V
1\
HISTORY OF
MARION COUNTY
IOWA
AND ITS PEOPLE -
W rl^Ui,3°V^» W., editor.
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
/
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1915
e-liA
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
703157
ASIOR, LENOX AND
TILD_N FOUNDATIONS
R 1915 L
JOHK W. WKKiHT
BIOGRAPHICAL
JOHN W. WRIGHT.
John W. Wright, whose identification with journalistic interests
began more than a quarter of a century ago, has for the past thirteen
years acted as city and county news editor of the Knoxville Journal,
the leading republican paper of Marion county. His acquaintance
is very wide and it is generally conceded that no citizen has taken a
more active or helpful interest in the progress and substantial
advancement of the community. His birth occurred in Oskaloosa,
Mahaska county, Iowa, on the 4th of May, i860, his parents being
Dillon and Susanna (Frazier) Wright, representatives of the old
line Quaker families of Grant county, Indiana, and Highland county,
Ohio. The Frazier family removed from Indiana to Jefferson county,
Iowa, and settled in the vicinity of Pleasant Plain in 1838, while the
Wrights came from the Hoosier state to Iowa in 1857, likewise taking
up their abode near Pleasant Plain.
John W. Wright spent his childhood days in Oskaloosa and
attended school intermittently until twelve years of age. His school-
ing, however, did not extend beyond the primary grades, for he was
taken into the coal works as miner's helper in the winter after his
twelfth birthday and subsequently labored in the mines during the
winter months and in a brickyard throughout the summer seasons,
his time being thus occupied until 1887. I" ^^^^ Y^^^ '^^ ^'^'^'^ charge
of the "Questions and Answers" department of the old Des Moines
Leader and of a similar department in the American Rural Home,
the latter being a farm paper of immense circulation published at
Rochester, New York. These query departments he has continuously
maintained throughout the intervening twenty-seven years. In 1888
he took the editorship of the "Notes for the Curious" department in
The Republic, of St. Louis, Missouri, and also a position on the
editorial staff of the Sunday Republic, furnishing the leading edi-
torials in that edition during 1895, 1896 and 1897. The "Notes for
5
6 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the Curious" department was published in the Saturday and Weekly
editions from 1888 until January i, 1899, or for ten years and four
months, without the exception of a single issue.
In 1879 -^Ir. Wright came to Knoxville, Iowa, and three years
later was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Smith, by whom he had
two children, namely: Loren S., who died at Beaver, Colorado, in
1904, when almost twenty-one years of age; and L. Bess, who is now
the wife of Wilbur E. Brown, roadmaster of the Horton-Nelson
branch of the Rock Island system, with headquarters at Fairbury,
Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Lawrence Edward,
who was born at Fairbury, Nebraska, on the 5th of October, 1909.
No resident of Marion county of early or recent arrival has been
more deeply concerned in the history and progress of the community
than has John W. Wright. He enjoys a very extended acquaintance
and is well known among all classes of people, including common
laborers, miners, farmers and brickworkers, as well as merchants,
lawyers, politicians, bankers and persons of statewide reputation,
such as editors, educators and men of affairs. Having a mind practi-
cally unbiased by school education and as absorbent as a sponge, he
has made himself known as a writer on a variety of different sub-
jects, mainly scientific, and at present is a member in good standing
of the Iowa Academy of Sciences and of the National Geographic
Society. He declined the flattering offer of a place on the staff of
McClure's Magazine and has been importuned to take a position
under Curator E. R. Harlan at the Historical Building in Des
Moines. Mr. Wright's one copyrighted book, "Christ in Mvth and
Legend," was published by Cranston & Curts of Cincinnati, in 1894,
and the entire edition sold from the prospectus before the first fin-
ished copy came from the press. For the past thirteen years and more,
since December, 1901, he has been city and county news editor of the
Knoxville Journal, the leading republican paper of Marion county.
During ten years of that time he furnished three thousand words
every week on popular scientific subjects under the general head of
"Nature Snapshots," writing from six to ten short articles weekly
on animals, birds, insects, fishes, reptiles, trees, plants, etc., with a
goodly sprinkling of geology as found in the local field. His style
is terse and clear and his contributions have been eagerly sought and
read as being most interestingly instructive. As assistant editor
of the Knoxville Journal, under the able management of Messrs.
Curtis & Gilson, he has maintained an enviable position in journal-
istic circles of the county and has helped establish the reputation of
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 7
the paper on a high plane. His influence is a potent factor in the
upbuilding and development of the community, being always found
on the side of right, justice, truth, progress and improvement.
CAPTAIN EDWARD P. BYE.
The name of Captain Edward P. Bye is well known in connec-
tion with the pioneer history of Marion county. Arriving here in
the early days, he lived to witness the many changes which have
brought about present conditions and he was among those who laid
the foundation upon which has been built modern progress and pros-
perity. His memory long formed a connecting link between the
primitive past and the progressive present and deep and sincere
regret was felt when he passed away on the ist of October, 1913. He
was then eighty-six years of age, his birth having occurred in Colum-
biana county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1827. His parents were
Redding and Sarah (Corbin) Bye, the former a native of New Jersey
and the latter of Pennsylvania. The Bye family is of Quaker descent.
Captain Bye acquired his education in the common schools and
was reared to farm life. He was but thirteen years of age when the
family removed to Jav county, Indiana, where he settled upon a
farm, there residing until 1851. On the 27th of November of that
year he arrived in Marion county and was thereafter identified with
the development and upbuilding of his section of the state. When he
left his old home near Portland, Indiana, he had but a few dollars
in his pocket. He thought to have better opportunities in the new
and growing west and as he was desirous of improving his condition
he resolved that he would save one hundred dollars for each year of
his age. He walked from his home to Indianapolis, proceeded by
train to Evansville and thence bv steamboat to Keokuk, from which
point he walked to Marion county. When he reached Eddyville he
found that his supply of money was exhausted and after staying all
night with a farmer he agreed to make five hundred rails for him,
for which he was paid two dollars and a half. This task completed,
he again started on foot for Marion county, the snow lying twelve
inches deep over the prairie. On the 27th of November he reached
his destination, at which time his cash capital consisted of but fifty
cents. He at once began working by the day and then, seeing the
demand for mechanical work, he started to do cabinetmaking in a log
shop owned by J. R. Palmer and situated at the southeast corner of
8 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the public square. He had never learned the trade but his father
had been a cabinetmaker and he had observed him, thereby gaining
a good knowledge of the business. By 1855 he was the proprietor of
a shop of his own and during the memorable cholera plague of that
year he made many coffins used for the cholera victims. He was also
the owner of the first hearse in Knoxville. Soon afterward he was
called to the office of city marshal but resigned his position when the
mayor would not fine a couple of men for drunkenness whom Captain
Bye had arrested. He then resumed cabinetmaking and also took
up contract work as a builder and evidence of his skill is still to be
seen in some of the old structures of the city, including the Governor
Stone residence, the United Presbyterian church, the Baptist church
and others. He built the first case for the Knoxville postoffice and
for forty years rented box No. 160.
In 1859, attracted by the discovery of gold in the mountains of
Colorado, Captain Bye started for Pike's Peak but when he had pro-
ceeded as far as the plains became discouraged and turned back. He
again started in i860 and this time reached his destination. He was
in Denver when the first United States mail reached that city and
he worked for a time in a mining camp near the present site of Lead-
ville. While in California Gulch, in Colorado, he ate bread made
from flour worth seventy-five dollars per hundredweight. He was a
witness of all of the usual scenes of the mining camp. He assisted in
building a church of logs and attended a Sunday school at which
there were none present but armed men and many times those who
refused to participate in the services would have a game of cards in
the doorway.
In the fall of 1861 Captain Bye returned to Knoxville and imme-
diately afterward joined Company G of the Fifteenth Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry as a private. The regiment went into winter quarters
at Keokuk and early in March started for the front. The first impor-
tant engagement in which Captain Bye participated was the battle
of Shili)h, where the regiment lost one-fourth of its number in killed
and wounded. He also participated in the battle of Corinth, the
siege of Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea under
Sherman and other celebrated military movements which contrib-
uted to the success that finally crowned the Union arms. Following
the engagement at Corinth he was promoted to the rank of sergeant
and in October, 1862, was advanced to the position of second lieuten-
ant. On the 7th of March, 1863, he became first lieutenant and on
the 27th of August, 1864, was commissioned captain of Company G,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 9
serving with that rank, until mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky,
on the 24th of July, 1865, for the war had closed and the country no
longer needed his services.
Captain Bye received his honorable discharge at Davenport and
returned at once to Knoxville, where he resided until 1869. He then
removed to a farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres of land five
miles southwest of Knoxville, upon which his widow and son still
reside. He hauled the lumber from Pella, a distance of twenty miles,
and built a house. He engaged in stock-raising as well as general
farming and in time handled many head of stock each year, keeping
a herd of about one hundred head of cattle and about two hundred
head of hogs. As the years passed he brought his farm to a high
state of cultivation and added to his original holdings until within
the boundaries of the place were comprised two hundred and thirty
acres, well known as the "Burr Oak Farm." The spirit of progress
and improvement actuated him at all times and he planted many
trees, surrounding his home with a beautiful grove of chestnut and
maple trees of his own planting. He established a complete system
of waterworks and added other modern equipments and accessories
which made his farm one of the finest in this part of the state.
In 1855 Captain Bye was united in marriage to Miss Luvena
Palmer, who passed away on the 23rd of January, i860. Their only
son, Charles, died in infancy and a daughter of this marriage, Emma,
who became the wife of J. B. Clark, died in 1885 at the age of twenty-
eight years. On the 15th of October, 1865, Captain Bye was again
married, his second union being with Mrs. Elmira Eldridge, widow
of Rufus H. Eldridge, a native of Ohio, whence in early life she re-
moved to Iowa. Her husband enlisted in the Union army in 1861,
becoming a lieutenant in Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Corinth on the 2d of October,
1862. Both of her parents have passed away. Her father died in
January, 1881, at the age of eighty years, and the mother departed
this life in September, 1905, in her eighty-eighth year. Both came
from families noted for longevity. By her first marriage Mrs. Bye
had one son, E. R. Eldridge, who is now conducting a store for the
sale of books, sporting goods, etc., at Mineral Wells, Texas. By their
marriage Captain and Mrs. Bye had three children. Delbert O., a
lawyer of Alliance, Nebraska, also owns a farm in that part of the
state. He is married and has a family of eight children. George E.,
a successful farmer near Moberly, Missouri, is married and has two
children. William H., who operates the home farm for his mother,
is also the individual owner of a farm and is well known as a repre-
10 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
sentative and leading agriculturist. He is a stanch advocate of the
republican party.
Captain Bye gave his political allegiance to the republican party
and never wavered in his support thereof. He belonged to the
Masonic fraternity and was a charter member of Tadmor Chapter,
No. 1 8, R. A. M. The motive spirit of his life, however, was found
in his belief as a member of the Methodist church. He never forgot
his religion even when in the heart of the mining camps of the west.
It was the force which guided him in his actions and made him the
honorable, upright man whom Marion countv knew as one of its
most valuable and highly respected citizens. His life was indeed
one of worth to the community and no history of Marion countv
would be complete without mention of this pioneer citizen.
WILLIAM A. YOUNG.
Since 1912 William A. Young has been the editor of the Pella
Chronicle and has maintained its prestige as a paper that gives the
latest news in an accurate and interesting form. He was for a number
of years previous to his connection with the Chronicle a teacher, hav-
ing taught at the Central University of Iowa here and also at (Jrand
Island, Nebraska. He was born in Liberty township, this county,
on the 7th of August, 1871, a son of Joseph H. and Lavinia (Jolliflfe)
Young. The father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1839, and the
mother in Edgar county, Illinois. The paternal grandparents, John
and Mary (Hargrave) Young, both of whom were born in England,
emigrated to this country and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence in
1842 they removed to Shelby county, Indiana, where they resided
until their deaths.
Joseph H. Young served in Company D, Thirty-third Indiana
Volunteer Infantrv, in the Civil war and in 1867 located on a farm
in this county, remaining thereon until 1893, when he came to Pella.
He made this city his home until 1912, in which year he removed to
Knoxville, where he is now living retired. The mother of Mr.
Young of this review was a daughter of Collins and Jemima Jollifife,
of Virginia, who went to Illinois in 1832 and in 1853 came to this
county, locating in Liberty township, where both passed away, Mr.
Jollifife dying in January, 1894, when about ninety-two years of age,
as he was born in 1802. The demise of Mrs. Joseph H. Young oc-
curred in 1874 and Mr. Young remarried, Mrs. Eliza Garrison
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY il
becoming his wife. To the first marriage were born three children,
the subject of this review being the eldest. Five children were born
to the second union.
William A. Young received broad educational training. He was
graduated from the Central University of Iowa at Pella in 1898 with
the Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1904 received the Bachelor of Arts
degree from the University of Chicago and then attended the Iowa
State University for some time. For thirteen years he taught mathe-
matics at the Central University of Iowa and was for one year a
teacher in Grand Island College at Grand Island, Nebraska. A
good mathematician himself, he also possessed the ability to develop
the power of mathematical reasoning in those whom he taught and
to train his students in accuracy. In 19 12 he became editor of the
Pella Chronicle and has since given his time and energies to that
work. His leading articles are timely, vigorous and lucidly ex-
pressed, and under his management the news columns of the paper
give the readers of the Chronicle an excellent account of local hap-
penings and also of the more important events in the outside world.
Mr. Young is a member of the Baptist church of Pella and gives
his moral and material support to movements that seek the betterment
of the community life. In politics he is a democrat and a single taxer.
He holds membership in Pella Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., and in
Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, A. & A. S. R. Practically his entire
life has been spent in this county, and he has risen to a place of honor
among those who have known and respected him from youth.
THOMAS E. ROSE.
Thomas E. Rose is a representative farmer of Liberty township,
living on section 7. He was born on the adjoining section — the old
homestead farm of the family — February 24, 1856, a son of Richard
and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, the former a native of Kentucky and the
latter of Brown county, Illinois. They were married in the latter
district and as the years went on six children were added to the house-
hold, as follows: Thomas E., of this review; Catherine, who is the
wife of Frank Williams, of Clay township, this county; Sarah, who
gave her hand in marriage to Tim Gregory; Elizabeth, who died at
the age of eighteen years; Charles I., who is a resident of Harvey
county, Kansas; and George H., living on the old home place.
12 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
In October, 1855, the family home was established in Marion
county, on a tract of land, two hundred and forty acres of which Mr.
Rose had preempted a few years before. The father bent his energies
to the development and improvement of the old home place and as
they became old enough his sons assisted him in the farm work, and
there Richard Rose passed away April 6, 1896, at the age of about
seventy-five years, his birth having occurred June i, 1821. His wife,
who was born November 2, 1829, died in 1906, and they were laid to
rest in Liberty cemetery. During the long years of their residence in
this county they had become widely and favorably known and their
memory is yet cherished by many. The father was a veteran of the
Mexican war. He always carried on farming and stock-raising and
his energy and determination enabled him to so successfully conduct
his business that he provided a good living for his family. In politics
he was a democrat and served as township trustee. He was much in-
terested in public affairs, took a helpful part in advancing the welfare
of the community and was among those who laid broad and deep the
foundation upon which has been built the present progress and pros-
perity of the county. Both he and his wife were members of the
Christian church and their lives constituted an example that any
might well follow.
Thomas E. Rose was educated in one of the old-time log school-
houses of the pioneer days and he shared with the family in all of the
hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He assisted in the
arduous task of breaking the sod and developing new fields and as
the years passed on his labors were attended with substantial success
and brought to him the experience that enabled him to carry on his
own farm work in a most capable manner. In March, 1884, he
located upon his present place and is today the owner of two farms
comprising one hundred and fifty-nine acres. He cultivates the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also successfully engages
in raising stock.
On the 17th of March, 1878, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to
Miss Nancy E. Stephens, her parents being Cumberland and Sarah J.
(Ridlen) Stephens, who came to this county in the '50s and spent the
remainder of their lives in Liberty township. They had thirteen
children, six of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose have been
born six children, as follows: Myrtle, who passed away in 1906;
Selh; Lena, who gave her hand in marriage to Roy Sherman, of
Oglesby, Illinois; Ruth, the wife of Worth Phelps, residing in Lyon
county, Minnesota; Dwight; and Arminta.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 13
Mr. Rose exercises his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of the democratic party but the honors and emoluments
of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred
to devote his attention to his farming interests, with the result that
success is now his in creditable measure and he ranks with the leading
and representative farmers of the county.
WILLIAM J. CASEY.
For thii-ty-eight years William J. Casey has been connected with
the Knoxville Express, which was known as the Marion County
Democrat in 1876 when he learned the printer's trade in that office.
He has been one of the owners of the paper for many years and has
had great influence in determining its policy. It has always main-
tained a high standard and has a large subscription list, while it is
extensively used by the merchants of the city as an advertising
medium.
Mr. Casey was born in Cambridge, Ohio, on the 28th of August,
1861, a son of James K. and Hannah J. (Carlisle) Casey, natives
of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married in the
latter state and remained there until March, 1867, when they came
to this county. The father was a lawyer of ability and took a lively
interest in public affairs. For several years he served as mayor of
the city and his political allegiance was given to the republican
party. He held membership in the Universalist church and frater-
nally belonged to the Masonic order. He passed away on the 9th
of July, 1886, and is survived by his widow, who has reached the
ripe old age of eighty-three years.
William J. Casey is the only child of his parents and was reared
at home, receiving a good education. After completing the course
in the public schools he entered McKee's Academy and in 1876 left
school and began learning the printer's trade in the office of the
Marion County Democrat, which for many years has been known as
the Knoxville Express. He soon mastered the trade and after serv-
ing his apprenticeship continued with the paper in other capacities
and eventually became half owner of the same. Altogether he has
been in the newspaper business for thirty-eight years and his long
experience is a potent factor in securing the continued success of
the Knoxville Express. He has exact and detailed knowledge of the
typographical work involved and also understands the larger prob-
14 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
lems of management, and his opinion on an}- matter connected with
the business carries great weight. He is well known among the
newspaper men of the state and has the respect of his colleagues in
the profession.
Mr. Casey was married on the 15th of June, 1887, to Miss Lena
D. Parks, of this county, a daughter of J. H. Parks. To them have
been born three sons: James C. and William D., both associated
with their father in business; and John H.. who is a high-school
student.
Mr. Casey is a democrat in politics and is quite prominent in
local party circles, having been a delegate to the Baltimore conven-
tion which nominated Woodrow Wilson. He was at that time as
now a stanch supporter of Mr. Wilson. For nearly four decades
Mr. Casey has resided in Marion county and in that time has wit-
nessed its wonderful development and has done his share in securing
the advancement of his community, especially through his connec-
tion with the Knoxville Express, one of the leading weeklv papers
of this county.
JOHN O. RINEHART.
John O. Rinehart, successfully carrying on general farming on
section 13, Union township, was born in Frederick county. West
Virginia, September 5, 1863, a son of Charles and Rhoda (Slonaker)
Rinehart. The former was born in what is now West Virginia on
the 29th of November, 1821;, and the latter was born in Hampshire
county, the same state, on the 5th of September, 1830. Their mar-
riage occurred in West Virginia and the father farmed there until
1863, when he removed with his family to Ohio and remained there
for a few years. They came to Iowa in the fall of 1867 and settled
near Dunreath, this county, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres
of land in Pleasant Grove township. He moved his house across the
Des Moines river on a flatboat and immediately began to prepare
his land for cultivation. He farmed until his death, which occurred
April 8, 1891. His widow survives and lives in Pleasant Grove
township with a son, who operates the home place. The father was
a republican in politics and his religious adherence was given to
the Methodist Episcopal church. Four of his eight children are liv-
ing. The record is as follows: Edgar, deceased; Howard, a resident
of Knox township; Sidney, deceased; Charles, who resides with his
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 15
mother upon the home farm; Molly, who married W. N. Bacon, a
resident of Pleasantville, Iowa; Edmonia, the deceased wife of
William Koons; John O., of this review; and one who died in in-
fancy.
John O. Rinehart is indebted to the public schools of Pleasant
Grove township for his educational opportunities and to his father's
instruction for much of his knowledge of agriculture. He farmed
rented land for two years previous to his marriage and continued
to operate land belonging to others for about three years. After
that event he then purchased his present place, which comprises
eighty acres on section 13, Union township, and has since resided
there. He is a progressive and successful farmer and raises both
grain and stock, finding that in this way waste is eliminated and the
course a profitable one.
Mr. Rinehart was married in 1888 to Miss Eliza Jane Ruckman,
who was born December 28, 1863, a daughter of E. B. Ruck-
man, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was
reared in this county and educated in the district schools of Union
township. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart have become the parents of
two children. Eliphalet Benton, born on the 5th of July, 1889, is
now assisting his father with the work of the homestead; and Charles
William, whose natal day was^ the 6th of March, 1892, also resides
at home. The elder son is a member of Knoxville Lodge, No. 90,
I. O. O. F.
Mr. Rinehart is a republican and has served as township trustee,
road supervisor and school director. He has also been a delegate
to county conventions of his party, and was the successful candidate
for township trustee in November, 1914. His energy and ability
make him one of the representative farmers of the county and all
who know him hold him in high respect.
J. D. CUNNINGHAM.
A native son of Marion county, J. D. Cunningham has passed
his entire life here and has for many years been actively identified
with stock-raising interests. He resides in Knoxville, where his
birth occurred in December, i86q. His parents were Howard T.
and Sarah (Boydston) Cunningham, natives respectively of Rock-
ville, Indiana, and Mount Morris, Greene county, Pennsylvania.
The birth of the father occurred in April, 1842, and that of the
16 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
mother in October, 1844. They were married in February, 1865,
in Knoxville, Iowa. The father came here about 1854 and engaged
in the hardware business but was also much interested in stock-rais-
ing and was the first breeder of Pohuid China hogs in this county.
He later dealt in fast horses. On the ist of July, 1862, he enlisted
at Corinth, Mississippi, in the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, as fife major, under the command of Colonel H. W. Reid.
He was given his honorable discharge on the 17th of December,
1864, at Kings Bridge, Georgia, and returned to Knoxville, where
he resided for many years, passing away in October, 1904. In his
family were three children: J. D., of this review; Mary, the wife
of G. W. Baxter, of Denver; and Louise, who married P. H. Don-
nelly, also of Denver.
J. D. Cunningham was reared in Knoxville and attended the
elementary and high schools of this city. Early in life he began to
help his father with the care of his fine horses and has never lost his
interest in the breeding and raising of horses. The home place
comprises ten acres of land in the outskirts of Knoxville and there
he raises big type Poland China hogs. As before stated his father
was the pioneer breeder of Poland China hogs in the county and
Mr. Cunningham of this review profited largely from his experience.
He is very successful and the sale of his stock brings him a good
return annually. He also owns a number of fine trotting horses.
Mr. Cunningham was married on the 2d of December, 1896,
to Miss Hester Amos, a daughter of J. M. Amos, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work. They have two children: Howard
born February 7, 1898, who is attending the Knoxville high school;
and Phillip, born November 22, 1900, a pupil in the Knoxville pub-
lic schools. Fraternally Mr. Cunningham belongs to Knoxville
Lodge, No. 72, K. P., and in politics he is a democrat. He has many
sincere friends who have known him from boyhood and who recog-
nized him as a man of sterling character.
JOHN BRAAM, Jr.
John Braam, Jr., is a worthy representative of an old pioneer
family of Marion county that was established here two-thirds of a
century ago. He has always resided within its borders and during
the past four years has conducted a general store at Durham. His
birth occurred on the 8th of September, 1879, near Pella, his parents
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 17
being John and Jane (Verros) Braam, both of whom were natives of
Holland. They emigrated to the United States in 1847 and made
their way direct to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm. The
mother has passed away, but the father survives residing at Pella, and
is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in
which he has made his home for the past sixty-seven years and the im-
provement and development of which he has witnessed and aided.
His three children are all yet living.
John Braam, Jr., acquired his education in the common schools
and owing to the death of the mother when he was but thirteen days
old, he was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents until he
had reached the age of thirty years. In 1910 he started out upon an
independent business career as a merchant, becoming proprietor of a
general store at Durham which he has conducted continuously and
successfully to the present time. An extensive and well merited
patronage is accorded him, for he carries a large and carefully
selected line of goods at reasonable prices and is absolutely reliable
and trustworthy in all of his business dealings.
In 191 2 Mr. Braam was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Hughes,
a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of John and
Matilda Hughes, both natives of Pennsylvania, who now reside in
Union county, Iowa. The wife of our subject is one of a family of
four children, all of whom survive. Mr. Braam is a democrat in his
political views, having supported the men and measures of that party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Both he and his
wife have spent their entire lives in Marion county and enjoy an
extensive and favorable acquaintance here.
J. F. BUFFINGTON.
J. F. Buffington is one of the progressive merchants of Hamilton.
He possesses resolute purpose and determination and carries for-
ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, knowing that
difficulties and obstacles can be overcome by persistent, earnest and
honorable effort. He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois,
his birth having occurred there March 30, 1874, his parents being
Lumbert and Lydia Buffington. The father was a native of Scot-
land and in early life left the land of hills and heather for the new
world. On reaching the eastern coast he started at once for the
interior of the country, settling in Illinois, where his remaining days
18 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
were passed. By his marriage he had a family of three children,
of whom two are yet living.
J. F. Buffington in his youthful days acquired a good practical
education in the schools of Illinois. He remained at home until he
attained his majority and then started out in life on his own account.
In 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia L. Sharp, who was
born in Beacon, Iowa, a daughter of John and Rosetta (Hate) Sharp,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1859 came to
Iowa. They settled in Marion county, where they are still living,
and they are numbered among the honored and well known pioneer
settlers, having made their home in the county for more than fifty-
five years. In their family were seven children, five of whom
survive.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bufiington came to Iowa
and took up their abode in Hamilton, where he established a store
and embarked in merchandising. He now owns a large store build-
ing and is conducting a profitable and growing business, handling
everything that is included within the term general merchandise.
His stock is carefully selected to meet the demands of the public,
and his patrons are always ready to speak a good word for him
because of his straightforward and honorable dealing and his earnest
efforts to please.
Mr. and Mrs. Buflington have become the parents of a daugh-
ter, Lydia M. They occupy a pleasant home in Hamilton and have
gained many warm friends during the period of their residence here.
Mr. Bufiington exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day and is ever ready to support
his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek nor desire
office, however, but concentrates his energies upon hi? business inter-
ests and thereby is meeting with success.
HON. CHARLES HESTWOOD AMOS.
Iowa lost one of her most distinguished residents when Hon.
Charles Hestwood Amos was called from this life. With marked
strength of character he had used wisely and well the talents with
which nature endowed him and he stood among the forerhost law-
yers of the state, also as a leader in political circles and as one of
CHARLES HESTWOOD AMOS
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 21
the prominent members of the Masonic fraternity. There were,
moreover, in him those social traits which made him the loved friend
of all with whom he came in close contact.
His birth occurred in Union township, Marion county, February
2!;, 1869, his parents being Captain Caleb J. and Emma Amos. His
earlv youth was spent in his native county, but when he was eight
vears of age his parents removed to Chicago, where his father en-
gaged in the live-stock business. In that city the boy, therefore, pur-
sued his education, attending the public schools until graduated
from the Lake high school. He was ambitious to secure a good
education and entered the University of Michigan, where he spent
three years as a student in the liberal arts department in preparation
for a course in law. He had determined to make law practice his
life work and after studying for a time in the Michigan State Uni-
versity entered the Union College of Law, now the law depart-
ment of Northwestern University of Chicago, from which he was
graduated at the head of his class in 1892, despite the fact that he
was earning his own way, working in the claim department of the
Nickel Plate Railroad.
Mr. Amos immediately entered upon the practice of his chosen
profession in Chicago and notwithstanding the fact that competition
i-s nowhere greater he made substantial progress there during the
three years of his residence in that city. Owing to his father's death
he became the only support of his widowed mother and repaid her
for every thoughtful care and attention which she had bestowed
upon him in his childhood with the most filial love and devotion.
This was one of the traits of his character that made him universally
respected and admired. She was not only his mother but his con-
fidant and his best friend, and the closest ties of companionship bound
them. In 18915 they returned to Knoxville, where Mr. Amos entered
into a law partnership with W. A. Stone, which relation was main-
tained until 1897, when Mr. Stone removed to Idaho. At that time
Mr. Amos became a partner of Hon. L. N. Hays, with whom he
was connected for fourteen years, when the senior member of the
firm was made district judge. At that time the firm of Amos &
Vander Ploeg was formed and so continued until the death of
Charles H. Amos. With the passing years he won a place among
the distinguished lawyers of Iowa. He was a forceful and resource-
ful member of the bar, strong in argument, logical in his deductions
and a wise counsellor. There are few lawyers who are so careful
to conform their practice to high standards of professional ethics.
22 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
He gave to his clients the service of great talent, unwearied industry
and rare learning, but he never forgot there were certain things due
to the court, to his own self-respect and above all to justice and a
righteous administration of the law which neither the zeal of an
advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disre-
gard.
Of him the Knoxville Journal said: "It is said that 'death loves
a shining mark,' and so it would seem in this instance when it sum-
marily closed a career so bright with promise as that of Charley
Amos. He was a man of unusual ability, of commanding presence,
an orator of power and efifectiveness, endowed with a liberal educa-
tion and the broadest views, and he seemed at the very outset of a
career of much distinction. The safe counsellor, the brilliant advo-
cate, the honored citizen and loving son has been taken away, afford-
ing further evidence of the truth of the precept that the ways of
Providence are past finding out."
Prominent as was Mr. Amos as a member of the bar, he was
equally well known in political circles. All unsought, he had at-
tained a position of leadership in the democratic partv and two vears
before his death was his parr>''s candidate for attornev general, while
at the last primary election before his demise he would have been
a formidable candidate for governor had he permitted the use of
his name. He studied the political problems with great thorough-
ness and earnestness and no one ever questioned the honesty of his
convictions.
About the time he attained his majority Mr. Amos became a
member of the Masonic lodge and afterward advanced through both
the York and Scottish Rites until he became a Knight Templar and
a Consistory Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He took
great delight in the work of the order in all of its branches and
served as high priest of Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M., for several
years. He was also patron of the Eastern Star chapter at Knoxville
for two years and in March, 1910, attained the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish Rite in the Des Moines consistory. At that meeting
he was chosen by unanimous consent to be the spokesman of the
class, which was a large one, and delivered one of the finest orations
ever heard upon such occasions. His life embodied the highest stand-
ards of Masonry. The teachings of the order made a deep and
lasting impress upon his mind and he ever endeavored to live out
the instruction concerning the brotherhood of man. It was a great
comfort to him during his last illness that his Masonic friends were
the watchers at his bedside. Among his closest associates he was
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 23
known as "The Duke" — a term of affection by which he was greeted
on all occasions. During the last six months of his career after
being advised by his physician of his condition he made a strong
fight for life, but when he knew that the end was certain he met it
with the same courageous spirit that characterized him in every
action. Around him were the watchers at his bedside and, returning
to consciousness after a period in which he had been in a comatose
condition, he said: "1 didn't think I would ever come back again,
boys, but while I, am here I want to talk to you. You boys of the
consistory and vou others too remember vour Masonry. Maybe
my life has been open to criticism but I have tried to live my Ma-
sonry. The consistory has been my religion. I will meet you boys
again. Remember the teachings of Masonry. Everything is all
right with me, with everybody and everything. I am not afraid to
die. (Here one of the boys broke down and began to cry, whereupon
he said, calling him by name and waving his hand toward him with
a smile.) Never mind, it is all right and all for the best. You
boys will take care of my blessed mother."
If the historian were to attempt an analyzation of the life work
of Charles H. Amos, which ended January i8, 1913, when he had
compassed but the comparatively brief span of forty-three years, ten
months and twenty-three days, it would be difficult to point out the
strongest element. Nature endowed him with keen mentality, but
it is only through the exercise of effort that powers grow. He had
the force and ambition that enabled him to earn his way through
college and as the weeks sped on his mind compassed the branches
that fitted him for high professional attainments. Citizenship was
never to him an idle term. He studied political questions with a
sense of obligation that arose from his belief that every individual
should do his best for his country. Of him it might be written:
"Not a general giving his orders,
Not an officer wearing the gold,
But a true-hearted private in service.
With the strength of a warrior of old.
"Not the glory of fighting in battle.
Not the glory of winning the day,
But the glory of doing his duty
When his country's need pointed the way.
24 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
"Not a life with its joyous home-coming,
Not a life with ambition fulfilled;
For duty and death met together,
And his great heart of honor was stilled."
However, the great circle of his friends — and they were as numer-
ous as the circle of his acquaintance^have the firm belief that that
which is great and good and noble is eternal and may well entertain
the spirit of James Whitcomb Riley's beautiful lines:
"I cannot say and I will not say
That he is dead — he's just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of his hand.
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there.
"And you, O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return —
Think of him as faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here;
Think of him still the same, I say —
He is not dead — he is just away.'
1)
JOSHUA JENKINS.
For a long period Joshua Jenkins had the distinction of being the
last surviving veteran of the Mexican war living in Marion county.
Moreover, when a nonagenarian he was still an active factor in the
world's work, assisting in the labors of the fields upon his home farm
and accomplishing tasks which many a man of less resolute spirit and
of more limited industry would have failed to accomplish. He re-
tained his physical powers in large measure and seemed a man whose
age was twenty years less. In spirit and interests he was yet in his
prime when he had passed the ninetieth milestone on life's journey.
Mr. Jenkins was a native of Monongalia county, Virginia, now
West 'Virginia, born December 12, 1822, and when a youth of four-
teen years he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to
Indiana, where the family home was established in 1836. He shared
with the faniil\ in all of the hardships, privations and incidents of
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 25
pioneer life. He was a young lad when his father died and he became
of the greatest assistance to his mother in rearing the family and pro-
viding for their support. After a residence of ten years in Indiana
he responded to the country's call for troops, for the United States
was at that time engaged in war with Mexico. He took part in the
battle of Buena Vista and a number of lesser engagements and at the
close of the war received an honorable discharge and was also given
a land warrant in recognition of his services. This entitled him to
secure one hundred and sixty acres of any unoccupied government
land district and with the money he had saved from his pay as a
soldier he bought another land warrant. Coming to Iowa, he located
his two claims on the i6th of May, 1848, thus becoming the owner
of three hundred and twenty acres on English creek, in Marion
county, two and one-half miles south of the little frontier village of
Knoxville, which at that time contained but three stores, a blacksmith
shop and seventeen log cabins.
After locating his claim Mr. Jenkins returned to Indiana and
there made further arrangements for having a home of his own by
his marriage on the 28th of December, 1848, to Miss Cerene Elder.
Early in the following year they started for the Marion county farm,
arriving in this county in May. Mr. Jenkins at once began building
a little log cabin which they occupied for five years. In 1855 he
erected a more modern residence, which continued to be his home
throughout his remaining days. As the years passed on eleven chil-
dren were added to the family circle, of whom two died in infancy,
while three passed away after reaching adult age and left families.
Mrs. Jenkins' death occurred on the 7th of November, 1882, and a
daughter and five sons survive the father. These are: Mrs. J. B.
Clark, of Knoxville township; Thomas J., of Holliday, Missouri;
Stephen, also of Knoxville township; William, living in the city of
Knoxville; Jarrett, whose home is north of Knoxville; and Charles,
who for more than twenty years prior to his father's death managed
the farm. There were also fifteen grandchildren, eleven great-
grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren at the time of
Mr. Jenkins' death.
From the time that he brought his bride to Iowa Mr. Jenkins
continuously resided upon his farm in this county, remaining thereon
for sixty-five years and occupying the same bedroom for fiftv-nine
years. He never had a mortgage upon his farm. He won his suc-
cess by honorable, straightforward methods and was never known
to take advantage of the necessities of a fellowman in anv business
transaction. He worked hard, carefully managed the cultivation of
26 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
his fields and even up to the time that he was ninety years of age
it was no unusual thing to see him planting his crops, felling trees,
sawing logs or caring for his stock. He raised large numbers of cat-
tle, sheep and hogs and from the sale of his stock derived a gratifying
annual income.
Mr. Jenkins never belonged to any church yet gave generously
to the support of the cause of religion and in his life ever endeavored
to follow the Golden Rule. He held friendship inviolable and was
always loyal to those to whom he gave his regard. He was a good
neighbor, an upright, honorable man, and his death was deeply re-
gretted by many friends. As the day with its morning of hope and
promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and suc-
cessful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so
was the life of this man.
J. T. ROBUCK.
J. T. Robuck is one of the energetic, wide-awake and progressive
business men of Attica, conducting a general store and also handling
farm implements and wire. He was born in this county December
17, 1856, a son of John and Martha (Andrews) Robuck, both of
whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Marion county in 1853,
casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers who were aiding in re-
claiming a wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of civiliza-
tion. The father established the family home upon a farm and
throughout his remaining days devoted his energies to general agri-
cultural pursuits. His wife has also passed away. In their family
were ten children, of whom six are yet living.
J. T. Robuck spent his youthful days upon the old homestead, re-
maining there until he reached the age of twenty-two years, during
which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields when not
busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the com-
mon schools. On leaving home he rented a tract of land and thus
carried on farming for several years, at the end of which time he
purchased a farm in Clay township with the money he had saved
from his earnings. Upon that place he lived for fourteen years and
after selling out he bought a farm in Franklin township, upon which
he resided for four years. On disposing of that property he invested
in land in Knoxville township and afterward retired from active
farming, taking up his abode in the city of Knoxville, where he lived
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 27
for two years. On the expiration of that period he again turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits and for some time occupied and
cultivated his farm but eventually sold out and turned his attention
to merchandising at Attica, where he is now living. He conducts a
general store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods,
and he also handles farm implements and wire. His business has
grown to gratifying proportions and he is one of the enterprising
merchants of the county. In connection with his son he also owns
a farm in Franklin township.
In 1878 Mr. Robuck was united in marriage to Miss Ida Force,
a native of this county and a daughter of George and Permelia
(Wade) Force, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father is
now deceased but the mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Robuck have
had five children but the first two died in infancy. The third child,
Bessie, passed away at the age of fourteen years. The two surviving
members of the family are John, who follows farming, owning prop-
erty in connection with his father, and Mabel, at home.
The parents are members of the Methodist Protestant church
and Mr. Robuck belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Knoxville and
to the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics he is a democrat,
having always exercised his right of franchise in support of that
party since attaining his majority. He has served as school director
but has never occupied political office. His life has been a busy and
useful one in which there have been few idle hours. He has always
carefully directed his farm work and his mercantile interests and as
the result of his indefatigable energy and sound judgment has met
with a gratifying measure of success.
ALBERT L. MUNSELL.
Albert L. Munsell, deceased, was long identified with mercantile
interests at Hamilton and made for himself a creditable name and
place in business circles. He was born in Alexandria, Ohio, on the
1 2th of March, 1851, a son of Edward and Cynthia (Devereaux)
Munsell, both of whom were born in the east. The family arrived
in Marion county in 1858, settling at Hamilton. The father was
a broom-maker by trade and in early life followed that pursuit but
afterward turned his attention to merchandising, remaining in active
business here until his death in 1878, his grave being made in the
Hamilton cemetery.
28 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Albert L. Munsell was only about seven years of age when
brought to Iowa by his parents and in the schools of Hamilton he
pursued his education. He afterward took up the profession of
teaching, which he successfully followed in early manhood. Later
he went to the west but in 1875 returned to this county in order to
engage in merchandising at Hamilton. He established and success-
fully conducted his store, carrying a large and carefully selected
line of goods and continuing in the business until his demise. He
was ever found reliable in his trade transactions and recognized the
fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.
On the /th of March, 1877, Mr. Munsell was united in mar-
riage to Miss Jennie Faivre, a daughter of Dr. M. J. and Melissa
(Walker) Faivre. To them were born four children, namely: Ella,
who is the wife of J. B. Skelton; Edward L. ; Lowell and Julian L.
In his political views Mr. Munsell was a stalwart republican
and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He
served as notary public, as a member of the school board and was
treasurer for thirty-five years. His aid and influence were always
given on the side of progress, advancement and improvement, and he
never acted with hasty judgment concerning any public move. He
was an Odd Fellow for thirty-five years, loyal to the teachings of
the organization, and he was equally consistent as a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. In a word, his life was ever upright
and honorable and won for him the high regard and unc]ualified
confidence of those who knew him, so that his memory is yet cher-
ished by many who called him friend. It was on the 17th of August,
191 2, that he was called to his final rest.
BENTON A. MATHEWS.
Business enterprise in Marion county finds a worthv representa-
tive in Benton A. Mathews, who is todav conducting one of the old-
est nursery businesses of the state, established sixty years ago. He
has the largest pear orchard in Iowa and the products of his nurseries
are shipped over a wide territory, finding ready sale because of well
known excellence and also by reason of the thorough reliability of
the proprietor. The nursery is pleasantly and conveniently located
a half mile from Knoxville and Mr. Mathews still occupies the old
home that was erected by his father about 1855, much walnut lumber
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 29
being used in the construction, while the shingles were brought
from Burlington. At the time of its erection this residence was one
of the best in Knoxville. It is surrounded by pine trees and is yet
an attractive, comfortable home in which the spirit of hospitality
reigns supreme.
Benton A. Mathews was born in Coshocton, Ohio, on the 4th of
January, 1840, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Conley)
Mathews, the former a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and the
latter of Goshen, New York. They were married, however, in the
Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was
a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of
James Mathews, a native of Ireland, who became the founder of this
family in the new world. He crossed the Atlantic to the United
States with his two brothers, William and Thomas, and all three
rendered valiant service to the colonies in the Revolutionary war,
while the grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was an equally loyal
soldier of the War of 1812. The same spirit of patriotic devotion
to country was manifest by James Mathews during his service in the
Ohio legislature and during the two terms in which he represented
his Ohio district in congress. He arrived in Marion county in 18^4
as one of its pioneer settlers and purchased land where Knoxville
now stands. He laid out the Mathews addition to the town and also
the Mathews new addition and was in various ways prominentlv
connected with the upbuilding and progress of city and county. He
was a lawyer by profession and, opening an office in Knoxville, suc-
cessfully engaged in practice here until his death, which occurred
in 1887 when he was eighty-three years of age. His wife passed
away in 1899, at the age of eighty-five years. They were everywhere
recognized as people of sterling worth and became leaders in the
community in which they made their home.
Mr. Mathews was the oldest Mason in the county at the time of
his demise and was ever a loval representative of the craft which has
as its basic element a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind.
When serving in congress from Ohio, Mr. Mathews voted to admit
Iowa into the Union, and it was not long afterward before he became
identified with the new state, remaining an active factor in its de-
velopment and substantial improvement for more than three decades.
To him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Morton,
who died in infancy; Mary, James, Louisa and Hannah, all of whom
are deceased; Caroline, who has likewise passed away and who was
the wife of Governor William M. Stone, of Iowa, also deceased;
Benton A., of this review; Augusta, deceased, who was the wife of
30 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Dr. Foote, of Philadelphia; Matilda, who now resides in Washing-
ton, D. C, and is the widow of F. C. Barber, for many years editor
of the Knoxville Journal; Addie, who has passed away; Helene, de-
ceased; and one child unnamed who died in infancy.
Benton A. Mathews acquired a public-school education in Ohio
and Iowa, accompanying his parents to this state when a lad of four-
teen years. The year which witnessed the outbreak of the Civil war
was the year in which he attained his majority, and on the 22d day of
May, 1861, only about six weeks after the first guns had been fired
at Fort Sumter, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Third Iowa
Infantry, becoming second lieutenant. He went to the front and
was on active duty for a year and a half and was wounded at Shiloh,
his injuries being of such a nature that he was discharged on the
15th of October, 1862. He then returned to Knoxville and em-
barked in the nursery business, in which he has since been contin-
uously engaged. His father had established this business in 1854,
so that it has now been in continuous existence for six decades and is
one of the oldest in the state. He engages in the production of
nursery stock of all kinds suitable to the soil and climatic conditions
of the temperate zone, and he has the largest pear orchard in Iowa.
He has studied the business from every angle, acquainting himself
with the scientific principles and with all the practical phases until
his opinions are largely accepted as authority upon questions con-
cerning the production and care of nursery stock and the further
propagation of the trees. His business has reached large and gratify-
ing proportions, bringing to him a substantial annual income. It
was Mr. Mathews and his father who introduced evergreens into this
county and, as previously stated, his home is surrounded by a beau-
tiful grove of murmuring pines.
In 1878 Mr. Mathews was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J.
Lindley, a daughter of judge Lindley, of Newton, Iowa, who came
from southern Ohio to this state in the early '50s. A lawyer by pro-
fession, he successfully engaged in practice and his ability led to
his selection for judge of the circuit court, in which position he re-
mained for many years. He afterward removed to Nebraska, where
he was again elected to the bench and later he returned to Ohio,
where he passed away in January, 1896. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Sarah McCracken, was also a native of Ohio and
is now deceased. Our subject and his wife have two children, name-
Iv: Alice, the wife of John M. Weaver, who follows the profession
of teaching and makes his home in Lawrence, Kansas; and Mary,
at home.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 3i
In his political views Mr. Mathews is a democrat but has never
been ambitious for office. He belongs to John C. Ferguson Post,
G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army
comrades. His life has been preeminently that of a business man,
careful, reliable and energetic in the conduct of his interests, yet at
all times his influence has been on the side of progress and improve-
ment in affairs relating to the county in which he has now made his
home for almost two-thirds of a century.
HIRAM T. STAPP.
The year 1866 witnessed the arrival of Hiram T. Stapp in
Marion county and he remained a continuous resident of the county
until he was called to the home beyond. He was well known in
Columbia and Washington township and in other sections of the
county, and wherever he went he made friends by reason of his
sterling worth and many excellent traits of character. He was born
in Atlanta, Georgia, August 12, 1840, a son of Joseph Stapp, who
lived and died in the south. The son acquired his education in
southern schools and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in
the Confederate army. Later he came to the north, and because his
opinions had changed regarding the condition of alYairs, he enlisted
at Crawfordsville, Indiana, for service in the Union army, with
which he continued until honorably discharged at the close of hos-
tilities.
In the following year, or in 1866, Mr. Stapp made his way west-
ward to Iowa, reaching Knoxville, Marion county, on the 2d day
of March. He worked for others for a time and then purchased
property in the village of Columbia. At length he acquired farm
land and from that time forward followed agricultural pursuits and
stock-raising until his death. He always held to high ideals in rela-
tion to his work and he added to his farm many valuable improve-
ments. The place was divided into fields of convenient size by well
kept fences and in the pastures could be found good grades of stock.
Barns and other outbuildings afforded ample shelter for grain and
for his cattle and horses, and when invention brought out new
machinery he secured it to promote the work of the fields. He was
a breeder of fine Jersey cows and high grade horses. He loved all
kinds of animals and became very indignant upon seeing them
abused. It is needless to state, therefore, that the stock upon his
32 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
place was well treated and he did not a little to improve the grade
of farm animals raised in this section of the state.
On the 8th of March, 1868, Mr. Stapp was united in marriage
to Miss Juliett Kiger, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Huff-
man) Kiger, who had five children, two of whom are deceased. Mrs.
Kiger died in 1847 and subsequently the father was again married.
About 1850 he came to Marion county, Iowa, in search of a home,
locating in Washington township, where he devoted his attention
to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising. He gave his political
allegiance to the democracy but never sought nor desired office as
a reward for his party fealty. He passed away on the 17th of April,
1892, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his re-
mains were interred at Columbia.
The death of Mr. Stapp occurred on the 14th of August, 1902,
and he was laid to rest in the Columbia cemetery. Two years after
his demise his widow took up her abode in Columbia, where she
now resides. She is widely and favorably known and has many
friends in the village and throughout the surrounding country. Mr.
Stapp voted with the democratic party and always kept well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, so that he was able to sup-
port his position by intelligent argument. He belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal church and his Christian faith guided him in
all the relations of life, making him a man whom to know was to
esteem and honor.
WILLIAM RICHARDS.
On the list of Marion county's pioneer settlers appears the name
of William Richards, who passed away November 21, 1901, at the
home of his son Joshua, of whom mention is made on another page
of this work. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July
19, 181 1, a son of William and Ann (Rose) Richards. The father
was born November 27, 1781, and his life record covered the inter-
vening period to the 13th of December, 1857. He served as a soldier
in the Mexican war. The mother was born September 18. 1784,
and died August 29, 1853. By trade William Richards, Sr., was a
shoemaker. To him and his wife were born nine children, namely:
John, Rachel, William, Jr., Juliann, Josiah, Samuel, Melinda, Ruann
and Selena.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 33
William Richards accompanied his parents on their removal
from the Kevstone state to Coshocton county, Ohio, in his boyhood
days. He was there reared and married, Miss Margery Thompson
becoming his wife on the 23d of December, 1830. She was born
May 7, 1808, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joshua
Thompson, whose wife died during the early girlhood of their
daughter Margery. Upon leaving Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Richards
removed to Wabash county, Indiana, and there resided for about
three years or until the fall of 1856, when they came to Marion
county, Iowa. Mr. Richards was a farmer by occupation and his
life was a busy and useful one which in the course of years brought
him a very gratifying and substantial measure of success. As his
financial resources increased he kept adding to his property until
his holdings aggregated nine hundred acres of rich and valuable
farming land in Pleasant Grove and Swan townships. This he suc-
cessfully cultivated and his property interest brought to him a grati-
fying measure of success as the years passed on.
Mrs. Richards passed away January 18, 1899, and the death of
Mr. Richards occurred November 21, 1901. Their married life
covered a period of more than sixty-eight years and their mutual
love and confidence increased as time passed on and they met together
the joys and sorrows, the adversity and the prosperity that checkered
their lives. They were baptized and joined the Christian church in
1840 and they were thereafter consistent members until they were
called to the home beyond. Mr. Richards was also a member of the
Masonic fraternity from early manhood. To him and his wife were
born ten children, as follows: Eleanor, whose birth occurred Octo-
ber 14, 1831, and who died in Indiana in young womanhood; Ann
Jane, who was born January 30, 1833, K^'ve her hand in marriage to
David Forst and is now deceased; William T., born May 27, 1835,
who resides near Bozeman, Montana; Joshua T., a sketch of whom
appears on another page of this work; Samuel V., whose birth oc-
curred January 8, 1839, and who died in Indiana in young manhood;
Juliann, born April i, 1841, who became the wife of Harmon CafT-
rey and has passed away; Josiah, born July 4, 1843, who died while
serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war; John, a
sketch of whom is given on another page of this work; James Allen,
whose birth occurred October 4, 1847, and who is a resident of Pleas-
antville, Iowa; and Urias, born September 10, 1849, who resides in
Oklah(5ma.
William Richards gave his political indorsement to the whig
party after age conferred upon him the right of franchise and when
34 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
that party ceased to exist he joined the ranks of the new republican
party. His worth and ability were widely recognized by his fellow
townsmen and he was frequently called to public office, serving as
mayor of Pleasantville for several years. He was prominent and
influential as a supporter and promoter of churches and schools and
was very active as a member of the Christian church. Both he and
his wife lived to be more than ninety years of age and for a long
period were the oldest couple of the county, having traveled life's
journey together for more than sixty-eight years ere separated bv
the hand of death. Everv phase of frontier life was familiar to
them and they bore an active and helpful part in the work of gen-
eral development. Their influence was ever on the side of right,
progress, reform and improvement and their memorv is cherished
by all who knew them and remains as a blessed benediction to their
friends.
H. N. ROUZE.
H. N. Rouze, the period of whose residence in Marion county
covers a half centurv, devoted his attention to general agricultural
pursuits throughout his active business career and is now living in
honorable retirement at Tracy. His birth occurred in Indiana on
the 28th of September, 1850, his parents being W. K. and Mary T.
(Marsh) Rouze, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In 1864 they
came to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Clay township,
where they spent the remainder of their lives. Three of their four
children survive.
H. N. Rouze was reared under the parental roof and attended
the common schools in the acquirement of an education. On attain-
ing his majority he took charge of the home farm in Clay township,
continuing its operation thrt)ughout his entire business career with
such success that he was eventually enabled to put aside the active
work of the fields and retire with a comfortable competence. He
disposed of his farm property and took up his abode in Tracy, where
he has since made his home and enjoys well earned ease. He owns
a nice residence and other town property in Tracy.
Mr. Rouze has been twice married. In 1873 he wedded Miss
Cordelia Black, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Andrew and
Ann (Heubanks) Black, who were likewise born in the Buckeye
state. They eventually established their home in Marion county.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 35
Iowa, but subsequently removed to Kansas and in that state spent the
remainder of their lives. To them were born six children, one of
whom yet survives. H. N. and Cordelia (Black) Rouze became the
parents of six children, as follows: A. L., who is a resident of Mis-
souri; Ora M., living in the state of Washington; W. V., of Clay
township, this county; Andrew F., a sketch of whom appears on an-
other page of this volume; W. H., a resident of Tracy, this county;
and one who died in infancy. The demise of the wife and mother
occurred in 1892 and her remains were interred in the Bethel ceme-
tery. In 1894 Mr. Rouze was again married, his second union being
with Miss Mary E. Durham, a native of Clay township, this county,
and a daughter of D. T. and Emeline L. (Evans) Durham, both of
whom are deceased.
In politics Mr. Rouze is a stanch republican and has ably served
as assessor and also as a member of the school board for several years.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Bellefon-
taine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., at Tracy, while he is also a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his
wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and ex-
emplify its teachings in their daily lives. His career has been such
as to give him high standing in the eyes of the community and he is
generally recognized as a man Avhose long years of earnest labor have
not only contributed to his own prosperity but have also been a boon
to the community at large.
HIRAM ANDREWS.
For many years Hiram Andrews was a farmer and stockman
residing on section 25, Knoxville township, and the news of his de-
mise, which occurred in June, 1908, at Bentonville, Arkansas, was
the occasion of much sincere grief in this county, where he was well
known and highly esteemed. He was born in Crawford countv,
Ohio, on the 27th of September, 1830, a son of Jacob and Ellen
Andrews, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but who be-
came early settlers of Ohio.
Hiram Andrews was reared in the county of his nativity and there
attended the common and high schools. When in his twentieth year
he began teaching and followed that profession in the Buckeye state
for seven years. In the spring of 1857 he came to Marion county,
Iowa, and located here, having been much pleased with the pros-
36 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
pects of the county when he investigated conditions here in 1854.
After his arrival in this county he continued to teach during the
winters for seven years and devoted the summers to farm work, cul-
tivating land near Newbern in Dallas township. In 1865 he removed
to section 25, Knoxville township, and from that time gave up teach-
ing, concentrating his efforts upon the cultivation of his land and
the raising of live stock. He was energetic in the performance of
the tasks that fall to the lot of the farmer and also sought to so sys-
tematize and manage his work as to secure maximum efficiency. He
owned one hundred and twenty acres of land and his place was one
of the best improved farm properties of his locality.
On the iith of March, 1859, Mr. Andrews married Miss L.
Richardson, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of two
children: William Franklin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work; and a daughter, Eva, now the wife of James Pugh, of
Omaha, Nebraska.
In the fall of 1879 Mr. Andrews was elected assessor of Knox-
ville township on the republican ticket and proved a capable and
conscientious official. For ten years he served as secretary of the
school board and during his entire life manifested deep interest in
the welfare of the public schools. He and his family were all mem-
bers of the Christian church and were factors in the extension of the
influence of that organization in their locality. On the 15th of De-
cember, 1879, he lost his residence and many household efifects by
fire, but soon after he rebuilt, his new home being at that time one
of the finest in his section of the county. About 1898 he removed to
Bentonville, Arkansas, and passed away there in June, 1908. His
wife survived him for about two years, her demise occurring at
Omaha, Nebraska, at the home of her daughter in February, 1910.
Their lives were well spent and they served well the day in which
they lived, performing to the best of their ability the tasks that lay
closest at hand and cooperating heartily in all movements that sought
the public welfare.
CHARLES OWEN WAY.
No name is more highly honored and no record more worthv of
commendation than that of Charles Owen Way, who for manv
years made his home in Marion county, his life being crowned with
success and at the same time fraught witli good deeds to others.
CHARLES O.VY^^V
THE NF
PUBLIC
A
TILD
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 39
He passed away December 31, 1902, and his memory is cherished
by all who knew him. He made his home near Bussey and was
one of the largest landowners and stock-raisers of his section of the
state, his holdings embracing twelve hundred acres. His success
came to him as the result of unfaltering energy, keen sagacity and
sound business judgment, resulting in judicious investment and the
wise management of his affairs.
Mr. Way was one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having oc-
curred in Mahaska county, near the Marion county line, in June,
1858, his parents being Joshua and Ruth (Ridlen) Way, the for-
mer a native of Wayne county, Indiana, and the latter of Shelby
county, that state. The father was a son of Seth Way, who in 1839
came to Iowa with his family and settled in Keosauqua. In the
same year Joshua Way took up his abode in Marion county, becom-
ing one of its early settlers, and in 1843 he and two others staked
oft' their claims by lantern light, theirs being the first claims en-
tered within the present borders of the county. Not a furrow had
been turned or an improvement made upon the property but with
characteristic energy Joshua Way began to break the sod and de-
velop the farm, his labors soon bringing about a marked transfor-
mation in the appearance of his land, which in the course of a few
years was yielding abundant harvests. In the year 1854 he married
Miss Ruth Ridlen, a daughter of Timothy and Sarah Ridlen, who
came to Marion county in 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Way were born
seven children: Seth, of Knoxville, who is mentioned elsewhere in
this volume; Charles Owen, of this review; Walter, a farmer living
at Bussey, Iowa; William, also a farmer of this county; Parker,
who follows farming in Mahaska county; and two daughters who
died in childhood.
Charles O. Way spent his youthful days under the parental roof
and acquired his education in the district and public schools of the
county. He was married in 1879, when a young man of twenty-one
years, after which he settled in Marion county, making his home
here until his death, or for a period of twenty-three years. He
always devoted his active life to farming and was notably successful,
•becoming one of the best known agriculturists of Marion county.
He readily recognized the opportunities for judicious investment
and by adding to his holdings from time to time became the owner
of about twelve hundred acres, still in the possession of his widow.
His farm work was conducted along progressive lines. He studied
the soil and its possibilities, practiced the rotation of crops and em-
ployed modern methods in the development of his fields, which in
40 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the course of years brought to him substantial profits. He made
excellent improvements upon his land and through the erection of
substantial buildings afiforded ample shelter f(jr grain and stock. In
addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to climatic condi-
tions he also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising and did con-
siderable to improve the grade of stock handled in this section of
the state.
In 1879 Mr. Way married Miss Mary L. Doughtman, who was
born in Iowa, a daughter of E. G. and Hannah M. (Hughes)
Doughtman, who settled near Bellefontaine, Iowa, nearly sixty years
ago. Her father came to this state from Indiana and was married
in this county. He lived for about three years at Knoxville and
passed away a quarter of a century ago. He was a democrat and
quite active in local affairs, holding several ofiices. He was also a
Mason. To Mr. and Mrs. Way was born a son. Merle E., who is
attending the State x^gricultural College at Ames in preparation for
the scientific operation of the land which he and his mother own.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason and well known in local fra-
ternal circles. A daughter died about twenty-five years ago, when
nine years old. Mrs. Way removed to Knoxville in 1903 and pur-
chased the fine residence at No. 1304 Montgomery street which is
now her home. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She has resided in this county for more than a third of a century
and has witnessed much of its development and progress.
Mr. Way was a prominent factor in the agricultural life of the
county and was not only highly respected by the general public but
held in warm regard by manv close personal friends. Few if any
of the citizens of Marion county have been held in higher esteem.
He possessed a genial, joyous nature, always looked upon the bright
side of things, and made friends wherever he went. He possessed a
wonderful personality that attracted to him all with whom he came
in contact. While he became a wealthy man he never boasted of
his worldly goods and was charitable to a fault. No worthy person
ever appealed to him for aid in vain and he had a hand constantly
outreaching to help the poor and needy. His many acts of kindness
extended into the broad field of common brotherhood and his sym-
pathies into an ever widening circle. He was a man honored and
loved by all. Few tributes will sink deeper into the human heart
than one offered by an untutored farmer, a tenant on one of
Mr. Way's farms for more than seven years, who, when he heard
of the death of his friend and benefactor said: "The Almighty
made few men equal to Owen Way." In manner he was quiet and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 41
unassuming and when not occupied with business devoted the greater
part of his time to his family. He enjoyed the social gatherings of
his friends and was happy in extending the hospitality of his home
to them. Mr. Way was prominent in Masonic circles, being a mem-
ber of the blue lodge at Tracy, the chapter at Knoxville, the com-
mandery at Oskaloosa and the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. He
leaves a name and reputation that are above reproach, for in all of
his manifold business activities he was never known to take advan-
tage of the necessities of another but conducted his business along
strictly honorable lines and won the high respect of all with whom
he came in contact. He judged men not by wealth but by worth,
and true worth could ever win his regard. The poor did not prize
more highly his benefactions than did his associates his cheery smile
and kindly greeting. His was one of those natures that shed around
them much of the sunshine of life. A modern philosopher has said:
"Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world
through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this stand-
ard alone Charles Owen Way was a most successful man.
AUSTIN J. MORRIS.
Austin J. Morris, who came to Marion county on attaining his
majority, has since resided within its borders and is a successful and
representative merchant of Bussey, where he conducts a large and
well patronized grocery and meat market. His birth occurred in
Ohio on the 17th of September, 1856, his parents being John and
Lucinda (Doudle) Morris, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia
respectively. Both passed away in the Buckeye state. They had a
family of six children, all of whom still survive.
Austin J. Morris attended the common schools in the acquire-
ment of an education and spent the period of his minority under
the parental roof. When twenty-one years of age he came to Marion
county, Iowa, and subsequently took up his abode in Bussey, where
he is now conducting a well appointed grocery and meat market,
owning a large double store and having one of the best establishments
of the kind in the county. An extensive patronage is accorded him
that is indeed well deserved, for he studies the wishes of his cus-
tomers and enjoys an enviable reputation as a courteous, enterpris-
ing and reliable merchant. He owns two handsome residences in
Bussey and also four hundred and eighty acres of land in Canada.
42 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Morris
chose Mrs. Anna (Hazlett) Martin, a native of Ohio and a daugh-
ter of John Hazlett, deceased. Our subject and his wife have two
daughters: Mabel B., who gave her hand in marriage to Thomas
Flockhart, of Bussey; and Winnie L., the wife of Joseph Phoenix,
also of Bussey. By her first husband Mrs. Morris had three chil-
dren, namely: Barbara, who is the widow of Ed P. Adams; Charles,
who is a resident of Monroe county, Iowa; and John, deceased.
Mr. Morris is a republican in his political views but has never
sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. He and
his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, and all who
know him entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.
JAMES B. VRIEZELAAR.
James B. Vriezelaar is prominent in various lines of activity in
Otley, being a merchant, a stockholder in a number of companies
and also one of the leaders in public affairs. He was born in Pella
on the 4th of January, 18159, a son of Gradus and Mary (Brain)
Vriezelaar. The former was born in Lakcmcnt, Gelderland, Hol-
land, in 1 83 1. When a young man he came to America and settled
at Paterson, New Jersey, as there was quite an extensive Dutch set-
tlement there. About four vears after his marriage to Mary Brain,
which occurred about 1854, in Paterson, they came to Pella. Mr.
Vriezelaar worked at a number of occupations after arriving in this
county, being employed by the day at first and subsequently operat-
ing a rented farm a half mile east of Otley. In 1863 he had four
yoke of cattle. He later purchased land, becoming the owner of
about one hundred and sixty acres, but before his death he had in-
creased his holdings to two hundred and forty acres. At his demise
his sons took charge of the land and assumed the debt of four thou-
sand dollars against the property. They eventually paid that ofif and
the land is still in the possession of the family. Mr. Vriezelaar was
killed in 1877 by a bull. His wife was born on the 4th of Feb-
ruary, 1825, in Holland and was married there to William Laauwe,
who died upon the ocean while they were emigrating to the United
States. By this marriage she had one son, William Laauwe. She
arrived in this country in 1848 and, as before stated, married Mr.
Vriezelaar in Paterson, New Jersey. To their union were born the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 43
following children: Arie, James B., Cornelia, Henry, Gradus and
Nellie.
James B. Vriezelaar received his education in the country schools
and was reared under the parental rooi. In 1886 he began his inde-
pendent business career by starting a general store in Otley. He
commenced on a small scale but has enlarged his business as his cir-
cumstances have permitted and now has one of the leading mercan-
tile establishments of the town. He owns the property in which his
store is located and altogether owns about three business blocks. He
also holds title to his comfortable residence which he erected and
which is well designed, being both conveniently arranged and attrac-
tive in appearance. He is a stockholder in the Otley Telephone
Company, in which he was also a director, and he owns considerable
farm land, including one hundred and seventy-four acres in Summit
township adjoining Otley, a quarter section of land on section i and
a fifth interest in a one hundred and twenty acre tract. At the time
of his mother's death there were eleven hundred and twenty acres
to be divided and Mr. Vriezelaar assisted in settling up the estate to
the satisfaction of all the heirs. Although he has been very active in
mercantile lines and has devoted considerable time to the supervision
of his other interests, he has also taken a prominent part in local
governmental affairs. Since old enough to vote he has held office
continuously. He has been elected to all the township offices on the
republican ticket and for two years was county supervisor. He has
always given the best of his thought and energy to the duties devolv-
ing upon him as an official and his record of continuous service in
office is proof of the confidence that his fellow citizens repose in him.
He has always been faithful to every trust and has safeguarded the
interests committed to his care. Although he is one of the well-to-do
and substantial citizens of Otley, he has met at times with financial
reverses, having been through two bank failures.
Mr. Vriezelaar was married in 1884 to Miss Mattie De Reus, a
daughter of Arie De Reus, a resident of Pella. Her birth occurred
in this county in i860 and she was educated in the country schools.
To her parents were born fifteen children, ten of whom survive.
Mr. and Mrs. Vriezelaar have eight children living and have lost
two. Gradus J. married Miss Artie Heullaman and they have three
children. Ira G. married Miss Sarah Klein, by whom he has two
children. William A. married Miss Carrie Van Bentom and they
have one child. Maggie is the wife of John Van Der Bard, a farmer,
and is the mother of two children. Mamie and Henry, twins, are
both at home, as are also Jimmie and Martha, the last named being
^4 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
now sixteen years old. Henry, the first of that name, died August
23, 1890, at the age of ten months and twenty-three days, while
another child named Mamie died November 18, 1892, at the age
of five years.
The family attend the Baptist church and can be depended upon
to further in any way possible the moral advancement of the com-
munity. Mr. Vriezelaar has other interests in addition to those
already mentioned, as he has been secretary and treasurer of the
Pella Pipe & Tank Company from its organization. The concern
is capitalized for twenty thousand dollars and is well managed, pay-
ing good dividends. He also owns a coal mine near Otley and sup-
plies a big local trade. Whether in private or public life, he has
invariably guided his conduct by high standards of ethics and the
greater number of his acquaintances are also his loyal friends.
JOHN WILLIAM KIRK.
John William Kirk is a farmer residing in Knoxville township
and in addition to his interests here has a section of land in Saskatch-
ewan, Canada, which he has owned since 1894. He is one of the
representative citizens of his township and is highly esteemed by
those who have come in contact with him. He has lived in this
county for the greater part of his life and is a native son thereof, his
birth occurring in August, 1865, some four miles southwest of Knox-
ville. on what is known as the old Curtis farm.
His parents were Benjamin S. and Mary E. (Kelley) Kirk, both
of whom are now deceased. The former was born on the 13th of
November, 1838, in Columbiana countv, Ohio, of Quaker parentage.
His father, William Kirk, was born on the 14th of November, 1779,
and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gilbert,
was born on the 5th of July, 1790. Mr. and Mrs. William Kirk
removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, from the Kevstone state and
the former died there on the 31st of October, i860. His widow died
on the 5th of March, 1873, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a horseman
and in the early days conducted a stage route. He was an officer in
the Quaker church and in his daily life exemplified his sincere faith.
The records of the time of the Revolution show that members of the
family fought in that conflict with the mother country.
