])roved that his ambitions have 
not failed of realization. His record at the college and the fact that he was 
made interne in the hospital during the last year of his work there, gave people 
confidence in his ability from the start, while his personality, his thoroughness, 
his ready sympathy and his skill in handling the cases brought to him, have won 
their increased regard. He makes a specialty of treating the ear, nose and 
throat, and of skin and nervous diseases, but he is also engaged in the general 
practice of medicine. 

In 1895, Dr. Puleston returned to England from the African jungle to marry 
Miss Sarah Mosely Davis, of Manchester. England, who accompanied him when 
he went back to his work on the dark continent and then to America. Since he 
has become a resident of this state. Dr. Puleston has allied himself with the 
Iowa Legion of Honor and with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, while 
he keeps abreast with the advances made in his profession through his member- 
ship in the Jones County IMedical Society and in the Iowa State ^ledical Society. 
Highly cultured, of broad interests and of wide experience, not only is he able 
to assist all those who entrust their physical well being to his care, but .socially 
he is a great addition to the town. 



WILLIAM J. STANTON. 

Agricultural jjursuits have cliaracterized the efforts of William J. Stanton. 
a successful and enterprising farmer of ^^'ashington township. Jones county, 
whose birth occurred on the 31st of July, 1865. in Washington township, this 
county. He is the youngest son in a family of nine children born unto William 
and Mary Stanton, and he never saw his father, who died on the 24th of De- 
cember, 1864. His entire life has been passed upon the old homestead in Jones 
county. He acquired his education in the district schools nearbv and when 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 263 

not busily engaged with his text-books assisted in the work of the fields, early 
becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He 
learned the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and by close obser- 
vation gained thorough knowledge concerning the value of industry, diligence 
and perseverance, so that when the old home farm came into his possession he 
was well equipped to assiune the practical and responsible duties that devolved 
upon him in that connection. The place consists of two hundred acres, all highly 
cultivated, upon which he has made many improvements, and it testifies in its 
well kept and attractive appearance to the industry and thrift of its owner. 
Everything about it indicates that he has kept in close touch with the modern 
spirit of progress and his well directed efforts and close application to business 
have gained for him a place among the substantial and prosperous farmers 
of the community. 

On the 23d of October, 1895, Mr. Stanton was united in marriage to Miss 
Agnes Mahoney, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Mahoney, the former 
deceased and the latter now residing with our subject. By this marriage were 
born four children, namely: Mary Ann, born on the nth of January, 1897; 
Joseph M., born on the 19th of October, 1899, his death occurring on the 15th 
of March, 1909; Mildred, born May 11, 1901 ; and Orland, born August 17, 1905. 

Mr. Stanton holds membership in the Catholic church, the teachings of which 
form the guiding influence in his life, while politically he is a democrat and 
gives stalwart support to that party at the polls. He is not an aspirant for 
office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his private business 
affairs, which, capably conducted, are proving a source of most gratifying 
prosperity. 

Mrs. Stanton, the mother of our subject, recalls the time when, in 1859, 
a murder occurred in the vicinity of the old homestead and although not a witness 
of the crime, she saw the murderer soon afterward hiding in some hazel brush 
near the house and heard his confession. She advised him to give himself up to 
the authorities and take the consequence of his act. He followed her advice and 
was later acquitted by the jury. 



MICHAEL FOUST. 



Michael Foust, who is well known as one of the earlier settlers of Jones 
county, for he has resided in Scotch Grove township for fifty-nine years, was 
born in Center county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1842. His parents, Michael and 
Maria (Hippie) Foust, started upon their journey to the west in 1843, stopping 
for a time at Dunleath, Illinois, across the river from Dubuque. There the 
father died and later the family moved into Jackson county, Iowa. During the 
period of their residence there Mrs. Foust married Donald Livingston and in 
1850 came with her family to Jones county. They located upon the farm in 
Scotch Grove township which Michael Foust owns today. It remained the home 
of his mother and stepfather throughout the remainder of their days. 



264 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Michael Foust was about eight years of age when his parents came to Scotch 
Grove township, so that it may be said that here he has passed all the years of 
his active life. He was reared at home and during his youth attended the com- 
mon schools of his locality. He was early initiated into the work of the farm 
and through practical experience in its cultivation, gained an acquaintance with 
its peculiarities long before he purchased it from his stepfather. It is a tract 
of one hundred and twenty acres whose soil is well adapted for general farming 
which Mr. Foust has followed. While he has kept fully abreast of the times in 
his methods of tilling the soil, he has been more or less conservative, for his 
thorough knowledge of the character of his land, his wisdom, acquired through 
actual experience, in regard to farming in general, has made him slow to re- 
linquish those habits which have brought him a large measure of success in 
the course of years. His fields, orderly and well cared for, are representative 
of the best agricultural property of his township, while the condition of his 
fences and buildings tells its own story of the good management which has played 
no small part in placing Mr. Foust among the substantial men of his locality. 
His industry has been the means of his success and his thrift has conserved 
where toil could do no more. 

In his young manhood Mr. Foust wedded Miss Mary Baley, of Scotch Grove 
township, a daughter of John Baley, who came to Jones county from New 
York state. Five children have been born to the couple: Hattie, who is the 
wife of Spencer Giles, the principal of the Springville schools ; Ella, who is un- 
married and lives at home ; John, of Springville, Iowa ; Margaret, who is the 
wife of Harry Withem, of Madison township, this county; and Mary Ann, who 
is deceased. Mrs. Foust has also passed away, her death having occurred March 
9, 1883. 

Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of an American 
citizen, Mr. Foust has allied himself with the republican party, but has taken 
little part in the public life of his township, for he has considered that the 
example of his life, the lesson of its unremitting toil and its integrity of pur- 
pose were influence enough wielded in a community which regarded him as one 
of its honored members. 



ANDREAS D. JANSEN. 

When Andreas D. Jansen arrived in this country not only was he without 
money to start him on the road to success, but he was even in debt for expense 
of his passage. He is now one of the substantial farmers of Madison township, 
whose broad fields are the result of his own industrious efforts. He was born 
in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, October 19, 1862, and is a son of Hans and 
Marie (Dickson) Jansen, both natives of the same province of the fatherland. 
The father died in the land of his birth, but in 1885 Andreas Jansen returned 
to his old home and brought his mother to this country, where she died in May. 
1892, at the age of seventy-six years. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 265 

Until he was sixteen years of age, Andreas D. Jansen remained under the 
care of his parents, obtaining a fair education in the pubHc schools. At that 
early age he decided to leave his home and come to the new world, where it was 
said larger opportunities awaited the boy who knew how to grasp them. Ac- 
cordingly in 1878 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He made his 
way almost immediately after landing to Bryant, Clinton county, Iowa, where 
he secured work as a farm hand, and then, two years later, in 1880, came to 
Jones county, where he worked by the month for a period of eight years. In 
1888 he married and began life as an agriculturist. For seventeen years he 
rented land, and then having practiced strict economy, in 1905 he was able 
to purchase the Wasson farm in Madison township. It is a tract of one hundred 
and eighty acres, lying about a mile west of Onslow, and has been his home 
for the past four years. The soil naturally rich and arable, through careful 
cultivation has been made to produce most abundantly, so that Mr. Jansen has 
reaped harvests which have brought him renown as a tiller of the soil as well 
as an income which places him among the more prosperous men of his town- 
ship. Industry has been largely accountable for this progress but not more 
so than has the good managemerlt which he ever showed in conserving his 
resources. 

In 1888 Mr. Jansen wedded Miss Anna Von Spreecken, of Wyoming town- 
ship, this county, but a native of Germany. Five children have been born of this 
union : Mary D., John C, Martha C, William T. and Frieda M. The parents 
are members of the German Lutheran church and are rearing their family in 
that faith. 

Politically Mr. Jansen inclines more to the democratic party than to any other, 
but he is liberal in his views, usually voting at local elections for men and 
measures as his judgment dictates, for being a man of progressive ideas he is 
anxious to see in office the best man who has the best interests of the com- 
munity at heart. The home in which Mr. Jansen lives is one of the handsome 
country houses of Jones county and is but another indication of the success 
which he has won for himself, and which entitles him to be called a self-made 
man, an appellation that is highly esteemed by all citizens of this country, 
whether they be her native sons or those coming from foreign lands, who have 
sought to share in her bounty. 



ARTHUR L. FAIRBANKS, JR. 

Arthur L. Fairbanks, Jr., a successful farmer and prominent stockman of 
Castle Grove township, was born in Cass township, January 15, i860, and is a 
son of A. L. Fairbanks, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. 
He was reared upon the home place, where he worked with his father until 
1882, when he was married. About the 15th of January, 1883, he located on 
the farm where he now resides, and which has since been the scene of his 
labors. It consists of two hundred and ten acres on section 35, Castle Grove 
township, is well cultivated and improved with buildings of a high grade which 



266 HISTORY OI- JOXIIS COUNTY 

evince his progressive ideas in regard to his vocation. This farm, however, is 
but one of several tracts which Mr. Fairbanks owns, for he has one hundred 
acres on section 36, the same township, besides two farms, one of six hundred 
and forty acres^ — a whole section — in Adams county. North Dakota. The lat- 
ter he purchased in 1906 from the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and re- 
gards as a good investment. In Castle Grove township he makes a specialty of 
the raising of Aberdeen Angus cattle, having a herd of ninety registered animals, 
headed by Ruby Buster. These have been exhibited in the Wapsi Fair and 
in the fair at Monticello, where they were the recipients of many honors, for 
Mr. Fairbanks has never spared any effort to improve his breed and secure the 
best quality of cattle. He is a man whose industry is a prime factor in his 
success and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of his township. 

On the 22d of August. 1882. Mr. Fairbanks was united in marriage to Miss 
Maggie S. Black, aho was born in Jones county, February 7, 1863, and is a 
daughter of T. K. and Susanna (Eberhart) Black, both now deceased. Four 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks. Allen T., the eldest, secured 
a homestead in Adams county, North Dakota, in 1907. A. Ray lives in Cass 
township and a sketch of him appears in another part of this volume. Gladys 
M. is in the third year of her course at Cornell College, and Blanche B., the 
youngest, in the second year of her course at that institution. 

Although on national issues Mr. Fairbanks invariably allies himself with 
the republicans, he is independent in his political views as regards matters of 
local concern and votes for the men and measures he believes best for the 
advancement of the highest interests of the community. He keeps well informed 
in regard to matters of popular concern, and for six years as trustee assisted in 
guiding the township along a progressive course. 



NATHAN BUNDY LATHROP. 

Nathan Bundy T.athrop, owning and operating a well improved and produc- 
tive farm of one hundred and seventy acres on section 31, Oxford township, 
is numbered among the worthy native sons of Jones county, his birth having 
occurred in Oxford township, on the 3d of December. t88o. His father, Hon. 
George W. Lathrop, was born at Fremont. Ohio, on the i8th of March, 1836, 
and when four years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, 
the family home being established near Toronto. Two or three years later they 
took up their abode in Allen's Grove, Scott county. 

In 1853, George W. Lathrop formed a ])artnership with his half brother, 
A. Courtright. for the conduct of a general mercantile establishment at Toronto, 
being thus identified with the business interests of the town for three years. On 
the expiration of that period they sold out the enterprise and, in association with 
their father, purchased the water power at Oxford Mills and erected a gristmill. 
George W. I.athrop was connected with the mill until 1868. at which time the 
property was sold to Robert McDonald. Subsequently he again entered mer- 
cantile circles, establishing a store at Oxford Mills, where he built up an exten- 




GEORGE W. LATPIROP 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 269 

sive and profitable trade. It was through his influence that the branch Hne from 
Davenport was turned from its course, already surveyed through Lost Nation and 
Smithtown, to Oxford Mills and Oxford Junction. In 1882, he purchased a farm 
of four hundred acres south of the Mills, where he was extensively engaged 
in the raising of thoroughbred stock, including cattle, hogs and sheep, until the 
time of his retirement in December, 1903. His remaining days were spent in 
well earned ease at Oxford Junction, where he passed away on the 3d of De- 
cember, 1907. A stanch republican in his political views, he always took a very 
active interest in the work of his party and was honored by election to the six- 
teenth and twenty-second general assemblies of Iowa. He also held many local 
offices within the gift of the people, ever discharging his official duties in a most 
efficient and highly satisfactory manner. The following is an extract from an 
obituary appearing in the Oxford Junction Mirror at the time of his demise: 
"He was a man of unusually generous impulses, always on the outlook for 
really helpful acts to be rendered his fellowman and among the first to discover 
and relieve want and grief where possible. He was the founder of the first 
mercantile establishment, the first gristmill, the importer of some of the finest 
breeds of live stock in this part of the country, and the primal cause for the 
existence of this city. He was an ardent supporter of our public school system 
and of his chosen political party, a man of the largest circle of acqaintances of 
any in this section, and a man whose loyalty to his town and state was never 
doubted." Uniformly loved, respected and honored, his death was the occasion 
of deep and widespread regret and the community was deprived of one of its 
most influential and prominent citizens. 

When a young man of twenty-four years, Hon. George W. Lathrop was 
united in marriage to Miss Ruth Amelia Noble, a native of New York and a 
daughter of Rev. Noble. Unto them were born six children, two of whom died 
in infancy. The others are as follows: Frank Noble, a resident of Martelle; 
James Howard, living in Pierre, South Dakota ; Nathan Bundy. of this review ; 
and Gladys Marie, the wife of John Stuhr, of Oxford township. The mother 
of this family was called to her final rest in May, 1901. 

Nathan Bundy Lathrop. who has lived in Jones county from his birth to the 
present time, remained under the parental roof until he was married, early 
becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- 
turist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the work of the 
home farm. He is now the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of rich 
and arable land on section 31. Oxford township, annually gathering bounteous 
harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. 
The property is lacking in none of the improvements and accessories of a model 
farm of the twentieth century and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates 
the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes a specialty 
of propagating seed com and in addition to his farming interests is also engaged 
in the raising of stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratify- 
ing annual income. 

On the 31st of December, 1903. Mr. Lathrop was united in marriage to Miss 
A. Maude Lyons, whose birth occurred in Center Junction. Iowa, on the 31st 
of January. t88o. Her parents, Robert and Sarah (Barnhill) Lyons, are now 



270 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

residents of I'lainview, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop now have a son, Robert 
Wendell, and a daughter, Ruth .\iildred. They lost one child, who died in 
infancy, Mr. Lathrop gives unfaltering allegiance to the men and measures of 
the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good 
government. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed young 
people of the community, having won the kindly regard and friendship of all 
with whom they have been associated. 



IVES D. TERWILLIGER. 

Among the many men who left the east and came to Jones county when they 
were desirous of securing a home of their own. may be numbered Ives D. Ter- 
williger, who for the past twenty-four years has been a resident of Lovell town- 
ship. A native of the state of New York, he was born in Cortland county, Jan- 
uary 27. 1854, his parents being Lewis and Lucy ( Briggs ) Terwilliger, both 
natives of the same state. The mother died when her son was but four years 
old, and the father survived only until he was eleven. A year after his wife's 
death, however. Mr. Terwilliger broke up housekeeping and Ives D. found a 
home with a Mr. Hammond, with whom he remained until his fourteenth year. 
For the five subsequent years he worked for various farmers in the locality of 
his birth, and then, at the age of nineteen, started upon his journey to the 
west. 

He stopped first in Boone county, Illinois, where he spent the greater part 
of three years, working in the store of an uncle in Belvidere. In 1876 he came 
to Iowa, locating in Boone count}-, where he found employment for two years as 
a farm hand. At the expiration of that period he returned to New York state, 
but after a few months' sojourn there started upon his second western journey, 
following roughly the same line of travel as on the previous trip, for he spent 
some time in Illinois before he came to Iowa again. He lived for one year in 
Sac county, after reaching this state and then in 1882 came to Jones county, 
locating in Monticello, where he found employment in a mercantile establish- 
ment and later with the Diamond Creamery Company. It was in 1885, after his 
marriage that he engaged in agricultural ])ursuits in this county for a number 
of years operating rented land belonging to his father-in-law, and then in 1901 
purchasing the farm. In consequence, for a period of almost a quarter of a 
century it has continuously been his home and has been the scene of those exer- 
tions which have been so well repaid that he is now numbered among the suc- 
cessful men of his locality, flis place embraces one hundred and fifty-three and a 
half acres, and while other farms may exceed it in area, few can equal it in 
the fertility which makes possible the plentiful harvests, for which Mr. Ter- 
williger has attained a reputation. 

On the Qth of June. 1885. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Terwilliger 
and Miss Flora P. Hall. She is a daughter of David M. Hall, who came to 
Jones county from New Hampshire in 1863. and took up his residence in 
Lovell town.ship. where he became one of the .substantial agriculturists. Three 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 271 

sons have been born of this union : David M., Lewis D. and Burgess H. The 
eldest is now attending the Iowa State University, at Iowa City, while the two 
younger are pupils in the high school at Monticello and live at home. 

Mr. Terwilliger gives unqualified support to the republican party, finding him- 
self in agreement with the principles expressed in its platform, but is not active 
in political matters. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of 
America, being a member of Root Camp, No. 282, arid with the Mystic Workers 
of the World, as a member of Lodge No. 159. With his wife he belongs to the 
Presbyterian church. Progressive in his ideas, hardworking to a high degree, 
and guiding his life by strong principles of honor, he has every reason to be grati- 
fied by the success which has come to him from his many years of toil, all the 
more so since he is aware that it represents his own efiforts, for he was com- 
pelled to start in life for himself at an age when many another boy gives little 
thought to the real responsibilities of life. 



EDWARD McCANN. 



Edward McCann, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Greenfield town- 
ship, Jones county, was born at Mount Vernon. Iowa, June 2, 1859, a son of 
Michael and Johanna (Colbert) McCann, who came to Iowa in the year 1851. 
He was one of a family of five children born unto this worthy couple, the others 
being: John, who died in infancy; Margaret, who passed away at the age of 
fifteen years; Daniel, a twin brother of our subject, residing in Greenfield town- 
ship ; and Michael, living on the old homestead farm. 

Edward McCann spent the first two years of his life in the city of his nativity 
and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Boone county, Iowa, in 
1861. In the following year the family returned to Linn county, where they 
remained until 1865, when they came to Greenfield township, locating on what is 
now known as the ^fcCann homestead, owned by Michael McCann, a brother of 
our subject. On this farm Mr. McCann spent the years of his boyhood and 
youth, attending the district schools in the acquirement of an education, while 
he devoted the periods of vacation to the work of the fields, early becoming 
familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He continued 
to reside upon the old homestead until 1882, in which year he went to Sac 
county. Iowa, but after three years returned to the old homestead in Green- 
field coimty, where he remained until 1887. He then removed to section 20, 
Greenfield township, where he had purchased the farm which is now his home 
and upon which he has resided continuously since with the exception of four 
years spent in Martelle. The farm, which consists of one hundred and sixty 
acres, is a well kept place, indicating in its appearance the progressive and up-to- 
date methods of its owner, who has made a close study of agriculture and 
knows the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the proper care of 
same. 

On the 31 St of May, t888, Mr. McCann was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary J. Kerwin, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Dawling) Kerwin, both 



272 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

natives of Ireland. Mrs. ]\IcCann, who was born in 1863, is the eldest in a 
family of six children, the other members being: John, who resides near the 
old homestead in Cedar county ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of seven years ; 
Annie, who passed away when five years old; Richard, who makes his home 
with his mother on the old homestead in Cedar county; and Lizzie, also still at 
home. 'Sir. and Mrs. Richard Kerwin, as also did the parents of ^.Ir. ]\IcCann, 
came to this county empty-handed, but through industry, thrift and persever- 
ance, have secured a substantial home of their own. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. McCann has been blessed with two children : Lucian H., aged eighteen 
years ; and Willard L., aged thirteen years. Both have attended the public 
schools of Greenfield township and Martelle, while the elder son has pursued a 
course in music and voice culture, in which he shows considerable ability and 
in which he has made rapid progress. The family belong to the Catholic church 
at Lisbon, Iowa, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of their 
lives. 

The parents are both members of the Mystic Toilers, No. 138, of Martelle, 
while Mr. McCann gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was 
trustee of Greenfield township for six" years, was treasurer and member of the 
board for eighteen years, and during his four years' residence in Martelle served 
as a member of the town council. The success which Mr. McCann today en- 
joys is not due to his own industry and energy entirely, but also to a great^ 
extent to the thrift and careful management of his esteemed wife. Thev are 
people of high standing in the community in which they reside, are sociable and 
hospitable to an eminent degree and by their many excellent traits of character 
have gained the respect and high regard of an extensive circle of warm 
friends. 



H. L. BATCHELLER. 



H. L. Batcheller. one of the older representatives of farming in Oxford 
township, was born in New Hampshire. October 3. 1837, a son of James and 
Amanda M. (Brown) Batcheller, who were likewise natives of that state, and 
there the father passed away. Subsequently the mother, in 1849, came west 
with her family, which consisted of five children, of whom three survive. She, 
too, has departed this life, her death occurring in Cedar county, this state, where 
she located upon her arrival in the west. 

H. L. Batcheller was a lad of twelve years when he was brought to Iowa, and 
his education, which was begim in- the common schools of the east, was con- 
tinued in the schools of Iowa. He remained with his mother, giving her every 
aid and assistance possible, until he attained his majority, when he started out 
to make his own way in the world. He first broke prairie with ox teams, this 
claiming his attention for some time. He established a home of his own in 1858 
by his marriage to Miss Mary Jane Patrick. He was married a second time, 
in 1862, to Miss Louise Rogers, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, a 
daughter of Chauncey and Nancy (Pike) Rogers. They took up their abode in 



HISTOKY OF JONES COUNTY 273 

Clinton county, Iowa, in 185 1, but later removed to Jones county, where they 
both passed away. 

Following his second marriage Mr. Batcheller engaged in teaming, which 
he followed for thirteen years and he now operates one hundred acres of land, 
which he owns, this being located in Oxford township. He has his place im- 
proved with good buildings, while the soil has been made to yield good crops 
through the attention he gives to it each year. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs Batcheller have been born six children, but four are 
deceased. One daughter and one son survive: Charlotte A., the wife of George 
Coker, a resident of Jones county; and Frank, who also makes his home in this 
county. Mr. Batcheller gives his political support to the men and measures of 
the democracy but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to live a quiet 
life. He is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 435, at Oxford Junction, while his 
wife is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. From an early age 
heavy responsibilities have rested upon him, since he was deprived of a father's 
care when only about twelve years of age. He has, however, brooked no obsta- 
cles that could be overcome by determination and energy and his excellent farm 
is the evidence of his well spent life. 



JOHN McQUILLEN. 



John McQuillen, one of the wealthy farmers of Richland township, was 
born in Albany, New York, September 23, 1841, and is a son of John and Mar- 
garet (Lang) McQuillen, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of 
Richard McQuillen on another page of this volume. He was but five years of 
age when his parents came to Jones county, and can well remember the early 
years of their life here, where their first shelter from the elements was a rude 
log cabin. The school in which he was a pupil was also housed in a building 
of logs, but he maintains that even more valuable lessons were learned there 
than in the more commodious and handsomely fitted schoolhouses of the present. 
For two terms he was also a student at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Naturally he early 
assumed some of the responsibilities of the operation of the farm, and united 
with his brothers in lifting the heavy burden from the shoulders of their mother, 
whose lot would have been severe enough under the best of circumstances, but 
was especially difficult at that early date. The brothers remained together until 
1870, when the family circle was broken through George's removal to another 
township, and then in 1890 the property was divided, John McQuillen acquiring 
the homestead. He has added to it in the last twenty years, so that it now em- 
braces four hundred and forty-four acres, a tract of land that is excellently 
well adapted to general farming, which he pursues. In addition to his purely 
agricultural interests, Mr. McQuillen has engaged to some extent in the breed- 
ing of registered shorthorn cattle and has found this branch of his business 
very lucrative. Indeed, as the result of his earnest toil, his application and the 
habits of economy and foresight which he learned early in his youth he has 



274 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

become one of the most substantial and widely respected representatives of his 
calling in Richland township. 

In 1891, Mr. McQuillen married Miss Elizabeth Lawler, of Monticello, iowa. 
Six children have been born to the couple, and four survive. They are: Mar- 
garet Ann, Henry Albert, William Satolli and Mary Josephine, all at home. 
The family are devout members of the Catholic church, while Mr. McQuillen is 
a member of the Knights of Columbus. Politically he has ever given his sup- 
port to the democratic party, and as trustee and one of the school board he has 
rendered efficient service to the township. The former office he held through 
three or four terms, and his administration was distinguished by those quali- 
ties of integrity and high principles which have marked the course of his private 
life. 



GEORGE W. TAMES. 



George W. James, familiarly known as General James, is one of the promi- 
nent and prosperous agriculturists and stock raisers of Jones county and owns 
an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Madison township. He 
was born close to the Virginia and Maryland line on the 7th of September, 1844, 
his parents being Walter and Susanna ( Ault) James. They came to Iowa in 1855, 
taking up their abode in Canton. Jackson county, where the father was employed 
in a sawmill for about two years. At the end of that time he made his way to 
this county, locating on a farm in Madison township, one mile west of the 
present home place of our subject. His property comprised two hundred and 
ten acres, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was actively and suc- 
cessfully engaged until he put aside the work of the fields and took up his abode 
in Wyoming, where his remaining days were spent. He had attained the ripe 
old a2:e of eighty-four years when called to his final rest and had long been 
numbered among the most substantial and respected residents of his community. 
His political allegiance was given to the democracy but he had no desire for the 
honors and emoluments of office, preferring to devote his undivided attention 
to his private affairs. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, in the work of which they took an active and helpful 
interest. 

George W. James was reared under the parental roof and obtained his 
education in the district schools. On the 15th of August. 1862. when not yet 
eighteen years of .age, he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member 
of Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa \^olunteer Infantry, with which he served 
imtil the close of hostilities. He was wounded at Winchester on the 19th of 
.September, 1864, and was confined in a hospital at Philadcl])hia for about twO' 
months, at the end of which period he rejoined his regiment. He was honorably 
discharged at Davenport, Iowa, on the 15th of August, 1865. and returned home 
with a most creditable military record, having never faltered in the performance 
of any task assigned him. He was married in 1866 and established his home on 
his present farm in Madison township, though at that time it comprised but 
eighty acres. He had purchased this property a short time prior to his mar- 




MR. AND MRS. G. W. JAMES 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 277 

fiage and it has continued his place of residence to the present time. He has, 
however, extended the boundaries of the farm by additional purchase until it now 
embraces two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, which annually yields 
bounteous harvests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon it. He 
feeds all of his grain to stock and raises shorthorn cattle on an extensive scale, 
being very successful in this line of activity. The prosperity which he now enjoys 
is but the merited reward of his untiring industry and capable management and 
he is well entitled to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens 
of the county. 

Mr. James has been married twice. In 1866 he wedded Miss Phoebe Rich- 
ardson, of Madison township, Jones county, by whom he had four children, 
two of whom still survive, as follows : Raleigh, who follows farming in Kossuth 
county, Iowa; and Walter, a commercial salesman of Qiicago, Illinois. The 
mother of these children passed away in 1874 and subsequently Mr. James was 
again married, his second union being with Miss Carrie B. Burch, of Madison 
township, this county. Unto them have been born nine children, namely : Lee R., 
a commercial salesman residing in Cedar Rapids ; Viola M., who married James 
C. Glenn; Florence E., a dressmaker of Wyoming; James, a resident of Cedar 
Rapids ; and Cora B., Ethel M., George E., Raymond F. and Hazel B., all of whom 
are at home. 

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. James has cast his 
ballot in support of the men and measures of the repubHcan party but has never 
sought office as a reward for his fealty. His religious faith is indicated by his 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. A resident of the county for 
more than a half century, he is widely known within its borders and the sterling 
qualities which he has displayed in his social and business relations have gained 
him a high place in the regard and good will of his fellow-townsmen. 



EDWARD STOCKTON STONE. 

Edward Stockton Stone, whose orderly progression in business circles has 
brought him to a prominent place in the ranks of Anamosa's merchants, is now 
proprietor of a jewelry store, which carefully managed is bringing to him sub- 
stantial success. He was born at Garden Plain, Whiteside county, Illinois, June 
II, 1869, and is a son of Dr. Elijah D. and Esther K. (Cook) Stone, who were 
natives of Vermont and Indiana respectively. They were married, however, in 
Illinois and resided in Garden Plain for a number of years or until the father's 
death, which occurred in 1880, when he was sixty-five years of age. He had 
practiced medicine in Whiteside county for about forty years and had enjoyed 
a large practice. While he received the patronage of many of the most substan- 
tial families of the county he never refused to answer a call from the poor, even 
when knowing that no financial remuneration could be expected. He was a 
true friend to humanity and the world is better for his having lived. After his 
death the family removed to Morrison, Illinois. 



278 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Dr. Stone was twice married, his first wife being Amanda Stockton, by whom 
he had two children : AHce, who is now the wife of Charles Baird, of Laporte 
City, Iowa, and by whom sh^ has seven children. Fred, Susy, Roy. Cance, Fay, 
Paul and Louise; and Am.anda, who married Edward M. Spangler, of Ames, 
Iowa, and has six children, Mabel, Myrtle, George, Julia, Boyd and Leland. 
For his second wife Dr. Stone married 2\Irs. Esther (Cook) Kilgore, the widow 
of David Kilgore, by whom she had two daughters ; Lizzie, who is now the wife 
of H. L. Collins, of Greenville, Iowa, and has five children, Edda, Florence, 
Frank, Grace and Orville ; and Katherine, who is the wife of F. W, Watts, of 
North Platte, Nebraska, and has six children, Milo, Sylvia, Thomas, Ruth, 
Olive and Archie. 

Of the children born to Dr. Llijah D. and Esther (Cook) Stone, George died 
in boyhood. Ira D., who married Beulah Cavanaugh. is a Congregational minis- 
ter and has held charges in Chicago and Batavia. Illinois, and is now located at 
Pecatonica, that state. Edward S. and his twin sister Edda are the next of the 
family. The latter is now the wife of S. ^l. Ladd, a jeweler of Morrison, Illi- 
nois, and they have one daughter. Marguerite. Julia L., the youngest of the 
family, was married September i, 1907. to A. M. Tinker, of Clinton, Iowa, and 
about three years later removed to Des Moines, where he was employed as a 
commercial traveler. The mother made her home with Mrs. Tinker, to whom 
largely fell the care and responsibility of looking after her in her later years, 
but it was a willing service lovingly rendered which gave the mother the con- 
stant care that she needed during the last six months of her illness. Upon this 
altar of love she sacrificed her own life, for about a month after the death of 
the mother, it was necessary for Mrs. Tinker to undergo an operation, from 
which she never recovered, dying February 22. 1908. She left one son. Harold. 
Mrs. Stone passed away September 18. 1907. in Des Moines. 

Edward S. Stone was only eleven years of age at the time of his father's 
death. He accompanied his mother on the removal to Morrison, Illinois, where 
he was reared, and in the public and high schools of that place he pursued his 
education. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the jeweler's trade 
under the direction of S. M. Ladd. with whom he remained for three years. 
He then embarked in business on his own account at Charlotte, Iowa, where he 
remained for about a year, and in 1889 removed to La Harpe, Illinois, where 
he held a position for about a year. Later he pursued a course of study in 
watch work and engraving in the Horological School of Chicago. In 1892 and 
1893, he was engaged in business at Rock Falls, Illinois, but disposed of his 
interest there early in 1894. Vov several years he occupied positions in jewelry 
stores in different places, including Jerseyville. Illinois; Oregon. Illinois; Hamil- 
ton. Ohio; Junction City, Kansas; Battle Creek, Michigan; Freeport, Illinois; 
Worcester, Massachusetts: I'rocton, Massachusetts: and Bloomington, Illinois. 

In the spring of 1902 he came to Anamosa to accept a position with L. E 
Tucker and about six months later bought out his employer and has since en- 
gaged in business on his own account. He moved to his present location about 
1905 and is here conducting a leading jewelry store, having a large and well se- 
lected line of jewelry, precious stones, watches and other goods found in an es- 
tablishment of this character. He also carries china, cut glass and optical goods. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 279 

He has made a close study of the optical science and his knowledge thereof 
makes him thoroughly competent to correct defects in and benefit the sight. He 
conducts his business on a strictly reliable basis, in harmony with a high stan- 
dard of commercial ethics and by his square dealing and energ}- has won the 
success which he is now enjoying. 

Mr. Stone is very happy in his home life. On the 19th of October, 1905, he 
wedded Ethel Reed, a daughter of Jonathan and Laura (White) Reed, who were 
natives of Indiana and in early hfe removed to Illinois. Both Mr. and Airs. 
Stone are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as an 
elder and treasurer, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the 
Globe and with Anamosa lodge of the Alystic Workers. His political endorse- 
ment is given to the republican party, but while he neither seeks nor desires 
office he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does 
all in his power to promote the best interests of the community. His record as 
a man and citizen is an honorable one and it has brought to him the high respect 
which is uniformly accorded him. With his varied experience and close appli- 
cation to his line of work, he has skilled himself in his profession. He has 
filled positions of trust and obtained the confidence of the people with whom 
he has mingled. A growing patronage shows that the people of Jones county 
and vicinity appreciate to some extent honest, upright, conscientious business 
men. of whom Edward S. Stone is a fair type. 



JOHN LLEWELLYN PROUTY. 

The loyaky of John Llewellyn Prouty to Jones county is eloquently attested 
by the fact that he has chosen to live all his Hfe here with the exception of two 
years which he spent in Texas. He was born in Clay township on the 4th of 
March. 1856. and the significance of the date has caused some of his admiring 
friends to believe that he is yet destined to occupy the presidential chair. He is 
the son of Alonzo and India Ann (Harris) Prouty, both natives of Knox county, 
Ohio, where they were married and about 1850 cajiie to Iowa, locating in Clay 
township. Jones county. His grandfather, Abijah Prouty, was associated with 
the father in entering some four himdred acres of land on the Maquoketa 
river. All of the open prairie land to the west of them, unsettled as it was, did 
not attract them, for they w^ere impressed with the idea that they could not live 
away from the timber. The land was secured in the grandfather's name and 
was entered from the government at one dollar and a quarter an acre. Here 
both the father and grandfather lived until the time of their death. 

When a lad of fourteen years, John L. Prouty went to work as a farm 
hand in the winter, availing himself of the schooling afiforded by the district in 
which he lived. In the fall of 1876, when twenty years of age, he went to Texas, 
where he spent the two years before alluded to and then returned to Jones 
coimty. In 1881 he bought a threshing machine, which was a horse power ma- 
chine and later he became the owner of the first steam thresher brought to this 
section of coimtry, and for twenty-five years he followed threshing as a pursuit. 



280 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

In 1890 he removed to Scotch Grove and engaged in the horse breeding business. 
His residence there lasted for some twelve years, at the end of which time he 
began buying land where he now lives and which served as the nucleus of his 
present homestead. He now owns one hundred and ninety acres and very prop- 
erly congratulates himself that some of it was bought decidedly at a bargain. 

]vlr. Prouty was married October 27, 1906, the lady who became his wife 
being Miss Frances Breeden, of Jackson county. He is republican in politics and 
is a prominent member of Monticello Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F. Mr. Prouty 
is one of the substantial and influential men of Scotch Grove township and 
has taken an active part in the growth and development of Jones county for 
over half a century. 



CHARLES S. AMES. 



Charles S. Ames, the enterprising and progressive proprietor of a success- 
ful livery business in Wyoming, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurring 
in Clay township, Jones county, on the 19th of October, 1856. The father, 
Joseph P. Ames, who claimed Vermont as the place of his nativity, went to 
Morgan county, Ohio, at an early date, and there engaged in the occupation of 
farming until 1853. In that year he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in 
Qay township where he entered eighty acres of land on section 19. On that 
farm, to which he later added an additional tract of one hundred acres, he spent 
his remaining days, becoming a very successful farmer and business man. A 
republican in politics, he was called to fill various township offices and became 
well known throughout the community as a public-spirited citizen. He passed 
away in 1887 at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Lydia Ann Piper, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and in the faith 
of the Baptist church passed away in 1897 at the ripe old age of eighty years. 
In their family were seven children, as follows : Adeline, who passed away in 
infancy; Mary and Alva, both deceased; Horace, residing in Wyoming; Aurilla, 
the deceased wife of Joseph Orr; Charles S., of this review; and Lewis, also 
deceased. 

Spending the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, Charles 
S. Ames acquired his education in the district schools of Qay and Scotch Grove 
townships and when not engaged with his text-books assisted in the work of his 
father's farm. There amid the activities of rural life he learned lessons con- 
cerning the value of industry, integrity and perseverance, and soon became 
familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and han^esting. The early 
years of his business career were devoted to agriculture. He assumed the man- 
agement of the home farm, a half of which later came into his possession, so 
that he now owns ninety acres of valuable land in Scotch Grove township He 
continued to engage in general farming until 1904, when he retired from that 
line of activity and came to Wyoming, where he turned his attention to carpen- 
tering. He was thus connected until March, 1909, when he purchased the livery 
stable of Edward Barber and has since concentrated his energies upon the con- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 281 

duct of a prosperous and constantly increasing trade. He owns some -very fine 
horses and modern and up-to-date vehicles and the excellence of his equipment, 
combined with the prompt service which he renders his patrons and the honest 
and business-like methods which he employs have gained him a most satisfac- 
tory and remunerative trade. 

In 1880 Mr. Ames was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Baldwin, who 
was born in New York in i860, and unto this union have been born two children: 
Arthur L., born on the old homestead in 1880, who wedded Edith Howard by 
whom he has one child, Charles Howard Ames ; and Ada I., born in iSgo, who 
graduated from the Wyoming high school in June, 1909, and still resides under 
the parental roof. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church while 
fraternally Mr. Ames belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and also to 
the Mystic Workers. 

His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, 
and during his residence in Scotch Grove township he was called to fill various 
township ol^ces, a fact which indicates the high regard in which he was held by 
nis fellow citizens. Since residing in Wyoming he has become well known 
throughout the community for his many excellent traits of character and the 
public spirit which he manifests in all matters pertaining to the general welfare 
and progress has won him rank among the valued representatives of Jones 
county. 



J. R. ZINN, JR. 

J. R. Zinn, Jr., deceased, was for two years prominent in the business circles 
of Oxford Mills successfully conducting the milling interests of this place. He 
was born in Pennsylvania, September 20, 1851, a son of Jacob R. and Eliza- 
beth (Emig) Zinn, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, and there 
they also passed away. 

J. R. Zinn, one of nine children born of his father's marriage, was reared 
in his native state and acquired his education in the common schools. During 
the period of his boyhood and youth he learned the milling business and in 1877, 
seeking the broader opportunities of the west, he removed to Russell county, 
Kansas, remaining in that state two years, when he took up his abode in Cedar 
county, Missouri, where he lived until 1895. In that year he came to Oxford 
Mills and purchasing the mill at this place conducted it until his death, which 
occurred on the 23d of December, 1897. Although his residence here was of 
short duration, he m.ade many friends, while his business interests were conducted 
in such a straightforward manner as to commend him to the good will and 
patronage of the public. 

It was while still a resident of the east that Mr. Zinn was married, the lady 
of his choice being Miss Amanda L. Boyer, who was born in Pennsylvania, a 
daughter of Solomon and Touise (Lenhart) Boyer, who were also natives of that 
state. The father, who was born in 1819, departed this life December 3, 1908, 
when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-nine years. His wife preceded 
him to the home beyond, her death occurring October 29, 1889, when in her 



282 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

seventy-ninth year, for her birth occurred December 17, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. 
Boyer's family nimibered three children : Elwin, deceased ; Aaron, still a resident 
of Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Zinn. 

Unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Zinn were born eight children, namely: Harry A., a resi- 
dent of Anamosa, Iowa ; Kathryn, at home ; George S., who has passed away ; 
Nettie E.. the wife of Charles Brink, a resident of Sioux county, Iowa; Frank 
E., who makes his home in Oxford Junction; Charles A., at home; and J. W. 
and Marian B., who have passed away. Mr. Zinn was a democrat in his political 
belief but was never active as an office seeker. He belonged to the Odd Fel- 
lows lodge at Eldorado Springs. Missouri, while his religious faith was indi- 
cated by his membership in the German Reformed Lutheran church, in the faith 
of which he passed away at a comparatively early age, being but forty-six years 
old at the time of his death. He was a man of excellent habits, possessing un- 
questionable integrity, and was most devoted to his family. Mrs. Zinn, who is a 
member of the German Lutheran church, occupies a fine residence in Oxford 
Mills, where she enjoys the friendship of a large circle of people. 