Benjamin S. Kirk was reared in Columbiana county, Ohio, but
in 1864 came to Marion county and in the fall of that year was mar-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 45
ried to Miss Mary E. Kelley. About 1870 or 1871 he purchased a
farm in Washington township, which remained his home until the
fall of 1904, when he removed to Knoxville and resided there until
his death on the 12th of April, 191 2. For many years he engaged in
teaching school and was noted in his locality as an unusually fine
penman. He was also a farmer and stock-raiser and his efforts along
those lines met with gratifying success. For more than three years
during the Civil war he served in the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, which was the first three-year regiment to leave the Buck-
eye state. He was a republican and served in various ofiices, being
quite prominent in local political circles. Through his membership
in the Grand Army of the Republic he kept in touch with the other
veterans of the Civil war in his county and found this association a
very pleasant one. He was also a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, as was his wife, and both were held in high esteem by
those who knew them. Mrs. Kirk was also a native of Columbiana
county, born Marc'h 16, 1840, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Brubaker) Kelley, who in the fall of 1862 brought their family to
this county. Her father was a railroad contractor in his younger
days but after his arrival here turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits and entered land from the government in Knoxville town-
ship, which is known as the W. A. Kelley farm, although it is now
owned by a grandson, John Kelley. The father of Mrs. Kirk died
in March, 1892, and her mother passed away on the ist of January,
1887. Mrs. Kirk lived more than the span of life allotted to man-
kind by the Psalmist, as she was seventy-two years of age when her
death occurred on the 24th of January, 19 13. She was the mother
of three children: John William, of this review; Lora Anna, who
married B. D. Marsh, of Indianola, this state; and Edith, who died
at the age of two years.
John W. Kirk was reared in Washington township, this county,
upon the old homestead on section 5, and attended the public schools
of the neighborhood. As a boy and youth a great deal of his time
was given to assisting with the work of the farm and in this way he
gained practical training that has been of inestimable value to him,
so that by the tim-e he was grown he was an experienced agriculturist
and was well qualified to operate a farm on his own account. In
1892 he was married and began farming independently in Washing-
ton township, where he met with gratifying success in his agricul-
tural operations. In 1907 he removed to Saskatchewan, Canada, and
purchased six hundred and forty acres of land, remaining there for
about five years and then returning to this county. He built his
46 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
present fine home upon the farm near Knoxville, in Knoxville town-
ship, and there he and his wife now reside. Mr. Kirk has leased his
Canada land and it returns to him a good annual income. He is
carrying on general farming upon his farm in this county but makes
a specialty of breeding Duroc Jersey hogs and finds this branch of
his activities a very remunerative one. In all that he does he is
progressive and energetic, and his financial success is the natural
result of his industry and good management.
On the 13th of September, 1892, Mr. Kirk was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lewessa C. Lakin, who was born near Oskaloosa,
Iowa, on the 13th of May, 1868, a daughter of Everton T. and Eliza-
beth P. (Bernard) Lakin. Her father was born in 1838 and in his
youth removed from Guernsey county, Ohio, to Iowa. He was mar-
ried in Monroe, this state, and subsequently settled near Oskaloosa.
For a number of years he taught school and was known throughout
his locality for his fine penmanship. He died on the 9th of Novem-
ber, 191 1, in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he had lived for some
time. He served for four years in the Civil war, being a member
of an Ohio regiment. His wife was born in 1844 and died on the
26th of June, 1900. Both were members of the Methodist church.
They were the parents of four daughters, as follows: Mrs. John
W. Kirk; Jessie, who became the wife of P. H. McEwen and died
on the 19th of April, 1906, at Oskaloosa; Stella, who married H. A.
Good and passed away in Minnesota on the. 19th of July, 1910; and
Adella, the wife of W. L. Wyman, of Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Mrs. Kirk was reared in the vicinity of Oskaloosa and in that city
and attended a business college there. She taught school for sev-
eral terms, including ten months as shorthand instructor in a busi-
ness college. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirk ten children were born: Mabel,
the wife of V. A. Merriman, of Knoxville township; Howard, War-
ren, Esther, Jessie, Ruth and Alice, at home; Ernest, deceased; and
Edna and Willis, at home. Three of the children are attending the
Knoxville high school.
Mr. Kirk is a republican, as he believes that the policies of that
party are best calculated to secure the prosperity of the country.
Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and
their support can be depended upon in all movements seeking the
moral welfare of the community. Fraternally he is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of
America, and both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs of Knox-
ville. He has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of the
county and believes that the opportunities here oflfered are unusually
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 47
great and that energy and good judgment will enable a man to win
financial success. He has not only won material prosperity but has
also gained the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens and the
warm regard of many friends.
OLIVER P. WRIGHT.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a
more enviable position in the business and financial circles of Knox-
ville than does Oliver P. Wright. This is not due alone to the suc-
cess he has achieved but to the honorable, straightforward policy
which he has followed, his course ever measuring up to the highest
standards of business integrity. Early recognizing the eternal prin-
ciple that industry wins, he made industry the beacon light of his
life and it has led him at length to the goal of success and prosperity.
Born in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 17th of, March, 1844,
Mr. Wright is a son of Larkin and Delilah Wright, both of whom
were natives of Putnam couty. The father was a son of Benjamin
J. Wright, who was born in Rowan county. North Carolina, April
18, 1794, and he was a son of Benjamin S. Wright, whose birth
occurred in Rowan county in 1752. The latter was a son of Richard
Wright, who came to America during the colonial epoch in the his-
tory of this country, since which time his descendants have belonged
to that class of representative American citizens who have upheld
and promoted the stability and progress of the nation along various
lines.
Larkin Wright was a farmer of Indiana and upon his removal
to Kno.wille in 1854 engaged in the live-stock business and also in
merchandising. In 1862, in connection with J. E. Neal, he estab-
lished a private bank under the firm style of Neal & Wright, and in
time the name was changed to the Marion County Bank. This later
was merged into the Kno.wille National Bank, with Mr. Wright as
president for a few years. Later he became president of the Marion
County National Bank and so cc^itinued until his death, which
occurred in February, 1890. His business interests were ever of a
character that contributed in substantial measure to the development
and upbuilding of city and county. Moreover, he was active in
politics as a stalwart supporter of the republican party, although he
never accepted oflice. He contributed also to the moral develop-
ment of the community and held membership in the Christian church
48 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to both the blue lodge and
chapter. To him and his wife were born five children, as follows:
Oliver P., of this review; Cynthia J., who gave her hand in marriage
to Judge Gamble; Francis M., deceased, who followed agricultural
pursuits throughout his entire business career; Naomi, who died at
the age of four years; and Charles L., a practicing physician of
South Des Moines.
Oliver P. Wright spent the first ten vears of his life in his native
county and then accompanied his parents to Marion county, where
for sixty years he has now made his home. Every phase of the
county's development is familiar to him and in promoting its prog-
ress he has been an important factor. He entered the mercantile
and live-stock business with his father about 1857, having in the
meantime acquired a public-school education. He has brought zeal
and energy to everything that he has undertaken, and strong and
resolute purpose has enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and
obstacles in his path.
For forty-five vears he has been continuously connected with
financial interests, first becoming bookkeeper of the Marion County
Bank, in which he was promoted to the position of cashier in 1869.
In 1 871 he went to Pella, Iowa, and assisted in starting the First
National Bank, of which he became the cashier. In May, 1872, he
returned to Knoxville, where he organized the Marion County
National Bank and was its cashier until 1891, when he was elected
to the presidency and as its chief officer has since shaped its policies
and directed its interests. There is no question of the stability of
this institution. Safe, conservative methods have always been fol-
lowed and there is no phase of the banking business with which
Mr. Wright is not familiar, his long experience enabling him to
carefully control the interests of the bank in such a way as to safe-
guard the depositors as well as promote the success of the stock-
holders. He has also continued active as a dealer in live stock and
in land for many years and is the owner of a large number of farms,
having placed much of his means in the safest of all investments —
real estate.
In November. 1865, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss
Artie Marsh, of this county, a daughter of Osborn and Jane Marsh,
who came to Marion county in June, 1849, when this was a pioneer
district upon the western frontier. Much of the land was still in
possession of the government and Mr. Marsli entered a claim and
developed a farm which is still in the possession of the family. He
was a progressive citizen and was the owner of the first buggy in the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 49
county. About 1857 he went to Indianapolis, where he purchased
the vehicle for four hundred dollars in gold and then drove home
across the country in his new possession. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are
the parents of five children, namely: Carrie B., who gave her hand
in marriage to E. B. Mitchell, of Lima, Ohio; Ora L. ; William,
who is a resident of Knoxville, Iowa; Maude, who is the wife of
Harry Armstrong, of Des Moines; and Dana, who wedded Sherley
Percival, of Des Moines.
Mr. Wright is entitled to wear the little bronze button of the
Grand Army of the Republic, for in May, 1864, when but twenty
vears of age, he offered his services to the government, becoming a
member of Company A, Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry, with which
he remained until the regiment was mustered out in the fall of the
same vear. He is a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight
Templar degree of the York Rite and the thirty-second degree of
the Scottish Rite. He also has membership with the Knights of
Pythias and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Methodist church. In politics he is a republican, earnest and
stalwart in support of party principles but never an aspirant for
office. He has always preferred to do his public duty as a private
citizen and has given generous support to many measures for the
welfare and benefit of the community. In fact he has been a leader
in much that has brought about present-day conditions and he is
justly accounted one of the most valued and worthy citizens of
Knoxville.
JAMES B. DOUGLASS.
James B. Douglass has been successfully engaged in the lumber
business at Harvey since 1900 and also holds the office of city assessor,
ably and faithfully discharging his duties in that connection. His
birth occurred in Iowa City, Johnson county, Iowa, on the 30th of
September, 1867, his parents being William and Lucinda (Dent)
Douglass, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respec-
tively. Their marriage was celebrated in Putnam county, Illinois,
to which place the mother had removed with her parents. Mr. and
Mrs. N'N'illiam Douglass came to Iowa in the early '50s and in this
state spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born eight
children and all are yet living.
50 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
James B. Douglass enjoyed the advantages of a college education
in his youth and spent the period of his minority under the parental
roof. In 1893 h'-" embarked in the lumber business at West Branch,
Cedar county, Iowa, there conducting an enterprise of that character
until 1900, when he came to Harvey, Marion county. Here he com-
menced business as a lumber dealer, handling all kinds of building
materials. In 1902 he sold out to the Anthes Lumber Company,
managing their business. They in turn sold out to the Pauls Lum-
ber Company, Mr. Douglass continuing as manager. His reputa-
tion for integrity is unassailable and his well directed efforts have
resulted in success. He owns an attractive residence and also some
lots in Harvey, where he is well known as an enterprising, progres-
sive and representative citizen.
, On the 2d of January, 1895, Mr. Douglass was united in mar-
riage to Miss Fannie Belle Miller, a native of New Jersey and a
daughter of Aaron and Nettie (Taylor) Miller, who were born in
New Jersey and Iowa respectively. Bcjth have passed away and one
of their two children is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Douglass
have been born four children, as follows: Dent, whose natal day
was February 6, 1896, and who is a graduate of the Knoxville high
school; Grace E., who was born February 8, 1902, and died January
3, 1903; Hugh T., whose birth occurred November 3, 1903; and
Lois B., born November 10, 1906.
In politics Mr. Douglass is a stanch republican and at the present
time acts in the capacity of city assessor, making a creditable and
commendable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 381, A. F. & A. M.;
Chapter No. 18, R. A. M., at Knoxville; and Chapter No. 164,
O. E. S. He is likewise affiliated with Lodge No. 199 of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family he attends the
services of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Douglass is interested in
all the principal phases of life in his adopted county and his influ-
ence is ever on the side of progress and improvement.
I
ALBERT B. VAN HOUWELING.
Albert B. Van Houweling, connected with the financial affairs
of Pella as vice president of the Security Bank, in which capacity
he has served since 191 2, was born in this county, on the 8th of June,
1885, a son of Albert and Annie (Klein) Van Houweling, both
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 51
natives of Holland. The former was a son of Gysbert Van Houwel-
ing, who in 1847 brought his family to this country and settled at
Pella. He was a farmer by occupation and was a man of strict
integrity of character. The father of the subject of this review was
also an agriculturist and was very successful in that occupation. He
died in October, 1892. His wife, who also came to Pella in 1847,
accompanying her parents, survives at the age of seventy years. Mr.
and Mrs. Albert Van Houweling were members of the Dutch
Reformed church. To them were born eleven children, four of
whom have passed away.
Albert B. Van Houweling was given the advantages of a public-
school education and subsequently took, a business course in Central
College at Pella. He desired a more liberal general education, how-
ever, and for two years was a student at Drake University, Des
Moines, Iowa. Upon leaving school he entered the banking busi-
ness and since 191 2 has been vice president of the Security Bank,
which is one of the reliable financial institutions of Pella. Although
quite a young man, he has demonstrated his fitness for responsibility
and his friends predict a successful career for him.
Mr. Van Houweling was married on the 7th of August, 191 2, to
Miss Nettie Van Zante, of Portland, Oregon, and has a daughter,
Anna Elva May. Mr. Van Houweling is a member of the Dutch
Reformed church and in politics casts an independent ballot, prefer-
ring to judge for himself as to the candidate most capable of filling
the office in question without reference to party affiliation. He and
his wife are popular among the young people of the city and often
entertain their friends at their hospitable home.
NEWTON F. MILLER.
Newton F. Miller is a progressive farmer residing in the vicinity
of Knoxville and is well known in Marion county. He was born in
Highland county, Ohio, in 1849, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Weir)
Miller, natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and Highland
county, Ohio, respectively. The father was born in 1816 and the
mother in 1823. Their marriage occurred in Highland county,
Ohio, and the mother passed away there in 1867. The father
removed to Warren county, Iowa, in that year and in 1868 came to
Marion county, purchasing land in Pleasant Grove township, which
52 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
he farmed until about 1888. He then went to Pleasantville and
lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1890. He was a
democrat in politics. Following the death of his first wife he mar-
ried Mrs. Ducksworth, by whom he had one child. Newton F.
Miller was the third in order of birth of the six children born of
the first marriage.
Mr. Miller of this review accompanied his father to Iowa in the
late '60s. His education was mainly acquired in Ohio, but he studied
for a term in the Central University of Iowa at Pella after the
removal to this county. When twenty-one years of age he married,
and began farming for himself, previous to which time he had taught
school in the winter and assisted his father in the work of the home
farm during the summer. The first year that he farmed for himself
he rented land, but at the age of twenty-two years he had saved suffi-
cient to enable him to purchase forty acres in Pleasant Grove town-
ship. He subsequently purchased a farm in Franklin township and
in 1899 bought the farm where he now resides, which is situated on
section 2, Kno.wille township, and consists of fifty-five acres. He
also owns two hundred acres on section 3, that township, a part of
the last mentioned tract of land being rented and part devoted to
pasture. Mr. Miller has about forty head of cattle and also raises
Red Jersey hogs, devoting more attention to the raising of stock than
to the cultivation of grain, as he believes it more profitable. He has
resided in Knoxville township since 1894, although he did not pur-
chase his present home farm until 1899. He has made all of the
improvements upon the place and everything is in a splendid condi-
tion, his residence being large, comfortable and of attractive appear-
ance. On the ist of October, 1909, at the suggestion of Judge Crozier
he organized the bank in Knoxville which is known as the Guaranty
Bank and was cashier of the institution for three years and nine
months. At the end of that time he sold his interest to E. R. Jordan,
assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Pleasantville, and his brother
for a consideration of ninety-five hundred dollars, or one hundred
and twenty-five dollars a share, as he owned seventy-six shares. Mr.
Miller placed the bank upon a sound basis and it is now one of the
most substantial institutions of the kind in the county.
Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary J. Elliott, who was born
in Mahoning county, Ohio, about 1846 and passed away in 1870.
Mr. Miller subsequently married Miss Candis Marsh, a native of
this county, and they have five children: Ruby M., who is a sopho-
more at Simpson College, Indianola; Ruth Helen, who is a fresh-
man at the same college and who won a scholarship, as she was the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 53
valedictorian of the class of 1914 at the Knoxville high school, and
Edna Frances, Leon N. and Robert L., all in school.
Mr. Miller is a democrat and from 1896 to 1900 served accept-
ably as county auditor, being the first auditor who had offices in the
new courthouse which was finished in January, 1897. His activities
as a farmer have not only won him financial independence but have
aided in the agricultural development of the county, and his upright
and straightforward life has gained him general respect.
JAMES U. WALKER.
James U. Walker is a representative of one of the pioneer fam-
ilies of Marion county. He owns and occupies a splendidly improved
farm of one hundred and fifty acres and lives in the old home of his
father, Francis M. Walker, who is mentioned elsewhere in this vol-
ume in connection with the sketch of another son, John J. Walker.
It was on the i8th of October, 1873, that James U. Walker first
opened his eyes to the light of day. He was reared upon the old
home farm and after attending the common schools near his home
spent a year as a student in Ackworth. He has followed farming
successfully since starting out in business life on his own account and
has made many of the improvements upon his place. He has a fine
home here and the farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance. A
glance at the place indicates that its ow^ner must be a man of pro-
gressive spirit and of unfaltering diligence, for the fields are well
tilled, the fences and buildings are kept in good repair and there is
every evidence of careful supervision and progressive methods. In
addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr.
Walker also engages in the raising of graded stock and his annual
sales bring to him a gratifying income.
Mr. Walker has been married twice. On the 7th of February,
1891;, he wedded Miss Delia Camp, a daughter of the late John
Camp, and to them was born a son, Francis Marion, who was named
for his paternal grandfather and who is at Fort McDermott, Nevada,
with his mother. Mr. Walker's present wife was Miss Mamie
Mote, whom he wedded February 23, 1910. She was born in Pal-
myra, Iowa, a daughter of Ephraim and Ann Eliza (Oilman) Mote.
The family were early settlers in Warren county, having taken up
their abode near Palmyra in 1846, when Ephraim Mote was but a
young lad. His parents removed from Ohio to Iowa and cast in
54 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
their lot with the pioneer residents of this state. Ephraim Mote was
born in ibi.34 and was theretore seventy-eight years of age wnen, in
July, 191 2, ne passed away. His widow is now living in JJes Moines,
at the age of sixty-eignt years. i\lrs. Walker was reared and edu-
cated near indianola and oy her marriage has become the mother of
one daughter, l^sta isernice, born July 19, 1911.
l-'olitically Air. Walker is a repuDlican, voting for the men and
measures of the party, yet never an otnce seeker, jr raternally he is
connected with both the subordinate lodge and encampment of the
Odd Fellows, while he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs.
He is also a member of the Knights of Fythias lodge and of the
Modern Woodmen camp of Fleasantville, while his wife is a mem-
ber of the Christian church. 1 hey are both well known in this
county and many speak of them in terms of high regard. Mr.
Walker is, moreover, recognized as one of the leading tarmers of
Swan township, employing all the modern methods which have
made this one of the rich agricultural districts of the state.
SAMUEL ROSS GRIFFITH.
Samuel Ross Griffith, a well known farmer and stockman of
Knoxville township, was born at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, June
4, 1867, a son of Samuel and Juliana (Burns) Griffith, both of whom
were born near Morgantown, West Virginia. The father's natal
day was September 30, 1814, and the mother's January 9, 1829.
They were married at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, and the father
farmed in that state until 1868, when the family removed to Pella,
Marion county, Iowa. The following December they located in
Wayne county, this state, and remained there for three years, after
which they returned to this county and the father purchased the land
now owned by our subject. He was a soldier of the Civil war and
was faithful in the discharge of all duties. He died on the 6th of
August, 1888, and his wife passed away on the 7th of July, 1907.
Further information concerning them is found in the sketch of S.
J. Marsh, published elsewhere in this work.
Samuel Ross Griffith was about a year old when brought by his
parents to this county and the greater part of his boyhood was passed
upon the farm where he still resides, although he lived for three
years in Wayne county, this state. He was educated in the common
schools and his training thus acquired was supplemented by a prac-
4.(}loSS. MA^Mizi-
THE
iPUBLi
kRY
ASTOR. LtNOX
_TILDEN FOuNDA noN8
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 57
tical knowledge of agriculture gained by assisting in the cultivation
of the home farm. Since starting out in life for himself he has
devoted his time and energy to the work of the fields and has gained
an enviable reputation as a successful farmer and stockman. He
owns two hundred and thirty-eight acres on section 5, Knoxville
township, and as the land is fertile and everything about the place
is kept in good condition the propertv is a valuable one.
Mr. Griflith is a republican but has never aspired to office, pre-
ferring to concentrate his attention upon his agricultural operations.
Fraternally he belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose at Knoxville
and he attends the Methodist church. His life is guided by honor-
able principles and he is recognized not only as a successful man but
as an upright and conscientious citizen.
HENRY CHESNUT.
Henry Chesnut, whose widow resides in the village of Columbia,
was born in Illinois on the 26th of July, 1858, and in that state was
reared and educated. Many years ago he came west to Iowa and at
Knoxville, on the ist of May, 1888, was united in marriage to Mrs.-
Elizabeth Smith, the widow of David Smith and previouslv the
widow of Peter Butterfield. Her parents were John and Rebecca
(Kay) Wilson. By her first marriage Mrs. Chesnut had five chil-
dren, of whom three died in infancy, the others being John Oliver,
who died at the age of two years, and George L., who lives near
Flagler in this county. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Chesnut removed westward to Keith county, Nebraska, where they
liad a large ranch and twelve hundred head of cattle. He con-
ducted extensive farming and stock-raising interests and his well
managed business affairs resulted in the attainment of a most credit-
able and gratifying measure of success.
Mrs. Chesnut's parents came to this county many years ago and
arc now buried at Newburn. They had a family of twelve children,
all of whom reached adult age, but all are now deceased save Mrs.
Chesnut. Three of the children, sons, were lost while serving as
soldiers in the Civil war. Henry Harrison Wilson was poisoned by
Avater and died from the effects. John Oliver Wilson had his arm
shot off and died from gangrene. Jacob was killed at the battle of
Shiloh. Another brother, Leonard, enlisted and was never heard
58 HISTORY OF MARION COUN'i'Y
from again, so it is supposed that he, too, laid down his life upon
the altar of his country.
The death of Mr. Chesnut occurred at Salina, Kansas, July i8,
1906. He was independent in politics but was interested in public
afifairs and cooperated in various movements for the general good.
He was ever a busy man and his life was one of usefulness as well
as of activity. While his later years were passed in the west, he is
yet remembered by many of the older settlers of Marion county who
knew him in youth and voung manhood and entertained for him
warm regard.
I
JOHN W. FREE.
John W. Free was a respected and representative citizen of
Indiana township for many years and when deatli called him in 1906
his demise was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by his
immediate family. He was born in Ross countv, Ohio, September
16, 1829, and was therefore about seventy-seven years of age when
called to his final rest. His parents, Frederick and Susan (Mark)
Free, were also natives of the Buckeye state, where thev lived until
1853 '"1*^ then started westward by wagon with Marion county as
their destination. By the slow stages of that method of travel thev
proceeded until they at length reached Iowa and took up their abode
upon a farm in this part of the state. For one year their home was
a log cabin and at the end of that time thev built a frame house,
which they occupied until they were called to their final rest. In
their family were five children but all have now passed away.
John W. Free spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his
native state and was a young man of about twenty-four years when
the family came to Iowa. In the fall of i860 he was married in this
county to Miss Mary Walker, who was also a native of Ross county,
Ohio, her parents being John and Juda (Benson) Walker, who were
likewise natives of Ohio and were of Scotch descent. In the fall of
1850 they removed westward to this county, taking up their abode
upon a farm, and for five years they lived in a log house. At the end
of that time the father had won a substantial measure of prosperity,
so that he was enabled to erect good buildings. Other improvements
were added to the farm and the land was brought under a high state
of cultivation, so that the place became one of the attractive and
valuable farming properties of the county. Both Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 59
Walker continued to reside upon that place until called to their final
rest. In their family were five children, of whom three are living.
After their marriage Mr. Free began the cultivation of the farm
upon which he and his wife resided almost five decades. His work
was soon manifest in highly cultivated fields which were yielding
good harvests. As science and investigation brought changes in
methods of farming he eagerly embraced these and purchased the
latest improved machinery in order to facilitate the work of the
fields. He was energetic and determined and as the result of his
labors gained a handsome competence. Those who knew him recog-
nized in him sterling traits of character and thus it was that his death
was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when in 1906 he was
called from this life. In politics he had always been a stanch repub-
lican but not an office seeker.
Mrs. Free survives and is the owner of an excellent farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Indiana township and also of a fine resi-
dence in Attica, which she now occupies. She is a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, widely known as an earnest
Christian woman. For many years she has been numbered among
the pioneer settlers of the county and a witness of its many changes.
The logs that were used in building the first courthouse of Marion
county were cut from the farm which she now owns. She can relate
many interesting incidents of the early days and her reminiscences
constitute a delightful tale, giving a vivid picture of conditions
which existed a half century ago, of the methods of life at that time
and of the hospitality and good-will which was everywhere prevalent
among the early settlers.
ISAAC WESLEY BRADEY.
Isaac Wesley Bradey owns and operates a farm of sixty-eight
acres on section 35, Knoxville township, and has made many of the
improvements thereon, which render his place one of the valuable
and productive farms of the neighborhood. His birth occurred on
this section on the 9th of December, 1852, and the old frame dwell-
ing in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day is still one
of the landmarks of the community. Prior to its erection the family
occupied a log cabin, for they were among the pioneer settlers of the
county and were closely identified with the early phases of frontier
life here.
60 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
The parents of Mr. Bradey were Isaac and Lydia Ann (Cloe)
Bradey, both of whom are now deceased. The father, who was born
in Indiana in 1811, passed away December 7, 1874, and the mother,
who was born in Stafford county, Virginia, March 13, 18 13, died
on the 3d of February, 1894, when in the eighty-first year of her age.
She was a daughter of Henry and Ann Cloe, who removed to Ken-
tucky in 1816 and in 1831 took their family to Vermilion county,
Illinois. That was a year before the Black Hawk war occurred. In
1832 she became the wife of Gilbert Cloe, who died in 1833, leaving
a daughter. Narcissus, who is now the widow of William London
and resides at Carson, Iowa. In the '40s Isaac Bradey arrived in
Marion county, Iowa, after having spent some time in Vermilion
countv, Illinois. It was there that he was married in 1836 to Mrs.
Lydia Ann Cloe and three children were born to them in that state.
In 1845 they left Illinois for Iowa, casting in their lot with the
pioneer settlers of Marion countv at a day when the government
owned much of the land. Mr. Bradey secured a claim on section
35, Knoxville township, a part of which is now owned by his son,
Isaac W. Bradey. The family shared in all of the hardships and
privations incident to settlement upon the western frontier and par-
ticipated in the work which brought about the transformation of the
county from a wild and undeveloped region into one of the populous
and prosperous sections of the state.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bradey were members of the Methodist Prct-
estant church and took an active and helpful interest in its work.
They had a family of nine children, one of whom died in infancy,
the others being: John, who resides in Kno.wille; H. B.. who died
in Knoxville township about 1899; Elizabeth, who is the widow of
Hezekiah Davis and resides in Missouri; Nancy Ella, the wife of
S. G. Elder, of Knoxville township; Martha Ann, who married
Captain Henry McCoy, of Knoxville; Isaac Wesley; S. B., who
lives in Knoxville but is the owner of a farm in this county; and
Lvdia, the wife of Van O. Davis, of Madison county, Nebraska.
Isaac W. Bradey, born in this county in pioneer times, was edu-
cated in the public schools and has always remained a resident of
Knoxville township with the exception of a period of three years.
His life has been devoted to farming and he is today the owner of
sixty-eight acres of land situated on section 35, Knoxville township,
which is a part of the old homestead claimi that was entered by his
father from the government.
On the 15th of July, 1875, Mr. Bradey was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Asbury Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, who resided
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 61
near Attica and died in 1857. Her mother afterward became the
wife of a Mr. Walls and passed away in Minnesota. Mrs. Bradey
was born in Knoxville township, in 1855, and her only brother died
in the west in early manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Bradey became the
parents of six children: Mossey, the wife of William Calkins, of
Indiana township; Willis, a farmer and trader of Marysville; May,
the wife of Ira Ingram, living in Decatur county; Oscar and Worth,
both of whom died in childhood; and Fern, fourteen years of age,
at home.
Mr. Bradey, his wife and family are all members of the Chris-
tian church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican
party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction
for him. He and his family occupy an enviable position in social
circles and the high esteem of many friends is freely given them.
JOHN F. FEE.
John F. Fee, a farmer and stock-raiser of Knoxville township,
has resided in this county since 1849 and is a brother of George W.
Fee, whose record is given elsewhere in this work. He was born in
Crawford county, Indiana, August 11, 1841, a son of Christopher
and Susan (Means) Fee, who in 1846 removed to Van Buren county,
Iowa, and three years later to Marion county. The father was a
native of Virginia.
John F. Fee was eight years of age when he accompanied his
parents to this county and has resided here continuously since. As
a boy he attended subscription schools, in which his entire education
was acquired, as he never went to a free school. In August, 1862,
he enlisted in Company G, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which
was assigned to the Western Army and participated in the siege of
Vicksburg. He was then sent west to the Yazoo river, to Arkansas
and to the Indian country and was mustered out at Gibson, in the
territory belonging to the Cherokee Nation. He was in the army
something over three years and when discharged held the rank of
color bearer of his company. He was never injured but suffered
from disease, though he never drew a pension until his age entitled
him to one. After returning from the front he remained upon his
father's farm for two years but after his marriage, which occurred
in 1867, he located upon the James Gamble farm near Knoxville,
where he remained until the fall of 1879, when he removed to his
62 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
present farm, which is situated in Knoxville township, near White
Breast creek, and comprises one hundred and eighty acres. It is rich
and productive, lying mostly in the bottoms. He has made most of
the improvements thereon and has one of the valuable farming prop-
erties of his locality. He carries on general farming and stock-rais-
ing and as he is energetic and progressive his labors yield him a
gratifying annual income.
On the 22d of March, 1867, Mr. Fee was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah Octavia Clark, who was born in Dade county,
Georgia, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1844. Her parents were
James and Minerva (McKaig) Clark, the former a native of Ten-
nessee. They were married on the i8th of April, 1841, and in the
spring of 1849 came to Marion county, locating in the northwestern
part of Knoxville township, where the father entered land which he
owned and operated until his death on the 19th of April, 1901, when
he was eighty-three years, six months and sixteen days of age. The
mother died on the 4th of September, 1853, 'leaving seven small chil-
dren, four sons and three daughters. On the 24th of December of
the following year Mr. Clark married Mrs. Marinda Miller, by
whom he had seven children, three sons and four daughters. She
had also been previously married and had two children by her first
union. She passed away on the i ith of June, 1896. Five of the chil-
dren of the first marriage are still living. Of the second family of
children two died young, another daughter died after her marriage
and four are still living. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Fee was
an Old-School Baptist preacher. She has resided in this county since
1849 and is widely known and highly respected. Mr. and Mrs. Fee
have four children, as follows: James, born in 1867, is a farmer of
Knoxville township. He married Miss Cora Workman and they
have three daughters, Grace B., Letha Verna and lone Octavia. Wal-
ter F., born April 8, 1880, is at home. He married Emma Alberta
Fisher, who passed away June 20, 1914, leaving one son, Wilbur J.
Annabel, who was born January 6, 1870, passed away on the i ith of
August, 1873. Alonzo Everett, whose birth occurred on the i8th of
February, 1875, died November 2d of the year following.
Mr. Fee is a democrat and has served in some school and district
offices. He enjoys his association with his old army comrades
through his membership in Knoxville Post, No. 49, G. A. R., and
his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church of Knoxville. They
have both resided in the county since 1849 and their reminiscences
serve to make real for many of the younger generation the earlier
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 63
days in the history of this section, when pioneer conditions still pre-
vailed. Throughout their long lives they have devoted their ener-
gies to useful activities, have conformed their conduct to high moral
standards, and in the evening of their lives they are rich in friends
and honor as well as in years.
ORA LEE WRIGHT.
No history of the banking business in Iowa would be complete
were there failure tt) make reference to the Wright family, for
grandfather, father and son have been most active and prominent
factors in shaping the records of the state in this regard. The work
instituted by the grandfather and continued by the father, Oliver P.
\\'right, who is now president of the Marion County National Bank,
is being carried on still further by Ora L. Wright, whose name intro-
duces this review. He belongs to that younger generation of busi-
ness men called upon to shoulder responsibilities dififering materially
from those resting upon their predecessors. In a broader field of
enterprise they find themselves obliged to deal with affairs of greater
magnitude and to solve more difficult and complicated financial and
economic problems. To such work Ora L. Wright is devoting his
energies and the excellent result achieved is a familiar one to all
who know aught of his career.
He was born in Knoxville on the [3th of June, 1870, and with
the usual school training of the lad of that age and period he quali-
fied for the duties of later life and in 1886 entered the employ of the
Marion County National Bank as bookkeeper. Parental authority
was not exercised to win him advancement. On the contrary, he
knew that he must win his promotion and it came to him in 1888,
when, after two years' experience, he was made assistant cashier.
Three years later he was promoted to the position of cashier. From
that time forward his activities in banking circles have constantly
broadened in scope and importance. In 1900 he organized the
Lovilia Exchange Bank at Lovilia, Iowa, and since it opened its
doors for business on the loth of December of that year he has been
its vice president. He also organized the Columbia Savings Bank
at Columbia, Iowa, of which he is the vice president, and he was the
organizer of the Iowa Savings Bank at Tracy, of which he is the
president. On the 25th of June, 1903, he organized the Peoples
Bank of Dallas, Iowa, of which he was president, which was formed
64 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
as a private bank but was later converted into a state bank under the
name of the Peoples Savings Bank. Subsequently it was reorgan-
ized with Mr. Wright as its president, as the First Trust & Savings
Bank of Melcher, being removed to the town of Melcher. Mr.
Wright is likewise a stockholder in the Citizens Bank and the First
National Bank of Pleasantville, Iowa, and he is extensively engaged
in the farm loan business, having a very large clientage in that con-
nection. His financial interests have ever been most carefully con-
ducted, for his sagacity is keen, his judgment sound and his energy
indefatigable.
On the nth of September, 1895, Mr. Wright was married to
Miss Estella Dorcas Woodrufif, the only daughter of Elias B. and
Elizabeth Esther (Parker) Woodruff. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have
become parents of two children, Esther Elizabeth and Florence
Marjorie, the latter now a high-school pupil. The former, having
graduated from the high school of Kno.xville, is attending the Ward
BelmcMit College at Nashville, Tennessee, where she is specializing
in the study of expression.
The family is a very prominent one in the social circles of KiiOx-
ville and Mr. Wright stands as one of the foremost representatives
of Masonry in his native city. Having taken the degrees of the blue
lodge, he passed on through the York Rite, becoming a Knight Tem-
plar. It was in i8gi that he became an entered apprentice in Ori-
ental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M. He now has membership in
Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M., and in 1894 he attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Des Moines Consistory,
No. 3, A. & A. S. R. In 1896 he became a Knight Templar in De
Payne's Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of Oskaloosa, Iowa. In '1895
he crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of the Mystic
Shrine of Kaaba Temple at Davenport, but afterward demitted and
aided in the organization of Za-Ga-Zig Temple of Des Moines, of
which he is a charter member. He has held all of the chairs in the
blue lodge, was master three years and since 1899 has been its treas-
urer, and is a life member of the grand lodge of the state. He has
held all the offices in the chapter and was high priest for several
years. In 191 2 he organized Melita Commandery, No. 64, K. T.,
of Knoxville, of which he has since been the eminent commander.
In 1899 and 1900 he was treasurer of the grand lodge of Iowa and
he is an influential factor in Masonic circles, being one of the well
known representatives of the order in the state. He is likewise a
past chancellor of Knoxville Lodge, No. 72, K. P., and has been
master of the exchequer for the past eighteen years.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 65
In politics Mr. Wright is an active, earnest republican but is in
no sense a politician as regards office seeking. He has never held
political office but in 1914 was elected school director. It is well
known that his aid and influence have ever been given on the side of
advancement and improvement and he resolutely and generously
supports all those movements which are a matter of civic virtue and
civic pride. The subjective and objective forces of life are in him
well balanced, making him cognizant of his own capabilities and
powers, while at the same time he thoroughly understands his oppor-
tunities and his obligations. To make his native talents subserve the
demands which conditions of society impose at the present time is
the purpose of his life, and by reason of the mature judgment which
characterizes his efiforts at all times, he stands today as a splendid
representative of the banker and investor to whom business is but
one phase of life and does not exclude his active participation in and
support of the other vital interests which go to make up human
existence.
OSA BUTCHER.
Osa Butcher is devoting his life to farming and stock-raising in
Swan township, where he owns a farm of two hundred and two and
a half acres on section 25. His business interests are carefully con-
ducted, for he knows that industry is the basis of all honorable suc-
cess.
Marion county numbers him among her native sons, his birth
having occurred October 25, 1869, on the farm which is now his
home, his parents being John and Celia (Ballard) Butcher, who
came to this county at an early date and were here married. His
great-grandfather, John Butcher, was one of the founders of the
noted Wade & Butcher Company, razor manufacturers. He was an
expert mechanic and early made razors by hand.
The father of our subject was born in Ireland, March 10, 1823,
not far from the city of Dublin, and he came to America in his teens.
After living in Ohio for a time he removed to Iowa in 1841, when
eighteen years of age, and for three years was a resident of Wapello
county, his home being near Eddyville, where for a time he engaged
in merchandising. In 1844 he came to Marion county, which was
then a frontier district in which there was little evidence that the
seeds of civilization had been planted. The prairies were covered
66 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
with the native grasses, the forests were uncut and there was much
wild game and many wild animals ti) be seen in the district. Much
of the land was still in possession of the government and Mr. Butcher
entered a claim in Swan township, thus becoming the owner of the
property which is still in the possession of his son Osa. He per-
formed the arduous task of developing a new farm, breaking the sod
and converting the wild land into productive fields. He was an
energetic man, however, and there were indeed few idle moments in
his life. Soon his place showed the results of his handiwork in well
tilled fields and substantial buildings. He continued to operate his
farm successfully until his death, which occurred March ii, 1876.
Many years before he had wedded Celia (Ballard) Amos, the widow
of Pleasant Amos, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this vol-
ume. After the death of Mr. Butcher his widow removed to Knox-
ville, establishing her home in the northern part of the city about
1894. There she still resides and is widely and favorably known.
She belongs to the Baptist church, of which Mr. Butcher was also
a consistent member, and in politics he was an earnest republican.
He had a wide acquaintance and all wlio knew him spoke of him
in terms of high regard. He, too, was married twice and by his
first wife, whom he married in Wapello county, he had three chil-
dren, one of whom is yet living, Mrs. Margaret Oldham, a resident
of Oklahoma. Osa Butcher has one full brother, Richard, who is
living near Indianola, where he follows farming. The other chil-
dren of the second marriage are deceased.
Osa Butcher was reared on the old homestead farm upon which
he now resides and which has always been his place of residence.
He attended the district schools and mastered the branches of learn-
ing taught therein. He was trained in the work of the farm and
early became familiar with the practical methods of tilling the soil,
so that he was well qualified to take charge of the farm when it came
into his possession. His entire life has been given to general agri-
cultural pursuits and he has t(Klay a valuable property of two hun-
dred and two and a half acres pleasantly and conveniently sit-
uated not far from the town of Pleasantville, on section 21;, Swan
township. He is always ready to adopt any new method which he
believes will improve the farm or add to the productiveness of the
fields, and he is equally successful as a stock-raiser.
On the 30th of November, i8go, Mr. Butcher was united in mar-
riage to Miss Elsie C. Miner, who was born in Swan township, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Miner, now living retired at Pleas-
antville. Mrs. Butcher was reared and educated there and taught
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 67
for several years in the country schools. She has three brothers and
one sister; Charles, who is a merchant of Percy, Iowa; Mrs. Annie
Acklin, of Des Moines; Edward, who is engaged in the real-estate
business in Loup City, Nebraska; and Garfield, residing at Carlock,
South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher have become the parents of
five children: Dean, who formerly engaged in teaching and was for
some time in the railway mail service out of Chicago but is now at
home; and Glen, Emma, Mary and John, all at home.
Mr. Butcher votes with the republican party and is a stalwart
advocate of its principles. He has served for seven years as a trustee
of Swan township. Socially he is. connected with the Knights of
Pythias of Pleasantville, holding membership in both the subordi-
nate lodge and the Uniformed Rank. He is also a member of the
Masonic fraternity and his sons, Dean and Glen, are both Master
Masons at Pleasantville. Dean is also connected with the Red Men.
The family attend the Christian church, of which Mrs. Butcher is
a member. They are widely and favorably known, occupying a
prominent social position and enjoying the hospitality of the best
Iiomes in this part of the county.
ANDREW F. ROUZE.
Andrew F. Rouze is a progressive and enterprising young agri-
culturist of Marion county, cultivating a farm of fifty acres on sec-
tion 25, Clay township. His birth occurred in that township on the
1 8th of June, 1885, his parents being H. N. and Cordelia (Black)
Rouze. The father, a retired agriculturist residing in Tracy, is
mentioned at greater length on another page of this work.
Andrew F. Rouze enjoyed the advantage of a college education
in his youth and remained under the parental roof until he had
attained his majority. Subsequently he cultivated a rented tract of
land for one year and then purchased a farm in Clay township which
he operated for three years. On the expiration of that period he
disposed of the property and took up his abode on the farm of his
father-in-law on section 25, Clay township, where he has carried on
agricultural pursuits wMth excellent success to the present time.
On March 25, 1908, Mr. Rouze was united in marriage to Miss
Bessie E. Hill, a native of Clay township, this county, born March
13, 1884, and a daughter of L. A. and Alice (Scott) Hill, the former
born in Clay township and the latter in Mahaska county, Iowa.
68 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY .
They still make their home on a farm in Clav township, and three
of their four children als(j survive. Mr. and Mrs. Rouze have one
daughter, Freda Hill, whose natal day was June 14, 191 1.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rouze
has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He
has ably served in. the capacity of road supervisor for three years and
now holds the office of township assessor, making a creditable record
in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America, belonging to Camp No. 1695, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church, with which his wife is also affiliated. Thev have
always remained residents of this county and are a popular and
highly esteemed young couple.
JOSEPH H. YOUNG.
Joseph H. Young, a retired farmer living in Knoxville, is a
veteran of the Civil war and represents a generation of men who
unhesitatingly ofifered themselves in defense of the Union during its
hour of danger. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 9th of
December, 1839, a son of John and Frances (Hargrave) Young.
The father was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 23d of Novem-
ber, 1812, and the mother in the same shire in June of that year. As
a voung man and voung woman thev came to this country and both
settled in Cincinnati, where their marriage occurred. They contin-
ued to reside in that city f-or three or four years but removed to Shelby
county, Indiana, in 1843. The father engaged in farming in that
locality during the rest of his active life and when he retired removed
to Shelbyville, where his death occurred in 1890. He had for many
years survived the mother, who died upon the farm in 1858. He
received but limited schooling in his youth but his energy and native
intelligence made him a successful farmer and he became the owner
of two hundred and forty acres of fine land. Both he and his wife
were Methodists in religious faith. The subject of this review is the
fifth in order of birth of their family of twelve children, the others
who survive being: John, a resident of Sheridan, Hamilton county,
Indiana; Anderson A., of Shelbyville, that state; and Charles, of
Lovilia, Monroe county, Iowa. There is also a half-brother. Mar-
quis J., who lives in Shelby county, Indiana. After the death of
the mother of our subject the father married again, Mrs. Martha
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 69
Ogden becoming his wife in 1861. She survived him for two years
and also passed away at Shelbyvillc.
Joseph H. Young was reared in Indiana, his time being occupied
by attendance at the country schools and the work of the farm, in
which he aided as soon as old enough to be of use. In September
1861, he enlisted in the Union army, being one of the first three hun-
dred thousand enrolled for service. He was with the army for three
years and ten months as a member of Company D, Thirty-third Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain E. T. McCray and Colonel
John Coburn, of Indianapolis. The command was for a part of the
time attached to the Army of the Cumberland and during the re-
mainder of that period to the Army of the Ohio. Mr. Young par-
ticipated in many engagements but was never wounded although he
had a number of narrow escapes. He was, however, incapacitated
by disease for about a year. Three of his brothers were also Union
soldiers, one being in the same company and another in the Ninety-
third Indiana Infantry, while Charles responded to the hundred-day
call in 1864 at the age of sixteen years.
At the close of the struggle Joseph H. Young returned to Indi-
ana, where he farmed for a year, but in September, 1866, he came to
Marion county, Iowa, locating in Liberty township, near Tracy,
where he purchased a farm which he operated for twenty years and
then removed to Pella in order to educate his children. He resided
there for a score of years but in March, 1912, came to Knoxville,
buying his present comfortable home. He is nearly seventy-five
years of age and can look back upon a long life of useful endeavor
and worthy accomplishment. He has said: "I wish to live, no pre-
venting Providence, until 'Uncle Sam' pays me thirty dollars per
month, which will come to pass if I survive to December 9, 1914."
Mr. Young was married in 1870, in this countv, to Miss Lavina
Jollifife, a native of Illinois and a daughter of the late Collins JollifTe.
She passed away in March, 1874, when but twenty-seven years of
age, leaving a son, W. A., who resides in Pella. A year later Mr.
Young married Mrs. Eliza M. Garrison, a native of Decatur, Indi-
ana, who removed as a young girl to Davis county, Iowa, subse-
quently to Wapello county and finally to this county. She was the
widow of Alonzo Garrison, a veteran of the Civil war and a resi-
dent of Wapello county, Iowa, up to the time of his death in 1872.
By her first marriage she had three children: Mary Gertrude, the
wife of Wallace Read of Ames, Iowa; Jane, the wife of Dr. David
Christ of Ames, Iowa, where they both are practising physicians;
and Lemuel Addison, a Baptist minister of Caldwell, Idaho, and a
70 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
well known educator. Mrs. Young was sixty-five years of age in
January, 1914, and her well spent life entitles her to the respect of
all. By the second union five children were born. Mrs. Anna Ken-
dall is residing near Bussey, Iowa; Henry, editor and publisher of a
paper at Boulder, Jefferson county, Montana, is married and has
two children; J. Le Roy, a dentist of Rolfe, Pocahontas county, Iowa,
is also married and has three children; Fern is the wife of Dr. How-
ard Garberson, of Miles City, Montana, and they have a daughter
who is now five years of age; and Eliza is a bookkeeper in the employ
of the Taber Lumber Company and resides at home.
Mr. Young is a republican and is zealous in his work to further
the interests of that organization. For forty years he has been a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is active in all move-
ments that have as their aim the moral betterment of the community.
He keeps alive the memories of his service in the army through his
connection with the Grand Army of the Republic and derives much
enjoyment from his association with his one-time comrades. He has
performed well the duties incumbent upon him in all relations of
life and has contributed to the welfare of the county in more ways
than one. His children have emulated his example and have proved
efiicient in their various lines of work and public-spirited in their
citizenship. His son, W. A. Young, is one of the editors of this his-
tory. The familv name is highly honored in Marion county and
stands for integrity and honor.
JOHN L. MORGAN.
John L. Morgan is a veteran of the Civil war and a well known
and highly respected resident of Marion county, making his home
in Hamilton. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, June 14, 1844, and
is a son of Joseph V. and Anna (Scott) Morgan, both of whom were
natives of Indiana, whence they came to Iowa in 1838 when this part
of the country was still under territorial rule. They settled near
Burlington upon a farm, and the father later entered this land from
the government when it was placed upon the market and a land office
opened. The most farsighted could not have dreamed of the great
changes which were soon to occur, making this one of the populous
and prosperous sections of the Union. The father built a log cabin,
which he and his family occupied until 1848, when they removed to
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 71
\Vapcll() county, Iowa. The following year they came to Marion
county and settled upon a farm, where the parents continued to reside
until called to the home beyond. In their family were five children,
of whom three are now living.
John L. Morgan accompanied his parents on their removal to
Wapello county and thence to Marion county and upon the home
farm was reared amid the conditions and environment of pioneer
life. He shared with the others of the household in all of the hard-
ships and privations incident to the establishment of a home upon
the frontier and through the period of his boyhood he worked in the
fields and acquired an education by attending the district schools.
After the outbreak of the Civil war, however, the monotony of farm
life was broken for him, as he enlisted for service in defense of the
Union, joining Company C, Seventh Iowa Infantry, with which he
served for four years. He participated in the battle of Belmont, Mis-
souri, of Fairfax, Georgia, and also in the battle of Atlanta and the
siege of that city. After its capitulation he started with Sherman on
the march to the sea. During his long service he was twice wounded
and at Belmont, Missouri, was captured and held a prisoner of war
for eleven months. He was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, in
1865, after which he returned to his home in Marion county, settling
upon a farm here. He has since remained a resident of this county
with the exception of a period of eight years spent in Nebraska. His
work as a farmer has been attended with a large and gratifying
measure of success. He has recognized opportunities and improved
them to good advantage, and as the years have gone by his labors
have brought to him a well merited reward.
Mr. Morgan has been married twice. In 1866 he wedded Miss
Sarah E. Ross, a native of Iowa, who died in the year 1876, leaving
two children: Cora, now the wife of G. W. York, a resident of
Kirksville, Missouri; and Eva, the wife of J. B. Bolton, of this
county. In 1887 Mr. Morgan was again married, his second union
being with Miss Flora Schnack, who was born in Hamilton, Iowa,
a daughter of P. A. and Susan (Barley) Schnack. Her father was
a native of Germany and came to America when a youth of seventeen
•years. He is now deceased, but his wife, who was born in Indiana,
still survives at the age of seventy-nine years. In their family were
eight children, of whom six are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Mor-
gan have been born four children, but they lost their eldest, Frank
A. The others are Keith, at home; and George D. and Grace C,
twins, of whom the latter has passed away. In early womanhood
Mrs. Morgan engaged successfully in teaching school in this county.
72 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Morgan is well known as a prominent and influential mem-
ber of Hamilton Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled
all of the chairs. He likewise holds membership with the Knights
of Pythias, and his wife is connected with the Pythian Sisters. His
political indorsement is given to the republican party, but he never
seeks nor desires political oflice. He has served, however, for a num-
ber of years as school director and the cause of education finds in him
a stalwart friend who believes in the employment of competent
teachers and the utilization of progressive methods in the conduct
of the schools. The spirit of advancement actuates him in all things
and has made him therefore one of the leading farmers of the com-
munity. He is, moreover, one of the pioneer settlers, having been
a resident of this county for sixty-five years, in which period he has
seen it emerge from the conditions of frontier life and take on all of
the evidences of a modern and progressive civilization. He can re-
member a time wiien wild game was quite plentiful and when much
of the land in this county was still unclaimed and uncultivated.
Comparatively few wagon roads had been laid out and only here
and there was a cabin to indicate that the work of civilization had
been begun. As the years passed on he bore his part in advancing
the county and its best interests, and he has left an indelible impress
for good upon the development of this section.
C. E. JAMES, M. D.
Dr. C. E. James has been continuously engaged in the general
practice of medicine and surgery at Durham for the past twenty-
seven years and is widelv recognized as an able and successful repre-
sentative of the profession in Marion county. His birth occurred
in Warren county, Iowa, on the 5th of December, 1851, his parents
being S. V. R. and Dorcas Anne (Ivenyon) James. In 1843 ^^^
former took up his abode in Warren county, this state, and both he
and his wife now lie buried in Palmyra, that county. To them were
born eight children, four sons and four daughters.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work,
C. E. James read for three vears under the direction of J. C. Merietta,
of Palmyra, and then entered the Keokuk Medical College, which in-
stitution conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1880. He opened
an office at Swan, Marion county, and was there engaged in practice
for seven vears, on the expiration of which period he came to Dur-
DR. C. E. JAMES
I
i
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 75
ham, which has since remained the scene of his professional labors.
He has demonstrated his skill and ability in checking the ravages of
disease and has been accorded a gratifying and growing practice.
With the progress of the profession he keeps in close touch through
his membership in the Marion County Medical Society, the Iowa
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the loth of August, 1881, Dr. James was united in marriage
to Miss Laura Miller, a daughter of Gabriel and Anna Miller. One
daughter. Avis, died in infancy, and the other daughter, Helen, is
at home.
Dr. James gives his political allegiance to the democracy but
has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to
concentrate his energies upon his professional interests, which have
brought him well deserved prosperity and enviable recognition.
JACOB G. STILWELL.
An excellent farm of about two hundred acres situated in Liberty
township, not far from Hamilton, is the property of Jacob G. Stil-
well and pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon
it. He carries on general farming and stock-raising. He was born
in Indiana on the 26th of February, 1836, a son of John and Delila
(Campbell) Stilwell. The parents were married in Indiana and
had a family of twelve children, of whom three are yet living. For
some time they resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence came to Iowa
in 1848, settling in the spring of that year at Fort Madison. At a
later period they came to Marion county and took up their abode
upon the farm where their son Jacob now resides. Their remaining
days were spent upon that place and when death called them they
were laid to rest in the cemetery at Hamilton. The father always
carried on farming and stock-raising and was the owner of one hun-
dred and forty acres of land which he brought to a high state of
cultivation. His methods were practical and his labors resulted in
making the farm one of the valuable properties of the district. He
raised the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and was also suc-
cessfully engaged in raising graded stock. He died in the year 1864
and his wife, who long survived, passed away in 1900. In politics
Mr. Stilwell was a democrat but never sought nor desired public
office.
76 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Jacob G. Stilwell attended one of the old-time schools, the little
"temple of learning" being a log building, and the methods of in-
struction were almost as primitive as was the schoolhouse. How-
ever, in the school of experience he has learned many valuable les-
sons and by reading and observation has constantly broadened his
knowledge. His training at farm labor was not meager and when
twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account. He
has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and has led a
very busy life. He has never been afraid of hard work and, saving
his money, he purchased land, adding to his original holdings until
he now has about two hundred acres. The soil is rich and arable
and the fields respond readily to the care and labor which he bestows
upon them. He also engages in stock-raising and his business is
bringing to him well merited prosperity.
On the 26th of February, 1859, Mr. Stilwell was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Mary Jane Conklin, her parents being Samuel and
Lorinda (Grantier) Conklin, pioneer settlers of Monroe county.
Our subject and his wife became the parents of si.xteen children, as
follows: Delia Ann, who is deceased; John; Orinda, who has also
passed away; Benjamin; Marv; Joseph; Calvina; George; Delila;
Rosie; Pruda and Peter, both of whom are deceased; Arthur;
Charley, who has passed away; Cora; and one who died unnamed.
Mr. Stilwell gives his political allegiance to the democratic
party and has been called to a number of township ofiices, including
that of trustee. He has likewise served as a member of the school
board and believes in providing good educational opportunities for
the young. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and he attends church in Hamilton but is not a mem-
ber. His success has been builded upon the sure foundation of dili-
gence and determination and he is still active in the management of
his farm, although he has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone
on life's journey.
HON. J. B. ELLIOTT.
Hon. J. B. Elliott, president of the Knoxville National Bank and
an influential factor in political as well as financial circles, was born
in Poland, Ohio, in 1852, a son of J. K. and Mary (Brown) Elliott.
The father was also a native of Poland but the mother was born in
Ireland and with her parents came to the LTnited States in her girl-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 77
hood days. The Elliotts are of English descent and the father was
a son of Daniel Elliott, of Connecticut, who traced his ancestry back
to John Eliot, who was an apostle to the Indians and translated the
Bible into their language. The marriage of J. K. Elliott and Mary
Brown was celebrated in Ohio, where they continued their resi-
dence until 1868, when they came to Iowa and settled on a farm in
Pleasant Grove township, Marion county. The father then devoted
his attention with good success to general agricultural pursuits until
liis life's labors were ended in death in 1890. His widow survived
him for about six years, passing away in 1896.
J. B. Elliott acquired a public-school education which was con-
tinued through various grades and also spent three years in Poland
College at Poland, Ohio. He was a youth of sixteen when his par-
ents came to this state. Later he engaged in teaching school here for
several winter seasons and not only made a study of the best methods
of instructing the young but was also a student of the questions and
issues of the day, taking so active and prominent a part in politics
that when he was but twenty-three years of age he was elected a mem-
ber of the Iowa legislature. While continuing in the profession of
teaching he devoted the hours which are usually termed leisure to
the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1876, after which
he engaged in practice at Knoxville for a few years. During the
same period he conducted a loan business and it was but a logical
step from that line of business into banking. In 1884 he was offered
and accepted the position of cashier in the Knoxville National Bank,
with which he has since been connected, covering a period of three
decades, during which he has contributed largely to the development
and substantial growth of the institution, of which he was made presi-
dent in 191 1. Into other fields of business he has also extended his
efforts with equal success. He is an active farmer and stock-raiser
and his place is widely known because of the fine trotting horses
raised thereon. He has also been identified with the development of
the coal fields of the county and is recognized as a most forceful and
resourceful business man, who forms his plans carefully and then
carries them forward to successful completion.
In 1878 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Nora E.
Miller, a daughter of Admiral B. and Eliza Miller, the former an
attorney, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have become the
parents of two daughters, Helene Eleanor and Genevieve. The
former is the wife of R. S. Granger, who is now engaged in the lum-
ber business at Harrison, Arkansas, and who is a son of Judge
Granger, of the Iowa supreme court. The younger daughter is the
78 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
wife of Waite Phillips, who is engaged in the oil business at Bartles-
ville, Oklahoma. They have a daughter, Helen Jane, three years
of age.
Mr. Elliott is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge
and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he has
always been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the
right of franchise and is recognized as one of the leaders of the party
in his section of the state. For many years he has served as a member
of the state central committee and for two terms he represented his
district in the Iowa legislature, where he gave careful consideration
to all the important and significant questions which came up for set-
tlement. He has marked ability in bringing seemingly diverse ele-
ments into a unified and harmonious whole, whether in politics or in
business, and this element in his character has been one of the strong
forces in winning for him his substantial and enviable success.
JAMES M. REYNOLDS.
James M. Reynolds is now living retired in Pleasantville. For
many years he was actively identified with farming but in 1891 put
aside the work of the fields and took up his abode in the town where
he now resides, purchasing five acres of land, on which he erected a
comfortable residence. Seven years later he purchased his present
fine home, which is one of the most attractive of his section of the
countv. He still derives a substantial annual income from his two
well improved farms, one of which contains four hundred and
twenty-one acres and the other two hundred and forty acres of rich
and productive land. Before retiring from business life he made
his home in Pleasant Grove township, where he arrived on the 6th
of April, 1846. He accompanied his father, who had taken a claim
just south of the present site of Pleasantville and thereon built one
of the pioneer cabins of the countv.
James M. Reynolds is a native of Indiana, his birth having oc-
curred in Benton county, that state, November 8, 1837, his parents
being Lewis and Martha J. (Terwilliger) Reynolds, the former a
native of Botetourt county, Virginia, and the latter of Ohio, x^s
young people they removed to Indiana, settling there in pioneer
times, and in Benton county they were married. There they began
their domestic life, continuing their residence in that county until
1843, when they came to Iowa, settling first at Muscatine, where
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 79
they lived for a year. They then removed to a place four miles east
of Eddyville, in Wapello county, settling at the town of Kirkville.
Lewis Reynolds was among the first to file a claim for a farm in this
locality and he and his wife spent their remaining days here. He
was born May 7, 181 5, and died at the age of eighty years, July 29,
1895. Throughout his entire life Lewis Reynolds carried on general
agricultural pursuits and at one time was the owner of two hundred
and forty acres. His father was a soldier of the War of 1812. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were members of the Methodist church and
Christian principles guided their lives at all times. The latter died
about the spring of 1885, when sixty-five years of age.
James M. Reynolds is the eldest in a family of five daughters
and three sons, one of whom died at the age of eight years. The
surviving members of the family are four daughters and one son,
three of the daughters living in Marion county and the fourth in
North Dakota. The only son, fames M. Reynolds, was a little lad
of but six years when the family came to Iowa, so that he has been a
witness of the development of the state from pioneer times. His
educational opportunities were quite limited and he had practically
nothing with which to start in business life, but he was ambitious
and energetic and those qualities stood him in stead of fortune.
On the 18th of January, 1859, Mr. Reynolds was married at
Pleasantville to Miss Barbara Ann Shepherd, who was born in
Adams county, Illinois, January 4, 1843, a daughter of John and
Polly (Briggs) Shepherd, the former a veteran of the War of 1812
and the latter a native of North Carolina. The father died in Illi-
nois in 1845 ''"•^ ths mother came to Marion county in 1847, settling
at Pleasantville. She afterward became the wife of William F.
Jordan and died when about eighty years of age. By her first mar-
riage she had two daughters: Mrs. Reynolds; and Mrs. Mary J.
Jones, a widow now residing in Denver, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs.
Jordan were the parents of two children: Commodore, who is liv-
ing in Portland, Oregon; and George W., deceased. From the age
of four years Mrs. Reynolds was reared in this county and, like her
husband, therefore, is numbered among the pioneer citizens. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been born five children: Carrie J.,
who died in early life; Charles, a farmer and auctioneer residing in
Minnesota, who is married and has children; Albert D., more ex-
tended mention of whom is made on another page of this work; Em-
ma, who is the wife of L. O. Sutton and resides in Sandyville, War-
ren county, Iowa; and Thomas, who operates one of his father's
farms.
80 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
In politics Mr. Reynolds is a democrat, although largely inde-
pendent. He does not feel himself bound by party ties and casts
his vote as his judgment dictates. He has nev'er sought nor wished
for political office but has served in school offices. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity and his wife is connected with the Order
of the Eastern Star. She is also a member of the Christian church
and both are highly esteemed in Marion county. Mr. Reynolds has
now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is
highly respected as one of the venerable and worthy citizens of
Marion county. His carefully managed business affairs, at all times
characterized by integrity as well as enterprise, brought to him a
creditable measure of success, relieving him in his later years of
that toil which should be performed in the vigor and strength of
earlier manhood.
JAMES ISAAC CHAMBERS.
James Isaac Chambers is a prosperous and representative agri-
culturist of Marion county, owning and operating a valuable farm
of three hundred and si.xty acres in Indiana and Knoxville town-
ships. He came to this county with his parents in the fall of 1856
and has resided continuously within its borders save for a period
of three years spent in Nebraska.
The birth of Mr. Chambers occurred in Montgomery county,
Indiana, on the 24th of January, [851, his parents being Robert H.
and Ellen T. (Dixon) Chambers, the former of Scotch and the lat-
ter of English descent. Both were natives of Maryland and their
marriage was celebrated in Ohio. In the fall of 1856 they came to
Marion county, Iowa, settling in Indiana township, where Robert
H. Chambers purchased a tract of land. Throughout his active
business career he successfully devoted his attention to the pursuits
of farming and carpentering and at the time of his demise he owned
a quarter section of land. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted
for service in the Union army as a member of Company K, Third
Iowa Cavalry, remaining with that command for thirteen months
or until discharged because of illness. In politics he was a repub-
lican and in the office of constable he made a commendable record.
His religious belief was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in
the faith of which he passed away in 1894, while his wife was called
to her final rest four vears later. Both lie buried in this county.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 81
They celebrated their golden wedding here, and this was the only
occasion when all of their children were together. They had five
sons and nine daughters and nine of the family are yet living.
James I. Chambers, who was a little lad of five years when
brought to this county by his parents, began his education in the
state of his nativity and continued his studies in a log schoolhouse of
Indiana township, Marion county. When twenty years of age he
started out in life on his own account and throughout his entire
business career, with the exception of three years spent in Nebraska,
he has'devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits here.
Success has attended his efforts and he now owns three hundred and
sixty acres of rich and productive land in Marion county. He has
made many substantial improvements on the property and in con-
nection with the cultivation of cereals devotes considerable attention
to the raising of graded stock, both branches of his business returning
to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 25th of December, 1872, Mr. Chambers was united in
marriage to Miss Hannah Rankin, a daughter of J. C. and Nancy
Rankin. To them have been born four children, as follows: Bertha
Ann, who gave her hand in marriage to A. R. Rowland; Stella, the
wife of A. C. Tucker; Josephine, who is the wife of Harl Baker;
and Cameron H., who wedded Miss Sarah Suska Woody.
WALTER BOARDMAN SAVAGE.
For the past twenty years Walter Boardman Savage has been
associated with the waterworks system of Knoxville and is its pres-
ent efficient superintendent. He was born in Sheffield, Massachu-
setts, March 3, 185^, a son of Walter Goodrich and Lucy Jane
(Boardman) Savage, the former born in Connecticut, March 16,
[825, and the latter in Sheffield, Massachusetts, on the 26th of Feb-
ruary, 1822. The mother, one of a family of four sons and two
daughters, all of whom are deceased, passed away August 6, 1905,
when she had attained the advanced age of eighty-three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Savage were Presbyterians, and both were very
active in church work. He was a republican in his political belief.
Of the children born to their union six grew to maturity and five
are still living. Edwin B., who died on the 8th of March, 1880,
when twenty-seven years of age, was for a number of years con-
nected with the machine shop which was started in Knoxville by his
82 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
father. Walter Boardman, the subject of this review, is the next in
order of birth. Jennie B., a twin of the last named, is the widow of
C. C. Collins and resides in St. Louis. She has three daughters and
one son, Ada, Nellie, Earl and Stella. Emma is the wife of George
B. McClelland, formerly a well known carpenter of Knoxville.
They now reside at Oakland, California, and have four children,
Lizzie, Edwin, Carrie and Herbert. William Hamlin is a member
of the firm of Dickerson & Savage, of Knoxville. Charles Lohren,
who is engaged in the teaming business in Sedalia, Missouri, mar-
ried Miss Edith Tubbs, of Nebraska, and they have become the
parents of the following children : Loraine, deceased ; Nellie ; Maud ;
Claud; Inez; Carl; Dottie; and John, deceased.
For many years Walter G. Savage was a machinist and copper-
smith in his native state. In 1864. he purchased a machine shop at
Knoxville and operated the same until January 5, 1871, when he
answered the final summons. The shop was then conducted in his
sons' name, being known as Savage Brothers, but as they were too
young to manage it personally the mother rented it to others. About
1876 the shop burned and shortly after E. B. Savage and N. H.
Bittenbender built a new shop upon the same site, just north of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad tracks on Second street.
The firm name of Bittenbender & Savage was maintained from 1876
until 1882. On the 8th of March, 1880, E. B. Savage died and his
brother, the subject of this review, continued the firm in connection
with Mr. Bittenbender until 1882, when the latter became sole
owner.
Walter B. Savage was reared at Knoxville and was a student in
the public schools here, thus acquiring his education. He learned
the machinist's trade in his father's shop and followed the same until
1882. In 1884 he went to Nebraska and entered government land
in Sheridan county, remaining there for nine years, or until 1893,
when he returned to Marion county and became an employe of the
city waterworks. He has remained in that line of business since and
has risen steadily from one position to another of greater responsi-
bility until he is now superintendent. His early training in his
father's machine shop has proved invaluable to him and the plant
is kept in splendid working condition. He is also a business man of
no mean ability and manages well that phase of the waterworks
system, proving a thoroughly competent superintendent.
In 1878 Mr. Savage married Miss Almina May Berkey, who
was born in southeastern Iowa and is a daughter of Frank and Mary
E. (Johnson) Berkey, the former for many years a blacksmith in
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 83
the employ of the firm of Parsons & Lytle. He passed away in 1887,
when about fifty-five years of age. Mrs. Savage is a sister of Airs.
John J. Rolfe, who lives on West Robinson street, this city. Mr.
Rolfe is a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Berkey now makes her home
with Mr. and Mrs. Savage and is seventy-four years of age. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Savage. Minnie, born in
Kno.wille, is the wife of Joseph Mrachek, a dairyman of Chehalis,
Washington, and they have three living children, Elmina, Margaret
and Katherine. Frank, who was born at Iowa City, is also a resi-
dent of Chehalis, where he is foreman in a door factory. He mar-
ried Miss Laura Westover, a daughter of Judge Westover, of Che-
halis, and they have two children, a son, Beldon, and a daughter,
Beulah Bell. Earl, who was born in Nebraska, resides in Kno.wille
and is engineer for the city waterworks. He married Miss Beulah
Conrad, of Hastings, Nebraska, whose parents are still living in
that city.
Mr. Savage is a stalwart republican and is unswerving in his
allegiance to that party. He and his wife are both members of
the Presbyterian church, aiding in many ways in the work of moral
development. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Knox-
ville. The efficient way in which he manages the waterworks sys-
tem has gained him the respect of the community and his personal
integrity and honor have won him many warm friends.
JAMES P. MARSH.
James P. Marsh came to Marion county when but ten years of
age and has remained within its borders continuously since or for
about a half century. He devoted his time and energies to general
agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is
still the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land
but now lives retired at Tracy. His birth occurred in Decatur
county, Indiana, on the ist of May, 1855, his parents being Prince
B. and Zerilda (Ryan) Marsh, who were likewise natives of the
Hoosier state. The former passed away in 1854 and in 1858 his
widow gave her hand in marriage to James B. Means, of Indiana.
They came to Marion county, Iowa, in 1865, locating on a farm in
Clay township on which they spent the remainder of their lives. To
Mr. and Mrs. Prince B. Marsh were born three children, two of
84 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
whom survive, namely: Lewis T., who is now a resident of Kan-
sas; and James P., of this review.
The latter acquired his education in the common schools and
remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age,
when he was married and established a home of his own. He culti-
\ated rented land for a period of si.\ years and then bought fifty-five
acres, subsequently extending the boundaries of his farm by addi-
tional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and twenty-five
acres. The property is highly improved in every particular and in
its operation he has won a gratifying competence that now enables
him to live retired.
In 1877 Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Delilah J.
Scott, who was born in Marion county, Iowa, in 1855, her parents
being William and Elizabeth (Smith) Scott, natives of Ohio and
Indiana respectively. They came to this county in 1844 and located
on a farm which remained their place of abode until death. Their
three children are all yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have
been born five children, as follows: William P., who is now a resi-
dent of Nebraska; Roy E., living in Clay township, this county;
Anna E., who is the wife of Rev. C. E. Pettit, of Chicago, Illinois;
Homer S., of Clay township; and Archie M., who is now attending
college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Mr. Marsh gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and served on the school board for several years, while during eight
years he held the office of justice of the peace, making a highly com-
mendable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No.
568 at Tracy, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he is like-
wise a member of Camp No. 1695 of the Modern Woodmen of
America. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal
church. They are widely and favorably known throughout the
community, enjoying the warm regard and esteem of a host of
friends.
WILLARD H. LYON.
Willard H. Lyon, of Knoxville, is numbered among those at-
torneys who scrupulously uphold the honor and dignity of their
profession and he has won the respect of his colleagues and of the
general public alike. He was born in Dallas county, Iowa, on the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 85
1 6th of February, 1877, a son of Charles H. and Sarah J. (Tiffy)
Lyon, both natives of Van Buren county, this state. The paternal
grandfather was [ohn Lyon, who was born in Rochester, New York,
but in 1840 removed to Van Buren county, this state. He was a
wagon maker by trade; opened at Cantril, Iowa, the first wagon shop
in this state and made the first iron mold board for plows made in
Iowa. Charles H. Lyon, father of the subject of this review, was a
farmer and also conducted a creamery at Dexter, Iowa. He passed
away on the 24th of June, 1900, and is survived by his widow, who
resides in Des Moines. He was a republican in his political belief
and was a member of the Christian church, as is his widow. He
was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a member of Company A,
First Iowa Cavalry, for four years.
Willard H. Lyon was one of a family of five sons and two daugh-
ters and was reared under the parental roof. His early education
was acquired in the public schools and he subsequently attended the
Dexter Normal College. Still later he was a student in the Iowa
State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls and in 1896 went to Pella
as principal of the high school and was made superintendent of
schools there some time later, in which capacity he served for four
years, proving a competent administrator of school afifairs. He then
began the study of law, entering the law department of the Univer-
sity of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1902. He re-
turned to Pella and for two and a half years was associated with T.
H. Bousquet in the practice of his profession. In 1904 he was
elected county attorney, taking ofTice on the ist of January the year
following and continuing therein until the ist of January, 1909. He
then came to Knoxville and in the intervening five years has built
up a large and lucrative practice here, being recognized as one of
the leading attorneys of the city. His excellent general education
has proved almost as much a factor in his success as his thorough
legal training and these coupled with his logical mind and power of
efifective speaking have enabled him to succeed in a profession where
advancement must be won by real abilitv.
Mr. Lyon was married on the 29th of June, 1905, to Miss Edith
Hamilton, of Joliet, Illinois. He and his wife both attend the Con-
gregational church and can be depended upon to aid any worthy
cause. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is
past chancellor; Oriental Lodge, No. 64, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor
Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M. ; Melita Commandery, K. T. ; Des Moines
Consistory, No. 3, A. & A. S. R. ; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O.
N. M. S., of Des Moines. He is a republican in political afifairs
86 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and supports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls.
His achievements are all the more notable when it is remembered
that he has had to depend upon his own resources since starting out
in life for himself, even working his own way through college. His
determination and energy have conquered the obstacles that hin-
dered his progress and he is now one of the most respected and most
successful attorneys of Knoxville.
WILLIAM P. FLANAGAN.
In the years of an active life William P. Flanagan followed farm-
ing and stock-raising in Washington township, his home being on
section 26. He became a resident of the county in pioneer times and
was a young man of but twenty-one or twenty-two years of age at
the time of his arrival. His birth occurred in Virginia on the 15th
of April, 1831, his parents being Reuben and Sarah (Bybee) Flana-
gan, who were natives of Virginia and of Irish descent. In the Old
Dominion they were reared and married and to them were born six
children, of whom but one is now living. On leaving the Old Domin-
ion the parents went to Ohio and afterward to Indiana, where their
remaining days were passed and there, when death called them,
their remains were interred.
William P. Flanagan was but a young lad when the family went
to Ohio and in the schools of that state he pursued his education. He
first came to Iowa in 1853, making his way to Marion county, and
from that time forward he was identified with its farming interests.
On the iith of September, 1859, he was joined in wedlock to Miss
Margaret Mathew, a daughter of John and Lucy (Mormon)
Mathew. The Mathew family lived for a time in Indiana and in
1849 came to Marion county, Iowa, establishing their home here in
pioneer times and bearing an active and helpful part in the work of
early development and improvement. John Mathew passed away
on the 8th of October, 1887, while his wife was called to her final
rest on the 25th of December, 1870. They were well thought of and
had many friends. The record of their children is as follows: Julia
Ann, who is deceased; Mary C. and Lewis, twins, the latter being
deceased; Rebecca Jane, who has also passed away; Margaret and
Rachel, twins, the latter deceased; and Martha and Emma, who have
passed away.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 87
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan was blessed with nine
children: Frances A.", who is the wife of J. N. Cochran, of Plain-
ville, Kansas; Dulcena, deceased; John S. ; one who died unnamed;
Archie W., who has passed away; Lua, who is at home with her
mother; Edmond; Mary, who is deceased; and Keely.
It was in the year 1877 that Mr. Flanagan and his family took
up their abode upon the farm where his widow now resides — a tract
of land of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he afterward added
forty acres. Early experience taught him practical methods of de-
veloping and improving the fields and as time passed on he kept in
touch with the trend of modern progress along that line. When
machinery was invented and placed upon the market, he secured it
to facilitate the work of the fields and when science brought forth
knowledge concerning the soil conditions and the needs of plant life,
he utilized this knowledge in the work of the fields. He was ever
busy and met the demands that were made upon him faithfully and
capably.
In May, 1900, Mr. Flanagan was called from this life, his re-
mains being interred in the Olive Chapel cemetery. In early man-
hood he gave his allegiance to the republican party but later, on
account of a change in his political opinions, he supported the demo-
cratic party. He never held office but was always readv to further
any plan or project for the public good. His religious faith was
that of the Methodist Episcopal church and to its teachings he was
faithful. He was ever conscientious in what he did and no one ever
questioned his integrity or the honesty of his motives.
GEORGE H. ROSE.
George H. Rose, living on section 6, Liberty township, was
born on the farm which is still his home, his natal day being April
7.1;, 1872. His parents were Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose.
In his youthful days he worked in the fields when not busy with
his text-books, his education being acquired in the public schools.
He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil
and caring for the crops and he has engaged in general farming and
stock-raising throughout his entire life. He keeps Durham cattle
for his own use and he has other good grades of stock upon his place.
The farm comprises two hundred acres of rich and arable land
practically all cleared and under cultivation. He has made many
88 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
improvements upon the farm, erecting all of the present buildings
save the residence. The barns and outbuildings are substantial and
give ample shelter to grain and stock and modern farm machinerv
and implements are used in the development of the fields. It was
in 1904 that Mr. Rose purchased two hundred acres of the old home-
stead from the other heirs and since that time he has occupied and
cultivated the farm.
On the 22d of April, 1896, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie Hammond, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Beard)
Hammond. A sketch of the father, a retired agriculturist residing
in Clay township, appears on another page of this work. Mr. and
Mrs. Rose have four children, as follows: Glenn, who was born
February 18, 1899; Irma, whose birth occurred on the 29th of July,
1900; Velma, whose natal day was February 27, 1907; and Merle,
born August 12, 1909. The family is well known throughout Liberty
township and this part of the county and Mr. and Mrs. Rose have
a large circle of warm friends, while the hospitality of the best
homes is freely accorded them.
In politics Mr. Rose is a democrat and gives to his party stalwart
allegiance but does not seek nor desire office. On the contrary, he
concentrates his efforts and energy upon the further development
and improvement of his farm with the result that he has made it
one of the valuable properties of this section of the state.
WILLIAM HOWARD MOON.
William Howard Moon is well known in Marion county as a
representative of newspaper interests inasmuch as he is editor and
proprietor of the Bussey Record. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa,
April 5, 1894, a son of John and Isabel Moon. The removal of the
family to Marion county gave William Howard Moon the oppor-
tunity of pursuing his education in the schools of Bussey, from which
he was graduated on the 21st of June, 1908. Since that time he has
been identified with newspaper publication and his advancement in
this connection has placed him among the representative young
newspaper men of this section of the state. He studies modern meth-
ods of journalism, which he readily adapts to the needs of his paper,
and in disseminating both local and general news he gives to his
patrons a publication which is highly satisfactory.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 89
Mr. Moon is identified with several fraternal organizations, hold-
ing membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of
which he is the financier; the Woodmen of the World and the Im-
proved Order of Red Men. In the last named he is a past sachem
of Elk Tribe, No. loi. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party and he studies closely the questions of the day, keeping
in touch with the policy of the party as outlined by its leaders. He
stands for advancement at all times and since reaching man's estate
has been an active factor in Bussey in promoting those interests and
measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
A. T. KLEIN.
A. T. Klein, who for twelve years has capably filled the posi-
tion of vice president of the Security Bank of Pella, was born in
that city on the 7th of September, 1861, a son of T. H. and Gertrude
(De Leuw) Klein, both natives of Holland, who emigrated to this
country in 1847. His paternal grandfather was Gerrit Klein, who
purchased a farm in Marion county. T. H. Klein was also an agri-
culturist by occupation and resided in this locality until his death,
which occurred in 1887. His wife, who came to this county with her
stepfather, lived to a ripe old age, dying in December, 1912. To
their union were born twelve children, eight of whom survive.
A. T. Klein was given a public-school education and was early
trained in the work of the farm. He devoted his time to agriculture
until he was past forty years of age, but in 1902 he removed to Pella.
At that time he owned seven hundred acres of land but he has sold
three hundred acres, holdingi four hundred. He buys and sells
farms, finding this a profitable business, but since 1902 part of his
time has been taken up by his duties as vice president of the Security
Bank, of which N. Van Vliet is president.
In 1887 Mr. Klein married Miss Jennie G. Akkerman, a native
of this county and a daughter of Jan and Mary (De Penning) Akker-
man. To Mr. and Mrs. Klein were born five children, four of whom
are living, namely: Tunis H., who was graduated from the Iowa
State University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and from the
law department of Drake University at Des Moines and who is assist-
ant cashier of the Security Bank; Mary Luella and Gertrude, both at
home; and Roland J. John A., the third child, was drowned in
Skunk river August 23, 1901;, at the business men's picnic, aged
90 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
twelve years. The family belong to the Second Reformed church.
Mr. Klein is a democrat in politics and is interested in everything
pertaining to the general welfare.
J. PRESTON DURHAM.
Among the native sons of Marion county who have been content
to spend their lives within its borders, feeling that the opportunities
here offered are equal to those to be found elsewhere, is J. Preston
Durham, who owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred
and sixty acres on section 31, Clay township, known as lola Stock
Farm. He was born upon that farm on the loth of March, 1866, a
son of David T. and Lucretia Emeline (Evans) Durham. The
father was a son of David Durham, who removed to Van Buren
county, Iowa, in the early '40s, when Iowa was still a territory, and
established Durham's ferry, which he conducted for years. He also
owned a farm and was one of the substantial residents of his locality.
He passed to his reward about 1866.
His son, David T. Durham, was born at Belfast, Maine, where
the first of the family in this country had settled upon their removal
here from Belfast, Ireland. In his boyhood David T. Durham
accompanied his father to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there grew
to manhood. Upon reaching years of maturity he engaged in farm-
ing and stockraising and gained a competence thereby. He was a
republican and served as county treasurer and also held a number of
other local offices, including that of supervisor. He was given
higher honor in his election as state representative and later as state
senator. He came to this county May i, 184-?, and continued to
reside here until his death, on the 17th of November, 1902, when
eighty years of age. His religious faith was that of the Methodist
church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucretia Emeline
Evans, was born in Washington county, Indiana, and the city of
Evansville was named in honor of her father, John C. Evans, who
was an early merchant of that place. In early life, however, he
removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and secured a farm on the Mon-
roe county line. He was one of the pioneers of that section of the
state and was held in high honor by all who knew him. Mr. and
Mrs. Durham were joined in wedlock in Wapello county, Iowa,
May 16, 1847, and their married life was a long and happy one.
DAVID T. DURHAM
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 93
Mrs. Durham died on the 13th of September, 1892, aged sixty-seven
years, eight months and eighteen days, in the faith of the Methodist
church. To their union were born ten children, of whom the sub-
ject of this review is the ninth in order of birth. The others sur-
viving are: Tolford S., a resident of Bristol, Colorado; Mrs. Mary
K. Rouze, of Tracy, Iowa; Mrs. Florence Houser, living near Knox-
ville, this state; Herbert M., of Fairport, Kansas; Mrs. May E.
Derby, of Holdrege, Nebraska; and Mrs. Mattie J. Derby, of
Yates Center, Kansas. George A. died in 1881, when a young man
of thirty-three years. Mrs. Alice Brown died in 1893, in young
womanhood. Laura A. died in 1901, when about fifty years of age.
J. Preston Durham grew to manhood in this county and after
attending the common schools was a student at the Central Univer-
sity of Iowa, at Pella. He remained under the parental roof until
his marriage, which occurred in 1901, since which time he has
farmed independently. His place is one of the best improved quar-
ter sections in Clay township and the excellent condition in which
everything is kept adds greatly to the value of the property. Mr.
Durham raises both grain and stock and his labor yields him a good
financial return annually.
On the 27th of February, 1901, Mr. Durham was married to
Miss Julia A. Welch, who was born October 14, 1866, in the north-
ern part of Marion county, her parents being John B. and Flarriett
(Caufman) Welch, who came from Illinois and Virginia respec-
tively, but were married in Marion county, Iowa, August 30, 1855.
The Welch family came originally from Scotland and the Caufmans
from Germany. For many years John B. Welch has been engaged
in the lumber business and now resides in Oregon at the age of over
eighty-three years. His wife, who was a consistent member of the
Baptist church, died in January, 1909, when over seventy-nine years
of age. Thev had five children, namely: Harriett E., now the widow
of Peter Adams and a resident of Oregon; John R., of Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; George L., of Pella, Iowa; Charles W., a railroad
man of Des Moines; and Julia A. Previous to her marriage Mrs.
Durham taught school for fifteen years, including eleven years in
the city schools of Pella, and was very successful in that profession.
To Mr. and Mrs. Durham has been born a son, David E., who is
nine years old.
Mr. Durham is a republican and has served in a number of local
offices, including those of assessor and trustee. He held the former
oliice for two terms and has invariably given the same attention and
care to the discharge of his official duties that he gives to the man-
94 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
agement of his private affairs. The guiding principles of his life
are to be found in the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which he is a member, as is also his wife. The esteem of all who
know him is his reward for the integrity, fair dealing and kindliness
that have always characterized him in his relations with his fellow-
men.
ISAAC N. BEBOUT.
Isaac N. Bebout, of Kno.wille, has lived here since 1855 with the
exception of eight years. He is the proprietor of the City Feed Mill
and the products of his mill have the reputation of being of excellent
quality. He was born in Crittenden county, Kentuckv, September
13, 1849, a son of B. F. and Mary A. (Schumaker) Bebout. The
father brought his family to Marion county in i8c;q and continued
to reside here until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was
sixty-two years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and well
liked and respected. His wife preceded him in death, passing awav
in Gosport, this county, in 1855. Mr. Bebout of this review has
one brother, George, who is farming upon a large scale near Albia,
Iowa. He also has a half-sister and three half-brothers living, name-
ly: J. W., living near Gosport; Peter T., a farmer of Lucas county;
Le Roy, living in Wvoming; and Mrs. Millie Anderson, a resident
of Portland, Oregon.
Isaac N. Bebout was but a child of six years when brought to
this county and here grew to manhood. He received a good com-
mon-school education and also as a boy learned the principles of
agriculture, thus fitting himself to earn a livelihood. In 1882 he
removed to Mills county, Iowa, and farmed for eight years, after
which he returned to this county, where he has since resided con-
tinuously. For a number of years he conducted a feed barn in Knox-
ville and in January, 1914, bought the City Feed Mill, which is
equipped with the most modern machinery and which is furnished
with power by an electric motor of fifteen horse power. Graham
flour, corn meal and feed of all kinds are ground and the products
of the mill have not only a large local sale but are also in demand in-
the adjoining counties. Mr. Bebout devotes all of his time to his
business and also employs one or two assistants regularly.
In 1870 Mr. Bebout married Miss Mary Hunt, a native of
Marion county, who died in 1893, leaving three children, namely:
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 95
Charles, a farmer of Knoxville township; Fred, of Washington
township; and Mrs. Celeste Swenberg, who died in the fall of 1896.
In 1895 Mr. Bebout married Miss Louisa Brown, who was born in
Marshall, Indiana, but was reared in this county from the age of ten
years, arriving with her parents in 1865.
She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cart) Brown, both of
whom are deceased, the former dying in 1909, when more than
ninety-two years of age, and the latter passing away in 1873, when
forty-six years old. Mr. Brown was a blacksmith by trade and the
father of six children, five of whom are living: Mrs. Bebout; one in
Illinois; one in Oregon; and two in Wyoming. Mr. Bebout is a
democrat and fraternally belongs to the Masonic lodge at Dallas.
Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and no good cause appeals to them in vain.
JOHN METZ.
John Metz, a well known and well liked merchant of Marys-
ville, was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, on the
13th of January, 1845, a son of Jacob and Ann (Guinn) Metz. The
family is of French lineage and two brothers of the name came from
Metz, France, to the United States, at an early period in the coloni-
zation of the new world. They were the progenitors of those of
the name in America. The brothers, however, became separated on
the Jersey coast, so that one line of ancestry has been lost.
Jacob Metz was born in Pennsylvania, as was Ann Guinn, and
they were married in that state, where they continued their resi-
dence until 1856, when they started for the west with Marion county,
Iowa, as their destination. They settled in Marysville and the father,
who was a carpenter, worked at his trade there until his death, which
occurred in 1886, while his wife passed away in 1881. Both were
laid to rest in the cemetery here. Mr. Metz planted the first dande-
lions seen in Marion county. He was a republican in his political
views, capably and efficiently filling the office of justice of the peace,
and was generally interested in public affairs, his aid being always
on the side of progress and improvement. He had four sons in the
Union army during the war of the Rebellion: Theodore, who was
a member of Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, and died in the
service; Charles, who was a member of Company G, Fifteenth Iowa
Infantry, and also died in the service; Henry, also a member of Com-
96 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
pany G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry; and John, a member of Company
G, Thirty- third Iowa Infantry. Mrs. Metz and a Mrs. Klein were
the first to observe Decoration day in this county, decorating the
graves of the soldiers in 1862, long before the present Memorial
day had been established.
John Metz was one of a family of nine children, six of whom are
yet living, and was quite young when brought by his parents to
Iowa. His education was acquired in the public schools of Marys-
ville and in August, 1862, when a youth of but seventeen years, he
enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Com-
pany G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, as previously stated. He was
wounded at Spanish Fort on the 28th of March, 1865, after which
he was sent home and was honorably discharged on the 24th of
June of the same year. His was a creditable military record and
he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements which
featured prominently as factors in winning the ultimate victory that
came to the Union troops.
In early life Mr. Metz learned the carpenter's trade under the
direction of his father but after several years' identification with
that occupation turned his attention to commercial pursuits in 1877
by embarking in merchandising, in which he has since been engaged.
He is now proprietor of one of the leading general mercantile estlib-
lishments, not only in Marysville but in this section of the state, and
he is enjoying a liberal patronage. He bears, too, an unassailable
reputation for integrity and straightforward conduct in all trade
relations.
In 1871 Mr. Metz was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina
Li ike, a daughter of John A. and Johanna Liike, who came to Amer-
ica from Germany at an early day and were pioneer settlers of
Marion county. Mr. and Mrs. Metz have become the parents of
six children: Charles and Lafayette, who are in business with their
father; Roy, is engaged in farming in Idaho; Jacob, who is a farmer
and painter and resides in Marysville; John, also residing in Marys-
ville; and Archie, of Melcher.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Metz gives his political allegiance to the republican party, of which
he became a stanch advocate on attaining his majority. Again and
again he has been called to public office, the duties of which he has
discharged with promptness and fidelity- He served for twelve
years as postmaster of Marysville, has been trustee and assessor, and
in 1895 ^"d '896 filled the office of county recorder, during which
period he resided in Knoxville, while his sons conducted the store in
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 97
his absence. He has also been a member of the school board and
the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. A resident
of the county from early boyhood, he is numbered among its pioneer
settlers and has been an interested witness of the growth and develop-
ment of this section from an early day, his memory forming a con-
necting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
There have been no spectacular chapters in his life record and enter-
prise in business combined with public-spirited citizenship and
fidelity to duty in every relation have won for him the prominent
place which he occupies in public opinion.
C. A. PORTER.
C. A. Porter, a mine operator, who for the past four years has re-
sided at Knoxville, was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1871, a
son of Jerome H. and Mary M. (Stolzer) Porter. The father was
born in Ohio but in 1852, when a boy of ten vears, accompanied his
parents to Mahaska county, the family settling in White Oak town-
ship, ten miles east of Oskaloosa. There the grandfather, John
Porter, followed farming for some time but his death occurred in
Missouri. Jerome H. Porter enlisted in the Federal army before he
was fifteen years of age and served for three years in the Civil war.
He followed the carpenter's trade, being mainly employed upon rail-
road work. He spent one year in Mexico, but as his health became
impaired he returned to Iowa, where he died when fifty-two years
of age. His widow survives and lives in Oskaloosa at the age of sixty-
four. C. A. Porter has two brothers living, R. H., who is a plumber
of Kno.xville and is mentioned on another page of this work; and
Walter, a resident of Oskaloosa.
C. A. Porter grew to manhood in Mahaska county and acquired
his education in the common schools. Since reaching adult age he
has engaged in various occupations, having been a farmer and also a
merchant, while at present he is a coal and lumber dealer. He not
only deals in those commodities but operates a coal mine which yields
a paying grade of coal in considerable quantity. At one time or an-
other he has also dealt in real estate to a considerable extent, buying,
selling and trading residence and business property. He has a native
shrewdness and is an excellent judge of values and his many transac-
tions have been upon the whole profitable. He has gained a compe
tence and owns his comfortable residence in Knoxville.
98 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Porter was married in Mahaska county in 1896 to Miss
Nettie E. De Long, a native of that county and the only daughter of
Edward F. De Long. The De Long family settled in Mahaska
county in 1842 and in 1847 Edward F. De Long went to the gold
fields of California, but in 1850 he returned to Iowa, where he passed
iway when seventy-three years of age. He was a veterinarian by
profession but the greater part of his time was devoted to other inter-
ests, for he owned a farm and dealt largely in race horses. He was
also active in politics. To Mr. and Mrs. Porter have been born three
children: Mary M., who will graduate from the Knoxville high
school in 191 5; and Charles A., a lad of fifteen years, and Ruth N.,
a child of eight years, both in school.
The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and are
active in the various organizations connected with that denomination.
Mr. Porter is a republican and was the candidate for sherifif of
Marion county at the last election and came very nearly being suc-
cessful. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, being a member of the subordinate lodge, the encampment
and the Rebekahs, and is likewise a member of the Knights of
Pythias. His wife also belongs to the Rebekahs as well. His many
friends hold him in high regard, knowing him to be a man of many
admirable traits of character.
H. W. WARD.
H. W. Ward, a worthy native son and representative merchant of
Marion county, is the proprietor of a general store and meat market
at Harvey and is meeting with well merited success in the conduct of
his business. His birth occurred on the 22d of November, 1876, his
parents being Jeremiah and Mary (Cox) Ward, both of whom were
natives of Indiana. They came to Iowa in the '60s and the mother
is still living here, but the father has passed away. Their two
children survive.
H. W. Ward received a high-school education in his youth but
started out to earn his own livelihood at the early age of twelve years,
working at farm labor until he had attained his majority. He then
secured employment in the Morrell packing house at Ottumwa and
subsequently returned to this county, becoming railroad agent for
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Harvey.
On July 4, 1903, he embarked in business on his own account as a
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 99
merchant of Harvey, where he has since conducted a general store
and meat market, being accorded a gratifying patronage in both
branches of his business. He owns a substantial residence and two
lots in Harvey and is widely recognized as a prosperous and esteemed
citizen of the community.
In 1902 Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Edith M.
Harrington, a native of Marion county and a daughter of Thomas
N. and Mary (Loynachan) Harrington, the former having passed
away. They had ten children, eight of whom are yet living. To
Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born two children, Marvin Reed
and Merlyn Watson. Mr. Ward gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and has ably served as a member of the city coun-
cil and also in the capacity of school director. He and his wife
attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well
known and highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of char-
acter. Thev have spent their entire lives in this part of the state and
have a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
JOSEPH BRIDGEN.
On the pages of pioneer history of Marion county the name of
Joseph Bridgen is inscribed, for he cast in his lot with the early set-
tlers of 1854. He was a resident of Ohio and came to the west from
Muskingum county, that state. There he had been married, but he
and his wife were both natives of Ireland and as young people had
come to the new world, seeking the broader and better opportunities
offered on this side the Atlantic.
Mrs. Bridgen bore the maiden name of Sarah McCollum and
was a sister of the late fames McCollum, a pioneer settler of Marion
county, who arrived here in i8(;4. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridgen were
born three children, of whom Mrs. Margaret J. Schmidt is the only
one now living. One daughter died at the age of twelve years and
the son, James Bridgen, died in early manhood.
Joseph Bridgen was not long permitted to enjoy his new home,
for, arriving in Marion county in March, 1854, he had scarcely
begun the task of developing and improving his farm when death
called him in October of the same year. Having lost her first hus-
band, Mrs. Bridgen was married again in i8t;8, becoming the wife
of Jackson Armstrong, who died in 1868. He, too, was one of the
pioneer settlers of the county and aided in promoting its early devel-
100 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
opment. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were born five children, of
whom two are yet living: Mrs. J. H. Pifer, whose home is at Lari-
more, North Dakota; and Mrs. J. W. Everett, living at Booneville,
Iowa.
Mrs. Armstrong passed away on the 19th of May, 1909, having
reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. She was a most earn-
est and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and exempli-
fied in her life her Christian faith and belief. She did manv good
deeds, was a helpful friend and neighbor and a most devoted mother
and, in the words of the Psalmist, her children rise up and call her
blessed.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER M. CLARK.
Captain Alexander M. Clark is a retired farmer living in Dur-
ham and is also an honored veteran of the Civil war. He has today
passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey and receives the
veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one of his
years whose life has been well spent.
His birth occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 22d of Feb-
ruary, 1832, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Morrison) Clark,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born
in the year 1799 and the mother's birth occurred in 1801. They went
to Ohio in early life and were there married, remaining residents of
that state for many years or until 1851, when they came to Marion
county, Iowa. The father entered land from the government, the
possibility of this indicating how sparsely settled was the county at
that time. He resided first in a log cabin with a clapboard roof and
mud and stick chimney but later built a hewed log house, and the
little home had its comforts and its advantages, even though it did
not compare with the attractive farm residences now to be seen in
the county. This log structure is still standing in Knoxville town-
ship. With characteristic energy Mr. Clark began to cultivate his
farm, breaking the sod on many an acre and transforming the land
into richly cultivated fields. His remaining days were devoted to
the further development of his place and thereon he passed away in
1882, having for fifteen years survived his wife, who died in 1867.
In their family were nine children, of whom four are still living.
Alexander M. Clark spent the greater part of his boyhood and
youth in Ohio and attended its public schools. He also had college
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY loi
training and taught school before entering the army. He was a
young man of nineteen years when he came to Iowa and upon the
home farm he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war,
when he responded to the country's call for troops, joining Company
E of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, August 13, 1861, as a private, with
which he served throughout the period of hostilities until discharged
in May, 1866. On one occasion he was captured and was confined
in various prisons for a period of six months and eleven days, a part
of which was spent at Libby, sharing in all the hardships of military
prison life. It was at Shiloh that he was captured and this was but
one of the many important engagements in which he took part. He
was never wounded, although often in the thickest of the fight, and
on the 20th of April, 1866, in Alabama, he was mustered out, and
was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in May, 1866. He came out
of the army with two commissions as captain, having worked his
way upward from the ranks through valor and loyalty. In com-
mand of his company he inspired his men with much of his own
bravery and yet he never needlessly sacrificed those who were under
his control.
After receiving an honorable discharge Captain Clark returned
to Marion county and embarked in merchandising in Knoxville in
partnership with John Reed. They continued in business together
until 1871, when Captain Clark again turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits, purchasing a farm in Clay township, on which he
took up his abode. For about thirty-eight years thereafter his time
and attention were largely given to the work of the fields, improving
his farm according to modern methods. He lived upon that place
until 1909, when he came to Durham, where he and his wife now
reside.
It was while a soldier in the army that Captain Clark was mar-
ried April 6, 1864, while at home on veteran furlough, to Miss Sarah
J. McMillan, a daughter of Thomas McMillan, and to them have
been born six children: Samuel W. ; Thomas M., now living in
Texas; Charles M., whose home is in Tacoma, Washington; Mary
M., at home; Maria, deceased; and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Captain Clark has always been a stalwart
republican and has filled several of the township offices, while for
three terms he was county auditor, his reelection being proof of his
fidelity and capability in office. He was for many years a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintained pleasant
relations with the boys in blue with whom he served on the battle-
fields of the south. Both he and his wife are members of the Pres-
102 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
byterian church, in the work of which they have long taken an active
and helpful part, the Captain serving as one of the elders of the
church. He owns and occupies a pleasant residence in Durham and
is also the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of rich and val-
uable land on sections 7 and 18, Clay township, together with one
hundred and twenty acres in Union county, Iowa. His property is
the visible evidence of a life of well directed energy and thrift. He
has worked hard and his persistency, determination and honorable
dealing have been the chief factors in bringing to him the success
that has placed him among the substantial citizens of Marion county
and now enables him to live retired.
JOHN E. MITCHELL.
John E. Mitchell is a retired farmer living in Liberty township.
He was born at Newport, Kentucky, February 24, 1838, his parents
being Henry H. and Sarah (Harrison) Mitchell, the former a native
of Kentucky and the latter of Pennsylvania. They had a family of
five children, of whom two are yet living. In the year 1839 they
left the Blue Grass state and came to Iowa. Nine years later, or in
1848, the father took up his abode at Hamilton, in Marion county.
In the meantime his first wife had died and he married again. He
was both a farmer and tanner, following the latter trade in this
county for a short time but giving the greater part of his attention
to general agricultural pursuits. At the time of the discovery of
gold in California he started for the Pacific coast, making the long
journey in 1851 with ox teams across the plains, over the hot
stretches of sand and through the mountain passes to the mines of
the far west. In this county he became the owner of property and
upon his land the town of Hamilton was laid out in the fall of 1850.
He was always much interested in the welfare and progress of this
part of the state and gave helpful support to many measures and
movements for the public good. His political indorsement was given
the republican party and he served as road supervisor. His deatii
occurred April 20, i8g2, while his wife survived him for eight years
and was then laid by his side in the cemetery at Hamilton.
John E. Mitchell is one of the two surviving members of a family
of five children. He had but limited educational opportunities, for
he was reared upon the frontier, being only a little more than a year
old when his parents came to Iowa, which was then under territorial
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 103
rule. He shared with the family in all of the hardships and priva-
tions incident to life upon the frontier and he had but little chance
to secure an education. In 1856, when a youth of eighteen years, he
went to California and after his return took up the occupation of
farming, which he followed for twenty years. In the winter seasons
he also engaged in the manufacture of brooms and thus he lived a
busy and active life which in time brought him a substantial com-
petence that now enables him to rest from further labor. He was
also at one time a guard at the penitentiary in Fort Madison for sev-
eral years and for twelve years acted as mail carrier.
On the 20th of September, i860, Mr. Mitchell was united in
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Carr, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(McGruder) Carr, who in the fall of 1850 came to Marion county,
settling in the same neighborhood as the Mitchell family. Her
father passed away in 1852, having been permitted to enjoy his new
home for only a brief period. His widow long survived him, her
death occurring in 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were born
eight children, Clara, Lottie, Eddie, Flora, Walter, and three who
died in infancy.
Mr. Mitchell is entitled to wear the little bronze button of the
Grand Army of the Republic, for on the 20th of July, 1861, he
responded to the call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company
E, Eighth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for three years and
twenty-five days. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth and
participated in the engagement at Shiloh and in other important
battles. He has always been interested in matters of progressive
citizenship and yet keeps well informed on the questions and issues
of the day, notwithstanding the fact that he has passed the seventy-
sixth milestone on life's journey. He has many good qualities and
his friends entertain for him a kindly regard.
M. D. FRY.
For twenty years M. D. Fry was a successful and energetic
farmer of Marion county, but for fourteen years he has lived retired
in Knoxville, residing at No. 1620 Pleasant street. He owns two
hundred and forty-three acres of land in Knoxville and Polk town-
ships and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the county. He is a
son of John and Hannah (Davis) Fry, the former of whom was
born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in 1819 and died in 1904.
104 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
In 1854 he removed to this county, first locating in Red Rock town-
ship, but he subsequently purchased forty acres in Union township
and continued to buy land until at the time of his death he owned
eight hundred acres located in Union, Knoxville and Polk town-
ships. For twenty-six years he was actively engaged in farming and
during part of that time also owned a dry-goods store in Knoxville.
He was married in Indiana in 1842 to Miss Hannah Davis, who was
born in Ohio in 1821 and died in 1906. When a girl she accom-
panied her parents to Indiana and there grew to womanhood. There
were eight children in the family of John and Hannah Fry, the
record being as follows: Melinda, the wife of J. McClain of Knox-
ville; Mary E., the wife of J. O. Burch of Knoxville township; W.
M., a resident of Polk township; D. F., living in Knoxville; Julia
A., the wife of J. O. West of Colorado; Eliza, who married F. M.
Kerr, also a resident of Colorado; Allie, deceased, and M. D., the
youngest.
The last mentioned was educated in the rural schools of Polk
township and lived at home until his marriage to Miss Eva P.
McLain, which occurred in 1887 at Knoxville. She is a daughter
of J. B. and Lucy (Nichols) McLain, the former born on the 3d
of July, 1833, at Shady Gap, Pennsylvania. His marriage occurred
on the 23d of November, 1853, ^'^^ '" '^'"'^ ^^^e '50s he brought his
family to Iowa. Five years later, however, he removed to Ohio, but
in 1876 again came to this state and settled at Hampton, where he
conducted a drv-goods store until 1880, when he removed with his
family to Knoxville, where he passed away on the i8th of June,
1914. He was a veteran of the Civil war and a member of the
Knoxville Post of the Grand Armv of the Republic. His wife died
on the 4th of March, 1901. To their union were born four children :
Emily, the wife of W. L. Dickerson, of Knoxville; Fred D.,
deceased; Newton, also deceased; and Eva P., the wife of the sub-
ject of this review. She was born in Fredonia, Ohio, in 1867 and
was brought to Iowa when nine years of age. Her education was
acquired at Hampton and Iowa Falls. She later lived in Knoxville,
where her marriage occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have two chil-
dren: Gail M., born on the 2d of February, 1889, graduated from
the Knoxville high school in 1908 and subsequently married Frank
Walter, who died in January, 1914. Since his death she has been
attending business college in Des Moines. Erema S. was born on
the i6th of November, 1892, and graduated from the local high
school in 1909. She subsequently took a two years' course in music
at Simpson College in Indianola, this state, and is now at home.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 105
Mr. Fry began farming upon his own account subsequent to his
marriage and for twenty years was engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He owns a finely developed farm of two hundred and forty-three
acres in Kno.wille and Polk townships and has made many improve-
ments thereon. For the past fourteen years he has lived retired in
Knoxville, as his former labors gained him more than a competence.
He is a democrat in his political belief and has been quite active in
local affairs. He has been delegate to a number of county conven-
tions and for three terms served as alderman from the third ward.
He is well known in the city and has many friends, as to come into
contact with him means to honor and respect him.
GEORGE W. DERRY.
George W. Derry, residing in the village of Columbia, has been
a witness of the growth and development of Marion county for
many years and can relate many an interesting tale concerning events
which figure prominently in the history of this section of the state.
He is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in that state Jan-
uary 23, 1843. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Wilson) Derry,
who were also natives of the Buckeye state and were there reared
and married, while the mother died in Ohio. The Derry family was
represented in that state from early pioneer times. The great-grand-
father of our subject was greatly incensed at the Indians because of
a massacre of his friends and relatives and swore eternal vengeance
on every redskin who crossed his path. He resolved that other white
people should not sufifer as his friends and relatives had done if he
could prevent it, and thus it was that he used every opportunity to
exterminate the red men or drive them to districts further west.
In the family of Jacob Derry and his wife were nine children,
of whom two died in early life, while two are yet living: George
W., of this review; and Mrs. William Swing. The father came to
the west in 1868 and settled in Marion county, where his remaining
days were passed, his death occurring in Knoxville about i8g8.
After losing his first wife he married Anna Ogden and unto them
were born nine children, so that altogether he had eighteen chil-
dren. His widow survives and now lives in Knoxville. Mr. Derry
was a democrat in politics but never held office nor desired political
advancement of any kind. For many years he followed farming in
106 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Knoxville township, contributing much toward making it the rich
agricuhural district which it is todav. In his later years he retired
and took, up his residence in Knoxville, where he remained until
called to the home beyond.
George W. Derrv was educated in the schools of Ohio, in which
state the first seventeen years of his life were passed. He came to
Marion county in i860 and at once started out to earn his own liv-
ing. He worked as a farm hand for a brief time but watched with
interest the progress of events which marked the beginning of the
Civil war, and when it was seen that the two sides were very evenly
matched and that the question wms not to be settled in a short time,
he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company G,
Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on the 24th of October, 1861,
although a youth of onlv eighteen years. He was mustered in on the
2ist of November for three years' service and on the 29th of Jan-
uary, 1864, he reenlisted for the remainder of the war. He was pro-
moted to sixth corporal in May, 1864; to fourth corporal on the ist
of August, 1864; and to second corporal on the ist of January, 1865.
On the 24th of July, 1865, he was mustered out at Louisville, having
made a most creditable militarv record through the almost four vears
of his active service. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, in the
siege and battle of Corinth, the hotlv contested siege of Vicksburg,
the hard-fought battle of Atlanta on the 21st and 22d of July and
was again on duty at Atlanta on the 28th of July and through the
siege. He was frequentlv in the thickest of the fight and he never
faltered whatever the duty assigned to him.
When the war was over Mr. Derry returned to Marion county
and has since followed farming. For seventeen years he carried on
general agricultural pursuits in Washington township and for five
years he has lived in the village of Columbia. At different times he
has lived in various parts of the county but has always depended
upon farming as a means of livelihood and of supporting his family
comfortably.
On the 13th of August, 1866, Mr. Derry was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Allen, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Allen,
and to them five children were born, as follows: Katie, the deceased
wife of Don Smith; Norah, who gave her hand in marriage to
James Myers; Austin and Oscar, twins, the former deceased; and
Stella, who is the wife of Frank Harkins. The wife and mother
passed away January 30, 1914, leaving a husband and three children
to mourn her loss, and her remains were interred in Columbia ceme-
tery.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 107
Mr. Derry is independent in politics but maintains a general
interest in public affairs and gives bis cooperation to plans and
movements for the welfare of his community- Five years ago he
retired from active business life and took up his abode in Columbia,
where he is now residing, enjoying well merited rest that has come
to him as the direct reward of persistent, earnest labor intelligentlv
directed. He has lived in the county continuously for fifty-four
years and many are the changes which have occurred during this
period — changes which have placed Marion county on a par with
the older counties of the state in all that makes for civilization and
improvement.
J. F. WILLIAMS.
J. F. Williams, residing on section 31, Clay township, owns and
operates a farm of two hundred acres in Clay and Liberty town-
ships part of which has been in his possession more than a quarter of
a century. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Marion
county, his birth having here occurred on the 20th of August, 1857.
His parents, S. C. and Sarah M. (Salliers) Williams, both of whom
were natives of Kentucky, removed to Indiana and subsequently
came to Iowa, spending the remainder of their lives here. They
had ten children, seven of whom still survive.
J. F. Williams attended the common schools in the acquirement
of an education and when sixteen years of age left home and began
providing for his own support by working as a farm hand. In 1887,
having practiced strict economy, he had accumulated sufficient cap-
ital to buy land of his own and in that year came into possession of
forty acres. In 1894 ^^ bought eighty acres more and in 1900 another
eighty-acre tract, so that he now has two hundred acres in Clay and
Liberty townships which he operates. He erected modern and sub-
stantial buildings on the property and brought the place under a
high state of cultivation and improvement, the well tilled fields
annually yielding bounteous harvests in return for the care and labor
which he bestows upon them. He cultivates the cereals best adapted
to soil and climate and also devotes considerable attention to stock-
raising, both branches of his business bringing him a gratifying
annual income.
In 1883 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss M. C.
Rose, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of Richard
108 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, mention of whom is made on another
page of this work in connection with the sketch of T. R. Gregory, a
brother-in-law of Mrs. Williams. For six terms prior to her mar-
riage the wife of our subject followed the profession of teaching in
this county. They have two children. M. W., who was born May
i6, 1884, and now assists his father in the operation of the home farm,
wedded Miss Sylvia B. Whitlatch, by whom he had two children:
Macel, deceased; and Laverne. Elma A. Williams is still under
the parental roof.
Mr. Williams exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party and has ably served in
the capacity of school director. His religious faith is indicated by
his membership in the Methodist Protestant church, to which his
wife also belongs. They have spent their entire lives in Marion
county and are widely and favorably known within its borders, the
circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of
their acquaintances.
WILLIAM R. HANNA.
William R. Hanna, one of the enterprising farmers of Clay town-
ship, owning a good tract of land on sections 19 and 20, was born
May 18, 1858, on the place which is still his home, his parents being
Andrew J. and Sarah H. (Knowles) Hanna, in whose family of three
children William R. was the eldest, the others being A. J. and Mary
M. The father was born in West Virginia but was reared in Athens
county, Ohio, where occurred the birth of the mother. They were
married October 19, 1856, and at once left Ohio for Iowa, traveling
bv wagon across the country. They reached their destination in
December, 1856, and the farm consisting of two hundred and forty
acres of land in Clay township, Marion county, was purchased by Mr.
Hanna May i, 1856. His was the first farm in the county to sell for
fifty dollars per acre. He became one of the foremost agriculturists
of the state and had at one time three thousand acres. His prosperity
was notable in that at difterent times he faced various hardships and
difficulties, having at one time to pay a security debt of sixty-live hun-
dred dollars on which he never received a cent. He possessed, how-
ever, notable business ability and keen sagacity and as the years passed
on well merited success in large measure crowned his labors. His
political allegiance was given the republican partv and he was called
ANDREW J. HANNA
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY ill
to serve in a number of township offices. He died February 8, 1908,
having survived his wife for about twenty-seven years, and they were
hiici to rest in Brackenridge cemetery.
William R. Hanna was reared upon the old home farm and pur-
chased the place when his father removed to town. He further
improved the property and is today one of the substantial agricultur-
ists of Marion county, owning six hundred acres of valuable land in
the county and also a smaller tract in Colorado. Upon his place are
seen all of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the
twentieth century. The fields are well fenced, good barns and sheds
furnish ample shelter to grain and stock and the latest improved
machinery facilitates the work of the fields.
In 1880 Mr. Hanna was united in marriage to Miss Julia M.
Rouze, a daughter of W. K. and Mary T. Rouze. They now have
three children, namely: Laura M., who is the wife of Ed Osborn;
Cresco A., who wedded Miss Edith Haines; and Beryl W., at home.
Politically Mr. Hanna is a republican but has never held office
nor is he desirous to do so. He prefers to concentrate his undivided
attention upon his business interests and he has displayed sound judg-
ment in managing his farm and enhancing its productiveness. His
labors have been attended with excellent results and he ranks with the
leading farmers of the county.
E. R. JORDAN.
E. R. Jordan is the popular and capable cashier of the Guaranty
Bank of Knoxville, which is one of the reliable financial institutions
of the city. He was born near Pleasantville in 1883 of the marriage
of John and Mary E. (Ruddell) Jordan, both natives of Adams
county, Illinois, where their marriage occurred. The paternal
grandfather, William F. Jordan, came to this state in the '40s and
entered the land where Pleasantville now stands. The father, who
was a farmer and also a merchant, passed away in 1898 and was
survived by his widow until 1903. He was the father of seven chil-
dren, three by a former marriage, one of whom is deceased, and four
by the mother of the subject of this review. Two of that family have
passed away. Two uncles of our subject, Miles and Wesley Jordan,
were prominent merchants of Pleasantville for a number of years.
E. R. Jordan completed a commercial course in Elliott's Busi-
ness College after graduating from the public schools and at the age
112 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
of seventeen years entered the Citizens Bank of Pleasantville as book-
keeper and in time became cashier. In 1913 he accepted the position
of cashier of the Guaranty Bank of Knoxville, in which connection
he is still serving. The institution is a private bank and its owner-
ship is vested in a copartnership comprising twenty-six members.
It gives its depositors the largest security of any bank in the countv,
more than three thousand acres of Iowa land, over twenty-seven
hundred of which are in this county. Mr. Jordan's knowledge of
business afifairs in general and of banking procedure in particular
has been of great value to the bank and has contributed in large
measure to the prosperitv which the institution enjoys.
Mr. Jordan was married in 1907 to Miss Lillis Hays, of Audu-
bon, this state. He is a member of the Christian church and a dem-
ocrat in his political belief. Fraternally he belongs to the local
lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past
noble grand, and to the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic fra-
ternity. Since coming to Knoxville he has gained recognition as an
energetic, prudent and successful business man and has also won
many warm friends, who esteem him for his admirable traits of
character.
SHELDON J. MARSH.
Sheldon J. Marsh, a prosperous farmer and stockman residing
in Knoxville township, was born on the 14th of Octcjber, 1855, '"
that township, and is a son of Daniel Marsh, mentioned more at
length elsewhere in this work. He has resided in Knoxville township
during his entire life and gained his early education by attendance
at the public schools. He was also a student in Professor McKee's
Academy at Knoxville in 1875 and 1876. His home training pre-
pared him well for the work of an agriculturist and upon arriving at
mature years he decided to follow that occupation. He owns two
hundred and fifty-five acres of productive land on sections 3, 4 and 8,
Knoxville township, and has made many improvements upon his
place, which is lacking in none of the equipments of an up-to-date
farm. He follows general farming and his practical knowledge of
the best methods of agriculture, coupled with his energy, insures
him good crops annually.
On the loth of January, 1889, Mr. Marsh was united in mar-
riage to Miss Susanna Griffith, who was born in Greene county.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY ll^i
Pennsylvania, on the 15th of February, i860. Her parents, Samuel
and Juliana (Burris) Griffith, were both born in the vicinity of
Morgantown, West Virginia, the former on the 30th of September,
1 814, and the latter on the 9th of January, 1829. Their marriage
occurred at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, on the nth of November,
1847. Mr. Griffith gave his time and attention to agricultural pur-
suits in the Keystone state until 1868, when he came west with his
family, arriving at Pella, Marion county, on the 14th of September
of that year. The following December a removal was made to
Wayne county and there he farmed for three years. At the end of
that time he returned to this county and in 1876 he purchased the
farm now owned and operated by his son, Samuel Ross Griffith.
The place is on section 5, Knoxville township, and is a valuable
property. Mr. Griffith served in the Civil war, enlisting in Com-
pany F, Seventh Virginia Volunteer Infantry, on the i8th of Sep-
tember, 1861. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Romney
and Harrison's Landing and a number of other engagements. At
Harrison's Landing he contracted a severe cold wl^ich eventually
afifected his eyes and he was sent to a hospital in New Jersey. The
care which he received was unavailing and he was sent home totally
blind. He lived twenty-six years after this, his death occurring on
the 6th of August, 1888. He was of Welsh descent, his parents com-
ing to this country from Wales. His wife was of Irish and English
lineage, her maternal ancestors coming to this country from the
Emerald isle in the seventeenth century. Her father, William Bur-
ris, was an Englishman and married Miss Sarah Donley, a daughter
of James and Susanna Donley. Mrs. Burris lived to a remarkable
age, lacking but a month of rounding out one hundred and two years.
Mr. Burris died April 19, 1850. The family were Methodists in
their religious belief. Mrs. Griffith died on the 7th of July, 1907-
Her daughter, Mrs. Marsh, is one of seven children, the others being:
William Burris, deceased; Sarah, the wife of A. F. Conn, of Gar-
den City, Kansas; Charles M., of Knoxville township, this county;
James Donley, deceased; Edward F., of Denver, Colorado; and
Samuel Ross, living upon the old home place in Knoxville township.
Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are the parents of five children: one who
died in infancy; J. Howard, who was born December i, 1893; Lila
Gertrude, born April 13, 1895; Sheldon Perry, who was born Jan-
uary 12, 1897, ^rid died when a year and a half old; and Forrest
Burris, born May 19, 1900.
Mr. Marsh is a republican, and fraternally belongs to the Ma-
sonic order and is a member of the Eastern Star, as are his wife and
114 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
daughter Lila. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal
church and manifest in many ways a keen interest in the growth of
the organization. The high opinion which their neighbors enter-
tain for them is the best testimony to the high standards of conduct
that guide their lives and their friends are many.
ASHLIE WELSHER.
For two terms Ashlie Welsher served acceptably as county
recorder and since 191 1 has been engaged in the real-estate and
insurance business in Knoxville and in the intervening three years-
has negotiated a large number of real-estate transactions and has
written many insurance policies. He was born in Lorain county,
Ohio, on the 8th of November, 1857, a son of Alonzo and Mary A.
(Rowland) Welsher, who were natives of Monroe county, New
York, and Lorain county, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grand-
father was Aaron Welsher, a native of New York who removed to
Ohio and was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather
was Wildman Rowland, a native of Massachusetts, descended from
Revolutionary stock.
Alonzo Welsher grew to manhood in Ohio and there learned the
carpenter's trade. In 1852 he made the long and perilous journey
overland to California and remained in that state until 185^. In
that year he returned east and in 1856 was married. In September,
1861, he brought his family to this county, locating upon a farm in
Franklin township, which he had purchased two years before. He
continued to live here until his death, which occurred on the 17th
of July, 1914. In addition to operating his farm he conducted a
saw mill. His political adherence was given to the republican party
and for three terms he served upon the board of supervisors. His
widow survives and is well known and highly esteemed in her local-
ity. To them were born two children: Ashlie, "f this review; and
Bertram R., who was killed in a railway wreck on the 1st of Octo-
ber, 1900.
Ashlie Welsher received a public-school education and in his
youth also learned the principles of farming. After starting out in
life for himself he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits until
1901, when he removed to Knoxville and in the fall of 1906 was
elected county recorder. He performed so well the work devolving
upon him in that capacity that he was reelected in 1908. His second
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 115
term expired on the ist of January, 191 1, and since then he has been
successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business. He
is a man of energy, foresight and sound business judgment and these
qualities insure his continued success in his chosen field.
On the ist of November, 1882, Mr. Welsher was united in mar-
riage to Miss Nannie J. Wilson, a daughter of Thomas and Ellen
(Newbrey) Wilson. Her father served in the Civil war, enlisting
from this county, to which he had come in the late '50s. He was
married here to Miss Ellen Newbrey, a daughter of John Newbrey,
who was one of the pioneer settlers of the county but who in the
'70s removed to Kansas, where he died when more than ninety years
of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Welsher have been born four children:
Ethel, at home; Earl, manager of the lumberyard at Melcher;
Clinna, at home; and Don, who was born in 1894 ^'^^^ '^''^'^ ''^ 1895.
The family attend the Congregational church and Mr. Welsher's
political allegiance is given to the republican party. Fraternally he
is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., and Tadmor
Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M. His son Earl is a past master of Oriental
blue lodge, a member of the Knights Templar commandery and the
Mystic Shrine. Mrs. Welsher is past matron of the Eastern Star
and both daughters also belong to that order and the Daughters of
the American Revolution. Earl has been connected with the Iowa
National Guard and has served as first lieutenant. Mr. Welsher
has made an excellent record as a public official, as a business man
and in all relations of life and enjoys the merited respect of his fel-
low citizens.
CHARLES WHITLATCH.
The name of Whitlatch became connected with the history of
Marion county during pioneer times, for among the early settlers in
this section of the state was the family of which Charles Whitlatch
was a representative. He was born in Ohio on the 24th of August,
1826, a son of Noah and Eva (Bible) Whitlatch, who were likewise
natives of the Buckeye state, whence they removed to Indiana. They
became residents of Iowa in pioneer times and both the father and
mother spent their last days in Marion county.
Charles Whitlatch came with the family to this district and with
every phase of pioneer life he soon became familiar. Many of the
homes at that early day were built of logs. The fields were largely
116 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
unfenced and there was not a little prairie land still unclaimed and
uncultivated. Mr. \^'hitlatch became an active factor in the devel-
opment of the farming interests of the county and throughout his
entire life gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He
worked on persistently and energetically year after year, turning the
furrows in the early spring, planting the seeds, cultivating the crops
and in due time gathering good harvests. He overcame difficulties
and obstacles by determination and energy and in all of his business
affairs was thoroughly reliable.
In this county Mr. Whitlatch was married on the 17th of Novem-
ber, 1861, to Miss Millie Hall, a native of Indiana and a daughter
of Martin and Susan (Kee) Hall, who removed to Iowa in 1848 and
settled in Marion county upon a farm which the father entered from
the government. Both he and his wife died upon this place. In
their familv were eight children, of whom four are living. Mr. and
Mrs. Whitlatch became the parents of seven children, as follows:
Robert J., who operates the home farm; Mary J., who is the wife
of Frank Mallory; John H.; one who died in infancy; Eva, who
gave her hand in marriage to John Spaur; Edgar E. ; and Pearl C,
who died at the age of eighteen years.
Mr. Whitlatch provided liberally for his family through the
conduct of his farming interests, which as the years passed on brought
to him a creditable measure of prosperity. He did not seek to figure
prominently in any public connection but was a devoted husband and
father, a faithful friend and a public-spirited and progressive citi-
zen. After his demise his widow sold the old homestead and is now
living in the village of Attica, where she owns and occupies a pleas-
ant residence. She is a Protestant in religious faitii and throughout
her entire life has displayed many sterling traits of heart and mind
which have endeared her to those with whom she has been brought
in contact.
THOMPSON CRAIG.
Possibly no man alive today in Marion county has seen greater
changes in the community than Thompson Craig, who for sixty years
has lived here, an interested witness and an active participant in the
work of transformation that has brought the county out from a
pioneer environment and secured for it all of the advantages and
opportunities of modern civilizatii^i. He was born in Fayette
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 117
county, Ohio, December 24, 1826, and has therefore passed the
eighty-eighth milestone on life's journev. His parents were John and
Sarah Ann Craig, who reared a family of five children, all of whom
are now deceased save the subject of this review. The parents lived
and died in Ohio, leaving their son Thompson an orphan when he
was but six years of age.
He was earlv thrown upon his own resources and worked as a
farm hand in Highland county, Ohio, until he reached the age of
fifteen, when he sought the opportunities of the new and growing
west, finally arriving in Marion county, Iowa, in 1854. A brother
had come to the county a short time before and had entered from
the government all of section 6, Indiana township, for five men. Of
this Thompson Craig received one hundred and twenty acres and
upon the farm has resided continuously since, devoting his life to
general farming and stock-raising. As the years passed on he con-
verted the wild prairie land into rich and productive fields. He had
to perform the arduous task of breaking the sod and many other dif-
ficult labors incident to the development of a new farm. When he
arrived here the county was largely unimproved, some of the now
thriving towns and villages had not yet sprung into existence and the
county seat was but little more than a hamlet. One could ride for
miles over the territory without coming to a fence or habitation to
impede his progress, but the value of the country was becoming rec-
ognized and soon notable changes occurred, for settlers came to
claim the wild land, which soon passed from the hands of the gov-
ernment into the possession of individuals and was converted into
rich farms. Mr. Craig used practical methods in carrying on the
farm work and in the course of time gathered abundant harvests as
a reward for his labors.
On the 25th of October, 1849, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Craig and Miss Judith Painter, a daughter of John and Phoebe
( De Poy) Painter, who lived and died in Ohio. They had a family
of nine children, all of whom have passed away with the exception
of Mrs. Craig, who by her marriage became the mother of eleven
children, namely: Eli A. and Henry S.. both of whom are deceased;
John O. ; Samuel A.; Emma R., the wife of Joseph Geisinger; Wil-
liam S. ; Delia, the widow of Joseph Jenkins; Benjamin Franklin;
Thomas Arman, who died at the age of two vears; May, the wife
of J. Jenkins; and Noka Valentine.
In his political views Mr. Craig has always been a republican
since the organization of the party but has never sought nor desired
office and has never served in a public position save that of school
118 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
director. His time and energies have been concentrated upon his
farming interests and his home place today bears no resemblance to
the claim upon which he settled more than six decades ago. He and
his wife made the journey westward bv wagon, ofttimes having to
ford the streams. Many of the homes in this locality were log cabins
and the Vvork of progress and development seemed scarcely begun.
There was a spirit of helpfulness, however, that bound the earlv
settlers closely together. They had many mutual interests and they
were always willing to assist one another, while the spirit of hos-
pitality reigned supreme. In the vears which have come and gone
Mr. and Mrs. Craig have enjoyed the friendship of all with whom
they have come in contact and they are today numbered among the
most highly esteemed and venerable couples of the county, si.\ty-tive
years having passed since thev started out on life's journey together
as man and wife.
EDWARD HARVEY.
No history of Marion countv would be complete were there
failure to make prominent reference to Edward Harvey, who is one
of the self-made men and pioneer settlers of this part of the state.
He was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on the i8th oi March, 1831,
a son of Washington and Sidney (Hinkle) Harvey, the former a
native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They became resi-
dents of Ohio at an early day and there the mother passed away in
1848. The father afterward married again and later removed to the
west, settling in Marion county, Iowa, where he resided until his
death, being accounted one of the leading and representative agri-
culturists of his community. He had a family of nine children, of
whom Edward is the eldest and the only one now living.
Edward Harvey left h(Mne at the age of eighteen years and was
employed at farm labor up to the time of his marriage, when he be-
gan farming on his own account in Ohio, there remaining for two
years. In 1853 h^ arrived in Iowa and took up his abode upon the
farm in Marion county whereon he now resides. He entered the
land from the government. His first home was a log cabin covered
with a clapboard roof, and there was a mud and stick chimney and
a puncheon floor. The door had its latchstring, which usually hung
on the outside — an indication of the hospitality which reigned among
the pioneer settlers. After occupying that primitive home for a
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY lit)
number of years Edward Harvey built a frame residence and as
time passed on he added many modern equipments and improve-
ments to his farm. In tilling his fields he followed progressive
methods, with the result that in the course of years he gathered
abundant harvests. He also began raising stock and has long made
it a special feature of his business, deriving therefrom a substantial
annual income.
On the 9th of October, 1851, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah H. Chaney, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Solo-
mon and Margaret (Lane) Chaney, who spent their last days in the
Buckeye state. To this marriage were born four children: Thomas
B. ; Margaret A., now the widow of James Koons; Francis R. and
Mary E., both now deceased. The mother passed away in the early
'60s and was laid to rest in the Brackenridge cemetery. About 1864
Mr. Harvey was again married, his second union being with Miss
Martha J. Rich, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Alexander
and Rachel Rich, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and
Mrs. Harvey were born eight children: Eva J., the wife of G. A.
Perry; George W. ; J. E. ; Ida M., the wife of James Loynachan;
F. A.; Nettie E., the wife of William Loynachan; Henry W.,
deceased ; and one other who has passed away. The mother of these
children died in 1902 and her grave was also made in Brackenridge
cemetery.
Mr. Harvey is still the owner of one hundred and forty acres of
land on section 16, Clay township, and has made his farm one of the
highlv improved properties of the district. His fields have been
brought to a high state of cultivation and he has secured the latest
improved farm machinery to facilitate tiic work of cultivating and
caring for the crops. When he took up his abode upon this farm he
had but ten cents in his pocket. He worked until he could secure
a few bushels of corn and he had some meal for bread. He traded
his clock for two shoats and since that time he has always been able
to have meat. In a word, he has led a most busy life and his earnest,
persistent labor has been the means of bringing to him substantial
prosperity. In his political views he is a republican but has never
sought nor desired political office. He has served, however, as school
director and trustee. Fraternally he is connected with Bellefontaine
Lodge, No. 163, F. & A. M., in which he has filled some of the chairs,
and he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
For more than sixty-one years he has occupied the farm which is still
his home and throughout the entire period has been accounted one
of the leading farmers of Marion county. In all business afifairs he
120 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
has been thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship has been
progressive, and in the community where he has now remained for
almost two-thirds of a century he is held in the highest esteem.
T. R. GREGORY.
T. R. Gregory, who has spent his entire life in Marion county
and has carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his
active business career, still resides upon his farm of two hundred
and fifty acres on section 17, Clay township, but is now enjoying
well earned retirement. His birth occurred in that township on the
6th of December, 1853, his parents being James T. and Harriet
(Ridlen) Gregory, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They
came to Iowa in 1846, the father entering a tract of land in Clay
township, this county, whereon he built a log cabin which was his
home for some years. In 1863 he removed to Knoxville, where
both he and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-eight years
and in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they
were devoted members. To them was accorded the rare pleasure
of celebrating their seventieth wedding anniversary, and eight of
their thirteen children are yet living. James T. Gregory gave his
political allegiance to the democracy.
T. R. Gregory acquired his education in the common schools and
remained at home until past twenty-seven years of age or until the
time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he
started out as an agriculturist on his own account and in 1905 pur-
chased the farm on which he now resides and which embraces two
hundred and fifty acres of valuable land on section 17, Clay town-
ship. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with
a gratifying measure of prosperity and he is now living retired in
the enjoyment of a comfortable competence.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Gregory
chose Miss Sarah S. Rose, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a
daughter of Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, who were born in
Kentucky and Illinois respectively. They came to Iowa in 1855
and located on a farm in this county which Mr. Rose secured with
a Mexican land warrant, having served thrcnighout the Mexican war.
Both he and his wife remained on the property until called to their
final rest. They had six children and five of the number survive.
Mrs. Gregory, who taught school for some terms prior to her mar-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 121
riage, has become the mother of four children, as follows: one who
died in infancy; Glenn, deceased; Jessie A., who had a high-school
education and is now the wife of W. H. Stroud, of Clay township;
and Ruth R., who is attending college at Pella.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Gregory
has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing
firmly in its principles. For some years he has served in the capacity
of school director. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory is
that of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have spent their
entire lives in Marion county and are well known and highly
esteemed as people of genuine personal worth.
ARTHUR B. MARSH.
Arthur B. Marsh, a farmer and stock-raiser owning and operating
two hundred and ten acres in Kno.wille township, is a native son of
that township, his birth occurring in the Daniel Marsh home on
section 9 on the 28th of July, 1858. A sketch of his father, Daniel
Marsh, is found elsewhere in this work.
Arthur B. Marsh has resided in Knoxville township during his
whole life and since 1885 has lived upon the farm which is now his
home, comprising two hundred and ten acres on sections 8 and 9.
His early training as an agriculturist upon the homestead prepared
him well for operating his farm and since reaching maturity he has
continued to devote his time to the cultivation of the soil and the
raising of stock. He is alert and enterprising and well deserved suc-
cess rewards his industry.
On the 14th of April, 1885, Mr. Marsh was married to Miss
Jennie Courtney, who was born in Ohio, January 13, i860, a daugh-
ter of Thomas and Mahala Courtney. The mother, who was born
in 1832, is still living at Pleasantville, but the father has passed
away. Mrs. Marsh died on the 28th of September, 191 1, leaving
two children. Ira, born on the loth of October, 1889, married Miss
Artie Brouse, of Kno.wille, by whom he has two children, Doris
and an infant. Daniel E., born on the 7th of November, 1891, mar-
ried Miss Carrie Long, a daughter of B. M. Long, a farmer of Knox-
ville township. The first born, Chester, whose birth occurred on
the 2ist of April, 1886, died on the roth of May, 1909.
Mr. Marsh is a republican and is stanch in his support of the
policies and candidates of that organization, believing that its sue-
122 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
cess at the polls means the welfare of the country. He has served as
township trustee and as school director and is at all times interested
in the community welfare. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons,
holding membership in the lodge at Kno.xville. Since pioneer times
the name of Marsh has been intimately associated with the agricul-
tural development of Marion county and the subject of this review
has by his successful and upright life added to the esteem in which
the family is held here.
B. H. VAN SPANCKEREN.
B. H. Van Spanckeren is the present efficient cashier of the Citi-
zens National Bank of Pella and is recognized as one of the prom-
inent business men of the city. He was born in Pella on the 2d of
September, i860, a son of B. H. and Dirkie (Ver Steeg) Van
Spanckeren, both natives of Holland. In 1847 they emigrated to
the United States and came to Pella, where their marriage occurred
soon afterward. The father owned the first bakery in Pella, con-
ducting the same until about 1871, and after that he was a proprietor
of a dry-goods store until 1892. In the last mentioned year lie retired
and is still living at the age of eighty-eight years, having survived
his wife for many years, her demise occurring in 1890. He is a
member of the Baptist church, as was also his wife. Of the fourteen
children born to them ten died in infancy. Those who grew to
maturity are: B. H., of this review; Mrs. L. Recrink, the wife of
a farmer living near Pella; Mrs. Dora Welle, a resident of Sully,
Iowa; and J. H. H., a farmer.
B. H. Van Spanckeren was reared in Pella and attended the
public schools in the acquirement of his education. For twenty-
eight-years he was engaged in the dry-goods business, having entered
his father's store when but a youth. From 1882 to 1892 he was a
partner of his father but in 1892 he became sole owner of the estab-
lishment and managed it successfully until 1908, maintaining the
high standard set by his father and keeping apace with the later
developments in retail trade. In 1908 he sold the store and has
since devoted his entire time to the banking business. He entered
the Citizens National Bank in 1906 and his knowledge of business
conditions and methods led to his rapid advancement and he is now
cashier of that institution, which ranks among the best banks of the
county. He requires excellent security before loaning monev, but
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 123
if once convinced tliat the funds of the depositors will not be endan-
gered, he is liberal in the extension of credit and in this way has
made the bank, of great service to the business men of the com-
munity.
In 1882 Mr. Van Spanckeren was married to Miss Katherine
V^in Spanckeren, a daughter of L. H. and Harriett (Sleyster) Van
Spanckeren. They settled in Pella in 1847 and the father for a num-
ber of years conducted a general store but is now deceased. To Mr.
and Mrs. B. H. Van Spanckeren were born five children: Bern H.,
a farmer living in Mesa, Arizona; Mrs. A. W. Leland, a resident of
Dixon, Illinois; L. H., a resident of Mesa, Arizona, and the teller
in the Mesa City Bank; Warner J., who is employed in the Citizens
National Bank of Pella; and Katherine Bessie, at home. The wife
and mother was called to her reward on the 4th of October, 1914,
at the age of fifty-five years. Funeral services were conducted on the
7th of October by President J. W. Bailey, of Central University.