BENJAMIN HUBER MILLER. 

Benjamin Htiber Miller, whose name is inscribed high on the roll of leading 
and successful lawyers, practicing at the Jones county bar. was born in Rome 
township, this county. April 10, 1845. His father. Jacob Miller, was born in 
Virginia. December 23, 1799. and was descended from German ancestry. In 
the year 1803, his parents removed from the Old Dominion to Ohio, being among 
the pioneers who aided in reclaiming that state for the purposes of civilization. 
Having arrived at years of maturity. Jacob Miller wedded Miss Mary Keller, 
who was born in Pennsylvania. August 12. 1802. Her father was a soldier of 
the Revolutionary war and her parents removed to Ohio in 1803. It was in 
September. 1844, that Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller came to Iowa, spending their 
remaining days in Jones county, where the father died when almost eighty-two 
years of age, while the mother survived to the remarkable old age of ninety-two 
years, four months and eleven days. Their family numbered seven sons and 
three daughters, of whom Judge Miller is the youngest. He and his brother 
L,evi K. are now the only survivors of the family. 

In the public schools Judge Miller pursued his education and has always 
^ven considerable attention to historical and scientific research. He is practically 
a self-made man, his wide reading, comprehensive study and keen observation 
bringing to him knowledge that most men acquire in college life. His youthful 
days were passed on the farm and following his graduation from the high 
school of Lisbon, Iowa, he engaged for a few years in teaching in the country 
schools. He then turned his attention to the drug business, in which he engaged 
for eight years. Like most boys in pioneer communities he had little ambition 
in any particular line save to accumulate suflficient property for comfortable 
existence but as he passed on in life each forward step brought him a wider 
outlook and broader opportunities which he has improved to good advantage 



/ 




B. H. iMILLER 



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">le. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 285 

until he now occupies a creditable position as a representative of the Iowa bar. 
He was engaged in the drug business for eight years and then turned his at- 
tention to the profession of law. At the bar he has been an earnest worker 
for the success which only follows careful preparation, comprehensive and 
accurate knowledge and thorough understanding of legal principles in relation 
to the points in litigation. The early cases with which he was connected served 
to indicate to the public something of his ability which has developed as the 
years have gone by through the exercise of his talents in the work of the courts. 
Gradually he secured a good clientage which constantly developed in volume and 
importance and later he was honored with political preferment in the line of his 
profession, being elected judge of the eighteenth judicial district, his service on 
the bench continuing from the ist of January, 1903, until the ist of January, 
1907. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and manifest, his unfalter- 
ing fidelity to the highest standards of the calling to which life, liberty and 
justice must look for protection. On his retirement from the bench he resumed 
private practice and the clientage accorded him is now extensive. 

The first office to which Judge Miller was ever called was that of justice of 
the peace, his service as such being in both Cedar and Jones counties. He has 
likewise been honored with the mayoralty of Olin and Anamosa and in each 
instance gave a business-like administration characterized by substantial reform 
and improvement. He has also been a member of the board of education of 
Olin and of Stanwood and in all of his public service has been actuated by a 
conscientious desire to further the interests of the public through the prompt 
and faithful discharge of his duties. His service as a member of the board 
of education covered more than a quarter of a century and he has always been 
recognized as a stalwart champion of the public schools. He is not, however, a 
politician in the sense of office seeking, beheving that the positions should seek 
the man rather than the man the position and his elections have come as the 
free will offering of a people who have recognized his ability and sought the 
benefit of his services. His political views are in accord with the principles of 
the democracy. 

Judge Miller was married at Anamosa, September 12, 1869, to Miss Eva 
Foreman, whose parents settled in Jones county in 1844, near the home of the 
Miller family. Her father was born in Kentucky and her mother in Virginia and 
after living for some years in Indiana, they became residents of Iowa. Mrs. 
Miller was born in Jones county and is exactly one year her husband's junior. 
The children of this marriage are six in number : Merton M. ; Earl F., who 
wedded Alyrtle E. Olmstead and has one son, Chester E. ; Harry W. ; Mabel E., 
now deceased ; Luelle B., who married Frances Fisher and has one child, Mary 
Evelyn ; and Ruby A. 

Judge Miller is a prominent Mason and is in hearty sympathy with its basic 
belief and principles concerning the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood 
of man. He became a member of the order when twenty-one years of age and 
is now affiliated with Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200, A. F. & A. M., at 
Olin, of which he served for ten years as master. He is also a member of 
]\Tount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M., of Anamosa and Mount Olivet Com- 
manderv. No. 36, K. T., of Anamosa. His membership also extends to El Kahir 



286 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids and De Molay Consistory, No. 
I, S. P. R. S., at CHnton, Iowa. He is also a member of Sumner Lodge, No. 92, 
K. P., at Anamosa and is now chief grand tribune of the grand lodge of the 
Knights of Pythias in the domain of Iowa. He belongs to both the local and state 
bar associations and thus keeps in close touch with the members of the profession. 
He has been called upon to deliver many public addresses of a political or other 
nature and his masterly handling of his subject is indicative of his broad read- 
ing and his wide general information. He takes to himself no credit for what 
he has accomplished but the consensus of public opinion classes him with the 
representative and prominent men of Jones county. 



HANRY A. ZINN. 



Hanry A. Zinn, president of the Electric Light & Power Company of Ana- 
mosa, is numbered among the representative business men of the city, whose 
efforts are a potent force in the commercial development and progress here. 
His birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1872, his parents being J. R. and Almanda 
(Boyer) Zinn, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. On leaving 
that state in 1877, they removed to western Kansas, where they lived for about 
three years, and then became residents of Missouri, where they continued to 
reside until coming to Jones county, Iowa, in 1895. ^'^^^ father died in 1897 at 
the age of forty-six years and is still survived by the mother, who now resides 
at Oxford Mills, this county. 

Hanry A. Zinn spent his youthful days under the parental roof, his time 
being divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the play- 
ground and such tasks as were assigned him by parental authority. On attain- 
ing his majority he left home and started in the business world on his own ac- 
count. He sought and secured employment with the Dubuque Milling & Tur- 
bine Company, remaining with them for about seven months, after which he 
engaged with the firm of Barnard & Lees at Moline, Illinois. There he remained 
for three years, after which, in company with his father, he engaged in the 
milling business at Oxford Mills. Jones county, under the firm name of J. R. 
Zinn & Son. His previous experience had well qualified him for work of this 
character and his practical training and business enterprise proved forceful ele- 
ments in the success of the enterprise. Soon after the business was established, 
however, the father died and Mr. Zinn continued to operate the mill alone 
until 1900. In that year, he and his brother, P. L. Zinn, organized what was 
known as the Electric Light (S: Power Company, the plant being located at 
Oxford Mills and furnishing outside light and power to Oxford Junction and 
Wyoming. This undertaking proved a profitable venture and led Hanry A. 
Zinn to extend his efforts into other fields. In 1902 he organized what is known 
as the Oxford Junction Telei)hone Company, establishing a local exchange at 
Oxford Junction and connecting it with lines at Clarence, Wyoming and other 
points. He was an active factor in the work of this company until establish- 
ing his present business in Anamosa. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 287 

It was in 1905 that he was instrumental in organizing the Electric Light & 
Power Company of Anamosa, which is capitalized for thirty-five thousand dol- 
lars, with Hanry A. Zinn as the president ; F. E. Zinn as vice president ; Park 
Chamberlin as secretary; and George Schoonover as treasurer. Mr. Zinn is 
one of the best known representatives of electric light interests in this part of the 
state. He still retains his financial interests in the Zinn Electric Eight & Power 
Company and in the telephone company, while at the present time he is bending 
his energies to administrative directions as the head of the Electric Light & 
Power Company of Anamosa. His work in this connection is of a most practi- 
cal character, leading to substantial results, and he has secured for the com- 
pany a large patronage that makes this business one of the profitable enter- 
prises of the city. He is also in partnership with his brother, as the owners of a 
ranch of forty-three hundred acres in North Dakota, all in one body. 

In the year 1901 Hanry A. Zinn was united in marriage to Miss Mamie 
Ruley, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Curren) Ruley. The father is a 
native of Bohemia and the mother of Jones county, Iowa. Four children have 
been born of this marriage — Norma, Keven, Kathaline and Margaret. The 
family are prominent socially in the community, having a large circle of warm 
friends here, while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. 

In politics Mr. Zinn is independent, voting for men and measures rather 
than party. He is associated with the Catholic church and is interested in all 
those things which are factors in municipal progress or which are matters of 
civic virture and civic pride. In his business career he has made steady prog- 
ress owing to his wise and intelligent appreciation and use of opportunities 
whereby he has come into important business connections, being numbered 
among the representative men of Anamosa. 



JOHN McLEES. 



One of the highly esteemed citizens of Richland township is John McLees, 
who is a native of the Buckeye state, born in the suburbs of Wellsville, in Co- 
lumbiana county. Ohio, May 12, 1848. He is a son of George and Fannie (Pin- 
kerton) McLees, also natives of Ohio. His grandparents, however, came to this 
country from Ireland. His parents lived for some time after their marriage in 
Ohio, but when he was a child of seven they sought a new home in Iowa, locat- 
ing on the farm which adjoins those fertile acres now owned by the subject of 
the sketch. His father's farm was purchased from a Mr. Chadwell, who had 
entered it from the government, and it consisted of about three hundred and 
sixty-five acres. Besides John McLees, there were five daughters in the family. 
but only two of these survive at the present. They are Fannie, who resides at 
Monticello, and Catherine, of Chicago, both maiden ladies. The death of the 
father occurred some time in the '80s. 

Mr. McLees was reared at home and acquired his education in an old log 
schoolhouse in the days when a knowledge of the "Three R's" was still instilled 
with the aid of the hickory stick. At the age of twenty-three years he became a 



288 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

farmer on his own account. His legacy from his grandfather Pinkerton had been 
a tract of fifty acres of timber land, which he proceeded to clear with all the 
ardor of youth. At the same time he rented and farmed a portion of his father's 
land. His adventures with the timber land were sometimes extremely depress- 
ing, and while the clearing ultimately cost him more than to have bought tillable 
land in the first place, it was no doubt well worth it all in experience, a philo- 
sophic viewpoint which he was unable to attain until long afterward. He has 
added to his possessions from time to time until he now owns two hundred and 
thirty-three acres. 

In June, 1873, Mr. McLees was married to Miss Mary Lavery, a daughter 
of John Lavery, one of the pioneers of Washington township, this county, who 
had come originally from Ireland. Seven children have blessed this marriage, 
as follows : George, a railroad man living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Mary, living 
in Omaha; John, at home; Elinda, wife of Frank McDonald of Kansas City, 
Kansas, a government meat inspector; Emma, at home; and twins. Earl and 
Pearl, also at home. 

Mr. McLees" specialty is the raising of cattle, and he has successfully realized 
his aim to keep his herds up to the highest standard. His preference is for the 
shorthorn breed and for some years past he has divided his attention between this 
and dairying with gratifying results. 

Mr. McLees upholds the tenets of the democratic party, but he has never en- 
rolled himself among those seeking office, and he and his household are communi- 
cants of the Catholic Church. His several years service as a member of the 
school board has served to increase the esteem in which he is held. 



A. I. JACKSON. 



Among the many citizens of IMonticello whose long period of efficient service 
has w^on recognition and admiration from his fellows is A. I. Jackson, the agent 
for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway and for the Wells Fargo Ex- 
press Company at Monticello, Iowa. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, 
December 8, 1853, a son of Abraham and Lydia (Keese) Jackson. The latter 
was a native of New York state but as a mere child was taken to Ohio by her 
parents, who located in Morrow county. The father was born in Columbiana 
county. Ohio, and removed to Morrow county with his parents during boyhood. 
There he was reared and married, engaging in farming after he reached his 
maturity. In 1855 he came west to Iowa, locating in Marshall county, where 
he resided until the late '90s. when he removed to Mt. Pleasant. He died in Jan- 
uary, 1907, when in his eighty-first year. His wife had died more than twenty 
years before, her death having taken place in 1881 when she was only forty- 
seven years old. 

A. I. Jackson was reared at home, being enrolled as a student in the public 
schools at the usual age. After the completion of his own education he spent two 
years in teaching and then entered a drug store in Hesper, Iowa. After two 
years' experience as a clerk, he found that the business was uncongenial and he 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 289 

turned his attention to railroading as his vocation. He secured a position first as 
switchman in the Calmar yards but on proving his abiHty two weeks later was 
placed upon the platform to help check and receive freight. About eighteen 
months later he was made station baggageman and then was promoted to a 
clerkship, serving in that capacity until June i, 1881, when he was appointed 
agent at Oxford Junction, it being less than six years from the lime he entered 
the railroad service until he obtained this important position. It was even more 
important at that time than at present for then the machine shops of the whole 
division of the railroad were located at Oxford Junction and the duties of the 
station agent were responsible. He remained there until October. 1887, when he 
was appointed to the position he now holds, having served in this capacity con- 
tinuously for the past twenty-two years. A man of sterling character and in- 
tegrity, a good and faithful worker, he enjoys the confidence of his employers, 
while the efficiency of his services has won the good will and esteem of the people 
with whom he has come into daily contact. 

In 1879 Mr. Jackson married Miss Blanche Woodward, of Calmar, Iowa. 
In his political views he is a stanch adherent of the republican party, but aside 
from casting his vote at elections has taken no part in public matters. He is 
however, active in Masonic circles. He was initiated into Zealous Lodge, No. 
435, A. F. & A. M., more than twenty years ago and was exalted to the chapter 
and commandery. For an equal length of time he has served as eminent com- 
mander of the Monticello commandery. He is also a member of El Kahir Tem- 
ple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Jackson was a member of 
the Order of the Eastern Star, which she joined in her eighteenth year, until twd 
years ago when ill health compelled her to drop from its ranks. During the pe- 
riod of her active membership, however, she served continuously in some official 
capacity. At present she is a member of the Ninety-four Literary Club, of which 
she is secretary. In her many interests she is an able helpmeet to her husband, 
in whose success she has felt a justifiable pride, as have the citizens of Monticello, 
who profited through his ability and devotion to duty. 



JOHN- W. HUTTON. 

Among the native sons of Scotch Grove township, who have not only attained 
success in their vocation but have reached a position of trust and honor in the 
eyes of their fellow citizens, must be numbered John W. Hutton, who owns 
valuable land on sections 9, 10 and 16. He was born April 20, 1858, his parents 
being Samuel E. and Jane (Davis) Hutton. On his father's side he is descended 
from one of the pioneers of this state, for his grandfather, James Hutton came 
to Jones county in 1835. He was of Kentucky nativity but shortly after his 
marriage came to this state, where he had entered government land. His first 
hom'e was a rude structure built of logs, but it sheltered him and his family until 
1861, when they moved to a more adequate dwelling. In early years it was also 
the building in which the county court sat for lack of a more suitable edifice in 
which to propound the law. 



290 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

John W. Hutton attended the common schools of his locahtv and was reared 
to manhood by his grandfather, under whose guidance he acquired that training 
for the work of hfe which has been productive of such rich results. In 1884 he 
bought eighty acres of the old homestead, which has since been his home and the 
scene of his active toil. It was but the beginning of his landholdings, however, 
for he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of arable land on sections 9 and 
16, and sixty-four acres of timber on section 10. He has carried on general 
farming and he has engaged in a small way in the breeding of standard bred 
road horses. From both of his farm interests he has derived an income which is 
a patent and gratifying record of his skill and industry as a husbandman. Pro- 
gressive in his ideas and unsparing of any exertion which might tend to the 
efficiency of his methods and his ultimate success, he has become one of the men 
who represent the prosperity of Scotch Grove township. 

Mr. Hutton has never married but finds his chief diversions from the cares of 
the day in the meetings of the Onslow lodge of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of a citizen 
of this nation, he has been unfailing in his support of the principles of the republi- 
can party, finding them in harmony with his own ideas for the government of 
the country. He has taken an active part in local aflfairs, for he is now serving 
his fourth term as a member of the board of trustees of his township and has 
also acted as clerk. He was appointed to the latter position to fill out the un- 
expired term of the previous incumbent of the office, and then was regularly 
elected, but as he was contemplating leaving the county he did not qualify. His 
election, however, was an indication of the high regard in which he is held by 
those who have come to know him. 



ARTHUR RAY FAIRBANKS. 

Arthur Ray Fairbanks, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Cass town- 
ship, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, is one 
of Jones county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Castle Grove township 
on the nth of September, 1885. He is a son-of Arthur Lincoln and Maggie S. 
(Black) Fairbanks, who were also bom in Jones county and now make their 
home in Castle Grove township. They were the parents of four children, of whom 
Arthur Ray was the second in order of birth. The others are : Allen T., of Adams 
county. North Dakota: Gladys May. at home: and Blanch Pearl, also under the 
parental roof. The paternal grandfather of our subject is Allen Leonard Fair- 
banks, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. 

Under the parental roof Arthur Ray Fairbanks spent the period of his boyhood 
and youth, acquiring his education in the district schools near his home, and 
remained with his parents until the spring of 1907. In that year he went to 
Adams county, North Dakota, where he homesteaded a claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres. He returned home on the 15th of January, 1908, and on the 
I St of September of the following year was united in marriage to Miss Martha 
E. Ketcham, a native of Cass township, born on the 22d of November, 1886. 




A. RAY FAIRBANKS 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 293 

She is a daughter of William L. and Ruby M. (Stone) Ketcham, the former 
born in Deleware county, Ohio, on the i8th of February, 1851, and the latter 
in Jones county on the lotli of November, 1854. The father came to this county 
with his parents in 1867, and was here engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred cattle, horses and hogs. He be- 
came the owner of a well improved farm of three hundred acres, located on sec- 
tions 8 and 17. He was married in this county on the ist of January, 1877, and 
continued to make his home within its boundaries until the time of his death. 
He passed away on the 23d of July, 1906, while his wife still survives and makes 
Battle Creek, Michigan, her place of residence. In their family were five chil- 
dren, the eldest of whom. Lulu, passed away in early childhood. The others are: 
Ruby Stone, Mrs. Arthur R. Fairbanks ; Clara A. and Wilhelmina H. 

After his marriage Mr. Fairbanks purchased one hundred and twenty acres 
of land from his father-in-law, located on section 8, Cass township, and on 
that farm he and his wife began their domestic life. He has since devoted him- 
self to its further development and improvement and under his wise manage- 
ment the place is proving an excellent investment, bringing him rich golden har- 
vests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. 

In politics Mr. Fairbanks is a stalwart supporter of the republican party, 
and is loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship. Although numbered among 
the younger generation of agriculturists in Cass township, nevertheless he has 
already met with a degree of prosperity which augurs well for a very bright and 
successful future. Having spent his entire life in Jones county, with the excep- 
tion of a couple of years in the north, he has become widely known among a large 
circle of friends, and the fact that he is most liked where best known is an indi- 
cation that his salient characteristics are such as command the respect, con- 
fidence and good will of his fellowmen. 



FRANK N. LATHROP. 



Frank N. Lathrop, one of the independent and enterprising agriculturists 
of Greenfield township, who today is in possession of a most gratifying com- 
petency which has come to him as the result of industry and well directed efifort, 
was born in Oxford Mills, Jones county, Iowa, on the 12th of November, 1861, 
a son of Hon. George W. and ^Millie (Noble) Lathrop. The former was a son of 
George Lathrop, who came to Iowa from Ohio in 1836 on horseback, and later, 
in 1848, made an overland trip to California. Our subject has in his possession 
a unique piece of pottery fashioned in the shape of a book which his grandfather 
carried with him on that journey. George W. Lathrop came with his father from 
Ohio and crossed the Mississippi river at Davenport on the 29th of June, 1840. 
Settlement was first made in Clinton county, whence they removed to Aliens 
Grove, in Scott county. Later, in connection with his half-brother, he engaged 
in the mercantile business in Toronto, Clinton county, being thus engaged until 
1858. in which year he went to Oxford Mills, where he estabHshed what is known 
as the Courtright & Lathrop mills. He became very popular in local political 



294 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

affairs and was called upon at two dift'erent times by his fellow citizens to represent 
his district in the lower house, becoming a member of the sixteenth and twenty- 
second general assembhes. He was also appointed by the governor of the state 
to take the vote of the soldiers in the United States army in 1864, and later was 
an important factor in securing what is known as the Davenport & St. Paul Rail- 
road. He passed away on the 3d of December, 1907, and the county thereby 
lost one of its representative and valued citizens. He had married Aliss Millie 
Noble in 1859, and unto this union were born six children, namely: Frank N., 
of Martelle; J. H., residing in Okobojo, South Dakota; Nathan B., of Oxford; 
and Mrs. Gladys Stuhr, of Oxford Junction; while one son and one daughter 
passed away in infancy. 

No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for Frank 
N. Lathrop in his boyhood and youth, which were passed in his parents" home in 
Oxford Mills, where he attended the district schools in the acquirement of an 
education, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the 
pleasures of the playground and the duties assigned to him by parental authority. 
Under the direction of his father he early learned the value of industry and en- 
ergy, qualities which proved salient elements in his entire business career. He 
remained under the parental roof until attaining his majority, when he entered 
the business world as an agriculturist, taking up the occupation of farming as 
his life work. He continued to engage in this line of activity in Jones county 
until 1904, in which year he removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he 
remained for about three years. In 1907 he went to Linn county, where he 
resided for two years, and then, in 1909, he returned to Jones county, purchasing 
a farm in Greenfield township, where he has since made his home. The farm 
consists of one hundred and forty-one acres of rich and productive land, all under 
a high state of cultivation. He has introduced many modern improvements upon 
the place, and the care and thought which he has bestowed upon it are visible 
in its well kept appearance, the farm being one of the highly improved and 
valuable properties of the township. 

Mr. Lathrop was united in marriage on the loth of November. 1886. to Miss 
Kittie Phillips, of Albany, Illinois, a daughter of E. V. and Harriet (EUingham) 
Phillips, natives of New York and Quebec respectively, the former bom in 1834 
and the latter in 1835. In the family of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Phillips were the following, 
Mary. Ida, Frank. Elmer, John, Robert and two daughters who passed away in 
infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop were born three children, as follows: 
Jennie F., aged twenty-one years ; Boyd, nineteen years of age ; and Nellie D., 
who died in infancy. The two surviving children are still under the parental 
roof. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop, and their daughter are members of the Pythian Sisters 
and also of the Eastern Star, while in poHtics the father is an ardent republican, 
giving stalwart support to that party, whose principles he deems best adapted to 
conserve the public welfare. He does not seek nor desire office, however, pre- 
ferring to concentrate his energies entirely upon his private business afiFairs, which, 
carefully and wisely managed, are proving a source of most gratifying remunera- 
tion to him. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circum- 
itances. however. It ha? come to him through energ}-. labor and perseverance, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 295 

directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honest business principles, and today 
he stands among the suDstantial and representative agriculturists ot Greentield 
township 



JOHN CAMPBELL SAiiTH. 

John Campbell Smith, one of the leading farmers ot Lovell township and a 
representative of one of the oldest families of Jones county, was born on the 
farm which is now his home, October 9, 1874, his parents being Douglass Henry 
and Martha Sophia (^Hutchins) Smith. For three generations back the Smith 
family has been prominent in this county, for the paternal great-grandfather, 
Captain George K. Smith, who had followed the sea for about forty years, 
passed the last years of his life on Bowen's Prairie, and was widely known for 
his piety. His son, the late Henry D. Smith, who was well and favorably known 
in this section of the state, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and died near 
Monticello, iowa. May 10, 1(^97, at the age of seventy-eight years. Of his 
union with Aliss Harriet L. Campbell was born Douglass Henry Smith, the 
father of the subject of this sketch. A native of Oneida county, New^ York, his 
birth occurred February 17, 1843, ^^ Litchheld. During his early hfe he re- 
moved to Ltica, that state, where he received his primary education, and then, 
in the winter of 185O-7, when he was less than fourteen years of age, he drove 
with his father in an open buggy from New York to Iowa. They took up their 
residence in that x\ew England colony of this county, at Bowen's Prairie, where 
Douglass H. Smith lived until his marriage, in 1870. Then he removed to the 
farm in Lovell township on which his son, the subject of this sketch, lives today, 
and where the last years of his life were spent as an agriculturist. He did 
much for the upbuilding of this county, for he was industrious and progressive, 
and his business ability and honesty were recognized by all who came in contact 
with him. He was one of the hrst to advocate the establishment of cooperative 
creameries in this county and at the time of his death was one of the directors 
of the Klondike Creamery. But it was as a friend, kind, loyal and genial, that 
he was most deeply mourned when, on the 2d of December, 1906, he was called 
from this world, being fatally injured by being thrown from his wagon as the 
result of a runaway. 

On the 14th of April, 1870, Douglass H. Smith wedded Miss Martha S. 
Hutchins, a native of Keene, New Hampshire, who had come to Jones county as 
a child with her mother, her father having died previously. Of their union six 
children were born : William Douglass, who died in infancy ; Mary Helen, who 
is a teacher in the public schools of Loraine, Ohio; John Campbell, of this 
sketch ; Stuart Hutchins and Douglass Henry, who are farmers residing in 
Canada; and Harriet Louisa, who married A. J. H. McNeill and resides in 
Monticello, Iowa. 

John Campbell Smith was reared at home, acquiring his education from the 
public schools, and after completing the high school course in Monticello, at- 
tending for tliree terms the university at Ames, where his two brothers also 



296 HISTORY OF TONES COUNTY 

received their training for life, while the two daughters were students in the 
State Xormal School at Cedar Falls. Like the other members of his family, John 
C. Smith engaged in teaching after he reached manhood, devoting five or six 
winters to instructing the young pupils of the country schools. In 1902 he bought 
a farm of eighty acres in Castle Grove township, but lived on it only one year, 
selling it in 1904. Then he returned to the home farm identifying himself with 
his father's interests until the latter's death, when he assumed the responsibility 
of its operation. On the ist of March, 1909, he purchased the place, to which 
he hopes to devote himself so that his success will equal that of his father before 
him. Progressive, faithful in the exercise of his duties, and unsparing of hard 
labor when necessary, there is every reason to believe that a bright future is in 
store for him. 

Mr. Smith has not married. Since he has been of an age to enjoy the fran- 
chise right of a citizen of this republic he has given his support to the republi- 
can party, but while interested in all questions before the people he has played 
no part in public affairs. His adherence in religious matters is given to the 
Congregational church, of which he is a devout and consistent member. 



ROBERT A. NORTON. 



Robert A. Norton, the owner of two hundred and twenty acres, including 
two farms and a pasture on the Wapsi river, his home being in the midst of 
beautiful elm, maple and evergreen trees that furnish both shade and adorn- 
ment, is numbered among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Jones 
county, Iowa. A native of the Buckeye state, he was born in Medina county, 
October 29, 1838, a son of Robert and Abigail (Parmenter) Norton, the former 
born in Yorkshire, England, in 1790, and the latter in Berkshire, Massachusetts, 
in 1800. Robert Norton came to Ohio in the early "20s and was heie united in 
marriage. Unto him and his wife were born two children: Robert A., the sub- 
ject of this review ; and Maria, who died in i860. The father died in Ohio when 
he was sixty-four years of age and the mother resided with her son until she, 
too, passed away at the age of seventy-eight. 

Robert A. Norton, having resided in Medina county, Ohio, until he was 
eighteen years of age, there received his education, remaining in the home of his 
parents until 1857, when he went to Pierce county, Wisconsin, and secured em- 
ployment as a laborer, working at various occupations for the subse(iuent two 
and a half years. Not wishing to make his home in Wisconsin, however, he 
returned to Ohio, remaining here for a year and a half. when, in the spring of 
1861, he came to Jones county, Iowa. For a few years he rented a farm but in 
1865. having accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase eighty acres of raw prairie, 
he took up his abode on what is now a part of his present extensive possessions. 
Persevering and energetic, he converted the wild prairie into fertile fields and 
meadows. Each year as generous harvests rewarded his untiring labors, he 
purchased additional acres, erected good substantial buildings and planted trees, 
making his place one of the attractive and picturesque features of the landscape 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 297 

and indicating in all its improvements and beauty the thrift and enterprise of the 
owner. 

In 1864 Air. Norton was united in marriage to Aliss Sarah J. -Manning, who 
was born in Washington county, New York. June 15, 1841, and came to Iowa 
in i860 with her parents, John T. and Jane (Clark) Manning, also natives of 
Washington county, New York. The father was born April 2, 1812, his death 
occurring in Wyoming township, December 31, 1891. while the mother, who was 
born September 28. 1806, passed away September lO. 1884. Unto Robert A. 
Norton and his wife were born six children : Cora, the wife of Ed Hernon. 
residing in W^yoming township, this county : John L., a resident of Gordonsville. 
Virginia ; George, at home with his parents ; Isabelle. the wife of Elijah Edwards, 
also of Oxford township; Jessie, who died October 21. 1897: and Mary E.. the 
wife of Milo G. Philips, of Pleasant Hill. Hale township, this county. 

In his political views Mr. Norton is an earnest democrat, believing firmly in 
the principles of the party and his fellow citizens, appreciative of his worth and 
faithful adherance to high principles, elected him to the offices of trustee, assessor 
and tax collector, in which positions of public trust he served for several terms. 
Aside from general agricultural pursuits, for the past thirty years Mr. Norton 
has made a specialty of stock feeding. He is now the owner of two hundred and 
twenty acres, which is included in two farms and a good pasture on the Wapsi 
river, and his success is attributable in large measure to unfaltering industry and 
honorable, straightforward business methods. 



JOHN HOSCH. 



The boyhood days of John Hosch were passed in picturesque Luxemburg, 
Germany. In this old-world city, on the 4th of February. 1841. this son of 
John and Mary ( Flummel) Hosch first saw the light of day and in the schools 
of Luxemburg he obtained his early education. The children of the Hosch fam- 
ily followed the example of many of their associates by coming to America, 
and when afterward the parental home in Germany was broken up by the death 
of the father, the mother also crossed the Atlantic. She made her home with 
the subject of the sketch and it is in eloquent testimony of her welcome there 
that she continued to live with him until the time of her death. 

John Hosch, who came to America in 1868, spent his first three months on 
American soil in St. Charles. Minnesota, and then proceeded to Jones county, 
Iowa, where he located. He was a stonemason by trade and after two diligent 
and thrifty years he branched out as a property owner, buying two hundred and 
seven acres of his present home farm. The year 1881 was marked by the 
erection of a most comfortable and substantial stone house, where he is still 
residing. 

In 1871, Miss Catherine Bisenius became the bride of Mr. Hosch. Although 
at that time a resident of Dubuque county, Iowa, she is a native of Prussia, 
Germ.any, having come to the United States in 1853 at the early age of two 
years. Her parents were among the earlier settlers of Dubuque county. Mr. and 



298 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Mrs. Hosch have to their credit, that increasing" rarity, a fine, large family, 
numbering- twelve : Matthias, who lives in Cedar county, Nebraska ; Mary, the 
wife of Peter Kurt, whose home is in Dubuque county; William, also a 
resident of Dubuque county: Margaret, the wife of Nicholas Knapper, of 
Dubuque county; Michael, who has settled in Pierce county, Nebraska; Anna, 
who married Jacob Brightbaugh and is living in Chicag-o. Illinois ; and Nicholas, 
John. Peter, Susan, Lena and Catherine; all six living at home and adding 
greatly to its cheer and attractiveness by their presence. 

Mr. Hosch has achieved success in his special line of agricultural endeavor, 
which is the raising and feeding of cattle. He belongs to the democratic party 
but is content with the exercise of the right of franchise, never having sought 
the honors and emoluments of office. He and his family are members of 
the Catholic church. The case of Mr. Hosch is especially gratifying as it 
exemplifies the possibility of rising from the most lowly circumstances to pros- 
perous and influential citizenship. When he arrived in Minnesota, he had but 
one dollar and twenty-five cents in his pocket, and one dollar of that amount he 
was forced to expend for his first night's accommodation, thus leaving him with 
a capital of twenty-five cents. Today he owns six hundred and twenty-seven 
acres of land and is undoubtedly one of the very substantial citizens of Jones 
county. Among his holdings are a half section of land in Cedar county. Ne- 
braska, and a section of land in ■Meyer county, that state, owning in all one thou- 
sand, five hundred and eighty-seven acres. 



MRS. MARY L. CLARK. 

Mrs. Mary L. Clark, who in her maidenhood was ^Mary L. Joslin. is a lady 
most highly respected in Jones county, where she has made her home for many 
years, deriving her income from a good farming property located in Castle Grove 
township. She was born in the state of New York, and there spent the first nine 
years of her life, after which she came with her parents to Jones county, Iowa. 
Here she was reared and educated and in 1874 gave her hand in marriage to 
Bently Clark, who was born in this county on the 22d of January. 1852, a son 
of Joseph and Matilda C. (Spencer) Clark. The father was born in Ohio, while 
the mother's birth occurred in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from which place she 
later moved to Butler. Pennsylvania, and in May, 1839. came to Jones county, 
Iowa. Here she was united in marriage in 1847 to Josejih Clark, and unto this 
union were born three children, all of whom are now deceased. Mr. Clark entered 
land in this county and erected a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon 
floor and with the proverbial latchstring hanging out. He was engaged in farm- 
ing up to the time of his demise, which occurred April 16. 1881, while his wife 
still survives at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. 

Lender the parental roof in his native county Bently Clark passed the years 
of his boyhood and youth, and after reaching man's estate became identified 
with the dentist's profession, which he followed for six years. He then pur- 
chased a farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his 




BENTLY CLARK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 301 

demise, which occurred on the 4th of February, 1905, his remains being interred 
in Oakwood cemetery. Aside from his mother and wife he left three children 
to mourn his loss. Harry B., who was born on the 6th of June, 1875, is now re- 
siding in South Dakota. Ford M., born September 19, 1882 is operating the 
home farm for his mother. Mattie E., who was born December 28, 1889, also 
resides at home with her mother. She is a graduate of the academy at Hopking- 
ton, Iowa, and has been engaged in teaching for some time. There are two 
grandchilren, Arthur R. and Effie E., both living with Mrs. Clark. 

Mr. Clark was well known in local political ranks, being a stalwart supporter 
of the democratic party, and he held several township offices. He and his wife 
were both faithful and exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
the teachings of which have ever formed the guiding influences of their lives. 
Fraternally Mrs. Clark is a member of the Royal Neighbors, the Rebekahs and 
also of the Royal Patrons, in all of which organizations she is actively and help- 
fully interested. She has many warm friends in the county, within whose borders 
she has resided for so long a time, for she possesses many excellent traits of 
character such as endear her to all who come within the close circle of her 
friendship, while in her own family she has ever been a devoted and loving wife 
and mother. 



J. H. J. STUTT. 



J. H. J. Stutt. one of the well known stockmen and farmers of Lovell town- 
ship, was born in Wayne township, this county, May 3, 1867, and is a son of 
John and Mary (Harms) Stutt, both natives of Germany. John Stutt, however, 
came to this country in his young manhood, in 1861, and from the first closely 
identified himself with afifairs here, for shortly after his arrival in the state of 
Illinois, he enlisted in the Union army. He served valiantly throughout the course 
of the Civil war and then at its close came to Jones county, Iowa, where he 
found work with John Jacobs, of Scotch Grove township. The next year, how- 
ever, he returned to German}^ to wed the woman he had courted before coming 
to this country, and when he crossed the ocean again he came immediately to 
Jones county, once more entering the employ of Mr. Jacobs. After one year's 
experience on the farm he located in Wayne Center, where he remained for two 
or three years, afterward buying a tract of land in Wayne township. That has 
been his home ever since and is his residence today. During the two score years 
and more that have passed, however, he has invested extensively in real estate, 
at one time owning three hundred and twenty acres. Some of this he has dis- 
posed of but he is still possessed of two hundred acres, and is still an active rep- 
resentative of the agricultural interests. 

J. H. J. Stutt was reared at home under the careful guidance of his parents, 
attending the common schools, from which he received a good preparation for 
the responsibilities of life. At the age of twenty-two he began his business ca- 
reer as a farmer. He bought first one hundred and twenty acres of land west of 
Lambert, in Wayne township, on which he lived for about two years. Then he 



302 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

sold that tract, buying instead two hundred and forty acres at Langworthy, one 
hundred acres of which he sold the next year. Thereupon he rented one hun- 
dren, nineteen and a half acres, adjoining the one hundred and forty acres he still 
held, and after three years' satisfactory experience in its cultivation, added that 
tract to his possessions. Ever on the alert to profit from opportunity, his in- 
vestments did not cease there nor his real-estate operations, for in 1902 he bought 
four hundred and eighty acres of land in South Dakota, which he traded in 
1905 for his present farm in Lovell township. It embraces four hundred, eigh- 
teen and a half acres and was formerly known as the old Hosford place. To it 
Mr. Stutt removed January 10, 1906, and has since made it his home. He still 
owns in addition one hundred, nineteen and a half acres of his Wayne township 
farm, besides one hundred and fifty-four acres two miles north of Anamosa, hav- 
ing purchased it during the spring of 1909. and a tract of one hundred and 
sixty acres one mile west of Langworthy, all rich and arable lands. Although 
he has been most successful as a tiller of the soil, with a view to winning the 
largest returns from his vocation, he has embarked in other enterprises connected 
with the farm. Since he was twenty he has been engaged in threshing and now 
owns a modern traction engine of twenty-two horse-power and a gasoline engine 
of fifteen horse-power, both of which have proven not only a welcome source 
of revenue to him but also of great accommodation to men in his vicinity. Almost 
from the time that he began his life as an agriculturist he has been interested in 
buying and shipping stock, and as he has developed this branch of his business 
with characteristic energy and ability he has become well and widely known as 
one of the important stockmen of his section of the county. Endowed with a 
high degree of business acumen, industrious and progressive, these qualities have 
been the means of his success in his undertakings. In consequence he enjoys 
a handsome competence and the satisfaction that comes from the knowledge that 
his work is well accomplished. 

In 1889 Mr. Stutt was united in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Zimmerman, 
of Wayne township, this county. Eight children were born to them, six of whom 
survive: Henry, Elizabeth, Clarence, Emil, George and Alva, all at home. Mrs. 
Stutt passed away May i, 1908, being deeply mourned by the family who knew 
her love and care. On the 19th of October. 1909. Mr. Stutt married Catherine 
M. Valster, a native of Germany. 

Politically :\Ir. Stutt has allied himself with the democratic party, but has 
evinced no desire to participate in local politics. He has given his religious al- 
legiance, as did his parents before him. to the faith of the German Lutheran 
church, up to whose tenets he has endeavored to live. 



A. H. NEWMAN. 



Among those who are seeking their fortunes in agricultural lines and are 
meeting with gratifying success is A. H. Newman, a native of Greenfield town- 
ship, his birth occurring on the 3d of May, 1861. He is the fifth in order of 
birth in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, born unto Emanuel 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 303 

and Elizabeth (Spade) Newman, mention of whom is made on another page of 
this work. 

On his father's farm, amid the scenes and environments of rural life, A. H. 
Newman was reared and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district 
schools near his home, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the various 
branches of English learning. During the periods of vacation he assisted his 
father in the work of the fields, and in the broader school of experience gained 
a thorough and comprehensive training, becoming well equipped for the practi- 
cal and responsible duties of life. He remained upon the homestead until by 
his marriage he laid the foundation of a happy home life of his own. He began 
business on his own account on the farm which is now his home and upon which 
he has continuously resided. Agricultural interests have claimed his time and 
attention during the intervening years and in the tilling of the soil he has met 
with most gratifying success, being ranked among the progressive and enter- 
prising agriculturists of the township. He owns two hundred and fifty acres 
in the home place, another tract of forty acres in this township and also eighty 
acres in Fairview township. Upon the homestead he has erected an attractive 
modern residence, while in the rear stand commodious barns and outbuildings, 
which are substantial evidence of the thrift and industry of Mr. Newman. He 
is methodical, systematic, progressive and up-to-date, and his farming interests 
have been so wisely and carefully conducted that he has won substantial success. 