She was highly esteemed and as a mark of respect the business houses
of the city were closed during the funeral.
The family belong to the Baptist church and guide their lives by
its teachings. Mr. Van Spanckeren is a supporter of the republican
party and belongs to the Masonic order. His life has been one of
service to the community, as he has contributed to the business and
financial growth of Pella, first as merchant and later as cashier of
one of the leading banks of the city. He has spent his entire life
here and has thoroughly identified himself with the progress of the
community and has won the unqualified respect of his fellow citi-
zens.
REUBEN CORE, Sr.
Reuben Core, Sr., owns and operates a quarter section of fine
land on section 9, Union township, and also holds title to four hun-
dred and fifty acres in Red Rock and Polk townships, which he rents
to others, and is one of the representative agriculturists of the county.
He was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 25, 1848, a son of Isaac
and Sarah (Himes) Core. The father was born in Maryland in
1799 and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. She died when the
subject of this review was a small boy. The father came to Iowa in
1854 3"d purchased land, increasing his holdings until he was the
owner of four hundred acres. He passed away in January, 1874,
124 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
when about seventy-five years of age. He was a republican in his
political belief and took a citizen's interest in public affairs. He
and his wife had nine children, four of whom survive. The subject
of this review is the youngest in the family and at the time of his
father's removal to Iowa was but a small boy of six years.
Reuben Core, Sr., received the greater part of his education in
the country schools here. The schoolhouses were primitive at the
time and the modern desks and seats were represented by simple
slabs of wood. The schoolhouse itself was built of logs and there
was school only a few months in the winter. Mr. Core began aiding
with the farm work as soon as large and strong enough to do so and
in this way he gained a practical knowledge of agriculture and was
an efficient farmer by the time that he was grown. Upon starting
out in life for himself he engaged in the mercantile business for
four years, but after his marriage, which occurred in 1879, he began
farming on his own account. He has since devoted his energies to
agriculture and has attained marked success in that line. He culti-
vates one hundred and si.xty acres of land in Union township, where
he has resided for about thirty-five years, and also owns four hun-
dred and fifty acres in Red Rock and Polk townships, which he
leases. For a number of years he raised full blooded Aberdeen
Angus cattle but at present has no registered stock. He formerly
fed stock extensively, having usually from seventy-five to one hun-
dred head of cattle on the place. He does general farming and his
knowledge of efficient methods, his energy and good management
insure him handsome profits annuallv. He has made most of the
improvements upon his place, which is well developed, and has
about four acres of orchard, including apple, peach, pear, cherry
and plum trees.
Mr. Core was married in 1879 to Miss Catherine Johnson, a
daughter of Peter M. and Eliza (Girard) Johnson. The father
was born in Ohio in 1819. He was a successful physician and well
known in his locality. His demise occurred in 1881. His wife, who
was born in Ohio, died in i860. Mrs. Core was born in Iowa in
April. 1857, and in this state her parents had been married about
fifteen years before. Her father was married four times and had
fourteen children, she being the ninth in order of birth. To Mr.
and Mrs. Core were born ten children: Maude, who married B. F.
Franks of Marion county; Clarence C, who married Gertrude
McGraw of Marion county; Lyde, who married J. R. McGraw;
Forest E., deceased; Grace, at home; Blaine, who married Naomi
Shawrer; and Reuben, Hazel, Dale and Bernice, all at home.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 125
Mr. Core has supported the republican party since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise and he has taken an active part in
public affairs. He has served as assessor, trustee, road supervisor
and is at present upon the school board. He has also been a dele-
gate to a number of county republican conventions. In his religious
faith he is a Methodist and the integrity of his life is the best testi-
mony to the sincerity of his religious belief.
CHARLES N. CROUCH.
Charles N. Crouch is now engaged in the real-estate and insur-
ance business in Knoxville but was formerly a farmer and stock
dealer of the county. He was born in Mason county, West Vir-
ginia, October 23, 1851, a son of William and Emily (Hayes)
Crouch. Upon both sides of the house he is of German descent. His
father came to Marion county on the loth of May, 1856, and pur-
chased a small farm in Polk township. He disposed of this and
during the years that he resided here bought and sold farms several
times. He was successful as an agriculturist and gained a compe-
tence by his labor. He passed away in 1898 and was survived by his
wife for six years, her demise occurring in 1904. Both were mem-
bers of the Baptist church and people of estimable qualities of char-
acter and he aided materially in the erection of the First Baptist
church structure at Cold Ridge. Their children number ten, seven
sons and three daughters.
Charles N. Crouch attended the public schools as a boy and thus
acquired a serviceable education. He engaged in farming after
arriving at mature years and was thus occupied until 1899. He paid
special attention to raising and dealing in live-stock, breeding Black
Polled cattle and Jersey Red hogs. He traded extensively in live-
stock and found it a very profitable occupation. On the 2d of Decem-
ber, 1899, he removed to Knoxville and has since engaged in the real-
estate and insurance business in this city. He buys and sells farrns
and his practical experience as an agriculturist has proven of great
value to him in this connection. He also makes loans and as he is
judicious in the placing of money has throughout the years that he
has been engaged in business suffered very little loss either of prin-
cipal or interest. His success enables him to rank among the repre-
sentative business men of the city and he has gained the confidence
126 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
of those with whom he has dealt because of his fairness and strict
integrity.
On Christmas day, 1873, Mr. Crouch was united in marriage
with Miss Louisa Smith, of Marion county, a daughter of Charles
and Mary Smith, who came to this county from Ohio in 1856. Her
father was engaged in farming during his active life. Mr. and Mrs.
Crouch have an adopted daughter, Ruth, who is now eight years
of age. Mr. Crouch and his wife are both members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and are active in its work and he is captain of the
gospel team that holds meetings in various places in the county and
thus stimulates church activity. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party and he is always stanch in his support of its prin-
ciples. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local subordinate lodge.
The life of Mr. Crouch has measured up to the principles of jus-
tice and brotherly kindness which he professes and he is accorded
that respect which sincerity always commands.
MR. AND MRS. JONATHAN K. BEEM.
Jonathan K. Beem, a retired farmer, who for the past eight
vears has lived in Knoxville, still owns property in Pleasantville but
has sold his farm. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the
14th of April, 1835, a son of Michael and Lucinda (Rose) Beem.
The father was also born in Ohio, probably in Licking county, and
farmed there for a number of years. The Beem family were early
settlers in that locality and were quite prominent. They always held
an annual reunion. When Jonathan K. Beem was quite small the
family removed to Independence, Iowa, where his father followed
farming until i8i;2 when the family took up their abode in Pleasant
Grove township, Marion county, where the father entered one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, which he improved. He passed away
in this county when seventy-seven years of age. He was a republican
and a member of the Christian church. His wife was a native of
Licking county, Ohio, where her marriage occurred, and she died
in this county when sixty-six years old. She was also a member of
the Christian church. Three of their twelve children grew to ma-
turity, the brothers of Jonathan K. Beem being: Michael C, of
Pleasantville; and Joshua, living in Lehigh, Webster county, Iowa.
MK. AND MRS. ,I()X ATHAX K. 1!KK.\1
:Y/
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 129
Jonathan K. Beem attended school both in Ohio and Independ-
ence, Iowa, but only for a few months each year, and did not receive
more than the rudiments of an education. However, he was thor-
oughly trained in agriculture and learned many things of value that
are not taught in school. He remained at home until his marriage,
which occurred in 1859, when he began farming for himself. In
1864 he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infan-
try, and served for nearly a year in the Civil war, his command
being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Two of his brothers
were also in the Union service. Michael veteranized and took part
in many severe engagements, having a number of narrow escapes.
Although Mr. Beem of this review participated in several hotly con-
tested battles, he was never wounded. After the war he returned
home and resumed farming, being so occupied during his active life.
He became one of the well-to-do and progressive agriculturists of
the county, but has now sold his land, although he still owns prop-
erty in Pleasantville and also his fine residence in Knoxville, where
he has lived retired for the past eight years.
Mr. Beem was married in March, i8(;q, to Miss Malinda W.
Proffitt, who died in 1904, leaving six children, five of whom sur-
vive. William is deceased; Lucinda is the wife of George Irvin,
an undertaker living in Van Buren county, Iowa; Wesley Michael,
a merchant of Denver, Colorado, is married and has several chil-
dren; Clara May is the wife of Charles Franks, a resident of Can-
ada; Arthur is a farmer living in Oklahoma; and Ezra D. is engaged
in the real-estate business in Pleasantville and is married.
On the 15th of January, 1908, Mr. Beem married Mrs. Sarah
A. Manhardt, nee Gregory, the widow of Frederick Manhardt, who
is mentioned elsewhere in this work. She was born on the nth of
August, 1844, in Bartholomew county, Indiana, a daughter of James
T. and Harriet (Ridlen) Gregory. Her father was a native of
Fulton c(junty, Indiana, to which state his parents removed from
Tennessee. Her mother was born in Bartholomew county, and her
father and mother were from Tennessee and Maryland respectively.
Her grandfather Ridlen, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Beem, was
born in England. Mr. and Mrs. James T. Gregory removed to Ful-
ton county, Indiana, some time after the birth of their daughter
Sarah A. and resided there for a vear, but at the end of that time
returned to Bartholomew county. In 1849 they came to Marion
county, Iowa, arriving on the 29th of March and locating near Bellc-
fontaine. The father traded a wagon and team and paid forty dol-
lars in cash for an improved eighty acre farm and the parents
130 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
resided there for many years. He was a man of marked business
ability and very successful as a farmer, becoming owner of three
hundred acres of land which he cultivated until he retired from
active life and removed to Knoxville, where he died September 13,
IQ13, lacking about a month of being eightv-nine years old. He
was widely and favorably known in the county and was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife. The latter
died at Knoxville on the 24th of April, 1914, lacking just two davs
of being eighty-eight years of age. To their union were born thir-
teen children, of whom nine grew to maturity, four sons and five
daughters, namely: Sarah A., now Mrs. Jonathan K. Beem ; Mrs.
Nancy J. De Vore; Timothy R.; James Douglas, living in Nebraska;
John, a resident of this county; Myrtle, who died when twenty-five
years of age; Mrs. Lillie Butterfield, living in Everist, Iowa; Mrs.
Melissa McCarthy, living in Knoxville; and Worth, who owns forty
acres of the home place in the suburbs of Knoxville.
On the 30th of May, 1861, Sarah A. Gregory was married to
Frederick Manhardt, who died in March, 1906. He had been previ-
ously married and had four children by his first union, all born in
this county: Harriet, Lydia, Medora and Alice. By his marriage
to Miss Gregory he had eight children, namely: Mary, the wife of
Gilbert Gregory, who resides in Kansas; Emma, the wife of Charles
Rose, of Kansas; James W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work; Minnie, the wife of Charles Adam Koenig, who is a
drayman of Knoxville; and four others who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Beem reside at No. 608 South Fourth street,
Knoxville, which place they own and in which they often entertain
their many friends. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, Mrs. Beem having joined when a child of ten years. Mr.
Beem is a republican and has held several township offices. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the Grand Army post at Knoxville, in which
he is at present chaplain. Both he and his wife are widely known
and highly esteemed and have the goodwill of all who know them.
EDMUND McCOY.
Edmund McCoy, who served for four years as treasurer of
Marion county and is now living retired in Knoxville, was born in
Dallas township, this county, July 9, i860, a son of Henry W. and
Margaret E. (Willis) McCoy. His father entered land in this
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 131
county in the early days, having come here when a young man from
Coshocton county, Ohio. He improved his land and added to it
until at the time of his death he owned four hundred and forty acres,
which for many years he personally operated, but some time before
his death he gave each of his children eighty acres and kept one
hundred and twenty acres for himself. He was a self-made man, as
he left his home when fifteen years of age and thereafter provided
for his own support. His father, Edmund McCoy, was a farmer in
Ohio, and Henry W. was the only one of the family to locate in this
county. The latter devoted his life to farming and stock-raising and
was much interested in the latter occupation, it being generally con-
ceded that he had the finest cattle in his section of the county. He
was a stanch republican in his political belief and manifested a keen
interest in public afifairs. He died in April, 1901, when seventy-
eight years of age. His wife was born and reared in Coshocton
countv, Ohio, but came to this county in her youth and here they
were married. She survives and makes her home in Dallas at the
age of eighty years. To them were born four children. Edmund is
the oldest. Mrs. Allie Millen for the past ten years has resided in
the vicinity of Sheridan, Lucas county, Iowa. R. G., who is now
a resident of this county, although for twelve years he lived in Kan-
sas and farmed in that state and in Iowa, is now living in Melcher
and is cashier of the bank there. Mrs. Mary V. Damon is also a
resident of Melcher.
Edmund McCoy has always lived in this county. He was edu-
cated in the district schools near his home and as a boy learned farm-
ing. For many years he continued to follow that occupation and
gave special attention to the raising of cattle and hogs. He also
bought stock which he fattened and then marketed. For a long time
he resided upon a farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres
on sections 7 and 8, Washington township, but eight years ago he
sold that land and purchased his present farm, which comprises
four hundred and twenty acres and is situated in Knoxville town-
ship. At that time he removed to the city of Knoxville, where he
still resides, as he was elected county treasurer and found it necessary
to live in the county seat. He served in that office for four years,
or two terms, and proved a systematic and reliable official. Although
he has largely retired from active life, he still supervises the opera-
tion of his farm and the raising of live stock.-
On the 27th of January, 1884, Mr. McCoy was married in Wash-
ington township to Miss Nancy J. Hunt, who was born in this county
in June, 1863, a daughter of Jefiferson and Annie Maria (White)
132 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Hunt. After farming for many years they retired to Knoxville,
where they died, the former when seventy-eight years of age and the
latter when seventy-two. Both died in 191 1, the father in Novem-
ber of that year and her mother in June. Mrs. McCoy was reared
and educated in this county and by her marriage has become the
mother of two children. Herbert D., a farmer and stockman, owns
and operates two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Knoxville
township. He married Miss Carrie M. Dear, whose father lives at
Dallas. Marjorie G., born on St. Valentine's day, 1894, is now
attending college at Ames, Iowa.
The family were members of the Methodist Protestant church,
but as there is no church of that denomination in Knoxville they
affiliate with the Congregational church here. Mr. McCoy is a
republican in his political belief and has held a number of offices.
Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and has filled all chairs
in the blue lodge, and also holds membership in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the modern
Woodmen of America. His daughter belongs to the Eastern Star
and the Rebekahs and his wife to the latter organization. He has
not only won financial prosperitv but has also made manv friends
who hold him in warm regard, and all respect and esteem him.
GEORGE A. STEELE.
For the past half centurv George A. Steele has resided in the same
locality in Knoxville township, and is known as a prosperous general
farmer. He was born in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, August 31,
1854, a son of Charles and Amy (Delp) Steele. The father spent his
boyhood and youth in Union county, Pennsylvania, where his parents
both passed awav. His father was Andrew Steele, a journeyman
blacksmith, who also owned and operated a farm. Charles Steele was
one of a family of four sons and three daughters, all now deceased.
He was married in Pennsylvania and subsequently removed to Marion
county, Iowa, where he operated a blacksmith shop for a number of
vears and where he also owned land. In religious faith he was a
Baptist. He passed away on the 26th of February, 1889, when more
than fiftv-nine vears of age. His ancestors were German and Irish.
His wife was born in Middlesex county, Pennsylvania, of German
parentage, a daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Swartslander)
Delp, who were living in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, at the time
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 133
of her marriage to Mr. Steele. She was likewise a member of the
Baptist church and died on the 14th of May, 1914, when eighty years
of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steele were born ten children, of
whom the subject of this review is the fourth in order of birth. Five
survive, the others being two sisters living in Oklahoma, a sister in
Montana, and a brother, William, who is a resident of Hot Springs,
South Dakota.
George A. Steele was ten years of age when brought by his parents
to this county and grew to manhood here. Under the instruction of ,
his father he learned the principles of agriculture and also the trade
of blacksmithing, and since reaching manhood has ifollowed these
occupations, devoting the greater part of his time to farming. How-
ever, he still does his own blacksmith work, such as horse-shoeing.
Early in life he was taught the value of promptness and industry and
he has founded his success upon his energy and determination. He
owns two hundred and fifty acres on sections 17 and 18, Knoxville
township, his land comprising his father's homestead on section 18.
As he is but five miles west of Knoxville, he has a good market for
his grain and stock and this adds to the value of his property.
Mr. Steele was married on the 21st of August, 1874, to Miss
Eleanor Noles, a native of Hancock county, Illinois, born on the
16th of October, 1852, and a daughter of James and Caroline (Brown-
lee) Noles, residents of Illinois. The Noles family removed to the
Prairie state in pioneer times from Ohio and the Brownlees emigrated
there from Pennsylvania. James Noles was a soldier in the Mexican
war and after the Civil war went to Pike's Peak, to which he had
previously made two trips, and he lost his life there. He was also a
blacksmith by trade. His widow died at the home of a son in Colo-
rado about two decades ago at sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Steele
is one of seven children and has four brothers living. She, however,
is the only one of the family who resides in this county. To Mr.
and Mrs. Steele have been born five children : Jessie, the wife of Mark
Jacobs, of Saskatchewan, Canada; Edna, who married John Kelly,
a farmer of Knoxville township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work ; Ada, the wife of Fred Harvey, a teamster of Dallas, this
county; Charles, a farmer of Knoxville township, who married Miss
Anna Gardner, by whom he has two children; and Howard, who
married Miss Nora Sutherland and is operating a part of his father's
farm.
Mr. Steele is a republican and his allegiance to that party has
never wavered, as he is convinced of the soundness of its policies.
A half century of continuous residence here has made him quite an
134 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
authority on the history of the county, and his active and honorable
life has won for him many true friends, who hold him in the highest
esteem.
THOMAS R. COLE, Sr.
In time of peace and in time of war Thomas R. Cole, Sr., has
always proved a man whom one could trust to perform well what-
ever duty lay nearest at hand. He served in the northern army, de-
fending the integrity and indivisibility of the Union, and the for-
tunes of war were such that for several months he was confined in
southern prisons. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 4th
of May, 1838, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Ross) Cole, both natives
of Ohio. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Ross, came to Iowa
in 1844 and settled in Mahaska county with his son, who entered
government land there. Mr. Ross, Sr., passed away in that county
when ninety years of age. Samuel Cole and Sarah Ross were mar-
ried in Ohio in 1828 and in 1848 removed to Mahaska county, Iowa.
The former entered government land and continued to farm his
place until his death, which occurred on the 2d of January, 1880. His
widow survived him for many years, dying in 1898 when about ninety
years old. To their union were born ten children, five of whom sur-
vive. Four died in childhood.
Thomas R. Cole was the fifth in order of birth in tiiis family and
was reared upon the homestead in Mahaska county, as he was but
ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal
there. He was given a common-school education and was carefully
trained in the work of the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B,
Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served with his command
until the close of the war, holding the rank of sergeant when dis-
charged. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Marks Mill and
for ten months was confined at Tyler, Texas. After being given his
freedom on the 25th of February, 1865, he was granted a furlough.
He afterward returned to the army and remained with his command
until the close of hostilities. Among the battles in which he partici-
pated were those of Fort Pemberton, Helena, Little Rock, Elkins-
ford, Prairie De Anne, Camden and Marks Mill, where he was
captured. After his return to the life of a civilian he attended school
and taught for nine years. In 1874 he opened a store in Lovilia, Iowa,
and subsequently located in Bussey. In 1878 he went to Marysville,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 135
where he established a general store and drug store, which he con-
ducted for thirty-three years. At the end of that time, or in 191 1, he
located in Knoxville, where he has since lived retired, as, in his long
years of connection with merchandising, he had acquired a compe-
tence.
Mr. Cole was married on the i8th of March, 187:5, to Miss Luella
Clark, a daughter of P. R. and Frances Ruby (Deveraux) Clark,
who in 1 85 1 came to this state from Ohio. Her father was a physi-
cian, but in his later life abandoned that profession and turned his
attention to mercantile business. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole has been
born a son, Thomas R., who is cashier of the Buxton Savings Bank
at Buxton, Iowa. He married Alice Tucker and has a son, Thomas
R., who is a child three years of age.
Mr. Cole of this review was for a number of years a member of
the Masonic order, but withdrew from that organization. He wears
proudly the little bronze button which indicates his membership in
the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a comrade of John T. Fer-
guson Post. He is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church
and in his daily life endeavors to practice the teachings of Chrisian-
ity. He votes for the candidates of the republican party and has been
prominent in political councils. He was always diligent in business
and in investing his capital displayed good judgment and now has
his reward, as he has an assured income. He makes and retains
friends and is highly respected wherever known.
LABAN HODGSON.
Laban Hodgson is a well known and enterprising farmer and
stock-raiser of Swan township, owning seven hundred acres of land
on sections 26, 35 and 36. His home stands on section 35 and there
he has made manv substantial improvements. He has been a life-
long resident of the county, his birth having occurred November 20,
1869, a mile east of his present home. He is a son of the late Isaac
Hodgson, one of the pioneer settlers and prosperous farmers of the
county, who passed away in 1914 and who is mentioned at length on
another page of this work.
Laban Hodgson was reared and educated in this county and
attended the public schools. He has always followed farming and
stock-raising. He was carefully trained in business ways by his
father and early began to work in the fields. He started out for
136 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
himself as a young man and about 1898 purchased his first tract of
land, comprising sixty-seven acres, to which he has since added,
while from his father he has also inherited some property until his
holdings today embrace seven hundred acres. He is busily engaged
in the further development and operation of his farm, which he has
brought to a high state of cultivation. He has good buildings upon
the place and all modern equipments in the way of well kept fences
and the latest improved machinery. His farm work embodies the
most modern methods of cultivating the soil and caring for the crops
and his success is gratifying.
On the 26th of November, 1891, Mr. Hodgson was united in
marriage to Miss Hattie Williams, who was born and reared in this
county, a daughter of Frank T. Williams, of Pleasantville. They
have become the parents of four children: Oscar, twenty-one years
of age, who is attending the State Agricultural College at Ames;
Wayne, who is assisting in the work of the home farm; Ethel, at
school; and Forrest, who was born December 5, 1910.
Mr. Hodgson is a democrat in his political views, and his wife
holds membership in the Christian church. They are both well
known in the county and have an extensive circle of friends, for
their social qualities have endeared them to many. Mr. Hodgson
has always lived in the county and his acquaintance is wide, for he
has long been recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Swan
township.
FELLA'S WEEKBLAD.
Fella's Weekblad has a large and representative circulation among
the residents of Iowa and adjoining states who are of Dutch birth or
ancestry, and is one of the leading papers in this section of the country
printed in the Dutch language. It was established in 1861 by Henry
Hospers, a prominent figure in the state at that time. About 1870
he sold the business to H. Neyenesch, who took charge June 20 of
that year and conducted it until January i, 1899, and then sold it
to the Rev. H. Foot, who conducted it for thirteen months, when
Mr. Neyenesch bought the paper again and conducted it until Octo-
ber II, 1901. He then sold the subscription list to Jansma Brothers,
who were the publishers of the Nieuwsblad, which they had estab-
lished on the loth of February, 1899. On the nth of October, 1901,
they combined the two papers, retaining the name of Fella's Week-
HISTORY OF xMARlON COUNTY 137
blad, as that was the older and better known publication. On the
28th of February, 1902, John Jansma died and his brother James
continued to publish the paper until 1904, in which year H. F.
Johnson, the present business manager, purchased a half interest. On
New Year's day, 1909, Mr. Johnson and H. L. Boland bought James
Jansma's interest in the paper and have remained its sole owners
ever since.
Fella's Weekblad, as its name indicates, is published weekly and
is an excellent paper of eight pages of six columns each. It is printed
in the Dutch language and has a large circulation which is steadily
increasing. Its editor, E. C. Varenkamp, is a man of broad learn-
ing, with an intimate knowledge of the life of the people in whose
interests it is printed, and under his direction a high standard of
journalism is maintained and at the same time it is popular in its
appeal. The business phase of this publication is ably managed by
H. F. Johnson and its finances are in excellent condition.
FRED P. GRANT.
Fred P. Grant is the owner of the only ice company in Knoxville
and has developed his business to large proportions. He was born
in New York state, at the foot of the Catskill mountains, on the 25th
of February, 1846, a son of John F. and Mary M. (Miller) Grant.
His paternal grandfather was General Grant, who was in command
of militia from New York in the War of 18 12. John F. Grant was
a lumberman by occupation.
Fred P. Grant was taken to Pennsylvania by his parents when
but ten years of age and lived there until his marriage. He then
removed to New Jersey, where he resided until he came to Iowa,
being superintendent of a lumber company in the east. In 1881 he
came to Pella, this state, but late in the same year removed to Knox-
ville, where he started a creamery and conducted it until 1896. He
then established the ice business of which he is still the owner. In
the fall of 1913 a rival company was bought out and the Fred P.
Grant Company now has the field to itself. It handles more than
two thousand tons of ice per year and runs three or four wagons.
The ice sold is natural ice and thirty-five men are employed in putting
it up. Great care is exercised to prevent its contamination in any
way, full weight is invariably given and the price is fair and reason-
138 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
able. William L. Grant, the son of our subject, is associated with
his father in business.
Fred P. Grant was married in 1872 to Miss Millie M. Pellett, of
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Calvin and Eunice Pellett. Her father
devoted his life to the work of the farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant
were born four children : William L. ; Nellie A., at home ; Carrie B.,
who married Homer Carpenter, a resident of Trinidad, Colorado;
and Edna, at home. Mrs. Grant passed away on the 9th of June, 1910.
William L. Grant, who was born in New York state on the 24th
of September, 1873, after completing the public-school course at
Kno.wille, became associated with his father in the ice business when
a young man. From 1903 to 1906 he was deputy sheriff of the county,
serving under Sherifif Bybee. At the expiration of his term of office
he lived in Colorado for seven years, but in 1913 returned to Knox-
ville and purchased the Goodspeed ice business, which he consolidated
with that of his father, and he has since been a member of the Fred
P. Grant Ice Company. He married Kate Kimball of Knoxville.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the
Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor.
Fred P. Grant is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is a republican in his political belief and has served
as alderman from the third ward. He has been successful in busi-
ness but has not allowed his private interests to take up his entire
time, as he has always cooperated with those who have sought to
promote the welfare of the community.
STEPHEN JENKINS.
Stephen Jenkins, who is a prosperous farmer residing two and a
half miles south of Knoxville, is a son of the late Joshua Jenkins,
who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work. He was
born upon the family homestead in Knoxville township, this county,
on the I St of September, 1863. Upon reaching the proper age he
entered the public schools and after completing the course there
became a student in an academy at Knoxville. Although he has
devoted the greater part of his life to farming and stock-raising, for
two years he conducted a grocery store at Knoxville. He now
operates a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 19,
Knoxville township, which he owns and upon which he has made
many improvements. His residence is modern in its appointments
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 139
and the buildings for the shelter of grain and stock are substantial
and well adapted to their purpose. He uses the latest models of
agricultural machinery and overlooks nothing the doing of which
might add to the value of his farm or increase the efficiency of his
work. In early manhood he spent a year in the west but decided that
the advantages of his native county were equal to those ofifered else-
where, and since returning he has remained a continuous resident
of Marion county. He carries on general farming and stock-raising
but pays special attention to the raising of Poland China hogs and
shorthorn cattle.
On the 6th of February, 1887, Mr. Jenkins was united in mar-
riage to Miss Zella Rogers, who passed away on the 31st of January,
1914, aged forty-eight years, two months and eleven days. She was
born in this county on the 20th of November, 1865, a daughter of
Benjamin and Mary Elizabeth (Ruffner) Rogers. Her father died
on the 12th of September, 1905, and her mother is still living, making
her home at Knoxville. To Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins was born a
daughter, Mabel, who has completed the course in the local high
school and is now at home.
Mr. Jenkins is a progressive democrat in his political affiliations
and has held school office, as did his father, who was for many years
secretary-treasurer of the school board. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and willingly con-
tributes of his time and means to the furtherance of its work. His
practical knowledge of agriculture, coupled with his energy and
good business judgment, has enabled him to win financial success in
his chosen occupation and the straightforwardness and uprightness
of his life have gained him many friends, who value highly his good
opinion.
GEORGE W. SCHMIDT.
On the list of Marion county's honored dead appears the name
of George W. Schmidt, who passed away on his home farm in Knox-
ville township on the 21st of September, 1900. He was numbered
among the "boys in blue" of the Civil war and throughout his life
manifested the same spirit of loyalty in the discharge of all duties
of citizenship. At different periods he was connected with industrial
and agricultural pursuits and ultimately became one of the substan-
tial farmers of Marion county, his success being attributable entirely
140 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
to his well directed labors. A native of Ohio, he was born near
Loudonville on the 29th of April, 1843, a son of Charles and Mary
JVI. (Claus) Schmidt, who came to Marion county prior to the Civil
war and spent their remaining days here as farming people. In
their family were two sons and four daughters and of that number
one daughter and one son are now deceased.
George W. Schmidt spent the first fifteen or sixteen years of his
life in his native state and then came with his parents to Iowa, remain-
ing upon the home farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war.
He was but nineteen years of age when in 1862 he responded to the
country's call for troops, enlisting in Company A of the Thirty-third
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war, and
although he particpated in a number of hotly contested engagements,
he was never wounded. He suffered, however, from disease. When
hostilities were ended he returned home with a creditable military
record. In business he was successful notwithstanding the fact that
he had to start out without capital. In early life he learned and
followed the carpenter's trade, being identified with building opera-
tions for a number of years, but when his industry and economy had
brought him a sufficient sum of money to purchase land he invested
in eighty acres, was married and established a home of his own, after
which he added to and improved his farm and was identified with
general agricultural interests until his demise.
It was in October, 1870, that Mr. Schmidt wedded Miss Margaret
y. Bridgen, who survives him and for the past two years has made
her home at the Armstrong place on section 35, Knowille township.
She was born near Zanesville, Ohio, January 24, 1849, and was only
about five years of age when her family removed to Marion county,
her girlhood days being spent in a log cabin upon the home farm
where she now resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt were born eight
children, of whom one died in infancy, while seven are yet living:
Ernest E., an agriculturist of Knoxville township; Mary M., the wife
of John Rietvelt, who follows farming west of Knoxville; Katherine,
at home ; Fred, an agriculturist by occupation ; Frank, who is engaged
in farming in Knoxville township; Jessie, at home; and Horace, who
is married and operates the old home place. Mrs. Schmidt is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and has many sterling quali-
ties which have gained for her the warm friendship of those with
whom she has been brought in contact.
Mr. Schmidt was a democrat in his political views, always giving
stalwart support to the party which was the defense of the Union
during the dark days of the Civil war. He wore the little bronze
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 141
button which proclaimed him a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic his local connection being with J. C. Ferguson Post. He
greatly enjoyed meeting with his old army associates and they enter-
tained for him warm regard. He was never neglectful of duty,
whether in relation to his country, to his home locality or to his
friends, and when he passed away on the old homestead in Knoxville
township, September 21, 1900, genuine grief was felt on the part
of many besides his immediate family. The greater part of his life
had been passed in Marion county and those who knew him recog-
nized the fact that he had many sterling traits of character.
THE KNOXVILLE EXPRESS.
For many years the Knoxville Express has been a factor in the
formation of public opinion in Marion county and has given to its
readers a clear and, as far as possible, accurate account of the happen-
ings first in the county and second in the world at large. It was
established under its present name in 1878 by Drewry Overton, who
purchased the Marion County Democrat from J. L. McCormack
and continued to publish it as the Knoxville Express. The Democrat
was first issued September 5, 1865. The office and printing plant
then occupied a frame building which stood south of the present site
of the city hall, but the paper was later published on West Main
street, after which removal was made to the east side of the square,
over the store owned by Dickerson Brothers. In 1905 the owners
of the paper erected a building a half block south of the Citizens
National Bank and the paper has been published there ever since.
The equipment is thoroughly up-to-date and the paper is typo-
graphically excellent as well as an interesting and reliable news sheet.
It has a large advertising and subscription patronage and is one of
the best and most prosperous weekly journals of this part of the state.
The paper is democratic politically and stanchly advocates the prin-
ciples of that organization.
Mr. Overton, who purchased it in 1878 and who gave it its present
name, conducted it for but a week and then leased it to Miller &
Gamble and others until December, 1884, when Casey & Steunenberg
leased it and published it until New Year's day, 1887. Mr. Steunen-
berg then severed his connection with it and Mr. Casey conducted it
until April, 1888. W. P. Gibson then became associated with Mr.
Casey in its publication until New Year's day, 1891, when J. O.
142 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Reaver bought out Mr. Gibson and was connected with Mr. Casey
until January i, 1900. At that time he sold out to C. W. Belville, who
was Mr. Casey's partner until the ist of March, 1914, when A. L.
Sherman bought an interest in the publication. Mr. Sherman and
Mr. Casey are the present owners of the paper. For more than thirty
years the latter has been associated with the Express and its con-
tinued prosperity and consistent policy is due in great measure to
his long connection with the paper and his ability and experience.
Upon leaving Knoxville Mr. Steunenberg went to Idaho and there
published the Caldwell Tribune. He was later a member of the
constitutional convention, a member of the state legislature and gov-
ernor of Idaho. His life came to an abrupt close as he was assassinated
on the 30th of December, 1905.
J. B. LYMAN.
J. B. Lyman, vice president of the Iowa Savings Bank and thus
prominentlv associated with financial interests in Marion county,
was born in Liberty township, near Bussev, November 21, i86q, his
parents being John Brown and Elizabeth A. (Munsell) Lyman, in
whose family were seven children. The father came to this county
in 1853 and laid out a part of the town of Hamilton, where he after-
ward conducted business as proprietor of a hotel. In the early '60s
he turned his attention to farming, in which he continued until his
death in 1883. His wife survived him for about sixteen vears, passing
away in 1899, and both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Marys-
ville. Mr. Lyman was active in local politics and was greatly inter-
ested in public affairs. He was a delegate to various county conven-
tions of the republican party and held a number of local offices, in
which he discharged iiis duties with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to his constituents. He made a most creditable record as an
official, was a helpful pioneer settler and a progressive and valuable
citizen.
J. B. Lyman, reared in this county, attended the public schools
and in the year 1883, when eighteen years of age, went to Tracy. He
worked in a genial store and in 1887 he formed a partnership with
Henry Munsell for the establishment of a genei '.1 mercantile busi-
ness, his mother also becoming a partner therein. The business was
continued by them until L. T. Marsh succeeded Mr. Munsell. He
was then a partner of Mr. Lyman for twelve years, at the end of
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 143
which time the firm became Lyman & Rouze, so continuing until
1906, when Mr. Lyman sold out. The Iowa Savings Bank was
organized in 1903 with a capital of twelve thousand dollars, Mr.
Lyman being cashier until 191 2, when he became vice president. The
original directors were O. L. Wright; W. T. Smith and Samuel H.
Doughman, both now deceased; J. B. Lyman; S. S. Hogate, now
deceased; E. E. Rouze; and R. I. Garden. The first officers were:
W. T. Smith, president; O. L. Wright, vice president; J. B. Lyman,
cashier; and F. W. Lyman, assistant cashier. Owing t(J the death
of the president in December, 1905, Samuel H. Doughman became
the head of the institution and so continued until his death in Octo-
ber, 191 1. Soon thereafter O. L. Wright became president and Mr.
Lyman succeeded him in the vice presidency, while F. W. Lyman
has become the cashier. The bank occupied a small building until
191 2 and then removed to its present commodious quarters. The
business has grown and prospered under safe management and as
cashier and vice president Mr. Lyman has contributed in no small
measure to its success. Mr. Lyman is a member of the firm of Ho-
gate & Lyman, real-estate and grain dealers, owning and operating
elevators and scales at Tracy and several other nearby points. J. B.
and son, F. W. Lyman, also conduct a general insurance business,
handling a large volume of business in that line. Associated with
two other gentlemen, E. C. Hogate and E. E. Rouze, Mr. Lyman is
owner of some twelve hundred acres of improved land, mainly in
Iowa.
On the 13th of March, 1890, Mr. Lyman was united in marriage
to Mrs. Anna (Hogate) Moore, and to them have been born two
sons, while there is one son by a former marriage. The three sons
are: Mark Moore, living at Moberly, Missouri; F. W., in the bank;
and Harold, who is in the Kemper Military School in Boonville,
Missouri. Mrs. Lyman was born in Clay township, this county,
November 16, 1864, a daughter of S. S. and Melissa (Rouze) Ho-
gate. who came to Iowa in 1863 from Decatur county, Indiana.
Mr. Hogate was a prominent farmer, buyer, shipper and raiser of
stock. His wife having died April 29, 1898, at the age of sixty-three
years, he removed from the farm to Tracy in 1903 and there passed
away on the 27th of December, 1910, at the age of seventy-seven
years. Both were prominent Methodists and took a very active part
in church work. For some years he was interested in the grain busi-
ness in Tracy, being associated with his son-in-law, Mr. Lyman. In
the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hogate were nine children, namely:
Powers K., born July 25, 1855, 'S now successfully engaged in the
144 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
livery business in Tracy and also owns a farm in this county. Wil-
liam W., born September 17, 1857, died June 12, 1878. Lewis K.,
born April 23, 1859, makes his home in Monte Vista, Colorado, be-
ing a grain dealer in the San Luis Valley. Ella, born June 3, 1861,
is the wife of W. E. Sherwood, a stock dealer of Knoxville, Iowa.
Anna, now Mrs. Lyman, is the next in order of birth. Marv, born
February 5, 1867, died February 18, 1887. Edward Clark is men-
tioned on another page of this volume. Myrtle, born July 21, 1870,
died July 22, 1871. Eva, born October 8, 1872, is the wife of James
M. Brubaker, of Blue Springs, Nebraska. Mrs. Lyman was first
married May 7, 1885, becoming the wife of Dr. Mark Brock Moore,
who died September 30, 1887. By that union there was one son,
Mark Hogate, who was born December 20, 1887. Dr. Moore was
born in Iroquois county, Illinois, August 19, 1859, and accompanied
his parents on their removal to Marion county, Iowa, in 1864. He
was educated at Central University in Pella and attended medical
lectures at Drake University, Des Moines, being graduated from
the latter institution February 25, 1885. He practiced for a short
time at Gosport, Iowa, and then removed to Greeley county, Kan-
sas, where his death occurred. Mrs. Lyman is a very prominent and
active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church and Sabbath school
and also in the Eastern Star and temperance organizations, being a
leader in whatever she becomes interested.
Mr. Lyman is a prominent Mason in Iowa, serving as an officer
of the grand lodge in 19 13. He is also connected with the Eastern
Star, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors
and his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. His v/ell spent life has ever commended him
to the confidence and good-will of his fellow citizens and all with
whom he has come in contact. He possesses many sterling traits of
character and his career measures up to high standards of manhood
and citizenship.
JACOB HAMMOND.
Jacob Hammond came to Marion county with his parents when
a lad of nine years and throughout the intervening period of six
decades he has resided continuously within its borders. General
agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his active
JACOB HAMMOND
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 147
business career, but he is now living retired on his farm, still owning
one hundred and fifty-three acres of land in Knoxville and Clay
townships.
His birth occurred in Morrow county, Ohio, on the i ith of May,
1844, his parents being Jacob and Elizabeth (Reesner) Hammond,
the former a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They
removed to Ohio in an early day, settling on a farm which the father
hewed out of the timber and erecting a log cabin which was the
family home for several years. In 1854 they came to Iowa, making
the journey overland in a covered wagon and arriving in Marion
county on the i8th of July. Jacob Hammond, Sr., purchased and
entered more than four hundred acres of land, and during the first
two years of their residence here the family lived in an old cabin
fourteen by si.\teen feet. They underwent all of the hardships and
privations of pioneer life and e.xperienced much discomfort in their
rude cabin home, their beds being sometimes covered with six inches
of snow in the winter. However, they lived to witness and enjoy a
marvelous transformation as the country became more thickly settled
and was developed, and Mr. and Mrs. Hammond remained in
Marion county until called to their final rest, when the community
lost two of its earliest and most esteemed residents. To them were
born eleven children, four of whom still survive.
Jacob Hammond of this review pursued his education in the
common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-
two vears of age, when he was married and established a home of his
own. Subsequently he cultivated a rented farm for four years and
then purchased property, carrying on agricultural pursuits continu-
ously and successfully throughout the remainder of his active busi-
ness career. He owned considerable land at one time but has sold
all except one hundred and fifty-three acres, part in Knoxville and
part in Clay townships, where he is now enjoying honorable retire-
ment. Prosperity attended his eltorts and has enabled him to do well
by his children, two of his sons receiving ten thousand dollars each
with which to buy property.
In 1866 Mr. Hammond was united in marriage to Miss Nancy P.
Beard, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Jonathan and Mary
(Ray) Beard, who were also born in that state. They came to
Marion county, Iowa, in 1853, and here spent the remainder of their
lives. To Mr and Mrs. Hammond were born nine children, five of
whom are yet living, as follows: John A., a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this volume; Mary J., the wife of George Rose; Ella U.,
who gave her hand in marriage to Samuel Cooley; O. B. ; and
148 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Herman. The wife and mother died on the 21st of November, 1909,
and was laid to rest in the Zion cemetery.
In his political views Mr. Hammond is a stanch republican and
for twenty-two years he held the office of school treasurer, making
a most creditable and commendable record in that connection. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the work of which he has always taken an active
and helpful part and to which his wife also belonged. He has done
his share and more than his share in promoting agricultural develop-
ment in Marion county and has attained individual success through
his own efforts, always following the principle to do well whatever
he found to do. He has been interested in, the general growth of his
district and county and has led a busy and useful life, having done as
much toward promoting the common interests as he has in furthering
his own fortunes.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN ANDREWS.
William Franklin Andrews, of Knoxville township, has con-
tributed to the development of the live-stock industry in this county
as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs. He owns one hundred and sixty
acres of fine land six miles southwest of Knoxville and his property
is one of the well improved places of his township. He was born
near Newbern, this county, on the 23d of December, 1861, a son of
the late Hiram Andrews, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. Mr. Andrews of this review has one sister, Eva, the wife
of James Pugh, of Omaha, Nebraska.
In the schools of Spring Hill William Franklin Andrews
acquired his scholastic education and supplemented this with prac-
tical training in agriculture, as he assisted his father with the work
of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until 1884,
when he was married and began farming upon his own account. Suc-
cess has rewarded his efforts and since 1901 he has resided upon his
present quarter section of land, which is situated on section 34 Knox-
ville township, and is finely improved. In 1910 he built a resi-
dence which has all of the modern conveniences and is one of the
best farm houses of the county. He devotes his entire attention to
his agricultural pursuits and makes a specialty of raising thorough-
bred Duroc-Jersey hogs, his stock bringing high prices on the market.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 149
Mr. Andrews was married in 1884 to Miss Amanda Fortner, a
daughter of the late Samuel Fortner, a pioneer resident of this county.
She was born on the 30th of November, 1859, '" Indiana, but was
brought here in early childhood. In this county she grew to woman-
hood and here her marriage occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have
one daughter living, Amy, the wife of Albert Dykstra, who is a resi-
dent of Osage, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is engaged in wheat rais-
ing upon an extensive scale, his annual yield being many thousand
bushels. In connection with his brother he owns three hundred
acres, but they operate altogether more than two sections of land.
Mr. and Mrs. Dykstra have a son, Frank A., who was born on the
31st of December, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews lost two daughters,
who died in infancy. He is a republican and his fraternal connec-
tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern
Woodmen of America, while his wife and daughter are both affili-
ated with the Rebekahs. Mr. Andrews and his wife are members
of the Concord Methodist Episcopal church and all who know them
bear testimony to the sincerity of their religious belief, as their lives
are guided by the principles of Christianity.
FRED G. JONES.
Fred G. Jones, a successful and progressive representative of
mercantile interests in Marion county, is the proprietor of a general
store at Bussey, conducting one of the best and most extensive estab-
lishments of the kind in the town. His birth occurred in Mahaska
county, Iowa, on the 23d of September, 1875, his parents being
Walter N. and Anna (Wycofif) Jones, who were born, reared and
married in Illinois. In 1868 they took up their abode among the
pioneer settlers of Mahaska county, Iowa, and for many years were
identified with its progress and development. The father passed
away on the 22d of June, 1899, but the mother survives and now
makes her home with our subject. Their children were nine in
number.
Fred G. Jones acquired his education in the common schools and
when still young in years began providing for his own support. In
1896 he embarked in business as a merchant of Bussey, where he has
since built up an extensive and gratifying patronage as proprietor of
a general store and meat market. He carries a stock valued at about
eight thousand dollars and in all his dealings is strictly honorable,
150 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
enjoying a well merited reputation as one of the reliable, progressive
and substantial business men of the community.
On the 23d of December, 1896, Mr. Jones was united in marriage
to Miss Mamie Mehanna, her parents being A. R. and Jessie (Clancy)
Mehanna, who in the spring of 1857 took up their abode among the
pioneer residents of Marion county. The father has since taken a
prominent and active part in local alifairs of importance and is widely
recognized as a valued and influential citizen. To Mr. and Mrs.
Jones have been born four children, namely: Walter Nelson, Dorothy,
Helen and Clifford, all yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Jones is a stanch republican in his political views and deeply
interested in public affairs, yet has never sought nor desired office
as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with
the Masons, the Red Men, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of
the World and the Yeomen, while his religious faith is indicated by
his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife
also belongs. The success which has attended his undertakings well
entitles him to recognition among the representative citizens of this
county, and his many sterling traits of character have won him the
warm friendship and kindly regard of those with whom he has come
in contact.
J. A. HAMMOND.
y. A. Hammond is a well known farmer and stockman of Marion
county, engaged extensively in the breeding of shorthorn cattle and
standard Poland China hogs. He is the owner of a valuable prop-
erty of two hundred and seventy-three acres on sections 14. 23 and
24, Knoxville township, and the excellent appearance of his place
indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive
methods.
He is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth
having occurred in Clay township, March 10, 1873, his father being
Jacob Hammond, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. His
youthful days were spent in his native township and his entire life
has been passed in Clay and Knoxville townships. He attended the
district schools and was reared to the occupation of farming and
stock-raising, becoming familiar with those pursuits when a youth.
As the years have passed on experience has broadened his knowl-
edge and promoted his capability, and his success is the merited re-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 151
ward of persistent, earnest purpose and honorable effort. He has
brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and annually harvests
large crops of corn and other cereals for which the soil is specially
adapted. He makes the breeding and raising of stock an important
feature of his business and in his pastures and feed lots may be found
excellent specimens of high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China
hogs, the sale of which adds materially to his income.
On the loth of February, 1897, ^^r. Hammond was united in
marriage to Miss Oda May Loynachan, a daughter of the late Ed-
ward Loynachan, who died September 3, 1906, and who is men-
tioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Hammond was born and reared
in Clay township and completed her education by study in Highland
Park College at Des Moines. Three children have been born of this
marriage, namely: Clarence Elmer, whose birth occurred August
22, 1899; Arthur Lee, born April i, 1902; and Forest Dale, whose
natal day was March 10, 1906. All are still under the parental roof
and are attending school.
Politically Mr. Hammond is an earnest republican, believing
firmly in the principles of the party as factors in good government.
He has never sought nor desired political oflice, however, and the
only public position he has held has been that of member of the
school board, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart cham-
pion. He has always preferred to give his attention to his business
affairs, and in addition to his farming interests he is acting as presi-
dent of the Victory Mutual Telephone Company. Fraternallv he
is connected with both the subordinate lodge and the encampment of
the Odd Fellows at Durham, and in religious faith both he and his
wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Theirs
is an attractive home situated in the midst of a finely improved farm,
and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by a large circle of warm friends.
THE KNOXVILLE NATIONAL BANK.
The Knoxville National Bank was organized in 1871 by A. W.
and S. L. Collins, Larkin Wright, E. B. Woodruff, A. J. Briggs
and others, Mr. Wright becoming the president. This was the first
national bank of Knoxville and was capitalized for one hundred
thousand dollars. Mr. Wright was succeeded in the presidency by
A. W. Collins in 1872 and he was followed by E. H. Amos. The
next president was J. S. Cunningham, who remained arthe head of
152 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the institution until his death, which occurred in March, 191 1, when
J. B. Elliott, the former cashier, succeeded to the presidency and so
continues. The first cashier was A. J. Briggs, who remained in that
position until 1882. H. L. Bousquet was cashier for part of a year,
from April until the succeeding January, J. B. Elliott becoming the
incumbent of the office in January, 1884, and continuing in that posi-
tion until his election to the presidency in 191 1. Mr. Cunningham
was vice president from 1871 until elected to the presidency, when
his son, C. C. Cunningham, succeeded him in the vice presidency.
When Mr. Elliott became president of the bank in 191 1 J. J. Rob-
erts, who had been assistant cashier for about a quarter of a century,
was made cashier and is the present incumbent in that office. The
bank adopted a safe conservative yet progressive policy at the out-
set that has always been maintained and thus the success of the insti-
tution was assured. In 1872 the present bank building was erected
at tlic northwest corner of the square and is one of the business land-
marks of the city. Every year the bank's statement has shown a
growth in business and the Knoxville National Bank is today one
of the strongest financial concerns of this part of the state.
JOHN CALVIN MITTEN, D. D. S.
Dr. John Calvin Mitten, of Pella, Iowa, is one of the successful
dentists of that city and has a representative and lucrative practice.
He was born in Newville, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of September,
1869, a son of David and Mary (Koch) Mitten, who were also
natives of the Keystone state, the former born in Heggerstown in
1824, while the birth of the mother occurred in 1815. The father
farmed in Pennsvlvania for many years but eventually retired and
passed his last years in ease at Carlisle. He died there in 1908, hav-
ing survived the mother twelve years, as her demise occurred in 1896.
They were married in Pennsylvania and to their union were born
the following children : Mrs. Mary Logan, Alfred, Mrs. Helen Hem-
menger, William, Frank, James, Robert and John Calvin.
Dr. lohn C. Mitten was educated in Pennsylvania and after grad-
uating from the Newville high school took a three years' course in
the Shippensburg Academy. For one year he studied in the Dental
College of the University of Pennsylvania and for two years was
a student in the University of Iowa at Iowa City. After complet-
ing his dental course he practiced at Columbus Junction, Iowa, for
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 153
five years and then took post-graduate work, in HaskilTs Post-Gradu-
ate School of Chicago. He returned to Columbus Junction and re-
mained there for twelve more years but in 1903 came to Pella and
opened an office. In 1911 he took Dr. Lankelma into partnership
and they are today one of the leading dental firms in the county. Dr.
Mitten has erected a comfortable residence in Pella and stands high
in the community.
On the 17th of December, 1902, the Doctor was united in mar-
riage with Miss Gertrude Anderson, a daughter of Charles and
Emma (Parkin) Anderson. Her father was born in Ohio in 1850
and her mother in Washington, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, in
January, 1853. She is still living and resides in Cedar Rapids, but
Mr. Anderson passed away in 1897. They were married in Ains-
worth, Iowa, both having come to this state at an early age. To their
union were born four children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Mitten, whose
birth occurred on the 4th of September, 1879; Charles O. ; Winifred
v.; and Donald J. Mrs. Mitten was educated in Lenox, Iowa, and
resided at home until her marriage. She and Dr. Mitten have two
children, Harry and Charles, both attending school.
The Doctor is a republican and has been a delegate to county
conventions of his party. For six years he served as a councilman
in Columbus Junction and has always taken a keen interest in local
government. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
the Rathbun Sisters, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Masons. Mrs. Mitten is a member of the local chapter of the
P. E. O., and both belong to the Second Reformed church of Pella,
being active in support of all good causes. Professionally Dr. Mit-
ten holds the confidence of the public and the respect of his col-
leagues and in the private relations of life has always shown himself
to be a man of high standards of honor.
THE PELLA OVERALL COMPANY.
One of the most prosperous industrial concerns of Pella is the
Pella Overall Company, which in the seven years of its existence
has grown rapidly and steadily. It was organized in September,
1907, and now manufactures several thousand dozen garments per
year and employs thirty-three people regularly. Its present officers
are: H. J. Vanden Berg, Jr., president; Y. T. Van Niewaal, vice
president; J. D. Gaass, secretary and treasurer; and J. W. Boyd,
154 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
manager; and its directorate is composed of the following men : Y. T.
Van Niewaal, H. D. Wormhoudt, J. P. Klein, James G. Vander Pol,
H. J. Vanden Berg, Jr., A. T. Klein, A. Waechter, G. G. Gaass and
H. S. Keables. It manufactures the Dutch brand of overalls, coats
and pants and sells its product over Iowa, Missouri and South Dakota,
although its brand is most widely known in this state. Two traveling
salesmen are upon the road constantly and its goods are being intro-
duced in new territory. As the garments are hygienically made, are
of high quality and will stand an unusual amount of hard wear, when
trade is once secured it is permanent. The factory building is twenty-
five by seventy-five feet in dimensions and the Pella Overall Company
occupies all three floors. Its equipment is modern and adequate and
its present output is several thousand dozen garments annually. Its
stock is a profitable investment, and the company is also of service to
the entire community, as it contributes in no small degree to the
prosperity of the city and as its goods advertise the city over a con-
stantly increasing territory.
I
GEORGE S. HOLLINGSHEAD.
George S. Hollingshead, engaged in general farming and stock-
raising, owns and operates one hundred and seventy-five acres of
land in Knoxville township and in addition is engaged in the further
cultivation of a rented farm. In the conduct of his business affairs
he is associated with his son, G. Earl Hollingshea'd, and the firm is
well known in this section of the state.
George S. Hollingshead is a native of what is now the state of
West Virginia, his birth having occurred November 6, 184c, in
Marshall county ere the separation of West Virginia from the Old
Dominion. His parents were Anthony and Sarah (Baker) Hollings-
head, who left the south in 1853 and became residents of Iowa. From
March until August of that year they remained in Des Moines county
and then removed to Van Buren county, where they lived until after
the Civil war. In 1873 they came to Marion county, establishing
their home upon a farm in Clay township, and a number of years
later they took up their abode in the village of Durham, where the
father resided until his death. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Hollingshead,
had passed away in 1862, leaving a family of six children, of whom
five yet survive, namely: Allen A., a resident of Seattle, Washing-
ton; William, who is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington &
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 155
Quincy Railroad and makes his home at Ravenna, Nebraska; Mrs.
Jennie Funk and Mrs. Mary A. Pumphrey, who are residents of
Ottumwa, Iowa; and George S., of this review. One son, Samuel,
was killed in a runaway accident in the state of Washington, where
he had engaged in teaching for several years. After losing his first
wife Anthony Hollingshead was married again, his second union
being with Elizabeth Campbell, who died at Durham, this county,
leaving three children: Charles and Gaines, both now^ deceased; and
Sarah, who resides with her brother, George S. The father was a
republican in his political views but the honors and emoluments of
office had no attraction for him as he always preferred to concen-
trate his energies upon his farming and stock-raising interests, in
which he won a creditable and gratifying success.
From the age of nine years George S. Hollingshead has lived
in Iowa, and he possesses the spirit of enterprise and progress which
has characterized the development and upbuilding of this state. In
1863, when a youth of but seventeen years, he offered his services
to the government and joined Company G of the Third Iowa Cavalry,
with which he served until the close of the Civil war, participating
in a number of hotly contested engagements which led up to the final
victory that crowned the Union arms. He was never wounded, how-
ever, and was honorably discharged on the 9th of August, 1865.
Upon his return home he resumed the occupation of farming and
cleared a tract of fifty-three acres, to which he has added from time
to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the
owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Knoxville township,
constituting one of its carefullv cultivated and well improved farms.
He has still further extended the scope of his activities by renting a
farm and has now admitted his son, G. Earl, to a partnership in the
business.
On the 3d of May, 1871, Mr. Hollingshead was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Agnes Templeton, who was born in Belmont
county, Ohio, February 17, 1851, a daughter of James and Sarah
(Campbell) Templeton. They removed to Iowa in the spring of
1853, settling in Van Buren county, where the father passed away
several years later. He had visited Marion county about 1852 and
had entered one hundred and si.xty acres of land, it being his inten-
tion to some day locate thereon, but he was taken ill and passed away
in Van Buren county. The land is still in possession of the family,
having been transferred but once. After losing her first husband
Mrs. Templeton became the wife of Orr Gilchrist and with him re-
moved to Marion county in* 1869. Here they spent their remaining
156 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
days, Mr. Gilchrist dying about 1885, while his widow survived until
1910 and passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. She
had two children by her first marriage, Mary Agnes and Robert.
The latter passed away in Anaconda, Montana, about 1905. By her
second marriage Mrs. Gilchrist had two children, one of whom sur-
vives, N. G. Gilchrist, who is a resident of Marion county. Mrs.
Hollingshead was reared in Yan Buren county but was married at
her present home in 1871 and by this marriage has become the mother
of three sons. Emmet T., of Knoxville, married Ola Wright and
they have four children. Oakes, a resident farmer of Knoxville
township, wedded Mattie Sherwood, by whom he has two children.
G. Earl, who is his father's partner, married Edith Bruere and they
have two children.
Mr. Hollingshead has made all of the improvements upon his
farm and has a valuable property supplied with all modern equip-
ments and comforts. His political allegiance is given to the repub-
lican party, and fraternally he is connected with John C. Ferguson
Post, G. A. R. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. For
more than six decades he has been a resident of Marion county and
there are few who can claim a longer connection with this section
of the state. He has noted the many changes which have occurred
and has ever borne his part in the work of general development, be-
ing especially active along agricultural lines and thus aiding in
winning for the state the splendid reputation which Iowa bears in
connection with agricultural development. In matters of citizen-
ship he has always been progressive and is as true and loyal to his
country today as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields
of the south.
THE GUARANTY BANK.
The banks of Knc^xville arc ably managed and possess the con-
fidence of the community and the Guaranty Bank receives a gratifying
share of the banking business transacted in the city. Its doors were
opened on the ist of October, 1909, and its first administrative officers
were George W. Crozier, president; Thomas Nace, vice president;
N. F. Miller, cashier; and R. C. Nace, assistant cashier. It was at
that time located one door west of the postoflice, but is now housed
in its new building on the west side of the square on Main street.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 157
The structure was finished on New Year's Day, 1914, and is modern
in all respects. It has a handsome front and the equipment for bank-
ing is one of the best in Knoxville. The banking room is lighted by
skylights and the vault is the finest and most secure in the county.
The upper floor is given up to offices. It is a private institution
owned by a copartnership of twenty-six responsible and representa-
tive men. It offers its depositors ample security and in the past year
the total sum of deposits subject to check has almost doubled. The
officials at the present time (1915) are Geo. W. Crozier, president;
Thomas Nace, vice president; E. R. Jordan, cashier; and Roy
Walker, assistant cashier. Its policy is a progressive one and its con-
tinued prosperity and growth is assured.
H. M. FISK.
One of the well known residents of Pella is H. M. Fisk, who has
built up a large business as a ditch contractor. He was born in
Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1844, the third of a family of six children,
whose parents were Henry C. and Julia A. (Stites) Fisk. The father
was born in England in 1809 and the mother in Ohio in 1814. They
were married in the Buckeye state and in 1840 removed to Jefferson
county, Iowa, where they remained until 1859, in which year they
established their home in Marion county. Mr. Fisk died in Pella
in 1893 ^""^ '""^s widow passed away in that city in 1895.
H. M. Fisk became a student in the district schools of Marion
county and at the same time received valuable training under his
father's instructions, learning the methods of practical agriculture.
In 1 86 1, when but a youth of seventeen years, he enlisted in Company
I, Tenth Iowa Infantry, and was at the front for three years and two
months. He was wounded in the battle of Champion's Hill and took
part in numerous other engagements. When peace had been made
he returned to this county and farmed for a few years, after which
he turned his attention to other lines of work. He built the first tile
factory in this state and conducted it successfully for several years.
After selling out he went into the tile ditch contracting business and
has since concentrated his energies upon that line of endeavor. He
invariably fulfils his contract and the work is well done and com-
pleted in good time.
In 1865 Mr. Fisk married Mrs. Mahala Grover, the widow of
James W. Grover. She was born in White county, Indiana, in 1844
158 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and when a girl of twelve accompanied her parents to this state. Mr.
and Mrs. Fisk have three daughters: Mrs. Caroline Bell Haven, of
Sheridan, Wyoming; Mrs. Emma Clutter, who lives in Pukwana,
South Dakota; and Mrs. Edith Amburn, of Lenox, Iowa.
Mr. Fisk purchased his present residence in 1906 and has since
much improved the place, remodeling the house and building barns.
The property includes thirteen acres of fine land, which he cultivates
and which adds quite a little to his annual income. He is a democrat
in politics and his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the
American Secular Union and Freethought Federation. He is a
director in the Citizens National Bank of Pella and his business ability
commands the respect of his fellow citizens.
ASBURY SHERIDAN OVERTON.
Asbury Sheridan Overton is a well known farmer and stockman
of Kno.wille township who owns and cultivates two hundred acres
of land on section 34, about seven miles southeast of the city of Knox-
ville. The farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and indi-
cates the careful supervision and practical, progressive methods of
Mr. Overton, who is one of the native sons of the countv. He was
born on the 24th of April, 1865, his father being Tyler Overton,
who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
The youthful days of Asbury S. Overton were spent on the old
homestead where he was born, and between the ages of six and fifteen
years he was a pupil in the district school not far from his home. He
then started out to earn his living and since that time has depended
entirely upon his own efforts. He has always followed the occupa-
tion to which he was reared, nor has he had any desire to make a
change in his life work. More than a century ago George Washing-
ton said: "Farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable
occupation of man;" and it is to this line of labor that Mr. Overton
has directed his efforts. In the spring of [902 he tO(A up his abode
upon his present farm, comprising two hundred acres of rich and
productive land on section 34, Knoxville township, pleasantly and
conveniently located about seven miles southeast of Knoxville. Upon
it are found fine modern improvements. He carries on generaLagri-
cultural pursuits and for about ten years was engaged largely in the
raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle but sold his herd in 1897.
For a long period he has bred Shropshire sheep and is still a mem-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 159
ber of the Shropshire Breeders' Association. Sound judgment has
characterized all of his business undertakings and energy and enter-
prise have led him constantly forward toward the goal of success.
In 1902 Mr. Overton was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
Bender, who was born in Knoxville in 1879 and was here reared. She
is a daughter of Charles and Mary (Welsh) Bender. Her father
came to Marion county in the fall of 1872 and for forty-two years
was a resident of this part of the state, his death occurring September
28, 1 91 4, when he was sixty-eight years of age. His widow, who was
born in Marion county, still resides here at the age of sixty-four
years, her home being in Knoxville. In the Bender family were
four children, three of whom reached adult age: Mrs. Jessie Miller,
living in Knoxville township; James Calvin, a farmer who is mar-
ried and resides in Oklahoma; and Mrs. Overton. To Mr. and Mrs.
Overton have been born seven children, as follows: Lois, who is
eleven years of age; Maria, ten years old; Marion, Karl, Wayne and
Merle, who are nine, seven, five and four years of age respectively;
and Charles, whose natal day was November i, 1913.
Politically Mr. Overton is a republican and broad reading and
deep thought keep him in touch with the significant political prob-
lems of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelli-
gent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however. His
wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and both are highly
esteemed, having many warm friends in the community where they
have always lived. Those who know them speak of them in terms
of high regard and they are representative residents of Knoxville
township.
E. A. JOHNSON.
E. A. Johnson, the efficient cashier of the Bank of Bussey, was
born in Liberty township, this county, March 9, 1867, and is a son
of John B. and Eleanor (Schee) Johnson, both of whom were natives
of Ohio. They were married, however, in Marion county, Iowa,
in April, 1866, and their family numbered five children, four of whom
are yet living, namely: E. A., of this review; Minta, the wife of Dr.
W. E. Sanders, practicing in Des Moines; Valetta, who married J.
W. Milne, also of Des Moines; and Charles A., who resides in Coun-
cil Bluffs. The fourth child of the family, Viola, died at the age of
twenty-two years. The parents are still living and reside in Des
160 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Moines. The father came to JMarion county in 1865 and the mother
in 1846. John B. Johnson engaged in farming in Liberty township
and for an extended period carried on general agricultural pursuits
and the raising of graded stock. He ranked with the progressive
agriculturists of the community and it was with deep regret that his
fellow townsmen saw him leave this county to become a resident
of Des Moines. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party, but he has never sought nor held office. In 1894 '""^ retired
from active business life and at that time took up his abode in Bussey,
where he lived until 1906, when he removed to the capital city.
In his youthful days E. A. Johnson attended the public schools
and afterward became a student in Penn College at Oskaloosa, in
which he pursued a two years' course. On the expiration of that
period he returned home and in January, 1889, he was united in
marriage to Miss Anna B. Knapp, a daughter of Wright and Ophelia
(Shope) Knapp. In their family were eleven children, four of whom
reached adult age, while three still survive. The parents, however,
are now deceased. The mother was a sister of Judge Shope, of
Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of nine children :
Olive, who is engaged in teaching in the Rock Rapids high school;
Joseph A., who died when five years of age; Raymond, who died
when an infant of two and a half months; Lambert, who died at the
age of two years; Edith Marie, the wife of E. G. Doughman, a
resident of Saskatchewan, Canada; Viola; Louis; James, who died
at the age of three years; and Eleanor.
Mr. Johnson was reared to farm life but for some time has been
closely and actively identified with banking interests in this county
and is now cashier of the Bank of Bussey, which was organized in
August, 1892, with James Schee, of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the presi-
dent and Anna B. Johnson as assistant cashier. The stockholders are :
Asa Johnson, C. Fergus, j. B. Johnson, of Des Moines, and Fred C.
McMillan, of Des Moines. The bank has a paid up capital of fifteen
thousand dollars. The business has grown continuously until the
assets aggregate two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The
success of the institution is largely attributable to Mr. Johnson, who
has been the active manager of the business and who in controlling
the Bank of Bussey has kept in touch with the most modern and
progressive financial methods.
In his political views Mr. Johnson has always been a stalwart
republican and is interested in public affairs, cooperating in many
movements which have for their object the welfare and upbuilding
of the community. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 161
American Yeomen, and in his religious views is a Methodist. His
has been a well spent life. Active and enterprising, he brooks no
obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and earnest effort and the
integrity of his busmess methods is above question.
WILLIAM A. BANKS.
William A. Banks, a well known farmer, owning and operating
three hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Knoxville township, was
born in Danbury, Connecticut, November 25, 1863, a son of John
and Cynthia (Judson) Banks. The father was born in Westmead,
near Dublin, Ireland, of Scotch and English parentage, but was
brought to New York city when a child of three years. He grew to
manhood there and subsequently resided for a time in Zanesville,
Ohio. In i860 he was married in Connecticut and not long afterward
removed to Marion county, Iowa. He had first visited this county
in 1854 ^^'^ ^^^ ^^^y favorably impressed with its opportunities at
that time. He continued to reside here after the removal of the
family to this county until his death in 1895. His widow survived for
a number of years, her demise occurring in 1909. They were mem-
bers of the Separatist church, a dissenting organization which with-
drew from the Episcopal church. He was a republican in politics
and held a number of local offices, including that of trustee. His
agricultural activities returned to him a good income and he was one
of the substantial men of his community. Much of the land which
he owned was purchased for a dollar and a quarter per acre as he
was far-sighted enough to take advantage of the low price of land
prevailing here in the '60s. In 1849 he went to California, where he
spent three years, and had many interesting experiences.
Seven children were born to John and Cynthia Banks, William A.
being the second in order of birth. The next youngest died in in-
fancy and the others are as follows: John Edward, a civil engineer,
who after graduating from the Iowa State College of Agriculture and
Mechanical Arts at Ames took a course at Cornell University at
Ithaca, New York, and is now a minor official of the American
Bridge Company, stationed at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Alfred J.,
a graduate of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical
Arts; Clara J., who makes her home with the subject of this review;
Sarah, a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Charles, who resides with
his brother, William A., and is associated with him in business.
162 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
William A. Banks was reared in this county, as were all of his
brothers and sisters, and attended the common schools. In his boy-
hood and youth he received valuable training in agriculture through
assisting his father and since coming to years of maturity has con-
tinued to follow that occupation. In addition to cultivating the fields
he raises full blooded Polled Angus cattle and the sale of his grain
and stock yields him a good income annually. The farm comprises
three hundred and si.xty-five acres and its value is increased by its
favorable location, as it is about six miles from the citv of Knoxville.
Everything about the place is kept in excellent repair, the fertility of
the soil is conserved by wise methods of cultivation and the latest
machinery is employed in the farm work.
Mr. Banks is a republican and has acceptably served as trustee of
Knoxville township, looking after the business of the township as
carefully as if it were his own. His membership in the Plymouth
Presbyterian church of Knoxville township indicates his religious
belief.
THOMAS GULLION.
On the list of Marion county's honored dead appears the name
of Thomas Gullion, who for an extended period was prominently
and actively connected with agricultural interests in Indiana town-
ship, his labors bringing to him a substantial measure of success.
He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and
industry became the beacon light of his life. No matter how diffi-
cult the task which confronted him he accomplished it, for he was
resolute, determined and persevering, and above all things he was
thoroughly honorable in his business dealings.
Indiana numbered him among her native sons, his birth having
occurred in that state, June 17, 1829, his parents being Jeremiah
and Rebecca (McGrew) Gullion, both of whom were natives of
Kentucky. They removed to Indiana at an early day and in the '40s
came to Marion county, Iowa, arriving here before the admission
of the state into the Union. This section was still largely undevel-
oped and unimproved, in fact, there were very few white settlers.
The forests were uncut, the prairies uncultivated, the streams un-
bridged, and only here and there was to be seen the little cabin of
the settler, showing that the seeds of civilization were being planted.
THOMAS (iCLLlON
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 165
The father secured land which he converted into a productive farm,
upon which both he and his wife spent their remaining days.
Thomas Gullion was a youth in his early teens when the family
came to Iowa and he shared with them in all of the hardships, trials
and privations incident to pioneer life when neighbors lived miles
apart and when farm work, was very arduous, for there was none of
the modern machinery of the present day. After reaching man's
estate Mr. Gullion was united in marriage on the ist of April, 1853,
to Miss Hannah A. Simmons, who was born in Kane county, Illi-
nois, a daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Sherwood) Simmons,
both of whom were natives of Indiana. At an early day they re-
moved to Illinois and in 1837 came to Iowa when this state was still
a part of the territory of Wisconsin. They settled in Linn county,
Mr. Simmons being the second man to pass the winter in that county.
They secured a tract of land and he built a log cabin with a clap-
board roof and a puncheon floor and door, from which hung the
latchstring, usually on the outside. There was a mud and stick
chimney and the only means of heating the cabin was the fireplace.
After aiding in the pioneer development of Linn county Mr. Sim-
mons again became identified with pioneer life, removing to the
northwest and taking up his abode in Oregon in 1853. There he
and his wife again took part in sowing the seeds of civilization in a
wild district and their remaining days were spent in that state. In
their family w'ere tw-elve children, of whom five are yet living.
Following his marriage Mr. Gullion purchased three hundred
acres of land in Indiana township and bent his energies to the devel-
opment and improvement of the place. The opening of spring saw
him at work in the fields and he carefully tilled the soil and culti-
vated the crops until the harvests were gathered in the late autumn,
l^he methods which he followed were at once practical and pro-
gressive and brought gratifying results. He lived upon the farm
until his death, which occurred in April, 1911.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gullion were born ten children: Margaret,
now the wife of John Corkins; Rebecca, who married William
Hall; Sarah, the wife of George Gruder; McClellan; Isaac J.;
Danny, at home; John S. ; and three who have passed away. After
the demise of her husband Mrs. Gullion sold the home farm and
purchased fifteen acres, where she now resides. This land is highly
improved and to its further development and cultivation she gives
her personal attention and supervision.
Mr. Gullion was a member of the Methodist Protestant church
and his life was in harmony with its teachings. In politics he was
166 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
a democrat and always took an active interest in the questions and
issues of the day but did not seek nor wish for office. He believed,
however, it was the duty of every true American citizen to exercise
his right of franchise in support of the principles in which he be-
lieved and he at all times manifested a public-spirited devotion to
the general good. When death called him he was laid to rest in the
Gullion cemeterv, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn liis
loss.
PAULS LUMBER COMPANY.
The Pauls Lumber Company, with its home office in Washington,
Iowa, has a well stocked lumberyard in Knoxville, of which Benjamin
R. Beach is the manager. The yard has been established in the city
for many years, in fact, is one of the oldest in Knoxville, but it has
belonged to the Pauls Lumber Company only since January, 190H.
Previous to that it was the property of the Anthes Lumber Company.
Its founder was J. S. Bellamy, who incorporated the business in 1871;.
The present owners continue the liberal policies which made the yard
successful in its early history and carry a full line of lumber of all
kinds and various building materials. A large patronage is accorded
them and the volume-of their business is steadily increasing.
FRED FARLEY CARPENTER, M. D.
One of the popular and up-to-date physicians of Pella is Dr. Fred
Farley Carpenter, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, October
28, 1869, a son of L. J. and Sarah (Rood) Carpenter. He resided
there until he was a child of seven years and then accompanied his
parents upon their removal to Jasper county, Iowa. The father
practiced medicine at Galesburg until a few years ago, when he
removed to Pella, where he has since been associated with the subject
of this review. There are three sons in the family, the brothers of
Dr. Carpenter being: Oscar, a physician of Sully, Iowa; and Frank,
a physician of Jasper county, this state.
Dr. Fred F. Carpenter obtained his general education in the public
schools and took his professional work at Drake University, from
which he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of M. D. He served
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 167
for sixteen months in the United States army as hospital steward in
the Philippines and subsequently practiced his profession in Gales-
burg, Iowa. About eight years ago he came to Pella, where he has
since resided and where he has built up an enviable reputation as a
physician of ability and conscientiousness. He has the confidence
alike of the general public and of his professional colleagues and is
considered one of the representative physicians of the county.
On the 30th of June, 1897, Dr. Carpenter married Miss Mina
Pahre and to their union has been born a daughter, Freda, who is
attending school. The Doctor is a democrat and takes an intelligent
interest in public affairs, being well informed on all questions of
general concern. His fraternal affiliations are with the local lodge
of the Knights of Pythias and the Oskaloosa Lodge of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. He has won unusual success in his
profession and has many warm personal friends who value his favor-
able opinion highly.
ELIPHALET BENTON RUCKMAN.
Eliphalet Benton Ruckman is a farmer residing on section 11,
Union township, this county, and is well known and highly respected
in his community. He was born in Barren County, Kentucky, on the
28th of April, 1837, and his parents, Amos and Amanda F. (Houck)
Ruckman, named him after Thomas H. Benton, the great senator of
Missouri, and Eliphalet Knott, a famous orator. His paternal
grandfather was Isaiah Ruckman and his great-grandfather was
Joseph Ruckman. Amos Ruckman was born in Barren county,
Kentucky, on the 17th day of February, 1806, the youngest of
twelve children, and received his education in Kentucky and Ten-
nessee. In early life he farmed in Kentucky, where his marriage
occurred in 1836, but, as he and his wife believed it wrong to hold
slaves, they left that state and came to Iowa in 1852. They started
on the 14th of October with two yoke of oxen and two horses. It
was fine autumn weather and for a time they made good progress.
They crossed the Ohio river at Shawneetown and from there went
through the cypress swamps in what is now known as Egypt in
southern Illinois. They experienced the varied fortunes of the road
and while in the swamp encountered a severe storm. In Illinois Mr.
Ruckman purchased another yoke of cattle, making three in all. It
was the year of the campaign for Pierce and Scott and liberty poles
168 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
were seen in all the towns passed through. Before they reached their
destination snow had fallen and the difficulties of travel increased.
Their potatoes also froze. The family stopped near Keokuk, having
crossed the river at that place. They were told that it was impossible
to proceed farther on account of the rains, but the family continued
on their way, however, by a devious route. They first went to Clark
county, Missouri, thence to Bloomheld, Iowa, from which place they
went to Drakesville, thence to Albia and then to Knoxville. They
crossed White Breast creek on the 12th of December, 1852, just sixty
days after they had started from Kentucky. They located on section
1 1, Union township, Marion county, where the father purchased one
hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He used his oxen to break the
first ground and energetically developed his property. As his re-
sources increased he added to his possessions and became the owner of
six hundred and forty acres of good land. He became well known
in the county, was justice of the peace in Union township for four
years and trustee for ten years. His political allegiance was given
to the republican party. He was active in church work and was for
some time clerk of the Baptist church in his locality. He passed
away on the 26th of April, 1884, and in his demise the county lost a
prominent pioneer farmer and a good citizen. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Miss Amanda F. Houck, was a daughter of John
and Elizabeth Houck and was born in Kentucky on the i ith of May,
18 1 2. She was educated in her native state and remained at home
until her marriage. She was taught the art of weaving by a school
teacher and as she was very ambitious became an expert weaver. The
loom she used is now in possession of the subject of this review. She
taught all of the women in the neighborhood the art and was famous
as a housewife. Mr. and Mrs. Amos Ruckman had three children:
Eliphalet B., of this review; John Lewis, who was born September
17, 1838, and fell in battle at Jackson, Mississippi, during the Civil
war while commanding his company, which was Company B, Third
Iowa Infantrv; and Joseph, who was born February 4, 1840, and was
killed in battle before Jackson on the 12th of July, 1863. He was
second lieutenant of the same company of which his brother was
captain. Both were single. The mother of our subject died on the
30th of September, 1898.
Eliphalet B. Ruckman accompanied his parents to this state in
1852 and well remembers the erection of their home in 1853. It
was made of logs and all of the work necessary in its construction
was done by hand by members of the family. The rock to build the
chimney was hauled from a nearby quarry and the father and sons
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 169
broke it into pieces of the required shape and size. The subject of
this review attended the school taught by Captain William Blaine,
which was the first free school in the county. He taught for three
months when in his twentieth year, receiving twenty dollars a month
and boarding with the parents of the children whom he taught. He
had thirty-six pupils and among them were a number of girls almost
grown. Two of them were planning to play a joke upon him and
enjoy a laugh at his expense, but he turned the tables upon them and
sent them from the room. They were highly indignant and took their
belongings and went home. Their mother told him to whip them,
but he did not. He subsequently entered Central University of Iowa
at Pella and was a freshman in the scientific course there at the out-
break of the war. He left school and was never able to finish his
course, as he was obliged to give his time to the work of the home
farm for his two brothers had joined the Union army. After his
father's death he succeeded to the ownership of the property, which
comprises a quarter section of land on section ii. Union township.
He does general farming and has been very successful in that occu-
pation, gaining a competence which insures him comfort throughout
his life.
Mr. Ruckman was united in marriage on the 17th of March, 1859,
to Miss Charity Walker, a daughter of William and Mary (Teter)
Walker. More detailed mention of the Teter family is found in the
sketch of J. L. Teter, which appears elsewhere in this work. William
Walker was the first male child born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and he
resided there until April, 1857, when he came to Iowa, settling in
Union township, this county. He farmed to some extent, but was a
blacksmith and gunsmith and gave part of his attention to those
trades. He was fairly successful in his farming and owned sixty-two
acres of fertile land. He was also a musician of local note. He was
an expert filer and belonged to the Campbell Clan. He died two
years after coming to this state, in 1859. His wife was born in Ross
county, Ohio, and there their marriage occurred. To them were born
five children, of whom Mrs. Ruckman was the youngest. Her birth
occurred in Ross county, Ohio, October 30, 1841, and she died on the
25th of January, 1881. She was the mother of nine children: Robert
Quintus, born December 20, 1859; Mary Elizabeth, who was born
October 9, 1861, and became the wife of G. J. Jones; Eliza Jane,
whose birth occurred on the 28th of December, 1863, and who mar-
ried J. O. Rinehart; Hannah, who was born February 8, 1866, and
died May 25, 1878; John Lewis, born January 25, 1868, who is a
lawyer of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and is the representative of Brown
170 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
county in the state legislature, having been reelected in November, J
1914; Joseph Independence, who was born on the 4th of July, 1870,
and is a resident of Union township; Zacheus A., born April 4, 1873,
who saw service in the Philippines and who married Bertha Love and
resides in Red Rock ; Martha S., who was born on the 29th of January,
1876, and is the wife of E. F. Carle; and William Clyde, born May
17, 1878, who married Miss Myrtle Moore and following her death
was united in marriage to Miss Nellie D. Bellamy.
Mr. Ruckman is a republican and has held a number of local
oflices. He has been constable, trustee of his township, secretary of
the school board, county surveyor, county supervisor and county audi-
tor, and has been school director of sub-district No. 4 or Blaine
district. He held office the greater part of the time for fifty-five years
and has also served as a delegate to various county and state conven-
tions of his party. For forty-one years he has been trustee of the
Central University of Iowa at Pella. He is a Baptist in his religious
belief and aids materially in the work of the church. He has lived
in the county since pioneer times and has not only witnessed but has
also furthered the development that has made this one of the most
prosperous counties of the state.
HOMER ROUZE.
Homer Rouze owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 35, Swan township. The place presents a neat
and thrifty appearance and gives every indication of the careful
supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Rouze was
born at the old town of Wheeling, in Marion county, April 13, 1858,
a son of A. W. and Sarah (Kavanagh) Rouze, who were married
in Ohio and shortly afterward came to Iowa, settling at Wheeling,
in Marion county. The father was a teacher and followed that pro-
fession for many years. He also followed farming in Swan town-
ship in his later years. He had probably taught for a longer period
than any other representative of the profession in Marion county
and he imparted with readiness and clearness to others the knowl-
edge that he had acquired.
A. W. Rouze was born in the Buckeye state and was educated in
Oberlin College. After removing to the west he taught in Wheeling
and Pleasantville and also for a number of years in Warren county,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 171
at Hartford, Palmyra and other places. He also secured land and
improved a homestead, converting his place into a fine farm. The
family at first lived in a log house but as the years passed it became
possible for him to provide for them a more modern residence and
supply them with many comforts of life. Removing to Swan, the
family there resided for a number of years, or until the death of
Mrs. Rouze in July, 1902, when she was more than seventy years
of aec. Mr. Rouze then returned to the old home farm, whereon
be passed away April 24, 191 2, when more than eighty-two years
nf age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while
his wife held membership in the Christian church. He filled the
office of justice of the peace for several years and his decisions were
strictly fair and impartial, based upon the law and equity in the case.
His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he
was at one time a candidate for the office of county treasurer. In
the family of A. W. and Sarah Rouze were five children, besides
the subject of this review: H. H., a farmer now living near Min-
neapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Stella Moffatt, residing in Calhoun
county, Iowa; Mrs. Sibyl Pyle, of Nebraska; William, who died at
the age of sixteen years; and Albert, who died in infancy.
Homer Rouze was reared in Swan township, in which his birth
occurred. His experiences were those which usually fall to the lot
of the farm lad who divides his time between the duties of the school-
room, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields.
He was married in this county March 13, 1884, to Miss Clara Spen-
cer, who was born in Michigan, September 9, 1858, a daughter of
John and Lucy (Abram) Spencer, who removed from Michigan to
Indiana, where the mother died in 1862, leaving six children, of
whom three are yet living: J. G., who is now a resident of Kansas
City; Mrs. Emma Harmon, of Marshall county, Iowa; and Mrs.
Rouze. It was in the year 1864 that John Spencer brought his fam-
ily to Marion county, settling in Pleasant Grove township. He was
a farmer and carpenter, devoting his entire life to those pursuits.
Having lost his first wife, he married Mrs. Lovisa Pickett, nee
Miner, who is now also deceased. They had two children : William,
now living in Kansas; and Mrs. Amanda Gish, of Washington. The
death of Mr. Spencer occurred at his home in Pleasant Grove town-
ship about 1878, when he was sixty years of age.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rouze were born ten children, of whom five
survive, namely: Samuel V. and M. G., both of Minnesota; and
Lloyd S., Grace and Loren, all at home. Those deceased were Alva,
John Wiley, Ethel, and two who died in infancy.
172 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Politically Mr. Rouze is an earnest republican and an active
worker in the local ranks of the party, doing all in his power to pro-
mote its growth and insure its success. His fellow townsmen, appre-
ciative of his worth and ability, have called him to a number of
local offices. His wife is a member of the Christian church at
Pleasantville. The family is widely and favorably known and warm
regard is entertained for them by their friends and neighbors. For
more than fifty-six years Mr. Rouze has resided in this county and is
therefore numbered among the early settlers who have seen most of
the county's development and progress, taking an active part in all
that pertains to the upbuilding of the community in which he lives.
FRED ORA DAVIS.
Fred Ora Davis, engaged in the real-estate and loan business in
Knoxville, with offices in the I. O. O. F. building, was born in 1877
in this county, a son of J. I. Davis, who came to this county in 1876
from West Virginia. The family is of Welsh descent but has been
represented in this country for many years. Three brothers emigrated
to America before the Revolution and one of the family served in
that war. Members of the family have lived in Doddridge county,
West Virginia, for over two hundred years. Both the grandfather
and father of the subject of this review came to Marion county,
Iowa, the former passing away here, while the latter engaged in
farming here for many years but for the past seven years has lived in
Wyoming. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Matilda
Jane Wilson, a daughter of James Wilson, also of Doddridge county,
West Virginia. She likewise survives. The family are Methodists
in religious belief. The brothers and sisters of our subject are : Edgar,
a farmer of Lucas county, Iowa; Walter, living in Wheatland, Wyo-
ming; L. W. ; Lovie, now Mrs. Johnson and a resident of Wyoming;
and Ethel, at home.
Fred Ora Davis was reared and educated upon the home farm
in this county and early became thoroughly acquainted with the
details of agricultural work. Subsequently he mined coal for some
time and was also engaged in the mercantile business. In 1903 he
removed to Knoxville, where for the past ten years he has been
engaged in the real-estate and loan business with offices in the I. O.
O. F. building. He handles land in all sections of the county and
annually negotiates many transfers of real estate. He has also placed
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 173
a great many loans and in both branches of his business has been
successful. He sometimes has more deals pending than he can give
his own attention to and he then employs other men to act as his
agents.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Annie Benteima, a
resident of this county, and to them have been born four children,
Bertha, May, Nora and Elmer. Mr. Davis is a republican in his
political belief and loyally supports the candidates of that party at
the polls. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
belonging to all branches of that organization, and is past grand of
his lodge. He likewise holds membership in all branches of the Red
Men, including the Haymakers Association, and belongs to the Loyal
Order of Moose. His wife belongs to the Rebekahs. They own a
comfortable home at the corner of Kent and Pleasant streets. Mr.
Davis has contributed in no small measure to the development of
Knoxville through his real-estate business and also by cooperating
as a private citizen with a number of movements that have worked
for the welfare of the community.
W. H. DANIELS, M. D.
Dr. W. H. Daniels is one of the younger representatives of the
medical profession in Marion county but as a physician of Hamilton
has already attained a position that many an older practitioner might
well envy. He is one of the native sons of Iowa county, his birth
having there occurred on the 7th of January, 1887. His youthful
days were passed in that locality under the parental roof. His father,
H. B. Daniels, was a native of Vermont, and after arriving at years
of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Listenberger, who was born in
Indiana. They are still living and yet make their home in Iowa
county, where they have reared their family of seven children, six of
whom are yet living.
At the usual age Dr. Daniels entered the public schools of his
native county and after mastering the branches of learning therein
taught he availed himself of his opportunities for further intellectual
advancement, entering the University of Iowa, where he pursued a
course in medicine and was graduated. He was afterward for one
year connected with the government service in an official capacity and
in 191 2 he came to Hamilton, where he is now located. He has an
excellent general practice and is most faithful and conscientious in
174 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the discharge of his professional duties. He reads broadly, thinks
deeply and keeps in touch with the trend of general improvement
along professional lines.
In 1909 Dr. Daniels was united in marriage to Miss Elouise
Dillie, who was born in Johnson county, and to them has been born
a son, Harrison W., whose natal day was May 16, 1912. Dr. Daniels
and his wife attend the Baptist church and fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masonic lodge at Hamilton and with the Royal Arch
Chapter at Knoxville. His profession gives him ample opportunity
to embody in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft which is based
upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.. He is most loyal
to its teachings and along professional lines his efforts are of great
worth.
GEORGE WHITLATCH.
George Whitlatch is one of the venerable residents of Indiana
township, having passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey.
He has always carried on farming and there are few whose length of
residence in Marion county approaches his own, for he arrived here
seventy-one years ago. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, May 29,
1829, a son of Noah and Eva (Bible) Whitlatch, natives of Penn-
sylvania and Virginia respectively. They were married, however,
in Ohio and to them were born ten children, seven sons and three
daughters. Of this numerous family only two, George and William,
are now living.
On leaving Ohio the parents removed with their family to Indiana,
where they lived until 1843 and then came to Marion county, Iowa,
settling in Indiana township. This was then a frontier district and
the seeds of civilization had scarcely been planted when they took
up their abode here. Wild animals infested the forests; there were
wolves, deer and many kinds of feathered game. Indians, too, were
numerous but on the whole were friendly toward the settlers. There
were no railroads, few wagon roads had been laid out and it was a
long distance to mill and market. The settlers depended largely
upon what they could raise for their supplies, although the skillful
hunter had no difficulty in supplying his table with meat in the
early days.
Mr. Whitlatch secured one hundred and sixty acres of govern-
ment land and at once began the difficult task of breaking the sod.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 175
There were many hardships and privations to be met in those early
days but the father, with the aid of his sons, continued the work of
development and in the course of years his place became profitable.
He was a democrat in his political views and was interested in public
affairs, cooperating in various plans and movements for the upbuild-
ing and improvement of the district in which he lived. He held
some of the township offices and his duties were discharged with
promptness and fidelity. He was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church in early manhood and afterward joined the Methodist
Protestant church, living an earnest Christian life until called to his
final rest in 1865. His wife long survived him and passed away in
1891, at the age of ninety-five years. They were laid to rest in a
cemetery in this county.
George Whitlatch was a youth of fourteen years when brought
by his parents to Iowa. He pursued his education in log schoolhouses
both of Indiana and Iowa. Split logs were used for seats and desks
and the building was heated bv an immense fireplace. The methods
of teaching were very primitive and the pupil had an opportunity
of studying only a few branches. Mr. Whitlatch broke the prairie
for a dollar and a quarter per acre in his early manhood and when
twenty-seven years of age he left home and started in business on his
own account. He has always followed farming and is still the owner
of good property on section 20, Indiana township. In his earlier
vears he was very active in the work of the fields, doing everything
necessary upon the farm for its development and improvement. In
addition to cultivating corn, wheat and other cereals he engaged in
the raising of graded stock and this also brought to him a substantial
financial return.
On the 14th of September, 1856, Mr. Whitlatch was united in
marriage to Miss Rachel Morrison, a daughter of Henry and Sarah
(Whitlatch) Morrison, who in the year 1854 came to Iowa and settled
in Marion county, taking up their abode in Indiana township. Both
parents passed away here. The father was buried, however, in Cali-
fornia and the mother in Missouri. They had a family of six children,
four sons and two daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitlatch were
born seven children, namely : Mary J., who died at the age of eighteen ;
Ida, the wife of Jackson Rogers; Frank; Odella, who died in infancy;
Cora, also deceased; Amnie, who died at the age of two years; and
Hugh, who is engaged in farming in Marion county.
The parents hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church
and guide their lives by its teachings. In politics Mr. Whitlatch is a
democrat and has filled a number of local offices with credit to him-
176 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
self and satisfaction to his constituents. No history of this county
would be complete without extended reference to him, so long as he
resided here. As one of the pioneer settlers he is indeed widely and
favorably known and there is no phase of the county's development
and improvement with which he is not familiar. Many events which
are to others a matter of history are known to him through personal
connection therewith. He has seen the land claimed and cultivated,
churches and schoolhouses erected and villages converted into thriv-
ing towns and cities. As the years have gone on he has rejoiced in
what has been accomplished and he loves to tell the story of what
has been done — a tale which he relates in a most interesting manner.
RALPH P. KELLY.
Ralph P. Kelly owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred
acres situated five and three-quarters miles west of Knoxville and
also an eighty acre tract of fine land. He was born in Knoxville
township on the 21st of March, 1872, a son of William Alexander
and Sarah (Post) Kelly, both of whom are deceased. The father
was born in Ohio on the 5th of August, 1841, and grew to manhood
there. In 1859 or i860 he came to Marion county, Iowa, and at the
beginning of the Civil war, in 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Third
Iowa Cavalry, serving under Captain Brown and participating in
a number of important engagements. He was captured and spent
nine months in Andersonville prison and three months in Libby
prison. He was in the army for three years and his gallantry and
faithfulness won him promotion to the rank of sergeant. At the
close of hostilities he returned to this county and joined his parents,
who had located near the site of the present Eden church and the
Lincoln cemetery. William A. Kelly subsequently removed to a
farm a half mile south of White Breast creek, which he purchased
in time and which remained his home until his death. He was a
republican and held a number of local offices. John C. Ferguson
Post, No. 49, G. A. R., had no more enthusiastic member than Mr.
Kelly, who greatly enjoyed his association with his old comrades in
blue. He was married in Salem, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Post, who
died in 1872, leaving an only child, the subject of this review. His
second wife was Miss Mary Heckler, whom he married in Salem,
Ohio, in 1876, and to that union was born one child, John, who re-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 177
sides upon the old home place. The father was called to his reward
on the 28th of May, 1913.
Ralph P. Kelly resided at home until he was twenty-eight years
of age and was then married and began farming upon his own ac-
count. His labors have been rewarded by excellent crops and the
neat appearance of everything about his farm indicates his energy
and good management. He understands the raising of crops from
the preparation of the soil for the planting to the gathering of the
harvest and as he is enterprising and industrious his land yields him
a good income annually.
Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Maude Jordan, who was born
upon the farm where she now resides, a daughter of Frederick and
Henrietta Jordan, who were natives of Germany but came to this
county in i860 and settled in Knoxville township. Mr. Jordan was
a large landowner, having at one time from seven hundred to eight
hundred acres and when he died still held title to four hundred and
forty acres. He made many improvements upon his land and was
one of the substantial citizens of the county. He and his wife reared
ten children who survive. Mr. Jordan died in 1900 when seventy-
three years of age and his wife passed away in 1908 at the age of
sixty-seven years. They were Presbyterians in their religious be-
lief. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly has been born a daughter, Irene Sarah,
whose birth occurred on the 24th of January, 1908. She is now
attending school.
Mr. Kelly is a republican and his allegiance to that party is
unwavering. Both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church
at Knoxville, attending its services faithfully and contributing to
its support. He operates a fine two hundred acre farm west of
Knoxville which is part of the Jordan estate, and an eighty acre
tract which is a part of the W. A. Kelly place. In cultivating his
places he is gaining personal success, but is also aiding in the agri-
cultural development of the county.
HARRY L. BRIDGMAN, M. D.
Dr. Harry L. Bridgman, a well known young medical practi-
tioner of Columbia, where he has followed his profession contin-
uously since 1907, has won an enviable reputation as one of the
skilled and successful representatives of the fraternity in Marion
county. His birth occurred in Harrison county, Indiana, on the
178 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
20th of June, 1882, his parents being John W. and Carrie (Thomas)
Bridgman, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indi-
ana. Their marriage was celebrated in the Hoosier state, where
the mother passed away and where the father is still living. To
them were born five children, three of whom survive.
Harry L. Bridgman remained under the parental roof until six-
teen years of age and in the acquirement of an education attended
the graded and high schools of his native state. Having determined
upon a professional career, he entered the Kentucky School of Medi-
cine at Louisville, which institution conferred upon him the degree
of M. D. in 1907. The same year he opened an office at Columbia,
Iowa, where he has since remained and has built up a liberal and
lucrative practice, his skill and ability being widely recognized.
With the steady progress of the profession he keeps in close touch
through his membership in the Tri County Medical Society, the
Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa-
tion.
In 1910 Dr. Bridgman was united in marriage to Miss Beneti
May, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of G. W.
and Nettie May, who were also born in this countv. She is a high-
school graduate and for some years prior to her marriage followed
the profession of teaching. She now has one son, Harry L.. Jr., born
March 17, 1912. Dr. Bridgman is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to Inter Ocean Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M.,
at Lacona, Iowa, while his wife belongs to the Rebekahs and is also
a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are
prominent in the younger social set of the communitv, being well
liked and highly esteemed for their many good qualities of mind
and character.
CLINTON FERGUS.
Clinton Fergus, one of the venerable citizens and retired agri-
culturists of Marion county, still resides on his farm of three hun-
dred and forty acres on section 13, Liberty township. He has now
passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and the period of his
residence in this county covers more than four decades.
His birth occurred in Indiana on the 4th of January, 1834, his
parents being S. B. and Julia (McFaden) Fergus, who were natives
of England and Ireland respectively. They emigrated to the United
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 179
States ill an early day and were married in Ohio. Subsequently tiiey
took, up their abode in Indiana and in that state spent the remainder
of their lives. They settled on a farm and experienced all of the
privations and hardships of frontier life, for the community was
still but sparsely settled and largely undeveloped. The father built
a log cabin with clapboard roof, puncheon floor and stick chimney
and the door of the little dwelling had a latchstring. This primi-
tive abode remained the home of the family for a number of years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fergus were born thirteen children, seven of whom
still survive.
Clinton Fergus received a common-school education in his youth,
the little "temple of learning" in which he conned his lessons being
constructed of logs. He spent the period of his minority under the
parental roof and subsequently worked as a common laborer until
the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his
life he rented a farm in Indiana, which he operated for three years.
On the expiration of that period, in 1864, he came to Iowa and pur-
chased a farm in Mahaska county, where he successfully carried on
agricultural pursuits for seven years. In 1871 he disposed of the
property and came to Marion county, purchasing the farm of one
hundred and twenty acres on section 13, Liberty township, whereon
he has resided continuously since. Fle later purchased two hundred
and forty acres, but twenty acres were given to the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy and Wabash Railroads for right of ways. He
erected substantial and commodious buildings on his place and in con-
nection with the cultivation of cereals devoted considerable attention
to stock-raising, meeting with gratifying success in both branches
of his business. When his well directed activity had brought him a
comfortable competence he put aside the active work of the fields
and is now living retired, spending his declining years in the enjoy-
ment of the fruits of his former toil.
In 1861 Mr. Fergus was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Litler,
who was born in a log cabin in Indiana, her parents being Thomas
and Susan M. (Fry) Litler, natives of Virginia. They established
their home in Indiana in pioneer times but subsequently came to
Marion county, Iowa, and purchased the farm which is now in pos-
session of our subject. The remainder of their lives was here spent,
and of their twelve children four are yet living. Mr. and Mrs.
Fergus became the parents of five children, as follows: Thomas B.,
who is living on a farm in this county; John R., a resident of Wis-
consin; C. W, who makes his home in Marion county, Iowa; James
Q., deceased; and one who died in infancy.
180 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Fergus has always been a democrat in his political views
and since 1872 has held the office of school director, the cause of
education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant
church, to which his wife also belongs. He has passed the eightieth
milestone on life's journey and enjoys 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.
BENJAMIN L. PARSONS.
Benjamin L. Parsons is well remembered in the village of Colum-
bia and throughout the surrounding country, although twenty years
have come and gone since he was called to his final rest. He lived
retired in the village, although in earlier years he was a very active,
energetic business man. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1804,
and he was descended from old Quaker stock, the kind that upheld
the political and legal status of the state and promoted its intellectual
and moral progress. He was reared in the east, pursued his educa-
tion there and for many years conducted business in Ohio as propri-
etor of a store in Marion county.
Mr. Parsons came to Marion county, Iowa, about 1862, and at
Columbia was united in marriage to Mrs. Salina Williams, the
widow of Joseph Williams and a daughter of Adam and Mary Ann
Quillen. Her first husband was a carpenter and cabinet-maker and
followed those trades throughout his entire life. He built a mill at
Columbia and operated it until it was destroyed by fire, when he re-
tired from active business and spent his remaining days in the enjoy-
ment of well earned rest. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born two
children: Alice, now deceased; and Charlotte, who died when but
two weeks old. Since the death of her second husband Mrs. Parsons
has lived in Columbia, where she is the owner of town lots and other
property. She is now eighty-si.\ years of age and is a keen minded,
well informed woman whose appearance greatly belies her age.
The death of Mr. Parsons occurred September 5, 1894, ^"^ he
was laid to rest in the Columbia cemetery. During his later years,
because of the fact that he was living retired, he had more leisure for
social life than many a business man enjoys and he gained a large
circle of friends in Columbia. His success in a business way was
BENJAJIIX L. PARSONS
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 183
derived entirely through his energy, his industry, determination and
diligence and his history illustrates what may be accomplished by
close application and honorable purpose.
GEORGE L. GUSTIN.
Since March, 1910, George L. Gustin has resided in Knoxville,
having retired from the active work of the farm. He was born at
McArthur, Vinton county, Ohio, July 2, 1846, a son of Robert and
Susanna (Speed) Gustin. The father came to this county on the
5th of April, 1847, located upon a claim in Union township, three
miles from Red Rock village, entering a quarter section of land, and
built the first hewn log house in that township. His wife and two
children joined him in this county, which remained the family home
thereafter. Mr. Gustin improved his first claim and subsequently
traded it for another but resided in Union township until the spring
of 1869. In that year he removed to Franklin township and pur-
chased a farm, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in
1873, when he was fifty-three years of age. He was a typical pioneer
and aided much in the early development of the county. His parents
were Mr. and Mrs. George Gustin, the former of whom died in early
manhood, but the latter lived to a ripe old age. Robert Gustin was
born in Athens county, Ohio, as was his wife, who bore the maiden
name of Susanna Speed and was the daughter of George and Mercy
C. Speed, the former of whom spent the last years of his life in Marion
county and here passed away, while the latter died in Ohio. A num-
ber of representatives of both the Gustin and Speed families have
lived in this county and the two names are held in high respect here.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gustin were at first members of the United
Brethren church but later joined the Methodist Episcopal church.
She died in November, 191 1, in this county, when almost ninety
years of age. To their union were born three children. James W.,
whose birth occurred July 6, 1842, and who died in Missouri in 1873,
was a farmer for a time but subsequently engaged in the shoe business
in the Iron state. He left a widow and several children, all of whom
are now deceased but a son, who resides in Canada. The subject of
this review is the next in order of birth. Mrs. Mercy Morgan, whose
husband was for twenty years chief of the fire department of Portland,
Oregon, passed away in that city in 1904, leaving three daughters.
184 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
George L. Gustin was brought to this county when an infant and
has lived here continuously since. For many years he followed farm-
ing, raising grain and stock and gaining more than a competence.
He first bought land in this county in 1869 and subsequently sold
that tract and bought a finely improved farm in Franklin township,
which he sold for one hundred and hfty dollars per acre in 1909.
He has dealt in land to a considerable extent, has bought and sold or ^
traded a number of farms and still owns many acres of good land.
In 19 10 he removed to Knoxvillc, where he is highly esteemed by his
fellow citizens.
In 1871 Mr. Gustin was married to Miss Susan Glenn, who was
reared from childhood in this county but whose birth occurred in
Jefferson county, this state. Her parents, Thomas and Mary Glenn,
came to Iowa from the vicinity of Albany, Indiana, shortly after
their marriage and the father followed farming. Both have passed
away. An uncle of Mrs. Gustin, William Glenn, was for many years
a merchant at Fleasantville. To Mr. and Mrs. Gustin have been
born two children. C. D., representing the Home Insurance Com-
pany at Des Moines, married Miss Julia Welcher and they have
three daughters, Gladys, Gertrude and Lois. Myrta married Clyde
Flannagan, a farmer of Franklin township, by whom she has a son,
Don.
Mr. Gustin is a stanch democrat and served for years in township
oflices while a resident of Franklin township. From January, 1884,
to January, 1888, he was county auditor, and he has also served as a
member of the board of supervisors. The family are members of
the Free Methodist church of Knoxville and hold the respect of
those who have come in contact with them as their lives are guided
by high standards of morality.
GEORGE J. THOMASSEN.
George J. Thomassen, a well known lawyer of Fella and presi-
dent of the city school board, is a native son of the city, born March
18, 1870. His parents were Geurt and Nellie (Rysdam) Thomas-
sen, both natives of Holland, who in 1847 came to the United States,
making their way direct to Fella. The paternal grandfather, John
Thomassen, purchased a farm in Marion county in 1847 and also
established one of the first stores in Fella, continuing to engage in
merchandising until his death. Geurt Thomassen was in business
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 185
with his father and after the latter's death continued alone in busi-
ness until he too was called to his final rest in 1899. The mother
of our subject died in 1874.
George J. Thomassen was given excellent educational advantages,
as, after being graduated from the public schools, he attended the
Central University of Iowa, which is located in Pella, and still later
entered the law department of Drake University at Des Moines,
from which he was graduated in 1902. He immediately began prac-
tice in his native city and has continued here until the present time.
In 1894 Mr. Thomassen married Miss Sarah Van Stigt, a daugh-
ter of K. and Josephine Van Stigt, who left Holland in 1847 and
emigrated to the United States with Pella as their objective point.
Her father was for a time in the saddlery business but later turned
his attention to boots and shoes. He died in May, 19 14. Mr. and
Mrs. Thomassen have two children, Junella and Ruth, both at home.
Mr. Thomassen is a member of the First Reformed church and
takes great interest in its work. Politically he is a democrat and is
most active in the support of movements and institutions that make
for the general good. He is president of the school board and trus-
tee of the public library and in these capacities has been able to do
much for the cause of general education.
IRVIN J. PASCOE, M. D.
Dr. Irvin J. Pascoe is a well known and successful young medical
practitioner of Harvey and has already won an enviable reputation
in professional circles of the county. His birth occurred in Wis-
consin on the 27th of April, 1885, his parents being J. J. and Sarah
E. (Trenery) Pascoe, likewise natives of that state. In 1886 they
removed to Monroe county, Iowa, and have there resided contin-
uously since. They became the parents of nine children, six of whom
survive.
Irvin J. Pascoe, who was only about a year old when brought to
this state, spent the period of his minority under the parental roof.
Having determined upon a professional career, he entered the Chi-
cago College of Medicine and Surgery and was graduated from that
institution in May, 1910. He first located for practice at Hiteman,
Monroe county, but at the end of two years opened an office in Har-
vey, where he has remained continuously to the present time. He
now enjoys an extensive and gratifying practice which has steadily
186 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
grown as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in coping with
the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in
his efforts to restore health and prolong life. Through his mem-
bership in the Iowa State Medical Society he keeps in close touch
with the progress of the profession.
In 1910 Dr. Pascoe was united in marriage to Miss Mildred
Merrill, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a daughter of Sanford
and Mary (Miller) Merrill, both of whom were born in Ohio. The
father is now a resident of Chicago and is superintendent of the Oak
Park schools, but the mother has passed away. Their four children
are all yet living. To Dr. and Mrs. Pascoe have been born three
children, namely: Gladys M., Merrill B. and Irvin Theodore.
Dr. Pascoe gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and is fraternally identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue
lodge and chapter, while his wife is a member of the Eastern Star.
He is likewise affiliated with the Yeomen and the Red Men, and
both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. They have won many friends throughout the com-
munity and are very popular in social circles.
GARRET K. HART
Garret K. Hart is an attorney of Knoxville who devotes much
time to the abstract business, which he has found to his liking and
profitable. He was born on the 22d of April, 1846, in New Jersey,
a son of John T. and Mercy (Howell) Hart. The former was born
in Sussex county, New Jersey, and the latter in Warren county, that
state. The paternal grandfather was John Hart of New Jersey, of
English descent, the family emigrating to this country from Eng-
land in the pre-Revolutionary period. The maternal grandfather
was Levi Howell and he came of Dutch ancestry.
After completing his public-school course in New Jersey, Garret
K. Hart attended Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio, for two years,
and in the early part of the year 1869 came to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where
he entered the law office of Lafferty & Johnson, as student, and was
admitted to the bar at the spring term of 1871 of the district court
of Mahaska county, Iowa. He is recognized as a capable attorney
and still appears as counsel in trials, but a great deal of his atten-
tion is given to the abstract business in which he has been engaged
for a number of years.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 187
Mr. Hart was married in New Jersey, March 23, 1871, to Miss
Henrietta Samantha Van Horn, a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca
(Stillwell) Van Horn, and settled in Knoxville, Iowa, where he has
resided ever since. The one child of this union, Tobias Van Horn,
married Miss Blanche vander Linden, of Pella, Iowa, and has two
children. Mrs. Henrietta Samantha Hart passed away November
27, 1912.
Mr. Hart is a member of the Methodist church and fraternally
affiliates with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He is a republican
in politics and takes a praiseworthy interest in public affairs. As
an attorney, as a business man and as a citizen he conforms his life
to high standards and has won the unqualified respect of his fellow
townsmen.
JESSE SIMMONS.
Jesse Simmons, one of the venerable citizens and retired agricul-
turists of Marion county, has resided within its borders for a period
of sixty-eight years, being brought here by his parents when a little
lad of but four years and having therefore witnessed the development
and growth of the district from pioneer times to the present. He
devoted his time and energies to farming throughout his active busi-
ness career and is now living retired in Attica, enjoying the fruits of
his former toil in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Logan
county, Illinois, on the 27th of February, 1842, his parents being
Smith and Nancy (Stroud) Simmons, both of whom were natives of
Tennessee. Removing to Illinois, they remained in the Prairie state
until 1844, when they came to Iowa, settling first in Mahaska county.
Two years later, however, they took up their abode in Marion county
and here the remainder of their lives was spent. They became the
parents of six children, two of whom survive.
Jesse Simmons, as above stated, was a little lad of but four years
when brought to this county, and he spent the period of his minority
under the parental roof. In 1864, when twenty-two years of age,
he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company
I, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command
as a brave and loyal soldier until the cessation of hostilities. He was
then mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to this county,
taking up the pursuits of civil life as an agriculturist. The work of
the fields claimed his attention throughout his active business career
188 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and in his undertakings he won a gratifying and well merited measure
of success. He is now spending the evening of life in honorable
retirement at Attica and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the
esteemed pioneers and prosperous citizens of the county.
In January, 1864, Mr. Simmons was united in marriage to Miss
Rebecca C. Gullion, who was born in Marion county, Iowa, in 1846,
her parents being Jeremiah and Hannah (Pierson) Gullion, natives
of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. They came to this county
in 1844, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land in Liberty
township on which the father built a log cabin that was the family
home for several years. Their children were ten in number and five
are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons became the parents of nine
children, as follows: Jeremiah; Nancy A.; William S.; Hallic, the
wife of Thomas Hartness; Wyant, who is deceased; Fred; Jessie:
Hannah, who gave her hand in marriage to Alford Righter; and
Columbus. The parents are devoted and consistent members of the
Methodist Protestant church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have
lived in Marion county throughout a period covering nearlv seven
decades and they are widely and favorably known here, having won
the warm regard and friendship of all with whom they have come
in contact.
WILLIAM EDSON RINEHART.
W^illiam Edson Rinehart is serving as city clerk of Knoxville
and is a successful business man of the city, owning a department
store. He was born in Knoxville on the 5th of April, 1884, a son
of S. S. and Alma (Ogle) Rinehart, who were natives of Ohio and
Illinois respectively. They were early settlers of the county and the
father engaged in blacksmithing for many years.
William E. Rinehart obtained his education in the common
schools and subsequently clerked in a dry-goods store belonging to
T. H. Heiny. Later he was employed in a similar capacity by J. D.
Hanks and by Younker Brothers, of Des Moines. After again
working for Mr. Hanks he opened a department store of his own
in Knoxville on the 25th of March, 1910. The building is twenty
bv one hundred feet in dimensions and is located on the south side
of the square. His long experience in mercantile houses has thor-
oughly qualified him for the management of such an enterprise, and
the variety of goods offered, the nice balance maintained between
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 189
quality and price and the courteous treatment given all customers
are among the factors that have made his store one of the leading
mercantile establishments of Knoxville.
Mr. Rinehart was married on the 8th of November, 1909, to Miss
Mary Kinney, of Donley, Iowa, a daughter of J. J. Kinney. Mr.
Rinehart is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is well known
and popular in that organization. Politically he is a democrat and
manifests a keen interest in everything relating to local governmental
affairs. In 1908 he was elected city clerk and served for two years.
On the 9th of July, 1913, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the
same office and is at present the incumbent thereof. He is a forceful
factor in the expansion of the city's business interests and as a public-
spirited citizen cooperates heartily in a number of measures calcu-
lated to benefit the community as a whole.
CLARENCE GRUBB.
Since 191 1 Clarence Grubb has carried on business as a lumber
dealer of Tracy and in this connection has built up an enterprise of
extensive and gratifying proportions. His birth occurred in Morgan
county, Ohio, on the 7th of May, 1875, his parents being B. F. and
Mary (Boileau) Grubb, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. In
November, 1880, they came to Iowa, settling first in New Sharon,
Mahaska county, and subsequently in Oskaloosa, that county, where
they have made their home continuously since. To them were born
six children, five of whom survive.
Clarence Grubb enjoyed the advantages of a high school educa-
tion in his vouth and when nineteen years of age left the parental
roof and entered the service of the Iowa Central Railroad Company,
being employed in the bridge and building department for twelve
years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to Tulsa,
Oklahoma, but at the end of two years returned to Iowa. He em-
barked in the lumber business at Tracy, where he has since won
merited success as a dealer in all kinds of building materials. He
owns fifteen lots in addition to his residence in the town of Tracy
and is widely recognized as one of the progressive and prosperous
citizens of the community.
On the 23d of January, 1909, Mr. Grubb was united in marriage
to Miss Edith V. Stark, a daughter of James and Hester Stark.
They have four children, namely: Abner; Helen; and Martha and
190 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mary, twins. In politics Mr. Grubb is a republican, and both he
and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He has come to be recognized as one of the substantial men of his
community, and his career is proof of the fact that industry and
energy pave the way to success and that prosperity is but ambition's
answer.
E. W. McVAY.
E. W. McVay is a self-made man who started out in life empty-
handed and has worked his way steadily upward through his energy
and persistency of purpose until he is now the owner of three hun-
dred and seventy-seven acres of valuable farm land lying on sec-
tions II and 12, Liberty township. He was born in Marion county,
Iowa, October 23, 1867, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Gregory)
McVay, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Marion county.
The father came to Iowa in 1849 and lived for about a year in
this county, after which he resumed his travels westward with Cali-
fornia as his destination. He had been attracted by the discovery of
gold on the Pacific coast and with ox teams started for the far west,
journeying by slow stages across the plains, over the hot stretches of
sand and through the mountain passes until at the end of six months
he reached the gold fields. There had been much trouble with the
Indians while en route but their journey was at length safely accom-
plished. Mr. McVay remained for ten years in California and then
returned to Iowa. Following the outbreak of the Civil war his
patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted in response to the coun-
try's call for aid, becoming a member of the Fifteenth Iowa In-
fantry, with which he served until the close of the war, participat-
ing in a number of hotly contested engagements. Although he was
frequently on the firing line he was never wounded and at the close
of the war he returned with a most creditable military record to
Marion county. He then purchased a farm, was soon afterward mar-
ried and devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits
in this county, his death here occurring in 1880. His widow survives.
In their family were six children, of whom five are yet living.
E. W. McVay remained at home until he attained his majority
and then rented land for a year, at the end of which time he purchased
a part of the old homestead in Clay township and began its further
development and improvement. After living thereon for a decade
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 191
he sold out and purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies,
on sections ii and 12, Liberty township, comprising three hundred
and seventy-seven acres, which was only partially under cultivation.
With characteristic energy he undertook the work of converting the
entire tract into a rich and productive property and the result of his
labors was soon manifest in highly cultivated fields, from which he
annually gathers rich harvests. He has ever been practical in his
farm work and at the same time has employed progressive methods.
In 1893 ^^''- McVay was united in marriage to Miss Valeria
Stafford, who was born in Monroe county, Iowa, a daughter of J. C.
and Elmira (Hoagland) Stafford, the former a native of Marion
county and the latter of Monroe countv. The father has passed away
but the mother survives and is now residing in Lovilia. In their
family were five children, all of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs.
McVay became the parents of six children: Guy and Mary, both
deceased; Mildred F., now attending high school at Lovilia, Iowa;
Gladys N.; Edith E. W.; and Jacob P. R.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and Mr. McVay belongs also to the Modern Woodmen camp at
Tracy, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He has served on the
school board, of which he is now the secretary, and he is a stalwart
champion of the cause of education. He votes with the republican
party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate
his energies upon his business affairs. He is a representative of one
of the pioneer families of the county and has ever been an interested
witness of its growth and development, while through his chosen
life work he has contributed much to its agricultural progress.
LOUIS F. BOUSQUET.
Louis F. Bousquet, the capable postmaster of Pella, was born
in Ames, Iowa, on the 27th of October, 1876, a son of J. J. and Anna
(Vander Linden) Bousquet, both born in the kingdom of the Nether-
lands. His paternal grandfather was A. E. D. Bousquet, who in the
early '50s brought his family to the United States and located at
Pella. He was the owner of a boat plying upon the Des Moines
river. J. J. Bousquet, his son, was a druggist at Ames, Iowa, but in
1880 removed to Pella, where for a number of years he engaged in
the produce business. He is still a stockholder in the Pella Creamery
Company and is at present bookkeeper for that concern. He is a
192 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
veteran of the Civil war, serving for three years in an Iowa regiment,
and his bravery and efficiency won him promotion to the rank, of
lieutenant. His wife is a daughter of K. Vander Linden, who came
to the United States and located at Pella many years ago. He was a
farmer by occupation. Both Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Bousquet are mem-
bers of the Second Reformed church. They have had four children,
but one is now deceased. Hattic M. is the wife of Ed E. Egan, a
resident of Burlington, Iowa. Louisa died when two years of age.
Louis F. is the next in order of birth. Agnes A. is at home.
Louis F. Bousquet received a public-school education and when
a youth of about nineteen years started out in life for himself, be-
coming a clerk in the postoffice on the ist of July, 1895. He was
made assistant postmaster under Dr. B. F. Keables and served in
that capacity for two terms. As he began at the bottom and worked
up to a position of responsibility, he became thoroughly familiar with
all of the details of the office routine and also developed his executive
ability and became the logical man for appointment to the post-
mastership. On the 14th of February, 1908, he was given charge of
the office and was reappointed postmaster in 191 2. He is a courteous
official as well as a systematic and efficient one, and the people of
Pella have had no reason to complain of their mail service under his
administration as postmaster.
Mr. Bousquet is a republican and manifests a citizen's interest
in public affairs. He is an enthusiastic Mason and has taken the
thirty-second degree in that order. He belongs to Pella Lodge, No.
55, F. & A. M. ; the Des Moines Consistory and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine
at Des Moines. He is a Mason in spirit a^well as in membership, as
his life is guided by the principle of helpfulness and brotherly kind-
ness, .which is the foundation teaching of that fraternity.
CAMBRIDGE CULBERTSON.
Cambridge Culbertson has the distinction of having served
Knoxville as its mayor for five terms and the record which he has
made in office is best attested by his frequent reelection. His service
has not been continuous but after his retirement from the position
his fellow townsmen, thinking of the excellent work which he had
done as the city's chief executive, again called him to the office, in
which he is the present incumbent. Efficiency, loyalty and a public
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 193
spirit that subordinates personal aggrandizement to the general wel-
fare have been the crowning points in his career as mayor.
Mr. Culbertson was born in Kentucky, May 28, 1845, a son of
Cambridge and Charlotte (Jones) Culbertson, who were natives of
Pennsylvania and of Tennessee respectively. The paternal grand-
father, John Culbertson, was likewise born in the Keystone state and
was of Scotch-Irish descent. Three brothers of the name came from
the north of Ireland prior to the Revolutionary war and established
their home in Pennsylvania, and through the period of hostilities
with the mother country the great-grandfather of our subject served
as inspector general of the Pennsylvania troops. Both the grand-
father and the father of Cambridge Culbertson of this review
engaged in the manufacture of pig iron in Pennsylvania. Later the
father carried on a similar business in Kentucky and in the late '40s
he removed to Ohio, where he continued in the same line of activity
to the time of his death.
His son, Cambridge Culbertson, now of Knoxville, acquired a
public-school education and also attended a preparatory school in
Marietta, Ohio. He afterward learned telegraphy and joined the
United States Military Telegraph Corps in 1862, remaining in con-
nection therewith until December, 1865. He served with the Army
of the Cumberland and later with the Army of the Potomac and at
different times was stationed at Cairo, Illinois, Memphis, Vicks-
burg, Nashville and Chattanooga. He also started with Sherman
on the march to the sea but discontinued ere the coast was reached.
He went into the Department of the Potomac with five others and
on the 25th of March, 1865, Mr. Culbertson opened an office in the
field for General Grant. He sent the dispatches from General Grant
that moved the army into Richmond and Petersburg and while at
the front he met President Lincoln. He was a cipher operator and
it would be impossible to overestimate the worth of his work.
Because of the fact that he was sending dispatches continuously he
was in touch with every detail of the operations when Lee surren-
dered and knew of the surrender long before the news was received
in the north. He saw^ General Lee after he had given over his army
to General Grant and says that the intrepid leader of the southern
forces was heartbroken. Mr. Culbertson was left at Petersburg and
was there when Lincoln was assassinated. He carried the first mes-
sage of the news into Petersburg. Later he was transferred to Fort-
ress Monroe, where he handled the correspondence relating to the
disposal of JefTerson Davis, the orders being transmitted over his
wire. Davis was incarcerated at Fortress Monroe and was put in
194 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
irons while in prison for striking his guard, this being done by order
of General Miles, but Secretary Stanton had the irons removed, so
that he was only left in irons for a few hours. Mr. Culbertson was
afterward sent to Memphis, where he remained as telegraph oper-
ator until the conditions of civil life were established in December,
1865. He spent the succeeding winter in New Orleans and during
the winter of 1866 was in Atlanta. Mr. Culbertson's association with
Thomas A. Edison during the Civil war is one of his most pleasant
reminiscences. While acting manager of the Cairo office of the tele-
graph company he hired young Edison as an operator and from then
on they were thrown together and became intimate chums. Thev
again met forty years later in New York city at a banquet and
reunion of the United States Military Telegraph Society and the
occasion was one of mutual pleasure.
After receiving his honorable discharge Mr. Culbertson returned
to Ohio and in 1868 went to Missouri, where he remained until
1875, when he came to Marion county, where he engaged in teaching
school for several years. In 1892 he established his home in Knox-
ville, where he engaged in the real-estate and loan business. His
value and popularity as a citizen were indicated in the fact that in
the following year he was elected mayor of Knoxville and made
such an excellent record that he was reelected for a second term.
He resigned, however, in 1896 in order to take charge of the Indus-
trial Home for the Blind, which he superintended until 1900, when
it was closed by order of the state legislature. In 1909 he was
reelected mayor of Knoxville and in 1910 was appointed supervisor
of the census for the seventh congressional district of Iowa. Again
he was chosen mayor of the city in 191 i and once more, in 1913, so
that he has held the office of mayor for five terms. For a number
of years he was chairman of the republican county central com-
mittee, but is now a non-partisan, believing in progress in politics
as in everything else. He takes great pride in Knoxville and her
upbuilding and works untiringly for her benefit.
Mr. Culbertson lost his arm during his service at the front and
he is the only man in Iowa who is a pensioner of Andrew Carnegie
for his service in the Civil war. There was no provision made by
congress for pensions to the Telegraph Corps but in 1897 congress
recognized the military telegraph operators by giving to each a cer-
tificate of honorable service, which entitled the holder to a Carnegie
pension. In 1861 Mr. Carnegie was assistant superintendent of the
Pennsylvania Central Railway and, moreover, he was a telegrapher
by profession. It was he who received the first order from the gov-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 195
ernment for four operators for the war and thus was started the
United States Telegraph Corps for military service.
In 1880 Mr. Culbertson was married to Miss Mary F. Morris,
of this county, a daughter of Andrew J. Morris, and -they became
the parents of two children: Bunnie lona, who died at the age of
eleven; and Mrs. A. C. West, of Marion county.
Fraternally Mr. Culbertson is connected with the Red Men and
with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is
that of the Methodist church. High and honorable in his purpose,
he has never deviated from what his judgment has dictated as right
between himself and his fellowmen. There is an utter lack of self-
seeking in his official service. At all times he is guided by the high
civic spirit which seeks the benefit of the majority, while in social
relations he has won many warm friends as the result of his unfeigned
cordiality and genuine worth.
H. F. JOHNSON.
Among the men who are prominent factors in the life of Pella
is numbered H. F. Johnson, the present mayor of the city and busi-
ness manager of Pella's Weekblad, one of the leading papers in the
state published in the Dutch language. Mr. Johnson was born in
Buffalo, New York, February 18, 1858, a son of Gerrit and Minnie
(Van der Berg) Johnson, natives of Holland and Belgium respec-
tively. Their marriage was solemnized in Holland and in 1854 they
came to this country. They first settled at Buffalo, New York, where
the father found employment, but in 1864 the family removed to
Iowa and Mr. Johnson purchased a farm near Pella, which he
operated until 1881. In that year he retired and lived in well earned
comfort and leisure until his death, which occurred on Christmas
day, 1896. He survived his wife for many years as she passed away
in 1881. They were both members of the Reformed church. To
them were born eight children, three of whom survive, namely:
Mrs. D. W. Gaass, a resident of Pella; Anthony, who lives in Cres-
ton, Iowa; and H. F., of this review. William Gerrit, who lived
in New Sharon, died September 17, 1914.
H. F. Johnson attended the public schools in the acquirement of
his education during his boyhood and assisted his father with the farm
work. He devoted his time to agricultural pursuits until 1880 and
then learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed for about
196 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY I
thirteen years. In 1892 he was employed by G. A. Vander Mulen, '
a hardware merchant, as salesman and collector. Ten years later,
in 1902, he opened a hardware store of his own at Pella and con-
ducted it until 1904. In that year he bought an interest in Fella's
Weekblad and has since been business manager of that publication.
He is a man of marked energy and initiative and has given his time
and thought to the management of the business interests of the paper
with gratifying results. Its circulation has increased and more money
has been received from advertisements, while study of the problems
of buying and operation has resulted in a saving along those lines
without a loss of efficiency.
Mr. Johnson was married in 1884 to Miss Gysie Stavast, a
daughter of Henry and Hilleke (Schryvers) Stavast. To Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson were born three children: Ella May and Alfred
Alonzo, both at home; and Rowland, who died when an infant of
one and a half years.
The family belong to the Baptist church. Mr. Johnson is a
democrat in politics and his advice is often sought in local political
circles. For five years he served as alderman from the second ward,
being a member of the city council at two dififerent times. In his
second term he was the one who started the movement which resulted
m the extension of the water system and in the erection of the elec-
tric light plant, both of which are under municipal ownership. For
the past two years he has served as mayor of the city and has been
the means of instituting several needed improvements. Fraternallv
he belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., and to the Knights
of Pythias, in the latter of which he is past chancellor and past prel-
ate. Mr. Johnson is known to practically all of the citizens of Pella
and the general respect in which he is held is a well deserved tribute
to his ability and sterling qualities of character.
SYLVANUS S. NEAL.
Sylvanus S. Neal, who owns and operates a finely improved farm
of thirty and one-fourth acres one mile from Knoxville, was born in
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of July, 1856, a son of
George G. Neal, and received but a limited education as far as
book knowledge is concerned but was given a practical training in
agriculture which has been of much benefit to him in later years. He
has mainly followed the occupation to which he was reared and has
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 197
found it both congenial and profitable. In March, 1886, when about
thirty years of age, he went to Kansas and homesteaded land in
Hodgeman county, proving up on his claim. He improved his land
and resided there until the fall of 1893, when he returned to this
county, where he rented land for some time. Desiring to investigate
conditions in the west, he then went to Boise, Idaho, where he
remained for six months, but in the fall of 191 i he returned to Iowa,
locating in Greene county, where he purchased a farm, upon which
he resided for a year, when he sold it. In the spring of 1913 he
returned to Marion county and located upon his present farm, which
he had previously purchased. It was formerly known as the McCoy
place and had been used for a nursery. It comprises thirty and one-
quarter acres of very productive land and is situated on section 2,
Knoxville township. He cultivates it intensively and his unremitting
industry and progressive methods enable him to secure a gratifying
income from his land.
Mr. Neal was united in marriage on the 27th of November, 1875,
to Miss Arab V. Hardin, who was born in Greene county, Pennsyl-
vania, July 6, 1854, her parents being C. C. and Lucretia (Morris)
Hardin. Her father was a native of Kentucky. He removed to
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and later to Greene county, that state,
where he was married and where he lived until 1875, in which year
he came with his family to this county, locating at Pella. He taught
school for many years in both Pennsylvania and Iowa but eventually
purchased a farm west of Donnelly, in Knoxville township, and
made his home there in his later years. His wife was born and reared
at Mount Morris, Greene county, Pennsylvania, her birth occurring
on the 8th of August, 1833. Her father, Levi Morris, was a pioneer
of that county, and Mount Morris was named in his honor. Mrs.
Hardin passed away in this county on the 13th of October, 1887.
Mrs. Neal has two brothers, B. A. and E. S., both farmers of Knox-
ville township. Previous to her marriage she taught school for
several terms in Pennsylvania, Kansas and Iowa and was very success-
ful in that profession.
To Mr. and Mrs. Neal were born ten children, namely: Charles
S., born February 25, 1877, married Miss Myrtle Swaim and is a
farmer of this county; L. Myrtle, born October 24, 1878, resides at
Des Moines; Nora E., born February 17, 1882, is the wife of H. H.
Budka, a commercial traveler of Des Moines; Herbert L., born
October 28, 1883, and who married Miss Edith Wilson, by whom he
has one child, and is now a farmer of Meridian, Idaho ; Maie Morris,
born November 2, 1885, is at home; Frances Edna, born October 21,
198 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
1889, is now the wife of Harry E. Roberts, of Boone, Iowa; John
Byron, whose birth occurred March 29, 1891, is at home; Archie M.,
born August 21, 1892, is at home; Laura Isadora, born March 29,
1895, died March 22, 1896; and Blanche Irene, born February 16,
1898, is at home.
Mrs. Neal is a member of the Eden Methodist Episcopal church
of Knoxville township. Mr. Neal is a republican and stanchly sup- ■
ports the policies of that party. He has served in a number of local
offices and has at all times discharged his duties with circumspection
and ability. His life is guided by high and honorable principles of
conduct and in all relations he has proven himself a man whom to
know is to respect. d
ALBERT D. JORDAN.
Among the native sons of Marion county who have continued to
reside here, feeling that the opportunities offered in this locality
are equal to those to be found elsewhere, is Albert D. Jordan, a farmer
and stockman, who owns and operates two hundred acres of land in
Knoxville and Franklin townships. He was born in a log house upon
the family homestead on the 15th of December, 1862, a son of Fred-
erick and Henrietta (Prinikey) Jordan, both of whom have passed
away. They were pioneers of this county and aided in the work of
improvement and development.
Albert D. Jordan passed his boyhood upon the home farm and
received excellent training in agriculture and also learned to value
rightly the habits of industry and promptness. When not busy upon
the farm he attended school in tlic neighborhood and thus further
fitted himself for the duties of life. In 1873 his parents removed to
the place where he now resides and he has lived there continuously
since. For many years he has operated it and has made it one of the
finely improved properties of the township. It comprises two hun-
dred acres of fine land and returns to its owner a good income annually
as he is energetic and progressive and follows the most efficient
methods in his work.
Mr. Jordan was married in 1893 to Miss Dora Heavner, a daugh-
ter of John Heavner, of Knoxville. She was born and reared in this
county and passed away here on the 17th of November, 1909, when
forty years of age. She left a son and daughter : Dee, thirteen years
old; and Henrietta, nine years of age.
ALHKRT D. JOKDAX
MRS. ALBERT D. JORDAN
r
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 203
Mr. Jordan has always been a supporter of the republican party
since attaining his majority and has ably served his district as school
director. Although not a member of any church he is especially
interested in the work of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and
can always be counted upon to further any movement seeking the
moral advancement of his community. His life has been filled with
useful activity and in achieving personal success he has also contrib-
uted to the agricultural development of the county.
JOHN WESLEY McCLAIN, Jr.
John Wesley McClain, Jr., owns and operates a finely improved
farm of eighty acres on section 5, Knoxville township, where he has
resided since 1902. He was born on a farm just south of his present
home on the 4th of April, 1872, a son of John Wesley and Lucinda
(Saha) McClain, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
They had seven children, all of whom are still living.
John W. McClain, jr., was reared in Knoxville township and
attended the Lincoln school in the acquirement of an education.
During the years of his boyhood and youth he also gained a practical
knowledge of agriculture through assisting his father with the work
of the homestead and by the time that he was grown he had become
an efiicient farmer. He has never seen any reason to change his
occupation and is today recognized as one of the successful agricul-
turists of his township. He not only raises grain but also feeds
considerable stock annually and finds both branches of his work
profitable. His present farm has been in his possession since 1902
and is in a high state of cultivation, while everything upon the place
is kept in a fine condition.
On the 19th of February, 1896, Mr. McClain was united in mar-
riage with Miss Cora Pitman, who is a representative of a pioneer
family of the county and was reared near Pleasantville. They have
a daughter, Lorene, born February i, 1899, and is attending St.
Joseph's Academy at Des Moines.
The family attend the Eden Methodist Episcopal church, of
which the daughter is a member. Mr. McClain is a democrat and has
held various local offices, including that of member of the school
board. Socially he belongs to the Masonic order and has attained the
Knight Templar degree therein, being a charter member of the com-
manderv at Knoxville. Both he and his wife are members of the
204 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Order of the Eastern Star. He was formerly identified with the
Modern Woodmen of America, but is not now a member of that
organization. His father was one of those pioneers who laid the
foundation for the development of the county and he is just as
efficiently performing the work that it is given to the present genera-
tion to do in advancing the interests of his locality. All who know
him hold him in high esteem and his friends are many.
WILLIAM A. SANDILAND.
William A. Sandiland, deceased, was at one time a well known
resident of Marion county, where he owned and cultivated a good
tract of land. For a long period he carried on general farming, but
ere his death put aside the active work of the fields. He was born in
Vermont, September 15, 1837, and was a son of Alexander and Mar-
garet (McMillan) Sandiland, the former a native of the Green
Mountain state, while tiie latter was born in Scotland. It was in the
early '50s that Alexander Sandiland brought his family from New
England to Marion county, Iowa, and settled upon a farm on which
he and his wife spent their remaining days, the former being closely
identified with agricultural interests.
William A. Sandiland was a youth in his teens when the family
removed to Iowa and he assisted in the arduous task of developing a
new farm and otherwise enhancing the value of the property which
his father secured. He enlisted for service in the Civil war in August,
1861, as a member of Company D, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry, with
which he served until the close of hostilities in 1861;. He was then
mustered out at Davenport and returned home with a most creditable
military record. He had participated in a number of hotly contested
engagements, from which he emerged, however, without an injury
notwithstanding the fact that he was often in the thickest of the fight.
When the war was over he returned to Marion county and through-
out the period of his residence here he carried on general agricultural
pursuits. He became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
land, on which he lived for thirty years, and during that period he
carefully cultivated his crops and enhanced the fertility of the soil
in various ways. He added good buildings to his farm and utilized
the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the fields
from the time of the early spring planting until the crops were har-
vested in the late autumn. In 1907 he removed to Bussey and, put-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 205
ting aside further business cares, lived retired until his death, which
occurred on the 26th of March, 191 1.
It was in 1876 that Mr. Sandiland was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Adair, who was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1859, a
daughter of Robert and Jane (Deboard) Adair, the former a native
of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. They came to Iowa at an early
period in the development of this section of the state and settled upon
a farm in Mahaska county, where their remaining days were passed.
They had a family of ten children, of whom seven are yet living.
Mr. and Mrs. Sandiland became the parents of three children:
James E. ; Clara F., the wife of W. P. Hartner, of Minnesota; and
Nannie M., who married H. A. Hutchison, of Hamilton, Iowa.
There are also five grandchildren.
Mr. Sandiland voted with the republican party and never failed
to give to it his stalwart allegiance, yet he did not seek the honors or
emoluments of public office. His life was preeminently that of the
business man who finds in his chosen pursuits incentive for his best
efforts. He worked on diligently as the years passed by and won not
only a comfortable competence, but also an honored name. His
widow still survives and resides in Bussey, where she owns a fine
residence.
JOHN JESSE WALKER.