On the 19th of August, 1886, Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss 
Jennie Bates, who was born in Rome township, Jones county, Alay 3. 1863, 
and is a daughter of Dr. Ira and Emily (Spear) Bates. Dr. Bates was numbered 
among the early settlers of Jones county, being one of the first to practice his 
profession in this district, where he was well known and highly esteemed. His 
practice was large and extended over considerable territory, and he was often 
called upon to travel many miles in order to minister to a sick patient. How- 
ever the distance was never too long nor the weather too disagreeable to prevent 
his attendance upon the sick and suffering, and he was the loved and trusted 
famil}- physician in many homes. His knowledge of the science of medicine 
was extensive and comprehensive, and he was keenly alive to the obligations 
that rested upon him in the practice of his chosen profession. The home of 
Dr. and ?\Irs. Bates was blessed with five children, of whom Mrs. Newman was 
the third in order of birth. One son, George Christian, passed away at the age 
of one year, while the other members of the family are residents of Fairview 
township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Newman have an adopted son, Harry Ray Newman, who was 
born on the 4th of November, 1897, and is the life and light of the household. 
He was but fifteen days old when his mother was called to the world beyond 
and at her urgent request he was received into the home of Mr. and Mrs. New- 
man, in whom the mother had the utmost confidence and trust. The whole- 
some atmosphere of the home into which the child was taken has had an excel- 
lent influence upon the life of the lad who, though but twelve years of age, al- 
ready gives promise of an honorable and upright manhood. 

Mr. and ]\Irs. Newman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
Martelle, Iowa, in the work of which both Mr. and Mrs. Newman have taken 



304 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

a very active part. She has for a number of years acted in the capacity of 
superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Newman belongs to White Rose 
Lodge, No. 279, Knight of Pythias of Martelle, and in his political allegiance is 
a democrat, being a firm believer in and a stalwart supporter of the principles of 
that party. He served for several years as township clerk and has also been a 
member of the board of education, the cause of education finding in him a warm 
champion. Public-spirited in citizenship, his influence is ever upon the side of 
progress, improvement, reform and advancement, and the principles which have 
governed his entire career are such as make him a most desirable and valuable 
citizen. He and his wife occupy a high place in the social circles of the com- 
munity in which they reside because of their many excellent traits of charac- 
ter, and their home is the seat of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which 
is freely extended to their many friends. 



W. A. MIRICK, M. D. 



For more than thirty-two years W. A. Mirick has followed the profession 
of medicine in the city of Monticello, where he enjoys the honor not only of 
being the oldest resident physician here but also of having one of the largest 
and most lucrative practices. And yet. however gratifying these things may be, 
the knowledge that he retains the respect of the many persons who have come 
into contact with him and the satisfaction that comes to even the most humble 
and modest of men, from a daily recognition of the fact that their lives have 
been led to good purpose and to the benefit of others, affords hini the greatest 
reason to feel a justifiable pride in the work of the past years. 

Dr. Mirick was born in Chenango county. New York. January 8. 1854. and 
is a son of Augustus and Jane (Hakes) Mirick. In 1857 they came to Iowa for 
the sake of the health of Mrs. Mirick. locating in Anamosa, but she died shortly 
afterward, and the father married Mrs. Fannie Boon, of Anamosa, whose was 
the only maternal care of which Dr. Mirick has any distinct remembrance. Upon 
his advent to this county. Augustus Mirick acquired a tract of land in Fairview 
township, on which he pursued his calling as a farmer. A pronounced success 
attended his efforts and although about sixteen or seventeen years ago he retired 
from active life he still owns about two hundred acres of land. At present he 
is living in the village of Anamosa. at the advanced age of eighty-five years. 
In politics his sympathies were with the republican party, and during the greater 
part of his active years he was a dominant factor in its cause in his township 
besides taking a vital interest in the public affairs of his locality and serving in 
the various township offices. He was also prominent in the work of the Baptist 
church and in the ranks of the Masons and of the Odd Fellows, to local lodges 
of which he belonged. In short, he was a man possessed of a strong personality, 
of great energy, and of a capacity for execution that won the attention of all 
with whom he associated, accordingly his influence was felt far and wide and men 
placed reliance in his judgment. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 305 

Dr. Mirick has lived in Jones county since he was four years old and when 
of suitable age was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools. Later he took a 
special course in Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and in 1874 began the 
study of medicine. At first he read under the preceptorship of Dr. L J. Adair, 
of Anamosa, and then under that of Dr. G. W. White, of the same place, so 
that he was fairly well prepared in 1875 for entrance to the Hahnemann Medi- 
cal College of Chicago, Illinois. He was graduated from that institution in the 
spring of 1878, and on the ist of March of that year, located in Monticello. 
Here he has built steadily up a large and remunerative practice and for years 
past has been one of the best known physicians in his section- of the county. A 
skilled diagnostician, an experienced practitioner, and endowed by nature with 
those personal qualities that perhaps have greater weight in attaining a suc- 
cess in this than in any other vocation of life, his record is one of contmued 
advance, of increased confidence in his abilities on the part of others, and of 
enlarged realization by them of strength of his character and the integrity of 
his purposes. He is a surgeon as well as a physician and for the past twenty 
years has been employed in the former capacity by the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railroad in this city. 

On the i2th of September, 1882, Dr. Mirick wedded Miss Catherine S. Curtis, 
of Independence, Iowa, who for the four or five years previous had been teaching 
in the Monticello schools. She had attended the Iowa State College, from 
which she was graduated in the same class with J. W. Doxsee. To this union 
three children have been born, namely : Irving A., Maud A. and Galen C. The 
oldest was graduated from the Monticello high school and then spent three 
years at the Iowa State College. He is now associated with the Chicago & North- 
western Railroad, with headquarters at Huron, South Dakota. The daughter 
is in her senior year at the Iowa State College at Ames, while the youngest 
of the family is a pupil in the Monticello high school. Dr. Mirick belongs to 
several organizations which have as their aim the advancement of the interests 
of those engaged in his profession, for he is a mem.ber of the American Medical 
Association, of the Iowa State Medical Society and of the Jones County Medical 
Society. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a member of Burns 
Lodge, No. 173, A. F. & A. M. He did belong to the chapter and commandery 
of the local lodge herC: but they have now disintegrated. 



PAUL PAULSEN. 



One of the prosperous German farmers of Scotch Grove township, whose 
well tilled fields are representative of the high quality of the agricultural inter- 
ests of the coimty, was born in Holstein, Germany, August 17, 1865, his parents 
being Bahne and Sabina (Hansen) Paulsen. They were also natives of the 
same province of the fatherland, where the father died during the childhood of 
his son. After his demise his widow came to the L^nited States with her three 
children, locating, in 1870, in Lyons, Clinton coimty, Iowa. Later she removed 



306 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

to Charlotte, that county, where she married Nicholas Hoist, of whom extended 
mention is made in another part of this work. 

Paul Paulsen was about five years of age when the family embarked upon 
their journey to this country, so that all his training for the responsibilities of 
life has been obtained in this state, at home and in the common schools where 
he was a pupil. He worked upon the farm belonging to his stepfather through- 
out the period of his youth, and when he reached man's estate he was taken into 
partnership by Mr. Hoist. Together they operated the place until February, 
1903, when Mr. Paulsen married and started out in life for himself. Then he 
purchased the southwest quarter of section 24, Scotch Grove township, and 
has made his home thereon ever since. It was formerly known as the Alex 
Sutherland farm, and was only partially improved, but since it has come into 
his possession Mr. Paulsen has carried on the work of development and improve- 
ment with a vigor that is characteristic of him until it is now one of the highly 
cultivated and finely improved tracts in Jones county. Successful in his under- 
takings beyond the ordinary, he has risen to a substantial position in the com- 
munity, a fact which is indicated by the large shares of stock he holds in the 
Lovell State Bank of Monticello and in the Onslow Savings Bank. 

On the loth of February. 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Paulsen 
and Miss Mary Eckel berg, of Jackson county, Iowa. Her father is John Eckel- 
berg, who was for many years one of the prominent farmers of that county and 
is now living in retirement at Spragueville, Jackson county. Six children have 
been born of this union: Alvina, Paul, Jr., Edward, John, liarry and Emil. 
They are all at home and are being reared in the faith of the German Lutheran 
church, that being the creed to which Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen give their religious 
allegiance. Since he was admitted to the ranks of the citizens of this republic 
Mr. Paulsen has voted the democratic ticket, finding himself in greater accord 
with the principles promulgated by that party. He has had no desire to enter 
the arena of public life, however, although his success, the strong qualities of 
character upon which it has been reared and the wide influence he has exercised 
in his community as a result of a good life well lived, would naturally suggest 
him to his fellows as a man worthy and capable of administering any trust with 
which the people might care to honor him. 



J. F. WAGGONER. 



The farmer of today dominates the situation in Iowa because he holds the 
balance of power. There are three million more Americans engaged in farm- 
ing today than in manufacturing and mechanical pursuits, and Iowa is one of the 
states that contributes many agriculturists to the United States. One of the 
thoroughly modern farmers of Jones county is J. F. Waggoner, of Jackson town- 
ship, who was born in that township on his father's homestead, February 26, 
1866. He is a son of Charles and Mary (May) Waggoner, a sketch of whom ap- 
pears elsewhere in this work, and the second in order of birth in their family 
of four children. 




J. F. WAGGONER 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 309 

Until he was twenty-eight years of age, Mr. Waggoner resided with his 
parents, but he then married and located on his present farm. This property 
consists of one hundred and twenty acres of farming land on section 22 and 
eleven acres of timber land on section 32, Jackson township. On this farm he 
has built a substantial residence, commodious barns, and made many other im- 
provements which give comfort to his family and enable him to care for his, 
stock and machinery. Experience has taught Mr. Waggoner the value of speci- 
alizing and he is now raising Poland China hogs to the extent of fifty head 
annually. 

The marriage of Mr. Waggoner occurred in 1883, when he was united with 
Carrie Luella Bills, who was born in Jackson township. May 5, 1867, daughter of 
D. B. and Emma Bills, of Anamosa. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner are the parents of 
two children, namely : Stanley and Harold. 

The success which has come to Mr. Waggoner has not been gained by any 
unusual methods but through the close application of his natural ability and 
knowledge of farming which he had obtained from his father. He has known 
how to develop his land and make investments pay, and consequently is now 
enjoying the results of his years of labor, although still in the very prime of life 
and filled with ambition for future achievements. 



EARL C. PEET. 



Greenfield township, Jones county, numbers among its native sons many sub- 
stantial and progressive farmers who through their own eflforts and industry 
are meeting with gratifying success. This number includes Earl C. Peet, whose 
birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1875, his parents being Eber G. and 
Oriana Peet. No event of special importance came to vary the routine of daily 
life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent upon 
his father's farm amid the scenes and environments of rural life. He acquired 
a good knowledge of the common branches of English learning as they were 
taught in the Greenfield Center school, and since laying aside his text-books has 
greatly extended his early training by thorough reading, observation and broad, 
practical experience. He remained upon the home farm, giving his father the 
benefit of his assistance in the work of the fields, until twenty-nine years of age, 
and during that time learned many lessons concerning the value of industry 
and thrift and, surrounded by the wholesome influences of farm life, acquired 
good habits and clean morals, all of which well qualified him for the practical 
and responsible duties of hfe. In 1905 he started out in business on his own 
account, locating upon a farm of fifty-four acres which his father had given 
him. It is located near the center of Greenfield township and he has continued 
to make his home thereupon to the present time, although in the meantime as 
he has prospered he added to his original holdings and is now the owner of one 
hundred and thirty-four acres of land. The soil of Iowa is proverbially rich 
and fertile, and under the careful management of Mr. Peet his fields have been 



310 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

brought under a high state of cukivation. so that his farm is one of the valu- 
able and desirable properties of the township. 

On the 3d of April, 1904, in Fairview township, 2\lr. Peet was united in 
marriage to Miss Gladys G. Shoop, who was born in that township on the 
27th of Novembei-, 1878, a daughter of Leander and Adelaide (Bates) Shoop. 
the latter the eldest daughter of Dr. Ira Bates. Air. Shoop was born in Trum- 
bull county, Ohio, in 1848, and in 1856 came to Jones county. Iowa, with his 
parents, Moses and Caroline Shoop. Moses Shoop was born near Akron, Ohio, 
in 1802, and died at his home in Jones county, Iowa, in 1861. His wife, a native 
of Fredericksburg, Virginia, where her birth occurred in 1803, lived to the ripe 
old age of eighty-five years. In their family were five children, namely, Calvin. 
Almond, Nancy, Caroline and Leander. The last named was united in marriage 
to Miss Bates on the 17th of February, 1878, and they now make their home 
about six miles south of Anamosa in Fairview township. Unto them were born 
eight children, all of whom still survive, Gladys, George, Cassius, Raleigh, Au- 
gusta, Bertha, Blanche and Lillian. In early life Mrs. Peet enjoyed the advan- 
tages of good educational training, for after her graduation from the common 
schools she pursued a course at the Western College (now Leander Clark Col- 
lege) at Toledo, Iowa. In 1895 she began teaching in the public schools, and 
was thus successfully engaged up to the time of her marriage. L'nto Mr. and 
Mrs. Peet has been born one son, Roscoe L., whose birth occurred on the 28th 
of November, 1905. 

Mrs. Peet became an active member of the United Brethren church of Forest 
Chapel, Fairview town.ship. in 1894. and since that time her life has been guided 
by the teachings of that denomination. Mr. Peet belongs to no special creed or 
sect but is very liberal in his views, his conduct at all times being in harmony with 
the spirit of the Golden Rule. A very conservative but estimable couple, they 
occupy a high place in the regard and esteem of their fellowmen and the con- 
sensus of public opinion accords them a prominent place among the valued resi- 
dents of the community. In his political views Mr. Peet is a stalwart republican 
and for nine years served as a director of Greenfield Center school, the cause 
of education finding in him a warm champion. He was early trained to habits 
of industry, enterprise and integrity, and these have proven strong elements 
in his success and at the same time have gained the unqualified lespect and con- 
fidence of all with whom he has come in contact. 



ROBERT C. STIRTON. 



Few if any of the legislators of the state of Iowa are more widely and more 
favorably known that Robert C. Stirton, who is frequently called the "real com- 
moner." A man of the people, he has exerted his best talents in their behalf, 
and being a hardheaded, practical business man. who has achieved success in 
whatever field he engaged in. he did not leave the general assemblies of the 
state without leaving his mark upon their policies and acts. A self-made man 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 311 

in the best sense of the term, his is a life which might serve as an example to 
others, for there is no blemish upon his reputation or upon his character, his 
standing in the commercial world or his political record. Despite the fact of 
his English birth, he is a typical lowan, and none of her native sons nor those 
of American parentage could be more devoted to its best interests. 

Robert C. Stirton was born in Devonshire, England, April 2, 1861, a son of 
Robert and Anne Stirton, both natives of Scotland. The father, who was em- 
ployed as a forester, died when his son was but two years old. The widowed 
mother thereupon took her family to Scotland, where they remained until 1871. 
when they emigrated to this country, locating first in Delaware county, Iowa. 
In 1873 they came to Monticello, which has since been the home of Robert C. 
Stirton. For several years he worked upon farms in the vicinity of the town 
during the summer months, while he attended school in the winter, thereby ac- 
quiring a thorough and practical education. He was enrolled as a pupil in the 
high school of Monticello and although he never graduated he took the exam- 
ination for a teacher's certificate, having secured which he proved himself a 
competent instructor. In 1887 he w^as appointed assistant postmaster of the 
town but resigned that position after three years to enter the employ of G. W. 
& G. L. Lovell, the pioneer bankers of Monticello. In 1897, when the insti- 
tution was reorganized under the state laws, he was made cashier of the concern, 
a position he holds to the present time. 

In 1903 ]\Ir. Stirton entered upon his political career, being in that year the 
candidate upon the democratic ticket in the Jones-Cedar district for state senator. 
Despite the fact that the district was strongly republican, lie won by a majority 
of foin- hundred and seventy-one votes, sitting in the thirtieth, thirty-first and 
thirty-second general assemblies. What he did during those years any one may 
read, for there is nothing of which he or his constituents need be ashamed. He 
introduced the two-cent fare bill in the senate at the first session in which he 
participated ; voted for the passage of the anti-pass law, which lost by only one 
vote ; urged the Crossley primary election bill, which is the only bona fide bill of 
its kind introduced into the senate; voted for the resolution to elect United 
States senators by direct vote of the people ; voted for the pure food law ; voted 
for the law to prohibit and regulate child labor; and again voted for the anti- 
pass bill, which has now become a law. In short, while representing the people, 
he strove by all means in his powder to do what in his judgment he beHeved to 
be for their best interests. Upon the expiration of his term in the senate he was 
made the democratic nominee for congress from the fifth district in the cam- 
paign of 1907, and in the campaign of 1908 he was his party's nominee from 
the fifth Iowa congressional district for presidential elector, an indication of 
the strength he holds in the ranks of his political brethren, who rightly regard 
him as a man who has won the confidence of the voters of the district in which 
he lives. While he does not lay claim to being an orator, he has the power to 
speak effectively when there is need, but it is as a man easy of approach, affable 
and sympathetic that he has won those who have come into personal contact 
with him. 

.A.t Cincinnati, Ohio, January 25, 1893, Mr. Stirton wedded Miss Agnes Rus- 
sell, a daughter of the late Dr. Isaac Russell, of Monticello. Two daughters 



312 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

have been born to them : Agnes, now fifteen years of age ; and Anne, who is 
twelve years old. 

Mr. Stirton attends the services of the Congregational church, although he 
is not a member thereof, w^iile fraternally he is connected with the Alasons and 
the Modern Woodmen. He has been particularly active in the former, having 
served as master of the local lodge. In a political way he has also been signalled 
out by the citizens of his town and county, for he has acted as president and 
secretary of the Jones county fair and as president of the school board for a 
period of ten years. Should he again enter the political arena Mr. Stirton has 
little to fear on the score of support, for although this section is strongly re- 
publican, yet the record of his life, his public policy, his reputation as a man 
who adheres to the cause of the people who elected him, these and other qualities 
which have made his a character of strength and honorableness should win above 
party considerations. 



K. T. LAMB. 



K. T. Lamb, one of the prosperous merchants and progressive men of Olin. 
was born on a farm one and a quarter miles west of the city, October 19, 1856, 
being a son of Jacob and Mary Jane (Easterly) Lamb, the former born at 
Greencastle, Lancaster county, Ohio, in 1825, and the latter at Bellville, Ohio, 
in 1833. I" iS<4.8> Jacob Lamb came to Anamosa, Jones county, Iowa, purchasing 
a farm on what is now known as Strawberry Hill. The following year he went 
overland to California, joining in the mad rush westward and spending two 
years in mining. His return was made by the isthmus, up the Mississippi river 
to Davenport and thence to Anamosa. He sold his farm, buying land in Rome 
township, Jones county, as well as a large tract in Cedar county and some west 
of Olin, a portion of which was slightly improved. He placed his land under 
cultivation and in the winters taught school. It was while doing this that he met 
his future wife, who was one of his pupils. Her people had come from Ohio in 
1852, locating in Rome township. In 1853 they were married and began house- 
keeping on their farm west of Olin. which they developed into a fine property 
and where Mr. Lamb died in 1863. aged thirty-seven years. He owned three 
hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Rome township and over one thousand 
acres altogether. A strong Douglas democrat, he took an active part in politics, 
party feeling running high at the time of his demise. His widow survived 
him until August. 1904 She was a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Watts) 
Easterly, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came first to Ohio and then to Jones 
county, Iowa, where they died. 

The Lamb fam.ily is of English origin and trace their ancestors back to 
Pierce Lamb who came from Kent, England, some time between 1630 and 1640 
and settled on the coast of Maryland. His son Francis had several sons, some 
of whom settled in Kentucky and some in Virginia. K. T. Lamb's family tree 
follows his branch down throug;h Marvland, Xirtiinia. Ohio and Iowa. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 313 

Jacob and Alary Lamb had eight children, as follows: Florence, who is 
the widow of John Q. Cronkhite, of Olin : Matilda Katherine, who is the wife 
of J. W. Moore, of Marion, Kansas; K. T., the subject of this sketch; Siera 
X., who is the wife of L. M. Carpenter, of Olin; Dora H., who died at the age 
of fourteen years; Ida L., the wife of F. E. Austin, of Cedar Rapids; Castor 
C, who lives at Olin; and Maggie Alay, who died in infancy. 

K. T. Lamb was reared on his father's farm west of Olin and received a 
o^ood common-school education. However, farming- ditl not appeal to him and he 
began his mercantile career in 1876, when only twenty years of age. His mother 
had married for her second husband, D. R. Carpenter, and the stepfather took 
the young man in business with him under the firm name of D. R. Carpenter 
& Company, the members being D. R. Carpenter, L. M. Carpenter, and K. T. 
Lamb. This association continued until 1880, when the firm was changed to 
Lamb, Carpenter & Lamb, with K. T. Lamb, L. M. Carpenter and C. C. Lamb 
as partners, this Mr. Carpenter being a stepbrother of the Lambs. In 1885 the 
Lamb boys bought out Mr. Carpenter, and the firm became Lamb Brothers, which 
continued until 1909, when it was changed to Lamb & Son, C. C. Lamb retiring 
from active business and K. T. Lamb taking his only son, Roscoe, into the house. 

The firm do a general merchandise business and their store is the largest 
and oldest established in Olin. It enjoys a splendid patronage from a wide ter- 
ritory about Olin. The firm owns the splendid building they occupy, a brick 
structure, forty by eighty feet, which was built in 1892. Mr. Lamb also owns 
the old home farm of three hundred and fifty acres where he was born and which 
he helped to operate during his younger days. 

In 1878 Mr. Lamb married Margaret Halsey, who was born near Oswego, 
New York, in 1857, a daughter of George W. and Caroline (Dickinson) Halsey. 
the latter of whom was cousin of Secretary Dickinson of President Cleveland's 
cabinet. The Halsey family is one of the oldest of America's colonial familes 
and is descended from a long and honorable line of ancestors in this country 
and England. The first to come to America was Thomas Halsey as early as 
1637 and all the American Halseys are descended from him. Among the colonial 
records of New York are the names of Halseys who took a prominent part in the 
French and Indian wars, while in the Revolution others served. In the wars 
of 1812 and 1848 were several Halseys and many a "forty-niner" were of this 
family. In the Civil war many of the name fought, bled and died, one being 
Frank N. Halsey, an uncle of Mrs. Lamb, who lost his life at Gettysburg. In 
civil life also many of the Halseys have served the public, some as members of 
congress, many as state legislators and a greater number as county officials. Mrs. 
Lamb's parents came to Wyoming, Iowa, at an early day bringing her with them. 
Mr. and Mrs. K. T. Lamb became the parents of four children : Jessie, who 
is the wife of Earl Mills, of Des Moines ; Frances, who is the wife of Allen 
Metcalf , of Cedar Rapids ; Helen, who is the wife of M. H Crissman, of Olin ; 
and Roscoe, who is junior member of the firm. 

Mr. Lamb takes an active interest in politics, being an ardent republican 
and having held numerous school and township ofifices. A member of the 
Methodist church he has ever been faithful in his support of it and is now one 
of its trustees. Since 1885 he has been a Mason, belonging to Ancient Land- 



314 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

mark Lodge, No. 200. He is chairman of the committee on lodges under dis- 
pensation, which makes him a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He is also 
a member of Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic 
Shrine, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Mr. Lamb is a good business man. far-seeing and quick to take advantage of 
oftered opportunities, and yet he is a man on whose integrity there has never 
rested the slightest stain. Ever ready to advance the welfare of his city, a de- 
voted family man, proud of his children and the business ability of his only son, 
stanch in the support of his party and church, a loyal and indefatigable worker 
for his fraternity, he sets an excellent example for others to follow as a repre- 
sentative American of the smaller cities of the middle west. 



JOSEPH [. WALTERS. 



Among the native sons of Jones county who are meeting with success in 
agricultural and stock-raising lines is Joseph J. Walters, who was born in Castle 
Grove township on the 22d of February, 1861. His parents were Thomas and 
Mary (Smye) Walters, both natives of County Cork, Ireland, the former born 
on the loth of November. 1819, and the latter on the 19th of May, 1830. The 
father had come to America alone, hoping here to obtain better business advan- 
tages than were offered in the old country, and took up his abode in Boston for 
a time. The mother, who had lost both parents when only eight years of age, 
came to this country with a brother, landing in Boston, where she made the 
acquaintance of Mr. Walters. He made a trip to Jone'- county. Iowa, and upon 
his return to Boston was united in marriage on the loth of May, 1857, to Miss 
Smye. Having been favorably impressed by the opportunities offered by the 
middle west, he again came to Jones county, Iowa, bringing his young bride with 
him, and for a few years both worked by the month in this county. Later Mr. 
Walters began working a farm on shares and in 1868, with the money which he 
had carefully saved from his earnings, he purchased one hundred and twenty 
acres of land on sections 24 and 13, which tract formed the nucleus of the farm 
now owned by the subject of this review. They continued to make this their 
home up until the time of their death, and with the passing of the years they 
prospered, the father owning at the time of his death one hundred and ninety- 
three acres. He was called to his final rest on the 29th of December, 1893, while 
liis wife survived until July 2, 1909. Both had been reared in the faith of the 
Episcopal church but after their arrival in Jones county became identified with 
the United Brethren church here. The father was a repubhcan in politics and was 
well known in the community where he made his home as a public-spirited citizen 
and an honorable, upright gentleman. Our subject is the only child born unto this 
worthy couple. 

Agricultural pursuits have characterized the entire business career of Joseph 
J. Walters, who spent the period of his boyhood and youth amid the scenes and 
environments of rural life. He acquired his education in the district schools 
and at the same time assisted in the work of the home farm, early becoming 




MR. AND MRS. THOMAS WALTERS AND SON. JOSEPH J. WALTERS 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 317 

familiar with the best methods of carrying on agriculture. He continued to 
give his father the benefit of his aid up until the latter's death, when he took 
charge of the homestead and has since directed his energies toward its further 
development. That his early training in the occupation of farming was thorough 
and comprehensive is indicated in the fact that as the years have come and 
gone he has been most successful and has been able to add to his original hold- 
ings until today he is the owner of three hundred and eighty-seven acres of 
land all lying in one body on sections 24, and 13, and all under an excellent 
state of cultivation The improvements on the place were all made by our sub- 
ject, and his father, and the farm ranks among the valuable and desirable proper- 
ties of the county. The former carries on general farming and stock-raising, 
and he also devotes some attention to the dairy business, keeping on hand twenty- 
six cows for that purpose. His various business iaierests are all carefully 
directed and are proving a source of most gratifying remuneration to him. 

It was on the 26th of March, 1889, that Mr. Walters was united in marriage 
to Miss Cora A. Worster, who was born in Wayne tovi^nship, Jones county, on 
the 2ist of October, 1865. She is a daughter of Selim and Lucy (Ripley) Wor- 
ster, natives of New England, their deaths occurring in Jones county. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Walters have been born seven children, namely: Joseph Henry, 
Hattie May, William Worster, Mary Elizabeth, Cora Lucy, Nellie Miranda and 
John Waldo. 

Mr. Walters gives his political support to the republican party but the honors 
and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate 
his energies upon the conduct of his business affairs. He is not lax, however, 
in matters of citizenship, but on the other hand is ever ready to give his aid and 
cooperation to any movement which tends to benefit the community. He has 
gained an extensive circle of friends in the county within whose borders he has 
passed his entire life, and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have 
known him from his boyhood, is an indication of the fact that his salient char- 
acteristics are in harmony with the principles which govern honorable and upright 
manhood. 



A. M. KIMBALL. 



A. M. Kimball, a well known capitalist of Madison township, is now living 
practically retired on the old Kimball farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He 
was born in Springfield. ^lassachusetts, on the 25th of December. 1840. his 
parents being Abner and Sarah D. ( Spinney ) Kimball, the former a native 
of Lyme, New Hampshire, and the latter of Portsmoutli, that state. In the spring 
oi 1843, they made their way westward to Wisconsin, where they resided for 
about thirteen years, on the expiration of which period they came to Iowa, 
purchasing the farm in Madison township, Jones county, which is now in pos- 
session of our subject. Abner Kimball first bought the tract of one hundred and 
sixty acres on which the old homestead stands but later extended the boundaries 
of the place by additional purchase until it embraced about three hundred and 
ninety acres. In early manhood he supported the whig party but later gave his 



318 -HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy. He never 
had anv desire for the honors and emoluments of office, however, preferring 
to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. When he passed away on 
the 4th of October, 1908, at the age of ninety-seven years, Jones county lost one 
of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers and one who had been success- 
fully identified with its agricultural interests for more than a half century. 
His wife was called to her final rest on the i8th of December, 1896, when 
eighty-three years of age. Their children were six in number, as follows : 
Sarah J., who resides on the old home farm with her brother. A. M. ; John M., 
a resident of Norman, Oklahoma; A. M., of this review; Ann M., the wife of 
J. K. Conmey, of Madison township, this county: James M., living in Scranton, 
Iowa, and Mrs. Ellen R. Bruntlett, who died in 1909. 

A. M. Kimball was reared under the parental roof and obtained a good public- 
school education. When not busy with his text-books he assisted in the work of 
the home farm and thus early became familiar with the duties and labors that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining his majority he continued 
his connection with farming interests in association with his father and as the 
latter advanced in age he gradually undertook the management and conduct of 
the home place, which has now been under his supervision for many years past. 
At the present time, however, he has largely put aside the active work of the 
fields and is living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 
Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he has won a goodly measure of suc- 
cess in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is widely recognized as one 
^f the prosperous and representative citizens of the county. 

In his political views Mr. Kimball is a democrat but at local elections casts 
an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified 
for the office in question. He is a stanch friend of the cause of education and. 
though never an office seeker, has capably served in the position of school treas- 
urer for several years. Having made his home in this county for more than a 
half century, he is well and favorably known here and has gained the warm 
regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. 



THOMAS W. HEANEY 



Thomas W. Heaney, who for more than twenty years has been a member of 
the agricultural community of Richland township, was born in Onondaga county. 
New York, March 25, 1840. His parents were John and Mary (Hussey) 
Heaney, both natives of the town of Ballymore, Ireland, where they were mar- 
ried. In 1832, as their wedding trip, they embarked on their journey to the 
United States and after thirteen weeks and three days upon the water landed in 
New York. They went to Utica, that state, where they remained a short time 
going next to Onondaga county, where John Heaney obtained employment as 
foreman in a stone quarr}^ In 1855 they came to Iowa, locating first in East 
Dubuque, where the father and a brother worked for a stone contractor, and 
then in 1857 coming to Jones county, for Mr. Heaney had bought eighty acres 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 319 

of land in Richland township upon coming to the state. On this he established 
his family and spent the few years of life that remained for him. He passed 
away Alarch 21, 1865, but his wife lived until May 8, 1891, when she too died, 
having attained an advanced age. 

Thomas W. Heaney was reared at home and acquired his practical training 
for the responsibilities of life in the common schools. He remained with his 
father on the farm until his twenty-second year, when he married and started 
to make his own way in the world. For one year he worked for his father- 
in-law and then renting a piece of land engaged in agricultural pursuits for 
himself. After one year's experience as a tenant he bought a tract in 
Whitewater, Dubuque county, on which he lived but one year, when his father's 
death compelled his return to his old home. In 1866 he took up a difl'erent 
line of work, going west as one of the men who were employed upon the con- 
struction of the Union Pacific Railroad. For three years he worked for that 
concern and the Central Pacific Railroad, and then went to Maryville. Missouri, 
where he remained but three months, when he came to Jones county and took 
up his residence in Monticello, living there from the fall of 1869 to July, 1871. 
At that latter date he removed to Cascade, where for ten years he was engaged 
in the grocery and liquor business. Then, again he took up agricultural pursuits, 
moving in 1882 to a farm in Richland township, which he and his brother John 
operated in conjunction for about five years. In 1887 ]\Ir. Heaney purchased 
the Robert Reed place, his present home, to which he has since devoted his 
energies. It is a tract embracing one hundred and sixty acres, well improved 
and cultivated, on which he pursues general farming. 

On the 9th of February, 1862, was solemnized the marriage of IMr. Heaney 
to Miss Hannah O'Brien. She is a daughter of Dennis O'Brien, who came to 
this country from Ireland in 1847 and after residing in New Jersey for a time 
came in 1856 or 1857 to Jones county. He located in Richland township, where 
he followed farming throughout his active years. No children have been born 
to the couple, but they have reared three. Clarence was legally adopted. Nettie 
Hughes is now the wife of David Lahey, of Imogene. Fremont county, Iowa, 
Lizzie, the third child who shared their home and who was known by the name 
of her foster parents, married Archibald Farrell, of Ryan. Iowa. ^Ir. and Mrs. 
Heaney are consistent members of the Catholic church, while politically he has 
allied himself with the democratic party. 



RUDOLPH BOHREN. 



Rudolph Bohren, who is one of the substantial and influential men of Lovell 
township, was born in Switzerland. January 15. 1863. His parents were John 
and Anna (Gertch) Bohren. also natives of the land of the Alps which remained 
their home until their deaths. Rudolph Bohren remained at home during the 
years of his youth, obtaining a good education in the public schools of his 
canton and learning those practical lessons for the conduct of life which have 
stood him in such good stead since he has become a citizen of this republic. 



320 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

When he attained his twenty-first year he decided to try his fortunes in the 
United States and in April, 1884, embarked on the long ocean journey. After 
landing upon our shores he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in Alonticello, 
where he found employment among the bands of men who were working for the 
railroad that was then being constructed in the northwest section of Iowa. The 
following year he engaged in cheese-making, but after one season a experience 
he forsook that business to work in a creamery. During these three winters, 
however, he also attended school that he might acquire some familiarity with 
the English language in a more orderly manner than through picking it up in 
his intercourse with his companions. In 1888, Mr. Bohren began farming as 
a renter and ten years later bought two hundred and forty acres of his present 
farm, which he had cultivated as a tenant for the six years preceding his pur- 
chase. Since he has made it his residence he has added one hundred and twenty 
acres to it, so that he now has a tract of three hundred and sixty acres in Lovell 
township. He has engaged extensively in the dairy business, keping fifty cows 
upon the place, and has also devoted a great deal of his time and energies to 
the breeding of hogs, making a specialty of these two branches of farming. In 
the winter of 1905, he delivered one hundred and five hogs at the ?^Ionticello 
stockyards, selling them there for twenty-four hundred dollars. They were less 
than ten months old and all had been raised I)y hiiuself. This year he has about 
one hundred and seventy-six shoats, which will be ready for the market in the 
fall and from which he hopes to gain an even greater interest upon his invest- 
ment of labor. Industry is one of his salient characteristics and has been the 
means of his success in the past and indicates what the future may bring to him. 
On the 22d of October, 1894. Mr. Bohren wedded Miss Elizabeth Friedli, 
of Lovell township, and to them have been born four children : Frieda, Olga, 
Lena and Fritz. Since he has been admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. 
Bohren has affiliated with the republican party, and his election to membership 
upon the school board shows the confidence the people place in his judgment. 
Indeed he is a man whose influence is felt, and for the good of his fellows, in 
whatever body he may happen to belong, whether it be that for the government 
of the schools, that of the directors of the Klondike Creamery Company, of 
which he is secretary, or the congregation of the German Reformed church, 
of which he is trustee. 



HARRY L. PEET. 



Harry L. Feet is a progressive and enterprising farmer who owns and operates 
an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-five acres in Greenfield township. 
Jones county. Born in that township on the 19th of September, 186S. he is the 
eldest of a family of eight sons born unto E. G. and Oriana (Chapin) Feet, ex- 
tended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this vohime. He and his brothers 
all live within a radius of six miles. The period of his early life was spent upon 
the home farm, where during the summer months he assisted in the work of the 
fields, the winter seasons being devoted to the acrniirement of an education in the 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 321 

district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his ma- 
jority and then entered business life on his own account as an agriculturist, 
wisely choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. 

On the 20th of February, 1895. he laid the foundation for a happy home life 
by his marriage to Miss Katherine E. Baird, a daughter of John and Helen (Don- 
ald ) Baird, of Lisbon, Iowa. Her parents, who were numbered among the first 
settlers of Greenfield township, came to America from Scotland and took up their 
abode in this township in 1859, where they cast in their lot with the early pio- 
neers. Both are still living, he at the age of eighty-five years and she at the age 
of seventy-six years, and they retain their old homestead in Greenfield township, 
although they are now living retired in Lisbon. Their family consisted of four 
daughters and one son, of whom Mrs. Peet is the fourth in order of birth. The 
others are: Jane, the wife of William Ellison, of Mount Vernon, Linn county; 
Agnes, who resides with her parents in Lisbon; Mary A., who married Omer 
Cole of Pearson, Woodbury county, and died October 25, 1909; and Andrew 
J., living in Greenfield township. 

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peet began their domestic life 
on the farm which is now their home. It consists of one hundred and forty- 
five acres and through the careful management of Mr. Peet has been placed un- 
der a high state of cultivation. In its midst are found substantial buildings and 
he has introduced all of the modern conveniences and accessories for facilitating 
labor. In its attractive and well improved appearance it stands as a monument to 
his industry and thrift. Systematic, methodical and progressive in his methods, 
he is meeting with a success that ranks him among the enterprising and substan- 
tial farmers of the township. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Peet was blessed with one daughter, who, how- 
ever, passed away in infancy. Mrs. Peet is a member of the Presbyterian church 
and in its work is deeply and helpfully interested. Politically Mr. Peet is a stal- 
wart repitblican and is now serving as township trustee and as a member of the 
school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. He is 
widely known throughout the township, having spent his entire life within its 
borders and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known 
him from boyhood is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as 
inspire respect, confidence and good will among his fellowmen. 



HENRY^ M. CARPENTER. 

For more than three decades Henry M. Carpenter has served as cashier of 
the Monticello State Bank of Monticello, Iowa. He was born in Connecticut, 
September ti, 1857. his parents being Milling-ton L. and Harriett (Marvin) 
Carpenter. They were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, but 
came to Iowa in 1864, settling upon a farm in Castle Grove township, Jones 
county. On that place the mother died the year after her arrival, at the age 
of thirty years, and three years later, in '186S. Mr. Carpenter came to Monticello. 
The following year he engaged in the lianking business, to which he devoted 



322 HISTORY 01< JONES COUNTY 

the remainder of his Hfe. At first he was in partnership with George W. Lovell, 
under the firm name of Carpenter & Lovell. and then, when the business was 
consolidated with the Monticello National Bank in 1875 he was made president 
of the concern, a position he held until his death, which occurred in November, 
1890, when he was seventy-one years of age. His life had been marked by hon- 
orable transactions, and he transmitted to his son a name of which the latter 
may well be proud. 

Henry M. Carpenter was but eight years old when he was deprived of a 
mother's care and love. He was early initiated into the intricacies of the banking 
business, for even as a boy he found employment in the bank. At the age of 
eighteen he was made assistant cashier, and then two years later, having g'iven 
evidence of his ability and trustworthiness, he was made cashier. In the thirty- 
two years during which he has been the incumbent in that responsible position 
he has distinguished himself by his accuracy, his devotion to duty and the 
general efficiency with which he has administered his duties, so that the directors 
of the bank have had no reason to regret their reposal of trust in him and the 
people, who have come into almost daily contact with him for so many years, 
have found him always courteous in his attention to their wants. 

In 1883 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Farwell, a 
daughter of Major Farwell. Two children have been born to the couple, 
Millington F. and Halstead ^I.. both of whom live at home. Politically Mr. 
Carpenter was a democrat until 1896, nearly always casting his ballot for its 
candidates. Since 1896 he has been independent in his politics, voting for the 
candidate of both parties from time to time. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant 
relations with the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of ■\Tonticello 
Lodge, No. 87, but has no other lodge affiliations. 



CHARLES M. HUBBELL 

Charles M. Hubbell is a retired farmer of Anamosa, who still derives a grati- 
fying income from his valuable farm property. He was long closely associated 
with agricultural interests and the enterprise and diligence which he displayed 
in conducting his business l^rought him the prosperity which he is now enjoying. 
He was born at Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, in 1848. his parents being Wil- 
liam and Eliza (Smith) Hubbell. natives of Fairfield. Connecticut, and of New 
York city. They were married in the metropolis and removed westward in 
the early '30s. For a time they were residents of New Orleans and finally 
settled in Jackson county, Iowa. William Hubbell engaged extensively in trad- 
ing with the Indians and with the whites at an early day when Iowa was a 
frontier district and the red men were almost as numerous as the white settlers 
in this part of the country. Later he engaged in the milling business, erecting 
a large mill, and spent the remainder of his days in Jackson county. His labors 
were a factor in the industrial and business development of the community and 
his efforts were equally effective in political circles and in fonnulating the pol'cy 
of the state. He was one of the signers of the constitution and was a member 




C. M. HT^BBELL 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 325 

of the territorial legislature when Iowa was admitted to the Union. He left the 
impress of his individuality upon the early history of this section and passed 
away in 1849 at the age of forty-three years. His widow long survived and for 
several years prior to her death made her home in Chicago, passing away there 
in 1894 at the age of eighty. William Hubbell was the eldest of four children, 
his brothers, George and James, being residents of New York city, while his 
sister, Harriett is now deceased. 