John Jesse Walker owns and occupies a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres on section 28, Swan tow'nship. The place is well
improved according to modern ideas of farm life and in addition to
tilling the soil Mr. Walker engages in the raising of graded stock
and chickens. He was born upon this farm, on section 33, Swan
township. May 20, 1867, his parents being Francis Marion and
Mary F. (Harrison) Walker, the mother a distant relative of for-
mer presidents William Henry and Benjamin Harrison. The par-
ents were married here after coming to Iowa from Indiana. Francis
M. Walker was born in the latter state and died February 28, 1913,
when more than seventy-seven years of age. His father had passed
away in Indiana and his mother afterward became the wife of
Andrew Schirmer. They came to Iowa in the fall of 1847, bringing
their family and settling on section 28, Swan township, Marion
county, at which period this district was still upon the frontier.
Only here and there was there a little cabin to be seen, showing that
206 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the white men were penetrating into the western wilderness to
reclaim the district for the uses of civilization. Mr. Schirmer
secured considerable land and was actively identified with the early
agricultural development of this section of the state. Both he and
his wife died at an advanced age upon the old homestead farm which
he developed, and with their passing the county lost two of its worthy
and well known pioneer citizens.
Francis M. Walker was twelve years of age when, in 1847, the
family came to Iowa and the remainder of his life was here passed.
He spent the last twenty-one years at Pleasantville and through many
years he was known as a successful farmer, stock-raiser and business
man. He owned altogether four hundred and fifty acres of rich and
valuable land, which he divided among his children. At the time
of the Civil war he enlisted for active duty as a member of Com-
pany G, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served
for almost three years as a private under Captain Jenkins, during
which time he participated in a number of hotly contested engage-
ments. He then returned home and was married on the 9th of April,
1866, to Miss Mary F. Harrison, who was born in Indiana, near
Ladoga, and came with her parents to this county in the latter '40s,
the family settling in Pleasant Grove township, where her father
secured a farm. Both he and his wife passed away here at an
advanced age. Both Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Walker were members
of the Christian church and for a half century he was connected
with the Masonic fraternity. His life was at all times guided by
high and honorable principles and measured up to the most advanced
standards of manhood and citizenship. He served for ten years as
constable and made an excellent record in the office. He passed
away February 28, 1913, but his widow survives and now resides in
Pleasantville at the age of si.\ty-nine years. They were the parents
of three children: John J., whose name introduces this review;
Minnie O., the wife of John Cormany, a resident farmer of Swan
township; and James U., who also follows farming in the same
township.
John J. Walker was reared and educated in Swan township,
attending the public schools, wherein he mastered the branches of
learning usually taught in such institutions. He has always followed
farming and success has attended his efforts in a gratifying measure,
for his methods have been practical. Moreover, he has studied the
soil and has kept informed concerning modern ideas relative to the
development of the fields and the care of stock. He has made many
fine improvements upon his place and it is today one of the most
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 207
attractive features in the landscape. He has a pleasant residence,
in the rear of which stand commodious barns and outbuildings,
while these in turn are surrounded by highly cultivated fields. He
annually gathers good harvests and an important feature of his busi-
ness is the raising of graded stock and fine chickens.
On the 9th of April, 1889, Mr. Walker was united in marriage
to Miss Hattie Shutt, who was born in Warren county, September
25, 1866, a daughter of Edward and Martha (Yount) Shutt, who
came to this county at an early day. The father was born in Penn-
sylvania, July 31, 1837, and at the age of four years was taken to
Ohio and afterward to Indiana, coming as a young man to Iowa, ac
which time he settled in Warren county. He enlisted in 1861 in
defense of the Union cause and served for four years, having in the
meantime veteranized. He participated in the famous march to the
sea under General Sherman, which proved the weakness of the Con-
federacy, showing that the troops had been drawn from the interior
to protect the border. He was ever a loyal and valorous soldier and
in August, 1865, returned home with an army record of which he
had every reason to be proud. He resided in this part of the state
for many years and finally passed away near Winterset, Madison
county, Iowa, January 7, 1901. His wife was born in Indiana and
with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Brown, removed to
Warren county, Iowa, where she afterward became the wife of Mr.
Shutt. They were the parents of three children: Mrs. Walker;
G. W. Shutt, now living in Hartford; and Mrs. Eva Shutt, whose
home is in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The mother died in May, 1874, and
the father afterward wedded Miss Katie Fisher, who passed away
several years later, leaving several children, who are now widely
scattered. The parents of Mrs. Walker were both Baptists in
religious faith. Mrs. Walker was reared in Warren county, was
educated in the common schools and afterward engaged in teaching
in Warren county for five terms. By her marriage she has become
the mother of six children: Leila, now the wife of Lloyd Wall, of
Pleasant Grove township, by whom she has two daughters, Louise
and Helen; and Leitha, Mary Frances, Minnie Edna, Jessie Marian
and Edwin Wayne, all at home.
Mr. Walker exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party but is not a politician in
the sense of office seeking. Fraternally he is connected with the
Masons, belonging to Swan Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and for a num-
ber of years he has also been a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian
208 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
church and both take an active interest in its work and contribute gen-
erously to its support. Mr. Walker takes a sane view of life, has
judged its opportunities correctly and has so lived that he has gained
success in business and at the same time has ever merited the confi-
dence and good-will of those with whom business or social relations
have brought him in contact.
A. L. HARVEY.
A. L. Harvey is president of the First National Bank in the village
of Harvey and is also still actively and extensively connected with
agricultural interests in Clay township. Marion county numbers
him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred on the 4th
of August, 1861. His parents, James and Mary P. (Gould) Harvey,
were both natives of Ohio and in 1855 came to Marion county, settling
on a farm in Clay township, where their remaining days were passed.
They were numbered among the early residents of this section and
the father was closely connected with agricultural development.
A. L. Harvey, who was one of a family of five children, four of
whom are yet living, spent his youthful days under the parental roof,
his time being divided between the schoolroom and the fields, for at
an early age he began to assist in the work of the farm. After attain-
ing his majority he began farming on his own account and in 1907 he
made his initial step in connection with the banking business, being
one of the leading organizers of the First National Bank at Harvey,
of which he is now the president. He has made this institution one
of the strong financial concerns of the county, employing modern
methods of banking that are thoroughly safe and reliable. In addi-
tion to his activities in that field of labor he still conducts his farming
interests and is now the owner of three hundred acres of rich and
valuable land in Clay township and also has a iialf interest in seventy
acres of land adjoining Harvey. He owns a herd of fine cattle and
makes stock-raising an important feature of his farm interests.
In 1885 Mr. Harvey was married to Miss F"lora A. Goodspeed, a
native of Ohio and a daughter of Alvin and Mary (Johnson) Good-
speed, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. They came to
Iowa about 1870 and settled on a farm in Marion county. The father
has now passed away but the mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey have been born four children: Mary A., now the wife of
W. H. Zeigler ; Martha E. and Wade C, both at home ; and Ward G.,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 209
who is now acting as bookkeeper in the bank of which his father is
the president.
In his political views Mr. Harvey is a stalwart republican and
has filled some local offices, including that of trustee. He has also
been on the school board for a number of years and the cause of public
education finds in him a stalwart champion. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are spent
in consistent harmony with their profession. Mr. Harvey represents
one of the old pioneer families of the county. At his father's arrival
he built a log cabin which was one of the early homes at a period
when this district was upon the frontier. The work instituted by his
father in the early days has been carried on by him and thus the name
of Harvey has figured prominently in connection with the develop-
ment and improvement of Clay township and Marion county.
FRANCIS A. MADDY.
Francis A. Maddy, a worthy native son and enterprising agricul-
turist of Marion county, is a representative of an honored pioneer
family that was established here sixty years ago. His farm, lying on
section i6, Indiana township, comprises one hundred and twenty acres
of rich and productive land, and thereon he has resided continuously
since his natal day, February 9, 1862. He is a son of Thomas Maddy
and a grandson of Thomas Maddy, Sr., the latter being the first of the
name to locate in this county.
Thomas Maddy, Sr., was born in 1797 and on the 8th of Febru-
ary, 1816, in Marion county. West Virginia, wedded Miss Rhoda
Miller, whose birth occurred in 1796. He brought his family to this
county in 1854 ^""^ '"'^'"^ he and his wife spent the remainder of their
lives, encountering all the hardships and privations of existence in a
frontier region. Thomas Maddy, Sr., passed away on the 9th of June,
1876, while his wife was called to her final rest October 7, 1861, and
both lie buried in the cemetery near our subject's home in Indiana
township. Their son Thomas was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on
the 7th of August, 1838, and was a youth of sixteen years when the
family home was established in Marion county, Iowa. He received
a meager education in his native state and continued his studies after
coming to this county, though methods of instruction were yet nec-
essarily primitive and schoolhouses crude and few in number. In
Mav, 1861, he wedded Miss Harriet Rogers, a daughter of Samuel
210 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and Rebecca ( Adkinson) Rogers. To them were born the followiitg
children: Francis A., of this review; William G. ; Samuel T. ;
Augustus L. ; Anna Rebecca; Clara A.; and Nettie, who is deceased,
lliomas Maddy, Jr., passed away on the 31st of August, 1909, in the
faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he
took a most active and helpful interest. He gave his political allegi-
ance to the republican party, held a number of minor township offices
and was much interested in public afifairs. His fellow townsmen paid
tribute to his genuine personal worth in unqualified confidence and
warm regard and he was frequently called upon to settle estates.
The period of his residence in this county covered hfty-five years and
his loss was deeply felt. His widow, who survives, is also very widely
and favorably known throughout the community.
Francis A. Maddy, whose name introduces this review, attended
the public schools in the acquirement of an education. General agri-
cultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies throughout his
entire business career and he is the owner of a well improved and
valuable farm embracing one hundred and twenty acres in Indiana
township. Success has attended his undertakings, so that he has been
long numbered among the representative and substantial citizens of
his native county.
On the 25th of February, 1883, Mr. Maddy was united in mar-
riage to Miss Glycie A. Mason, a daughter of David and Melissa
(Tovrea) Mason. Their children are two in number, namely:
Grant E., who wedded Miss Stella Van Loon, by whom he has one
son, Alvin; and Efiie M., the wife of S. J. Rankin, by whom she has
one son, William A. In politics Mr. Maddy is a republican. His
life has been actuated by a spirit of progress, advancement and
improvement and he does everything in his power to promote the
moral, intellectual, political and social as well as material welfare
of the community in which he makes his home.
JOHN W. BITTENBENDER.
The All Grow Seed House, located at No. 1820 West Mont-
gomery street, is well known to the residents of Knoxville and Marion
county and its proprietor, John W. Bittenbender, is recognized as a
man of initiative and sound business judgment. He has resided at
Knoxville since 1871 and during those years has thoroughly identified
himself with the interests of the community. He was born in Schuyl-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 211
kill county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1855, a son of John and Mary
(Bitting) Bittenbender. The father was likewise a native of the
Keystone state and was a son of Jacob Bittenbender, a native of Hol-
land, who as a young man emigrated to America in company with
two brothers. He made his way to Pennsylvania and devoted his life
to farming in that state. John Bittenbender was reared in Pennsyl-
vania and was there married, but in April, 1871, he removed to
Marion county, Iowa, locating on the site now occupied by the home
of our subject. He invested heavily in land and held title to a number
of farms, but lived retired for several years before his death, which
occurred in the fall of 1876, when he was fifty-si.x years of age. At
the time of the Civil war he furnished a substitute. He was very
successful as a farmer both in Pennsylvania and in Iowa and accumu-
lated more than a competence. He and his wife were both members
of the Lutheran church. She was also a native of Pennsylvania, her
people being early settlers of Schuylkill county, that state. Her
father died when he was seventy-two years of age and her mother
when eighty-four. All of her ancestors as far back as the line has
been traced lived to an advanced age. She herself died in the spring
of 1902, when eighty-nine years old. She was the mother of six chil-
dren, namely: Nelson H., residing upon the outskirts of Knoxville;
Levi, who is living retired in Knoxville; Carrie, the wife of Edward
Wright, of Fort Collins, Colorado ; John W., of this review ; Samuel,
deceased; and Stephen, of Redwood, California.
John W. Bittenbender attended school in Pennsylvania, as he
lived there until a youth of sixteen years. For many years he has
kept a large apiary and has exhibited for twenty-seven years at the
Iowa State Fair. At the 1914 fair he took one hundred and seventy-
one prizes and for a number of years he has been awarded a larger
amount of money in premiums than any other exhibitor in his line.
He has patented a number of improvements in the structure of bee
hives and manufactures hives, which find a large sale. A number
of years ago he lost heavily through a severe fire and in the rearrange-
ment of his affairs made necessary by that disaster he embarked in the
seed business, which he is conducting at present as well as his apiary.
He imports bulbs, seeds, etc., and his goods live up to their name,
"All Grow." He has modernly equipped greenhouses and as he
understands the effects of variations in soil, heat, light and moisture,
and sees that all the conditions are favorable to the growth of his
plants, his business is increasing steadily.
Mr. Bittenbender was married in Knoxville to Miss Christine
Jordan, who was born in Lee county, Iowa, of German parentage. In
212 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the early days her father sought for gold in California but later
settled in Lee county, this state, where he farmed for a number of
years. In the later '60s he removed to Marion county, where he
resided until his death in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Bittenbender have
one son living, William R., who is associated with his father in busi-
ness. He married Miss Ethel Mark and they have three daughters:
Helen, Frances and Collen, aged respectively eight, six and four
years.
Mr. Bittenbender of this review, his wife and also their son and
daughter-in-law, are members of the Christian church and take a
commendable interest in its work. He is a republican and for the
past eighteen years has served as township clerk. In addition to his
greenhouses, his apiary and his residence Mr. Bittenbender owns a
good orchard and several citv lots. He has resided in the same block
since 1871, although at that date his home was in the country. His
warmest friends are those who have known him since his early youth
and this is proof of the reliability and uprightness of his character.
ARTHUR B. BROBST.
For almost six decades Arthur B. Brobst has been a resident of
Knoxville, arriving here in May, 1855, when a lad of ten summers.
He has since been an interested witness of the changes which have
occurred as the work of growth, development and improvement has
been carried steadily forward. For thirty years he has been engaged
in the loan and abstract business and at the present time he is also
filling the office of justice of the peace.
Mr. Brobst was born in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1844,
and is of German descent, the family having been founded in
America by Phillip Brobst, who came from the fatherland to the
new world and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Representa-
tives of the family served with the American army in the Revolu-
tionary war. Phillip Brobst had three sons: Michael, Martin and
Valentine. The first named was born in Columbia county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1780, spent his entire life in the Keystone state and died in
1868. He had a family of twelve children, including Christian G.
Brobst, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th
of September, 18 18. Reared in his native state, he was there married
in 1 841 to Miss Louisa Brewer, who was born in Bloomsburg, Penn-
svlvania, in August, 1821. On repioving westward they settled in
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 213
Knoxville on the loth of May, 1855, and the father opened a general
store which he conducted until 1868. He then became bookkeeper
for Mr. Baker at his elevator and remained in that position until two
years prior to his death, which occurred January 18, 1906, when he
had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, four months and
two days. He had kept a daily diary for fifty-one years, continuing
his writing until within a few days prior to his death. For over sixty
years he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He joined the organization in 1845 ^"'^ '" ^^95 ^^^ presented with a
gold medal set with a diamond, this being the occasion of his fiftieth
anniversary in the order. He was long the oldest Odd Fellow in the
United States in years of continuous connection therewith. His wife
passed away June 18, 191 1, when about ninety years of age, her birth
having occurred in August, 1821. They were people of the highest
respectability and were consistent members of the Methodist church.
They had but two children, the elder being Albert M., now a resident
of San Diego, California.
Arthur B. Brobst acquired a public-school education and on the
i8th of July, 1863, when not yet nineteen years of age, enlisted for
service in the Civil war, joining Company L of the Ninth Iowa
Infantry, with which he served until the spring of 1866, being a non-
commissioned officer at the close of his service. He participated in a
number of hotly contested engagements and returned home with a
most creditable military record.
After the war Mr. Brobst clerked in stores for several years until
1876, when he went into the recorder's office to fill the position of
deputy, and subsequently he served as deputy clerk. In 1884 he
opened an abstract, loan and insurance office, which business he has
since continued, gaining a good clientage in that connection. In 1902
he was again called to public office, being elected justice of the peace,
in which capacity he yet continues. His decisions are strictly fair
and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity of the case.
In fact at all times his official record has been most creditable and
has won him high encomiums.
On the 1 6th of September, 1868, Mr. Brobst was united in mar-
riage to Miss Artie Hamrick, of Knoxville, her parents being Mr.
and Mrs. Allen Hamrick, of Illinois. The father held the office of
county recorder for two terms, beginning in 1866, and subsequently
served for three terms as county clerk. Mr. and Mrs. Brobst are the
parents of three children. Barton H., who is associated in business
with his father, wedded Miss Ella McMillan, by whom he has a
daughter. Marguerite. Roy E., a jeweler of Knoxville, married Miss
214 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mae McGrew, of Hay Springs, Nebraska, by whom he has had two
children: Christian, who was killed by accident in July, 1914, when
fifteen years of age; and Leslie, at home. Lovetta is the wife of
Arthur Hovey, who is engaged in the map publishing business in
Knoxville and by whom she has three sons: Donald, Victor and
Howard.
Mr. Brobst and all of his family are members of the Methodist
church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work, thus con-
tributing much to the moral progress of the community. In politics
he has ever been a stalwart republican, interested and active in the
work of the party and doing all in his power to further its success.
He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and thus
maintains close and pleasant connections with the "boys in blue"
who defended the Union during the darkest hour in our country's
history. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at
Knoxville and since 1873 he has been identified with the Odd Fel-
lovvs, holding membership in both the lodge and encampment. In
all the relations of life his record has commended him to the confi-
dence and good-will of all and wherever he is known he is held in
high regard.
JOHN W. KELLY.
John W. Kelly, who owns and operates the homestead on section
21, Knoxville township, was born there on the loth of March, 1882,
a son of the late W. A. Kelly, who is mentioned more at length on
another page of this work. The subject of this review was reared
in Knoxville township and educated in the common schools. Aside
from the knowledge of books so gained he received the greater part
of his training at home, learning the practical methods of agricul-
ture under his father's instruction. Since reaching mature years he
has followed farming and stock-raising successfully and his farm of
ninety-six acres is finely improved and very productive. He raises
both grain and stock, making a specialty of Poland China and Duroc
Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle. He is up-to-date and progressive
and is very energetic, doing everything at the proper time, and his
labors are rewarded by a comfortable income from his farm.
Mr. Kelly married in this county Miss Edna Steele, a daughter
of George A. Steele, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 215
work. Two daughters have been born to this union: Mary Flor-
ence, a child of five years; and Lois Lucile, about two y^ars old.
Mr. Kelly is a republican in politics. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Knoxville
and gives his religious adherence to the Methodist Episcopal church
at Mount Olive, which he attends. His life has been in all respects
straightforward and honorable and in this county where he has
always lived he is highly esteemed and respected and has many
warm personal friends.
UDELL HENDRICKS.
Udell Hendricks is a well known cigar manufacturer of Pella
and through his own efforts and good management has built up a
business of gratifying proportions, operated under the name of the
Washtella Cigar Company. He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on
the 26th of March, 1874, and attended the common schools in the
acquirement of his education until he was eleven years of age. It
was then necessary for him to leave school and earn his own way
and he found employment in a cigar factory in his native city. He
learned the trade thoroughly and became an expert workman and
upon coming to Fella in 1895 started the Washtella Cigar Company,
of which he has remained the sole ow^ner. He travels in the interest
of his product and has a large trade throughout the state, probably
seventy per cent of the output being sold outside of Pella. The busi-
ness has grown steadily and he now manufactures six hundred thou-
sand cigars yearly, which are made in seven sizes, five selling for
five cents each and two with the retail price of ten cents each. The
success that Mr. Hendricks has attained is due entirely to his own
industry and good judgment as he was early thrown upon his own
resources.
In 1898, Mr. Hendricks was married to Miss Byka Brand, a
daughter of Nicholas and Mina (Hagans) Brand, who reside upon
a farm near Pella. To Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks have been born
three children, Verna, Logan Brand and Laurel Dell. Mr. Hen-
dricks is a democrat but has never desired office, his business afifairs
demanding his entire attention. He is a loyal member of Pella
Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., and of Des Moines Consistory, No. 3,
and also belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 270, K. P. He does not belong
to any church but has found in his lodge affiliations that emphasis
216 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
upon mutual service and helpfulness and that acknowledgment of a
supreme power that constitutes the essence of any real religion. In
his daily life he has been kind and just and has won the respect of
those who have been brought in contact with him.
FRANK CARRUTHERS.
Frank Carruthers, who founded and is the president of the
Columbia Savings Bank of Columbia, was born in Harrison county,
Ohio, January 3, 1850, a son of Lemuel and Margaret (Phillips)
Carruthers, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio.
In 1854 they arrived in this county and cast in their lot with the early
settlers who came to this district when it was still a frontier region.
They took up their abode in Washington township upon a farm which
Mr. Carruthers entered as a claim from the government and he also
bought out two other men. For a time he lived in a log cabin and
the family experienced all of the hardships and privations of pioneer
life, but later these gave way before the advantages of civilization.
The family resided in this county for a long period and here Mrs.
Carruthers passed away, but Mr. Carruthers afterward went to the
Indian Territory, where his death occurred. In the familv were nine
children, but only two are now living.
Frank Carruthers remained at home until he attained his majority
and afterward he worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of
years. Subsequently he took up the occupation of farming and stock-
raising and so carefully and wisely directed his efiforts in that con-
nection that he won a substantial measure of success. In 1902 he
organized the bank of Columbia known as the Columbia Savings
Bank and became the president, with his daughter. Miss Claudie
Carruthers, as the cashier. The institution has prospered from the
beginning and has proven of great convenience to the townspeople
and farmers of this locality in the transaction of their business. Mr.
Carruthers is still one of the extensive landowners of the county, his
possessions aggregating ten hundred and sixty-five acres of land in
Washington and Indiana townships, from which he derives a very
gratifying annual income. He gives general supervision to his farms
and his investments have been most judiciously made.
In 1877 occurred the marriage of Mr. Carruthers and Mrs. Mary
E. (Rudisill) Stauts, who was born in Virginia and is a daughter of
John and Elisheba (Johnson) Rudisill, who about the year 1856
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 217
came with their family to Iowa and settled in Lucas county, where
the father entered a claim from the government and began the devel-
opment of a farm. He continued the cultivation of that place until
his death. His widow afterward went to Nebraska and there passed
away, but her remains were brought back to Iowa for interment by
the side of her husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers have been
born seven children: Claudie, who is now acting as cashier in the
bank; Erma, who is now in business in Des Moines; Chauncey,
deceased; Louis, who is a resident of Colorado; and Frankie, Marion
and Dwight, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Carruthers is an earnest republican,
voting for the men and measures of the party and keeping well
informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as
township trustee and in other local offices and has also, been school
director. He stands at all times for progress and improvement in
public affairs. He is a forceful and resourceful man and has led an
active, busy and useful life. His plans are well formulated and car-
ried forward to successful completion and as the years have gone on
his labors have brought to him a most gratifying measure of success,
which is the direct and merited reward of earnest, persistent labor
guided by intelligence.
W. H. STROUD.
W. H. Stroud is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer
family of Marion county that was established here about two-thirds
of a century ago. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his
attention throughout his entire business career, and he is now the
owner of a well improved farm comprising eighty acres on section
17, Clay township. His birth occurred in this county on the 27th
of November, 1882, his parents being W. L. and Mary C. (Hender-
son) Stroud, natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. The father
still owns the land in Marion county that was entered from the gov-
ernment by the paternal grandfather of our subject in 1849. For
several years the family lived in a log cabin, experiencing all the
hardships and privations of pioneer existence. W. L. Stroud has
remained a resident of this county throughout the intervening period
of sixty-five years and is well known and highly esteemed as one of
its representative agriculturists and esteemed early settlers. To him
and his wife were born six children, five of whom still survive.
218 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
W. H. Stroud attended the CDmmon schools in the acquirement
of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-
three years of age, when he was married and established a home of
his own. He then took up his abode upon the tract of eighty acres
on section 17, Clay township, which he now owns and operates, car-
rying on general farming and stock-raising with excellent success.
The place presents a neat and attractive appearance and the well
tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care
and labor which he bestows upon them.
In 1905 Mr. Stroud was united in marriage to Miss Jessie A.
Gregory, a daughter of T. R. and Sarah S. (Rose) Gregory, who
are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. Mr.
and Mrs. Stroud have three children, namely: Merle C, Marion
and Dorothy.
Mr. Stroud gives his political allegiance to the democracv and
is now serving as a school director, being ever a stalwart champion
of the cause o'f education. His religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also
belongs. In the community where his entire life has been spent he
enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance, and his record there-
fore cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He is
a young and enterprising agriculturist whose untiring industry and
able management insure continued and growing success.
FRANK CLOE.
Frank Cloe, a well known general farmer and stock-raiser resid-
ing on section 15, Knoxville township, is a native son of that town-
ship, born May i, i860, and a son oi James H. and Theresa (Con-
rey) Cloe. The father was born on the 2d of February, 1827, in
Clark county, Kentucky, and when a small boy was taken by his
parents to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he lived until 1849. In
that year he came to Iowa and entered land in this county soon after
his arrival here. He had previously visited this state in 1844. He
located upon his property in 1852 and lived there until the spring
of 1887. He w^as the owner of what is known as the Spring Hill
Stock Farm, which he operated successfully from the spring of 1865
until 1885. He was the first breeder of shorthorn cattle here and
shipped the first carload of fat cattle from Marion county to the
eastern markets. In 1887 he removed to Rawlins county, Kansas,
HISTORY OF .MARION COUNTY 219
where he engaged in the feed, tiour and live stock business at Blake-
man, and he passed away in the Sunflower state on the 17th of
Marcli, 1904, when past seventy-seven years of age. While living
in Illinois he made several trips on flat boats to New Orleans and
back, going down the Ohio to its junction with the Mississippi and
thence to the Crescent citv. He was also for a time foreman of a
department in a packing house at Vincennes, Indiana. His life
work, however, was that of a stock raiser and shipper and he was
well known in that connection. He was a republican in political
belief and in 1880 was elected county treasurer, serving his term with
credit to himself. For ten years he was president of the Marion
County Agricultural Society and during that time the organization
did much to further the interests of the farmers of the county. In
1 8 15 1 he became a Mason and attained the chapter degrees. He was
a member of the Christian church and guided his life by its teach-
ings.
James H. Cloe was married three times, his first union being with
Miss Elizabeth Keenan, who became his wife in 1852 and she passed
away four years later, leaving a daughter, Charlotte, who is now the
wife of James Rice, a resident of Nebraska. Later Mr Cloe
wedded Miss Theresa Conrey, who was born in Ohio or Illinois and
was a daughter of John Conrey, one of the pioneers of Marion
county, Iowa. He was prominent in public afifairs and was a dele-
gate to the constitutional convention from this county. Mrs. Theresa
Cloe died in February, 1874, in the faith of the Christian church.
She left seven children, of whcjm the subject of this review is the
eldest. The others are : Mrs. Amanda Masteller, a resident of Cen-
terville, Iowa; Edward, of Alliance, Nebraska; James, living in
Blakeman, Kansas; John, who is a resident of Fremont county,
Iowa; Sylvia, deceased; and Bertha, now Mrs. D. O. Bye, of Alli-
ance, Nebraska. Mr. Cloe's third union was with Miss Elizabeth
McKern, who died leaving two children: Ansel, of Alliance,
Nebraska; and Alma, now Mrs. Frank Craig, of Knoxville town-
ship, this countv.
Frank Cloe passed the days of his boyhood and youth in this
township and was a student in Professor McKee's Academy at Knox-
ville, thus acquiring a good education. He followed in the steps of
his father, becoming a stockman, and shipped cattle extensively from
this county and western Iowa for ten years, or until 1889. At that
time he was elected sherifif of Marion county on the republican ticket
and devoted his entire attention to the duties of that office. Since his
term expired he has engaged in general farming and in the stock
220 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
business. He owns two hundred and forty acres of excellent land
on section 15, Knoxville township, where he has resided for the past
fourteen years and has made a number of improvements thereon.
He has excellent business judgment and manages well his afTairs and,
as he understands the principles underlying agriculture and is an
excellent judge of stock, his activities yield him a good return
annually.
Mr. Cloe was married in March, 1884, to Miss Clara B. Wilson,
a daughter of Thomas Wilson, who is living at Knoxville at the age
of eighty-one years. Mrs. Cloe was born in this county and has
passed her entire life here. To her marriage with the subject of
this review have been born two children. Carl W., an attorney of
Knoxville, is a graduate of the State University of Iowa and of the
Chicago University Law School and was admitted to the bar of
Iowa in October, 1914. While attending the State University of
Iowa he was captain of Company E of the Iowa cadets there and
was for four years a member of the National Guard of Iowa. Rhea
Lucile is at home. She studied music at Drake University, Des
Moines, at the State University of Nebraska at Lincoln and for one
semester at the State University of Wisconsin at Madison and has
taught piano.
The family are members of the Christian church of Pleasant
Ridge, Knoxville township, and are of much help in carrying on the
church work. Mr. Cloe is a Knight Templar Mason, holding his
membership in the commandery at Knoxville, and his son is also a
member of the craft. His daughter belongs to the Order of the
Eastern Star and to a sorority of Knoxville. Mr. Cloe has consist-
ently supported the republican party at the polls since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise and takes a commendable interest
in public affairs. He is one of the substantial residents of his town-
ship and in the private relations of life and as a citizen has measured
up to high standards of manhood.
DANIEL A. McTAGGART.
For the past seventeen years Daniel A. McTaggart has lived
retired at Knoxville but for many years was actively engaged as a
farmer and stockman. He has lived in Marion county since 1864
and is widely known and highly respected. He was born in Wash-
ington county, Ohio, in 1846, a son of Neil and Catherine (Loyn-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 221
achan) McTaggart, who were bom in Argyleshire, Scotland, and
came to America in their youth, settling in Washington county,
Ohio, where they were married. The father followed farming there
until 1864, when he removed to this county, where he likewise
devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He died here in 1894, when
eighty-three vears of age. The mother passed away in Ohio while
still voung. Both were Presbyterians but the father in his later life
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To their
union were born nine children, of whom four sons survive, the broth-
ers of our subject being: A. H., a resident of Illinois; and E. D.
and E. H., both living in Omaha, Nebraska.
Daniel A. McTaggart was reared and educated in Ohio and
there learned approved methods of agriculture under the instruction
of his father. He accompanied the latter to this county in 1864,
when a youth of eighteen years, and has since resided here. After
his marriage, which occurred in 1871, he purchased a tract of land
eight miles east of Knoxville, paying twelve dollars and a half per
acre. He began with limited resources but as he worked industri-
ouslv, managed his business afifairs well and saved something every
year, he prospered financially and from time to time added to his
land until he eventually became one of the substantial residents of
the county. He still owns four hundred acres of land in Knoxville
and Clay townships and owns his fine residence in the city of Knox-
ville, which he erected himself, and also has other residence prop-
erty in the city.
Mr. McTaggart was married in 1871 to Miss Louisa J. Harsin,
who was born in this county, April 17, 1851, a daughter of G. W.
and Emily (Her) Harsin. Her father was born and reared in Ken-
tucky but in 1843 came to this county and took up a claim two miles
north of the present site of Durham and nine miles east of Knoxville.
His farm comprised some three hundred acres of land. He resided
there until his death, which occurred in 1893, when he was seventy-
two years of age. His enterprise is indicated by the fact that in order
to be able to do business with the Dutch colony in this county he
assisted the Rev. Mr. Scholte and learned the Dutch language from
him. Mr. Harsin was a Methodist in his religious belief, as was his
wife, who was of English descent and died November 30, 19 14. at
eighty-five years of age. Her memory was unimpaired and she was
remarkably active for one of her years. In the Harsin family were
five children including Mrs. McTaggart, the others being: F. M., of
Rocky Ford, Colorado; G. G., of Nampa, Idaho; J. D., living near
Durham, this county; and Minnie, who resides in Knoxville. Mrs.
222 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
McTaggart was reared in this county and was a school teacher for a
number of years. She and her sisters were taught to card wool and
also to spin and weave, an accomplishment rare in this day. Mr.
and Mrs. McTaggart have two children: Blanche, who is at home
and is teaching school in Knoxville; and Katie, also at home.
Mr. McTaggart is a republican and is keenly interested in mat-
ters of public concern. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and his wife and daughters are members of
the Rebekahs. His residence, which is at No. 702 Roche street, is
one of the commodious and well designed homes of Knoxville and
is a frequent meeting place for the many friends of the family. The
parents and daughters are all identified with the forces that make
for civic advancement and the welfare of the community and are
esteemed by all who know them.
W. H. LOWMAN.
W. H. Lowman, cashier of the Bussey Savings Bank, has made
good use of his time, talents and opportunities and has thereby steadily
advanced since starting out in business life on his own account. He
was born in Knox county, Illinois, near Galesburg, on the 17th of
April, 1864, and is a son of William and Martha (Rolfe) Lowman.
In the spring of 1875 ^he family arrived in Iowa, settling first in
Mahaska county, where the mother passed away about twenty years
ago. The father, however, still survives.
W. H. Lowman was reared in that county and is indebted to its
public-school system for the educational advantages which he
enjoyed. In 1908 he came to Marion county to assume his present
position as cashier of the Bussey Savings Bank and has here since
remained, covering a period of six years. This bank was organized
on the 7th of October, 1907, its founders and original stockholders
being H. P. Way, R. M. Boyer, James A. Bussey, W. H. Lowman
and Dr. j. W. Anderson. The bank was capitalized for twenty thou-
sand dollars and the first officers were: James A. Bussey, president;
R. M. Boyer, vice president; and W. H. Lowman, cashier. No
change has been made on the official board since. The present bank
building was completed in the fall of 1914, on the same site as the
original home of the institution, and it is one of the finest bank build-
ings to be seen in any of the smaller towns of the state, being well
appointed and thoroughly equipped. Mr. Lowman, like his fellow
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 223
officers, has made a study of banking conditions and he is thoroughly
familiar with every phase of the business, his efiforts contributing
largely to the success of the institution.
In December, 1884, Mr. Lowman was united in marriage to Miss
Belle Havener, a daughter of John and Harriett Havener, who took
up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Mahaska county in
1845. Mr. and Mrs. Lowman have four children, namely: Fred,
Frank, Nellie and Floyd.
Mr. Lowman is in no sense a politician but gives his political
support to the democratic party and takes a general interest in public
afifairs, cooperating heartily in many plans and movements which
have resulted beneficially to the community. He is a Mason, belong-
ing to the lodge and to the Eastern Star, and he also has membership
with the Woodmen of the World. During the period of his residence
in Bussey he has become widely and favorably known, and the circle
of his friends is constantly broadening as the circle of his acquaintance
increases.
J. H. FITZGERALD.
On the list of those who have passed away but who during active
life were numbered among the most worthy citizens in Marion
county, taking part in its pioneer development and in its later prog-
ress, was J. H. Fitzgerald, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio,
September 29, 1828. His parents were Jesse and Sarah (Taggart)
Fitzgerald. The family became residents of Black Hawk county,
Iowa, about 1845 and some years later removed to Marion county,
where the parents spent their remaining days. At length, called to
their final rest, their remains were interred in one of the cemeteries
of this county.
J. H. Fitzgerald spent his boyhood and youth in his parents'
home and his training was that of the energetic farm lad who is
taught the value of industry and perseverance. In his youthful days
much of the farm work that is now done by machinery was accom-
plished by hand and his youth was a period of earnest and unremit-
ting toil. He always followed the occupation to which he was reared
and at one time was the owner of one hundred and fifteen acres of
rich and productive land, which he carefully cultivated and im-
proved, making it a valuable farm.
224 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
On the I St of August, 1858, Mr. Fitzgerald was united in mar-
riage to Miss Henrietta Lemmon, a daughter of Elias and Catherine
Lemmon, who were pioneers of this county, coming here in 1849.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald became the parents of eight children, J.
D., Elias, Charles, John, Jane, Henry, Sarah and Alice. Of this
number four are still living, Elias, John, Sarah and Henry having
passed away.
Mr. Fitzgerald was a republican in his political views and kept
informed concerning the questions and issues of the day but did not
seek, nor desire office, his entire time being given to his farm work.
He was, however, interested in public affairs that pertained to the
improvement and upbuilding of the community and was recognized
as a public-spirited citizen. He served as a school director and the
cause of education found in him a stalwart friend. He guided his
life by the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church and was
honored wherever known. His widow, who was born November i,
1834, and has therefore reached the eightieth milestone on life's
journey, still survives and since the death of her husband, which
occurred on the 12th of September, 1902, she has removed to Attica,
where she is now living.
W. H. FOWLER.
W. H. Fowler has done as much as any other man to advance the
business and commercial interests of Pella and in many other ways
has left his impress upon the life of the city. He is the owner and
manager of the Fowler Telephone Company and for a number of
years owned the electric light plant which supplies the city with
light and power, and is the president of the Pella Commercial Club,
which he organized in 1908 and which has since been a leading factor
in the development of the city. Mr. Fowler was born in England in
1874, a son of Frederick and Ann (Ayers) Fowler, who in 1884 took
their family to Canada.
Mr. Fowler of this review remained in that country until he was
a youth of eighteen years and then, in 1892, came to Pella, Iowa. For
seven years he attended the Central University of Iowa, which is
located here. Shortly after leaving school, or in 1900, he organized
the Fowler Telephone Company. While still a boy in his teens he
had mechanical experience in Montreal in connection with fire
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 225
alarms and in the employ of railroads, and this had given him an
insight into that line of work and also proved that he possessed con-
siderable mechanical skill and ingenuity. His undoubted executive
ability, however, has been the determining factor in his marked suc-
cess as a promoter. The Fowler Telephone Company was the first
telephone company in Pella and started with twenty telephones. Mr.
Fowler himself installed the equipment and for a time did practically
all of the work of the company. In 1900 the first rural line was put
up and extended fourteen miles, serving six telephones. The first
farmer who subscribed for a telephone was seven miles from the
city and considerable difficulty was experienced in securing the other
five. At the end of the first year there were sixty telephones installed
altogether, but six of these were in the country. For the first five
vears the growth was slow but at the end of that time the value of
the system was apparent to all and the number of telephones in use
increased rapidly. At present there are nine hundred subscribers,
over half of whom are farmers. The company has one hundred miles
of line, thirty of which is toll line. In the past three years all of the
wires serving business telephones have been put under ground, thus
lessening the danger from live wires and increasing the beauty of
the city streets. The company now has a force of eight regular
employees besides those whose services it requires at especially busy
times. In 1914 the company was incorporated by Mr. Fowler. The
first office was at the corner of Main and Franklin streets, but in 1909
the headquarters were removed to a fine brick building at No. 713
Main street.
For four years Mr. Fowler owned the local electric light plant,
but abandoned that enterprise when the city opened a municipal
plant. In 191 1 he organized the Pella Commercial Club and has
since served as its president. In the past three years the club has
raised over ten thousand dollars for the advancement of the city's
interests and conducted a vigorous campaign of advertising, doing
all in its power to secure new industries for the city and to stimulate
the growth of those already here. It originated the "White Way"
picnic, held in 1913, which brought fifteen thousand people to Pella
and which presented the attractions of the city in a most eflfective
manner. Many of the visitors came in automobiles and it was esti-
mated that there were one thousand cars in the city from outside.
The organization has sixty members, comprising the majority of the
up-to-date and progressive business men of the city, and its achieve-
ments since its reorganization are but a small factor of the things it
hopes to accomplish for Pella.
226 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
On the 20th of January, 1914, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage
with Miss Otha W. Stephenson, of Des Moines, a daughter of Dr. H.
M. Stephenson, of Perry, Iowa. Mr. Fowler is a republican in his
political belief and shares that new civic conscience which makes for
a general interest in the afifairs of government and the securing of
efficiency in the management of public afifairs. Fraternally he
belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has taken the thirty-
second degree. He holds membership in Fella Lodge, No. 55, A. F.
& A. M.; Des Moines Consistory, No. 3; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple.
Order of Mystic Shrine. Mr. Fowler is widely known not only in the
city of Fella, but throughout the entire county and his ability as an
orator, executive and financier is universally conceded, while his
splendid qualities of character have won him many sincere and loyal
friends.
JAMES W. NORRIS.
The fine condition of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres
on section 11, Union township, indicates the energy and good man-
agement of James VV. Norris, a well known agriculturist of this
county. He pays considerable attention to the raising of stock and
has registered animals at the head of his herd. He was born in
Delaware county, Ohio, on the 13th of August, 1872, a son of Charles
T. and Minnie (McMaster) Norris. The father was born in Dela-
ware county in 1841 and the mother, who was a native of the same
county, was born in 1846. They were married in the Buckeye state
and came to Iowa in 1874, settling in Harrison county. They sub-
sequently removed to Oklahoma and thence to the state of Wash-
ington, where they now live. To their union were born eight
children, the subject of this review being the fourth in order of birth.
All are living save one. The father fought for two or three years in
the Civil war as a member of the Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry
and was honorably discharged at the end of that time as he had been
crippled in the service.
James W. Norris was brought to Iowa by his parents when but
two and one-half years old and was educated in Monona county,
first attending the country schools and later the Onawa high school.
At the age of twenty-one his father admitted him to partnership in
the operation of the home farm and when twenty-six years of age he
was married to Miss Wanda Teter, a daughter of Samuel and Mary
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 227
(Harriett) Teter, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Her father was born in Union township, this county, in October,
1855, and her mother in Ohio. They were married in Iowa and all
of their children were born in the same house in this county. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Teter are still living. Mrs. Norris is the second in
order of birth in their family of eight and her natal day was June i,
1 88 1. The family subsequently removed to Kansas, where she was
educated. She was married to Mr. Norris in Oklahoma in 1899 and
they resided there for four years and for two years made their home in
Kansas.
In 1905 they came to this county and Mr. Norris purchased the
farm which he now owns and operates. He has made all of the
improvements upon the place and it is one of the well developed and
valuable farms of the county. He follows general farming and
raises a high grade of stock, having registered animals at the head of
his herd. He is a democrat in his political belief and is much inter-
ested in all that pertains to the public welfare. The sincerity of his
life and the uprightness of his purpose have gained him the respect
and esteem of all who have been brought in contact with him.
WILLIAM G. VANDER PLOEG.
William G. Vander Ploeg is a member of the Knoxville bar and
in the practice of his profession has won a degree of success that
many an older attorney might well envy. Marion county claims
him as a native son, his birth having here occurred on the 27th of
December, 1881, his parents being Ruard and Pietje (Terpstra)
Vander Ploeg, the former a native of Holland and the latter of
New York. The paternal grandfather, Dirk Vander Ploeg, brought
the family to the new world in 1854 and the following year the
father of our subject arrived in Marion county, where he followed
the occupation of farming for many years but is now living retired,
making his home in Pella.
William G. Vander Ploeg is one of a family of ten children, of
whom eight are yet living. He was reared in the Holland settle-
ment near Pella and acquired a public-school education, after which
he continued his studies in the Central College at Pella. Having
determined upon the practice of law as a life work, he became a
student in the State University and was graduated from the law
department with the class of 1903. He then located for practice at
228 HISTORY OF xMARION COUNTY
Pella, where he remained until January, 191 1, when he removed to
Knoxville and opened an office. He continues in the general prac-
tice of law and is a strong and able member of the bar, preparing
his cases with thoroughness, presenting his cause with clearness and
exactness and when necessary citing precedent and principle with
accuracy.
On the 2ist of September, 191 i, Mr. Vander Ploeg was united
in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Cox, of Pella, her parents being J. M.
and Luella Cox. Mr. Vander Ploeg holds membership in Pella
Lodge, No. 55, A. F. k A. M., in Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M., of
Knoxville, and Melita Commandery, K. T., exemplifying in his life
the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political allegiance is given
the republican party and he keeps well versed on the t^uestions and
issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church.
He is a young man of genuine personal worth, his life being guided
by high and honorable principles in both professional and social
relations.
JAMES M. AMOS.
For the past twenty years James M. Amos has been identified
with the business life of Knoxville and is now the proprietor of a
large livery and sales stable, having upon an average forty-five horses
of his own in the stable. Altogether he owns seventy-five horses. He
has an ambulance, runs a bus and transfer line and is prepared for
furnishing cabs for funerals. Mr. Amos was born in Union town-
ship on the 30th of September, 1852, a son of Pleasant and Celia A.
(Ballard) Amos, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the
latter in Indiana. The father came with his parents to Marion
county in the late '40s and his father, who passed away in this county,
was among the first settlers to secure land. Pleasant Amos, who was a
farmer of Union township, died in 1854 when only twenty-eight years
f age. His widow, who was born in Indiana, married the second
time, becoming the wife of John Butcher, by whom she had eight
children, six sons and two daughters, but only two sons survive,
namely: Richard, living near Indianola, Iowa; and Osa, of Swan
township, this county, residing upon the old home place. The mother
is still living in Kno.wille and is in good health, although about
eightv years of age.
o
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 229
James M. Amos was the only child born to his parents and was
reared in Union township. As the schools in pioneer days only lasted
a few months in the winter and as he was compelled to spend most of
his time in assisting with the work at home, his education was some-
what limited. After his marriage he farmed in Union township for
a number of years, but for the past twenty years he has lived in Knox-
ville. For two years he was deputy sheriff and subsequently was
elected sheriff of the county, receiving all but three votes in his town-
ship irrespective of party. The nomination came to him unsolicited
and was a tribute to his fitness for the office. His service was so
acceptable that he was reelected, serving in all four years as sheriff.
For nine years he dealt in stock, buying and shipping a large number
of animals annually. He buys horses and has sold many fine animals
at public sale. In addition to the buying and selling of horses and
the renting of horses and vehicles by the hour or day, he runs a bus
and transfer line, a dray line, and also does hospital work. He gives
especial attention to furnishing horses and the necessary vehicles for
funerals and his service is always satisfactory. All of these various
phases of his business are well managed and yield him a profit
annually.
In 1871 Mr. jA.mos was married to Miss Mary A. Davis, who was
born and reared in Union township. Her parents were Phillip and
Esther Davis, early settlers of that township, both of whom are
deceased. Two sisters of Mrs. Amos reside in this county, Mrs. S. O.
Harmon and Mrs. Harry Cooper. To Mr. and Mrs. Amos have
been born three children: Mellcena, who married Charles Bridges
and died September 22, 1900; Mrs. James Cunningham, residing at
Knoxville, where Mr. Cunningham owns a billiard and poolroom;
and Connard D., living in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he is in the
wholesale fruit business. The last named married Miss Sophronia
Bitzel. a native of Marion county, and they have become parents of
three children, the oldest of whom died in infancy. Those living
are Mary Adla and Elizabeth Josephine.
Mrs. Amos is a Methodist and takes great interest in the work of
the church. Mr. Amos has supported the measures and candidates
of the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of
franchise and has for many years taken an active part in politics.
For twelve years he was justice of the peace in Union township and
for nine vears served as trustee of that township. As previously
stated, he was for two years deputy sherifif of the county and for two
terms sheriff'. In all of his official connections he has proved as
faithful to trust and as upright as in his private life. Fraternally he
230 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias. His business integrity is above question and his
personal honor is unimpeachable, and the respect in which he is held
by his fellowmen is fully merited.
CHRISTOPHER C. SHARON.
Christopher C. Sharon, a carpenter and builder of Attica, who
for an extended period has been actively identified with building
operations in Indiana township, was born in Brown county, Illinois,
May 17, 1848, a son of Ira B. and Maria (Probosco) Sharon, who
were natives of Kentucky and New Jersey respectively. The father's
birth occurred in the former state July 26, 1827, and they were mar-
ried in Illinois on the iith of March, 1847. In 1853 they removed
to Iowa, settling in Hamilton, Liberty township, Marion county.
There they lived until 187^, when they took up their abode in Attica,
where their remaining days were passed. The father died in Janu-
ary, 191 2, having long survived his wife, who passed away Decem-
ber 7, 1883. In November, 1884, he was again married, his second
union being with Perlina Cooley. By his first marriage there were
seven children: C. C. ; William Kendrick; Ollie; Robert Alonzo;
a twin of Robert who died unnamed; John, deceased; and Thomas,
who died at the age of ten months.
Ira B. Sharon followed carpentering and also engaged in farm-
ing on a small scale. He was a cabmetmaker by trade and very
handy with tools of all kinds. He indorsed the republican party at
the time of the Civil war, previous to which he had been a democrat.
Thereafter he remained a stalwart champion of the party which was
the defense of the Union during the darkest hour in our country's
history. He served as constable of Hamilton and as justice of the
peace in Attica. When the country needed his aid he promptly
responded and became second sergeant of Company D, Thirty-sixth
Iowa Infantry, with which he remained for three years, taking part
in a number of hotly contested engagements. He was honorably dis-
charged at Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, after which he returned to his
home, where he remained until his death. His religious faith was
that of the Christian church, in which he held membership.
Christopher C. Sharon was educated in an old log schoolhouse in
Hamilton and w'hen sixteen years of age he, too, was stirred by the
spirit of patriotism and enlisted in the same company and regiment
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 231
to which his father belonged, joining the army in March, 1864. He
was at the front for a year and a half and was held for a time as a
prisoner of war at Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas. When hostilities
were over he returned home and for three years was employed as a
farm hand. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he
has since followed. For a year just after leaving the army he devoted
liis time to farming on his own account. He thoroughly understands
building principles and all the practical phases of the trade and he
has met with substantial success in carrying on business along that
line.
In December, 1870, Mr. Sharon was married to Miss Lucinda
Dunkin, a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Sargent) Dunkin.
Thev have become the parents of four children: Rose, the widow of
Clarence Smith; Gertrude, who died at the age of one year; Albert;
and Seth. Mr. Sharon is a republican in his political views and is
generallv interested in public affairs, his influence always being found
on the side of progress and improvement. He has served as township
clerk, but has never been active as an office seeker. In matters of citi-
zenship, however, he is as true and loyal to his country as when he
followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
HARRY H. CONREY.
Harry H. Conrey, a well known contractor and builder of Knox-
ville, is a native of this city, born on the 2i;th of February, 1868. His
parents, George W. and Emily F. (Harding) Conrey, were natives
of Hamilton county, Ohio, and Indiana respectively. The father
came to this county in 1854, settling at Spring Hill upon a farm,
where he lived for some years. He returned to Ohio and resided
there for a time but came again to this county, where he lived until
his death, which occurred when he was forty-five years of age. He
was a carpenter by trade. The mother came to Marion county with
her parents when a young girl and was here married. She is living
in Knoxville at the age of seventy years. She became the mother of
two sons and a daughter, but the subject of this review is the only one
living. After the death of Mr. Conrey she was again married, but
her second husband has also passed away.
Harry H. Conrey was educated in the public schools of Knox-
ville and learned the carpenter's trade in his youth. Although the
greater part of his life has been devoted to following his trade, he
230 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias. His business integrity is above question and his
personal honor is unimpeachable, and the respect in which he is held
by his fellowmen is fully merited.
CHRISTOPHER C. SHARON.
Christopher C. Sharon, a carpenter and builder of Attica, who
for an extended period has been actively identified with building
operations in Indiana township, was born in Brown county, Illinois,
May 17, 1848, a son of Ira B. and Maria (Probosco) Sharon, who
were natives of Kentucky and New Jersey respectively. The father's
birth occurred in the former state July 26, 1827, and they were mar-
ried in Illinois on the iith of March, 1847. In 1853 they removed
to Iowa, settling in Hamilton, Liberty township, Marion county.
There they lived until 1871;, when they took up their abode in Attica,
where their remaining days were passed. The father died in Janu-
ary, 1912, having long survived his wife, who passed away Decem-
ber 7, 1883. In November, 1884, he was again married, his second
union being with Perlina Cooley. By his first marriage there were
seven children: C. C. ; William Kendrick; Ollie; Robert Alonzo;
a twin of Robert who died unnamed; John, deceased; and Thomas,
who died at the age of ten months.
Ira B. Sharon followed carpentering and also engaged in farm-
ing on a small scale. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and very
handy with tools of all kinds. He indorsed the republican party at
the time of the Civil war, previous to which he had been a democrat.
Thereafter he remained a stalwart champion of the party which was
the defense of the Union during the darkest hour in our country's
history. He served as constable of Hamilton and as justice of the
peace in Attica. When the country needed his aid he promptly
responded and became second sergeant of Company D, Thirty-si.xth
Iowa Infantry, with which he remained for three years, taking part
in a number of hotly contested engagements. He was honorably dis-
charged at Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, after which he returned to his
home, where he remained until his death. His religious faith was
that of the Christian church, in which he held membership.
Christopher C. Sharon was educated in an old log schoolhouse in
Hamilton and when sixteen years of age he, too, was stirred by the
spirit of patriotism and enlisted in the same company and regiment
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 231
to which his father belonged, joining the army in March, 1864. He
was at the front for a year and a half and was held for a time as a
prisoner of war at Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas. When hostilities
were over he returned home and for three years was employed as a
farm hand. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he
has since followed. For a year just after leaving the army he devoted
his time to farming on his own account. He thoroughly understands
building principles and all the practical phases of the trade and he
has met with substantial success in carrying on business along that
line.
In December, 1870, Mr. Sharon was married to Miss Lucinda
Dunkin, a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Sargent) Dunkin.
They have become the parents of four children: Rose, the widow of
Clarence Smith; Gertrude, who died at the age of one year; Albert;
and Seth. Mr. Sharon is a republican in his political views and is
generallv interested in public affairs, his influence always being found
on the side of progress and improvement. He has served as township
clerk, but has never been active as an ofiice seeker. In matters of citi-
zenship, however, he is as true and loyal to his country as when he
followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
HARRY H. CONREY.
Harry H. Conrey, a well known contractor and builder of Knox-
ville, is a native of this city, born on the 2c;th of February, 1868. His
parents, George W. and Emily F. (Harding) Conrey, were natives
of Hamilton county, Ohio, and Indiana respectively. The father
came to this county in 1854, settling at Spring Hill upon a farm,
where he lived for some years. He returned to Ohio and resided
there for a time but came again to this county, where he lived until
his death, which occurred when he was forty-five years of age. He
was a carpenter by trade. The mother came to Marion county with
her parents when a young girl and was here married. She is living
in Knoxville at the age of seventy years. She became the mother of
two sons and a daughter, but the subject of this review is the only one
living. After the death of Mr. Conrey she was again married, but
her second husband has also passed away.
Harry H. Conrey was educated in the public schools of Knox-
ville and learned the carpenter's trade in his youth. Although the
greater part of his life has been devoted to following his trade, he
232
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
farmed for a number of years in this county and also for some time
in Nebraska. Since 191 1 he has concentrated his energies upon con-
tracting and building and has erected a number of the better houses
in Knoxvillc. He is not only himself an excellent and painstaking
workman, but also requires that all men in his employ be skillful and
conscientious in their work. He is very efficient in his business;
erects a building that will endure for many years and completes it at
the time stipulated in the contract. His energy and ability have
made him widely known and he has prospered financially.
Mr. Conrey married Miss Lola Collins, a niece of La Fayette
Collins, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this union
three children have been born: Forest, Frances and Fred, all
in school. The eldest is a native of Nebraska and the others of Kno.x-
ville. Mrs. Conrey is a member of the Christian church, while the
children attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Conrey is a republican in his political belief and has served
as a member of the city council. Fraternally he belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order and his wife is
a Rebekah. Their residence, which is at No. 421 First street, is com-
modious and well planned and friends of the family often meet there.
Mr. Conrey has transacted business with many, but there is no one
who can accuse him of unjust treatment, as he invariably lives up to
the highest standards of business ethics and deals justly with all.
C. N. BOS, M. D.
For the past nine years Dr. C. N. Bos has been engaged in the
general practice of medicine and surgery in Pella and in that time
has become recognized as one of the leaders in his profession in the
city. He was born in Chicago in 1876, a son of N. K. and Jennie
(Klooster) Bos, natives of The Netherlands. In 1872 they crossed
the Atlantic and upon landing in this country made their way direct
to Chicago, where they located. The father had been a gardener and
dairyman in his native land and in 1887 he removed to Kalamazoo,
Michigan, where he continued to engage in those occupations and
where he and his wife still live.
Dr. Bos was given excellent educational advantages. As a boy
and youth he attended the public schools of Chicago and later took a
course in the Athenaeum Business College of that city. Upon decid-
ing to make the practice of medicine his life work he entered the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 233
Medical College of the Northwestern University, which is also
located in Chicago, and received his professional degree from that
institution in 1904. He desired to make thorough preparation before
entering upon independent practice and so served for nineteen months
as interne at the Iowa State Hospital, located at Independence. In
1905 he came to Pella and has since been engaged in active practice
here. He is an able and conscientious physician and has won the con-
fidence of both the general public and his colleagues. He takes a
personal interest in his patients' recovery and has been very successful
in his treatment of various diseases, relieving where it has been impos-
sible to effect a permanent cure. He is a member of the state and
county medical societies and of the American Medical Association
and thus keeps informed as to what other members of the profession
are doing. In 1913 he took a course at the Illinois Post Graduate
Medical College, in Chicago, and he is constantly striving to learn
more of the science and practice of medicine and to give his patients
the benefit of the latest discoveries and most improved methods of
treatment.
On the 15th of June, 1905, Dr. Bos was married to Miss Emma
Grace Chase, of Anna, Illinois, a daughter of Charles Chase, and
to this union have been born two sons, Myron and Howard. The
Doctor and his wife are members of the Second Reformed church.
He is a progressive in politics, as he believes that that party has the
most comprehensive and wisest plan for securing that social justice
and permanent prosperity which is the desire of all right-thinking
men. He is always willing to assist in any way within his power in
movements that seek the welfare of Pella and has thoroughly identi-
fied himself with the interests of the city.
JOHN MCMILLAN.
John McMillan, who is a successful farmer of Marion county,
was born March 24, 1867, in Clay township, this county, a son of
T. T. McMillan, a well known general merchant of Durham. Our
subject grew to manhood in his native township and received his
education in the district schools. Upon reaching years of maturity
he decided to make agricultural pursuits his life work and is now
the owner of one hundred and twenty-three acres of fine land in this
county. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and as his
234 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
methods are progressive and his industry untiring he is meeting with
marked success.
Mr. McMiHan was married on the 23d of January, 1895, to Miss
Nora A. Parsons, a daughter of Handy and Easter Parsons. Mr.
McMillan gives his political allegiance to the republican party and A
is never remiss in any of the duties of citizenship. He is an enthusi-
astic member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and finds
the guiding rule of his life in the teaching of that order, that men
are brothers and that a fraternal spirit should govern their relations
with each other. His ability as an agriculturist is conceded by all
and the number of his friends leaves no doubt as to his attractive
social qualities and the integrity of his character.
.JOSEPH W. FINARTY, M. D.
Dr. Joseph W. Finarty has been a prominent general practitioner
of medicine in Knoxville for many years and holds the confidence
of the public and of his professional colleagues. He was born in
Mason county, Virginia, on the i6th of January, 1848, a son of
Joseph and Emily (Day) Finarty, both likewise natives of the Old
Dominion. As his father died on the 17th of January, 1849, he was
reared by his paternal grandfather, who was also named Joseph and
was born in Maryland of ScotchTrish ancestry. He served in the
War of 1812, taking part in the battle of Lundys Lane, and during
the Civil war enlisted in Company G, Forty-seventh Iowa Volun-
teers, serving for two years. He came to Pella in 1850 and passed
awav there in 1871. By occupation he was a farmer. The mother
of Dr. Finarty married Allen Lester after the death of her first
husband.
Dr. Finarty was given a public-school education in his boy-
hood and at the time of the Civil war enlisted in Company D, Si.xty-
third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining with his command until
the close of the struggle. He then entered the Central University
of Iowa, at Pella, and while pursuing his course there read medicine.
He subsequently entered the College of Physicians & Surgeons, at
Keokuk, from which he was graduated in 1871. He has never con-
sidered his professional education complete and in 1883 took a post-
graduate course in the Polyclinic of Chicago and in 1901 studied at
the Polyclinic in New York. He began practice at Dallas, this state,
in 1 87 1, but thirteen years later came to Knoxville, where he has
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 237
since resided. In the thirty years that he has lived here he has built
up a large and lucrative practice and has won a reputation for the
successful treatment of disease. He is thoroughly progressive and
up-to-date and is a valued member of the state and county medical
societies and the American Medical Association.
In 1867 Dr. Finarty married Miss Mary E. Auld, of Knox-
ville, a daughter of James Auld, who removed to this state from Ohio
in pioneer times. To Dr. Finarty and his wife have been born
four children, but James Carl and Walter R. are deceased. Arthur
C. was graduated from the Barnes Medical College of St. Louis
in 1889 and also pursued a course in the Polyclinic of Chicago, but
is now engaged in farming in this county. Harry is also an agricul-
turist in this county.
Dr. Finartv is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal
church and is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Oriental
Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A.M.;
Milites Commandery, K. T., all of Knoxville; and to the consistory
and the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. For six years he has been
high priest of the chapter. He also holds membership in the Knights
of Pythias. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and he has served as chairman of the republican central committee
of this county. For many years he has been active in the Iowa
National Guard and was made captain of Company D, Fifty-fifth
Regiment, on the 8th of January, 191 2. In 1914 he retired, having
reached the age limit. His life has been a busy one and he has con-
tributed to the welfare and progress of his community in a number
of ways. His name is held in high honor in Knoxville and he has
a host of personal friends.
SAMPSON COOPER.
Sampson Cooper, deceased, was for many years a well known and
representative farmer of Union township and when he passed away,
when about seventy-one years of age, his death was deeply deplored
by many of his friends and neighbors. He vvas born in North Caro-
lina on the i2th of December, 1835, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Benja-
min Cooper. His parents, however, died when he was but a small
boy and he always had to make his own way in the world from that
time forward. He cast his lot with Iowa's pioneer settlers at an
early period in the development and progress of the state. His atten-
238 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
tion was given to farm work until after the outbreak of the Civil
war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and prompted his enlist-
ment for service at the front. He joined Company E, Sixth Iowa
Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Missouri, on
account of ill health, after which he returned to his home.
It was on the 8th of December, 1862, that Mr. Cooper was united
in marriage to Miss Lydia M. Goodwin, a native of Indiana and a
daughter of Vinson and Elizabeth (Empson) Goodwin. The father
came to Iowa in 1850 and developed the farm in Union township,
on which Mr. and Mrs. Cooper lived. Mr. Goodwin remained in
Marion county to the time of his death, being classed with its repre-
sentative citizens and progressive farmers. Here he reared his fam-
ily, which numbered five children, two of whom are vet living. To
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born si.\ children, the
eldest, who died in infancy; Mary E., also deceased; W. V.; G. G.,
a resident of Nebraska; Carl W., who has departed this life; and
Cora, the wife of Clark Stewart, of Buxton, Iowa.
Mr. Cooper followed the occupation of farming and brought his
land under a high state of cultivation, while annually he gathered
good harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed
upon the fields. He passed away on the 28th of August, 1906. Mrs.
Cooper owns one hundred acres of land in Union township and a
fine residence in Hamilton. She has a wide acquaintance in this
county and her circle of friends is almost coextensive therewith. She
and her husband traveled life's journey together for almost forty-
five years and his death came as an irreparable loss to his family.
CHARLES L. HARDMAN.
There are many in Iowa who are interested in raising the stand-
ard of stock and who are doing much along that line and among these
must be named Charles L. Hardman, a resident of Knoxville, who
owns a quarter section of land eight miles north of the city and' there
engages in the breeding of high grade draft horses. He keeps
Percheron, Belgian and Shire horses and owns three of the best
stallions in the county. His best Shire horse has taken premiums at
various Iowa State Fairs and has taken the sweepstake several times
in Illinois.
Mr. Hardman was born in Ritchie county, Virginia, now a part
of West Virginia, September 24, 1854, a son of Asbury Poole and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 239
Thankful Ann (Goff) Hardman, who spent their entire lives there.
The father farmed near Frederick's Mill and died at his home in
Ritchie county in July, 1903. In his family were eleven children,
five daughters and six sons who grew to maturity besides two who
died in infancy. Charles L. Hardman has one sister in this county,
Mrs. Luella Sutherland.
Joseph Hardman, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born
in Germany about 1750 and as a young man emigrated to America
with relatives and friends. About 1773 he arrived in Baltimore and
a year later went to Georgetown, Maryland. He married Miss
Dorcas Riddel and settled near the Washington estates, becoming
personally acquainted with George Washington. During the Rev-
olution he served in the Continental army. Subsequently he removed
to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and there engaged in the butcher busi-
ness for several years, after which he went to Randolph county, Vir-
ginia, and after a short stay there removed to Gilmer county, where
he remained for years and where he probably died. Two of his sons,
James and Benjamin Hardman, married daughters of Thomas and
Phoebe Cunningham, who were the first settlers in the vicinity of
Frederick's Mill. The subject of this review is a grandson of James
and Phoebe (Cunningham) Hardman. The grandfather was born
in the Old Dominion, November 14, 1795, and at the age of eighteen
he enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, taking his father's place
and remaining in the service for a year. He was a lay minister of
the Methodist Episcopal church and gave the land for the cemetery
and church in West Virginia which bears his name, Hardman's
Chapel. In 1816 he was married to Miss Cunningham, who was
born in Lewis county, Virginia, August 10, i79<5, and died at their
home near Hardman's Chapel, July 3, 1871. Mr. Hardman sur-
vived her for three years, passing away in 1874. Many prominent
men in various parts of the country are descendants of this old Vir-
ginia family.
The boyhood of Charles L. Hardman was passed in the locality
where he was born and there he remained until a youth of nineteen
years, when he came to Iowa. For some time he followed the car-
penter's trade and gained a reputation as an excellent workman. He
first arrived in Marion county in March, 1874, and remained here
six years, after which he removed to McPherson county, Kansas,
where he lived until December, 1891, when he came again to this
county, and he has ever since made it his home. He resided upon
his farm of one hundred and twenty acres of fine land four and one-
half miles southeast of Knoxville until March, 1908, when he
240 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
removed to his present residence in the city. While living in the
country he raised stock but not so extensively as he has done since
removing to Knoxville. For the last five years he has concentrated
his attention upon the breeding of blooded draft horses, raising all
of the standard draft breeds, including Percheron, Belgian and Shire
horses. He has three of the finest stallions in the county and his
English Shire horse has not only taken many premiums at Iowa State
Fairs, but has also taken the sweepstake at the Illinois State Fair.
He is widely known as a successful breeder of horses and finds sale
for his animals over a wide territory. In 1913 he bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land eight miles north of Kno.wille, where
he now carries on operations.
Mr. Hardman was married in this county on the 21st of Sep-
tember, 1875, to Miss Euradice Welch, a daughter of Nimrod and
Elizabeth (Moore) Welch, both natives of Washington county,
Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1840. Four of their chil-
dren were born there but in 1849 the family removed to Mahaska
county, Iowa, where Mrs. Hardman was born. In 1853 they came
to Marion county, settling in Knoxville township upon a farm four
and one-half miles southeast of the city of Knoxville. Both passed
away there, the father in 1895, at the age of eighty years and six
months, and the mother on the nth of August, 1862, at the age of
forty-eight vears. He was a farmer by occupation and they were
Presbyterians in religious faith and held the respect of their fellow-
men in full measure. Seven of their children reached maturity, the
six besides Mrs. Hardman being: Mrs. Margaret Bowman, of Little
Falls, Minnesota; Mrs. Mary Loynachan, of San Diego, California;
Watson H., who died many years ago at Council Bluffs, this state;
Robert M., a representative farmer who passed away in this county
in 1906; D. Oscar, of Sioux City, Nebraska; and William A., of
Florida. A daughter, Sarah J., died in 1855, when a girl of thirteen
vears. Mrs. Hardman was educated in the common schools of Iowa
and for a few vears prior to her marriage was a teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Hardman are Presbyterians and he has served as
elder for the last thirty years. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party as he believes its principles most conducive to
general and permanent prosperity. Fraternally he is affiliated with
the Odd Fellows lodge at Kno.xville and also the encampment. Both
he and his wife, belong to the Rebekahs. He has achieved notable
success in the breeding of fine horses and has the satisfaction of
knowing that he has not only gained personal prosperity and an
enviable reputation in his line, but has also aided in raising the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 241
standard of stock, throughout this section of Iowa. He is popular as
a man, his many friends holding him in warm regard because of his
open-heartedness and strict integrity.