Unto William and Eliza (Smith) Hubbell were born four children: George, 
who died at the age of fourteen years; Cornelius, who died in infancy; Julian 
Bertine, who now resides in Washington, D. C, but was formerly engaged as 
field agent for Miss Clara Barton, the well-known philanthropist and lecturer who 
was a very intimate friend of the Hubbell family, and Charles M. 

Charles M. Hubbell was reared on the frontier of Iowa, spending his youth- 
ful days in his native county, where he acquired his education in the public schools. 
On Christmas day of 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Docia Augusta 
Peet, a daughter of J. A. and Ann Hester (Crow) Peet. The latter was a 
sister of Edmund Crow, who was the first settler of Linn count}'-, Iowa, and 
another member of the family, Charles Crow, now resides in Anamosa. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell have been born two children : Lena V., the wife of 
Park Chamberlain ; and Rena D., at home. Mrs. Hubbell passed away August 
28, 1904. 

As Mr. Hubbell started out in life on his own account he gave his attention 
to general farming and as the years passed continued to engage in general 
agricultural pursuits. He won success in his undertakings and as his financial 
resources increased he made investment in property from time to time until he 
became the owner of seven hundred acres of fine farming land in Jones and 
Linn counties, from which he now derives his income. This is valuable property 
and makes him one of the substantial citizens of Jones county. 

Mr. Hubbell gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps 
well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire 
office. He has spent his entire Ufe in this section of the state, is well known as 
one of its representative citizens and his genuine personal worth has gained for 
mm tne warm regard which is uniformly accorded him. 



GEORGE B. MACOMBER. 

George B. Macomber, one of the most progressive business men of Olin 
and a man who has done much to advance the welfare of his community, was 
born in Cascade township, Dubuque county, Iowa, March 13, 1867, and is a son 
of Gilbert and Margaret (Boyer) Macomber, natives of Pennsylvania, who 
were both brought to Dubuque county, Iowa, in childhood and spent their mar- 
ried lives on a farm. The death of the father occurred in 1901 when he was 
sixtv-nine, but his wife died many years before, passing away at the age of 
thirtv-seven years. They had three children: Charles H., who lives at Cascade; 
Carrie who married J. B. Cowan, of Winterset, Iowa; and George B., who is 



326 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the youngest of the family. The father married a second time and had four 
children: Elsie, Jessie, Mabel and Arthur. 

Georg-e B. Macomber lived on his father's farm until he was twenty- four 
years of age and received a liberal common-school education. He also took 
up the study of pharmacy at the Northwestern University at Chicago. After 
his graduation he established himself in a drug business at Maynard, Fayette 
county, Iowa, and made a success of his enterprise, for he knew all the details 
of the work, having clerked in a drug store while studying his profession. In 
1900 he sold his business and in July, 190 1, came to Olin, where he opened 
another drug store and has since been very profitably engaged in this line of busi- 
ness. Mr. Macomber is also interested in musical matters and five years ago 
organized a brass band, now known as the Olin Concert Band, of twenty pieces, 
of which he has always been the leader. His first instruction in music waS ob- 
tained in a country singing school and he has since pursued the art with increas- 
ing pleasure. 

In October, 1894, Mr. Macomber married Margaret B. Parrott, a native of 
West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and a daughter of William Parrott. Mr. 
and Mrs. Macomber have one son : Guy B. Mr. Macomber is city clerk or 
recorder and is identified with the democratic party, of which he is an enthusiastic 
member. He is also popular fraternally and is clerk of Big Wood Camp, No. 
526, Modern Woodmen of America, and he is a Mason, belonging to Ancient 
Landmark Lodge, No. 200, of Olin. As a druggist Mr. ^Macomber is con- 
scientious and can be relied upon implicity for he has the welfare of the people 
at heart and carefully guards their interests as well as his own reputation for 
honorable dealing. He is a wide-awake man who is quick to see the benefit of 
changes in the city government and is very popular on account of his musical 
associations. 



RICKLEF GERDES. 



Not only has Ricklef Gerdes won success in his vocation so that he is one of 
the leading farmers of Richland township but he has generously given to others 
of his skill and knowledge so that much of the prosperity of his township can 
be placed to his credit. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but more 
than the area of his fields is the influence he has exerted for the progress and 
advancement of his fellow citizens. He was born in Hanover, Germany. August 
24. 1855, and is a son of Gerd and Grace (Kruse) Gerdes, also natives of the 
fatherland. In 1872 they came to the United States, locating in Wayne town- 
ship, this county. Later they made their home with their son John, in Cass 
township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. 

Ricklef Gerdes was reared at home and, as he was about seventeen years of 
age when his parents came to America, he had obtained his education in the 
German schools. He spent one term in the schools of Jones county, however, 
to become more familiar with the English language. Since he has been a resi- 
dent of this country Mr. Gerdes' life has been devoted to hard work. Immedi- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 327 

ately after his arrival he found employment as a farm hand, working by the 
month for the next six years. In 1878 he married and engaged in agricultural 
pursuits for himself. For five years he tilled the soil as a renter and then, in 
1883, purchased the place in Richland township on which he now lives. He has 
added to its original area, however, from time to time until he now owns two 
hundred and forty acres, one-third of which lies in Scotch Grove township. 
While he has engaged 'extensively in a diversified line of agriculture he gives 
his especial attention to dairying, milking on an average twenty-five cows. In 
both of his industries he has been very successful and receives a gratifying 
income from his labors. Of more value to his fellow citizens than his own 
prosperity is the influence he has wielded in their midst, for during the period 
of fifteen years he has served as township trustee and for almost a quarter of a 
century has been continuously the president of the school board. In the administra- 
tion of his duties he is both upright and progressive, never failing to prove true 
to the responsibilities reposed in him. 

It was in 1878 that Mr. Gerdes was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. 
Grumm, of Wayne township. She had been born, however, near Dixon, Illinois, 
where her parents had lived for a time after coming from Hanover, Germany. 
Thirteen children have been born of this union, all of whom are living: WilUam, 
of Tulare county, California ; Gerd, of Wayne township, this county ; John, also 
of Wayne township ; Margaret, who is at home ; Fred, of Tulare county, Cal- 
ifornia ; Sophia, who is the wife of Arthur George, of Pomeroy, Iowa; August, 
who is at home ; Hannah and Anna, who are twips and live at home ; and Henry, 
Carl, Paul and Louisa, who are also at home. 

Politically Mr. Gerdes is in sympathy with the democratic party, in his public 
life evincing fidelity to its principles, and he does all within his power to advance 
the best interests of his constituents. Regarding cooperative dairying of great 
value to the community, as director of the Klondyke Creamery Company he has 
promoted its interests. With his wife he belongs to the German Lutheran church, 
of which he has been director for the past fifteen years, in this fact again proving 
that his interests are those which most deeply concern the community. 



BENEDICT SHERMAN. 

Benedict Sherman, who has been a resident of Iowa for more than fifty 
years and seen the many changes take place that have developed this great 
commonwealth into the mighty state it now is, was born in Jefferson county. 
New York. October 12, 1835, a son of Eleazer and Nancy (Arnold) Sherman. 
The father was born in Oneida county. New York, while his wife was bom at 
Watertown, Jefferson county, New York. When Benedict Sherman was ten 
years old the family removed to Ogle county, Illinois, and in 1855 the widowed 
mother brought her children to Iowa, the father having died in Illinois. She 
survived him for many years, living to be ninety-three and passing away Decem- 
ber 5, 1907, at the home of our subject. The father died in 1852, aged forty-one 
years. They had nine children, as' follows: Sarah Hammond, now deceased; 



328 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Benedict; Eleazer, who died in the army having enlisted from Cedar Grove in 
the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry ; Nathan, who died when nine years 
old; Lydia McCormick, who lives in Nebraska; Mary James, a resident of Wy- 
oming, this county ; Jay, who lives in Anamosa ; Charlotte McCormick, a resident 
of Olin ; and Nathan, a resident of Central City, Iowa. 

Benedict Sherman was seventeen years old when the family arrived in Iowa 
and on account of his father's death he became the head of the family and 
much hard work devolved on him. They located in Madison township, Jones 
county, where he operated a farm until 1863. In 1861, he enlisted for three years 
in Company B, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Donald A. Car- 
penter, but was taken sick and discharged for disability in February, 1862. Return- 
ing home, he continued fanning until about 1889, when he located in Olin and 
is now practically living retired, although he is still interested in Texas farm 
lands. He is a member of the Methodist church, and his social connections are 
with the Grand Army Post at OHn. 

On August 29, 1 87 1, Mr. Sherman married Sarah McCormick, who was 
born at Eleson Creek, Henderson county. Illinois, May 20, 1844, came here with 
her parents, John and Agnes McCormick, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Sherman 
was killed in a railroad accident January 16, 1895. One child was born of this 
union, Jenetta B., January 29, 1884, and died July 25, 1876. On November 18, 
1897. Mr. Sherman married Mrs. Ella Brainard. the widow of George Brainard. 
Her father, Riley Calkins, a native of New York, was a pioneer of Jones county 
and died in Wyoming, Iowa, in March, 1899. There is one daughter, Frances, 
by the second marriage. Mrs. Sherman had two children by her former mar- 
riage : \'erva Brainard and Charles Brainard. 

Mr. Sherman has always endeavored to do what he felt was his full duty, 
both as patriot and private citizen, and he enjoys in full measure the confidence 
of his fellow citizens. 



HON. F. I. SOKOL. 



Hon. F. J. Sokol is one of the prominent citizens of Jones county who has 
made for himself an enviable position in commercial and financial circles, yet 
without allowing personal interests or ambitions to dwarf his public spirit or 
activities. His is the record of a strenuous life — a record of strong individuality, 
sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision, energetic 
and persistent in action. 

Born in Bohemia on the 22d of October, 1841, Mr. Sokol is a son of Frank 
and Josephine (]\Tishka) Sokol. who were likewise natives of Bohemia. They 
came to the United States in the spring of 1854, settling in Jackson county, 
Iowa, where the father entered land. Their first home was a board shanty, in 
which they lived for one year, when a substantial log cabin was built, covered by 
a clapboard roof. In this they remained until 1870, when they removed from 
the township of Monmouth to Monmouth, Iowa, where they resided until called 
to their final rest, the father passing away May 30, 1891, while the mother 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 329 

died on the 8th of August, 1897. They were the parents of a large family but 
only four reached years of maturity and of these F. J. Sokol is the eldest. The 
others are: Josephine, the wife of William Bezdicheck, of What Cheer, Iowa; 
J. H., living in Maquoketa, Iowa; and George, whose home is in Monmouth, 
this state. 

F. J. Sokol spent the first nineteen years of his life under the paternal roof 
and then went with a party overland to California, attracted by the recent dis- 
coveries of gold on the Pacific coast. They traveled with ox-teams, making 
their westward way over the long, hot stretches of sand and through the moun- 
tain passes, and when five months had elapsed they reached the Golden state. 
Mr. Sokol first went to where Lathrop now stands. It was then a ranch and 
there he remained for four years, working a part of the time in the gold fields 
and the remainder of the time on the farm. Upon his return to Iowa in 1865 
he rented his father's farm in Jackson county for a year but in the spring of 
1867 turned his attention to merchandising in Monmouth, Iowa, continuing in 
business at that point for ten years. He prospered in his undertaking so that 
during that decade he was enabled to purchase his father's farm. In the fall of 
1880 he bought another farm in Jones county adjoining Onslow and to that 
place removed, residing on this farm for twenty-one years. The residence hav- 
ing in the meantime been taken into the corporate limits of the town. He did 
not operate the farm, however, but gave his attention to his business. In 1881 
he purchased a lumberyard in the village of Onslow and carried on business in 
that line for a quarter of a century, enjoying an extensive and growing patronage. 
During the same period he bought a half interest in the Onslow Savings Bank 
with which he has since been identified in the capacity of vice president. In 
1905, however, he retired from the active management of business interests to 
enjoy in well earned retirement the fruits of his former toil, business enterprise 
and carefully managed affairs. He still resides in Onslow in a beautiful resi- 
dence which is located on a fifty-acre tract of land lying in Madison township. 
He also owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Osceola county, 
Iowa. He is numbered among the prominent and influential residents of the part 
of the state in which he makes his home and his life record indicates what may 
be accomplished by persistent, earnest and indefatigable eflfort. 

F. J. Sokol acquired the greater part of his education in Bohemia but also 
attended school for a short time after coming to this country, arriving in the 
new world with his parents in the spring of 1854. He has always been a broad 
reader and thorough student and has acquired a wide general knowledge in this 
way and thorough experience. He is widely recognized as a forceful man who 
has always conserved his energies and managed his interests to the best advantage, 
laboring for the welfare of the community as well as for individual interest. 

In politics Mr. Sokol is a republican and in 1892 was appointed supervisor of 
Jones county to fill out an unexpired term, after which he was twice regularly 
elected to the office, serving on the board for a period of seven years. He was 
twice elected to the state legislature, serving in the twenty-eighth and twenty- 
ninth general assemblies with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. He 
has never been an aspirant for public office and to each office to which he has 
been elected his nominations have been made by acclamation. He was the first 



330 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

mayor of the village of Onslow, serving for four terms as chief executive of 
the town, his administration being businesslike, progressive and public-spirited. 
He has tilled all of the minor offices of the village and township except that of 
justice of the peace, and refused to serve in that capacity. His fraternal relations 
are with Keystone Lodge, No. 206, F. & A. M., of Wyoming, in which he was 
raised in 1869. 

It was on the 3d of January, of the same year, that Mr. Sokol was united in 
marriage to Miss Anna Bezdicheck, a native of Bohemia, born January 31, 1851, 
and a daughter of Vencil and Anna Bezdicheck, who came to the United States 
in 1858, settling in Jackson county, where the parents both died. Their family 
numbered four children and unto Mr. and Mrs. Sokol also four children have 
been born, namely : Blanche, the wife of W. D. Shuttleworth, of Osceola county, 
Iowa ; Emma, who wedded Frank Shimerda, residing at Oxford Junction, Jones 
county, this state; John M., a practicing physician of Spencer, Iowa; and 
George F., a resident of Sibley, Iowa, engaged in the lumber and cement business. 

While neither Mr. nor Mrs. Sokol are affiliated with any church they are 
botli believers in the Christian faith and Mrs. Sokol is active in both church 
and charitable work. Mr. Sokol has always been friendly to educational interests 
and has provided each of his children with advantages for college education. 
He stands for all that is progressive in the life of the community and for all 
that is essential to the welfare and upbuilding of the state. While born across 
the water, there is no more loyal son of America within the borders of Jones 
county than F. J. Sokol and the honors which have been accorded him have 
been worthily won and worn. His business affairs have been so capably man- 
aged that he seems to have attained at any one point of his career the possibili- 
ties for successful accomplishment at that point and he has found that success is 
ambition's answer. 



EDWIN C. VAUGHN. 



Edwin C. Vaughn, a successful farmer and stockman of Wyoming township, 
was born on the land which he now owns and cultivates, November 14, 1867, 
and is a son of Philander and Lydia L. (Baldwin) \"aughn. The former was 
bom in New York state, while the latter was a native of Ohio, where the couple 
were married and whence they came to Iowa in 1856. They settled in Jones 
count3^ buying the farm where our subject now resides. They made their home 
upon this place for several years and then removed to Wyoming, Iowa, where the 
father spent the last thirteen years of his life, passing away in 1905. The 
mother is still living in that city at the age of seventy-four years and has the 
satisfaction of seeing all of her eleven children well established in life. Philander 
Vaughn was a very progressive man, his ideas of farming being about thirty 
years in advance of his time and in the cultivation of his land he met with most 
excellent success, transforming the wild tract into highly productive fields. The 
children bom to Philander and Lydia L. (Baldwin) Vaughn were as follows: 
Rudolph, who is living in South Dakota; Mrs. Flora I. Babcock, of Des Moines; 




EDWIN C. VAUGHN 




MRS. EDWIN C. VAUGHN 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 335 

Mrs. Stella Lindsay, who lives in Wyoming; George I., of Denver, Colorado; 
Edna C, who is the wife of C. F. Francis, of Davenport, Iowa ; Lucy J., who is 
the wife of Ellwood Kirkpatrick, of Clarence, Iowa ; Alton P., of Clinton ; Susan 
M., of Mount Vernon, Iowa; Edwin C, the subject of this sketch; Fred, of 
Wyoming; and Harry, who lives in Kansas. 

During his boyhood Edwin C. Vaughn attended the district schools near his 
home, where he derived a good practical education, and by assisting his father 
in the work of the farm he also gained an excellent knowledge of the occupation 
to which he has since devoted his time and energies. He remained under the 
parental roof for two years after attaining his majority and then commenced 
farming on his own account, renting the home place and another tract owned 
by his father, which he successfully cultivated for nine years. At the end of 
that time he was able to purchase the old homestead which consists of two hun- 
dred and forty acres, eighty of which are in Wyoming township and one hundred 
and sixty are in Oxford township. In connection with general farming he has 
also given considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock, making a 
specialty of shorthorn cattle and road horses. Like his father he is a thoroughly 
up-to-date farmer and the success that has crowned his efforts is due entirely 
to his own good management and industry. 

In 1892 Mr. Vaughn was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Walston, who 
was born in Jones county and was one of a family of six children. Her father 
has passed away but her mother is still living in Wyoming, Iowa. The children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn are: Dillon C. and Palmer W., who are still at 
home; and Carter E., deceased. Mrs. Vaughn is a member of the Presbyterian 
church and Mr. Vaughn is a stanch adherent of the republican party. He has 
never sought any office within the gift of the people, however, although he is 
now president of the school board. In this capacity his influence is given to the 
advancement of the cause of education, for he is a man who is progressive in 
his idea — indeed, this is one reason for his success. Although Mr. Vaughn's 
interests are varied he still clings to the farm as the ideal home for a family. 



PATRICK J. FAGAN. 



Among the many men who have kept pace with the progress of Jones county 
and whose extraordinary success is representative of the prosperity of the agri- 
cultural community of Scotch Grove township, is Patrick J. Pagan, one of 
Ireland's native sons. He was born in County Meath, November 13, 1846, his 
parents being Thomas and Mary (O'Brien) Fagan. also children of the Emerald 
isle. In 1847 t^^y came to the United States, settling first in Jersey City, New 
Jersey, where Thomas Fagan found employment in a starch factory. There 
strong traits of character, industry and the capacity to control men won for him 
rapid promotion, until he became foreman of the concern before he had been 
there many years. In 1856, after nine years' sojourn in the east, he came west 
to Iowa, taking up his residence in Scotch Grove township, Jones county, where 
he purchased first eighty acres of government land. A brother-in-law, Michael 



336 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

O'Brien, had received a warrant for that tract, paying a dollar and a quarter 
an acre. Upon that Thomas Fagan established himself and engaged in agri- 
culture, winning such success from his cultivation of the fields that he was 
able to add extensively to his original farm until at his death he was in pos- 
session of five hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Jones county. He 
died November 13, 1898, when he was eighty-one years old, while his wife had 
passed away many years before, being only sixty-eight years of age when her 
life was brought to a close. 

At home, under the wise guidance of his parents, Patrick J. Fagan received 
that substantial training for the practical affairs of life, which has made possible 
his latter-day success, while his training in the rudimentary branches of educa- 
tion, obtained at the public schools of his district, was supplemented by a course 
at the Monticello high school. From his youth he was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits and after reaching manhood he and his father operated the old homestead 
farm in conjunction. The partnership continued throughout the life of the older 
man, and upon his death his son acquired the place, which had been the scene 
of his labors for so long, for he bought the shares from the other heirs. He 
now owns five hundred and fifty acres in one expanse of fields, whose area, if 
nothing else, would entitle him to be numbered among the substantial men of his 
township, but there are other things besides his success that has given him an 
influential position in the community. The course of his life has contained 
nothing that was esoteric or should be hidden ; all of his acts have been guided 
by high principles of honor and integrity and are worthy of imitation. Part 
of his fortune has been obtained through the cultivation of the fields but he has 
made a specialty of buying and feeding cattle and hogs, finding that his opera- 
tions in that direction have been well requited. 

On the 3d of February, 1885, Mr. Fagan was joined in wedlock to Miss 
Ellen Milan, of Gay township, this county. Of the seven children bom to them 
five survive, namely: Thomas W., Margaret and Bernard M., who are at home; 
Rose, who is attending the parish school at Temple Hill ; and Mary Frances, who 
is a pupil in the district school. The family are all members of the Catholic 
church, and besides being devout in their attention to their religious duties have 
put to practical application the teachings of the first day of the week. In poli- 
tical matters, Mr. Fagan has given his support imfailingly to the democratic 
party, under whose suffrage he has filled most efficiently the positions of road 
supervisor and member of the school board. 



HANS H. ROHWEDDER. 

Hans H. Rohwedder, who deserves special mention in this volume from the 
fact that he is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, was born in 
Holstein, Germany, February 8. 1839, a son of Marx and Katharine (Dethmann) 
Rohwedder, also natives of Holstein. The father brought his family to the 
United States in 1852, thinking that here he might find greater opportunities for 




PHILANDER L. VAUGHN 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 339 

advancement in business lines and better advantages for the members of his 
family than was possible in the fatherland. Upon their arrival in this country 
the family first located in Blue Island, Illinois, where Marx Rohwedder found 
employment upon the railroad. After a year spent in that place he removed to 
Joliet, Illinois, and was engaged in the construction of the Chicago, Rock Island 
& Pacific Railroad for about two years. In June, 1855, he came to Iowa, set- 
tling in Clinton county, where he established his permanent home. He purchased 
a piece of raw prairie land which he at once began to break and put under cul- 
tivation and as the years passed he prospered in his undertaking, at the time of 
his death his farm being one of the well improved properties of the neighborhood. 
He passed away in 1880, at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife's death 
occurred six years previous when she had reached the sixty-eighth milestone on 
life's journey. They were the parents of eight children, who were as follows : 
Jurgen, of Missouri ; Hans H., of this review ; Hobke, who changed her name to 
Katharine upon her arrival in the United States, and who is now the deceased 
wife of Peter Ingwersen ; Elsbeth, the wife of Nicholas Ingwersen, of Lyons ; 
John H., residing in Madison township ; Anna, the deceased wife of Ernest 
Studeman ; Marx, making his home at State Center; and Margaret, w^ho wedded 
John Peters of West Side. 

Hans H. Rohwedder was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his 
parents to the United States, and his education, which had been begun in the 
fatherland, was completed in the district schools of Clinton county, Iowa. He 
also learned valuable lessons from his father concerning the best methods of 
plowing, planting and harvesting, and upon the home farm received thorough 
and practical training in agricultural pursuits. He remained under the parental 
roof, assisting in the operation of the homestead, until the outbreak of the 
Civil war. Actuated by a spirit of patriotism, in response to the country's call 
for aid he enlisted on the 15th of October, 1861, as a member of Company M, 
First Iowa Cavalry, for a term of three years. He remained with that regiment 
throughout the entire period and during the meantime saw much active service, 
engaging principally with the bushwhackers in Missouri and Arkansas. In 
spite of the many hardships, privations and dangers which he was obliged to 
endure, never did his courage waver nor his loyalty diminish, for he served 
throughout his term of enlistment bravely and valiantly, and was discharged 
on the i8th of October, 1864, at Little Rock, Arkansas, with a most creditable 
military record. 

After his return home he remained with his parents for about two years 
and then went to Missouri, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres in Chariton county, which he operated for about eight years. 
Later he sold that property and in 1880 came to Jones county, carrying on agri- 
cultural pursuits as a renter near Wyoming for a number of years. He pur- 
chased his present farm about fourteen years ago and has since continued 
to devote his time and attention to its further development. It consists of one 
hundred and two acres located on section 27, Hale township, which under his 
careful management arKi supervision have been brought to a high state of cul- 
tivation, the rich crops which the fields annually yield proving a source of grati- 
fying remuneration to him. It is a finely improved place, in the midst of which 



340 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

stand good, substantial buildings, and it is equipped with all of the modern acces- 
sories and conveniences for facilitating farm labor. 

Mr. Rohwedder has been twice married, his first union being with Miss 
Margaret Gubel, a native of Holstein, Germany, who came to this country with 
her sister when a young lady. Unto their marriage were bom four children, 
namely : Max, of Rome township ; Dora, the widows of Hans Ahrendsen, of 
whom mention is made on another page of this volume ; Lena, the wife of John 
Van Sprecken, residing in Rome township ; and Johanna, who married Hans 
Ketelsen, of Woodbury county, Iowa. The wife and mother was called to her 
final rest in 1880, and in 1884 Mr. Rohw^edder was again married, Aliss Anna 
Neilson becoming his second wife. She also is a native of Germany, her birth 
occurring on the island of Fohr. Unto this second union were born five children : 
Louis, Margaret, John, Matilda and Henry, all of whom are still at home. 

In his political allegiance ^'^r. Rohwedder was formerly a republican but 
now gives stalwart support to the democracy, and is now serving as township 
trustee, having filled that ofifice for four years. He maintains pleasant relations 
with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post 
at Wyoming, and frequently attends the encampments, where he enjoys meeting 
his old friends and recalling the incidents and experiences of war times. He 
is a public-spirited man and although born across the waters is as loyal to the 
interests of his adopted country as any of his native-born fellow citizens. Dur- 
ing his residence in Jones county he has gained many warm friends, who hold 
him in high regard because of his true worth and sterling characteristics. 



GEORGE P. RUMMEL. 



George P. Rummel, who at the time of his death was one of the oldest men of 
Jones county, was born at the fool of Little Round Top Mountain, Adams county, 
Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg, March 10, 1800, and passed away at Olin, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1891, aged ninety years, ten months and twenty-nine days. He was the 
eldest son of John Rummel, a soldier of the war of 1812, who died in the hos- 
pital at P>lack Rock, New York, in July, 1814, during that war. So loyal was the 
Rummel family that when John Rummel set forth to defend his country, his lit- 
tle son then but twelve years of age accompanied him intent upon enlisting also, 
but at Gettysburg he was rejected on account of his youth, and returning home 
the lad found a harder battle for him to fight than any waged against foreign 
foe, for all of the burdens of the family were laid on his shoulders. There is no 
doubt, judging his early efforts by those of his mature years but that he cheer- 
fully discharged these duties and took care of the helpless ones depending upon 
him. 

On March 10, 1825. George P. Rummel and Mary Stouffer were married 
and they had seven children : Jacob, John M., Andrew, George W., Josiah, David 
E. and Nannie J., all of whom survived him except the little daughter. How- 
ever, now only three sons are living, George W.. Josiah and David E., the others 
having joined him above. Mr. Rummel lost his wife in Richland county, Ohio, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 341 

February 26, 1849. ^^ remained in Richland for several years longer, but in 
1855 he came to Jones county, Iowa, which was his home until he died. On Oc- 
tober 30. 1849, lie married Jane Moffitt, who died at Olin, April 17, 1878, with 
no issue. 

A stone-mason by trade, Mr. Rummel was employed by the government to 
build a dam across the Potomac river near Harper's Ferry, but after coming to 
Iowa he devoted himself to farming until his age compelled him to retire. Com- 
ing to Olin he had his own home until the death of his wife and then lived with 
his son David E. for the rest of his days. His early church connections were with 
the Evangelical Lutherans, but upon coming to Iowa he joined the Reformed 
church. Until the formation of the republican party he was a Jeffersonian dem- 
ocrat, but with the organization of the new political creed, he adopted it and 
supported it the rest of his life. 

The funeral services of this really noble man were held at the Methodist 
church by the Rev. F. M. Schultz, of Lisbon, the Revs. Harper, Maultman and 
Camp assisting. The latter who were local clergymen paid fitting tribute to the 
memory of this man who had set so exalted an example of godly living in their 
midst, and the services were singularly impressive. 

"Death hath no breach, 

In love and sympathy, in hope and trust ; 

No outward sign or sound our ears can reach, 

But there is an inward spiritual speech, 

That greets us still, though mortal tongues be dust." 



JOHN K. HALE. 



John K. Hale, who for many years has been actively connected with the busi- 
ness interests of Cass township, Jones county, in various capacities, is now the 
owner and operator of an excellent farm of two hundred acres located on sec- 
tions 15 and 16, and in his agricultural pursuits is meeting with creditable success. 
He was born in Guilford, Connecticut, on the 27th of August, 1858, and is a son 
of Samuel A. and Myrta (Kelsey) Hale, natives of Treble county, Ohio, and 
Killingworth, Connecticut, respectively. Although the former was a representa- 
tive of an eastern family, he was reared in Ohio and after attaining manhood ac- 
companied his parents back to his native state, making his home in Guilford for 
a number of years. For about twenty years he followed the sea, becoming the 
owner and captain of a sloop which operated along the coast. He was thus en- 
gaged until his return to Iowa in the fall of 1859, settlement being made in Cass 
township on a farm which he had purchased the previous year while on a visit 
to an uncle. F. W. Gillette. He passed his remaining days upon this farm, which 
is now in the possession of his son, William A. Hale, his death occurring on the 
2d of March. 1868, when he had reached the age of forty-six years, three months 
and four days. He was a stalwart republican in politics and held the office of 
county supervisor, while he was also a faithful and consistent member of the 



342 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Episcopal church of Anamosa. He was twice married. By his first wife, Mary 
(Hubbard) Hale, he had one daughter, Martha A., who became the wife of H. 
H. Monroe. Both are now deceased. Later he wedded Myrta Kelsey, who 
passed away in Cass township, Jones county, on the 4th of November, 1886, 
when fifty-six years of age. Unto this union were born three children: John 
K., of this review: W. A., residing upon the home farm; and Carrie A., the 
widow of Arthur Hanna, of Anamosa. 

In the fall of 1859, when a little lad of one year, John K. Hale arrived in 
Jones county, Iowa, and has since continued to make his home within its borders. 
He lost his father when but ten years of age, and two years later he and his 
younger brother took charge of the home farm and operated it successfully for a 
number of years. He continued to reside upon the homestead until his marriage, 
at which time he began an independent business career as an agriculturist, renting 
a farm for one year. He then purchased fifty-seven acres and after three years 
added another tract of eighty acres, while two years later he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, so that altogether he owned two hundred and ninety-seven 
acres. At the end of two years, however, he sold one hundred and thirty-seven 
acres of his property and in 1892 disposed of the remainder, after which he re- 
moved to Anamosa and entered the grain business in partnership with C. L. Niles 
under the firm name of J. K. Hale & Company. He was identified with this 
line of activity for ten years, and during that time the partners invested in fifteen 
hundred acres of Dakota land. In 1902 Mr. Hale traded a portion of his land 
for hardware stock in Anamosa, and for three years he successfully conducted a 
hardware store in that city. At the expiration of that time he traded his business 
for his present farm, which consists of two hundred acres on sections 15 and 16, 
Cass township. He took up his abode thereon in April, 1906, and has since con- 
tinued to make it his place of residence. He has introduced many improvements 
on the farm, equipping it with all modern conveniences for facilitating labor, and 
under his careful management the place has become a highly developed property. 
He combines general farming with stock-raising interests, fattening from three 
to four carloads of stock annually, and in both branches of his business is meet- 
ing with most creditable success. Aside from his farming property he owns the 
home in which he lived while in Anamosa, and he also is the owner of another 
city residence property which he now rents. He was a stockholder in the Welch 
Manufacturing Company of Anamosa during his residence there and was an ac- 
tive and prominent figure in the business circles and public aflFairs of the 
community. 

On the ist of March, 1879, ^^r- Hale was united in marriage to Miss Carrie 
Black, a daughter of T. K. Black, one of the early settlers of Castle Grove town- 
ship, Jones county. Her birth occurred in this county on the 15th of May, 1857, 
and she passed away May 17, 1881, leaving one daughter, Myrta S., who makes 
her home with her father. On the 15th of July, 1882, Mr. Hale was again mar- 
ried, his second union being with Miss Qara E. Stone, a native of Lovell town- 
ship, Jones county, her birth occurring on the 19th of July, 1857. She is a 
daughter of Curtis Stone, who was ranked among the pioneer settlers of that 
township, where his death occurred. Unto the second marriage was bom one 
child, Jennie K. Hale, who is engaged in teaching school. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 343 

Mr. Hale's religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Cass Con- 
gregational church, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party, 
the principles of which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right 
of franchise. For six years he served as township trustee of Cass township and 
was a member of Anamosa city council for one term. He is now serving his 
second term as county supervisor, and is interested in all those movements and 
measures which tend to promote the general welfare. Starting out in the busi- 
ness world very early in life, becoming identified with agricultural pursuits at an 
age when other lads are busily engaged with their text-books, he has worked his 
way steadily upward and has attained a high place among the substantial citizens 
of the township and well merits the proud American title of a self-made man. 
His entire business career has been actuated by a laudable ambition to succeed 
and the prosperity which he today enjoys has come to him as the logical result 
of his great industry and well directed efforts. 



JOHN W. BYERLY. 



John W. Byerly, one of the substantial farmers of Jackson township, is a man 
of considerable force of character and one who occupies a prominent place in 
his community. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 13, 1845, ^ son 
of Michael and Elizabeth (Jeffries) Byerly. The founder of the family in 
America was Andrew Byerly, who came from his native land, Germany, about 
1745 and participated in the French and Indian war, serving with Washington. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Beatrice Guiding and was a native of Berne, 
Switzerland. A gr,eat-grandfather of John W. Byerly, George Creamer, took 
part in the Revolutionary war as a private in the Second Pennsylvania Con- 
tinental troops and served under Colonel Philip De Haas. Six children were born 
to Michael Byerly and wife, of whom John W. Byerly was the third in order of 
birth. Michael Byerly was a son of Francis, and great grandson of Andrew 
Byerly, the founder of the family in this cbuntry. 

In 1846, the Byerly family came to Jackson township, Jones county, Iowa, 
and this has been the home of John W. Byerly ever since. He received a common- 
school education and after he had finished school, he taught for five winters in 
Jones county and during the summer farmed for his parents until he assumed 
the management of the home place. He now owns this farm, which consists 
of two hundred and ten acres on sections 20, 21 and 29, Jackson township. It is 
in excellent condition and all of the present improvements have been made by 
Mr. Byerly. He makes a specialty of stock raising and feeding and has met with 
gratifying results in his work. This farm was entered by his uncle John Byerly. 
When the family came here they had no money but plenty to eat and their home 
was always open to those less fortunate than themselves. So hospitable were 
they that many times they boarded whole families upon their arrival here, and 
could never be induced to accept a cent. No one was ever turned away hungry. 
Mr. Byerly and his brother Milton are the only ones now residing in Jackson 
township who were here when Iowa as admitted to the Union. 



344 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

The Byerlys have always been democrats and our subject follows in the foot- 
steps of his forebears and supports the candidates of that party. He has been 
called upon to fill the offices of school director and road commissioner and 
has made a good public official. 

On March 7, 1873, Air. Byerly married Susie AI. Johnson, who was born in 
Lenawee county, Michigan, June 21, 1848, and was brought to Jones county 
by her parents in 1856, having since made it her home. She is a daughter of 
James and Maria (Whaley) Johnson, natives of England, who came to America 
after their marriage, in 1838. and located in Michigan. The father's death 
occurred in Crawford county, Iowa, and the mother's in Clinton county, the 
same state. Mr. and Mrs. Byerly have had two children: Eva Mary and Earl 
Russell. Miss Eva Mary is now at home and is a very well educated lady, for 
after taking a high-school course she attended the Iowa State Normal School, 
where she was graduated and she also secured the degree of A. B. at -Ann Arbor, 
Michigan, and the degree of A. M. at Columbia University in 1908. She has 
been a teacher in the high-school of Cedar Rapids. Earl Russell was educated 
in the Anamosa high school and is now a farmer of Jackson township. 

Perhaps no family is better known than the one bearing the name of Byerly. 
Its representatives have done much to develop and improve their part of the 
county and all have become well-to-do. have borne their part in public affairs 
and always led law-abiding lives. 



TAMES STIVERS. 



James Stivers, deceased, was for many years one of the representative 
men of Jackson township, where he was a pioneer. Through hard work and 
constant economy he accumulated five hundred acres of fertile farming land and 
was a w'ell-to-do man at the time of his demise, July 25, 1884. He was bom 
in Genesee county, New York. October 20, 1825, being a son of Benjamin and 
Saphrona (Strong) Stivers, natives of New York. In 1836 the family moved 
to Pomeroy. Ohio, and in 1855 migrated to Jones county, Iowa, but the father 
died on the trip at Tipton, this state. He was an exhorter of the Methodist 
church. His widow returned to Ohio, where she passed away two years later. 
They had a family of seven sons and two daughters, as follows : Polly Gilmore, 
Timothy. George, William, Daniel, all deceased ; Adelia Pratt, a resident of 
Kansas; James, deceased; Norman, of California; and Benjamin P., who was a 
captain in the Civil war and is now deceased. 

When James Stivers came to Jackson township the country was in a wild 
state and he had to go to Davenport for all his supplies. He began by buying 
seventy acres on section 36, Jackson township, but adding to his farm, he finally 
owned five hundred acres where his widow now resides. Not only did he put 
up a house and barns, but he set out shade and fruit trees and did all he could 
to develop and improve his property. In his younger days he followed black- 
smithing, but later in life devoted himself to his agricultural pursuits. In 1849 




JAMES STIVERS 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 347 

he made a trip overland to California and returned two and one-half years 
later. 

Prior to his marriage with the present Mrs. Stivers, Mr. Stivers married her 
sister, by whom he had one son, Enos H., a resident of Olin. After her death, 
he married in 1852 Elizabeth Clark, who was born in Virginia, October 31, 
1829, but was only six months old when she accompanied her parents to Meigs 
county, Ohio, where she was married. She is a daughter of John S. and Kath- 
arine (Ewing) Clark, natives of Virginia, who died in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Clark had nine children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Jane, 
Mary, Alcinda, Evelyn, Elizabeth, Samuel and Catherine. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stivers had ten children, who reached maturity, namely : John, 
who lives at Anamosa ; Elvira, who married Samuel Monroe, of Olin ; Alice, who 
married a Mr. Hayden of Jackson township ; Charles ; Olive, who married James 
Glenn, of Olin; Emma, who married Horace Story, of Madison township; 
Dan, who lives in Madison township; Nellie, who married William Osborn, of 
Kansas; Elizabeth, the wife of G. L. James, whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
this work; and James C, who is on the home place with his mother. There 
are two deceased: George M., who died at the age of fourteen months; and 
Minnie, who died at the age of eight years. 

As a man Mr. Stivers was honored and respected by all who knew him. 
Possessing as he did fine natural abilities and those qualities which constitute 
the true man and valuable citizen, it was not difficult for him to win the esteem 
and confidence of his neighbors and business associates, and he was deeply 
mourned. While still living in Ohio Mr. Stivers joined the Methodist church, 
having been reared according to its teachings. Mrs. Stivers owns eighty-eight 
acres of the homestead and James C, who is with her, owns fifty-five acres. 
He is a good farmer and devoted to his mother and her interests. 



S. A. BROWNELL. 



Representative of the best agricultural interests of Madison township, which 
has been his home for more than two score years, S. A. Brownell is one of the 
well known men of his section, for not only is he one of the early settlers of the 
township but he is also one of those whose success has set a standard for others 
to strive to reach. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, January 
10, 1836, his parents being Stephen and Thurza (Day) Brownell. They were 
both of New England birth, but as young boy and girl with their parents went 
to Chautauqua county where they grew to maturity, married and lived through- 
out the remainder of their lives. 

S. A. Brownell was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common 
schools of his locality. In 1857 or 1858 he made a trip to Jones county, Iowa, 
spending here the months from January to June. Then he returned to his 
native state and in i860 commenced railroading, following that business for some 
two years after the conclusion of the Civil war. In the spring of 1868 he came 
again to Jones county, this time to stay, for he purchased eighty acres of the 



348 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

farm he occupies at present. On it he erected his house and devoted himself 
assiduously to the cultivation of the soil. Later he was able to buy eighty acres 
adjoining, so that the area of the place is twice that of the original tract. As 
success rewarded his endeavors and large harvests increased his means, he 
bought two hundred acres in Madison township, although he has now disposed 
of that land. He has followed general farming, for which his soil is well suited, 
but while his methods have been those most approved by the best authorities 
and while he has spared no efforts to produce the finest quality of cereals possible, 
his advancement in his vocation is due as largely to the careful husbanding of 
his resources as to his untiring industry. The union of these capacities for work 
and good management have been and still are the means of his success. 

It was in 1883 that Mr. Brownell was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
Winslow. She was reared in Chautauqua county. New York, but her birth- 
place was in Connecticut. Six children have been born to the couple : Lilly B., 
who is the wife of H. H. Peck, of Wayne township, Jones county; May O., who 
was graduated from the Wyoming high school with the class of 1906 and is at 
home ; George, who is deceased ; Irene A., who graduated from the Wyoming 
high school in the class of 1909; and Aurrell L. and Nelson F., who are pupils 
in the high school. 

Mr. Brownell has been a strong adherent of the republican party and never 
fails to cast his vote on the occasion of an election, but while he has served as 
treasurer of the school board, he has steadily refused to accept any public office, 
although his fellow citizens, having regard for the strong character and integrity 
of the man have eagerly besought him to accept some evidence of their respect 
for him. Fraternally he is a Mason, having been a member of the Wyoming lodge 
for a number of years. 



JOHN HENRY HUNWARDSEN. 

No country has given the United States better citizens than Germany, and 
sons of the fatherland are always welcomed here for they all have those homely 
virtues of honesty, sincerity, energy and frugality which when combined are 
certain to be productive of good citizenship and prosperous results. John Henry 
Hunwardsen, a farmer residing on section 30, Oxford township, is one of the 
best known German-Americans of Jones county. He was born in Schleswig, 
Germany, November 12, 1872. and when but twelve years old was brought by 
his parents to this country. He is a son of John H. and Matte (Thompson) 
Hunwardsen, both natives of Schleswig, Germany, the former born in 1837, and 
the latter in 1838. Upon coming to the United States, the little family made their 
way to Oxford township, Jones county, Iowa, and on reaching this locality settled 
upon a farm, where the mother died in 1905. The father now resides near Lost 
Nation with his son John. In the family were six children, as follows : Thomas, 
who lives in Woodbury county, Iowa ; Edward, who lives in Oxford township ; 
Emma, who married Henry Fiddersen, of Oxford township ; Martin, who has 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 349 

passed away; John, who Hves at Lost Nation, and John Henry, Jr., whose name 
heads this sketch. 

John Henry Hunwardsen Hved with his parents until his marriage, at which 
time he commenced farming on his own account, continuing upon rented prop- 
erty for six years. He then bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres on sections 30 and 31, Oxford township. Nearly all of the improvements 
have been made by Mr. Hunwardsen, and he resided upon his property until 1909, 
when he rented it and removed to Oxford Junction, which is now his home. 

On April 2'}^, 1907, Mr. Hunwardsen married Christina Jansen, who was 
also born in Schleswig, Germany, September 14, 1890, and came to the United 
States with her parents in 1905. Three children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Hunwardsen : John Henry, Matte and Harman. 



PETER H. PAULSEN. 



The tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Scotch Grove town- 
ship, which represents the landholdings of Peter H. Paulsen, is one of the most 
up-to-date farms in the locality, being tilled by the most approved methods and 
enhanced by buildings of comfort, utility and real beauty. The man who has 
toiled so diligently that this gratifying state of things has resulted was bom in 
Germany, September 25, 1868, a son of Bahne and Sabina Dorateha (Hansen) 
Paulsen. The father died in Germany, and the mother, with her three young 
children, came to the United States in 1870. She made her way to Lyons, Clin- 
ton county, Iowa, where she lived, and later in Charlotte, that county, was united 
in marriage to Nicholas Hoist, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in 
this volume. 

As Peter H. Paulsen was but two years old when his mother came to this 
country, he has virtually passed all of his life in this state. From the common 
schools of Clinton county he obtained his fundamental training for the practical 
duties of life, while at home on the farm he became initiated into the work of 
agriculture. Even after he reached his manhood he remained in the employ of 
his stepfather and it was not until 1899 that he began his career as a farmer, 
In that year he bought the place on which he now lives — a fine tract of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. In the intervening years since its purchase and the present 
Mr. Paulsen has added many improvements which have increased its value mani- 
fold. For instance, he has tiled the land and built one of the modern and com- 
modious houses which are owned by the most prosperous farmers of Jones 
county. Of an age when a man usually comes into the fullest realization of his 
powers, the success of the past years should be but an indication of what the 
future has in store for him if he is most progressive in his ideas — a man who 
does not believe in standing still, rather in doing things and is always looking 
for some means whereby he may improve his place and increase the productive- 
ness of the soil. Such ideals combined with the large capacity for toil cannot but 
bring the most gratifying results. 



350 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

On the 1 6th of February, 1899, Mr. Paulsen was married at Zions Evangeli- 
cal Lutheran church in Wayne township, to Miss Sophia Catharina Bohlken, a 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerke H. Bohlken, prominent farming people of 
Scotch Grove township. Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen now have five children. Bern- 
hard Nicholas, Agnes Sabina, George Heinrich, Meinhardt Paul and Amanda 
Christina. 

In his political views Mr. Paulsen has consistently supported the democratic 
party, feeling more in sympathy with the principles annunciated by it than those 
of any other political organization, but has taken small part in local affairs. With 
his wife he is a member of the German Lutheran church and the success of his 
life has not been gained through any violation of its teachings. 



ELMER J. NOBLE. 



Elmer J. Noble, who occupies one of the finest homes in Castle Grove town- 
ship, was born in Pickering township, province of Ontario, Canada, August 2, 
1855, and is a son of Alfred and Margaret Hawkins (Vardon) Noble. The 
former was born in Markham, Ontario, Canada, May 27, 1824, his parents being 
Ambrose and Hannah (Badgerow) Noble. Ambrose Noble was a native of 
Lowell, Massachusetts, while his wife was born in the vicinity of the town. As 
a young man he walked to Canada, carrying a bundle of his possessions over his 
back, and his wife's people also journeyed on foot to that country, driving two 
cows with them. They located in the forest, about sixteen miles from Toronto, 
where Ambrose Noble procured a farm and conducted a tannery in connection 
with his agricultural interests. Nine of the children born to him and his wife 
are now living. Alfred, the eldest, was the father of our subject; and Martin, 
the youngest now resides with Alfred's widow. 

During all his life Alfred Noble followed farming. He was about forty-three 
years of age when, in 1867, he came to the United States and located in Castle 
Grove township, Jones county, Iowa. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty 
acres, to which he added one hundred and sixty more in the course of a few years, 
making a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on which his son Elmer now 
lives. Some years later he bought one hundred and twenty acres, adjoining the 
first farm, on which his widow now lives and which was his home until January 
18, 1891, when he responded to the call of death. The greater number of the 
improvements on the two farms are largely the result of his efforts, for he was 
a man who had learned well the lessons of tilling the soil to the best advantage and 
lost no opportunity of increasing the value of the land he held. In March, 1847. 
Alfred Noble wedded Miss Margaret Hawkins Vardon, who was born in New 
Brunswick, January 19, 1829, on the farm on which her father, Thomas Vardon, 
was brought into the world. Her mother was also a native of New Brunswick, 
having been born in Penfield, near St. Johns. In the year 1840, Mr. Vardon 
moved his family to Ontario, where he and his wife passed the remaining years 
of their lives. Of the eleven children bom to I\Ir. and Mrs. Alfred Noble four 
died in infancy. The others are Hannah, who died at the age of nineteen years : 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 351 

Emma, who is the wife of Kenneth McCoullough, of Long Beach, California; 
Elmer J., the subject of this sketch; Marshall, of Houston, Texas; Harriett, 
the wife of Frank Scott, of Chico, California; Nellie, the wife of John Deischer, 
of Castle Grove township; and Minnie, who married Albert Starr, of Oelwein, 
Iowa. Blanche, the youngest of the family, died at the age of three years. 

Elmer J. Noble was about twelve years of age when his parents came to this 
county, and now for more than forty years has been a farmer in Castle Grove 
township, for he worked for his father for a number of years, and later assumed 
the full management of the home place. It consists of the three hundred and 
twenty acres first purchased by his father and is under a high state of cultivation. 
He assisted the older man in the erection of the many outbuildings which are one 
of the features of the place, but the handsome twelve room dwelling, which was 
built in 1904, is the results of his own efforts and planning. Although its size 
alone would entitle it to special recognition among the houses of the township, 
it is its equipment, the modern conveniences and the many touches of refinement 
that have given it the name of being one of the finest in this county. 

It was in 1881 that Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Scott, 
who was bom in Castle Grove township, March i, 1864, and is a daughter of Na- 
poleon B. and Mary Jane (Twamley) Scott. Mr. Scott was a native of Indiana 
and has now passed away, but his wife is residing in Lyon county, Iowa. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Noble four daughters have been born : Blanche, Elsie Claire, Grace 
Darling and Florence Elizabeth. 

Since the organization of the Peniel Presbyterian church of Castle Grove 
township about eight years ago the family have been members of its congregation 
and Mr. Noble has been one of its elders. Politically he finds himself in sym- 
pathy with the republican party and has taken some part in local affairs, although 
he could hardly be called a seeker for official preferment. 



WILLIAM ECKLER. 



Among the older generation of farmers of Clay township who have not yet 
completely given up interest in agricultural matters, despite his advancing years 
and the fact that others of greater strength and possessed of the enthusiasm of 
younger years have assumed their heavier cares is William Eckler. He was long 
known as one of the most enterprising and successful farmers as well as one of 
the early settlers of his township. He was born in New York, June 16, 1822, 
and there grew to maturity, was married and lived until 1852, when he came to 
Iowa. Here he bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on which he 
is still living and also sixty-two and a half acres of timber. The fields, which 
have proved to be such rich, arable land, were at that date in the wild state, 
but as it was prairie, the work of preparation for the reception of seed was not 
as severe as if the land was wooded, yet there was much to be done in break- 
ing the land before he might sow his crops. He built all the houses and barns 
which now cover the place and instituted whatever other improvements were 
necessary. As in his New York home, he followed other pursuits in conjunc- 



352 HISTORY Oi^ JONES COUNTY 

tion with his farming, so, after coming here he engaged in miUing. He erected 
a sawmill at Clay Mills, which he operated throughout the whole year and until 
within a few years ago when he sold it, that he might give more attention to 
purely farming interests, for he found that stock raising afforded an even greater 
opportunity for a fortune than did the cultivation of cereals, and each year he gave 
more and more attention to it, feeding a large number of hogs and cattle for the 
market. Recently he has abandoned all active participation in the work of the 
farm, feeling justified in retiring by the fact that he had won a fairly large 
fortune in return for his labors. 

While still living in New York state, Mr. Eckler was married to Miss Ma- 
thilda Hall, also a native of that state, where she was born May 27, 1825. She 
died in 1898, having reared a family of five children, namely : Adelbert, who was 
born in Herkimer county, New York, April 30, 1845; Jane A., who was also 
born in Herkimer county, October 13, 1847, and has married George Hanna; 
Roseltha, who was born in Iowa, December 15, 1853, and is the wife of Peter 
Blackmer; Susan Josephine, who was born in Iowa, February 18, 1861, and be- 
came the wife of Archibald Robinson; and James, who was born in Iowa, July 
19, 1867, and has also married. 

Mr. Eckler is a republican in his political views and has participated in the 
public afifairs of his township, for he served for a number of years as justice of 
the peace. Many years ago he gave land from his farm for the erection of a 
school and the Baptist church, contributing generously to the latter for its build- 
ing and later for its support. Mr. Eckler has been deacon of that church for a 
long time, and is still active in its work. When he started upon his business 
career he was without a dollar, but through industry and good management, 
united to wise judgment, he has accumulated a bountiful property. As it is the 
result of his own efiforts, it carries with it no bitterness as do frequently fortunes 
which have been accumulated upon the misfortunes of others, and the record of 
his life is one which commands the respect of all. Mrs. Eckler, too, had the love 
and admiration of all during her life and was a devout member of the Baptist 
church, in which faith she died. 



MARTIN HENRY CALKINS, M. D. 

Dr. Martin Henry Calkins, whose life record covered the intervening years 
between September 15, 1828, and September 27, 1909, was born near Mexico, 
Oswego county. New York, and was the second son of John and Caroline (Hal- 
bert) Calkins. His only sister died in 1852 and his only brother perished in a 
watery grave in 1865. He was a lineal descendant of Thomas Cushman. who 
preached the first sermon ever printed in America; of Mary Allerton. the last 
survivor of those who came in the Mayflower; and of Hugh Calkins, who came 
to America from Wales in 1638. He was also descended from Sir Thomas 
Kinne, who was knighted in 1618 and one of his Kinne grandfathers, Thomas 
Kinne, served in the war of the American Revolution. He attended the schools 





LUCINDA LOUDEN CALKINS 



M. H. CALKINS, M. D. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 355 

of his home county and became a successful teacher. He was teaching in Oswego, 
New York, when the first train of cars came to that city. When ringing bells 
and blowing whistles announced the approach of the marvel of the time the 
young schoolmaster said "School is out," and hurried away with the children 
to gaze upon the wonder which was then more marvelous than the flying machine 
of today. He held in 185 1 one of the first state certificates issued by the educa- 
tional department of the state of New York, his being number six. 

He read medicine in the ofiice of Doctors Bowen and Dayton in his native 
town and first attended lectures in the College of Medicine in Geneva, New York, 
and finished in the University of New York City. For three years he practiced 
in Constantia and North Bay, New York, and then came west, locating in Wyom- 
ing, Iowa, June 14, 1856, where he continued in the active practice of medicine 
until failing health in 1903 no longer permitted him to respond to the calls for 
his professional services. For forty-seven years he administered to the people 
of his vicinity in one of the closest, confidential and holiest relations in social 
life and into that life was so woven his cheery ways, sympathetic impulses, ten- 
derness and helpfulness that he became a part of the collective whole bound by 
ties that time cannnot efface. His presence at the bedside of the sick and suffer- 
ing was often more potent for good than his powders and potions and the 
devotions of his patients was a natural sequence following the sunshine of his 
presence. He was thoroughly allied with the pioneer life of this vicinity and 
there were no journeys too long for him to make on horseback, or on foot some- 
times when roads were impassable, to alleviate suffering. For forty-seven years 
he practiced in this vicinity and but few there are who are not indebted to him 
for some kindly service. Probably no physician in Jones county has done more 
work gratuitously. He was devoted to his family, a loyal friend and good citi- 
zen, and as such will always be remembered. He served his fellowmen with 
unbounded charity and kindness and was ever responsive to the dictates of duty. 
In the words of Dr. McCIaren : "He did his best for every man, woman and 
child, year in, year out, in the snow and in the heat, in the dark and in the light, 
without rest and without holiday for more than forty years." 

Dr. Calkins was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Louden, November 
8, 1855, at the home of the bride's parents in North Bay, Oneida county. New 
York. Lucinda Louden first opened her eyes to the light of day May 15, 1839, 
in North Bay. She was the eldest child of Charles and Hannah (Cockett) 
Louden. One of her sisters died at the age of eighteen and the other sister died 
in infancy. She attended school in Cooperstown, New York, and also Ft. Plain 
Seminary. Mrs. Calkins brought the first musical instrument, a melodeon which 
she still possesses, and rendered the first vocal selection to an accompaniment 
ever given in Wyoming. Mrs. Calkins' grandparents came from Manchester, 
England, to America in 1810 and located in Cooperstown, New York, where the 
grandfather engaged in manufacturing cotton goods. 

Dr. and Mrs. Calkins came west in 1856. Twelve lots in what is now the 
heart of Wyoming with a little house built of black walnut lumber became their 
home. In 1868 the little house was replaced by a house which has been their 
home since. Two daughters were born to Dr. and Mrs. Calkins. These daughters 
have neither aunts, uncles nor cousins as both of their parents were the last 



356 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

of their house and name. Elva T. is the wife of William E. Briggs, of St. Paul, 
Minnesota, and Mary A. is the wife of Edward D. Chassell, of Le Mars, Iowa. 

In 1862 Dr. Calkins, acting as an official for the state of Iowa, administered 
the oath to eighty-nine loyal citizens who assembled under the historic oak tree 
in Wyoming and were by him duly enrolled as members of the state militia, 
afterwards forming the majority of Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, in the war of the rebellion. Six of the surviving soldiers were in 
attendance at the funeral service of Dr. Calkins. In the same year and again in 
1863 Dr. Calkins was commissioned to take the vote of Iowa soldiers in the 
south. Upon his return he rode in a sulky from Wyoming to Des Momes, where 
he made his report. 

Dr. Calkins was an active man in the community and imbued with liberal 
public-spirited sentiments. He was never an officer seeker but was more of a 
leader and an inspirer of progressive public sentiment. When the town of Wyom- 
ing was organized he was unanimously chosen the first mayor, being the candidate 
of all parties. For many years he was local surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railroad and served for a number of years as a member of the board 
of pension examiners. In 1881 he was accorded the unusual honor of being 
elected to the legislature from Jones county without opposition, there being no 
candidate against him. Two years later he was reelected, though a very able and 
popular democrat opposed him. In the latter campaign in his home township 
of Wyoming two hundred and eleven votes were polled and an even two hundred 
of them were cast for Dr. Calkins, showing the hold he had on the affections 
and confidence of the people among whom he had then resided nearly thirty 
years. A well educated man, of practical sense, good judgment and conserva- 
tive, he became one of the most efficient members of the nineteenth and twentieth 
general assemblies. He was made chairman of the committee on public health 
and, as such, worked through the house against seeming unconquerable opposi- 
tion one of the most prominent and important bills before the legislature, which 
had been prepared by the state board of health to regulate the sale and use of 
kerosene oil and oil used by miners in illuminating coal mines, by a system of 
rigid inspection. Several states had similar laws and it was found that illuminat- 
ing oils which did not pass their inspection were shipped into Iowa and were 
rapidly becoming a menace to human life and property from their explosive nature 
and low standard of safety. The bill provided for a higher standard and more 
rigid inspection than that of other states. Immediately on the introduction, oppo- 
sition from the Standard Oil Company became apparent on the ground that it was 
an interference with their business and the process of inspection unreasonable. 

The house was composed of fifty-one republicans, forty-five democrats and 
six greenbackers, or populists. The populists vehemently opposed the bill on the 
ground that it was solely a scheme to provide for a lot of officers to prey on the 
public treasury ; the democrats opposed it on general principles, as did some re- 
publicans. Its progress was obstructed at every step by every dilatory motion that 
could be devised, until late in the session, when Dr. Calkins became satisfied that 
under the most favorable conditions it would receive but a bare majority. In the 
meantime Senator Larrabee had worked it through the senate by a vote of thirty- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY ' 357 

two to eight, and sent it to the house as senate file 305. It was placed on file after 
a second reading. Dr. Calkins decided to let it rest. 

On the last day and last hour of the session, with every member in his seat 
and making ready to leave, in the hubbub usual at that time, the doctor very quietly 
called up senate file 305, instead of the house bill, and when the clerk reached in 
his desk for it was missing. He notified the speaker, who instantly ordered 
all doors leading from and to the house closed and locked and then announced that 
the bill had been stolen from the clerk's desk. 

There was at once great commotion throughout the building. Members began 
searching their desks, committee rooms were ransacked and after an hour's 
vigorous quest the bill was found tucked away in a drawer in the northeast corner 
of the building. It was returned to the house, hurriedly read, and passed without 
a negative vote, not a member being willing to go on record against it. 

It has been in force since, has proved one of the best hygienic measures on 
the statute books, brings to the state treasury from twelve thousand to fifteen 
thousand dollars in excess of expenses annually and gives the state of Iowa greater 
protection against injury to human life and property than any other state. Dr. 
Calkins was one of the fifty-two who voted for the prohibitory law in Iowa. 

In 1907 he prepared an extensive paper on "Recollections of the Nineteenth 
and Twentieth General Assemblies," which w^as read at a meeting of the Pioneer 
Law IMakers in Des Moines. Dr. Calkins wielded a ready pen. His writings 
were original, witty and personal. But his personalities were more likely to be 
eulogistic than censorious. As a public speaker he was in demand for orations on 
the 4th of July and Decoration day. He was wonderfully useful in a field where 
few men are willing to give time and labor. He was the historian of Wyoming and 
gathered for public addresses and publication a large amount of exceedingly valu- 
able data and his "Early Reminiscences of Wyoming" which he gave in 1878 in 
a home talent lecture course appears in this history of Jones county. 

Dr. Calkins was a man of large mental endowment, of scholarly culture, of 
racy genial humor, a man healthy in body and never fearing to speak the truth ; 
diligently he did his work and discharged his duty with contentment, cheerfulness 
and resolution. He possessed a vigorous personality whose broadly generous 
impulses coupled with sound judgment and independence of thought and action 
made him beloved to a degree seldom realized in human experience. Dr. Calkins 
is survived by his widow and daughters and three grandchildren : Martin Calkins 
Briggs ; Walter Charles Briggs ; and Mary Briggs. 



ELISHA F. ELLISON. 



During the fifteen years of his residence in Greenfield township, Jones county, 
agricultural pursuits have claimed the time and attention of Elisha F. Ellison, 
and during this period he has worked earnestly and diligently, his labors finding 
well merited reward in the gratifying prosperity which he now enjoys. In the 
winter of 1909-10, he removed to Martelle, where he is now living retired. Born 
in Linn county, Iowa, on the 26th of August, 185 1, he is the son of John and 



358 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Rachel R. (Curtis) Ellison, the former a native of Belfast, Ireland, and the 
latter of Ohio. The mother went to Linn county, Iowa, in 1848, where she be- 
came the wife of Mr. Ellison. In their family were eleven children, five sons 
and six daughters, as follows: James, who passed away in 1876; Elisha P., 
of this review ; Charles H., now deceased ; Joseph S., a resident of ]\Iartelle ; 
Hulda, the deceased wife of Joseph Kohl ; Minta, the wife of Frank Boxwell ; 
Nancy, who married Jasper Woods and resides in Linn county ; Clara, the wife 
of Frank Myers, of Linn county ; John, Jr., making his home in Linn county ; 
Bertie, who wedded George Joslin; and Linnie, the wife of John Moore. The 
surviving members have all grown to years of maturity and have reared families 
of their own. 

Amid the scenes and environments of rural life Elisha F. Ellison was reared 
to manhod, the period of his boyhood and youth being spent in the usual manjier 
of country lads of that time. As a pupil in the district schools he acquired a 
good education and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the 
work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of till- 
ing the soil, while in the broader school of experience he learned practical lessons 
concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance. The period of his 
minority was spent on the home farm, but upon attaining his majority he en- 
tered the business world on his own account, choosing as his life work the 
occupation to which he had been reared. In 1874 he came to Greenfield town- 
ship, locating on a farm of eighty acres in section 19. His early training under 
the direction of his father had well equipped him for successfuUv carrying on 
agricultural pursuits on his own account, and as the years passed and he pros- 
pered he was able to add to his original purchase, until his property holdings 
today consist of one hundred and sixty acres of the richest soil to be found in 
Greenfield township. The farm is under a high state of cultivation and every- 
thing about the place indicates a life of industry and thrift upon the part of the 
owner. He practices rotation of crops, makes a close study of the cereals best 
adapted to soil and climate and is meeting with most gratifying success in the 
conduct of his business affairs. 

It was in 1875 ^^^^ ^^^- Ellison was united in marriage to Miss Ahvilda 
Hunter, whose father was killed in the Civil war, no trace of him having ever 
been found. Unto this union were born three sons and three daughters, namely: 
George Henry, born July 27, 1876; William John, whose birth occurred on the 
7th of March, 1878; Walter F., born January i, 1880; Cora May. the wife of 
Perry Lemmer, of North Dakota; Myrtle Elma, born March 3, 1884; who mar- 
ried William Brock and makes her home in Martelle; and Anna Maude, the 
wife of Harry Porter, residing in North Dakota. There are twelve grand- 
children in the family. On the 24th of Alarch, 1889, Mr. Ellison was called upon 
to mourn the death of his wife, and on the 2d of February, 1898, was again mar- 
ried, his second union being with Mrs. Sarah (Streach) Lemmer Paul, who by 
a former marriage became the mother of two children, P. J. Lemmer and Albert 
Lee Paul, the latter residing in North Dakota. She was born in Nova Scotia in 
1855 and in 1862 came with her parents to Iowa, the family home being estab- 
lished in the central part of the state. Her parents, William and Ann (Cruik- 
shank) Streach, are now both deceased, the mother passing away when the 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 359 

daughter was eleven years of age, and the father's death occurring in 1897. She 
is a member of the church of Christ at Martelle, the teachings of which form 
the guiding influence of her life. Mr. Ellison gives his political allegiance to 
the democracy, doing all in his power to extend the influence of that party in 
the community. He was president of the Laurel Hill independent school district 
for about twenty years and is well known in business circles as the president of 
Laurel Hill Telephone Company. 

Mr. Ellison is known as an enterprising and progressive farmer and the 
methods which he has followed are such as insure success. His labors are well 
directed by sound judgment and realizing the fact that zeal and energy constitute 
the basis of success he has pursued his work diligently year after year and is now 
one of the substantial agriculturists of Greenfield township. 



HANS C. AHRENDSEN. 

With the passing away of Hans C. Ahrendsen Hale township lost one of its 
progressive and representative agriculturists, who for a number of years was 
closely identified with farming interests here. Born across the waters, he is a 
native of Holstein, Germany, his birth having there occurred on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, 1866. His parents were Lawrence and Christine (Peterson) Ahrendsen, 
both natives of Germany, who came to the United States when their son was a 
young man of twenty years. The father followed farming here for some years, 
and now resides in Olin, Jones county, while his wife has already passed to her 
final rest. Six members of their family, three sons and three daughters, are 
residents of this country, while one daughter still makes her home in the 
fatherland. 

Hans C. Ahrendsen spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native 
land, there acquiring his education in the common schools, and after his arrival 
in Jones county, Iowa, he began working as a farm hand by the month, being 
thus engaged for six years. At the expiration of that period, desiring that his 
efforts should more directly benefit himself, he took up agricultural pursuits on 
his own account, operating a farm in the capacity of a renter until about three 
years ago. In the meantime he had carefully saved his money with the hope 
that some time he would own a farm of his own. The invariable law of des- 
tiny accords success to untiring industry, energy and perseverance, and through 
the manifestation of those qualities Mr. Ahrendsen was eventually able to sat- 
isfy his ambition. He became the owner of two hundred acres of fine farming 
land located on section 21, Hale township, and to its further development he di- 
rected his entire energies. He brought the fields under a high state of cultiva- 
tion and erected new and substantial buildings, making all of the improvements 
upon the place which today make it one of the valuable farming properties of 
the township. Everything about the place indicates that he was in touch with 
the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines, while his 
interests were so wisely and carefully conducted that he won substantial success 



360 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and was numbered among the representative and progressive farmers of the 
locahty. 

It was on the ist of January, 1892, that Air. Ahrendsen was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Dora Rohwedder, a native of Bryant, Qinton county, Iowa, bom 
on the 30th of January, 1871. Most of her Ufe, however, was passed in Jones 
county. Her parents were Hans and Margaret (Gubel) Rohwedder, natives of 
Germany, who came to the United States, the latter passing away in Clinton 
county, Iowa, while the former now makes his home in Hale township, this 
county. Unto Ivlr. and Mrs. Ahrendsen were born seven children, namely: Mar- 
garet, Leonard, Hilda, Carl, Hans, Arthur and Anita. 

In politics Mr. Ahrendsen gave his allegiance to the democracy, doing all in 
his power to further the influence of that party in the community although he 
neither sought nor desired public offtce for himself, preferring to concentrate his 
energies upon the conduct of his business affairs. He was not remiss, however, 
in the duties of citizenship, for his influence was ever upon the side of progress, 
improvement, reform and advancement. He passed away on the 14th of Sep- 
tember, 1908, and his death was the occasion of deep regret among the many 
warm friends whom he had gained during his residence in Jones county, and 
who entertained for him high regard because of his many sterling .qualities. 



FRANCIS M. BENEDICT. 

Francis M. Benedict is numbered among those who have sought their fortunes 
through the cultivation of Iowa's rich soil and through their own well directed 
efforts have won a foremost place among- the men of affluence in their section 
of the state. He was born in Malone. Franklin county. New York, September 
25, 1847. ^ ^^^" o^ ^lichael Martin and Alathea (Coleman) Benedict, both natives 
of Williamstown. \>rmont. The father, who was born on the 5th of August. 
j8i6, was reared and married in the east. He lost his first wife and was again 
married ere coming to the middle west, his second union being with Ruby A. 
Hudson. He arrived in Iowa in 1868, the family home being established in 
Monticello. Jones county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits for 
some time, and as he prospered he engaged to some extent in money loaning. 
He was identified with the grocery business in the east. With the exception of 
ifive years spent in Perryburg the period of his residence in this state was spent 
in the same house wliich he erected upon his removal to Monticello. His last 
days were there spent and his wife still continues to make it her home. By his 
first marriage he became the father of three children, namely Faber, a farmer 
of Bethel. \"ermont : Francis M., of this review; and Henry M., residing in Los 
Angeles, California. The second union was blessed with one child, Herbert M., 
of Cass township, Jones county. 

Francis M. Benedict spent the first four years of hi? life in his native town 
and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Bicknelville, St. Lawrence 
county. New York. There he acquired his education in the common schools and 
:Spent the intervening years until 1868, his time and energies being devoted 




F. M. BENEDICT 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 363 

mostly to agricultural pursuits. In that year he came west with his father and 
stepmother, arriving in Monticello, Jones county, on bis twenty-first birthday. 
His parents made the entire journey by train, while Mr. Benedict drove in a 
horse and buggy from Chicago. During the next ten years, which were mostly 
passed in Monticello, he engaged as a laborer and in 1878 he located in Cass 
township, purchasing the farm upon which he now makes* his home. At that 
time it consisted of one hundred and sixty acres located on the northwest quarter 
of section i. About three years ago, however, he gave one hundred and twenty 
acres to his son, for whose use another dwelling has been erected upon the place. 
Mr. Benedict also owns one hundred and thirty acres in Scotch Grove town- 
ship and sixteen acres of timberland in Castle Grove township. During his 
residence here he has continued to devote his time to general agriculture and 
stock raising, and that he has been successful in his undertakings is indicated 
by the fact that he now ranks among the well-to-do men of the community in 
which he resides. His home is considered the finest in Cass township, and his 
farm is equipped with all the modern and up-to-date improvements that go to 
make up a model farm of the twentieth century. He not only occupies a high 
place among the township's leading and representative farmers, but is also well 
known in financial circles for as he has prospered he has been an extensive money- 
loaner. 

On the 9th of April, 1871, Mr. Benedict was united in marriage to Miss 
Luanna Secrest, a native of Anamosa, Jones county, Towa, born on the 24th of 
August, 1852. She is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Osborn) Secrest, the 
former born in Lexington, Kentucky, on the 19th of December, 1816, and the 
latter in Indiana, January 19, 1819. The father came to this county with his 
parents w^hen a young man and was here married about 1843. He was numbered 
among the early settlers of Anamosa, where he conducted the first store, the 
town at that time being known as Lexington. He was thus engaged for many 
years and later removed his business to a store about four miles south of the 
town. He passed away in February, 1871, while his wife still survives and 
makes her home in Chicago. Their family consisted of seven daughters and 
one son, of whom Mrs. Benedict is the fifth in order of birth. The others are: 
Sarah, the wife of H. D. Sherman, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Margaret, the widow 
of P, Smith, residing in Pueblo, Colorado; Jennie, the widow of C. McGowan, of 
Chicago; Josephine, the wife of Robert Shields, who makes his home in San- 
tiago, California; Bell, who wedded Nicholas Nellis, a resident of Chicago; 
Douglas C, who passed away in Dubuque, Iowa, and Ella the deceased wife of 
Professor F. Gault. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Benedict have been born three chil- 
dren, who are as follows : Winifred, the wife of George Colton, of Colony, Kan- 
sas, by whom she has five children ; Jessie, who married C. B. Darrow, of Cass 
township, and has two children ; and Royal, who operates the home farm and 
is also married, having two children. 

In his religious faith Mr. Benedict is identified with the Presbyterian church 
of Castle Grove, in which he has served as an elder for the past three years. He 
gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party, supporting its men and meas- 
ures at the polls and doing all in his power to extend its influence in the com- 
munity. He has never sought nor desired public ofifice, however, as a reward for 



364 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

party fealty, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his own private business 
affairs. Preeminently a man of business, as the architect of his own fortune he 
has builded wisely and well and now ranks among the wealthiest residents of 
Cass township, while his salient characteristics have been such as to make him 
popular with an extensive number of warm friends. 



THOMAS J. and MICHAEL FINN. 

Few of the men of Washington township can show a larger, or better record 
of years spent in profitable toil than can the two Finn brothers. Thomas J. and 
Michael, who conjointly operate a tract of eight hundred and sixty acres and 
are extensively engaged in the stock business. The strong traits of character 
which made it possible for their father, handicapped though he was by poverty 
and lack of education, to rise to a successful and well respected position in 
his community, after having overcome some of the most severe hardships that 
confronted the pioneers of Jones county in the early days, these and others, 
gained through their own struggles, have stood forth prominently indicating 
the why and the wherefore of their good fortune. 

John Finn, the father, was born in County Galway. Ireland, in 1816, and came 
to America in 1837, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. There he found employ- 
ment with a Mr. Champney, who was in the service of the government, and for 
three or four years acted as general utility man in his establishment. In 1842 
he was married to Miss Alice Murray, also a native of Erin, whose birth occurred 
in 181 5 and who had come to America in 1836. After their union the couple 
started upon their journey to Jones county. Iowa, traveling only thirty miles by 
rail, for they passed by boat through the canal and the Great Lakes. Having 
arrived here Mr. Finn bought of Mr. Hutton, the first county clerk of Jones 
county, three hundred and twenty acres of wild prairie land, the warrant to it 
bearing the date of October, 1842. Immediately he began to break the soil and 
built a log cabin, putting a clapboard roof upon it. With continual repairing and 
additions, this served as his home until 1870, when he erected a new house, 
which with repairs, additions and improvements has done duty to the present 
time. Upon this half section of land he pursued his vocation as a tiller of the 
soil with a success which won the approbation of those who witnessed the manner 
in which he had surmounted the obstacles that beset his path. However, toward 
the close of his life, he sold part of the original farm, so that he owned only two 
hundred and forty acres at the time of his death. It was on the 15th of January. 
1878, that his life was brought to a close. He was one of those energetic and 
persevering Irishmen, who had no fear or doubt that an undertaking might be 
beyond their powers and nothing presented an appearance of such harshness 
as to daunt them. His one idea in life was to succeed ; he spared no effort to 
accomplish his purpose ; but his record of work is honorable as well as gratifying 
from a financial standpoint. Having never enjoyed the advantages of a good 
education, he was but the more eager in his support of progressive educational 
facilities, doing everything in his power to bring schools of standing into the little 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 365 

pioneer community. He was equally zealous in working for the church and 
was one of the committee of three to whom was intrusted the work of obtaining 
a site and securing the funds for the erection of the first Catholic church in 
Cascade. He was very attentive in the performance of his religious duties and 
surely his was a life which commanded the highest respect of everyone who 
knew him personally or by hearsay. 

Of the family of seven children born to John Finn and his wife, Thomas J. 
and Michael, alone survive. The former was born September 7, 1845, the latter 
February 14, 1857, on the old homestead, on which they both grew to maturity. 
They attended the district school of Washington township, but the education 
derived there was meager indeed, so that the well informed minds, and the 
intellectual keenness which distinguish them today have been of necessity the 
result of patient home study and experience. When death deprived them of their 
father's assistance they came into the possession of two hundred and forty acres 
of valuable land. In the years that have since elapsed they have added to 
their heritage until they now own eight hundred and sixty acres all in one 
farm, which they own and operate in conjunction. In addition to general farm- 
ing, the brothers keep about one hundred and fifty head of cattle each year, 
about three hundred hogs, and have six horse teams. Unforgetful of the rule 
of life which brought such large returns to their father, with energy, industry and 
carefulness they have conducted their undertakings, regarding nothing as impos- 
sible, should they but put their minds to its accomplishment, but at the same 
time are aware that the reputation for honesty and integrity was as covetable 
a thing as the attainment of prosperity. 

Thomas J. Finn has not married, but in 1893 Michael Finn was joined in 
wedlock to Miss Mary Murray, a daughter of James and Bridget (Kmney) 
Murray. Her father was born in County Roscommon, March 25, 1826, but 
when a very young man emigrated to the United States. For a short time 
he lived in Fall River, Massachusetts, and then, in 1849, came to Jones cotmty, 
Iowa, where he secured a farm. Here through industry and frugality he accu- 
mulated a large competency, until in 1890 he felt he was justified in retiring from 
active work. Accordingly he took up his residence in Cascade, which remained 
his home until he was called to his eternal rest. On the 26th of April, 1861, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Kinney, a native of this country, who 
with the following children survives him : Mrs. Frank O'Brien, of Washington 
township; Albert, of Cascade; Mrs. Michael Finn, of Washington township; 
and Josie. of Cascade. During his lifetime Mr. Murray was one of the strong 
men of the community, a type of the courageous citizens who contributed to the 
early development and settlement of the wilderness. A man of firm character 
and uprightness, the eighty years of his life were spent earnestly and honestly, 
as should be those of a man who is at heart a Christian. He was a member of 
the Catholic church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Finn are the parents of three children, namely: 
Josephine, born March 21, 1895; Joseph Louis, born April 26, 1897; and John 
C, born September i, 1899. All are attending school. The family are members 
of the Catholic church, devout and attentive in the performance of their religious 
duties. In political matters the brothers have supported the democratic party, 



366 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and although ever strong in their adherence to it, some years ago when Thomas 
J. Finn was the candidate for county supervisor, he was elected largely through 
the votes cast by the republicans, an evidence of the general respect and high 
esteem in which he is held throughout the county. For twelve years he has also» 
served as township trustee, and the public has had little need to regret their 
choice of a representative. 



WILLIAM H. HANKEN. 

Another of the estimable sons of Jones county who were born and bred 
within her boundaries is Wiliam H. Hanken, the date of whose birth is March 
I, 1868. A glance at Mr. Hanken's lineage shows it to be German. Both of his 
parents, Wessely and Margaret (Hyen) Hanken, were natives of that country 
and it was there that they were married. Not long afterward, in 1854, they 
decided to try their fortunes in the new world and upon their arrival went west 
to Dixon, Illinois, where they tarried for a short time only. The opporunities 
of Jones county, Iowa, having been brought favorably to their notice, they con- 
cluded to investigate it for themselves, making the journey by team as the meager 
railway facilities of that day necessitated. With them came William Hanken's 
grandfather and three of his uncles, thus constituting quite a little company 
of kindred adventurers. The grandfather and two of the sons bought eighty 
acres of land apiece, the three tracts all adjoining. Upon the farm they found 
a log house, built by the former owner, and here they lived for some years. To 
add to the difficulties of living, all the supplies had to be bought at Dubuque 
and hauled home. The grandfather, whose name was Nanna Hanken, here 
spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-five. The father met 
with prosperity and at the time of his death, October 6, 1906, he was the pos- 
sessor of a large farm, three hundred and eighty acres in extent. In his family 
were seven children, namely: Margaret, the wife of J. H. Eden; B. H., a resi- 
dent, of Langworthy, Iowa ; Dan, of Aurelia, Iowa ; Gerhard, of Scotch Grove 
township, Jones county; John B.. of Colorado; and Fred, of Langworthy, Iowa. 

The subject of this sketch was reared at home and secured his education in 
the common schools. Until 1897 he worked for his father, but in that year 
he took the management of the home farm into his own hands, renting the place 
from his father. In INTarch, 1903, he became one of the landowners of Jones 
county through the purchase of two hundred and seventy acres from the estate 
of his uncle A. H. Hanken. Since then he has added to his holdings from time 
to time until he owns at present a magnificent estate of five hundred and twenty- 
six acres. Besides this Lovell township tract he has ten acres of timber land 
in Richland township. 