J. ROBERT WRIGHT, M. D.
Dr. J. Robert Wright is one of the younger members of the med-
ical profession at Knoxville but already his ability is gaining him
gratifying recognition in a growing practice. This is his native city,
his birth having occurred in Knoxville, December 5, 1884, his par-
ents being Dr. W. E. and Melcina M. (Woodruff) Wright, the
former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. The paternal
grandfather, Peter Wright, was one of the pioneer settlers of this
county, and Dr. W. E. Wright, brought to Iowa in his early boy-
hood, pursued his education in the public schools of Marion county
He afterward prepared for medical practice by a course in the Keo-
kuk Medical College and then opened an office in Knoxville, where
he remained in continuous practice to the time of his death, which
occurred June 19, 1901. His widow survives and is one of the highly
esteemed residents of Knoxville, where she has a warm circle of
friends. Dr. Wright was a member of the Masonic fraternity. In
their family were eight children, of whom two died in infancy, the
others being: Willa, the wife of George T. Underbill, a resident
of Knoxville; Jessie, the wife of W. S. Bilby, who makes his home
in Nebraska; Ed P., living in Cedar Rapids; Kate, the wife of James
Wilcox, whose home is in Missoula, Montana; Jacqueline, at home;
and J. Robert.
At the usual age the last named began his education in the public
schools of Knoxville, passing through consecutive grades until grad-
uated from the high school. He later pursued his more specifically
literary course in the Iowa State University, from which he was
graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then spent three
years in the study of medicine at Iowa City and later entered the
medical department of the University of Louisville in Kentucky,
from which he was graduated in 191 3. He then returned to Knox-
ville and has since engaged in general practice.
Dr. Wright is a member of the Marion County Medical Society,
the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa-
tion. Praternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and
politically is a democrat with independent tendencies. He is well
242 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
known in the city in which his entire life has been passed and the
place which he has already won as a medical practitioner makes his
record in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never
without honor save in his own country.
I
THOMAS T. McMillan.
Thomas T. McMillan, who has continuously resided in Marion
county for the past six decades, was identified with agricultural and
mercantile pursuits while still an active factor in the business world,
but for the past three years has lived retired in the enjoyment of well
earned rest. His birth occurred in Indiana on the loth of February,
1840. his parents being Thomas and Mary (Breckenridge) McMil-
lan, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They emigrated to the
United States about 1834, first locating in Dayton, Ohio, and subse-
quently removing to Indiana. In 1854 they came to Marion county,
Iowa, and took up their abode on a farm in Clay township, while
later they removed to Knoxville, this county, where both passed
away. They were the parents of five children, four of whom sur-
vive.
Thomas T. McMillan received his education in the common
schools and was a youth of fourteen when his parents established
their home in this county. In October, 1861, when twenty-one years
of age, he joined the Union army as a member of Company K, Third
Iowa Cavalry, with which command he served for three years. At
the end of that time he was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and
though often in the thickest of the hght and never faltering in the
performance of any task assigned liim, he escaped injury of any
kind. After returning to Marion county he turned his attention to
general agricultural pursuits and subsequently opened a general store
at Durham which he conducted successfully for a period of thirty
years. In 191 1 he disposed of his mercantile interests and has since
lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former labor in well earned
ease. He owns a nice residence in the village of Durham and is
widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of
the community.
Mr. McMillan has been married twice. In 1861 he wedded
Miss Jennie Jones, by whom he had one child, Mary, who is now
the wife of O. W. Squires and resides in New York city. The
mother passed away in 1862 and four years later Mr. McMillan
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 243
was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah C.
Monroe, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Duncan and Janet
(Loynachan) Monroe, who were born in Scotland. They came to
Iowa in 1854 and in this state spent the remainder of their lives.
To Thomas T. and Sarah C. (Monroe) McMillan have been born
the following children: John, who is married and makes his home
in Marion county, Iowa; Fred, of Regina, Canada, a yardmaster
with the Canadian Pacific Railroad; James, who has passed away,
leaving a widow and two children living at Boulder, Colorado; Jean,
the wife of L. A. Whaley, of Burlington, Iowa; Thomas, who is
deceased ; Charles, who is married and resides in Keokuk, Iowa ;
Jennie, who gave her hand in marriage to R. J. McLees; and Frank
D., who travels from Keokuk, Iowa.
In his political views Mr. McMillan is a republican, ever remain-
ing a stanch supporter of the party which was the defense of the
Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He has held several
township offices and has ever discharged his public duties in a
prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he still maintains pleasant
relations with his old army comrades through his membership in
the Knoxville post of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife
is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Mr.
McMillan has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's
journey and receives the respect and veneration 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.
MATHYS VERROS.
Mathys Verros, a worthy native son and prosperous agriculturist
of Marion county, has devoted his attention to farming throughout
his entire business career and is now the owner of six hundred and
eighty-seven acres of valuable land on section 6, Clay township. His
birth occurred on the 22d day of October, 1857, his parents being
Teunis and Nettie (Vanclotwick) Verros, both of whom were natives
of Holland. They emigrated to the United States in 1848 and made
their way direct to Marion county, Iowa, here spending the
remainder of their lives. They became the parents of eleven chil-
dren, six of whom survive.
24i HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mathys Verros acquired his education in the common schools and
remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age,
when he was married and established a home of his own. He culti-
vated a rented farm for six years and on the expiration of that period
purchased a tract of land in Mahaska county, Iowa, there cai'rying
on agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully until 1907.
In that year he disposed of the property and bought a farm of six
hundred and eighty-seven acres on section 6, Clay township, Marion
county, which he has cultivated with excellent results to the present
time. In connection with the production of cereals he also makes a
specialty of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business
yielding him a gratifying annual income.
In 1881 Mr. Verros was united in marriage to Miss Datje Van-
beck, a native of Holland and a daughter of Cornelius and Henrietta
Vanbeck. They came to the United States in 1868, settling in Marion
county, Iowa, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Verros
have been born fifteen children, as follows: Elizabeth, Henrietta,
Tunies, Cornelius. William, Nettie, Garret, Gertrude, Bert, Cor-
nelia, David, Leham, and three who died in infancy.
Mr. Verros is a democrat in his political views and now serves
in the office of school director, the cause of education finding in him
a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his member-
ship in the German Reformed church. Wherever he is known he is
honored and respected, for he is a man of many sterling traits of
character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and at all
times upright and trustworthy.
WILLIAM J. WHITLATCH.
William J. Whitlatch, wide-awake, alert and enterprising, is
numbered among the leading young farmers of Indiana township.
He was born December 26, 1885, on the farm which is still his home,
his parents being George and Sally (Simmons) Whitlatch, both of
whom were natives of Marion county. The father died here on the
1 6th of July, 1887, and is still survived by his wife, who yet makes
her home in this county. In their family were three children : Len-
nie ; Ernest G., now living in Lucas county, Iowa ; and William J.
The last named entered the public schools at the usual age and
therein mastered the branches of English learning. He also worked
in the fields and his practical training qualified him for the responsi-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 245
bilities of business life when he started out for himself. He was mar-
ried February 17, 1904, at Knoxville, Iowa, the lady of his choice
being Miss Anna Eliza Bybee, who was born October 14, 1883, a
daughter of Lyman Lee and Elizabeth Emma (Bellamy) Bybee,
who are now residents of Knoxville and who are mentioned else-
where in this work.
After his marriage Mr. Whitlatch rented a farm for a year and
then purchased property. He is now the owner of eighty acres on
section 28, Indiana township, and he operates altogether three hun-
dred and seventy acres, being thus extensively engaged in farming.
He has studied the best methods of crop production, knows the nature
of the soil upon his farm and through careful cultivation has made his
fields very productive. He also engages in stock-raising and keeps
on hand good grades of cattle and hogs. He is a breeder of pure bred
Hampshire hogs and Oxford sheep and a profitable department of
his stock-raising is his pure bred Brown Leghorn chickens. Success
has attended his intelligently directed efforts and he is accounted one
of the representative farmers of his community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Whitlatch has been born a daughter, Emeline
Jeanette, who was born November 26, 1906, and is now in school.
The parents are members of the Methodist Protestant church and
are people of the highest respectability, their genuine worth having
gained for them high esteem. Mr. Whitlatch exercises his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party.
Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, holding membership
in Attica Lodge, No. 229. He is also identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in Lodge No.
657, while Mrs. Whitlatch is a member of Lodge No. 70, Daughters
of Rebekah, at Knoxville. His life has been characterized by high
and honorable principles and he is ever devoted to duty, nor through
neglect thereof leaves to others the work which he should do. He is
thoroughly honorable in matters of citizenship and matters of busi-
ness, and he holds friendship inviolable.
E. C. HOGATE.
E. C. Hogate is engaged in the real-estate and grain business in
Tracy, where he has made his home since 1903. He has always lived
in Marion countv, his birth having here occurred on the 22d of
August, 1866. His parents were S. S. and Melissa (Rouze) Hogate,
the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Indiana. They
246 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
came to Iowa at an early day and are represented on another page
of this volume.
E. C. Hogate was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the
age and period, his time being divided between the acquirement of
a public-school education, the pleasures of the playground and the
work of the fields. At an early age he began to assist in the develop-
ment of the home farm and in early manhood he began farming and
stock-raising on his own account. He purchased and sold stock of
all kinds and won a substantial measure of success in the undertak-
ing, especially as a horseman and dealer in horses. In 1903 he took
up his abode at Tracy, continued in the horse business on a more
extensive scale and established a livery business which he conducted
for some time and then sold. He then turned his attention to the
real-estate and grain business, in which he has since continued as a
member of the firm of Hogate and Lyman, which handles a large
amount of grain annually, making extensive shipments, and at the
same time has negotiated many important property transfers. He
now owns a half interest in eight hundred acres of land, also a half
interest in the elevator at Tracy and has other property.
In 1887 Mr. Hogate was united in marriage to Miss Nannie E.
Sipe, who was born in Monroe county, Iowa, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Jacob Sipe, both now deceased. In their family were six chil-
dren, all of whom are yet living. Mr. Hogate is a member of Bellc-
fontaine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., at Tracy, and has filled
some of the offices in the lodge. He likewise has membership in the
Odd Fellows lodge and in Camp No. 1695, ^I- ^ A- while his
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The many
sterling traits of his character are recognized by his large circle of
friends and acquaintances, who entertain for him warm regard and
number him among the leading and representative business men of
the county.
WALTER BANE.
Walter Bane is engaged in tlic abstract business and in the plac-
ing of farm loans and is meeting with success therein. He has
resided in Knoxville for a number of years but was born in Warren
county, this state, on the 8th of January, 1869, a son of Washington
and Bethany (Wilson) Bane, natives of Virginia, Illinois, and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 247
Coshocton county. Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandfather,
Hugh Bane, was born in Scotland but emigrated to Virginia many
vears ago and subsequently came west, settling in Illinois. Still
later he removed to Iowa, being one of the early settlers of this state.
The maternal grandparents were Samuel B. and Louisa Wilson,
born in New Jersey and V^irginia respectively. They removed to
Linn county, Iowa, about 1851 and a few years later came to Marion
county. Washington Bane was a farmer by occupation and passed
away in 1876, his widow surviving him until the 20th of February,
1881. They had three children, namely: Lee, who died in Cali-
fornia; Walter; and Leonard, a railway mail clerk residing at St.
Louis.
Walter Bane was given a public-school education and subse-
quently took, a business course in Highland Park College of Des
Moines and also attended Valparaiso University at Valparaiso,
Indiana, for a short time. He taught school for several years but
subsequently abandoned that profession and clerked in a store for a
time. From 1897 to 1902 he was deputy county auditor and in 1904
was elected auditor. His previous experience as deputy enabled him
to take charge of the afifairs of the office immediately without the
necessity of having the retiring auditor assist him for a time and he
proved a thoroughly competent official. His record was indorsed
by his constituents by reelection and during the two terms that he
was the incumbent of the office he discharged promptly and capably
all of the duties devolving upon him. In 1908 he embarked in the
abstract business and has since continued to devote his time to that
line and has made many abstracts of title in the intervening years.
He has gained a reputation for thorough and accurate work and his
patronage is constantly increasing. He also places farm loans and
has been very successful in obtaining a fair rate of interest without
endangering the principal. He ranks among the energetic and suc-
cessful business men of the city and is highly respected for his integ-
ritv and ability.
Mr. Bane was married on the 3d of September. 1894. to Miss
Mary Clark, a daughter of Frank and Susanne (Erb) Clark, and
a native of Marion county. Her father was a son of John Clark,
who came to Iowa from Tennessee about 1848. Both the father and
son were farmers by occupation. Susanne Erb accompanied her
parents on their removal from Pennsylvania to Iowa in the early
days of the history of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Bane were born
four daughters and a son, namely: Velma, deceased; and Violet.
Loren, Edna and Frances, all at home.
248 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Bane is a democrat in his political belief and is loyal in his
support of the candidates of that organization. Fraternally he
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. In the latter fraternity he holds membership in the
subordinate lodge, the encampment and the Rebekahs. His wife is
also a member of the last named. His interest in the public welfare
is genuine and constant and he is considered one of the useful citi-
zens of Knoxville.
I
J. R. CLINE.
J. R. Cline was a farmer and breeder of registered cattle for
twenty years, but for the last four years has lived retired at Kno.x-
ville. He was born on New Year's day, 1863, in Vinton county,
Ohio, a son of Joseph and Jane (Douglas) Cline, both of whom are
deceased. The father, who was a harness maker by trade and also
dealt in horses and other stock, became a resident of Wilkesville,
Vinton county, before the Civil war and resided there continuously
until his death. His business is continued by a son. The Cline fam-
ily is of German and Irish descent and the Douglas family of Scot-
tish extraction. The parents of the subject of this review were Pres-
byterians in religious faith. To their union were born six children,
five of whom are now living. The eldest has passed away and those
who survive besides the subject of this review are: Clara and G. A.,
both of Knoxville; Mrs. W. H. Lucas, who is the wife of a teacher
and is a resident of Marysville, this county, but who was for many
years a resident of Knoxville; and J. L., who is engaged in the har-
ness business at Wilkesville, Ohio.
J. R. Cline was reared in Ohio and after completing a course in
the district schools there attended an academy. His marriage
occurred in that state and in the same year, 1885, he removed to this
county, locating in Knoxville township, where he became the owner
of a fine tract of land and for twenty years he was engaged in the
breeding of registered Polled Angus cattle. He was very success-
ful as a stock-raiser, was widely known in this section of Iowa in
that connection and his yearly income was a gratifying one. His
thorough knowledge of the stock business and the care with which
he raised his cattle, providing them with sanitary buildings for
shelter and feeding them those rations which have been proved best,
were not in vain, for his stock were alwavs in fine condition and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 249
brDught a high price when sold. In the course of years he accumu-
lated enough capital to give him a comfortable income for the re-
mainder of his davs and for the last four years he has lived retired
at Knoxville. He owns a fine home in the city and is enjoying his
life of leisure.
Mr. Cline was married in Ohio in 1885 to Miss Elizabeth Hen-
derson, a daughter of Almond and Jane Henderson, who removed
to this county in 1884. The father was a farmer by occupation and
a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in an Ohio regiment.
Both he and his wife passed away some years ago. Mrs. Cline was
reared in Gallia county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Cline have been
born three children. After completing a course in the Knoxville
high school Eulah entered Coe College at Cedar Rapids, from which
she was graduated in 1913. She is now a high-school teacher at
Walker, Iowa. Estella was graduated from the Kirksville high
school and is now a sophomore at Coe College. She is taking a
musical course. Ray H. is a farmer in Kno.wille township.
The family belong to the Presbyterian church and are among
those who can be counted upon to support movements having as
their object the betterment of the community. Fraternally Mr. Cline
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Knoxville and
his wife and daughters are members of the Rebekahs. In his political
belief he is a republican with progressive tendencies. While en-
gaged in the raising of stock and in farming he did much to advance
those interests in Marion county and the leisure which is now his is
richly deserved.
BENJAMIN R. BEACH.
Benjamin R. Beach is well known in business circles of Knoxville
as the manager of the lumberyard of the Pauls Lumber Company
here, which is the oldest established yard in the city. He was born
in Muscatine, this state, on the 14th of July, 1878, a son of Benjamin
and Mary J. (Mason) Beach. His father was a coppersmith by trade
but in his later life engaged in the grocery business. He held a
number of local offices, being postmaster for eight years and county
overseer of the poor for fourteen years. He was a veteran of both
the Mexican and Civil wars and during the latter part of the Civil
war was colonel of the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was
faithful to his colors and brave in the face of the greatest danger both
250 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
as a private and as an officer, and his military record was one of
which he might well be proud. For over seven years he fought in
the armies of the United States. He passed away on the i6th of May,
1913, but his widow survives.
Benjamin R. Beach attended the public schools as a boy and youth
and after putting aside his text-books was employed in a number of
sash and door factories and lumberyards, thus learning at first hand
the details of the lumber business. In January, 191 1, he was made
manager of the Bussey lumberyard of this county and a year later
accepted the position of manager of the Pauls lumberyard at Knox-
ville. It was established here many years ago and has always had the
reputation of handling a high grade of lumber and of charging rea-
sonable prices. Mr. Beach's long experience with the trade and his
intimate knowledge of its various branches well qualify him for the
responsible position which he holds and the afifairs of the company
are in most capable hands.
On the 3d of August, 1904, Mr. Beach was married to Miss Marie
Rankin, of Muscatine, a daughter of J. W. and Carrie (McGowd)
Rankin. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have become the parents of two chil-
dren, George Rankin and Mary Wells.
Mr. Beach is a member of the Presbyterian churcli and politically
supports the republican party. His fraternal allegiance is given to
the Masonic order and the Woodmen of the World. He belongs to
Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18,
R. A. M., and Melita Commandery, No. 64, K. T. As a business
man and in all of the relations of life he has guided his conduct by
high principles of ethics and the respect in which he is universally
held in Knoxville is fully merited.
W. A. SPIKER, D. V. S.
Dr. W. A. Spiker, who since 1912 has been engaged in the practice
of veterinary surgery at Columbia, enjoys a well merited reputation
in this connection. His birth occurred in Lucas county, Iowa, on the
1 8th of November, 1876, his parents being J. F. and Adella W.
(Brightwell) Spiker, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They
came to Iowa in an early day, settling in Lucas county, where the
mother passed away in 1907 and where the father still makes his
home. Their eight children are all yet living.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 251
W. A. Spiker attended the common schools in the acquirement
of an education and spent the period of his minority under the parental
roof. He then started out as an agriculturist on his own account and
successfully followed farming until 1909, when he began preparation
for a professional career as a student in the Chicago Veterinary
College, from which he was graduated in 1912. He at once located
for practice at Columbia and has here since remained, having already
won gratifying success in the field of his chosen vocation.
On April 18, 1897, Dr. Spiker was united in marriage to Miss
Ruth B. Anderson, a native of this county and a daughter of Mathew
and Mclla A. (Davis) Anderson, both of whom were born in Mary-
land, coming to Iowa in an early day. The father is now deceased,
but the mother survives. Dr. Spiker gives his political allegiance
to the democracy and fraternally is identified with the following
organizations: Tyre Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., in which he is
now filling the south chair; Lodge No. 660, I. O. O. F. ; and the
Modern Woodmen Camp at Chariton, Iowa. Both he and his wife
attend the Christian church and are highly esteemed as people of
genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives.
ALLEN ANDERSON.
Allen Anderson, who is the proprietor of a roller skating rink in
Knoxville and is also engaged in the real-estate business, was born
in Polk township, this county, on the Des Moines river, in i860, a
son of J. W. and Harriet (Smith) Anderson. The father was a
native of Kentucky and when ten years of age accompanied his parents
to Davis county, Iowa. His father was J. W. Anderson, Sr., also
a native of Kentucky, although his father was born in Sweden, being
the first of the family to come to America, and upon his arrival in
this country making his way direct to Kentucky, where he located.
J. W. Anderson, Sr., grew to manhood in Davis county, where his
father owned land which he had entered in the early '50s. The
parents of our subject were married in Van Buren county, Iowa, in
i860 and in the same year removed to Marion county, locating in
Polk township, at what was then called Coalport, a small steamboat
town of that time. The father farmed with his father-in-law, Thomas
C. Smith, for a time and subsequently conducted a pottery for a
number of years. He returned to Davis county and followed agri-
cultural pursuits there for some time, but in 1877 f^ioved again to
252 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
this county. His wife died in 1897 and he afterward went to Des
Moines, where he served under Mayor McVicker upon the police
force. He is still living in that city at the advanced age of eighty
years. His wife was born in Somerset, Ohio, and was a daughter
of Thomas C. Smith, a native of Delaware. The family home in
Ohio was next to that of General Phil Sheridan but removal was
subsequently made to this county, where Mr. Smith is well remem-
bered by many. He died at his home in Polk township when about
eighty-four years of age. Mrs. Anderson was sixty-three years of
age when she passed away. Her religious faith was that of the Baptist
church. Mr. Anderson of this review has two brothers living, namely.
J. W. and Thomas C, both farmers of Polk township.
Allen Anderson was reared in Davis and Marion counties and
early became acquainted with the duties of the farmer and learned
by practical experience efficient methods of agriculture. Upon start-
ing out in life for himself he cultivated land and so continued until
1896. He also ran a thresher and for fifteen years was the owner of
a sawmill which he operated. In 1896 he removed to Knoxville,
where he started a feedyard in 1900 and operated the same until 1907.
Since 1910 he has owned and conducted a roller skating rink, wdiich
is a popular place of amusement, especially for the young people
of the city. He also engages in the real-estate business to some extent
and finds this a profitable side line.
Mr. Anderson was married in this county to Miss Eliza Crouch,
who was born here. Her father, William Crouch, settled here in
1859, coming from Virginia. Mrs. Anderson has a sister, Mrs. Jones,
who lives near Knoxville, and two brothers living in Knoxville.
By her marriage she became the mother of six children, three of
whom survive, namelv: A. J., who is a plumber and resides at home;
and Eva and Raymond, also at home. A daughter, Mrs. Harvey
Myers, died in voung womanhood, and Nora and Frank died in
childhood. Mrs. Anderson and the children belong to the Christian
church.
Mr. Anderson is a democrat and one of the prominent men in
local political circles. For the past twenty-five years he has attended
the countv and state conventions of his partv and he has held a num-
ber of local offices. In addition to serving .in various township posi-
tions he was for two terms county supervisor, being first elected in
1906, and he has also been a member of the city council of Knoxville.
Fraternallv he is well known, holding membership in the subordinate
lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fell'ows,
in the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men, the Foresters, the Modern
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 253
Woodmen and the Homesteaders. He likewise belongs to the ladies'
auxiliaries of all of the above orders. His wife is a member of the
Rebekahs, the Pythian Sisters, the Pocahontas and Woman's Relief
Corps. He has proven a successful business man and also an upright
and public-spirited citizen and enjoys the respect of those who know
him.
S. L. LEI BY.
A valuable farm of two hundred and forty-seven acres situated
near Hamilton in Liberty township is the property of S. L. Leiby
and returns to him a gratifying annual income as a reward for the
care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He was born in
Pennsylvania on the 9th of January, 18^4, and has long made his
home in this county. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Ritze)
Leiby, were both natives of the Keystone state and came to Iowa in
1857, settling in Marion county, where they became identified with
the early development and progress of this section of the state. Their
remaining days were here passed and upon their farm they reared
their family of eleven children, five of whom are yet living.
S. L. Leiby spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the
parental roof and at the usual age began attending the district schools.
He was but three years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa,
since which time he has lived in Marion county. When not busy
with his text-books he worked in the fields and continued to assist
his father until after he had attained his majority. He was then
married and started out in life on his own account. He wedded Miss
Sarah Bachman, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Joel
and Caroline (Neifert) Bachman, both of whom were born in the
Keystone state, where they lived until 1879 and then came to Marion
county, Iowa, settling upon a farm. The father is still living and
yet devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits, but the
mother has passed away. In their family were seven children, all of
whom survive.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leiby began their
domestic life upon the home farm where they now reside, situated
in Liberty township, not far from Hamilton. The place is a valuable
property, comprising two hundred and forty-seven acres of rich and
productive land, on which he has placed many improvements and
he has added thereto many of the modern equipments and accessories
254 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
of the model farm of the twentieth century. The buildings are large
and substantial and the barns and sheds furnish ample shelter to grain
and stock. The latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the
work of the fields and each year Mr. Leiby gathers good harvests,
the golden grain rewarding him for the labor he has spent in
cultivation.
To Mr. and Mrs. Leiby have been born four children, but two
of the number have passed away. Those still living are Daisy and
Fred, the former now the wife of James Reding. Mr. Leiby gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been
desirous of holding office. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd
Fellows lodge at Marysville and his wife is identified with the Re-
bekahs. Both are consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran
church and have guided their lives according to its teachings, so that
they naturally have the respect, confidence and good-will of all who
know them. Mr. Leiby has resided in the county for fifty-seven years
and has been a witness of many of the events which have left their
impress upon the history of this section of the state. He has lived
to see remarkable changes, for the work of transformation has done
away with all of the evidences of pioneer life seen in the early days
and has brought about the conditions and advantages of modern
civilization.
THOMAS GLENN FULTZ, D. V. M.
Dr. Thomas Glenn Fultz, a successful and progressive veterinary
physician residing in Pella, was born in Story county, Iowa, near the
town of Nevada, on the 13th of October, 1887. a son of T. D. and
Julia (Maxwell) Fultz. His father, a carpenter by trade, is now
employed at the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical
Arts at Ames. The subject of this review is the elder of two sons,
his brother being Frank M. Fultz, now assistant manager of the
Citizens Lumber Company of Fort Dodge, this state.
Dr. Fultz entered the public schools at the usual age and upon
completing the course therein became a student in the high school
and subsequently took a veterinary course at Ames, receiving the
degree of D. V. M. in 1910. In September of that year he located
at Pella and has since practiced his profession here. He has been
successful in his treatment of the diseases of animals and his services
are often called into requisition by the farmers of the county.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 255
Dr. Fultz was married in March, 191 1, to Miss Nora Meyer, a
daughter of George Meyer, a farmer living near Ames, in Story
county. The Doctor is a democrat but has not taken an active part
in political affairs. Fraternally he belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 55,
A. F. & A. M., and to the Red Men at Ames, Iowa. Dr. Fultz was
for six years a member of the Iowa National Guard, in which he
enlisted as a private, but he was mustered out as first lieutenant. He
has just erected a fine home in the city and his interests are thoroughly
identified with those of Pella. He is popular personally and those
who know him speak well of him.
WILLIAM F. CREW, M. D.
Dr. William F. Crew is well known in Pella and Marion county,
where he has practiced medicine for a number of years. He is an
able physician and surgeon and has an especially creditable record
in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which
he has specialized to some extent. In his early manhood he taught
school and from 1896 to 1900 filled the office of county superintendent
of schools for Marion county.
The Doctor was born in this county on the ist of May, 1872, a
son of William and Martha (Workman) Crew, both natives of High-
land county, Ohio, where their marriage occurred. In 1866 they
removed to Marion county, Iowa, and purchased land near Red
Rock, where they resided until their deaths. The father passed away
in 1885, having survived his wife for eleven years, her demise occur-
ring in 1874. To them were born eight children, four sons and four
daughters. Those living are: Mrs. John Templeton, the wife of a
farmer; J. M., who is following agricultural pursuits in this county;
Ellen, the wife of Dr. F. M. Roberts, of Honeywell, Missouri; and
William F.
The last named acquired his early education in the public schools
in the neighborhood of his home, and continued his academic work
in the Central University of Iowa at Pella. In 1903 he was graduated
from the school of pharmacy of the Valparaiso University at Val-
paraiso, Indiana, and in 1904 received his medical degree from
Barnes Medical College at St. Louis. He first located for practice in
Ralston, Iowa, where he remained for two and a half years, after
which he removed to Lorimor, Iowa. He resided there for five years
and then did post-graduate work in Chicago. In December, 191 1,
256 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
he came to Pella and has since remained in this city, where he enjoys
a large general and special practice. He belongs to the state and
county medical societies and to the American Medical Association
and finds these organizations invaluable as a means of keeping abreast
with the discoveries that are constantly being made in the science of
medicine and with the improved methods which are being worked
out in its practice. Although he has only resided in Pella for three
years, he has gained the confidence of the general public and of his
colleagues as well, and his advice is often sought by his brother prac-
titioners upon doubtful points.
In 1903 Dr. Crew was married to Miss Florence Stuart, a
daughter of Dr. John and Mary (Crafty) Stuart, natives of Canada,
who came to Pella about 1889. For many years Dr. Stuart was
president of the Central University of Iowa, which is located at Pella,
but is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Monon, Indiana.
To Dr. and Mrs. Crew have been born three children, Mary E.,
Robert Stuart and Martha Louise. The family belong to the Baptist
church and the integrity of their daily lives is the best proof of the
sincerity of their religious faith. The Doctor is a democrat in his
political views and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
Those who have once been admitted to intimate friendship with him
remain his loyal and enthusiastic friends, as close acquaintance but
more fully reveals the genuineness of his character and his many
admirable traits.
EDWARD H. CUMMINGS.
Edward H. Cummings for a number of years has lived in Kno.x-
ville in quiet retirement from the cares of active life. He was born
in Clay township, this county, October 26, i860, a son of Hugh and
Agnes (Loynachan) Cummings, both natives of Argyleshire, Scot-
land. The father went to Ohio when about twenty-one years of age
and was married to Miss Loynachan near Marietta, that state, she
having emigrated to this countrv with licr parents a number of years
before. In the '50s they left Ohio and removed to Iowa, settling in
Clay township, this county. The father secured a fine farm and
resided there until his death, which occurred July 14, 1899, when
he was seventy-nine years of age. He was a member of the Presby-
terian church and a republican in his political belief. His wife was
a daughter of David Loynachan and was also a Presbyterian. She
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 257
died October 30, 1899, when seventy-five years old. To them were
born nine children, eight of whom survive, the youngest having died
when a child. Those living are: Isabel, the wife of John Dunlap,
of Ulysses, Nebraska; Robert, of Fremont, that state; David, residing
in Pella, this county; Mrs. Barbara Weir, of Longmont, Colorado;
Mrs. Nettie Beard, who is a widow and makes her home in Kno.wille,
Iowa; Edward H., of this review; William, residing upon the home
farm in Clay township; and Mrs. Sarah McVey, who also resides in
Clay township.
Edward H. Cummings was reared in his native township and
remained at home until he attained his majority. He then removed
to Knoxville township and began farming there and so continued
until he retired. He had but a small amount of capital when he
began his independent business career and the first residence upon
his farm was only a log house. The necessity of enduring hardships
and of living frugally did not dismay him, however, and as he was
industrious and enterprising and a man of sound judgment his re-
sources steadily increased and he became prosperous and well-to-do.
He gave especial attention to the raising of stock, breeding registered
Polled Angus cattle and also Poland China hogs of good grade. He
was recognized as one of the up-to-date and prosperous stockmen of
the county. He still owns a farm of one hundred and forty-seven
acres of land as well as his residence in Knoxville.
Mr. Cummings was married in this county in February, 1884, to
Miss Rachel McClain, who was born in Knoxville on the 21st of
August, 1861, a daughter of James and Martha (Huron) McClain.
Her parents, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively, removed
from the Hoosier state to Wapello county, Iowa, where they were
numbered among the early settlers, and subsequently came to Knox-
ville. They eventually located upon a farm in Knoxville township,
where they lived until called to their final rest. Here the father died
in December, 1910, aged seventy-four years, having survived his wife
for almost a year, her demise occurring January 13, 1910. Mr. Mc-
Clain had three children by a former marriage, Martha, Sarah and
Rosetta, the last named being deceased. Seven children were born
of his second union, namely: Mrs. Mary Dennis, of Park Rapids,
Minnesota; Mrs. Cummings; Eli and George, both farmers of Knox-
ville township, this county; Rilla, deceased; and two who died in
infancy. Mrs. Cummings was reared in this county and is indebted
to the public schools for her education. By her marriage she has
become the mother of four children. Roy, who was born December
25, 1884, is operating the home farm. He married Miss Dessie Whit-
258 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
latch and they have one son, Raymond, aged five years. Fay, born
February i6, 1891, is a school teacher in the county. Beryl, born
August 7, 1898, and Hugh, whose birth occurred March 10, 1904,
are both at home. Mrs. Cummings is a member of the Presbyterian
church. Mr. Cummings is a republican in politics and fraternally
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a
member of the Rebekahs. His life has always conformed to high
standards of conduct, and he enjoys the respect and good-will of his
fellowmen.
SAMUEL H. DOUGHMAN.
In a historv of the leading business men of Marion county, Sam-
uel H. Doughman deserves prominent mention, for he was a lead-
ing figure in agricultural and financial circles. As the years passed
he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of five hun-
dred acres of valuable Iowa farm land, and at all times his business
methods were such as would bear close investigation and scrutiny.
His worth of character won for him high regard and his death was
therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the
iith of October, 1911, he passed away. He was born in Shelby
county. Indiana, August 29, 1838. a son of John T. and Ahbie (Hig-
gins) Doughman. The family came to Iowa in 1848, casting in their
lot with the early residents of Marion county. The father purchased
land where the town of Tracy now stands and upon this farm he
and his wife spent their remaining days. His entire life was devoted
to general agricultural pursuits and he was never an office seeker
or office holder. He lived peaceably with his fellowmen, cooperated
in movements for the public good and at all times made an unassail-
able record as a man and as a citizen.
Samuel H. Doughman was a little lad of but ten summers when
the family came to Iowa. He attended the district schools and
through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father
upon the home farm. Later he continued to assist in its further de-
velopment until he reached the age of thirty years but in the mean-
time responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting at Oska-
loosa in August, 1862, as a member of Company D, Thirty-third
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and serving until the close of the war,
when he was mustered out at Oskaloosa with the rank of second ser-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 259
geant. He was wounded at Jenkins Ferry but always escaped cap-
ture and altogether made a most creditable record.
Upon his return home Mr. Doughman resumed farming and in
1868 he completed arrangements for having a home of his own in
his marriage on the i8th of October of that year to Sarah Cooper,
a daughter of Charles and Maria (Gitchell) Cooper, of Ohio, who
arrived here in 1851 and settled on the Knoxville road, four miles
west of Tracy. Mr. Cooper entered a quarter section of land and
thereon engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred
in 1886. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1862.
Mr. and Mrs. Doughman became the parents of four children, as
follows: Rose, who is the wife of Nelson Ruple, of this county;
John T. ; Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to Charles John-
son; and Fannie, the wife of William Graham, of Twin Falls, Idaho.
Following his marriage Mr. Doughman purchased two hundred
and seventy acres of partially improved land and to his holdings
added from time to time until he became the owner of more than
five hundred acres. He was one of the leading agriculturists of
Clav township and employed the most progressive methods in tilling
the soil and caring for the crops. Extending his efforts in other
directions, he became one of the organizers of the Iowa Savings
Bank at Tracy and was elected the second president of the institu-
tion, filling that position until the time of his death. His early
political allegiance was given to the democratic party but later, on
account of his pronounced views on the temperance question, he be-
came a stanch prohibiti(jnist. He was a charter member of Belle-
fontaine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., and remained one of its
consistent and highly respected representatives until his demise. The
following is an excerpt from "Resolutions of Respect" submitted by
the committee of Bellefontaine Lodge:
"Resolved, That in the death of Brother Doughman the lodge
has lost a member who was well versed in its work, having been a
member from its inception and having filled all the important offices
with much credit and earnestness * * That the community
has lost a useful citizen, the church an ardent supporter, a man who
has perhaps contributed more than any other in the community to
charitable and educational purposes."
Mr. Doughman was a consistent Christian man, holding mem-
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Dough-
man still belongs. His life was temperate in all things and his
record is a credit to the community. He was devoted to his home
and to his church and high and honorable principles and ideals
260 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
guided him in every relation. Those who knew him, and he had
an extensive acquaintance, esteemed him highly and those who came
within the closer circle of comradeship were glad to call him friend.
FRANK CLARK.
Frank Clark is a retired farmer and stockman residine at No.
2305 West Pleasant street, Knoxville, and is liighly esteemed bv his
fellow citizens. He was born in Dade county, Georgia, on the 26th
of April, 1843, a son of James and Minerva (McKeg) Clark, natives
of Tennessee and Georgia respectively. The father was born in
1 8 17 and as a young man went to Georgia, where his marriage oc-
curred. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1849 left that state
and came to Marion county, Iowa, entering one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Knoxville township. He subsequently purchased
fifty more acres and devoted his time and energy to the cultivation
of his land until his death, which occurred in looi. His first wife,
the mother of the subject of this review, passed away in 18(52 and lie
afterward married Mrs. J. W. Miller, by whom he had five children.
Six children were born to his first marriage, all of whom are living
but one daughter. He was a democrat in politics and in religious
belief was an old school Baptist. He \\ as highly esteemed in his
community and his demise was sincerely mourned.
Frank Clark was the second in order of birth in a family of six
children and was reared at home. His education was that afforded
by the early country schools, but during his boyhood he gained much
knowledge that was not learned from books, as he assisted his father
in the work of the farm and thus familiarized himself with practical
methods of agriculture. After his marriage he operated forty acres
of the home place until 1882, when he removed to Richardson county,
Nebraska, and leased eight hundred acres of land. He remained
upon that place for about ten years and then removed to another farm
in the same county, where he resided until 1907. He next went to
Lawton, Oklahoma, where he took up a homestead claim and also
purchased another quarter section. After living in Oklahoma for
three years he sold his landed interests and returned to Marion
county. He took up his residence in Knoxville, where he owns six
and a half acres of land and where he has continued to live up to the
present time.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 261
Mr. Clark was married in 1867 to Miss Martha Sunderland, a
daughter of William and Marinda (Miller) Sunderland. Her
father was born in Ohio and her mother's birth occurred in Indiana
in 1830. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hoosier state and
to their union were born two children: Julia E., whose birth oc-
curred in Indiana on the 12th of June, 1848; and Martha J., who
was born in Iowa on the 5th of April, 1850. Mr. Sunderland passed
away while Mrs. Clark was a small child and his wife died in 1896.
Mrs. Clark was educated in this county and remained at home until
her marriage. She has become the mother of the following children :
Ernest E., who was born on the 23d of April, 1869, and who married
Miss Cora Argabright; Owen Otis, born November 23, 1871, who
married Miss Odell; Frank Oliver, whose birth occurred on the
13th of September, 1872, and who now resides in Oklahoma; James
E., born October 19, 1876, who married Lola Henry and resides in
Knoxville, Iowa; Minnie, deceased; Chester E., who was born Sep-
tember 3, 1880, and married Miss Mittie Currie; Pearl, deceased;
Maude E., who was born May 10, 1887, and is at home; Walter E.,
who died at the age of nineteen years; and Ruth Esther, born Feb-
ruary 25, 1890.
Mr. Clark is a democrat and is interested in all that has to do
with the community advancement and progress. Fraternally he
belongs to the Woodmen of the World and to the Ancient Order of
United Workmen at Verdon, Nebraska. His religious belief is
indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. W^iile
living in Nebraska he engaged in farming and stock-raising on quite
an extensive scale and his labors in earlier years made him financially
independent, so that since coming to Knoxville he has lived
practically retired. Those who have the privilege of his intimate
acquaintance value highly his friendship and esteem him as a man
of unimpeachable integrity.
GEORGE ZIN.
George Zin has resided in Knoxville for twelve years and during
that time has proven his right to be ranked among the energetic
and capable business men of the city. He is dealing in real-estate
and has negotiated a number of important transfers of property. He
was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 22d of September, 1861,
a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Long) Zin. The Zin family is of
262 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
English descent. The father was born February 13, 1833, in Jack-
son (now Vinton) county, Ohio, a son of Samuel Zin, who was a
farmer of that locality. Charles Zin was reared in his native county
and resided there until 1858, when he came west, settling in Appa-
noose county, Iowa. His marriage occurred in that county in 1859
and he farmed there for a few years afterward. He then came to
Marion county and followed agricultural pursuits here, owning one
of the best farms in Knoxville township. In 1887 he sold his land
and removed to Flarvey county, Kansas, where he engaged in bank-
ing. A few years later he located in Wichita and still later bought
a farm in Sedgwick county, where he made his home until his death,
which occurred February i, 1904. He was one of ten children, all
of whom were early residents of this part of Iowa and all are de-
ceased. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Long,
was also a native of Ohio and about 1851; accompanied her parents
to Iowa, the journey being made by ox team. Her brother, John
B. Long, died at Carlisle, Iowa, in 1913. She resides near Mount
Hope, Kansas, at the age of seventy-seven years. She is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was Charles Zin. To their
union were born four sons and two daughters, namely: George, of
this review; Mrs. Laura E. Cain, who died in July, 1887, near Knox-
ville; Calvin L., a general merchant of Melcher, Iowa, who also
owns a farm in that locality; Harvey A., a farmer residing in the
vicinity of Hinton, Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary Overman, who resides
with her mother; and Ira P., who is farming near Pond Creek, Okla-
homa.
George Zin attended the country schools in the acquirement of
his early education and later was a student in Central College at
Pella for a number of terms. From early childhood he was accus-
tomed to farm work and as a man followed that occupation until his
health failed. He then removed to Knoxville and has since engaged
in the real-estate business. He is an excellent judge of realty values,
especially of the worth of farm land, and as he is also an astute busi-
ness man he has succeeded in becoming one of the well known and
substantial real-estate agents of the city. He also supervises the
pcration of his farms which he has leased to others.
Mr. Zin was united in marriage in this county on the iSth of
January, 1884, to Miss May E. Goodspeed, who was born in Ohio,
but accompanied her parents to this county when a child of about
three years. She has a brother residing at Enid, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. Zin are both members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and their support is always given to movements which seek
o
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 263
the moral betterment of the community. Mr. Zin is a democrat in
politics and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. His wife is a member of the Rebekahs. They hold a high
place in the estimation of all who have been brought in contact with
them and are numbered among the valued residents of Knoxville.
JOSHUA RICHARDS.
Joshua Richards has but recently taken up his abode in Pleas-
antville, where he is now living retired from further business cares
in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly de-
serves. He still, however, owns a farm of two hundred acres in
Pleasant Grove township and at a former period was the owner of
four hundred and fifty-five acres in the same township. He has
made his home in Marion county since 1856 and his memory there-
fore forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro-
gressive present. There are few events of importance concerning
the history of the county and its development with which he is not
familiar and he contributed in substantial measure to the advance-
ment made along agricultural lines.
Mr. Richards was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, March 14,
1837, and is a son of William and Margaret (Thompson) Richards,
who were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Their marriage
took place in Ohio, and they subsequently removed to Wabash
county, Indiana, where they lived for four years but in 1856 they
came to Iowa, settling in Pleasant Grove township, where the father
secured land. He spent three or four years in Knoxville township
but much of his time in this county was passed in Pleasant Grove
township and with the work of general development and improve-
ment he was closely associated. He and his wife traveled life's jour-
ney together for more than sixty-eight years and both passed away
when over ninety years of age. In their family were ten children, of
whom five are yet living: Joshua, James and John, all of Pleasant-
ville; William, whose home is in Montana; and Urias, of Oklahoma.
Joshua Richards was the fourth in order of birth in his father's
family and was reared to the age of fourteen years in Ohio, during
which period he attended school and mastered many of the elemen-
tary branches of learning. Following the removal of the family to
Indiana he continued his education there. He was reared to farm
life and early became familiar with all the duties and labors incident
264 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
to the development and care of the fields. When he started out for
himself he took up farming and at the age of nineteen years he ar-
rived in Marion county, after which time he was identified with
agricultural interests until his recent retirement to private life. Suc-
cess attended his efiforts and as his financial resources increased he
kept adding to his holdings until his landed possessions aggregated
four hundred and fifty-five acres in Pleasant Grove township. He
has since disposed of a portion of his property but is still the owner
of two hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He was married
on the 31st of March, 1861, and soon afterward located upon the
farm which he still owns. There he engaged quite extensively in
the raising of Poland China hogs and still has a number of regis-
tered animals. He also raised good graded shorthorn cattle and
horses, and became well known as a stockman. He had nothing with
which to start out in the business world but he displayed careful
management, sound judgment and unfaltering industry and it was
thus that he gained a place among the substantial farmers of the
community.
As stated, Mr. Richards was married on the 31st of March, 1861,
the lady of his choice being Miss Frances Shunkwiler, who was born
in Indiana, January 25, 1843, and when three years of age was
brought to this county by he.r parents, David and Serilda (Qristol)
Shunkwiler, who in 1846 settled in Pleasant Grove township, Marion
county, where their remaining days were passed. Her father was
killed while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war
and his wife passed awav in this countv about forty years ago. They
were earnest Christian people and enjoyed the esteem and friendship
of many. Mrs. Richards had three brothers and two sisters. She
was reared in this county and pursued her education in one of the
old-time log schoolhouses of the pioneer day. To Mr. and Mrs.
Richards were born eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity
and six of whom are still living, namely: James, who is a resident
of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Ruann Ellen, who is the
wife of Henry Hartman, of Longmont, Colorado; Mary, who gave
her hand in marriage to Lawrence Sherman, of Pleasant Grove town-
ship, this county; Emma, the wife of James Evans, of Pleasantville,
Iowa; Georgia, who is the widow of O. B. Wright and resides at
home; and Frankie, the wife of Floyd Shoemaker, of Pleasant Grove
township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Richards also have twenty
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
In his political views Mr. Richards has always been a stalwart
republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lin-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 265
coin in i860. He has always marched under the party banner and
has been loyal to its interests. Since 1867 he has been affiliated with
the Masonic order, having been initiated into the craft at Pleasant-
ville. His wife was formerly a member of the Good Templars So-
ciety, which she joined in girlhood, and she is a member of the Chris-
tian church. Their lives have been well spent and they are widely
and favorably known in the county. Mr. Richards has done a good
work in a business way. He has made excellent improvements upon
his farm, which is modern in every particular. He has a system of
waterworks whereby water is piped into the house and into the barn
and every modern facility and equipment is to be seen there. He
well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying and equally deserves
the confidence and good-will entertained for him by his fellow
townsmen.
GEORGE H. AMOS.
George H. Amos, who was a member of the firm of Amos &
Davis, proprietors of a well known hardware store in Knoxville, is
one of the youngest business men in the city, as he was born in 1893.
His birth occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, and he is a son of
George L. and Ida (Harris) Amos. His father was born in Monroe,
Iowa, and was a son of E. H. Amos, a native of Ohio. The latter
was one of the first settlers of this state and entered government land
in Marion county. He became very prominent here and was presi-
dent of the Knoxville National Bank, of which he was one of the
organizers. George L. Amos was by occupation a stock buyer and
shipper and was known in that connection throughout the United
States. He bought horses all over the western part of the country,
purchasing them by the train load and selling them throughout the
east. He was known in Chicago as one of the biggest shippers of
horses operating through that city. Many of the horses which he
bought were finally exported, as his father-in-law was engaged in
that business and bought many horses from him. His wife, who was
in her maidenhood Miss Ida Harris, was a daughter of Henry S.
and Matilda Harris, residents of Boston. The father and paternal
grandfather of our subject both died in 1901, but his mother sur-
vives and lives in Boston. His paternal grandmother is also living
and makes her home in Knoxville.
266 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
George H. Amos was the only child born to his parents and was
given an excellent education. After completing the course offered
by the public schools he entered the Rindge Technical College, from
which he was graduated in 19 12. He was employed by the Cam-
bridge Trust Company for six months and then was connected with
Stone & Webster for a year. At the end of that time he came to
Knoxville and purchased an interest in the hardware business known
as Amos & Davis, of which he later became sole owner. The store
is one of the longest established ones in the city, having been founded
in 1865, and he received lucrative patronage, but on the ist of No-
vember, 1914, he sold out.
Mr. Amos is liberal in his religious views and in politics casts
an independent ballot, preferring to support the candidate whom he
deems best fitted for the office in question without regard to party
affiliation. Although he has been a resident of Knoxville but a short
time, he has already gained the confidence and respect of the com-
munity and has also made many warm friends among his fellow
townsmen.
CHARLES M. BRENNAN.
Charles M. Brennan, carrying on general agricultural pursuits
on section 30, Liberty township, has an improved farm of ninety
acres, the excellent appearance of which is due to his unfaltering
industry and persistency of purpose. Marion county numbers him
among its native sons, his birth having here occurred September 19,
1874. His parents were J. L. and E. J. (McManus) Brennan, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The
father came to the United States when a little lad of but six years
and with his parents became a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
where he lived until 1865, when he came to Marion county, Iowa.
He was one of the pioneer settlers and witnessed the greater part of
the county's growth and development. His widow still survives and
now makes her home in Knoxville. The only break in the family
circle occurred when the father was called to his final rest, for the
four children of the family still survive.
Charles M. Brennan was reared upon the old homestead farm
near Attica and there remained up to the time of his marriage. The
educational advantages which he enjoyed were those afiforded by
the common schools. He had ample training in farm work and was
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 267
thus well qualified to assume the management of a farm of his own
when he started out in business life independently. It was in Decem-
ber, 1901, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rose Runnels, a
native of Linn county, Iowa, by whom he had two children, Marie
and Charles K. The latter is now deceased and the wife and mother
passed away in 1906. On the 10th of March, 1910, Mr. Brennan was
again married, his second union being with Mrs. Beatrice (Nye)
Johnson, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Jasper
and Sarah (Rees) Nye, the former a native of Indiana, while the
latter was born in Marion county, Iowa. Both are still living in
this county and of their nine children five yet survive. By her former
marriage Mrs. Brennan had three sons: Laelius E., who is now a
high-school pupil in Des Moines; Theodore N.; and Paul H. Mr.
and Mrs. Brennan have a daughter, Lillian J., who was born Sep-
tember 10, 191 1.
The family residence is a comfortable dwelling which stands in
the midst of a good farm of ninety acres of rich and productive land
situated on section 30, Liberty township. Mr. Brennan has carefully
carried on the farm work and brought the fields to a high state of
cultivation. His methods are at once practical and progressive, and
he utilizes every possible means to enhance the value of his place.
His political indorsement is given the democratic party and he and
his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
JESSE M. MICKLE.
Jesse M. Mickle has been actively engaged in business as a mer-
chant of Tracy for the past eight years and also holds the office of
postmaster, making a creditable record in that connection. His
birth occurred in Clarke county, Iowa, on the 3d of October, 1881,
his parents being W. T. and Sarah (Wculey) Mickle, the former
a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Lucas county, Iowa. They
are now residents of Montrose, Colorado. Their children were
seven in number and six survive.
Jesse M. Mickle attended the common schools in the acquire-
ment of an education and remained at home until eighteen years of
age. He then entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company, being employed as operator for five
or six years. On the expiration of that period, in 1906, he embarked
in the mercantile business at Tracy, where he has since enjoyed an
268 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
extensive patronage, for he is widely recognized as a reliable, enter-
prising and progressive merchant. He owns an attractive and sub-
stantial residence as well as his store building and is well entitled
to recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of
the county. He also holds the position of postmaster at Tracy, dis-
charging the duties devolving upon him in a most satisfactory and
highly commendable manner.
In December, 1903, Mr. Mickle was united in marriage to Miss
Cora Smith, a native of Mahaska county, Iowa, and a daughter of
W. T. and Nancy (Locke) Smith, who were born in Ohio and Vir-
ginia respectively. They came to Iowa in an early day and in this
state spent the remainder of their lives. Two of their seven children
survive. Our subject and his wife have a daughter, Nancy E., whose
birth occurred on the 17th of July, 1914. Since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise Mr. Mickle has supported the men and
measures of the democracy, while fraternally he is identified with
the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife attend
the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. In all of his deal-
ings he has been thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship
helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to many move-
ments for the public good.
ALBERT D. REYNOLDS.
Albert D. Reynolds was for many years a prominent farmer and
stockman of Pleasant Grove township but is now living in Knox-
ville and devoting his time to the real-estate business. He was born
in this county in 1867, a son of J. M. and Barbara Ann (Shepherd)
Reynolds. The former was born in 1837 in Indiana and was brought
here by his parents when a child of about six years of age. The
latter was born in Indiana and came to this county in her youth.
Both survive and live in Pleasantville. J. M. Reynolds followed
farming until 1891 and has since bought and shipped stock, though
he still owns six hundred and sixty acres of fine land. Mr. Reynolds
of this review has two brothers and a sister: Charles, living near Blue
Earth, Minnesota; Thomas B.,.a farmer of Pleasant Grove township;
and Mrs. Emma Sutton, who lives in Warren county, Iowa.
Albert D. Reynolds grew to man's estate in Pleasant Grove town-
ship and attended the public schools there in the pursuit of his educa-
tion. Under the instruction of his father he early began to assist in
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 269
the work of the farm and by the time he attained maturity he was
an efficient agriculturist. Upon starting out in life for himself he
continued to farm and was so occupied until 1910, when he removed
to Knoxville and has since devoted his time mainly to the real-estate
business. He still buys and sells some stock. While upon the farm
he gave as much attention to the raising of high grade cattle and hogs
as he did to the cultivation of his fields and also bought and shipped
other stock. He has gained material prosperity and is in the pos-
session of a competence which insures comfort for the remaining
years of his life. In addition to two excellent farms in this county he
owns a good residence in Knoxville. In 1900 Mr. Reynolds assisted
in the organization and became one of the directors of the First
National Bank of Fleasantville. In 1908 he was made vice president
and served as such until 1913, when he resigned.
Mr. Reynolds was married February 23, 1890, to Miss Emma
Marsh, a daughter of the late Carey Marsh, a pioneer farmer of
Pleasant Grove township. Her mother resides at Fleasantville. To
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds has been born a daughter, Marie, who is
attending high school and is a member of the ladies' band at
Knoxville.
The family belong to the Christian church. Mr. Reynolds is a
democrat in his political affiliation and takes a public-spirited interest
in the afifairs of government. He belongs to the Knights of Fythias
and to the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member
of the Pythian Sisters, the Royal Neighbors and the Woman's Relief
Corps. The Reynolds family are valued additions to the citizenship
of Knoxville and since making their home here have thoroughly
identified themselves with the movements that make for progress and
advancement.
EFF R. ROORDA.
Epp R. Roorda, a native son and enterprising agriculturist of
Marion county, is the owner of a well improved farm embracing one
hundred and five acres on section 32, Clay township. His birth
occurred on the 4th of January, 1873, his parents being John and Jane
(Van Maren) Roorda, the former born in Holland and the latter
in Marion county, Iowa. It was in the year 1847 that John Roorda
emigrated to the United States with a colony of people from his
Vol. 11-16
270 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
native land. Both he and his wife still survive, residing in Pella,
this county, and they are well known and highly esteemed through-
out the community. Ten of their twelve children are also yet living.
Epp R. Roorda attended the common schools in the acquirement
of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-
four years of age. He then spent one year in the cultivation of
rented land and on the expiration of that period purchased a tract
of one hundred and five acres on section 32, Clav township, where he
has carried on farming and stock-raising with excellent success con-
tinuously since. The property is all in a high state of cultivation
and is lacking in none of the improvements and equipments of a
model farm of the twentieth century. In the work of the fields he
follows the most practical and progressive methods, and his labors
have been rewarded bv a gratifying degree of prosperity which places
him in the front rank of progressive and able agriculturists.
In 1897 Ml"- Roorda was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia
Vanderwilt, a native of this county and a daughter of John and
Gertrude Vanderwilt, both of whom were born in Holland and
emigrated to the United States in 1849. Thev took up their abode
in Marion county, Iowa, and here spent the remainder of their lives.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roorda have been born six children, namely:
Jeanette, Gertrude, Robert, John David, Edward and Henry.
Mr. Roorda gives his political allegiance to the democracy and
is now ably serving as president of the local school board, having
ever been a stanch friend and champion of the cause of education.
He is interested in all measures and movements instituted to promote
the general welfare and widely recognized as a public-spirited and
loyal citizen. For the past five years he has served as superintendent
of the Sunday school of the Brethren church, of which his family
are devoted members. Mr. Roorda and his wife have always lived
in Marion county and have won an extensive circle of friends who
esteem them highly for their many sterling traits of character.
GEORGE W. FEE.
George W. Fee still oversees the operation of his farm in Knox-
ville township, three and one-half miles from the city of Knoxville,
but for a number of years has made his home in town. He also owns
three acres and two lots in Knoxville. He has resided in the town-
ship of that name since 1849 and practically his entire life has been
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 271
spent here. He was born on the iith of October, 1844. ^'^
birthplace was Crawford county, Indiana, and his parents were
Christopher and Susan (Means) Fee. The father was born on the
5th of July, 1805, in Virginia, of English descent, and went to Indiana
as a young man and there married. He devoted the greater part of
his time to farming and after coming to Iowa in 1849 became the
owner of three hundred acres of land in this county. His death
occurred here in June, 1885. His political belief was that of the
democratic party and his religious faith was shown by his adherence
to the Baptist church. His wife was born in North Carolina but
accompanied her parents to Indiana when quite young and was the
only one of her family to come to Iowa. Her death occurred when
she was more than seventy years old. There were six children in the
family when the removal was made to Iowa, the subject of this review
being the youngest, and seven were born in Marion county, making
thirteen in all. Ten survive and seven reside in this county.
George W. Fee grew to manhood here and has resided here during
his entire adult life. He was reared upon the home farm and quite
naturally followed agricultural pursuits when starting out in life for
himself. He became the owner of three hundred and thirty-seven
acres of fine land three and one-half miles from Knoxville and gained
financial independence through its cultivation. He followed general
farming and was progressive in the methods that he used. For a
number of years he has resided in Knoxville and has merely given
general supervision to the operation of his farm, the work being
done by his two sons.
In 1867 Mr. Fee married Miss May E. Warfel, a native of the
Old Dominion, born on the 24th of October, 1847. She came to
Iowa in 1850 with her father, J. B. Warfel, who located in Warren
county, but subsequently removed to Marion county. He was a
carpenter and stationary engineer and f(jr a number of years ran a
grist mill at Knoxville which was owned by John M. Jones. He
passed away in Texas about 1890 at an advanced age. His wife was
in her maidenhood Miss Lucinda M. Lundy, a native of Grayson
county, Virginia, where their marriage occurred. She died in 1876.
She joined the Methodist Episcopal church in childhood and re-
mained throughout her life a consistent member thereof. Mr. War-
fel in his later years belonged to the United Brethren church. They
were the parents of six children, four of whom survive, two living
in Iowa, one in Arkansas and one in Colorado. Mrs. Fee grew to
womanhood in this county and was here married. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Fee are four in number and all are natives of
272 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Marion county. Charles Leonard, who is operating part of his
father's farm, married Miss Luella Hayes and they have two chil-
dren, Glenn and Lena. George Archibald, who is also cultivating
his father's farm, married Miss Jessie Stoops, who died within a
year after her marriage. Lillie Belle married A. D. Graves, also
living upon the homestead, and they have two children, Beulah May
and Delmar Harold. Jesse Harold resides in Raymond, Washing-
ton, within a few miles of the Pacific ocean, and is a bookkeeper in
the employ of the Raymond Lumber Company. He married Alta
Foidel, of Knoxville, Iowa, and they are the parents of a daughter,
Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Fee is a democrat and has always manifested a praiseworthy
interest in the proper conduct of public affairs. The family has
displayed a disinterested desire for the general good and two of the
older brothers of our subject served in the Union army during the
Civil war. During his active life Mr. Fee was a representative
agriculturist of the county and the leisure which he now enjoys is
richly deserved. Those who have had dealings with him know him
to be strictly upright and honest and these qualities of character have
gained him the respect of his fellow citizens.
T. H. MULLEN.
T. H. Mullen is now living retired in the village of Columbia.
In former years he was actively identified with farming interests in
this part of the state and he is well known here because his activities
have connected him with the upbuilding of the countv and because
at all times he has stood for progress and improvement.
He was born in Stewart county, Tennessee, on the 7th of August,
1841, a son of Thomas and Martha (Sims) Mullen, the former of
whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee, where
they maintained their residence until 1848 and then came to Marion
county, Iowa. There were comparatively few settlers living within
the borders of this county and much of the land was still in possession
of the government. Mr. Mullen entered a claim and the family took
up their abode thereon, living in a little log cabin covered with clap-
board roof. There was a puncheon floor and clapboard door and on
the outside of the door hung tlie latchstring, save when it was with-
drawn at night for safety, thus locking the cabin. There was a mud
and stick chimney through which the smoke made its egress from a
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 273
large fireplace. In that primitive home the family lived for eight
years, when it was replaced by a more modern and substantial resi-
dence. As time passed on the father continued the work of the farm
and converted the wild prairie land into productive fields. His wife
passed away in this county, but Mr. Mullen afterward went to Whit-
ing, Iowa, where his last days were spent. In the family were ten
children, of whom five are living.
T. H. Mullen remained at home until he attained his majority,
being reared in the usual manner of farmer lads who spent their
youth upon the frontier. He shared with the family in the hardships
and privations incident to pioneer life and early became a factor in
the development of the new farm. Following the outbreak of the
Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army, joining the boys
in blue of Company A, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which
he served for thirteen months, when, on account of physical disability
he was honorably discharged at Keokuk. He then returned to Marion
county and began farming on his own account on a tract of land in
Liberty township which he purchased. For about forty years there-
after he owned, occupied and improved that place, converting it into
a well developed farm property, from which he annually gathered
good harvests. In 1906, however, he sold out and removed to Okla-
homa, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, upon which
he lived for four years. At the end of that time he disposed of his
property in the southwest and returned to Marion county, establishing
his home in Columbia, where for the past four years he has now
lived retired, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly
deserves.
On the 19th of April, 1863, Mr. Mullen was united in marriage
to Miss Mary E. Harvey, a native of Wapello county, Iowa, and a
daughter of Nicholas and Harriett (Williams) Harvey, both of
whom were natives of Virginia and in 1845 came to Iowa, settling
upon a farm in Wapello county. Later they came to Marion county
and afterward removed to Monona county, where their remaining
days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen have a family of seven
children: Martha, now the wife of J. P. Hulgan, of Oklahoma;
Charles, who is living in Lucas county, Iowa; Ada, the wife of L. L.
Bingaman; Delia, the wife of M. Essex; Fred, of Appleton City,
Missouri; Emmett, who is now in Los Angeles, California; and
Lewis, of this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Mullen are members of the Christian Union church
and guide their lives by its teachings. In his political views Mr.
Mullen is a democrat. He belongs to the Independent Order of
274 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He
also maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through
his membership in the Grand Army post at Knoxville. His life has
been an active one, characterized by industry and progressiveness in
business, by loyalty in citizenship and by devotion to all the duties
and obligations which have devolved upon him.
J. W. AVERY.
|. W. Avery was for many years a blacksmith in Knoxville and
was known as an able workman. He was born in Michigan in 1856,
a son of James and Sarah (Salters) Avery. His father was a farmer
by occupation and was also a veteran of the Civil war, having served
in that historic conflict for three years. The family is of English
descent.
J. W. Avery was reared in his native state, but in 1889, when a
young man of thirty-three years, came to Iowa and located at Atlantic,
where he remained for one year. In 1890 he removed to Knoxville
and here opened a blacksmith shop, which he conducted successfully
until his death, which occurred on the 22d of September, 1908. In
the intervening eighteen years he established himself firmly in the
confidence and respect of those who knew him and gained a reputa-
tion as an expert at his trade.
In 1876 Mr. Avery married Miss Mary Watkins. likewise a native
of Michigan and a daughter of John Watkins, and she survives
and lives in Knoxville. They were the parents of three children.
Frank, who was born in Michigan in 1878, was educated in the public
schools of Knoxville and for twelve years was connected with Culver
& Company but is now a partner in the Avery-Clclland Company,
which owns a hardware business in Knoxville. He married Maude
Sheddan of Knoxville and has a daughter, Ruth. He is independent
in politics and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias. Arthur, the second son of J. W. Avery, was
born in Michigan in 1880 and was also educated in the Knoxville
public schools. For twelve years he assisted his father in the latter's
blacksmith shop, but since May, 1910, has been a partner in the
Avery-Clelland Company. He married Miss Lola Culver, of Knox-
ville, and has two children, Robert and Alice. He is affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Harry was born in Knox-
ville on the 19th of August, 1892, and graduated from the Knoxville
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 275
public schools. He is connected with the same hardware business as
iiis brothers. The concern is known as Avery-Clelland Company and
was founded in 1907 by J. W., Frank L. and Arthur Avery and W.
\y. Clelland. The store occupies a building one story and basement,
eighty-two by one hundred feet in dimensions, which is located on
East Main street, and the company carries a general line of hardware
and farm implements.
J. W. Avery was a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and held all of the chairs in the local subordinate lodge.
His widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
takes an active part in the furtherance of its cause. Mr. Avery was
independent in politics, took a great interest in public afifairs, and
for two terms served upon the city council, in which capacity, as in
his private life, he did all within his power to secure the general
welfare. His demise, which occurred in 1908, was sincerely regretted
and in his passing the citv lost a valuable citizen.
E. C. VARENKAMP.
E. C. V^arenkamp occupies a position of leadership among the
residents of Iowa of Dutch birth or descent as editor of Pella's Week-
blad, one of the most important papers in this state printed in the
Dutch language. Mr. Varenkamp has had editorial charge of the
paper since 1904 and has proved himself a journalist of no mean
ability. He was born at The Hague, Holland, on the 25th of Sep-
tember, I S44, a son of Johan Hendrick and Teutje (Van Maurik)
Varenkamp. The father was engaged in the grocery business in that
city.
Mr. Varenkamp of this review attended the public schools in the
capital city of Holland and received a thorough education. He is
the only one of the family to come to this country and immediately
upon landing made his way to Pella, Iowa, where he arrived in May,
1867. He engaged in farming until 1884 and then went to St. Louis,
where he remained for a year. He subsequently returned to Pella
and for three and a half years was the owner of a notion store here.
At the end of that time he again sought his fortune elsewhere, going
to Nebraska, where he remained for three years, and subsequently to
South Dakota, where he farmed for two and a half years. In 1890
he returned to Pella and engaged in various lines of work until 1904.
In that vcar he became the editor of the Weekblad and has held that
276 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
position ever since. In the ten years that he has been connected with
the publication he has maintained a high standard of excellence, not
only on the editorial page, but in all departments of the paper, and
it has the respect of the press of the state. Mr. Vareni<amp is a man
of wide knowledge and broad learning and is constantly increasing
his store of information through varied and well chosen reading.
Mr. Varenkamp was married in 1871 to Miss Geertje Boot, of
Pella, a daughter of Marinus and Hendrika (Versteeg) Boot, early
settlers of Pella. Mr. and Mrs. Varenkamp have become the parents
of ten children, two of whom have passed away. John M. is a resident
of Sully, Iowa; Hattie is the wife of Joe C. Lowder, a resident of
Broken Bow, Nebraska; Anna married Charles Roten, a farmer
residing near Sully; Lydia is now Mrs. Earl Reno, of Grinnell, Iowa;
Mary is the widow of Jess Wise and lives at Pella; Emma married
Harry Stratton and is a resident of Newton, this state; Nellie is now
Mrs. H. O. Cowles and lives in Louisville, Kentucky; Fred resides
in Citrus Grove, Texas; Blanche died when thirteen years of age;
and Emma died at the age of four years.
Mr. and Mrs. Varenkamp are members of the Reformed church.
He is a democrat and loyally supports the candidates of that party
at the polls. He is well known in Pella and highly esteemed because
of his industry, perseverance and integrity.
T. G. GILSON.
T. G. Gilson has amply demonstrated his financial ability as
business manager of the Knoxville Journal, and under his manage-
ment that paper is conducted along up-to-date and efficient lines.
He understands the importance of eliminating waste and of keep-
ing down the cost of publication as far as is consistent with a high
standard of typographical work and he has also been successful in
increasing the circulation and the amount of space sold for adver-
tising purposes. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the
22d of November, 1848, a son of James W. and Martha M. (Shearer)
Gilson, both natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather,
William Gilson, spent his entire life in Pennsylvania and his father,
Thomas Gilson, was also a resident of that state. He fought in the
Revolutionary war, saw a great deal of active service and was
wounded in the battle of Trenton.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 277
James W. Gilsoii brought his family to Knoxville, the date of
their arrival in this city being the 4th of April, 1862. A wagon
maker by trade he opened a shop here which he conducted until his
demise in 1886. His widow survived for two years, dying in 1888
in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a member.