On the i6th of June, 1897, Mr. Hanken was united in marriage to Miss 
Augusta Stadtmueller, who was bom in Castle Grove township, March i, 1870, 
a daughter of John and Johannah fOltman) Stadtmueller. Her father is still 
living but her mother died June 28, 1909. Their other children were Max. a 
resident of Pomeroy, Iowa; Kate, the wife of Rudolph Jacobs, of Scotch Grove 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 367 

township; Minnie, the wife of B. H. Hanken; Ferdinand, of Langworthy, Iowa; 
Austin, of Castle Grove township; Eliza, the wife of John H. Hanken; John, 
of Castle Grove township; Hannah, the wife of John Lienemann ; and Ludwig, 
of Castle Grove township. Our subject and his wife have six children, who 
in order of birth are as follows: Hannah, Wesley, Rudolph, Gerhard, Lizzie 
and Minnie. 

William H. Hanken is a stanch supporter of the republican party and is 
now serving his second term as township trustee. He is also a member of the 
school board and a valuable one as is attested by the fact that he has served in 
this capacity for the past ten or twelve years. Both he and his wife are members 
of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Hanken is one of those substantial citi- 
zens who form the bone and sinew of Lovell township. 



D. A. CLAY. 



D. A. Clay, one of the representative farmers of Hale township, is an English- 
man by birth and an excellent exponent of the best characteristics of his country. 
He was born in County Essex, England, March lo, 1843, ^ son of George and 
Argentine Clay. When he was about eleven months old the parents moved to 
London, making it their home until 1856, when the family came to Tama county, 
Iowa, setting sail from the London dock, the day the treaty of Nance was 
signed. Mr. Clay remembers well the decorations of the ships in the harbor 
on that occasion. They came on a sailing vessel, the Devonshire, the trip con- 
suming six weeks and three days, and they landed in New York city. From 
there they came by rail as far as Iowa City and thence by team to Tama county. 
This continued the family home until the Pike's Peak excitement, when they 
removed to Cedar county, and there lived until 1864. In the meanwhile John 
Clay entered Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in 1862, and 
a year later his brother D. A. Clay, our subject, enlisted in the same company. 
The former served three years and the latter twenty months. Mr. Clay was with 
the Red River expedition, and participated in several engagements, being sent 
later to the Shenandoah valley. The regiment then joined Sherman's army at 
Savannah, Georgia. Owing to his state of health, having spen^ three months in 
the hospital, Mr. Clay was sent by boat to New York city on his way to the 
Shenandoah valley, and was there three weeks before the order came for his 
removal to the front. 

Returning to his father's home, Mr. Clay found the family located in Hale 
township, Jones county, to which place they had removed while the two young 
men were serving their country. This continued his residence until the spring 
of 1909, when he rented his farm and removed into the village of Hale. 

Mr. Clay is one of a family of seven children, namely: John and William, 
who are deceased; D. A.; Joseph, who lives at Sioux City, Iowa; Eliza, who 
married Uriah Switzer and died in 1906; and George, who lives in Rome town- 
ship. Mr. Clay had an elder brother by the name of George, who served in the 
Crimean war and died afterward in the West Indies. George Clay, the father. 



368 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

died in Hale township when seventy-four years old. His wife died there at the 
age of seventy years. By trade he was a blacksmith and in England made a 
practice of shoeing stage horses on a route running into London, but farmed 
after coming here. 

On January i, 1867, D. A. Clay married Lovisa M. Root, who was born in 
Connecticut, December 23, 1847. Her parents, Ozias and Emily Root, moved 
to Ohio while she was still young and from there came on to Iowa by ox-team, 
entering land in Hale township at one dollar and a quarter per acre. Ten years 
later they went to Nebraska, entering a homestead, and there both died. The chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Clay are as follows: Emma, the wife of M. P. Smith. 
of Marion ; Josephine, the wife of Edwin Sawyer, of Cedar Rapids ; Ida, the 
wife of James Ballou, of Clarence; Orin E., a resident of Spokane, Washington; 
David O., who lives at Hartley, Iowa; Lydia, the wife of Wilbur Fowlie, of 
Stanwood; Bertha, the wife of Louis Patton, of Yorkshire, Iowa; and Leona, 
at home. Two other children died in infancy. 

Mr. Clay has been very successful in his work, now owning three hundred 
acres of land, two hundred and twenty acres being in the home farm on sections 
15 and 14 and eighty acres on section 16, Hale township. For years he carried 
on general farming and stock raising. He began farming with sixty acres and 
had to grub the land before he could put it under cultivation, the timber was 
so heavy on it. In politics he is a republican, casting his first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln while in the army. Mr. Clay has been road supervisor and township 
trustee for twelve years, and for eight years was a member of the county board 
of supervisors. A member of the Free Will Baptist church, he has always been 
prominent in its good work and is now one of its trustees and has held that 
position for many years. Ben Paul Post, No. 130, G. A. R., 6f Wyoming, claims 
him as one of its enthusiastic supporters, and he also belongs to the American 
Patriots of Wyoming. Many years have passed since this sturdy English-born 
man responded to the call of his adopted country and entered its service to fight 
for the LTnion, and yet the memory of those thrilling days remain with him as 
vividly as ever. As a private citizen he has displayed that same loyalty to law 
and order which characterized his action on the battlefield, and his industry 
and thrift have been richly rewarded not only by material advancement but by 
the gaining of warm personal friends and the respect and confidence of the com- 
munity where he is such a well known person. 



M. O. FELTON. 



Very few of the men who came to Jones county in the early days are still liv- 
ing, and of these, few if any, had greater experience with the many dififerent phases 
of pioneer conditions than M. O. Felton, who has now retired from the active 
life of a farmer and lives in Center Junction. L^nbroken wilderness, prairie 
schooners, log houses, primitive schools, and all the hardships of those first years 
of colonization have left their impress upon his memory. This venerable citi- 
zen of Jones county was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 14, 1828, being 




M. O. FELTON 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 371 

a son of Alexander and Frances (Wells) Felton. His is a representative of an 
old colonial family, the first of his ancestors to come to America being Nathaniel 
Felton, a native of England, who settled at Salem, Massachusetts. Many of his 
descendants still reside around Boston, while others have been pioneers of 
nearly every state of the Union. Our subject's grandfather was a Revolutionary 
soldier and other members of the family have fought on the right side of the 
other wars in which their country has engaged. 

Alexander Felton, our subject's father, was a native of Franklin county, Mas- 
sachusetts, while the mother was born near Richmond, Virginia, but both had 
gone to Ohio as young people. In fact the mother was only twelve years of 
age when her parents took up their residence in that state, which was still in its 
primitive condition, and Mr. Felton was but little older when he began the work 
of clearing the place for himself. In Highland county, Ohio, the couple were 
married and in the spring of 1832, when M. O. Felton was about four years of 
age, they removed to Marion county, Indiana, locating near Indianapolis, where 
they loined the band of men and women who were endeavoring to reclaim the 
virgin country. There the parents passed the remainder of their lives, death 
calling the father when he was in his sixtieth year, and the mother when she 
had tolled off eighty-two years. 

M. O. Felton was reared, from his fourth year, in Marion county, Indiana, 
and pursued his studies in a little log cabin school where the children of the 
pioneers acquired some knowledge of books. Rough hewn logs formed the 
sides of the little building, puncheons made the floor, and the pupils sat upon rude 
benches which consisted only of slabs of wood. When he was nineteen years of 
age Mr. Felton returned to his native state and in Highland and Brown counties 
obtained his first experience as a teacher. The next year he returned to his 
home, taught in the winter months, while he himself attended school through 
the summer, being a student at Marion Seminary, Indianapolis, in the summer 
of 1850. He taught in every state between Ohio and Iowa. In July, 1853, ^^ 
came to this state, stopping first at Bloomfield, Davis county, and then locating 
in Jones county. In August, just before the elections, he ate his first dinner at 
the Waverly House in Anamosa, and that fall, it becoming known that he was a 
teacher of repute he was hired by the citizens of Scotch Grove township to 
conduct its school. A log cabin had been previously erected to serve as an 
educational institution, and here Mr. Felton opened his fall classes. But as the 
fame of his instruction spread and the number of his pupils increased, the little 
house was not large enough to accommodate the sixty boys and girls who came 
from far and near to profit by his training. Accordingly the church was turned 
over to school uses and the winter term was conducted in it. 

Among the many enrolled in that first class in Scotch Grove township, was 
a young woman, who immediately attracted Mr. Felton's attention and who 
later became his wife, theirs being the first marriage celebrated in Madison 
township. He entered a quarter section of land, in what is now Madison 
township, but which was then included in Clay precinct, which comprised four 
of the present townships. In 1854, he married and that same year the young 
couple returned to Marion county, Indiana, for Mr. Felton's father had died and 
he was needed by his mother to care for the home farm. For two summers he 



372 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

operated the place and then in that year of 1856, he fitted out a prairie schooner 
and a team or horses, preparatory to bringing his wife and baby back to Jones 
county. He made his start after the nomination of the first republican presiden- 
tial candidate, and as his sympathies were with that newly organized party on 
the sides of his schooner he painted the banner "Fremont and Dayton Our 
Candidates." As the great wagon was hauled from Indiana to Iowa it tacitly 
did a great deal of electioneering, and, owing to the banner, Mr. Felton made 
on the journey a number of acquaintances, whose friendship lasted through 
many years. In the spring of 1857, he moved into the frame shanty, sixteen by 
eighteen feet in dimensions, which he had put up on his land and immediately 
commenced to break the soil which was to give him a livelihood. With so 
much diligence did he prosecute his work that in a few years it was blooming 
like a garden and returning to him a handsome interest upon his investment of 
thought and industry. For a period of forty years he pursued his vocation as a 
farmer, winning a success which justified him in relinquishing the heavier cares 
of life and removing to Center Junction, which has been his home since 1898. 
At one time he owned two hundred and eighty acres, all in one body, and the 
farm which was the scene of his labors and the home of his eight children until 
their maturity, is still in the possession of the family. 

It was on the 29th of August. 1854, that Mr. Felton was united in marriage 
to Miss Anna M. Kraus, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 14, 1833. 
She was only twelve years of age, however, when her parents brought her to this 
country, and after spending a few years in Kane county. Illinois, came in 1853 
to Jones county. The eight children born to this couple grew to maturity but two 
of them have now passed away. 3>[argaret. the eldest, born June 15, 1855, mar- 
ried George E. Kegley and died February 2, 1890. George Leslie, born Novem- 
ber 12, 1857, is a banker and merchant in Millerton, Oklahoma. Alford Nichols, 
born January 27, i860, is a farmer and lives at Gooding, Idaho. Oliver John, 
who was born February 22, 1863, is a lawyer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Charles 
Wesley, born October 31. 1865. is a railway division agent and lives in Sioux 
City, Iowa. Annie W., who was born December 31, 1867. became the wife of 
A. Porter and lives in Maquoketa, Iowa. Harlan Phillip, a physician, born 
December 21, 187 1, has passed away. William Reed, the youngest of this 
family, born November 10, 1874. is a civil engineer in Miles City, Montana. 

Few of the couples who have been married in Jones county can show a record 
of more than fifty-five years spent in harmony and companionshi]), as can Mr. 
and Mrs. Felton. And yet despite the hard toil, which is inseparable from the 
life of the husbandman, especially if he is a pioneer as well. ]\Ir. Felton looks 
like a man of sixty-five or seventy years, so well preserved is he and such good 
health does he enjoy. Xor does his wife give much evidence of advanced years. 
They are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for more 
than two score of years Mr. Felton served on the official board. Politically he 
has always been a strong republican and during the years of his activity took 
a vital part in local afl'airs, for he was trustee and assessor of the township, and 
also served as justice of the peace. He belongs to Wyoming Lodge, No. 206, 
A. F. & A. ]\I., and is a member of Keystone Chapter, No. 206, R. A. M., of 
that village. His life, long and useful, the years of which have contributed 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 373 

more than can be adequately told toward the development of Jones county, is a 
record of which Mr. Felton might be justifiably proud, while it is one which de- 
mands from his fellow citizens the most unqualified and unequivocal respect and 
esteem. As one of the very earliest settlers of this section of the state, he 
deserves distinction, but as a man of strong character and high principles he is 
worthy of the highest tributes which may be paid to any. 



JAMES LUTHER PIKE. 

James Luther Pike, one of the veterans of the Civil war now residing in 
Olin. whose record is one that is worthy of more than passing mention, has 
proven himself a patriot in both war and peace and is now realizing the esteem 
in which he is held by a grateful country. He was born near Columbus, Frank- 
lin county, Ohio, August 24, 1846, a son of Joel and Permilla (Newton) Pike, 
who were married in Coventry, Chenango county, New York, October 22, 1838, 
and emigrated later to Ohio. They were farmers and seeking better oportunities 
they came farther west to Jones county, Iowa, driving across the country, and 
both died in the new home, he Janitary 21, 1853, aged fifty-three; and his wife 
August 14, i860, aged fifty-two. The father had been married before and had 
three children as follows : Orlando and Albert, who have passed away ; and Ma- 
tilda, who is the widow of Lucius Shepard. of Poweshiek coimty, Iowa. By his 
second marriage he had six children, namely: Clarissa, who married LTsal Bar- 
ker; Alma, who married Hiram Slagle, of Nebraska; Ruth I., the deceased wife 
of John M. Mason; James Luther, who is the fourth in order of birth; Simon 
P., who died in 1907 in Dakota ; Eleanor who married John Shook, of Nebraska. 

Losing his father when he was seven years old and his mother when but 
thirteen, James Luther Pike was early deprived of parental care and was 
forced to earn his scanty living working around among the neighbors by the 
month, until he was fifteen and one-half years old. It was then, when only a lad, 
he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain 
S. E. Hicks, and he served three years and three months. He veteranized in 
the Western Army under Grant and Sherman. Among other engagements, he 
participated in the battles of luka. Corinth, Vicksburg and Jackson, and was 
captured with his regiment at Tilton, Georgia, and sent to Andersonville prison. 
Then followed a terrible experience from October 13, 1864, to April 28, 1865. 
The only sickness with which he was afflicted was that of measles soon after join- 
ing his regiment. 

Returning home this brave soldier who bore very plainly the traces of his 
sufiferings in prison, engaged in teaming and followed this line of work for 
several years before the building of the railroad. He hauled goods from Clar- 
ence and later he ran a dray for fourteen years. He afterward rented a farm 
and conducted it for four years, and then retired to Olin, where he has since 
resided, enjoying a well earned rest, for his life has been a strenuous one. 

On December 2, 1866, Mr. Pike married Eliza Bryan, born near Ticonderoga, 
New York, April 27, 1847, and came to Iowa when about ten years old with her 



374 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

parents, James and Lavina (Grossman) Bryan, the former of whom died in the 
service of his country during the Civil war, in Company B^ Thirty-first Iowa, 
at Black River, Mississippi, while his wife died in Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Pike 
became the parents of two children: Enola, who married James Vernon, lives 
two miles south of Olin; and Hattie A. is at home. On April 4, 1909, M^. Pike 
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who then passed to her last re- 
ward She was a lady of lovely. Christian character and her place can never 
be filled, although Miss Hattie is striving to comfort her father and take care 

of the home. 

Mr Pike has spent nearly all of his life in Jones county, and all of his ma- 
ture years with the exception of one when he was in Boone, Iowa, and one year 
in Nebraska. Although he was a veteran of years' standing, Mr. Pike was not 
old enough to vote until General Grant was the candidate for president and he 
takes pride in the fact that his first presidential vote was cast for him. He has 
been prominent in republican affairs and served as a member of the council for 
several years; is one of the present township trustees and is much interested in 
securing the best possible government for his community. In religious faith he 
is a member of the Christian church and he is one of the trustees of that body. 
He belongs to the Masonic order, being connected with Ancient Landmark Lodge, 
No 200,*'of Olin, and he is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
Energetic, interested in current matters, a good talker and possessed of a pleas- 
ant, convincing manner, Mr. Pike has many friends and is one of the highly 
esteemed men of Olin. 



JOHN E. KETCHAM. 

John E. Ketcham, who passed away on the 28th of June, 1902. is still well 
rem'embered bv many residents of Cass township as a progressive and successful 
farmer and a public-spirited citizen who for more than three decades was help- 
fully identified with the affairs of the community. Born in Morris county. New 
Jersey, on the 29th of February, 1824, he was a son of John and Johanna (Bur- 
nett) Ketcham, also natives of that state. He spent the period of his boyhood 
and youth in his parents' home and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the 
common schools, which he attended at intervals until he was nineteen years of 
age After laving aside his text-books he learned the blacksmith's trade in Dela- 
ware countv, Ohio, to which place he removed about 1848. He followed that 
occupation 'for about twenty years and then in 1867 came to Iowa, locating in 
Cass township, Jones county, where the remainder of his life was spent. He 
purchased two hundred acres on section 17, which was raw prairie land when it 
came into his possession, and immediately set about its improvement and de- 
velopment. He later purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, which 
had alreadv been brought under cultivation and upon which the family now re- 
side. As the years passed and he prospered he was able to add still more to his 
property holdings, until at the time of his death he was the owner of four 
hundred and forty acres of farm and prairie land and fifteen acres of timber land, 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 375 

most of which is now in the hands of his children. In addition to his general 
farm,ng he dealt extensively in livestock and both branches of his business proved 
most gratifying sources of annual revenue. 

uJl^Zl" f^° '" °^'° *^' ^'- ^'"=''="" ™^ """^d in marriage to Miss 
fZ ^8^. T- " "Tr' ^'""^ ^°""'^' N™ York, born on the 30th of 
Juy, 1824. She IS a daughter of Squire atfd Mercy (Jacobus) Wheaton both 
natives of Morns county, New Jersey, and went to Delaware county, Ohio' with 
her parents, where she was united in marriage to Mr. Ketcham. In heir family 
were seven children, namely: William Lewis, who died in Gass township in ^6 
at the age of fifty-s.x years, leaving a widow and four daughters; Emma die 
widow of George W. Lake, of this township, by whom she has five ThTdren 
Johanna Louisa, residing at home; Harriett Martha, also at home; James Har- 
rison, who IS also married and lives on the home farm ; John Merritt, who passed 
away in infancy m Ohio; and Elmer, residing on a farm in Gass township' who 
IS married and has two children. All of the members of the familv were bC 
in Delaware county, Ohio. ■ 

Mr. Ketcham was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and was a 
member thereof for many years. At the time of his death, howe^r heTeld 

T'n^lT *' k'?"^ ^'"'" Congregational church. He was a' s Iw r' 
supporter of the republcan party, and although not an office-seeker, did all in 
his power to further the interests of the party in the community. He was mo t 
pubhc-spinted m his citizenship, the weight of his influence being thrown aTa 
th?i;r"f 7 ' °' improvement, progress and reform. He p^assed away on 

the 28th of June, 1902, at which time Cass township lost one of its most valued 
and representative citizens. His wife still survives at the ripe old ag^of eigl.;. 
five years, and resides upon the old homestead. She has become widely known 
dur ng her many years of residence in this township, and her many excellen" 
traits of character have endeared her to a large number of warm friends 



JOHN HENRY GRAFFT. 



John Henry Grafft, a hard-working farmer of simple tastes, a born agricul- 
turist and a good citizen, is one of the native-born sons of Jon^s county W 
having come into the world one mile north of his present home in Jackson town- 
ship, September 3, 1853. He has spent his life in that township ^nd n^k s Ws 
home on his well improved farm of three hundred and eighty 'acres, which he 
has secured through his own individual efforts. He is a son of David W and 
Christine (Byerly) Grafft, natives of Ohio, who came to Iowa in the •40s Thdr 
married life was spent in Jackson township, where David Grafft entered land 
eventually becoming the owner of about seven hundred acres. Nine children 

HeTrv'^M "• K .f' °"" .'^'""" '• ^'° '"'' ^* C»^-' C^y. Iowa jthn 
Heniy, Mary Kathenne who married Frank Blayney, of Jackson township- 

Martha Ann who married Louis Porter, of Cherokee county, Iowa- James 

Aftert who lives in California; David Edward, who lives in Lyon count;, loTa 

Delia Jane, who married Robert McMurn, of Cherokee county; Frank who 



376 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

lives in Rome township; and Elizabeth Ellen, who married William Lust, of 
Cherokee county. 

John Henry Grafft has one of the best farms in Jackson township and has 
made his own improvements. He carries on general farming and stock raising, 
and, recognizing the value of blooded stock, makes a specialty of high grade 
Durham cattle. He has inaugurated many new methods of farming and has 
his three hundred and eighty acres under a high state of cultivation. This 
farm lies on sections 28 and 29, Jackson township, with the exception of eight 
acres in Rome township. 

In 1874, Mr. Grafift married Amanda Jane Gilmore, who was born in Rome 
township, July 4, 1858, a daughter of George and Amanda Gilmore, natives of 
Ohio, who were married in Iowa. Both died in Jones county. Mr. and Mrs. 
Grafft have had a family of seven children, as follows : William Edward, who 
lives in Rome township ; Essa May, who is the wife of Howard Miller, of Ana- 
mosa ; Francis Delbert, who was killed at the age of thirty by a horse ; Stacy 
Clyde, who lives in South Dakota : Bertha Pearl, who married Raleigh Shoop, 
of Rome township ; and Clarence Ray and Jessie, who are at home. 

The Grafft family are widely known and much respected Nearly all bearing 
the name are connected with agricultural pursuits, and as the farmers of Iowa 
and other western states are fast becoming the most important citizens, being 
in comfortable circumstances and interested in advancing their communities. 
John Henry Grafft is a democrat in poHtical faith and supports the candidates 
of his party with steadfast fidelity. 



lAMES BROWN. 



There are in every community men of great force of character and exceptional 
ability who by reason of their capacity for leadership in one or other ways, be- 
come recognized as foremost citizens and are called upon to bear an important 
part in public affairs. Such a man is James Brown, who has the distinction of 
being the wealthiest man of Jackson township and who has won his prosperity 
through natural sagacity, industry and good investments. 

He was born in Cincinnati. Ohio. September 27, 1842. being a son of John 
and Margaret (Lockie ) Brown, natives of Berwickshire. Scotland, where he was 
born July 25. 1810, and his wife August 17, 1812. They were married in 1837. 
In 1838, they became residents of Cincinnati. Ohio, and in 1844 removed to 
Davenport. Iowa. Not being suited with the place in two weeks they left it for 
Galena, Illinois, where they remained about ten years, and finally came to Jones 
county, Iowa, settling near the present farm of James Brown on section 11, 
but the house now stands on section 2, Jackson township. Here the father died 
October to. i8qi. while his wife preceded him, having passed away February 28, 
1889. In their family were the following children : Margaret, who died in Ga- 
lena. Illinois, aged six years ; Janette, who died in Galena when three years old ; 
George, who died when eleven years two months and twenty-two days old, in 
August. 1865; James, who was the fourth in order of birth; John who owns 




JAMES BROWN 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 379 

two hundred acres in Jones county, Iowa, but lives in Los Angeles, California; 
and two children who died in Cincinnati. 

On March 20, 1884, James Brown married Mary McBride, who was born in 
Pennsylvania, and was brought to Jones county, Iowa, bv her parents, John and 
Isabella Jane (Craig) McBride. She died May 27, 1888, at the age of thirty- 
five years two months and twenty-one days, leaving two children ; Margaret Ja- 
nette and John N. In 1891 Mr. Brown married Minnie Ahlrich who was born in 
Oldenberg, Germany, in August, 1863, and was brought to Jones county by her 
parents John and Katherine Ahlrich when she was twenty years of age. By this 
marriage there were two children : James George, who was born April 3, 1892, 
and died January 17, 1909; and Katherine Elizabeth, born August 24 1900. 

Mr. Brown owns two hundred and sixty-eight acres of rich'farming land on 
sections 2 and 11, Jackson township. At one time he had ninety acres more but 
disposed of it. In addition he owns nine hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Nueces and Starr counties, Texas, in partnership with his son. He has other 
investments which pay well and he enjoys a large income annually. It has always 
been his practice to Hve economically, to save a portion of his earnings and to 
invest them wisely, and thus it is that his holdings have increased to their pres- 
ent proportions. In politics he is a republican and he was elected school director 
when twenty-one years of age, which office he held for a number of years. His 
religious affiliations are with the United Presbyterian church. Such men as 
Mr. Brown are a credit to any community and he can always be depended upon for 
a sound, conservative judgment upon matters of public import. 

In the early years of his residence here Mr. Brown has seen as many as 
forty deer in one herd in Jackson township as the country was then wild and' un- 
improved, the prairie grasses being higher than a man's head when on horse- 
back. In 1854 he once started out on foot to hunt his cows which had strayed 
from his home one mile west of Center Junction and before finding them walked 
four or five miles northwest of that town, traveling about four miles before he 
came to a fence of any kind. In the work of development and progress he has 
ever borne his part and is recognized as one of the honored early settlers of the 
county. 



EDWARD M. HARVEY. 

Edward M. Harvey, now filling the position of justice of the peace in Ana- 
mosa, was for almost a half century closely identified with the building oper- 
ations of the city and surrounding district as a contractor. In this connection 
he became recognized as a capable and expert workman and as a man of the ut- 
most reliability in all business transactions. 

His birth occurred in Onondaga county. New York, September 24. 1835, his 
parents being John and Lydia (Booker) Harvey, who were natives of Chester, 
Suffolk county, England. They were reared in that city, which is one of the 
oldest and quaintest on the "merry isle," still showing evidences in the old stone 
wall which surrounded the city after the invasion of Julius Caesar in 50 B. C, 
for that monarch was the builder of the city wall. Mr. and Mrs. John Harvey 



380 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

were reared and married in England and in 1832 crossed the Atlantic to America 
in one of the old-time sailing vessels which were the only means of navigation 
at that period. They settled in the state of New York, where they spent the 
remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1868 at the age of seventy 
years, his birth having occurred in 1798. The mother died in 1843 at the age 
of forty-five years, and both were laid to rest in the burying ground at the old 
home. They were the parents of nine children: William B., Jane, Mary, John, 
James, Harriet and Charlotte, all now deceased ; and Henry G., who is residing 
in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is the only survivor of the family with the exception 

of our subject. 

Edward M. Harvey spent the first eighteen years of his life in the land of 
his nativity and then went to another part of the state, where he learned the 
carpenter's trade. Two years later, in 1855, he made his way westward to Grand 
Rapids, Michigan, where he followed his trade for two years and then returned 
to the Empire state. It was in New York, on the 7th of January, 1858, that 
he wedded Miss Lucy L. Clark, a daughter of Alexander and Jemima (Jackson) 
Clark, both of whom were natives of Onondaga county. New York. 

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harvey came to Anamosa, where 
they have since resided. It was then a small town of comparatively little com- 
mercial or industrial importance and with its substantial improvements since that 
time Mr. Harvey has been closely associated. He began contracting and build- 
ing here and continued actively in that business with growing and gratifying 
success until the year 1904. He was then called to the office of justice of the 
peace, which position he is still filling. His decisions are fair and impartial 
and his course in office has "won him golden opinions from all sorts of people." 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey was blessed with four children : Hattie 
M., the eldest, is now the wife of J. W. Gerber. a resident of Washington, D. C, 
and they have a daughter, Helen C, at home. Charles H.. a graduate of the 
Anamosa high school, of the Beloit (Wis.) College and of the State University 
of Michigan at Ann Arbor, is now president and manager of the Knoxville Elec- 
tric Railwav & Light Company of Knoxville, Tennessee. He married Ida Locke 
and they have two daughters, Edith C. and Helen W., both at home, but their 
mother died about 1902. Jane M.. the third of the family, is a graduate of the 
University at Ann Arbor and for eleven years has been connected with the 
pension office in Des Moines, Iowa. James E., the youngest of the family, died 

in infancy. 

Mr. Harvey is well known in fraternal circles. He belongs to Anamosa Lodge, 
No. 40. I. O. O. F., and has been identified with the fraternity since June, i860. 
He has filled every office in the local lodge and in 1872 became a member of the 
grand lodge. He is a charter member of McDaniels Encampment, I. O. O. P., 
in which he has filled every position and is also a member of the grand encamp- 
ment of the state. His name is on the roll of charter members of the Modern 
Woodmen Camp, No. 48, at Anamosa and also of the Legion of Honor, and 
in both of these organizations he has held all of the offices and from the latter 
has been a delegate to its grand lodge. His wife is a charter member of the 
Rebekah lodge, of the Eastern Star and of the Woman's Relief Corps and belongs 
to the Daughters of the American Revolution. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 381 

In his political views Mr. Harvey has been a stalwart republican since casting 
his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has taken quite 
an active part in local politics, serving as a member of the city council three 
terms ; as a member of the school board six years ; as mayor of Anamosa in 1888 
and 1889, and was township trustee for over thirty-five years. As a citizen he 
stands for all that is progressive in community affairs and for all that promises 
improvement and advancement. There is no better indication of his genial 
manner, his spirit of justice and his consideration for others than is to be found 
from the fact that for over forty years he was associated with Colonel Shaw, 
during which time they never had to resort to written agreement nor was there 
ever any trouble or misunderstanding between them. Mr. Harvey and his wife 
now occupy a comfortable home and the columns of the front porch were made 
by him fifty years ago for use on another building and were later transferred to 
his present place of residence. Here he and his wife, with whom he has traveled 
life's journey for more than a half century, are living happily and comfortably, 
the success which he has achieved being well merited for it has come as the 
direct reward of his intelligently directed labor and business probity. 



DAVID SIM. 



David Sim deceased, who for many years of his active life was one of the 
successful farmers of Wyoming township, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
October 15, 1848. His parents, John and Rachel (Robinson) Sim, were natives 
of Scotland and came to the United States in 1845. They located in Pittsburg, 
where they remained for about seven years, and then came to Jones county, Iowa, 
where they procured land from the government. On this, whicli was the home 
of their son William during his active life, they passed the last years allotted 
to them. In their family were tvv'o sons, both now deceased, for James, the 
older, died at the age of sixteen. 

David Sim received a good common-school education in Wyoming township, 
supplementing his early training with practical experience upon the farm, for 
he early began to assist his father in the work there was to do. As he grew older 
more and more of the responsibility of the place devolved upon him and when 
his parents died the land passed into his possession. He was successful in the 
vocation to which he had devoted his energies, winning large returns from the 
soil he tilled and in 1901 felt he was justified in retiring to Onslow, where his 
death occurred March 13, 1903. At that time he owned two hundred acres near 
the village in Wyoming township, besides fifteen acres of timber land and 
fourteen acres and thirteen lots in the village, where he had the fine house now 
occupied by his widow. All of this property Mrs. Sim has retained in her pos- 
session, proving herself a busmess woman of no small abilitv in her management 
of it. 

Mr. Sim was ever a stanch supporter of the republican party, never failing to 
cast his vote for its candidates on the occasion of an election, and always taking 
a deep interest in political matters. He was for years active in local affairs, for 



382 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

he filled a number of the township offices, all with great credit to himself and 
to the satisfaction of those who had placed their trust in his ability. In religious 
matters he affiliated with the Presbyterian church, in which for more than a 
quarter of a century he was an elder. Mrs. Sim is also an adherent of that faith 
and is very active in all church work, in which her skill and ability is of the 
utmost service. Mr. Sim had through many years of unremitting toil attained 
to a successful position among the agriculturists of this county; he had ordered 
his life by high standards and had come into the possession of a substantial 
income. His wife, who had aided him greatly during his lifetime, by her thrift 
and care for his welfare, possesses that business acumen that has enabled hen 
to conserve that which was bequeathed to her so that in the course of time 
it will increase and not diminish in value. 



GEORGE SLOUHA. 



Over half a century has come and gone since the arrival of George Slouha in 
Iowa and through the passing years he has witnessed the development of one of 
the finest agricultural districts of the countiy, which sixty years ago was a vast 
wilderness inhabited by the Indians who hunted the deer, elk and buffalo that 
roamed wild through the forests and over the plains. Born in Bohemia, Sep- 
tember 8, 1845, ni"6 years later he accompanied his parents, Paul and Anna 
Slouha, also natives of that country, on their emigration to America. They first 
took up their abode in Maquoketa. Jackson county, Iowa, but shortly afterward 
removed to Jones county, where the father purchased fifteen acres of land which 
he cultivated and improved, adding to the tract each year, as his income in- 
creased by reason of the abundant harvests, until when he sold the farm to his 
son George, it contained ninety acres. Unto Paul and Anna Slouha were born 
six children; George, the subject of this sketch; Joseph, John and Frank, now 
deceased; Anna, who became the wife of Bert Nowcheck and resides in Oxford 
township; and Mary, who wedded John Wlach. of Oxford Junction. The 
father of this family lived to be eighty-three years of age but the mother died 
when she was in her fifty-second year. 

Early thrown upon his own responsibilities in the new world, George Slouha 
sought and secured employment as a farm hand, working by the month, and in 
return for his labors received his board and clothing. Energetic and enthusiastic, 
however, he had worked only a year and a half in this way when he was able to 
command a more substantial equivalent for his labor and eventually purchased 
a part of the farm whereon he now resides, which has now been in possession of 
the family for about fifty years and has been owned by three successive 
generations. 

On December 28, 1868. was celebraed the marriage of George Slouha and 
Miss Josephine Wlach, who was born in Bohemia, December 20, 1848, and is a 
daughter of Joseph and Josephine Wlach, who came to Johnson county, Iowa, in 
1854, where Airs. Slouha resided until her marriage. Joseph Wlach died in 
Johnson county in October, 1868, while the mother resided with Mrs. Slouha 
until she had reached her eighty-fourth year, her death having occurred August 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 383 

8, 1899. There were eight children in her family, of whom four are now living. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Slouha were born six children, namely : Frank, who 
makes his home in Oxford township, this county; Anna, who became the wife 
of Frank Fritz, of Wyoming township ; Mary, who died at the age of three years 
and three months; Emanuel, who died in infancy; Christina, who wedded Mike 
Wacek, of Oxford township ; and Charles, who is operating the home farm. 

Charles Slouha, the youngest son, was born November 18, 1882, and has here 
continued to make his residence, having bought the old home place which con- 
tains one hundred, seventy-seven and a half acres. Since his father retired from 
active participation in the work of the fields, he has taken upon his shoulders the 
entire responsibilty of caring for his parents and operating the farm. He not 
only engages in general agricultural pursuits but makes a specialty of stock rais- 
ing. The life record of the father, George Slouha, serving as his inspiration and 
an example well worthy of emulation, the son is now attaining that success which 
is ever the reward of earnest, persistent toil. On the 4th of October, 1904, he 
was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Burda, who was born in Oxford township, 
August 16, 1884, and is the daughter of John and Anna Burda, also of Oxford 
township, Jones county, and unto Mr. and Mrs. Charles Slouha have been born 
two children, Gracy and George Ernest. 



HOWARD B. BRUTSMAN. 

Howard B. Brutsman, whose well tilled fields and subtantial buildings are 
indicative of his success in his chosen vocation, that of an agriculturist and 
dairyman, and of the prosperity which distinguishes Madison township, was 
born in Lee county, Illinois, June 14, 1868. His parents were Frank and Eliza- 
beth (Short) Brutsman, who came to Iowa from Illinois in 1870. They located 
first in Madison township, Jones county, and then removed to Jasper, where Mr. 
Brutsman lived for about fifteen years. Since the end of that period he has made 
his home with different members of his family. 

Howard B. Brutsman was reared at home, under the careful guidance of 
his parents, until nine years of age, when he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. 
Craven. He attended the common schools of his township, deriving from them 
a substantial training in the rudimentary branches of English education. In 
1890 he married and began agricultural pursuits for himself, working first as a 
farm hand and then, after a year, renting a tract of land. After an experience of 
four years as a tenant, in 1895, he was able to purchase one hundred and twenty 
acres of the farm on which he now lives, adding to it seven years later forty 
acres adjoining, so that he is now possessed of a fine tract of one hundred and 
sixty acres. Since he has assumed the ownership of the place he has greatly im- 
proved it, bringing it up to a high standard of productiveness as regards the soil, 
and erecting buildings for the accommodation of his stock, that are in accordance 
with the most advanced ideas in that line of farm industry. To dairying he has 
devoted the greater amount of his attention, milking from fifteen to twenty cows 



384 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

and finding that it is as profitable as the cultivation of cereals, to which a large 
part of his farm is given over. 

In 1890, Mr. Brutsman was joined in wedlock to Miss ^lary Fox, of Mon- 
mouth, Jackson county, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with six children : 
Pearl, Bessie, Gladys, Hazel, Lila and Edna. Since he has been of an age to 
exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Brutsman has stanchly 
given his support to the democratic party, believing in the value of the princi- 
ples enunciated in its platform. He is at present secretary of the school board, 
but he cannot be called an office seeker in any sense of the word, although he is 
always interested in public affairs, especially in the welfare of his fellow citi- 
zens. His voice is ever raised on the side of justice and progress, qualities 
which have distinguished his administration of his own affairs, which have 
placed him in the front rank of those who till the sril m Madison township. 
He belongs to the Wyoming Camp, No. i;-53, M. W. A., and is active in the inter- 
ests of his fraternal brothers and in the work of the society. 



JOHN A. McDonald. 

All the strong qualities of his sturdy Scotch forebears have had a part in 
making John A. McDonald one of the substantial men of Jones county and 
one of the farmers of unequivocal success in Madison township, where his farm 
of two hundred and fifty acres lies. A native of this township, he was born 
April 8, 1861, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Smith) McDonald, both 
natives of Perthshire, Scotland, who as young people came with their parents to 
the United States about 1855. John McDonald, a brother of Andrew McDonald, 
had preceded the families to ''[•.<. countrx- by some five years. He had not come 
to Iowa directly, however dithough he located in Jones county before the arrival 
of his parents and here had bought large tracts of land from the government. 
On this, which is the farm now occupied by John A. McDonald, the family 
located. Subsequent to their marriage Andrew McDonald and his wife ac- 
quired a ])lace to the wes*. of their son's present farm, and there spent the active 
years of their life, ur'il they retired to Center Junction, where their deaths 
occurred in 1906, tin lather's at the age of seventy years, the mother's at the 
age of seventy-six. Keared in the faith of the Presbyterian church they passed 
away attended by its consolations, for their lives had been spent in strict con- 
formance to its doctrines. In the years he had lived here, Andrew McDonald 
had become one of the well known men of Jones county, having held the position 
of commissioner for a number of years and for six or seven years having been 
steward of the poor farm. His duties he ever fulfilled with honor and to the 
entire satisfaction of his constituents. 

John A. McDonald had the advantage of sound home training under the 
guidance of his parents, and in the public schools acquired such instruction as 
he could obtain in the rudiments of an English education. A\nien he attained his 
majority he began his life as a farmer upon his own responsibility. For one 
year he rented from his uncle the farm he now owns and then removed to his 




JOHN A. Mcdonald 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 387 

father's land which he operated as a renter for about twenty-four years. In 
1907, the old McDonald homestead was deeded to him by his uncle John and 
he removed to it and has since made it his home. Here he has engaged very 
extensively in the cattle business, buying cattle in large numbers and putting into 
his fields to feed upon the abundant grass. His operations, which have been 
guided by a clear-headed business policy, have been attended with marked suc- 
cess and have won for him a conspicuous position among the cattle men of 
Jones county. 

In 1882 Mr. McDonald married Miss Esther Reed, of Madison township and 
to them nine children have been bom: Guy A., a mail carrier of Center Junc- 
tion, Iowa; John W., who died in 1909; CHfford F., of Center Junction; and 
Elizabeth M., Ethel M., Lulu B., Maggie E., Andrew R., and Scott B., all at 
home. The family have been reared in the faith of their parents, and are faithful 
in their attendance on the services of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, Mr. 
McDonald is connected with the Center Junction Lodge, No. 711, I. O. O. P., 
and with the Center Junction Camp, No. 892, M. W. A., and is prominent in 
both organizations. On the occasions of elections he invariably casts his ballot 
for the candidates of the republican party, but he is not active politically nor 
is he an aspirant for office. 



ROBERT JOHN CARSON. 

Robert John Carson is a worthy representative of the Carson family, who 
from the earliest settlement of Jones county has been identified with its farming 
interests. Mr. Carson was born on a farm in Scotch Grove township, December 
I, 1864, a son of Robert and Margaret (Todd) Carson, both of whom were natives 
of Ireland. The father was but a boy when he accompanied his mother to the 
new world, his father having died when he was but a child. His mother made 
her way to Illinois and there the son found employment in the coal mines. Event- 
ually they came to Jones county and located in Scotch Grove township, where 
Robert Carson purchased two hundred acres of land at ten dollars per acre. 
This proved a successful venture and he seemed fitted for farm work. On 
account of his father's death, the family were left in limited financial circumstances 
and he was deprived of many advantages, not even having the privilege of attend- 
ing school. His lack of education, however, seemed no bar to his success, for at 
the time of his death, which occurred August 23, 1906, he was the owner of four 
hundred and twenty-two acres of land, divided into three farms. He also raised 
cattle quite extensively and for many years was classed among the prosperous 
and substantial farmers of Jones county. He was a republican in his political 
views and a Presbyterian in religious faith. 

Robert J. Carson was reared under the parental roof and at the usual age began 
his studies in the district schools. He remained at home, assisting in the care of 
the farm until his twenty-third year, when he established a home of his own by 
his marriage on the 8th of June. 1887. to Miss Mary J. McBride. of Richland 
township, this county, and a daughter of William McBride, now deceased. 



388 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Following his marriage Mr. Carson located on the farm which is now his 
home but which at that time was the property of his father. For twenty years 
he cultivated this land as a renter but upon the settlement of the father's estate he 
purchased the property of the other heirs and now owns eighty acres in Scotch 
Grove township. For the past seventeen years, in addition to carrying on gen- 
eral farming, he has operated a threshing machine. His first engine was run by 
horse power but when the steam thresher was placed upon the market he pur- 
chased one and has since done a large business in threshing in various sections 
of the county. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carson have been born five children, William Frederick, 
Fannie, John Vernon, Mamie and Margaret, all still at home. Mr. Carson is a 
republican in his political views and has been called by his fellow townsmen to 
fill various public offices, having served as constable, road supervisor and school 
director. He is a Modern Woodman, belonging to Camp No. 892, at Center 
Junction. His success is well deserved for it has come to him through strict 
adherance to honorable methods. 



EMERSON SHOTWELL. 

Emerson Shotwcll, a substantial farmer of Greenfield township, was born in 
Lobo, Ontario, Canada, March 19, 1864, and is the son of Joseph Marsh and 
Martha (Ferguson) Shotwell. On his father's side he is descended from the 
Friends or Quakers who came to this country in the second half of the seventeenth 
century. A. M. Shotwell, a relative, with care and diligence traced the family 
genealogy back two hundred and fifty years and as the result of his study a 
large book of tables and historic data is in the possession of Mr. Shotwell. 
There are many interesting items concerning this compilation, first in regard 
to the men who began it and the means used to carry on the work. A. M. 
Shotwell. who undertook the task of looking up the old records and tracing 
the different members of the family, strange as it may seem, had no use of his 
eyes. He was assisted by a brother and sister. His brother did most of the 
writing, but he was also disabled and, because of paralysis of his arms, was 
compelled to hold the pen in his teeth. With the aid of a sister the work was 
completed and made useable. From it is learned that Abraham Shotwell was the 
first of the family in this country. He came from England in 1665 and located 
in Elizabeth, New Jersey, whence his descendants have spread over the United 
States and into Canada, their location in the latter section of this continent being 
due to the fact that as Quakers the family took no part in the Revolutionary 
war and in compensation for their neutrality were given a grant of land in Can- 
ada by the British government. Considering the other side of the struggle, 
William Shotwell, a great-grandfather of the subject, was fined by the colonie.s 
for failing to render military service and his property confiscated, including 
the stone house that was completed on the day Cornwallis surrendered, October 
19, 1 781. He thereupon moved to Welland, Canada West, where he passed 
the remainder of his days, dying at the advanced age of ninety-three years. He 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 389 

had a son John, one of the sixth generation since the founding of the family in 
the United States, who was born in 1785 and died in Lapeer county, Michigan. 
His home had formerly been, however, in Thorold, Canada West, which is now 
the district of Ontario. This book of genealogical facts has a historic value in 
that it corrects a mistake that from constant repetition is supposed to be authen- 
tic, namely the battle commonly known as that of Lundy's Lane, should be 
Lundy's Land, as it was fought on the property owned by Lundy, who was 
a distant relative of Air. Shotwell. 

Joseph Marsh Shotwell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Canada and came to Iowa first in 1854. He remained here for some time 
and then returned to Canada, where he married Miss Martha Ferguson and then 
in 1866 came to Greenfield township, Jones county, to spend the rest of his 
days. His wife, like himself of Canadian birth, can also trace her family 
back many generations. Through her marriage she became the mother of two 
children : Emerson, of this review ; and Louisa, who was born in June, 1870, 
and died at the age of two years. 

Emerson Shotwell was a child of two when his parents came to live in 
Greenfield township and here he grew to manhood, learning the secrets of the 
cultivation of the soil from his father and through actual experience. He 
received a common-school education and when it became time for him to embark 
upon the sea of life upon his own responsibility he devoted himself to farming. 
He now owns one hundred and twenty acres on sections 21 and 22, Greenfield 
township, a well improved tract of land, cultivated by progressive methods. 

In 1893 Mr. Shotwell wedded Miss Louisa Bishop, a daughter of Francis 
M. and Harriett (Armstrong) Bishop, who were old settlers in this county and 
were the parents of two other daughters : Mrs. Angeline Gordon, now living 
in Oklahoma ; and Lydia, who has remained at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Shot- 
well have been born two children: Alma, born September 4, 1894; and Francis 
Joseph, born November 15, 1896. 

Mr. Shotwell's political sympathies are largely with the democratic party, 
but he is independent and inspired with progressive ideas and frequently votes 
for the candidate or issue which he thinks best irrespective of party ties. He 
has been school director and secretary of the board of education for the past 
twenty-two years, and trustee of the township for four years. In both capaci- 
ties he has ever exerted his influence in the development of all the enterprises 
which would advance the best interests of the community in which he lives. 
He has in this manner made himself a vital factor in local affairs. 



WILLIAM LEWIS KETCHAM. 

William Lewis Ketcham, whose demise occurred on the 23d of July, 1906, 
was for many years actively and successfully indentified with the farming and 
stock-raising interests of Jones county, gaining an enviable reputation as a 
dealer in shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses. His birth occurred in Dela- 
ware county, Ohio, on the i8th of February, 185 1, his parents being John and 



390 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Martha (Wheaton) Ketcham. He was about sixteen years of age when he 
left his native state in company with his parents and took up his abode in Iowa 
and here he made his home throughout the x'emainder of his Hfe, winning a 
gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings as a farmer and stockman. 
His standard of conduct was high, his word absolute and unquestioned truth 
and his counsel and advice were much sought. A man of unfailing courtesy 
and unfeigned cordiality, he was a worthy exemplar of the Golden Rule and 
a splendid type of the true Christian gentleman. 

On the 1st of January, 1877, Mr. Ketcham was united in marriage to ]^Iiss 
Ruby Stone, a daughter of Curtis and Mary (Burton) Stone, who were natives 
of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively. The year 1853 witnessed their 
arrival at Bowen Prairie, Jones county, Iowa, and here they continued to reside 
until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham w^ere the parents of five 
daughters, as follows: Mary Lulu, who died in 1884 when but an infant; Ruby 
Stone, who is a student in the American Medical Missionary College of Battle 
Creek, Michigan; Mattie Emily, who on the ist of September, 1909, gave her 
hand in marriage to A. Ray Fairbanks, with whom she resides on the old farm 
home, they having recently purchased the place from the heirs ; Clara An- 
toinette, a student in the fine arts department of Drake University at Des [Moines. 
Iowa; and Wilhelmina H., who is a sophomore in a high school of Battle Creek, 
Michigan. 



HUGH CORBITT. 



Energy and perseverance are the qualities which have placed Hugh Corbitt 
among the successful and representative farmers of Clay township. A native 
of Ireland, he came to this country a poor boy but has now accumulated a 
substance which may compare favorably with those acquired by men whose 
handicap in the battle of life was not so great. His mother, who bore the 
maiden name of Betsey McMaster, came to America with her son Hugh, after 
the death of the father, but lived only six years after her arrival, for her death 
occurred in 1870, and she is buried at the cemetery in Wehawken, New Jersey. 
A sister of our subject, Nancy Corbitt, has also come to this country. The 
father, John Corbitt, lived and died in Ireland. 

It was on May 4, 1847, that Hugh Corbitt was bom. He received his edu- 
cation in the schools of his native land, and in 1864, when about seventeen 
years of age. came to the United States. He landed at New York city, where 
he secured employment as spinner in a carpet factory, remaining there for 
about nine years. At the expiration of that period he came to Jones county. 
Iowa, buving a tract of eighty acres of land in Clay township, on which he im- 
mediately began to pursue the calling of a farmer. In the course of years, 
as a well deserved success crowned his efforts, he was able to purchase two 
hundred and twenty acres more, so that he now has a fine farm of three hundred 
acres. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he has engaged in the stock 
business, raising a large quantity of hogs and cattle for the market. Industry. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 391 

energy and perseverance have ever been strong characteristics of his and they 
have been the means of the success which has marked his career. His farm 
is well improved in accordance with the most advanced ideas, his buildings are 
substantial, commodious and adequately adapted to the uses to which they are 
applied, while the careful cultivation of his fields tells its own story of liis skill 
in his chosen vocation. 

After he became well established in life, Mr. Corbitt married Miss Agnes 
B. Litch, who was born near Belfast in County Antrim, Ireland, August 6, 
i860. She was a daughter of Samuel and Lavinia (Campbell) Litch, both na- 
tives of Ireland. The latter was born in 1830, and despite her years, came to 
America in 1903, taking up her residence with Mr. Corbitt and his family. Be- 
sides Mrs. Corbitt three of her daughters and one son have come to this country 
and established themselves in useful and profitable lives here. Mrs. Corbitt 
spent tl)c early years of her life in the city of Belfast, receiving her education 
in its schools. In 1889 she embarked upon her journey to the new world, and. 
shortly after her arrival, on January i, 1890, was united in marriage to Mr. 
Corbitt. Six children have been granted to the couple : John Cecil, born April 
18, 1891 ; Elizabeth McMaster, born March 5, 1893; Lavinia C, born Decem- 
ber 16, 1895 ; Anna N., born April 18, 1897 ; Agnes E,. born August 22, 1902 ; 
and James M., whose birth occurred May 6, 1904. 

In the years that he has exercised his right of franchise, Mr. Corbitt has 
given unqualified support to the candidate of the republican party, for he has 
felt convinced of the value of its principles, while he has, since coming to Jones 
county, fulfilled the duties of school director with care and efficiency. He is a 
member of the Presbyterian church and has been closely identified with its 
work. A diligent farmer and a good citizen, in the enjoyment of a large in- 
come, Mr. Corbitt holds the respect and good will of his fellows, though his 
popularity is not determined by his success but by the strong traits of honesty 
and integrity of purpose which have ever characterized his intercourse with 
others. 



FRANK STHALEK. 



Austria has furnished to the United States many men who left their native 
land inspired by laudable ambition to seek in this western country, with its 
more progressive methods, livelier competition and broad fields of industry, 
the opportunity to attain success and have here established their homes. Among 
this number is Frank Sthalek, who was born in Bohemia about seventy years 
ago and, starting out on the journey across the Atlantic unaccompanied, arrived 
in America and settled in Jones county, Iowa, sometime in the '60s after the 
Civil war. He started to work immediately on his arrival in this county, being 
employed as a farm hand by the month and in this way his time and energies, 
conscientiously given to others, enabled him to acquire a practical knowledge 
and broad experience in his chosen work. Eventually he rented a farm of eighty 
acres in Oxford township, whereon he made his home for six years, industrious- 
ly tilling the land and raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. Real- 



392 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

izing the importance of economical and careful expenditure, through his cap- 
able management, wise selection of grain and untiring efforts in the cultivation 
of the fields, he finally saved a sum sufficient to purchase this eighty acre farm 
and, as the years have passed, he has added to this tract another of like dimen- 
sions situated nearby, being now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. 

Mr. Sthalek married Miss Alary Kucra. who was also born in Bohemia, in 
1844, and came to America with her brothers. Unto this union have been 
born three children, as follows: Joseph, who died unmarried at the age of 
thirty-two years; Annie, who became the wife of John Bawlists, of Clinton 
county, Iowa; and Frank, who is at home with his parents and operates the 
farm. Mr. Sthalek has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire 
life and, while at present he oversees and is yet interested in the management 
of the farm, most of the manual labor is entrusted to his son, Frank, who is 
ambitious to follow in the footsteps of the father, who is classed among the 
worthy representative citizens of his community. 



MOORE AND ELWOOD KIRKPATRICK. 

Moore Kirkpatrick, Sr., the father of the gentlemen whose names head this 
sketch, was one of the best examples of the sturdy sons Ireland is sending this 
country. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 8, 1826, a son of 
Thompson and Elizabeth (Story) Kirkpatrick, who brought him to America, 
locating in Philadelphia when about eleven years of age. Both parents died in 
Pennsylvania. Thompson Kirkpatrick was a school and music teacher and was 
kindly remembered for many years by his pupils who loved the kindly old Irish 
gentleman. The children born to Thompson Kirkpatrick and wife were seven 
in number, namely: Moore, John, William J., Ellen, Anne, Elizabeth and Martha. 

The education of Moore Kirkpatrick, Sr., was secured in Philadelphia and 
there he also learned the trade of a painter and grainer and followed it after 
locating in Iowa. His advent in this state occurred in 1866, when he reached 
Cedar county, but his permanent settlement here was made when he located in 
Hale township, Jones county, in the spring of 1867. This locality continued to be 
his home until his demise, which occurred July 9, 1876. Upon coming here Mr. 
Kirkpatrick settled upon one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he im- 
proved, and he kept adding to his holdings until he owned about five hundred 
acres. He was a public-spirited man and held a number of the township offices, 
espousing at all times the principles of the republican party. 

On the 19th of May. 1848. Moore Kirkpatrick, Sr.. married Annie M. Scott 
who was born in Ireland, July 4, 1825, and was brought to Philadelphia by her 
parents when she was about fifteen years old. Mrs. Kirkpatrick passed away, 
deeply lamented, August 24, 1888. She bore her husband six children, two of 
whom died in infancy, the others being: William, who died unmarried, in Jan- 
uary, 1888. aged thirty-six years, for he was born July 13, 1852; Moore was born 
January 21, 1854 and resides on a part of the homestead; Dr. John W., a physi- 
cian, who was born October 9, 1862, and died May 9, 1903, at Wyoming, Jones 




MOORE K I RK PATRICK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 395 

county, leaving- a wife and four children ; and Elwood, who was born October 
30, 1865, and now resides on a part of the homestead. These children were born 
in Philadelphia. 

Aloore and Elwood Kirkpatrick came with their parents to Hale township, 
Jones county, Iowa, in 1867 and after the death of their father they had charge 
of the estate under the firm name of Kirkpatrick brothers until 1892, when they 
divided the five hundred and sixty-six acres of land that they had held in com- 
mon and made some changes. Moore Kirkpatrick now owns two hundred and 
twenty-three acres, including- the old home on section 35, Hale township, while 
Elwood owns four hundred and twenty-three acres, two hundred and twenty 
acres of which are in Cedar county, and the remainder in Jones county, his farm 
being on the county line. His residence, however, is on section 36, Hale town- 
ship. Elwood feeds about two hundred head of stock annually. He is a strong 
republican and at present is one of the township board of trustees. In 1890 he 
married Lucy \'aughn, who was born August 23, 1868, near Wyoming, Jones 
county, a daughter of P. L. and Lydia (Baldwin) Vaughn, the former of whom 
is deceased, but the latter survives and lives in Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood 
Kirkpatrick have three children, namely : William Howard, Harry Elwood and 
Marian Lucy. Religiously he is a member of the Clarence Presbyterian church. 
Moore Kirkpatrick is unmarried. 

These young men are progressive farmers who have done much to raise the 
standard of agricultural life in their community. Their fertile acres yield them 
comfortable incomes and they are public-spirited enough to desire to assist in 
anything that looks toward the advancement of neighborhood interests. 



JAMES MYRON YOUNG, M. D. 

Since 1903 Dr. James Myron Young has been one of the remarkably suc- 
cessful physicians of Center Junction. A native of this town, he was born Aug- 
ust 29, 1875, his parents being James and Amanda (Printz) Young. The father 
is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the Young family having been founded in America 
about the middle of the eighteenth century by William and Mary (White) 
Young, natives of Scotland. This couple came to this country from the north 
of Ireland, where they were wealthy landowners and his ancestors were said 
to have been baronets. In their religious faith they were Presbyterians and as 
they were living in the midst of a Catholic community they came to the new 
world in order to escape the persecutions to which members of their faith were 
subjected. Mr. and Mrs. David Young, the grandparents of our subject, were 
married in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and in 1843, after selling their farm, 
started upon their journey to Iowa. They traveled down the Ohio river to 
Cairo, Illinois, thence up the Mississippi to Bellevue, Jackson county, Iowa, 
where they disembarked. On Brush creek Mr. Young found a site suitable 
for the erection of a mill and there built a log house with puncheon floors and 
clapboard roof held in place by weight poles, no nails being used in the con- 
struction of the cabin. The mill which he also built had but one iron wheel, 



396 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

the others being made of wood, the wooden cogs for which were boiled in lard 
for three or four days. Upon the site chosen when he came to Iowa, he and his 
wife passed the remainder of their lives, the former continuing in the opera- 
tion of the mill until his death. 

As James Young, the father of our subject, was but two years of age when 
he came to Iowa, almost his entire life has been passed within its boundaries. 
He was reared to manhood under the parental roof, assisting in the work of the 
mill until 1867, when he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which 
he has since devoted his life, having become with the passage of years one of 
the successful farmers of Scotch Grove township. Seven children were bom 
to him and his wife, namely: Ehza M., the wife of Rev. A. B. Fickle, of Shells- 
burg, Benton county, Iowa ; E. Ray, of Madison township, mention of whom is 
made elsewhere in this work; James M., the subject of this sketch; David L., 
an attorney of Boise City, Idaho ; John Arthur, a Alethodist Episcopal minister 
of Ridgeway, Iowa ; William Harvey, who is attending Grinnell College ; and 
T. Ross, who is yet at home. A consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, the father has served on its official board for several years and at the 
same time has been most active in Sunday-school work. Politically he gives his 
support to the prohibition party and for two years served his community as 
justice of the peace. Characterized as his career has been by high ideals and 
noble principles, his life has been a constant example and inspiration to those 
who have borne his name. 

James Myron Young was reared under the parental roof, on the farm, and 
he continued the education derived from the common schools through attendance 
at the Center Junction high school. After the completion of its prescribed 
course he spent the year of 1894-5 at Epworth Seminary in Dubuque county, 
Iowa. The next two years, those of 1895-6, and 1896-7, he spent in teaching, 
later reentering Epworth Seminary, from which he was graduated with the 
class of 1899, having taken the Latin and scientific courses. In that year he 
decided to take up the profession of medicine, in which he had always been 
interested and had read to some extent. He entered the State University at 
Iowa City, from which he received his medical degree at the close of the school 
year of 1903. His graduation having taken place on June 19. the following day 
he arrived in Center Junction with the intention of going to his home to spend 
a week's vacation. However, a professional call awaited him in the town and 
his vacation was postponed. From that time to the present Dr. Young has 
enjoyed a career as a medical practitioner that has been singularly successful from 
the start. Always having a pronounced liking for the work, he prosecuted his 
studies with the enthusiasm of a man who knew what was his life's work. 

On the 19th of August, 1903, Dr. Young wedded Miss Alice Dawson, a 
daughter of Thomas Dawson, of Center Junction. Three children have been 
born to the couple: Roy D. ; Esther M., deceased; and Ralph E. Fraternally 
Dr. Young is connected with the Modem Woodmen of America and with the 
Mystic Workers of the World, while he keeps in touch with the best interests 
of his fellow physicians through his membership in the Jones County and State 
Medical Societies and in the Iowa Union Medical Association. A skilled diag- 
nostician and painstaking in his conduct of cases, Dr. Young has won a large 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 397 

competence from the citizens of Center Junction. A more concrete idea of his 
success, however, may be gained from the fact that he owns a farm in Scotch 
Grove township, one in Idaho and considerable property in Center Junction. 
While this indicates his worldly prosperity it fails to do justice to the respect 
of those to whom he has ministered — this he considers the greatest reward of 
his labor. 



FRANCIS MARION GLENN. 

Francis Marion Glenn, one of the progressive farmers of Jackson town- 
ship, is a native of Jones county, having been born in the township where he 
now resides, October 26, 1858, a son of Joseph M. and Mary J. (Ireland) 
Glenn. The father was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 19, 1834, 
his parents being Wright and Margaret (Bogg) Glenn, also natives of Ken- 
tucky, where they were reared and married. After their marriage Wright Glenn 
and wife went to Indiana and spent two and one-half years, when they decided 
to push on westward to Jones county, Iowa, and arrived here October 15, 1837, 
having made the journey with an ox team, as was the custom of the sturdy emi- 
grants in those days. They located three miles west of OHn, where Mr. Glenn 
took up a claim. His death followed, however, in a year, and the family sold 
the claim and moved two miles southwest of their first home in Jackson town- 
ship. Here Joseph M. Glenn remained on the forty-acre farm they secured until 
his marriage and for three years thereafter, when he removed to the farm which 
was his home for nearly forty-six years. He eventually became the owner of 
six hundred and forty acres, divided into three farms. Forty acres of this is 
yet timber land, but a large part of it was in bottom land, and is now very 
fertile and exceedingly valuable. In March, 1898, Mr. Glenn removed to Olin, 
which has since been his home, and he not only owns three houses there but forty 
acres adjoining the town. Later in life, the mother of Joseph M. Glenn re- 
turned to Kentucky, where she died in the city of Richmond. She had three 
children of whom Joseph M. was the eldest, the others being: Elizabeth Gates, 
now a resident of Smith covmty, Kansas ; and Martin, who enlisted from Mis- 
souri as a soldier of the Civil war and died in the service of measles, which 
disease was very prevalent among the soldiers. 

Joseph M. Glenn was married in the fall of 1855 to Mary Jane Ireland, 
who was born in Indiana in March, 1837, a daughter of James Ireland. She 
came to Jones county, Iowa, with her parents in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn 
became the parents of seven children: James W., who lives in Jackson town- 
ship ; Francis Marion, of this review ; Margaret M. Houstman, who is now de- 
ceased ; Rebecca Ann. who married John Glick, of Olin ; Clara Viola, the wife 
of Tice Platner, of Jackson township ; Jesse and Mary Jane, who are at home 
There is also a grandson, Ralph Irwin Glenn, who has lived with his grand- 
father since he was six months old. He is now a clerk in the First National 
Bank of Olin and has been for the past four years. Mr. Glenn is a member of the 
United Brethren church, and is active in its good work. 



398 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Francis Marion Glenn, son of Joseph M. Glenn, remained with his parents 
until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account upon rented land. 
He then went to Olin, where he bought a dray business, but, losing his wife, 
he returned home for four years and then married again. Air. Glenn then began 
farming upon eighty acres he purchased on sections 22 and 23, Jackson town- 
ship, upon which he has made many improvements, and now has in process of 
construction a fine, modern farm house. He is an excellent farmer and is doing 
well, making his farm pay him a good interest upon his investment. He is a 
republican in political faith and has served as township clerk. The United 
Brethren church of Olin claims his membership, and he enjoys his association 
with it. 

The first marriage of Mr. Glenn was celebrated October 26, 1886, Miss Eloise 
O'Brian, of Linn county, Iowa, becoming his wife. She was a daughter of John 
and Phoebe O'Brian, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of 
Springville. One son was born of this union, Ralph, now assistant cashier of 
the First National Bank of Olin. Mrs. Glenn died June 29, 1888. On Septem- 
ber 22, 1892, Mr. Glenn married Susie Strickell, who was born in Cass town- 
ship, Alay 14, 1868, daughter of William and Sarah (Munn) Strickell, na- 
tives of England, where he was born July 16, 1834, and she was born January 
19, 1832. Mrs. Strickell came to Xew Orleans when twenty-one, arriving 
in November, 1853, and her husband landed in New York city when a young 
man. They were married at Freport, Illinois, and came to Jones county, Iowa, 
in a prairie schooner, in December. 1864. The death of Mr. Strickell occurred 
in 1886, but his widow survived him until November 5, 1906. By occupation 
he was a farmer. There were four daughters and three sons in their family. 
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn are the parents of five children, namely: Clinton, Alta, 
Hubert, Francis and Winnie. 



GEORGE B. HALL. 



For a number of years George B. Hall was one of the leading farmers of 
Clay township, but he has now given up agricultural pursuits and has retired 
to the village of Onslow, though he continues to practice, to some extent, his 
profession as a veterinary surgeon. He was born in New York state, August 
10, 1849, and is a son of James L. and Amelia (Cronkheit) Hall, both natives of 
that state. In 1852 they came to Iowa, taking up a government claim in this 
county, which remained their home for the rest of their lives. During the 
progress of the Civil war Mr. Hall enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa 
Volunteer Infantry. He survived the hardships of the battlefield and was ac- 
corded many years of active life after he returned to his farm, but his wife 
passed away while he was in the army. Four children were born to them : 
George B. ; Charles A., who lives in Onslow ; Eva, who is the wife of E. N. 
Walker, of Jackson county, Iowa ; and Lyman C, also a resident of Jackson 
county. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 399 

George B. Hall received a fair education in the public schools of Clay town- 
ship, and obtained a practical preparation for the problems of life at home 
through the cultivation of the farm, for being the oldest of the family, when 
his father left to enter the army he and his younger brothers did the work and 
assumed the responsibilities of operating the place. Their difficulties were in- 
creased with the death of their mother, after which Mr. Hall, who was four- 
teen years of age at the time, went to live with an uncle. After one year spent 
in his home, he went to work upon a farm and then two years later bought a 
team, which he took to the lumber region and used in the hauling of logs. He 
was only nineteen v/hen he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits for him- 
self. First he rented the old homestead and, then in 1882 bought eighty acres 
in Clay township, on which he lived for three or four years. That property 
he traded for eighty acres adjoining his father's place, which two years later 
he was able to buy. It consisted of one hundred and twerity acres, and remained 
Mr. Hall's home until 1889, when he sold it to purchase two hundred and sev- 
enty-two acres, which was the scene of his labors for about eighteen years. 
At the end of that period he felt justified in relinquishing the heavier of his 
cares and retiring to live in comparative ease in the village. He has, however, 
not wholly given up his practice as a veterinary surgeon, in which he had been 
very successful while he followed it in connection with his agricultural in- 
terests. 

In the fall of 1868 Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Jennie J. Hodge, 
who was one of the seven children born to her parents, Simon and Jane (Dun- 
ham) Hodge, both deceased. They were natives of Pennsylvania, which was 
also the birthplace of Mrs. Hall, who was born in Mercer county in 1847. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Hall have been born four children : George E., of Onslow : Frank E., who 
lives in Nebraska; Albert E., of Onslow; and Elta A., who is the wife of Wil- 
liam L. Brown, of this county. Albert E. Hall was born December i, 1875, 
and after having received a common-school education and worked upon his 
father's farms for several years, in 1907 came to Onslow where he engaged in 
the livery business. On the i6th of September. 1908, he wedded Miss Jessie 
Johnston, who was born in this county in 1888 and is a daughter of Frank and 
Mary (Hanna) Johnston. Her mother was born in Jones county, while her 
father was a native of Jackson county. He followed farming for a number 
of years but has now retired to Onslow where he and his wife are living. Mrs. : 
Albert Hall is one of a family of four children and has become the mother of 
one son, Herbert Dillon, who was born June 14, 1909. Albert Hall is a republi- 
can in his political views but has never sought public office. He is a member 
of Onslow Lodge, No. 2120. M. W. A., and his wife belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

George B. Hall has always given his support to the republican party, finding 
himself most nearly in sympathy with the principles enunciated in its plat- 
form, while he has been interested in public matters generally, he has never 
sought official preferment, although he has served as a member of the school 
board for a period of ten years. With his wife he belongs to the Presbyterian 
church in accordance with those teachings he tries to order his life. A man 
who with courage and fortitude endured the hardships of his early years and 



400 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

through industry and frugaHty has acquired a handsome competence, he is 
well entitled to the rest he enjoys and to the respect which those who know 
him generously give him. 



REV. ROBERT POWERS. 

As the procession of years which make up this — the most wonderful age in 
human history — advances in its solemn march, each observer naturally takes a 
special interest in the question, "What constitutes or wherein consists the su- 
periority of our age above all others?" The answers are as diversified as the 
minds that look at the subject. The statesman sees it in political forces, the 
merchant in finances, the mechanic in inventions, the litterateur in education, the 
husbandman points to the ground, and the laborer holds out his strong arm. 
But the Christian — and that signifies a fair proportion in every class — will for- 
ever give most of the credit to religion as a factor in the progress of the world. 
Religion, which values time chiefly in its bearing on Eternity, which refers all 
civilization to the immortal character of the individual, which works in the domain 
of mind, not matter, which guides the heart before the hand of man;- religion, 
whose chart and compass and guiding star is the Golden Rule. "Do unto others 
whatsoever you would have others do unto you ;" religion is not only the coun- 
terpart, it is the source and center and motive power of all progressive civilization. 
Without religion society should inevitably sink back in its physical, productive and 
progressive capabilities to the condition of the aborigines, where the hand of 
might was ever uplifted against the weak in open warfare, and one generation 
took a pride in tearing down as much as the preceding generation had built up. 

Religion, or the relation of the creature to the Creator, is not a new thing. 
It is as old as Adam in some form or other. A great Englishman says, "Man 
is naturally a religious animal." Again our race has been called "incorrigibly 
religious." 

There is too in western civilization an organized religion — the religion of 
Jesus Christ. It also is believed to have in it the seeds of immortality. In what 
consists its vitality that it should not die forever? Is it that it is a "feeling," 
a little personal keepsake, to be used privately within the darkness of one's 
domicile and aired on the Sabbath in "pious platitudes" and "glittering gen- 
eralities?" Or is it rather a power to rouse and raise up and drive men out to 
do something — ^to dare and do and die — good on the Sabbath and just as good 
and necessary every other day of the week? What other religion is worth 
while? What else is the conception of the religion of the Baptist, who hurled 
defiance at a king on his throne, though he well knew that his head should pay 
the forfeit? What else the religion of Jesus who "taught as one having au- 
thority and not as the scribes," though he foresaw that his words should be 
sealed by the blood of the gibbet ? Religion in this -^ense means much. It is not 
sustained by sweet "uplifting" talks which never reach the springs of action. 
It implies an authoritative power which brooks no other alternative than "thou 
shalt," and "thou shalt not." 




REV. ROBERT POWERS 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 403 

Now if these things be true; if rehgion was implanted originally in the heart 
of mankind, if its meaning was taught and exemplified by Jesus in the flesh and 
his Baptist herald, if it is immortalized for the safe-guarding and success and 
salvation of society, the inference is no less certain that there is no conceivable 
possibility of preserving, propagating and perpetuating religion except by the au- 
thorized teaching of the Christian church. America, like other nations, is in- 
herently religious and American intelligence approves of Christianity, but our 
present people refuse to attach much importance to the church and — strange 
to find — the more learning Professor Ethics and Dr. Supernatural pretend to 
possess, the less seriously they are taken. Consistency, if not gratitude for 
freedom, should compel us to be Christians. We are a nation of equals who 
are brothers — brothers of Jesus Christ — one as nearly related as the other. The 
Redeemer is both our preceptor and pattern. He "liath put down the mighty 
and exalted the lowly." He declared of himself that he "came to minister, not 
to be ministered to." In America all are servants — the president is a servant, 
merchants are servants to their customers, doctors to their patients and the 
clergy to their parishioners. Americans, too, are all workers. Among them 
work is honorable — the useful is always noble. God grant that it may remain 
so. When we get to despise work we are going a long way back to the eighteenth 
century — back to pre-Christian paganism. 

History, profane, sacred and ecclesiastical, is said to be the recorded lives of 
a few individuals — kings, heroes, authors, inventors, saints — their names in life 
are on every tongue and after death they go ringing down the corridors of time. 
But in a democracy where all are servants are not all kings, too? In a sense 
every man is a hero — the hero of his own destiny. There is no man born into 
this world without a destiny — he is sent here for a special end and purpose. If 
he is true to his colors, faithful to his Creator, strong in the pursuit of his life 
purpose, he is verily a hero. His name may not shine of "Fame's eternal bede- 
roll worthy to be filed," still though hidden here in the ranks of the unknown he 
has his angelic Plutarch who will make full record of his deeds in the "Book 
of Life," and beyond the stars his name and fame will reverberate dowm through 
the ages of eternity. The statesman and the soldier may hold up their hands and 
swear allegiance to the flag, that is to say they are willing to shed their heart's 
blood for it — a noble thought — it swells every heart that walks to war, but there 
is a loyalty higher than obedience to purpled royalty or popular congress, it is 
fidelity to the flag of the Cross — a holocaust of service to follow in the foot- 
steps of a crucified King and, like Peter, the Hermit, induce others to enter the 
ranks — "God wills it" — "Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war." 

The call of the modern crusader of Christ to come, take possession of the 
"kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world," seems to fall on deaf 
ears. People have reversed the order of seeking (secondly) "the kingdom of 
God and his righteousness," and have transferred their dependence from reli- 
gious to secular societies. Indeed it takes a great deal of courage to be a preacher 
nowadays, when what was once regarded as "beatitudes" are looked upon as 
simple platitudes, when the hearers are so saturated with worldliness that not 
only the manner of delivering the message is criticised, but the matter of the 
message is questioned and doubts raised as to whetlier it came from God. and 



404 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

when, moreover, the only weapon the speaker can appeal to — the power of an 
unanimous church — lies broken into two hundred and fifty fragments in his 
hands. Well, how much is the church herself to blame for this powerlessness? 
Has not the human mixed with the divine — weeds with roses? It is a poor 
sort of piety to kneel down and pray the prayer of the Prince of Peace — "Love 
one another as I have loved you," and then to stand up and preach the practice 
described in Butler's Hudibras, of "hating each other for the love of God." The 
old axiom will forever hold true, "United we stand, divided we fall." The only 
Archimedean lever to lift the world is the unadulterated Word, spoken first by 
the Alan of Galilee and repeated by the undying voice of an united church. 
The church is the agent commissioned by the Savior to "teach all nations," and 
the preacher speaks not in his own name but in the name of a divinely established 
church. 

A great American once asserted that he acknowledged no leading light except 
the lamp of experience. He meant, no doubt, the experience of his own country ; 
he thought nothing of the rest of the world. After its independence America 
is even more unwilling to learn in any other school than that of actual experience. 
But later or sooner the day will dawn — good for church and state — when the 
American people will be convinced by experience that "man does not live on 
bread alone," neither do churches live on mutual contradictions alone. Oh, for 
the time when all God's children will be one, as God is one, in the faith of St. 
Augustine — "non essentials, liberty — essentials, unity — all things, charity." The 
prayer of Moses comes to mind, "Oh, that they were wise and would understand." 
It was his last word for his chosen people. 

Alany elements make for success in the ministry of the church. First, genius 
is not a necessity. Alexander Hamilton was a genius. He created the United 
States treasury. He could not keep his own accounts. Napoleon was a matchless 
genius. He could conquer nations. He could not drill a single regiment in the 
manual of arms. A minister needs talent, though not extraordinary brain bril- 
liancy. The secret of success is difficult to detect and is not the same in all. There 
is a talent of the heart, often more potent than power of mind. But an indis- 
pensable requisite is what is called the "personal equation," that is, broadly speak- 
ing, a certain something in the man. Is it magnetism, is it born, or is it acquired 
— a faculty of managing other men — a gift of effectiveness possessed by not one 
person in five hundred? 

A churchman's standing in his community is not altogether owing to personal 
merit. It is official. He is a representative of a great service — the ministry of 
the church — the greatest service that ever was or will be instituted on this earth. 
Any recognition accorded him is a tribute to the ministry of the church. It 
is furthermore, perhaps, an implied estimate not of what he is, but of what he 
ought to be — a man of God. 

Jones county has a minister endowed with some of the attributes, positive and 
negative, that contribute to the good of Christianity and the growth of the church. 
He has helped, more than a little, to raise the standard of the Cross, break down 
the walls of prejudice, bring all men to see one another over denominational 
picket-fences, and make the church pastor respected in the ranks of the com- 
munity. This is the Rev. Robert Powers, rector of St. Patrick's church. Ana- 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 405 

mosa. He is the oldest minister in the county, both in point of years and service. 
He has done parochial duty in two churches for twenty-eight years. He has 
baptized and shrived and married and buried almost a generation of people. He 
has walked daily before the populace, rejoiced in their rejoicings, borne a part 
of their weight of woe, and tried to help others to bear their burden. In season 
and out of season, in every work — mental, manual, social and spiritual, he has 
taken a man's part. 

Of his childhood little is known. His experiences were probably the same 
as were common to other children brought up in the same country, marked pos- 
sibly by the prophecies of partial friends as to his future. Neither was his mature 
life distinguished by any glamour of circumstance. Born on the i8th of August, 
185 1, in Kilkenny county, Ireland, he saw the sun set behind the hill of Slieve- 
na-mon every evening for more than a score of his youthful years. Attending 
the common schools of the locality, gifted with a good memory and mental vigor. 
he utilized the advantages received in preparation for the work which he believed 
he might some day be able to accomplish. A "divine vocation" as it is termed, 
is one of the secrets hidden in the heart of the Eternal. "There is a divinity that 
shapes our ends." To what extent that divinity is controllable by our own selves, 
there are numerous reminders in the lives of men. Possibly nature and grace and 
Providential and parental care combine to carr}^ out the decree of Omnipotence. 
"The Spirit breatheth where he will." Nature alone can do nothing more than 
employ its native ability, in obedience to reason, and reason itself in obedience to 
the mandates of Mount Sinai — unto the end which will have solved the great 
mystery. 

In his seventeenth year, with an ordinary share of school learning, with gen- 
eral impressions of the world of the present and of the future, the subject of 
this sketch entered a classical school conducted by the Carmelites. From the be- 
ginning he showed little taste for muscular amusements but devoted himself to 
books with a singular determination and ambition. 

In 1871 he went to a college (seminary) in charge of the Trappist monks, at 
Mount ]\Ielleray, the parent house of the monastery of that name in Dubuque 
county. The lives of the recluses residing in that retreat, admirable if not en- 
viable as they are, make an impression which can never be effaced from the 
memory of any one who witnesses their modus vivendi, even from a distance. 
There, more than in any other spot at this side of heaven, will a youthful sec- 
ular see illustrated the object lesson, "what profiteth it a man to gain the whole 
world?" 

After spending two years at that abode of solitude, sanctity and scholarship in 
the study of the "humanites" and mental philosophy, our graduate took his place 
in the theological seminary at Carlow for a four years' course in physics and 
divinity. 

May 26, 1877, he was promoted to Holy Orders for the diocese of Dubuque, 
Iowa. The usual period of vacation, given in order to rest, recruit, and enjoy 
the associations of relatives and friends before the final farewell, was cut short 
in this case by a despatch to appear at the opening of the scholastic year in Sep- 
tember to serve as teacher in St. Joseph's College, Dubuque. 



406 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

In August, 1877, looking his last on the scenes of home and childhood and 
friends and country, he crossed the Atlantic, with the greater part of the con- 
tinent, and on the morning after arrival on the west banks of the Mississippi he 
began his life work of teacher and preacher and pastor, which has continued 
without interruption up to the present and is likely to continue, without change 
of operations or scenery, until the Fates call on him to "shake ofif the mortal 
coil." 

After six years spent alternating between parochial work at the cathedral and 
teaching at the college, sometimes combining both, half the day at one place and 
half at the other, he came to reside in Jones county in October, 1882. Here his 
face has been to the grindstone of pastoral duty, with only a single month's inter- 
mission, for nearly three decades. No hope of revisiting old scenes except in 
dreams, no hope of earthly reward except a sufficiency of food and clothing, that 
is all the world can give anyway and that is all it is asked to give. It is surely 
a relief to be one's own executor in every sense of the word, financially, socially 
and spiritually. Like Longfellow's Village Blacksmith, "he can look the whole 
world in the face." Like him who had not "whereon to lay his head" it is abun- 
dant compensation to be able to sit down and rest on the accumulations of a 
third of a century of toil, to challenge the multitude, "which of you will accuse 
me of eating the bread of idleness?" As Abraham Lincoln well said. "With 
malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives 
us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in." The Nestor of the clergy 
in Jones county is satisfied. He has no further ambition or desire than to be 
able, whilst yet he "encumbereth the ground," to administer to the people that 
a merciful God has committed to his charge, to be laid out in final farewell before 
the white altar of St. Patrick's church and to rest in the shadow of its steeple 
until the Archangel's trumpet will call him to come — at the head of his parish- 
ioners — into the Valley of Judgment. 



ROBERT PAUL CLARK. 

The agricultural interests of Scotch Grove township find a worthy represen- 
tative in Robert Paul Clark, who is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres located on section 21, to the cultivation and improvement of which 
he is directing his entire energies. He was born in this township on the 9th 
of July, 1880, and is a son of Robert and Alicia Clark, extended mention of 
whom is made on another page of this volume. Spending the period of his 
boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, he acquired a good common school 
education and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of the 
fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country 
lad. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his majority, and then 
located upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which had been given to him 
by his father. Thus he started out in the business world on his own account and 
has since been identified with agricultural pursuits, in which line of activity he 
has been most successful. He practices rotation of crops, makes a thorough study 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 407 

of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is progressive and up-to-date 
in his methods, so that he has gained for himself a place among the substantial 
and prosperous agriculturists of the community. He also owns one hundred and 
sixty acres of land in Canada, and this forms an additional source of revenue to 
him. 

It was on the i8th of March, 1908, that Mr. Clark was united in marriage to 
Miss Ella M. Nelson, a native of Scotch Grove township, born on the 23d of 
May, 1878. She is a daughter of M. J. and Nancy E. (Overley) Nelson, natives 
of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. Both are now deceased. In their family 
were three children, of whom Emeline P., the eldest, has now passed away. 
The others are Mrs. Clark and a brother, Charles. The former was but three 
years old when her mother died in 1881, while her father passed away on the 
22d of March, 1900. She attended the common schools until thirteen years of 
age, and then laid aside her text-books in order to take charge of the house- 
hold. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark are well known in Scotch Grove township, 
where their entire lives have been passed, and they have a circle of friends which 
is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances. In politics he 
gives his allegiance to the republican party, and his influence is ever found 
on the side of improvement, advancement and progress in all matters of citizen- 
ship. 



FRED FREY. 



Fred Frey, one of the successful farmers of Greenfield township, was born 
in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 13, 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Anna (Stab) 
Frey, both of German nativity. In 1882 Mr. Frey's parents emigrated to the 
United States, and after landing in New York went to the vicinity of Ann 
Arbor, Michigan, where they passed the remainder of their days and died. In 
that vicinity Mr. Frey's two brothers, and his four sisters still reside, being farming 
people. 

Fred Frey was seventeen years of age when he came to this country and went 
to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he followed the trade of a cabinet-maker, which 
he had learned in the land of his birth. In 1872 he came to Jones county, Iowa, 
and in Greenfield township began his life as a farmer. In 1878 he purchased 
eighty-five acres and as success rewarded his efforts he added forty-two acres 
more and then in a few years bought eighty acres in Rome township. This two 
hundred and seven acres of some of the best land in the county represents his 
own endeavors aided by the thrift and economy of his wife. The land in Green- 
field township is situated on sections 25 and 36, while that in Rome township 
lies on section 31. He follows general farming and maintains a high grade 
of work. He has built a very modern residence and erected outbuildings and 
made other improvements that show him to be a man who is not unaware of the 
best means of preserving the value of his possessions. 

On the 5th of December, 1878, Mr. Frey married Miss Minnie Siever, a 
daughter of Louis and Frederika (Rekemeyer) Siever, both natives of Han- 
over, Germany, and both now deceased. Mrs. Frey's parents came to this coun- 



408 HISTORY OK JONES COUNTY 

try and settled in Cedar county, Iowa. On the home place their son, Henry, 
and daughter, Mary, now live. Another daughter, a widow, Mrs. Shrope, also 
lives in Cedar county, while the other daughter, Mrs. Caroline Kettering, lives 
near Lisbon, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Frey have four children: Carrie B., born 
January 23, r88o; John E., born April 19, 1882; Emma Edith, born February 
I, 1893 ; and Almeda, born September 23, 1894. The eldest has taken up the 
profession of teaching, in which she has been successful, and John is at home 
interested with his father in the work on the farm, while the two younger chil- 
dren are attending the high school at Mechanicsville, from which they hope to 
graduate in 191 1. 

Mr. Frey gives devoted allegiance to the Lutheran faith ; while Mrs. Frey, 
although her parents were members of the church of that denomination in 
Lisbon, has joined the Presbyterian congregation in Alechanicsville. Miss Carrie 
Frey is also a member of this latter church and takes part in all its work. Polit- 
ically Mr. Frey is a republican, though he takes little interest in party affairs 
and has never sought public office. 



JAMES YOUNG. 



James Young, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Madison township, 
Jones county, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of Jan- 
uary, 1841, a son of David and Eliza (Davidson) Young, both natives of Cum- 
berland county, Pennsylvania. He comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the Young 
family having been founded in America about the middle of the eighteenth 
century by William and Mary (White) Young, natives of Scotland. They 
came to this country from the north of Ireland, where they were wealthy land- 
owners and where his ancestors were said to have been baronets. In their 
religious faith they were Presbyterians and they came to the new world in 
order to escape the persecutions to which they were subjected by the Roman 
Catholics. Mr. and Mrs. David Young, the parents of our subject, were mar- 
ried in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and in 1843, after selling their farm, came 
west to Iowa, making their way down the Ohio River to Cairo, Illinois, and thence 
up the Mississippi to Bellevue, Jackson county, Iowa. Mr. Y^oung found a mill 
site on Brush creek, where he erected a mill and built a log house, with punch- 
eon floors and clapboard roof held in place by weight poles, no nails being 
used in the construction of the cabin. The mill had but one iron wheel, the others 
being made of wood, the wooden cogs for which were boiled in lard three of 
four days. The father continued the operation of the mill until his death, which 
occurred in 1846. The mother died at the home of our subject in 1889. 

Coming to Iowa when but two years of age, James Young has therefore spent 
almost his entire life in this state and is indebted to the school system of Jack- 
son county for the educational privileges enjoyed. Under the parental roof 
he was reared to manhood and he worked in the mill until 1867, in which year 
he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Prince. In the spring of the follow- 
ing year he came to Jones county, locating in Scotch Grove township, where in 




o 

p 
o 

H 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 411 

company with a brother, David D. Young, he purchased one hundred and sixty 
acres of prairie land and eighty acres of timber land. This they operated in 
conjunction until 1870, when they divided the property, and our subject con- 
tinued to reside upon his portion of the land until 1882. In that year he removed 
to his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, 
Madison township, and he later acquired one hundred and thirty acres in 
Scotch Grove and Madison townships, which he recently sold to his son, E. R. 
Young. He had since devoted his energies to the development of his home farm, 
which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, and in his agricultural 
pursuits has met with marked success, becoming one of the successful farmers 
of his locality. 

With the passing of the years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Young has been 
blessed with seven children, namely: Eliza M., the wife of Rev. A. B. Fickle, 
of Shellsberg, Benton county; E. Ray of Madison township, mention of whom 
is made elsewhere in this volume ; Dr. J. M., practicing medicine in Center Junc- 
tion; David L., an attorney of Boise City, Idaho; John Arthur, a Methodist 
Episcopal minister of Ridgeway, Iowa ; William Harvey, who is attending Grin- 
nell College ; and T. Ross, who is still under the parental roof. 

Mr. and Mrs. Young hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, 
on the oiiticial board of which he has served for several years, while for many 
years he has been most active in Sunday-school work. He has served as justice 
of the peace for two terms, and in politics is strong in his advocacy of the prin- 
ciples of the prohibition party, for he fully realizes that the liquor traffic is one 
of the worst evils against which the country today has to contend. His entire 
career has been characterized by high ideals and noble principles and in every 
relation of life his record has ever measured up to a high standard of honorable 
manhood. 



BERNHARD W. STREEPER. 

Bernhard W. Streeper one of the native farmers of Jones county, who has 
attained a success of no mean proportions in the vocation he has pursued dili- 
gently for a number of years in Clay township, was born December 28, i860. 
His father, Stephen Russell Streeper, became one of the prominent and well 
known men of this county, to which he came in the pioneering days. Born in 
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1820, he was married there July 
I, 1843. ^o ^liss Isabel H. Todd, also a native of that county, born March 17, 1822. 
Shortly after their union, in 1844, the couple removed to Indiana, where they 
lived for about sixteen years, coming to Iowa in i860. Several years before 
that date in 1854, Mr. Streeper had come to Jones county, where he entered the 
tract of government land on which his son Bernhard W. now lives. Although 
the hardships of the first years after he took up his residence here were those 
which usually fall to the lot of the men who brave the difficulties of pioneer life, 
yet Mr. Streeper overcame these and made success of his life's work. He was 
able to give his children the best educational advantages the public schools af- 



412 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

forded in those days and became a man highly regarded in his locaHty. He had 
learned the trade of a stone-mason in early manhood, and after his sons were 
of an age to assume some of the responsibiUties of the farm, he worked at it to a 
considerable extent. A republican in his political views, he was elected on its 
ticket to the positions of township trustee, school director and school treasurer, 
in which capacities he served for a number of years, always with honor to him- 
self and to the satisfaction of those who had wisely placed confidence in his 
judgment, honesty and discrimination. In the work of the Presbyterian church 
he was very active, being a constant attendant upon its services and an elder for 
a number of years. He died March ii, 1896, leaving eight children, eighteen 
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He and his wife were the parents 
of eight. Mrs. Hannah M. Johnson, deceased; William, a resident of South 
Dakota, who first married Miss Jennie Gowing and after her death married 
Emma Taylor; James M., who wedded ]Miss Sadie Coder and lives in North 
Dakota; Stephen P., who married ]\Iiss Wealtha Smith and lives in Hancock, 
Iowa; Arabella H., who became the wife of Merritt Osborn and makes her home 
in Minnesota ; Robert H., who wedded ]\Iiss Etta Coburn, and resides in this 
county; Bernhard W., the subject of this sketch; and Sheridan Grant, who mar- 
ried Miss Emma Coburn and also lives in this county. Mrs. Streeper died Feb- 
ruary 10, 1908. 

Bernhard W. Streeper was reared under the parental roof, entering the 
public schools, from which he derived his first training in the English branches. 
Later he spent one year at Onslow and another at Hopkinton, completing his 
education in the latter place. When he entered upon the serious business of life 
he chose farming as his vocation and has pursued it ever since. For a number 
of years he worked in the western part of the state but in 1895 he returned to 
the old homestead, which he operated during the remaining years of his father's 
life, caring for him with filial solicitude. After his death he managed the farm 
for his mother, and finally, April 12, 1908, bought it from the other heirs. It 
embraces one hundred and sixty acres, and at the time of its purchase, in 1854, 
Mr. Streeper's father had paid a dollar and a quarter an acre for it. Today it 
is worth just one hundred times that price, for it has been improved according 
to the best methods, is a rich and arable tract that makes large returns for the 
amount of thoughtful labor expended upon it. In addition to his purely agri- 
cultural interests, Mr. Streeper handles a large number of cattle and horses, from 
which he derives a most gratifying income. He has attained a pronounced suc- 
cess ; his farm is one of the valuable tracts of Clay township. His prosperity 
and his good fortune have been obtained solely through his own efforts, through 
a persistence and industry that cannot fail to derive the very best results from 
the cultivation of the soil. 

Mr. Streeper was married November 28, 1900, to Miss Sadie Orr, who was 
born in Jones county, May 26, 1871, and they now have two children. Mabel and 
Mildred, twins, born November 27, 1904. Although the record of his life is 
one that bespeaks the unwearying devotion of Mr. Streeper to his own con- 
cerns, he has not been without a large measure of public spirit and generosity, 
for he has served his township most efficiently during a long period as trustee 
and as school treasurer. A republican in his political views, he has received the 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 413 

support of thfe voters of that party when he expressed a willingness to devote 
some of his time to the interest of his fellow citizens. His religious adherence 
is given to the Presbyterian faith. 



JOSEPH A. HANNA. 



Having as his heritage the sturdiness of the pioneers of Jones county, Joseph 
A. Hanna has pursued farming in Clay township with a perseverance that has 
been productive of large results. His life, too, has known its measure of hard- 
ships, for he was one of the valiant sons of this state to give his service in sup- 
port of his country during the Civil war, having experiences not only on the 
field of battle but in the loathsome prisons of the south. A native of Holmes 
county, Ohio, he was born in the year 1844, and is a son of William Hanna, who 
was also born in Ohio in 1804 but came to this county in early manhood, taking 
up eighty acres of land near the village of Canton. He prepared the ground for 
cultivation and built a log house, which served him for shelter until better con- 
ditions enabled him to erect a frame home in which he spent the rest of his life. 
He devoted himself to farming and died very suddenly in 1857. His wife, who 
was Miss Elizabeth Jane Blackburn before her marriage, was born in 1806 and 
through her marriage became the mother of eleven children, four of whom are 
living: William, a resident of Cedar county, Iowa; Pheness A., of Clay county, 
Iowa; Joseph A., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Minerva E. Vasser. 

Joseph A. Hanna was reared under the parental roof and he attended the 
district schools, from which he received a fair training for the responsibilities of 
life. Although he was but seventeen years of age at the outbreak of the Civil 
war he enlisted in Company K, Twenty- fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under 
Colonel Byam. The first engagement in which his regiment participated was 
that at Grand Gulf, the next, Fort Gibson, and then followed battles or skirm- 
ishes at Willow Springs, Bolton Station, Jackson, Mississippi, Champion Hill, 
Mississippi and the siege of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city the regi- 
ment went back to Louisiana, where they joined General Banks and then went 
up the Red river to Sabine Crossroads, where they encountered the enemy 
in a severely contested engagement. It was important to him also, from the 
fact that there he was taken captive and subjected to the hardships of the 
southern prisons of which he had never dreamed. In the first place the prisoners 
were marched from the scene of battle to Camp Ford at such a rate of speed that 
they accomplished the distance of one hundred and fifteen miles in two days. 
At the camp he was confined for a period of two hundred and forty-eight 
days. During that time the daily food of the captives consisted of a pint of 
corn meal, ground with the cob, a slice of raw bacon, about the size of two 
fingers, and water, a bill of fare that was calculated quickly to reduce the 
strength of the men. Indeed, when Mr. Hanna was paroled from prison he 
weighed only sixty-five pounds and was so weak that he could move about only 
by crawling upon his hands and knees. Having been paroled, the prisoners went 
to New Orleans, where they procured a furlough and returned home. On the 



414 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

3d of July, 1865, Mr. Hanna received his honorable discharge from the army, 
having rendered valiant service in the defense of the Union for three years. 

When his country no longer needed his aid Mr. Hanna returned to the old 
homestead in Clay township, on which he toiled for about two years, when he 
married and established a home of his own. Accordingly he bought one hun- 
dred and thirty acres of land in Clay township, the same farm on which he now 
resides. In the forty odd years during which it has been his home he has cultivated 
it with a care that bespeaks the good husbandman, winning a fair return for his 
labor. He has made all of the improvements with which his place is adorned 
and which, like the cultivation of the fields, show that he is a good manager as 
well as a clever and skillful tiller of the soil. 

On the 23d of March, 1866, Mr. Hanna wedded Miss Mary Perry, a daughter 
of Thomas and Isabelle (Barr) Perry, both natives of Ireland, where they were 
reared and married. Mr. Perry was a tailor by trade and after crossing the 
Atlantic established himself in New York city, where he lived and died. He is 
buried in Greenwood cemetery, Brooklyn. After his death his widow, with her 
two children, Joseph and Mrs. Hanna. came to Clay township, Jones county, 
Iowa, where her younger brother, John Barr, had entered one hundred and 
.'-ixty acres of land. Here she spent the remainder of her life, her death occurr- 
ing in 1893. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanna, six of 
whom are living. They are Mrs. Jennie B. Mead, Mrs. Minerva A. Shroyer, 
James L.. Mrs. Katharine A. Walter, Mrs. Mary E. Neelans, Mrs. Nellie C. 
Alexander and George A. Mrs. Shroyer died April 9, 1899. All the family 
were educated at the district schools, while Mrs. Neelans finished at Hopkinton 
and Mrs. Alexander at Monticello. 

Mr. Hanna has always given his support in political matters to the republican 
party, his allegiance to its cause being strengthened by the fact that it stood for 
the preservation of the Union during the Cival war. His religious adherence 
has been given to the Presbyterian church, in harmony with whose teachings 
he has attempted conscientiously to order his life. A good citizen, a noble 
man. and one whose life may bear examination, he enjoys a well deserved respect 
:unong those with whom he has associated during a long period. 



JAMES B. SKAHILL. 



Among the more prosperous and prominent farmers of Washington town- 
ship is numbered James B. Skahill, who at one time owned six hundred acres 
of excellent land here. He was born July 23. 1852, a son of Patrick and Mary 
(Murray) Skahill. both natives of Ireland. The former was born in 181 5 and 
came to America in 1850, seeking to better his fortunes in a land which was 
not subject to the oppression which then visited the land of his birth. After 
spending a few years in the east, Mr. Skahill came to Jones countv, where 
he purchased two hundred acres of wild land. This he improved and cultivated 
with considerable success, for although he had come to this country a poor man, 
he worked hi^ way upward by industry and determination, until at his death he 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 415 

was in the enjoyment of a large competence. He was not long permitted to 
enjoy the comforts of the new world, for his death occurred in 1867. In the 
fifteen years or so that he spent in this county, however, he left his impress 
upon his township, for he rendered efficient service as trustee. His wife, who 
was about ten years his junior, also died in 1867. Of their six children, James 
B. Skahill is now the only survivor. 

James B. Skahill, who was not fifteen years of age when he ^nd his brothers 
and sisters were left orphans, the oldest being only sixteen, joined his efforts with 
those of his sister, a maid of twelve, with the intention of operating the farm and 
keeping the family together, being the youngest children in the county to conduct 
a home at that time. They succeeded in their undertakings for about seven 
years, when one of the children having died and others married, it was de- 
cided to sell the property and divide the proceeds. In the years of the struggle, 
Mr. Skahill had received some education in the public schools of the township, 
but it was very meager in comparison with the practical training he obtained 
from meeting squarely and unflinchingly the problems of life as they presented 
themselves. After the separation of the family he bought a farm of his own 
and now owns upwards of six hundred acres, although he has given two hun- 
dred acres to his two sons, that they might have a substantial start in life. While 
he pursues a general line of agriculture he has many other interests, besides mere 
farming. He aims to keep twenty-five or more cows in his dairy, hauling, during 
the best seasons, as much as five hundred pounds of milk to the creamery. He 
i'Air.o carries the milk for neighbors, so that his dairy receipts average about five 
dollars a day. He feeds yearly about one hundred head of cattle and from 
.«eventy-five to one hundred hogs, besides having about sixteen horses of various 
ages. From sixty to eighty acres he plants in corn and each year he cuts about 
one hundred acres of hay. From all these various interests he derives a most 
gratifying return, which is a tangible evidence of his skill, his thrift and his 
industry. The characteristics which secured the advancement of his father along 
the highway of this world's progress, have been his heritage ; but no man, who 
when scarcely more than a boy was inspired with ambition such as would have 
done credit to maturer years, could devote himself to what he believed to be his 
calling without winning from it a good fortune commensurate with his determina- 
tion to succeed. 

Mr. Skahill has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Eliza Kenney, 
by whom he had three children, namely : Willie, who married Mary McNiff, of 
Danbury ; Anna, the wife of Thomas Evers, of Ryan ; and Mary. After her 
death he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Durigan. a daughter of 
James and Mary Durigan, residents of Jones county, where Mr. Durigan secured 
a fair competence from the tilling of the soil. Five children were born of this 
union • Frank. James, Katie, Harry and John. All the children were given an 
education in the district schools, while James, Mary and Harry pursued their 
sttidies farther. Mary attended the public school at Temple Hill, then taught 
for ten years and is now the wife of Thomas Hollihan, a livery man of Ryan, 
Iowa. James completed his education at Cedar Rapids and is now in the employ 
as bookkeeper, of the Cedar Rapids Oil Company. Harry is now a student 
at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, Iowa. 



416 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

A democrat in his political affiliations, Mr. Skahill has been elected by that 
party to the office of township assessor, which he filled for five years ; that of 
clerk, which he held for ten years ; and that of secretary of the school board, 
administering his duties in that capacity for seventeen years. He is a devout 
member of the Catholic church. 



ALOIS STRATILEK. 



Alois Stratilek, prominent as a representative of the Bohemian element in 
the citizenship of Oxford Junction and this section of Jones county, is proprietor 
of a general mercantile store and his business activity and diligence are impor- 
tant factors in promoting the substantial growth and upbuilding of the district. 
Widely and favorably known, his record cannot fail to prove of interest to many 
of our readers. He was born at Wysoke Myto, Bohemia. June 21, 185 1, and is a 
son of Frank and Katharine Stratilek. The father dierl when his son Alois was 
but six years of age. He was a teamster in his native countr}' and also owned 
a small tract of land there. In the year 1871 the mother came to the United 
States, where she joined her son, Alois, passing away in his home in September, 
1908. She always remained true to her husband's memory, living as a widow for 
more than a half century. In the family were seven children: Frank, who died 
at the age of two years ; John, who died in Bohemia : Alary and James, who also 
passed awy in the old country; Joseph, who died in Buffalo, New York; Rosa,- 
whose death occurred in Buffalo ; and Alois. 

After the father's death Alois Stratilek remained at home wnth his widowed 
mother until thirteen years of age, when he began learning the cabinetmaker's 
trade, thus preparing for the practical and onerous duties of life which must 
devolve upon him in consequence of the necessity of providing for his own sup- 
port, as the father had left the family in limited circumstances. In 1867, at the 
age of sixteen years, he accompanied his brother Joseph to Buffalo, New York, 
where he worked at his trade for six years, being successful there as second fore- 
man in a furniture factory, after which he made his way to Chicago, spending 
ten months in that city, working for H. Andrews and Company. He was for 
two months a resident of Davenport, Iowa, and in 1874 he came to Oxford 
Junction, where he has since made his home. It was in April of that year that 
he established his present general mercantile business, which he has now con- 
ducted for more than a third of a century. He purchased his present building 
twenty-one years ago and has remodeled it, stocking it w ith a large line of general 
merchandise, for which he finds a ready sale as his business methods are reliable 
and his prices reasonable. He also has a v.^arehouse in connection with the 
store and his is one of the largest commercial enterprises of the town. He is 
also extensively engaged in the packing of poultry in the winter seasons, and 
for about twenty years conducted a furniture and undertaking business, but has 
disposed of it, concentrating his energies upon his general store. He manufac- 
tured considerable furniture by hand in the earlier days, while later he stocked 
his store with goods from the factory. At all times he has manifested the modern 




ALOIS STRATI LEK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 419 

spirit of enterprise and progress in the conduct of his interest and his success is 
the well merited reward of his labor. In addition to his mercantile interest Mr. 
Stratilek is a director in the Oxford Junction Savings Bank, of which he was 
one of the organizers. 

In 1874 Mr. Stratilek was united in marriage at Oxford Junction. Iowa, to 
Miss Anna Bokorny, who was born in Bohemia in 1853 ^"^ at eighteen years 
of age became a resident of Buffalo. New York, having accompanied her uncle 
to the new world. The living children of this marriage are : Anna, the wife of 
John Sobotka. of Oxford Junction ; Helen, the wife of Charles Seaton, an editor 
of Clarence, Iowa; Otto, who relieves his father of the management of the 
store ; Mary, the wife of Henry Louisfield of Oxford Junction ; and Tillie, at 
home. They also lost seven children, one dying in infancy, while the six who 
passed away in childhood were xAggie, Louisa, Elenor, Gusta, Edith and Victor. 

In his political views Mr. Stratilek has been a stalwart democrat since 1867, 
having changed from a republican to democrat in that year and is active in the 
party, filling various village and township offices. He has been elected mayor, 
councilmman and township trustee. He has been active in educational affairs; 
serving for eighteen years on the school board, for though his own opportuni- 
ties in educational lines were very limited he has always been a stalwart cham- 
pion of the public schools, doing everything in his power to promote the intellec- 
tual development of the community. His fraternal relations are with the Knights 
of Pythias. He was for many years the foremost representative of the Bohemian- 
life of the community but is now from choice living retired to some extent. He 
came to Oxford Junction a stranger with a capital of only one hundred and 
twenty-five dollars. He made and lost a fortune here but is again in substantial 
circumstances, having acquired a competence which is sufficient to enable him 
practically to live retired, at the present time leaving the management of mer- 
cantile interests to his son. His energy and determination have been salient 
factors in his record and his histon,' shows what may be accomplished by one who 
has perseverance combined with a will to dare and to do. 



WILLIAM MILLS. 



Some of the bravest and most devoted defenders of the Union during the 
dark days when dissolution seemed iminent were men who were born on foreign 
soil but attracted to the cause on account of their love of justice and fair deal- 
ing and for the reason that they knew that the north was in the right. One 
of the native sons of Canada who came to the rescue of the country which is 
now his adopted land is William Mills, of Hale township. He was born near 
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, October i, 1825, and is a son of David and Ruth 
Mills, natives of Nova Scotia, who spent their lives in Canada. They had a 
family of five children, as follows: John, who died young; George; Nathaniel, 
who passed away forty-eight years ago : Sarah Eberly. also is deceased ; and 
William, the youngest of the family. 



420 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

The father of this family died when WilHam IMills was only thirteen months 
old but the mother brought up her little family and William remained with her 
until he was fifteen years old. At that age he went to Palmyra, Ontario, and 
learned the blacksmithing trade with a brother-in-law and followed it until about 
1897, with the exception of the time he spent in the service of the United States. 
Mr. Mills was still a resident of Canada when he enlisted at Detroit, Michigan, 
in Company E, Fifteenth Michigan A^olunteer Infantry and served during the 
last five months of the struggle. In the fall of 1865 he came to Wyoming, Jones 
county, Iowa, with his wife and four children and resided there for seven years, 
when he removed to Hale township and this has since been his home. Being an 
excellent workman Mr. Alills always had plenty to do and he took a pride in 
being one of the best blacksmiths in Jones county. 

On February 22, 1854, Mr. Mills married xA.manda Whitesell, who was born 
in Streetsville, Ontario, January 5, 1837, a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Whitesell, natives of Pennsylvania and Ontario, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mills have had four children : John, who lives at Geneva, Nebraska ; William J., 
who lives at Anamosa ; Elizabeth, who married Edward Lewis ; and Cora, who 
married Peter Markey, of Milwaukee; Elizabeth died in Texas, April 11, 1909. 
Cora was born in Wyoming, and the others in Canada. 

Mr. Mills is a stanch republican and has always been interested in the suc- 
cess of the party for which he has done so much. He is a member of the Dan 
Carpenter Post, G. A. R., of Olin, Iowa, and takes a great deal of pleasure in his 
association with it and the opportunities it gives him to meet his old comrades. 
A man of simple tastes, he has always striven to do his full duty and has won 
and held the respect of his community. 



GEORGE W. COLEMAN. 

With each year the work of farming is becoming more and more profitable 
and for this reason those who have been engaged in it are continuing to devote 
their energies to the tilling of the soil, while others are leaving the crowded 
cities and going out into the freer and happier life. George W. Coleman, of 
Hale township, is one of the sensible and prosperous farmers of Jones county 
who realizes the worth of Iowa land and is doing a general farming and stock- 
raising business. He was born near Tipton. October 31, i860, a son of Adney 
and Sarah A. (Simmons) Coleman. The father died in 1898 but the mother 
survives, living now at Olin. A complete sketch of her is given elsewhere in 
this work. There were eleven children in the family of whom George W. is a 
member, and of them five daughters and three sons survive. 

In 1864 George W. Coleman was brought to Jones county by his parents 
and it has since been his home, and he is proud of it and of the changes he has 
seen take place. Until he was twenty-two years old he remained with his parents 
and then worked out by the month among the diflFerent farmers for some twelve 
years. He afterward rented the home place, buying his present farm from his 
father's estate in 1898 and it is now one of the best managed in the township. 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 421 

He has eighty-five acres of rich farming land on section 8, Hale township, and 
he has found that general farming and stock raising pay him best. 

On February 17, 1904, Mr. Coleman married Elizabeth R. Devol, of Olin, 
the widow of Frederick Devol, and a daughter of Albert and Sarah Clymer. 
By her first marriage, Mrs. Coleman had one son, Irving, and she has borne Mr. 
Coleman a daughter, Laura ^Margaret. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Coleman 
is delightful and they welcome their many friends to their hospitable board upon 
numerous occasions. 

Fraternally Mr. Coleman belongs to the Olin Lodge. No. 245, K. P. He is 
a member of the Free Will Baptist church at Pleasant Hill. In political mat- 
ters he is a republican but has devoted his time to his farming and so has not 
been active in public matters. He understands his work, makes it pay and is not 
onlv successful but also commands the respect of his neighbors because of his 
straight, honorable methods of doing business. 



C. A. LEFFINGWELL. 



That farming in Iowa is a profitable business is evidenced by the life of 
C. A. Lefifingwell. who through the cultivation of its rich lands has derived 
the competence that now enables him to put aside business cares and live retired 
in a beautiful home in the village of Oxford. He was born in Trumbull county, 
Ohio, November 14. 1850, a son of Edwin and Louise M. (Fitch) Lefifingwell, 
the former born in Ohio and the latter in the Keystone state. In 1851 the 
father made a business trip to Iowa and while on his way back to Ohio his death 
occurred. Subsequent to his death the mother, with her family of four children, 
came to Jones county. Iowa, the year of her arrival here being 1854. She entered 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Oxford township and after improving 
the tract made her home thereon until 1868. Then, selling the farm, she pur- 
cha«;ed another in the same township, remaining there until her death, which 
occurred in 1874. As stated her family numbered four children, but only two 
are now living, the sister of our subject being Sarah L., the wife of Milo Lathrop, 
of New Market, Taylor county, Iowa. Alary E., the other sister, died in 1874, 
at the age of twenty-eight years, while the brother, Henry E.. was drowned in 
187". at the age of thirty-one years. 

C. A. Lefifingwell was a little lad of four years at the time of the removal 
from Ohio to Jones county. At the usual age he entered the common schools, 
wherein he mastered the branches of learning that fitted him to face the respon- 
sibilities of life in later years. He remained with his mother until the time of 
her death and after reaching mature years assisted her materially in the manage- 
ment and operation of the home place. On the nth of February, 1879, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Rathbone. the only child of George and 
I\Tarv Rathbone and a native of Jones county. Her parents were both natives 
of England and are now deceased. 

Following his marriage Mr. Lefifingwell continued to engage in farm work 
and he and his wife are now in possession of two hundred and seventy acres of 



422 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

valuable farm property in Oxford township. After leading a busy, useful and 
active life for many years, Mr. Leffingwell removed to Oxford, where he owns 
a nne residence on Fifth avenue. He still retains possession of his farm, from 
which he secures a good rental that supplies him with all the comforts of life. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leffingwell have been born one son and two daughters : 
George Edwin, of Oxford; Agnes M., the wife of L. F. Zeller; and Grace A., 
who is a graduate of the Oxford high school and is at home. A democrat in 
principle and practice, Mr. Leffingwell was nominated on that ticket to the 
state senate in 1899 but met with defeat. He has served as township trustee 
and has filled a number of minor offices, in all of which he has discharged his 
duties faithfully and conscientiously. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias 
Lodge, No. 88, at Oxford. His labors in former years were of a character that 
contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success 
and now he is living a contented and happy life and enjoying the rest which 
he so well deserves. 



MIKE MAREK. 



Mike Marek is a progressive and enterprising agriculturist of Cass township 
who through the careful management of his business affairs is meeting with 
creditable success. As the name indicates he is of foreign birth and belongs to 
a family that, like many another that has come from across the water, sought the 
opportunities of the new world that advancement might be made in business lines 
and better advantages given to the members of the household. He was born in 
Bohemia on the 6th of January. 1851. a son of Martin and Kate Marek, also 
natives of that country. The family came to America about 1853 ^^^ located 
first in Davenport. Iowa, where they remained for about eight years. Removal 
was then made to Jones county, the family residence being established in Castle 
Grove township. Mrs. Kate Marek, the mother of our subject, passed away 
about two weeks after the arrival of the family in Davenport, and later the 
father was again married. Mike Marek of this review was the only child born 
unto the first union, while by his second wife Mr. Marek had three sons, Charles, 
John and Martin, the latter of whom is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. 
The father passed away in 1906 when he had reached the eighty-third mile- 
stone on life's journey. 

Mike Marek was but two years of age when the family took up their abode 
in America, and consequently almost his entire life has been spent here. The 
common schools of Davenport and Jones county afforded him a fair knowledge 
of the common branches of English learning, and he remained on his father's 
farm in Castle Grove township until he was about twenty- four vears of age. 
when he was married. He then entered business on his own account as an 
agriculturist, operating a farm in the capacity of renter for two years, at the 
expiration of which time he purchased forty-five acres of land in Linn county. 
Four years later he bought thirty-five acres, making eighty acres in all. and at 
the end of another four years he purchased a tract of twentv actes in Jones 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 423 

county, so that he then owned one hundred acres. He located on his Jones county 
property, which was located in Castle Grove township, and made his home there 
for four years. At the expiration of that period he rented his farm and removed 
to Monticello, living there for live years while working on the railroad. The 
next five years were spent on his farm in Castle Grove township but at the end 
of that time he sold the place and purchased one hundred and forty acres in 
Cass township, where he now resides. He is directing his efforts toward its 
further development and under his excellent management it has become a highly 
improved farm. He has closely studied agriculture in all its various phases, prac- 
tices rotation of crops, knows the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and 
has so conducted his business as to gain for himself a most creditable place 
among the substantial and representative farmers of the community. 

It was on the 14th of November, 1874, that Mr. Marek was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Anna Lawrence, who was born in Bolder township, Linn county, 
on the 25th of May, 1856. Her parents were Andrew and Barbara Lawrence, 
natives of Germany and Bohemia respectively. Although no children came 
to bless their union, Mr. and Mrs. Marek have raised four children, three girls 
and one boy, and they also have an adopted son, Wensel. 

Although Mr. Marek has won a most creditable degree of success in agricul- 
tural lines, he is perhaps better known to his fellow citizens by reason 'of the 
active and helpful interest which he has taken in community affairs. He is a 
stalwart supporter of the republican party and for the past six years has filled 
the office of township trustee. In this capacity he has under his supervision and 
care twenty-six miles of township roads, for the condition of which he is respon- 
sible. He is also serving as a member of the school board and the cause of edu- 
cation finds in him a stanch champion. His influence is ever upon the side of 
improvement, advancement, progress and reform and these qualities constitute 
him a citizen of worth in the community in which he resides. He is a member 
of the Catholic church of Anamosa, the teachings of which form the guiding 
influence of his life, and his salient characteristics are such as have gained for 
him the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen. 



GEORGE DANIEL JAMES. 

The pioneers of Iowa suffered many privations and faced real dangers in 
their work of redeeming the wilderness, and what they accomplished is remarkable 
viewed from the standpoint of today. Among the names associated with the 
early history of Jones county is that of James, and representatives of this well 
known family are to be found throughout the various townships, the majority of 
them engaged in tilling the soil. George Daniel James, a native of the county, 
belongs to this family. He was born in Jackson township, where he still resides, 
September 17, 1870, being a son of Walter and Mary (Sherman) James, and 
grandson of Walter James. The latter, a native of Wales, emigrated to Vir- 
ginia and after some time spent in that state pushed on to Jones county, Iowa, 
where he was one of the early settlers. He had a family of ten children. 



424 HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 

Walter James, Jr., the father of George Daniel James, was born in Virginia 
on the same day as John D. Rockerfeller. He now resides in Wyoming, having 
retired from active life. His wife was also born in Virginia and both were 
brovight to Jones county when young and were married here. For many years 
.they resided upon a farm, which he operated, and which contained one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. There were six children in their family, as follows : Ida 
May, who married J. Juzeler, of Washington; Philip G., who lives at Wayne, 
Nebraska ; Charlotte, who married Frank Porter, of Jackson township ; Sarah 
E., who married James Keglog. of Wyoming, Iowa; Olive, who lives in San 
Francisco, and George Daniel James. 

Until his marriage, George Daniel James remained at home and then bought 
his present farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 25, 26 and 23, Jack- 
son township. Here he carries on general farming and handles a large number 
,of cattle, doing his work by the latest methods and with improved machinery. 
The land is highly cultivated, and he has made many desirable improvements. 

On January 29. 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. James and Elizabeth 
Stivers, who was born in Jackson township, March 9. 1875. She is a daughter 
of James and Elizabeth (Clark) Stivers, the former of whom was born October 
20, 1825, in New York state, and the latter born October 31, 1824. in Virginia. 
They were married in Ohio, in 1853, and came to Jones county in 1855. Mr. 
Stivers passed away July 25, 1884. but his widow survives him and lives on the 
old homestead. Ten children were born to them. Mr. and ]\Irs. James have 
two children : Harvey Stivers and Esther Eloise. 

The James family made a good record during the Civil war. Walter James, 
Jr., enlisted from Jones county, August 12, 1861, as corporal, and received his 
promotion to the rank of first lieutenant January 16, 1865. He served until the 
close of the war. in all of about four years, being a brave and gallant soldier, 
who was willing to risk his life in the service of his country. Mr. James has 
borne his part in public matters by serving faithfully as assessor of Jackson town- 
ship for one term, having been elected on the republican ticket. He is a man 
of strong convictions, is popular, and is often cited as one of the representative 
farmers of his township. 



TAMES LISTER. 



Numbered among the men whose memory is cherished because of the active 
and honorable part which they displayed in the history of the county in former 
years is James Eister. one of the leading representatives of agricultural interests 
of this community. He was born in Scotland. January 5, 1832. and spent his 
youthful days in the land of hills and heather, of mountain crag and lake and 
glen. He there learned the stone cutter's trade and in 1854. when twenty- four 
years of age. emigrated to America, seeking the more favorable business oppor- 
tunities offered by the new world. For a short time he resided at Dunleith, now 
East Dubuque, Illinois, and in 1856 came to Iowa, establishing his home near 
Farley, where he turned his attention to general farming. He devoted four and 




JAMES LISTEK 



HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY 427 

one-half years to the cultivation of the soil and then removed to Dubuque. He 
was among the first to respond to President Lincoln's first call for troops to 
crush out the rebellion in its incipiency, enlisting as a member of the Third 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. As the state quota was full, however, the regiment 
did not go into the field but Mr. Lister remained in the government service for 
several years, being engaged in the construction of bridges and forts. 

Soon after the close of the war, in April, 1866, Mr. Lister came to Jones 
county and subsequently removed to Cedar Rapids, where he engaged in busi- 
ness for a few years. When the work of the building of the state penitentiary 
at Anamosa was begun, he was made foreman in charge of the erection and was 
employed by the state as chief stone mason for the Iowa state penitentiary for 
many years. He built the first cell house of that institution and was employed 
altogether as boss stone cutter at the penitentiary for twenty-one consecutive 
years. His life was one of marked activity, thrift and usefulness and he be- 
came the possessor of four hundred acres of fine farming land just west of the 
city of Anamosa whereon his family long resided. 

In 1864, Mr. Lister was united in marriage to Miss Jane Perry, a native of 
England, and unto them were born four children: Jane, Thomas, George and 
Arthur. Of these. Thomas and Arthur are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. 
The death of the husband and father occurred in 1899, when he was about sixty- 
eight years of age. He had been a member of the school board for several 
years and was ever most loyal to the public trusts which were given into his care. 
He formed a wide acquaintance during his long residence in the county and 
all who knew him esteemed him for his genuine worth and his many substan- 
tial traits. He had been a resident of the state, for almost forty years at the 
time of his demise, having lived to witness much of its growth and develop- 
ment, while in many ways he had materially aided in its progress and upbuilding. 



HARBISON ORR. 



Harbison Orr, a part of whose farm is included within the bounds of the 
village of Onslow, was born in Massachusetts, March 10, 1867. His parents, 
Samuel and Sarah Orr, were natives of Ireland and came to the United States 
in the early '50s. After a few years spent in the east they located in Jones 
county. Iowa, settling upon a farm in Clay township. There the father died 
in 1875, and there his widow is still residing, being in the seventy-sixth year 
of her age. Nine children were bom to them, six of whom are now living. 

Harbison Orr remained at home until he was twenty years old, having re- 
ceived a fair education in the common schools of his locality and practical ex- 
perience in the tilling of the soil through working upon the farm. About 1887 
he began working by the month for neighboring farmers, and then took a trip 
to California, where he lived for about ten months. Upon his return to Jones 
county, he worked as a farm hand for a tim