To their union were born fourteen children, five of whom grew to
maturity. John C, a farmer by occupation, came to this county in
1856. Sue U. became the wife of John T. Wright, who for a num-
ber of years was a locomotive engineer and who was a man of much
mechanical ingenuity, the inventor of metallic packing. About 1880
he removed to Marion county and for a number of years engaged in
farming. Both he and his wife are deceased, her demise occurring
in April, 1914, at Tacoma, Washington. Delia married B. R. Ewalt,
a merchant of Knoxville. He was for several years county auditor
and proved a capable official. He is deceased and his widow lives
at Cedar Falls, this state. T. G., of this review, is the next in order
of birth. Robert M. resides at San Diego, California.
T. G. Gilson attended the public schools in the acquirement of
his scholastic education and also learned the painter's trade in his
youth. After being telegraph operator in Ohio for a time he was
for ten years engaged in the real-estate business in Knoxville. Later
he was a clerk in the postoffice at Knoxville and from 1897 to 1902
held the office of postmaster of the city. At the expiration of his
term of service in that capacity he purchased an interest in the Knox-
ville Journal and has since been the business manager of that publi-
cation, which is one of the leading papers of the city. As he is an
aggressive and astute business man the finances of the paper were
never in better condition than at the present time.
Mr. Gilson was married on the 25th of June, 1874, to Miss Hattie
M. Porterfield, of this city, a daughter of James and Caroline Por-
terfield. Her father was a farmer by occupation. To Mr^ and Mrs.
Gilson have been born four daughters, namely: Maude, the wife of
Judge W. C. Mentzer, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Blanche, who mar-
ried O. W. Thompson, a resident of Chicago; and Gail and Mildred,
both at home.
Mr. Gilson is a republican in his political allegiance and has
taken an active part in the management of local afifairs. For thirty
consecutive years he served as secretary of the city school board and
for nineteen years was city clerk. For nine years he held the position
of secretary of the local fair and was largely responsible for its suc-
cess during that time. His experience in the management of fairs
was not confined to his connection with the local fair, as for eleven
278 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
years he was assistant secretary and chairman of the finance com-
mittee of the Iowa State Fair. He was one of the originators of the
Homesteaders, a fraternal insurance company with headquarters at
Des Moines, and is at present the editor of the official paper of that
organization which is known as The Backlog and is a monthly of six-
teen pages with a circulation of twenty-two thousand, five hundred.
Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Gilson has
not only won individual prosperity but has aided in the development
of Knoxville and Marion county through his connection with the
Knoxville Journal and thnjugh his work as secretary of the local
fair, and his initiative and ability have found yet wider scope through
his connection with the state fair and especially through his labors
in behalf of the Homesteaders. In all relations of life he has proven
upright and reliable, as well as capable, and he has the unqualified
respect of all who have been brought in contact with him.
ASA S. MURR.
Asa S. Murr, a successful and enterprising young agriculturist
of Marion county, was born on the farm where he still resides, own-
ing and operating one hundred and twenty acres of land on section
27, Washington township. His birth occurred on the 29th of Decem-
ber, 1885, his parents being Bartley and Malinda (Vance) Murr, the
former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Missouri. They came
to Iowa in 1855, locating first on a farm in Monroe county and sub-
sequently removing to Marion county. Here the father continued
to make his home until called to his final rest, passing away in 1905,
when the community mourned the loss of one of its esteemed citizens
and substantial agriculturists. The mother still survives, however,
and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here. To them
were born three children, one of whom is deceased.
Asa S. Murr attended the common schools in the acquirement
of an education and has always remained on the farm where he was
born, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits since
putting aside his text-books. He now owns one hundred and twenty
acres of rich and productive land on section 27, Washington town-
ship, and in connection with the cultivation of cereals devotes con-
siderable attention to stock-raising. Both branches of his business
yield him a gratifying annual income, and he enjoys an enviable rep-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 279
utation as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the
community.
In his political views Mr. Murr is a republican and at the pres-
ent time holds the office of township assessor, ably discharging the
duties devolving upon him in that connection. His success is well
merited, for he is capable in management and displays untiring
energy in carrying forward his interests.
CHARLES N. COLE.
Charles N. Cole is engaged in the wholesale and retail feed, flour
and grocery business in Pella and is developing a concern of large
proportions. He was for many years connected with various whole-
sale seed houses and has had a varied and valuable experience in that
line. He was born in Pella on the 7th of June, 1850, a son of A. and
Henrietta A. (DeBooy) Cole, both natives of Holland who came to
Pella in 1847 with the Dutch colony which arrived in that year.
Their marriage occurred at Knoxville and they subsequently located
near Pella, the father purchasing government land and devoting his
time to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife have passed
away. They were members of the First Reformed church, and in his
political belief he was for a time a democrat, but later became a re-
publican.
Charles N. Cole entered the public schools of Pella and in due
course of time was graduated therefrom, after which he attended
the Central University of Iowa located here. After leaving school
he went into the seed business in Pella and later entered the employ
of J. C. Vaughan Company of Chicago. Upon leaving that firm he
became connected with The A. B. Cleveland Company of New York
city. During these years he traveled all over the south, selling seeds,
and subsequently represented Ullethorne and Company of Memphis
upon the road. In 1889 he came to Pella and established the flour,
feed and grocery business which he is still conducting. He is both
a wholesaler and retailer and the volume of his trade is constantly
growing as the high quality of his goods and the reasonableness of
his prices become more widely known. For the past three years he
has also been president of the Pella Creamery Company and pre-
vious to that was vice president thereof, becoming connected with
the concern at the time of its organization in January, 1904.
280 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Cole was united in marriage in 1883 to Miss Henrietta Kru-
ger, of Pella, whose father died when she was quite young. Her
mother, aged eighty-five, is living in California. Mrs. Cole is a
member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Cole is fraternally identi-
fied with the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of the
lodge at this place. His vote is cast for the candidates of the repub-
lican party, as he thoroughly believes in the principles and policies
of that organization, and he has served as school treasurer and is
greatly interested in the progress of the public schools. As a busi-
ness man, as a citizen and as a private individual he conforms to
high standards of morality and has the unqualified respect of his
fellowmen.
WILLIAM L. ROBERTS.
The Froggatt Furniture Store is the oldest store of the kind in
Knoxville and has a splendid reputation for a high (juality of goods
and fair dealing. William L. Roberts, now the owner of the store,
is fully in harmony with the policies which have governed the busi-
ness since its establishment. He was born in Knoxville on the ist
of June, 1872, a son of John A. and Susan A. (Moore) Roberts, both
natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Knoxville in 1870. The
father was for some time superintendent of the Knoxville schools
and later was a traveling salesman, but the last years of his life were
spent in retirement from the cares of active business life and in the
enjoyment of a well deserved leisure. He was a veteran of the Civil
war, having enlisted in an Ohio regiment. His demise occurred on
the I St of April, 191 2, but his widow survives. To them were born
five children: John J.; Delia, who married L. B. Meyers, of Okla-
homa; William L., of this review; Roy M., who resides in Knox-
ville; and Fannie, the wife of Ed Butterfield, also of Kno.wille.
William L. Roberts was reared under the parental roof and at-
tended the public schools of Knoxville in the pursuit of his educa-
tion. After being graduated from the Knoxville high school he
clerked in a grocery store for one year and then for seven years was
employed in a similar capacity by G. W. Irvin, the proprietor of a
furniture store. In 1899 Mr. Roberts severed this connection and
in the same year purchased an interest in the W. L. Froggatt Furni-
ture Store, being joined by W. O. Froggatt, a son of W. L. Froggatt,
who retired from active connection with the business at that time.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 281
On the ist of January, 1913, Mr. Roberts bought out the interest of
W. O. Froggatt and has since been the sole owner of the business. It
is the oldest mercantile store in Knoxville and is still one of the
leading establishments of its kind in the city. Its high standard of
commercial integrity and the excellent stock of goods to select from
have retained the trade of those who have once given it their patron-
age and have also gained new customers. Mr. Roberts is thoroughly
familiar with the line of goods carried and is efficient and up-to-date
in his business methods and under his direction the continued pros-
perity of the store is assured.
Mr. Roberts was married on the 28th of June, 1899, to Miss Mar-
garet L. Taggart, a daughter of James and Jane Taggart, early set-
tlers of this county. The father was a miller by trade but is now
deceased, as is also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been
born two children, Maurine and John.
Mr. Roberts is a member of the Presbyterian church and in poli-
tics supports the men and measures of the republican party. Frater-
nallv he is identified with the Masonic order, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. He be-
longs to Oriental Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, R.
A. M.; Melita Commandery, K. T. ; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S. He has given the greater part of his time to the direc-
tion of his private business interests but has not been too absorbed
in his personal affairs to cooperate with a number of movements that
have resulted in good to his city and county.
JOHN RICHARDS.
During the past five years, beginning in 1909, John Richards
has lived retired in Pleasantville, where he owns and occupies a
fine home. He is a retired farmer of the county and a representative
of one of the prominent pioneer families. His birth occurred in
Coshocton county, Ohio, December 28, 1845, his parents being Mr.
and Mrs. William Richards, of whom extended mention is made
elsewhere in this volume. He was but eleven years of age when the
family came to Marion county, arriving in 1856. Here he attended
the public schools. The school building was of logs, its furnishings
were crude and the methods of instruction were also somewhat primi-
tive, but through that early training and also through later experi-
ence, observation and reading Mr. Richards has added largely to
282 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
his knowledge, becoming a practical, capable business man and one
well informed on many general questions of the day. He has always
followed farming and stock-raising and has met with a substantial
measure of success.
Mr. Richards remained at hoitie until seventeen years of age and
then enlisted in August, 1863, as a member of Company A, Thirty-
third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close
of the war. He was with the western army in a number of important
engagements but was never wounded. His brother Josiah was also
a soldier, being with the boys in blue of Company I, Thirty-third
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was born July 4, 1843, and died just
after the battle of Helena, Arkansas. John Richards remained at
the front until after the close of the war and is familiar with all of
the experiences of military life. He was mustered out on the 19th
of August, 1865, after which he resumed work upon the home farm,
assisting his father up to the time of his marriage.
It was in 1870 that John Richards was joined in wedlock to Miss
Matilda E. De Haven, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of
Joseph and Rebecca (Rowe) De Haven. Her mother reached the
age of ninety-three years in September, 1914. She is still enjoving
good health, is active and reads the daily papers each day without
the aid of glasses and is thoroughly informed on current events. She
makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Richards. Mr. De Haven passed
away in Ohio forty-hve years ago. He devoted his life to farming
and after his death his widow came to Marion county, where she
has spent the past forty-five years. In their family were three sons and
three daughters and with the exception of one son all are vet living.
During different periods of her girlhood Mrs. Richards resided
with her parents in Virginia, Ohio and Iowa. By her marriage she
has become the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daugh-
ters, as follows: Bert, a farmer residing one mile west of Pleasant-
ville, who wedded Miss Nora Silvers, who had been reared in the
home of T. R. Brown; Eva, who is the wife of Benjamin Cleveland,
of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Thirza, who is the widow
of Alfred Hickman and is associated with her brother George in
the operation of a farm in Pleasant Grove township; Eunice, who
is the wife of E. F. Radloff and resides near Marshalltown, Iowa;
Margery, who gave her hand in marriage to B. D. Orcutt, of Pleas-
ant Grove township; Belle, who is the wife of E. E. Rue, a carpen-
ter and builder of Melcher, Iowa; Daisy, who taught school for
some years and is now the wife of Cecil Shawver, of Pleasant Grove
township; Urias, who wedded Miss George Kerr and follows farm-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 283
ing in Pleasant Grove township; Fred, a farmer residing near Pleas-
antville, who married Miss Ruth Hayes; George, who owns and
operates a farm in association with his sister, Mrs. Thirza Hickman;
and Nora, at home. The children have all been provided with good
educational advantages and in addition to attending the public
schools some have attended business college. Mr. and Mrs. Richards
have nineteen grandchildren.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Richards are members of the Christian church
and their children are all identified with the same denomination save
one son, Bert, who is a Methodist. Mr. Richards belonged to the
Grand Army post at Pleasantville until it was discontinued and he
was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. He continued to own his farm of two hundred and ten acres
until January, 1914, when he sold that property. He won a sub-
stantial measure of success in his agricultural activities and gained
thereby the handsome competence which now enables him to live
retired and yet enjoy the comforts and some of the lu.xuries of life.
JAMES S. BELLAMY.
James S. Bellamy for many years has been connected with the
live-stock and grain business in Kno.wille and since 1901 has been
associated with the firm of Seth Way & Company. He is also the
president of the Marion County Electric Company, which operates
the electric light and power plant and telephone system and was
formerly known as the Knoxville Electric Company. Mr. Bellamy
was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, on the 12th of February,
1848, a son of Samuel King and Acassina (Manford) Bellamy. The
former was born in Switzerland county on the iith of June, 1824,
and the latter on the i 2th of July, of that year. The paternal grand-
father of our subject was Rev. Samuel Bellamy, who was born near
Richmond, Virginia, in 1784, and in 1808 removed west to Indiana.
He subsequently came to Marion county, Iowa, and died here in
1855. He entered the Methodist ministry when but eighteen years
of age and for many years was a preacher of the gospel but he entered
land from the government in Indiana and gave part of his attention
to agricultural pursuits. His father was Elisha Bellamy, a son of
Samuel Bellamy, Sr., who was a resident of Powhatan county, Vir-
ginia. Several of the family were ministers of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. The ancestry has been traced back to two brothers.
284 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Huguenots, who came to America in colonial times and settled in
dififerent sections, one remaining in the north and the other going
south.
Samuel K. Bellamy, the father of our subject, was reared in Indi-
ana and was there married. In 1853, when twenty-nine years of age,
he came to Marion countv, Iowa, and entered land on section i,
Washington township. In 1875 he removed to Knoxville, where
he engaged in the grain, lumber and live-stock business. The firm
was known as S. K. Bellamy & Sons and did a large business. He
remained associated with that enterprise during his active life and
passed away in 1890. He was a large landowner, holding title to
over eight hundred acres of land, some of which is still in the pos-
session of the family. One of the organizers of the republican party
in Marion countv, he was prominent in its councils and was candi-
date for the state legislature at one time; a member of the city council
and of the school board for a number of years. In 1882 he took a
prominent part in the campaign for prohibition. In religious belief
he was a Methodist, thus following the family tradition. He was
much interested in the improvement of the live stock in the county
and was an organizer and the first treasurer of the Iowa Short Horn
Breeders Association. He was a leader in several lines of activity
and was highly esteemed throughout the county. His wife was a
daughter of James Manford, a veteran of the War of 1812, who died
in 1 83 1 when his daughter Acassina was a child of seven years. She
is still living and has passed the ninetieth milestone upon life's jour-
ney, now making her home at Knoxville with a daughter, Mrs. Mary
E. Craig. She is unusually active for one of her years and her mind
retains its clarity remarkably well. She is a member of the Metho-
dist church. Her family were for many years residents of Virginia
and her parents were born there, although her birth occurred in
Indiana, as previouslv stated.
James S. Bellamy was but five years of age when brought to this
countv and has lived here most of the time since. His educational
opportunities were somewhat limited, as school was only conducted
for a few months in the year in early days and as his time was largely
occupied in assisting with the farm work. When twenty-two years
of age he went west and for a number of years was connected with
cattle ranches on the plains of western Kansas, Colorado and Texas.
For three years he engaged in buying and selling stock. In 1875 he
returned to Knoxville and turned his attention to the grain, lumber
and live-stock business as a member of the firm of S. K. Bellamy &
Sons, continuing in that line until the present time, although the firm
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 285
is now Seth Way & Company, that style having been adopted in
1901. The company concentrates its activities upon the grain and
live-stock business, the lumber interests having been sold in 1900.
Mr. Bellamy is also the president of the Marion County Electric
Company, which operates the electric light plant and telephone sys-
tem at Knoxville and the oversight of these public utilities demands
a great deal of his time and thought. He has an organizing mind
and has developed these systems until they are now efficient and
profitable. He has also been active in politics and was at one time
candidate for state senator and was the candidate of his party for
representative from this district in 1914.
Mr. Bellamy was married February 13, 1879, to Miss Mary
Alice French, who was born February 9, 1859, in Knoxville, Iowa,
a daughter of Dr. J. T. French, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work, as well as a detailed account of the family genealogy.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy have been born five children. Paul E.,
born November 17, 1879, is now a rancher of western South Dakota.
He saw service in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war
with the Fifty-first Iowa Volunteers. He is married and has four
children. Herbert, manager of the light department of the Marion
County Electric Company at Knoxville, is a young man of thirty-
two years of age, his birth occurring on the 20th of June, 1882.
Earl Delmar, born on the 25th of August, 1885, is manager of the
telephone department of the Marion County Electric Company.
Rebecca Imcjgene, whose birth occurred on the 4th of September,
1892, is attending the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois.
Mary Marguerite, born June (6, 1897, '^ a graduate of the Knoxville
high school.
Mr. Bellamy is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has
taken the Knights Templar degrees. His wife is a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star, of which she is past worthy matron. He
also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and served
for one year as grand master and for two years as grand patriarch
of the grand lodge of Iowa. For four years he was grand repre-
sentative to the sovereign grand lodge. His wife belongs to the
Rebekahs and was for two terms president of the Rebekah State
Assembly. He is a charter member of the local lodge of the Knights
of Pythias and was its first chancellor commander. Mrs. Bellamy
belongs to the Pythian Sisters and is also a member of the P. E. O.
Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy are both members of the Methodist church
and give of their time to the furtherance of its work. He is a repub-
lican in his political belief and for thirteen years was a member of
Vol 11—17
286 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the school board, being president of that body when the present
high-school buildings were erected. He is now chairman of the
library board and in this connection is doing much for the intellec-
tual advancement of the city. His support can always be counted
upon for any movement that seeks the betterment of his community
and his influence is always wielded for the general good.
WILLIAM GULLION.
Marion county lost one of her native sons and honored pioneer
settlers when William Gullion passed away in September, 1901. He
was then in the fifty-third year of his age, his birth having occurred
in this county on the 23d of March, 1849. His parents were Eli and
Mary (Whitlatch) Gullion, who were natives of Indiana and in the
'40s came to Iowa, here making their home until they were called
to their final rest.
William Gullion was reared amid the scenes and environments
of pioneer life and shared with the family in all of the hardships
and privations incident to settlement upon the frontier. He could
remember back to the time when much of the land was unclaimed
and uncultivated. The broad prairies were starred with a million
wildflowers in June but in December were covered with a dazzling
and unbroken sheet of snow. One could ride for miles without com-
ing to a fence to impede his progress. There were comparatively
few roads laid out and only in slight measure had the work of devel-
opment and improvement been carried forward.
William Gullion aided in the arduous task of developing a new
farm and remained upon the home place until he reached the age
of thirty-one years. He then married and established a home of his
own. The lady of his choice was Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Davis) Nichol-
son, who was born in Jackson county, Missouri, a daughter of Hamp-
ton and Cynthia (Watkins) Davis, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania and the latter of Kentucky. They became residents of Mis-
souri, where they lived for some time, and in 1849 removed to Marion
county, Iowa, where both Mr. and Mrs. Davis spent their remaining
days. By her first marriage Mrs. Gullion had a daughter, Esther
M. Nicholson, now the wife of I. J. Gullion. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
William Gullion were born two sons, Loren A. and Guy C. The
family circle was broken by the hand of death when, in September,
1901, Mr. Gullion passed away. There were many friends who
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 287
mourned his loss and his memory is yet cherished by those who knew
him. His widow still owns the old homestead farm of one hundred
and twenty acres in Indiana and Washington townships and from
this property derives a good annual income. She is a member of the
Methodist Protestant church and has lived a life in harmony with its
teachings. She possesses marked business capability and attends to
all of her own interests in connection with the farm and the manage-
ment of her property. She is widely and favorably known and has a
circle of warm friends in the section of the county in which she
makes her home.
SAMUEL TETER.
One of the successful native sons of the county is Samuel Teter,
who owns and operates two hundred and forty-four acres of fine
land on section 12, Union township. He does mixed farming, rais-
ing both grain and stock, and is one of the representative and progres-
sive agriculturists of the county. He was born upon the farm where
he still lives on the 15th of October, 1855, a son of Samuel E. and
Eliza Jane (Leuty) Teter. The father was born in Ross county,
Ohio, in 1 8 17 and the mother in the same county five years later.
They were married in Ohio and there the father farmed until 1844,
when he came with his family to this state and in March, 1845, set-
tled upon the farm which is now in the possession of his son Samuel.
Mr. Teter, Sr., entered the land from the government and also other
tracts, becoming the owner in all of about five hundred acres. The
family made the trip from Ohio to Iowa with a horse team and
shipped their household goods by a boat which was sunk in the
Mississippi river, occasioning the total loss of their furniture. Mrs.
Teter's brother George and his wife were on the boat and barely
escaped with their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Teter were the
parents of eight children, four boys and four girls, two of whom died
in infancy. The subject of this review is the next to the youngest.
The father died in 1906, having survived his wife since 1899.
Samuel Teter of this review was educated in the Blaine school
near his home and remained upon the homestead until his marriage.
After that event he began farming on his own account in this county
but after three years, or in 1876, went to Kansas, where he remained
for twenty-three years. He owned about six hundred and forty
acres of land there, which he sold at the end of that time and removed
288 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
to Oklahoma, where he lived for about seven years. He home-
steaded a quarter section in that state which he still owns. Upon
leaving Oklahoma he returned to this county and has since engaged
in farming the homestead. He raises stock extensively, breeding
Poland China hogs and Polled Angus cattle. He sells about three
carloads of stock a year and this branch of his activities is proving
an especially profitable one. He also cultivates the fields and in all
that he does is energetic and capable.
Air. Teter was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Harriett, a daugh-
ter of John and Rebecca Harriett. She was born in Ohio in 1855
and when a child accompanied her parents to Iowa, receiving the
greater part of her education in Mahaska and Marion counties. To
Mr. and Mrs. Teter were born eight children, two of whom died in
infancy. Those living are: Nellie May, who married H. H. El-
wood, of Colorado; Wanda, the wife of J. W. Norris, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work; Azel E., who married Robert
Mitchell and resides in Nebraska; Tressie, the wife of J. B. Wilbur,
of Polk township; William, who is married and resides in Nebras-
ka; and Cora M., who married Burt Carr and resides in this county.
Mr. Teter is a republican in politics and fraternally is identified
with Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., at Knoxville. His
life has been well spent and has gained him not only a competence
but also the regard of many friends.
D. B. ELLIOTT.
The retired farmers living in Knoxville form one of the most
valued elements in the population of the city and one of the best
known of them is D. B. Elliott, who is leasing his two farms to his
sons. One tract of land is situated in Knoxville township and the
other just over the line in Polk township. Altogether he owns five
hundred and seventy-five acres of well improved and fertile land.
He has resided in Knoxville and its vicinity since 1854 and his inter-
ests are thoroughly identified with those of the city and the surround-
ing country.
Mr. Elliott was born near Glasgow, in Barren county, Kentucky,
on the 13th of September, 1850, a son of William and Mary A.
(Underwood) Elliott, both likewise natives of the Blue Grass state.
Their families were early established in Kentucky and were highly
esteemed. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott came to Marion county, Iowa, and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY • 289
purchased government land four miles north of Knoxville, in Polk
township, paying one dollar and a quarter per acre, but the same
land is now easily worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre.
About 1867 Mr. Elliott sold out but afterward bought another farm
in Polk township situated near the land which he formerly owned.
For the second tract he paid twenty-five dollars per acre. A number
of years later he sojd that farm also and bought six acres and a resi-
dence in Knoxville. He subsequently purchased a farm in Cass
county, Iowa, which he continued to own until his death. He made
another trip to Kentucky and bought a farm there which he later
sold. He was very successful in buying, trading and dealing in farms
and became quite well-to-do. His political adherence was given to
the democratic party. He died on the 19th of April, 1900, when
eighty-four years of age. He came of a family noted for longevity,
his father reaching the age of ninety-six years. His wife died in
1907, when seventy-eight years of age. She was a Baptist in religious
faith. To their union were born eight children, of whom one daugh-
ter has passed away. Three daughters and two sons live in Cass
county, Iowa, one daughter resides in South Dakota and the subject
of this review is a resident of Knoxville.
D. B. Elliott completed the course in the country schools and
subsequently attended the Central University at Pella for some time.
He taught school for several years in early manhood but the greater
part of his active life was devoted to farming. He was very suc-
cessful and harvested annually large crops, which brought good re-
turns upon the market. For four years he was engaged in the real-
estate business in Knoxville. He still owns two fine farms which are
operated by his sons.
On the 31st of December, 1871, Mr. Elliott was married in this
county to Miss Margaret West, who was born in 1852 in Pike county,
Ohio, and came to this county in 1856 with her parents, Jacob and
Margaret (Johnson) West, the family locating in Polk township.
Her father, who lives in Knoxville at the advanced age of eighty-six
years, has always been a stanch democrat in politics. Mrs. Elliott
was reared in this county and here educated. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are six in number. Edna married George
McClain, of Knoxville township, and they have a daughter, Fern.
Byrd is the wife of Carl Gamble, a merchant of Knoxville, and they
are the parents of two daughters, Loraine and Virginia. Myrtle
married Fred Woodruff, who is engaged in the boot, shoe and cloth-
ing business in Knoxville and to their union a son, Elliott Parker,
has been born. Jacob, who is operating one of his father's farms.
290 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
married Miss Lena Johnson and has a son, Vance. Margaret is the
wife of Ray E. Savage, who is engaged in the laundry business in
Knoxville. Walter, the youngest of the family, is operating land
belonging to his father. He married Miss Lulu Jones.
Mr. Elliott has always voted the democratic ticket and believes
firmly in the wisdom of the policies of that party. He is a member
of the Congregational church and his wife belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church. His fraternal associations are with the Masonic
order, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter. He has built a com-
fortable home at No. 803 Douglas street and there he and his fam-
ily reside. They are secure in the respect and esteem of those who
know them, for their lives are characterized by integrity and honor-
able dealing.
JOHN J. ROBERTS.
John J. Roberts is an important factor in the financial life of
Knoxville, as he is cashier of the Knoxville National Bank, one of
the leading moneyed institutions of the county. He was born in
Crawford countv, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1867, a son of
John A. and Susan A. (Moore) Roberts, both natives of that state.
His maternal grandfather was James Moore, a farmer of Crawford
county. John A. Roberts served in the Civil war, being a member
of Company C, One Hundred and First Regiment, Ohio Volunteers,
and was wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro. He was a non-
commissioned officer, being sergeant. In 1869 he brought his family
to Knoxville, Iowa, and for several years was principal of the public
schools here. He also taught in other places but later in life was a
traveling salesman for a number of years. He lived retired for some
time before his death, which occurred on the 1st of April, [912. His
widow survives. He was an active member of the Presbyterian
church and held the office of elder. In political afifairs he was a
republican, and fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He had five children, namely: John J., of this
review; Delia, who married L. B. Meyers, a resident of El Reno,
Oklahoma; William L., who lives in Knoxville; Roy M., a travel-
ing salesman living in Knoxville; and Fannie, also a resident of this
city and the wife of Ed Butterfield, by whom she has a son, Arthur
Edwin.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 291
John J. Roberts was reared and educated in Knoxville, as were
his brothers and sisters. After leaving school he went on the road
with his father for one winter, but in 1887, when twenty years of age,
entered the employ of the Knoxville National Bank as bookkeeper.
He proved faithful to trust and apt in learning the banking routine
and also displayed a ready understanding of the commercial and
monetary principles that underlie the banking business. His ability
won him promotion to the office of assistant cashier and on the 12th
of April, 1910, he was made cashier. Since that time he has held
that responsible position and under his administrative direction the
affairs of the bank have prospered and it has served the community
well and also paid good dividends to its stockholders. Its policy is
one of progressiveness balanced by sufficient conservatism to insure
the safety of the funds deposited with it.
Mr. Roberts married Miss Adda M. Myers, a daughter of W.
R. and Esther C. (Craddick) Myers, of Knoxville. To Mr. and
Mrs. Roberts have been born two children: Esther and Harold,
both at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts belong to the Presbyterian church. He
is a stanch republican in politics and has served as school treasurer.
He is identified with a number of fraternal organizations here, being
a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., of which he is
past master; and of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held all
of the chairs; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which
he is past grand. He is also a grand master of the exchequer of the
grand lodge of Iowa of the Knights of Pythias. His life has been
one of enterprise and of constant striving to increase his efficiency,
and the responsible place he holds in banking circles in the county
has been won by merit and industrv, and the esteem which is enter-
tained for him personally by his fellow citizens is equally well
deserved.
PRICE JONES.
On the list of Marion county's honored dead appears the name
of Price Jones, who was well known in his community as a repre-
sentative farmer, stock-raiser and mine owner. He was prominent
in local affairs and his influence was always on the side of progress
and improvement. A native of Ohio, he was born in Monroe coun-
ty, February 19, 1839, his parents being Joseph and Margaret Jones.
292 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
The family arrived in Iowa in 1849 and settled on government land
in Liberty township, for it was then the pioneer epoch in the history
of this section of the state and the work of progress and improvement
had been scarcely begun. The family is of English and Dutch ex-
traction. The parents continued to reside upon the home farm
through many years and the father carefully transformed the place
from a tract of wild prairie into richly cultivated fields. He was
closely associated with the pioneer development and lived to see
remarkable changes in the county. Both he and his wife have now
passed away and they were laid to rest at Sandy Ridge.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of
farm life for Price Jones during the period of his boyhood and
youth. He was a lad of but ten years when the family came to
Marion county and he shared with the others in the hardships inci-
dent to life on the frontier. He became an active assistant in the
work of the fields as his age and strength increased and after reach-
ing manhood he felt no desire to change his occupation. On the
contrary he concentrated his efforts upon farming and stock-raising
and became the owner of an excellent tract of land which he brought
under a high state of cultivation. He was also successful as a stock-
raiser and became well known as a mine owner. In addition to his
property in Marion county, which comprised many acres of farm
land, he was the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in
Jefferson township, Mahaska county, and at one time he also owned
and operated a coal mine in Marion county.
On the I ith of April, 1868, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to
Miss Dorcas L. Long, by whom he had two children, Joseph and
Alvah. The wife and mother passed away in March, 1872, and on
the 26th of November, 1876, Mr. Jones was again married, his sec-
ond union being with Miss S. Jane McDowell, a daughter of James
and Jane (Bigham) McDowell. Her mother came to Marion coun-
ty as a widow in 1849, here married again and spent the remainder
of her life. To Price and Jane (McDowell) Jones were born three
children, namely: Willis; Maggie, who died at the age of six
months; and Mary.
Mr. Jones exercised his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of the republican party and was greatly interested in
the welfare and upbuilding of his section of the state. At different
times he was called to local offices and ever discharged his duties
with promptness and fidelity, doing the best possible for the public
in his official service. He was entitled to wear the little bronze but-
ton that proclaims a man a member of the Grand Army of the Re-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 293
public, for he served throughout the entire period of the Civil war
as a member of Company C, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
was home on a furlough but once throughout the long period of
hostilities. He never faltered in the performance of duty, was fre-
quently in the thickest of the fight and took part in the long marches
and strenuous campaigns. In days of peace he was equally loyal
to his country and her welfare, and his devotion to the public good
was manifest in many tangible ways. His death occurred March 27,
1882, since which time his widow has taken up her abode in Bus-
sey, where she now makes her home.
LYMAN LEE BYBEE.
For a number of years Lyman Lee Bybee was actively engaged in
agriculture and still owns three hundred and forty-five acres of fine
land although he now devotes his time to other lines of work. He
owns one of the best equipped garages in Knoxville and does a large
business in that connection and also as agent for two well known
makes of cars. He is a man of prominence in political circles of
this part of the state and is now representing his district in the state
legislature.
Mr. Bybee was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 3d of
April, i8c;6, a son of Jacob and Anna (Mayer) Bybee, natives of
Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. His paternal grandfather,
Washington Bybee, was born in Virginia and was a son of John
Bybee, also a native of the Old Dominion. The last named was a
veteran of the Revolutionary war and moved to Ohio at an early day
in the history of that state. Washington Bybee was a farmer and
stockman and well known in his locality. His son, Jacob Bybee,
removed to Indiana when a young man and devoted his time to
farming and the buying and selling of stock. Both he and his wife
are deceased.
Lyman L. Bybee's educational advantages were limited to the
course ofifered in the public schools and on the 7th of March, 1876,
when a young man of twenty years, he came to Iowa, locating in
Knoxville, where for a few years he followed his trade, that of a
carpenter. He was married in 1878 and in 1880 purchased a farm
in Washington township. He resided upon his place and personally
cultivated it until 1902. He also owned another tract comprising
two hundred acres, his real estate aggregating five hundred and
294 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
forty-five acres, of which he still owns three hundred and forty-five
acres, and his farm returns to him a gratifying annual income. He
was much interested in the breeding of fast horses while farming
and owned Franker, who made a record of 2:io-)4. In 1902 Mr.
Bybee removed to Knoxville and has since resided in this city. In
that year he assumed the duties of county sherifif, to which office he
had been elected in the fall previous. He served two terms, or five
years, and did good work in the preservation of the peace and the
apprehension of malefactors. At the expiration of his second term
of office he established a furniture and undertaking business, which
he conducted for about six years, selling out in February, 1914. In
1913 he built a garage sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in dimen-
sions, of concrete construction and with a living-room above. A
complete repair shop is located here and he does a great deal of that
kind of work. He also has the agency for the Ford and Overland
cars and is proving an aggressive representative of the interests of
the manufacturers.
In 1913 Mr. Bybee was elected a representative to the thirty-
fourth general assembly and his record as a lawmaker has amply
justified the trust and confidence placed in him by his constituents.
The casting of his ballot has always been determined by the bearing
of any proposed bill upon the general welfare and his vote has always
been given in support of any measure that sought the public good.
Mr. Bybee was married in 1878 to Miss Elizabeth Emma Bel-
lamy, of this county, a daughter of Wiley and Sarah Eliza (Snyder)
Bellamy, both natives of Ohio. Her father died while serving in the
Civil war. The family were among the pioneer settlers of this
county, arriving in the early '40s. To Mr. and Mrs. Bybee seven
children have been born. Gertrude married William Bain, of Des
Moines, and they have five children. Lloyd L., who is associated
with his father in the management of the garage, married Gertrude
Jordan and they have three children. Anna Eliza is the wife of
William J. Whitlatch, of Indiana township, and they have one child.
Allen P., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business,
married Kathryn Clive and they have two children. Erwa A., who
is engaged in farming the homestead, married Miss Ruby Reese, by
whom he has one child. Stella S. is the wife of John J. Clark of
Knoxville township. Othello B. is at home.
Mr. Bybee is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and contributes to the furtherance of its work. He is a
republican and, as previously stated, has served as county sherifif and
is the present state representative from his district. He is also chair-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 295
man of the republican county central committee and is one of the
leaders in local political circles. Since coming to Knoxville he has
served one term as alderman from the second ward. He belongs to
a number of fraternal organizations, including Oriental Lodge, No.
6i, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M.; the subordinate
lodge and the encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows; the Knights of Pythias; and the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. He has held all of the chairs in the lodge of Odd Fellows and
has been noble grand twice. Both he and his wife belong to the
Eastern Star and the Rebekahs. He has succeeded in all that he has
undertaken and his achievement is more noteworthy when the fact
that he has followed high moral standards in all relations of life is
considered. He is among the most highly respected men in Knox-
ville and the esteem in which he is held is fully deserved.
JAMES A. HARTLEY.
James A. Hartley, a farmer and stockman who for the past three
years has resided at Knoxville, is a native of this county, his birth
occurring in Dallas township, March 20, 1876. His father, John
David Hartley, is still living at Dallas and his mother, who in her
maidenhood was Miss Catherine Stevenson, has passed away. They
were pioneer residents of the county and contributed much to its
early development. They had several children, who now are resid-
ing in various parts of the country.
James A. Hartley received a good common-school education,
which fitted him to take an intelligent part in the world's work.
When he was but seven years of age he lost his mother and while
still a youth assumed a large share of the management of the farm,
as his older brother, who had been directing its operation, died. The
self-reliance which he gained then has continued a salient trait of his
character and has been an influential factor in his success in life.
He has continued to farm and now owns some fifteen hundred acres
of land in Dallas and Washington townships, Marion county, and
in Pleasant township, Lucas county, Iowa. He also has other inter-
ests, as he is a partner in the firm of Stotts & Company, who conduct
a general store at Melcher; is likewise vice president of one of the
banks there and owns stock in the other. He removed to Knoxville
three years ago in order to give his family educational advantages,
and this city has remained his place of residence ever since.
296 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
IVIr. Hartley was married in this county to Miss Carrie C. Wag-
ner, a daughter of the late Daniel Wagner, and they have two
children, a son and daughter: Byron Dale, who was born January 5,
1904, is attending school, being in the fifth grade ; and Helen Deborah
is in the third grade.
Mr. Hartley usually supports the republican candidates at the
polls but reserves the right to vote independently whenever he con-
siders that the interests of good government will be best served by so
doing. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and he is affiliated with the Masonic order. Mr. Hartley is a very
practical man and manages his affairs excellently, displaying sound
judgment and knowledge of business conditions. He is one of the well-
to-do men of the county and it is generally conceded that his pros-
perity is due to his enterprise and wise management. He is never
remiss in the duties of citizenship and his influence is always on the
side of justice and true progress.
EDGAR M. OSBORN.
Edgar M. Osborn is successfully engaged in merchandising at
Tracy, having there conducted a general store since February, 1912.
His birth occurred in Dallas county, Iowa, on the 13th of October,
1881, his parents being J. P. and Alice S. (Sumner) Osborn, both of
whom were natives of Indiana. They removed to Dallas county,
Iowa, in an early day, settling on a farm whereon the mother eventu-
ally passed away. The father survives, however, and now makes his
home in Arkansas. They had three children, all of whom are yet
living.
Edgar M. Osborn had the advantage of a high-school education
in his youth and remained at home until he was seventeen years of
age. Subsequently he was employed in a grocery store for some time
and in February, 191 2, embarked in business on his own account,
opening a general store at Tracy, where he has carried on merchan-
dising continuously to the present time. He displays a large and well
selected stock of goods and is accorded a liberal and gratifying pat-
ronage because of his reasonable prices and his courteous treatment
of customers.
In November, 1908, Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to Miss
Leora M. Hanna, a daughter of William R. and Julia (Rouze)
Hanna, who were born in Ohio and Iowa respectively. Their three
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 297
children all survive. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are the parents of a
daughter, Alice J., who was born on the 26th of November, 191 1.
Mr. Osborn gives his political allegiance to the republican party,
while both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of the com-
munity, as well as one of the substantial merchants, and has many
friends who accord him the esteem he well merits.
WILLIAM E. HYER.
For the past twelve years William E. Hyer, a retired farmer and
stock-raiser, has resided in Knoxville and he is favorably known in
this city. During his active life he followed agricultural pursuits
in Union township. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the
27th of December, 1837, a son of Job and Angeline (Scott) Hyer,
natives of Ohio and Spottsylvania county, Virginia, respectively.
The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hyer, was born in Pennsylvania
and served in the War of 181 2. His father, John Hyer, was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war and assisted in freeing the colonies from
the dominion of England. The family is of English descent. The
mother of our subject removed to Ohio from Virginia when a girl
and there married and resided during the remainder of her life.
She lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years, surviving her
husband for many years, as he died when but thirty-eight years of
age. He was twice married and by his first union had a son, Rufus
Hyer, who was killed in the Mexican war. Five children were
born of his marriage with Miss Scott, the only ones surviving besides
the subject of this review being a brother who is living in the Sol-
diers' Home at Dayton, Ohio, and a sister.
When seven years of age William E. Hyer was taken to Ross
county, Ohio, and there spent the greater part of his boyhood and
youth. When nineteen years old he came to Iowa, arriving in
Marion county November 2, 1857. He had no money and made the
long trip from Ohio with an ox team. He was married and had
one child and his family accompanied him on the journey westward.
They settled in Polk township, where Mr. Hyer engaged in farming
until the Civil war. On the 15th of August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company A, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served in the
Western Army until August 16, 1865, when he was discharged. He
participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the battles of Little Rock,
298
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Camden, Jenkins Ferry and Prairie De Ann but was fortunate
enough to escape without being wounded. After receiving his dis-
charge he returned home and began the cultivation of a farm in
Union township. He first bought eighty acres of land but added to
his realty until he became the owner of four hundred and forty acres.
In 1902 he sold out and gave a considerable sum of money to each of
his children.
On the 2d of November, 1856, Mr. Hyer was married in Ross
county, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Benson, who died in Marion county,
Iowa, on the 2d of April, 1909. She was born in February, 1840, in
Ross county and became the mother of nine children, all of whom
survive, are married and have families. Two reside in Emmet
county, Iowa; two in Marion county; one in Minnesota; two in
Canada; one in Montana; and one in Page county, Iowa. On the
i6th of November, 1910, Mr. Hyer was again married. His present
wife is a daughter of David Kuhns and was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of May, 1840. In the spring of
1 85 1 she accompanied the other members of the familv to Iowa,
living in the vicinity of Bellevue, Jackson county, for twentv-three
years. At the end of that time the family removed to Marion county,
where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The father
was called to his final rest in 1885 but the mother survived until
1900, dying when eighty-seven years of age. To them were born
nme children, six of whom are still living. Mrs. Hver gave fine
proof of her filial devotion by lovingly caring ior her parents during
their later years and remained at home until both had passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyer are members of the Congregational church
and active in the support of all good causes. Although both have
passed the three score years and ten allotted to man by the Psalmist
they are enjoying good health and still have a part in the community
life of Knoxville, where they are well known and highly respected.
G. A. STOUT.
G. A. Stout is the proprietor and publisher of the Pella Booster,
an eight page, all home print weekly paper which has been instru-
mental in securing many needed improvements in the city and countv.
He was born in Illinois on the 24th of April, 1868, a son of J. S.
and Esther (Smith) Stout. The father was engaged in lead and zinc
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 299
mining. Mr. Stout of this review was given excellent educational
opportunities, as, after graduating from the public schools, he com-
pleted a business course in the Penn College of Springfield, Mis-
souri, being a member of the class of 1883. Upon leaving school he
learned the printer's trade and for eighteen months was reporter
upon the Globe-Democrat of St. Louis. He later turned his atten-
tion to job printing and learned that business thoroughly, working
for twenty-one months in some of the large print shops of St. Louis.
In 1 89 1 he established the Independent, a weekly paper published
at Rossville, Illinois, and joined the fight on Joseph Cannon in 1892
when that redoubtable leader went down in defeat. In 1892 he
sold that paper and came to Pella, where for several years he engaged
in job printing. In the same year he founded the Fella Advertiser,
but after publishing it for some time sold it to A. P. Heald. On
account of his health Mr. Stout gave up the printing and newspaper
business for a time and returned to Illinois, but after a few months
came again to Pella. He again entered the job printing business
and bought Pella's Weekblad and Blade of H. Neyenesch and con-
solidated it with the Advertiser under the name of the Pella
Chronicle. Mr. Stout in time disposed of this paper also and for a
while traveled upon the road and also worked in Des Moines for a
short time. In 1905 he again located at Pella, established a printing
oflice and founded the Pella Booster. He still owns and publishes
this paper, whieh is a weekly and which has a large circulation, its
subscribers numbering at present fourteen hundred and fifty. It is
in the main independent in political matters but has democratic lean-
ings. It started as a four page paper, but now has eight pages, six
columns to the page, and is all home print, which is rather unusual
among the weekly papers in the smaller cities. In January, 1914,
new and thoroughly modern equipment was installed, including
unitype machines. Mr. Stout's thorough knowledge of the mechan-
ical and technical side of printing insures the paper's typographical
excellence and its editorial and news columns have attained an
equally high standard. He is an editorial writer of force and lucid-
ity and his leading articles are worthy of careful reading and
thought. He has the journalistic sense highly developed and can
gauge accurately the amount of space to which a news story is
entitled. In the make-up of his paper he maintains a wise balance
between local and general news and, as he exercises great care in
determining the truth or falsity of accounts of happenings and places
great stress upon accuracy, his paper ranks as one of the best weekly
publications in this section of the state.
300 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
In 1894 Mr. Stout was united in marriage to Miss Marie Lan-
kelma, of Pella, a daughter of Peter C. and Anna Lankelma, who in
1856 settled in this city. The father was for many years in the hard-
ware business but during his last years lived retired. He died on the
i6th of July, 1914, having survived his wife since 1908.
Mr. Stout is a democrat in politics and has served upon the county
democratic central committee. He has always been an active worker
for the betterment of the city and did valuable service in arousing
public sentiment in favor of a municipal light and water plant.
Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the
Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. He is charter member of the local lodge of the last named
fraternity. As a private citizen and especially as the editor of the
Pella Booster he exercises a strong influence in the affairs of the city
and county and this power is always used for the general good. His
public spirit and his integrity have gained him the respect and con-
fidence of his fellow citizens.
H. F. KEARLES, M. D.
For many years the name of Keables has been associated with the
medical profession in Pella, as the father of our subject was a physi-
cian and surgeon, practicing here for many years, and as Dr. H. F.
Keables has for twenty years or more followed his profession here.
He was born at Pella on the 3d of June, 1865, a son of B. F. and
Sarah J. (Scholte) Keables. The father was a native of Geneseo,
New York. As a young man he entered the Keokuk Medical College
and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1850. In that year he
came to Pella and opened an oflice, remaining in the active practice
of his profession until his death. He was a member of the county and
state medical societies and of the American Medical Association and
was one of the originators of the county society. He was for many
years a member of the pension board. To some extent he specialized
in the diseases of women and children and became well known for
his successful treatment of those diseases. At the time of the Civil
war he was surgeon for the Third Regiment of Iowa Volunteers with
the rank of major. He did much toward shaping public thought and
action in Pella and many of the institutions and forces that make
for the welfare of the community benefited by his counsel and work
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 301
in their behalf. For many years he was president of the board of
trustees of Central University of Iowa and was largely instrumental
in retaining Pella as its location. In the '70s he served in the state
legislature for two terms and proved a wise and efficient member of
the general assembly. During McKinley's administration he was
postmaster of Pella and for a long time was a member of the city
school board. Fraternally he was a member of the Masons, in which
he attained the Knights Templar degree, and the Odd Fellows. He
attended the Baptist church and contributed to the support of the
work of that organization. He passed away in 191 1 and in his death
the community lost one of its most useful and most highly respected
citizens. Two of his brothers were also physicians. His wife, who
was a daughter of Rev. H. P. Scholte and who passed away Octo-
ber 18, 1914, was highly esteemed by all who were privileged to know
her. She was the mother of five children. H. S. is proprietor of the
drug store in Pella which his father established in 1852. Kate F. is
the wife of R. R. Beard and lives at Pella. J. B. is a resident of Des
Moines. Dr. H. F., of this review, is the next in order of birth. May
is the wife of Rev. J. B. Smith, a minister of the Baptist church, now
stationed at Waterloo, Iowa.
Dr. H. F. Keables attended the Central University of Iowa for a
time after his graduation from the public schools and subsequently
entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, which institution gave
him his professional degree in 1890 after he had completed the
required course. He first located in Des Moines and practiced there
for a short time, but soon he returned to his birthplace and has since,
or for more than twenty years, engaged in the practice of medicine
and surgery in Pella. He has a keen realization of the fact that this
is an age in which accurate scientific knowledge is of paramount
importance and in which it is necessary to make continued progress if
one would not be distanced in the achievement of success. He accord-
ingly utilizes the available means for keeping abreast of the
discoveries made by trained investigators who are constantly seeking
to learn more of the nature and cure of disease. He belongs to the
state and county medical societies and to the American Medical
Association, reads much along professional lines and has taken post-
graduate work in both Chicago and New York. His progressiveness,
his knowledge of different systems of therapeutics and the genuine
interest that he takes in every case in which he is called unite in mak-
ing him one of the most successful and most prosperous physicians of
the county. He holds alike the respect of the general public and of
his professional colleagues.
302 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Dr. Keables was first married in 1892 to Miss Dora E. Narkel,
who died in 1894, leaving one child, Benjamin Franklin, now a clerk
in the postoffice at Pella. In 1896 the Doctor was married to Miss
Jessie V. Dinsmore, of Boston, Massachusetts, and to this union three
children have been born: Sarah A., Esther and Frances.
Dr. Keables is a republican in politics, as he is convinced that its
principles and policies offer the best means of solution for the vexed
problems of our national life. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons
and is a past master of the local blue lodge. During the score of years
in which he has practiced his profession in Pella he has served the
community well and has always been among the leaders in the effort
to make the place one of the model cities of the state in respect to
public sanitation and hygiene, and the consciousness of a worthy work
well done is by no means the least of his reward. He has also won
financial success and is considered one of the representative residents
of the city. His many fine traits of character have gained him loval
friends who esteem his good opinion highlv.
JACOB STIERNEMANN.
Since 1867 Jacob Stiernemann. a well known blacksmith of Otlev,
has resided in this county, although he was born in Greneckin, Switz-
erland. His birth occurred on the ist of October, 1840, and he was
therefore a young man of twentv-six years when he emigrated to
America, as he arrived in this country in 1866. His parents were
Jacob and Maria (Wehrlie) Stiernemann. The father was born in
Switzerland in 1809 and died there in 1894. and the mother, whose
birth occurred in Switzerland in 1810, passed away in 1873 in her
native land. To their union were born six children: Sallie, Samuel,
Jacob, Mary, Andrew and Annie.
Jacob Stiernemann, the onlv surviving member of the familv,
received his education in Switzerland and after landing in New York
in 1866 went south and for six months worked on a plantation near
Brunswick, Georgia, which belonged to General Gordon. At the
end of that time he went successively to Baltimore, Kentucky and
Keokuk. He then came to Marion county and after staying at Pella
a short time removed to Otley, where he purchased a lot and started
a blacksmith shop. This was in 1867 ^'""^ he has since worked at his
trade, which he learned in Switzerland. In the intervening years he
has bought out three men and now has the only shop in the town.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 303
His work is of a high quality and his services are satisfactory to those
who patronize him. He has prospered financially and owns his com-
fortable residence here and ten lots. He built his own home and also
two other houses and derives a gratifying addition to his income from
the rent of his town property.
In 1868 Mr. Stiernemann was married to Miss Maria Carter, a
daughter of Daniel and Lydia (Brucher) Carter. On her mother's
side she is of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. She was born in Ohio, but
in 1850 accompanied her parents to Iowa. Their children were
Reuben, Rachel, George, Maria, James, Elizabeth Rebecca, King
and Lydia. Mrs. Stiernemann was educated in Ohio and remained
at home until her marriage, which was solemnized two miles north-
west of Otley. To Mr. and Mrs. Stiernemann have been born five
children: One who died in infancy; Minnie, whose birth occurred on
the 23d of April, 1872; John, born April 23, 1875; Simon, Janu-
ary 29, 1880; and Herman, whose birth occurred on the 9th of
November, 1881.
Mr. Stiernemann was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church,
from which he has never departed, and his influence is always on the
side of right and justice. In politics he is a democrat and has served
upon the school board for fifteen or twenty years. Fraternally he is
quite well known, belonging to a number of orders. For ten years
he has been a member of the Knights of Pythias of Pella, since 1873
he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
of Monroe, and he belongs to the blue lodge of the Masons at Monroe
and to the commandery at Newton, having attained the Knights
Templar degree. His daughters are members of both the Eastern
Star and the Rebekahs. His life has been at all times open and
straightforward and his fellow citizens esteem him highly, as they
know him to be a man of upright life and public spirit.
LORENZO DOW BATTEN.
One of the highly respected residents of Knoxville is Lorenzo
Dow Batten, who for many years was actively engaged in business
as a blacksmith in this city. He was born in Brown county, Ohio,
on the 9th of July, 1845, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Bradford)
Batten. His father was born in Highland county, that state, in 18 12
and his mother in Brown county on the 12th of June, 1813. On the
maternal side he is descended from William and Margaret (Parkin-
304 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
son) Bradford, who removed from Virginia to Brown county', Ohio,
in 1822. William Bradford was a son of Samuel and Sarali Brad-
ford, who emigrated to America from England in 1765. Margaret
Parkinson was a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Dickey)
Parkinson, who came from England to the United States. The
former was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as was his father,
William Parkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Batten were married in
Brown county, Ohio, in August, 1841, and resided there until 1851
or 1852, when they came to Iowa, settling near Pleasantville. The
father purchased land and farmed until he retired from active life.
He was a Methodist in his religious faith and was highly esteemed
by his neighbors and acquaintances. He passed away in 1881, having
for many years survived his wife, who died in 1853 shortly after the
family removed to this state. To them were born four children.
Exira married James Ruby and died leaving one daughter, Eliza
Jane. Lorenzo Dow is the next in order of birth. The two youngest
children died in infancv.
Lorenzo Dow Batten was but a child when he accompanied his
parents to this county and his education was gained in the public
schools here. As a young man he learned the trade of blacksmithing
and for about forty years has conducted a shop in Knoxville. He
has built up a reputation for careful and thorough work and has
gained a competence through his labors. His efficiency and integrity
are alike above question and many of those who patronize his shop
have done so for many years, as they are satisfied that they could not
do better elsewhere.
Mr. Batten was married November 7, 1870, at Pleasantville, to
Miss Martha E. Duncan, a daughter of Samuel Robb and Sarah
Elizabeth (Miller) Duncan. The father was born in Highland
county, Ohio, in 1822 and her mother's birth occurred in the same
year in Lcoidoun county, Virginia. They were married on the 30th
of March, 1843, in Highland county, Ohio, and there Mr. Duncan
passed away. About 1861 his wife came to Iowa with her children,
only two of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Batten, who was
born in Alexander, Missouri, November 28, 1849; and William
Samuel. The mother passed away in Knoxville in 1904. Mrs. Batten
is descended from Jacob Miller, a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and his wife, Elizabeth Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Batten have two
children, Flora Duncan and Sarah Ellen, both of whom are success-
ful teachers. They were educated in the Knoxville public and high
schools and also attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar
Falls.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 305
Mr.. Batten has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows for years and both of his daughters are Rebekahs. They are
also members of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution. His political adherence is given to
the democratic party and he has served as a delegate to a number of
local conventions. He takes great interest in all that attects the
general good and is known as a public-spirited citizen.
JAMES ALLEN RICHARDS.
The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the
pioneer records of this county without learning that the Richards
family has been prominently identified with the work of development
and upbuilding here for many years. Like others of the name, James
Allen Richards was long closely associated with agricultural interests
but since 1907 has made his home in Pleasantville, enjoying a well
earned rest. He still derives a substantial income, however, from
his farm property in Pleasant Grove and Swan townships, where
he has three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land
which is cultivated partly by his children. His birth occurred in
Coshocton county, Ohio, October 4, 1847, his father being William
Richards, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He
was reared under the parental roof with the usual experiences of the
farm boy who spends his early life upon the frontier. He attended
the country schools and assisted in the arduous task of cultivating
and developing new land. To his father he gave the benefit of his
services until his marriage, when he secured a farm of his own and
settled thereon, making it his place of residence until 1907.
It was on the nth of August, 1892, that Mr. Richards wedded
Miss Mary A. Fleck, who was born in Prairie City, Iowa, May 29,
1873, a daughter of James E. and Margaret (McCleary) Fleck and
a granddaughter of Ephraim and Rachel (Colliard) McCleary, who
were Irish people, while the Flecks were of German descent. The
paternal grandfather, David Fleck, was born in Germany and became
the founder of the family in the new world, his son, James E. Fleck,
being born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, whence he removed to Indi-
ana. He was married in that state, at Warsaw, and afterward came
to Iowa, settling near Prairie City, Jasper county. His wife died in
1879, at the age of thirty-nine years, when on a visit at Warsaw, Indi-
ana. James E. Fleck went to California in the spring of 1891 and
306 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
remained in that state for a year, subsequent to which time he located
at Crow, Oregon, where he passed away in April, 1899, at the age of
sixty-seven years, his birth having occurred March i, 1832. Through-
out the period of his residence in Iowa he followed farming, and
while living in this state he also enlisted and served for one hundred
days in the Civil war. Mrs. Richards was the seventh in a family of
nine children, of whom the two eldest died in infancy. The others
are yet living, namely: Alfred, who is a resident of Rockwell City,
Iowa; David, living in Pleasantville, Iowa; J. Edward, who makes
his home in South Dakota; Joseph, residing in Crow, Oregon; Mrs.
Mary A. Richards; Anna, who is the wife of Joseph Power; and
William, living in Canada. Mrs. Richards was reared in Jasper
county, Iowa, and acquired a common-school education. By her
marriage she has become the mother of five children, namely: Jessie
Hazel, Ray D., Ralph A., Esta Geraldine and James Albert, all at
home.
The family occupy an attractive residence in Pleasantville. It is
commodious and tastefully furnished, while its chief charm is its
generous and warm-hearted hospitality. Mrs. Richards is a member
of the Christian church. Politically Mr. Richards is a republican
and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but
does not seek nor desire office. He has always manifested a public-
spirited devotion to the general good and has cooperated in many
plans and movements for the upbuilding and benefit of the county.
FRANK A. MONROE.
Frank A. Monroe is one of the unusually successful agriculturists
of Marion county, owning a large tract of land comprising twelve
hundred acres in Indiana township and also land in Dodge county,
Minnesota. He has largely retired but the supervision of his landed
interests requires considerable time and energy. He was born in Indi-
ana township on the 24th of November, 1872, a son of James and
•Sophia (Allen) Monroe, who were married in 1859 in Marion
county, and resided in Indiana township until called to the great
beyond. The former passed away in March, 191 1, when eighty-one
years of age, and the latter in February, 1908, when sixty-seven years
old. The father was a carpenter by trade and followed that occupa-
tion in his early years but later devoted his attention to agriculture.
Both he and his wife were natives of Indiana, his birthplace being
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 307
Shelbyville. The family was among the pioneers in Indiana and a
number of brothers and sisters of James Monroe are still residing in
that state, he being the only one to locate in Marion county, Iowa.
Politically he gave his allegiance to the republican party and in
religious faith he was a Methodist, as was also his wife. To them
were born five children, all of whom are residents of this county:
Mary, the wife of R. A. Hill, of Indiana township; John, also of
that township; Annie, who is residing with John upon the home
place; Ira, of Knoxville township; and Frank A., of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and attended
the country schools in the pursuit of an education. Since reaching
man's estate he has continued in the occupation to which he devoted
so many hours in his boyhood and youth and has proved prosperous
and progressive in an unusual degree. He has added to his real
estate from time to time and now ow.ns some twelve hundred acres,
part of which is located in Indiana township, this county, and part in
Dodge county, Minnesota. This also includes six properties in Knox-
ville. Four years ago he retired from the active work of the farm
and removed to Knoxville but he is still managing all of his extensive
business interests and displays the sound judgment that has through-
out his life been a strong factor in his success.
Mr. Monroe was married in Indiana township in January, 1900,
to Miss Mary Simmons, a daughter of Leonard Simmons, of Colum-
bia, Washington township, who came to this county in its pioneer
days, arriving here October 4, 1854, ^'^''"'t^" ^ young man. He settled
in Indiana township and has resided in this county since, with the
exception of three vears. He purchased land and improved it,
becoming the owner of a highly developed and valuable farm. He
is now eighty-one yegrs of age and has survived his wife since March,
1899, her demise occurring when she was sixty-three years old. He is
a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his
wife, and is honored by those who know him. Three of his four
daughters are living, those besides Mrs. Monroe being: Mrs. Joseph
Maddy, of Lucas county, this state; Mrs. Sallie Whitlock, a widow,
who resides with her father; and Mrs. Cora Welch, who died at
Columbia, this county, on the 2d of July, 1914. Mrs. Monroe was
reared in Indiana township and for one year attended school in Knox-
ville. To Mr. and Mrs. Monroe have been born two children, Merna
and Marita, both in school. The wife and daughters attend the
Methodist Episcopal church, of which the former is a member.
Politically Mr. Monroe supports the candidates and policies of the
republican partv and takes a praiseworthy interest in everything of
308 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
public concern. During his life he has contributed in no small
measure to the agricultural development of this county and this,
coupled with his sincerity and uprightness of life, commends him to
the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens.
JAMES W. MANHARDT.
Among the enterprising and reliable dealers in real estate in
Knoxville must be numbered James W. Manhardt, who was born
on the i8th of May, 1868, in Marion county, a son of Frederick and
Sarah (Gregory) Manhardt. The former was born in France but
when four years old was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John
Manhardt, to this country, the family home being established in
Pennsylvania, but in 1846 Frederick Manhardt came to Marion
county, Iowa. At one time he owned the lot where the Knoxville
National Bank now stands, and some idea of the early realty values
can be obtained from noting that he received it and two hundred
dollars in trade for a span of mules. He made the journey to this
county with the Bobst family, who settled at Marysville, where he
lived for a time. In his early life he was a carpenter but eventually
devoted his time to farming. He passed away in 1906. His wife,
who was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah Gregory, was born in Indi-
ana, a daughter of James T. and Harriet (Ridlen) Gregory. In
1849, when but a child of four years, she accompanied her parents to
this county. Her father entered government land on sections 35 and
36, Clay township, but later removed to a farm in the vicinity of
Knoxville, where he lived for many years, and then took up his abode
in Knoxville, where he passed away on the 13th of September, 19 13.
His wife died on the 24th of April, 1914. Their daughter, Mrs.
Manhardt, survives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, as was Mr. Manhardt, wh(j was a prohibitionist in politics.
To their union were born the following children: Mary L., now
Mrs. G. E. Gregory and a resident of Kansas; Emma, who is also
living in the Sunflower state and is the wife of C. I. Rose; James W.,
of this review; and Minnie, who married C. A. Koenig, a resident of
Knoxville.
James W. Manhardt is indebted to the public schools of the
county for his educational advantages and as a boy also learned the
principles of farming under the instruction of his father. He fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits for a number of years after arriving at
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 309
maturity, but in December, 1901, removed to Knoxville and entered
the real-estate business, in which he has since engaged. He has a
thorough knowledge of realty values in the county, both as regards
town property and farm lands, and has negotiated many important
transfers of title. The volume of his business has increased steadily
from year to year and yields him a good income.
Mr. Manhardt was married in October, 1891, to Miss Ella V.
Druet, a native of this county and a daughter of Dr. S. and Rosa
(Abbott) Druet. They were early residents of Davis county, this
state, and about 1870 removed to Marysville. They now reside at
Anamosa. To Mr. and Mrs. Manhardt were born five children as
follows: Charles W., Clara, Minnie, one who died in infancy, and
Sarah.
Mr. Manhardt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and exercises his right of suffrage by supporting the candidates of
the republican party. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of
Pythias. He owns two fine farms but rents them to others, concentrat-
ing his energies upon his real-estate business, which returns to him
gratifying profits. He is one of the well known and highly respected
residents of Knoxville, esteemed alike for his business ability and for
his integrity of character.
TYLER OVERTON.
The pioneer history of Marion county bears the name of Tyler
Overton, for he was one of the first settlers in this part of the state
and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present
prosperity and progress of the community. He continued to reside
within its borders until death called him on the 24th of September,
1878. He was then about sixty-five years of age, his birth having
occurred in North Carolina on the loth of November, 1813. His
parents were Asa and Katura (Tyler) Overton, who resided in Ran-
dolph county. North Carolina, until their son Tyler reached young
manhood. About that time the family removed westward to Lee
county, Iowa, where the parents remained until called to their final
rest.
In 1843 Tyler Overton, then about thirty years of age, came to
Marion county and secured a claim of three hundred and twenty
acres which is still in the possession of the family. The work of
progress and development had scarcely been begun here at the time
310 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
of his arrival and a number of years passed ere the county could be
said to have emerged from the conditions of pioneer life. The land
which came into his possession was all wild, not a furrow had been
turned or an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he
began its development and the result was soon seen in well cultivated
fields from which he gathered good crops. He shared in the hard-
ships and trials of pioneer life and bore his part in the work of early
development and improvement. At the time of his arrival wild game
of all kinds was plentiful and it was no difficult thing for a hunter
to return home with a plentiful supply of meat for the family larder.
The prairies were covered with the wild native grasses, starred with
a million wild flowers in June, while in December they were covered
with a dazzling, unbroken sheet of snow. One could ride for miles
without coming to a fence to impede his progress arid all of the early
homes were log cabins or other primitive dwellings.
On the 19th of December, 1844, Mr. Overton was married to Miss
Rebecca May, who was then in her sixteenth year, a daughter of Alex-
ander and Hessie May, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter
of North Carolina. The family is of English and Dutch lineage and
was established in Indiana in pioneer times. Mrs. Overton was born
in Fountain county, Indiana, January 30, 1829. In her girlhood her
parents removed with their family to Montgomery county, Indiana,
where they resided until 1843 and then came to Iowa. The follow-
ing year she became the wife of Tyler Overton and for thirty-four
years they traveled life's journey happily together but were separated
by the death of the husband on the 24th of September, 1878, while
Mrs. Overton did not pass away until December, 1901. In their
family were nine children, as follows: Mrs. Frances Beebout, who
died about thirty years ago; Mary Elizabeth, who is the wife of
Francis May; Henry Alexander, a prominent farmer and orchardist
of Knoxville township, this county; Benjamin Franklin, who is
deceased; Hester Helen, who gave her hand in marriage to William
Robuck; Sherwood, who has passed away; John W., an agriculturist
of Knoxville township, this county; Asbury S., a sketch of whom
appears on another page of this work; and Laura Rebecca, who is
deceased.
Mrs. Overton survived her husband for many years or for almost
a quarter of a century and resided in one of the finest homes of the
township upon the farm which had been developed and improved
by her husband. Upon the place is one of the fine orchards of the
county and many other modern improvements which indicate the
care and labor that have been bestowed upon the farm. Both Mr.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 311
and Mrs. Overton were members of the Christian church and took
an active part in its work from 1 85 1 , assisting materially in advancing
its growth and extending its influence. Both were highly esteemed
and no history of Marion county would be complete without mention
of this worthy pioneer couple.
JOHN VAN DER PLOEG.
The natives of Holland who have settled in this county have
given a good account of themselves and have manifested the strength
of character and persistency of purpose characteristic of their ances-
try. They are numbered among the good citizens of the locality
and have also prospered financially. John van der Ploeg, the owner
of a bakery and grocery business in Fella, was born in Friesland,
The Netherlands, November 8, 1863, a son of P. and Elizabeth
(Schuring) van der Ploeg. The father was a tailor in his native
land and followed that trade in Pella after removing here with his
family in 1881. Both he and his wife are deceased. They had four
children, Mr. van der Ploeg of this review having two brothers and
one sister.
John van der Ploeg acquired a common-school education in his
native land and after emigrating with the other members of the
family to this country was employed by G. Van Vliet & Company
for four years in a bakery. He was then for two years in the post-
office and at the end of that time purchased an interest in the bakery
in which he had learned his trade. Three years later, in association
with |. S. Rhynsburger, he bought out Mr. Van Vliet and eight
years later purchased the interest of Mr. Rhynsburger, becoming
the sole owner of the business. In the years that have intervened
since that time he has given proof of his sound judgment and ability
to manage business affairs in the successful conduct of the bakery,
which is one of the best known in the city. He also carries a line of
groceries and both branches of his undertaking are proving profit-
able. He caters to the home trade only and his patronage comes
from the representative people of the city, many of whom have given
him their custom for years.
Mr. van der Ploeg was married on the ist of May, 1889, to Miss
Dora Laverman, a daughter of Nicholas Laverman, who is engaged
in farming near Pella. The children of this union are: Peter, who
married Miss Julia Van Dusen and is with his father in the bakery;
312 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and Jennie, Nicholas, Dirlc and Bert, all at home. The family
belong to the First Christian Reformed church, in which Mr. van
der Ploeg has been a deacon for twenty-three years. His political
allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is now serving as
alderman. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of
the city in which he has made his home for almost a third of a cen-
tury and is well Icnown and sincerely respected bv his fellow citi-
zens.
ZEPHANIAH CHAMBERS.
For a considerable period Zcphaniah Chambers was actively,
honorably and successfully connected with the farming interests of
Marion county, his home being on section 1 1, Liberty township, and
in his death the community lost a representative agriculturist. He
was born in Indiana in 1844, a son of James and Cassie Chambers,
who were married in that state and there reared a large family of
children to good and useful lives. In the early '40s the family came
to Marion county, Iowa, driving across the country with ox teams,
and on reaching their destination the father preempted a claim in
Liberty township. It was entirely destitute of improvements, nor
had a furrow been turned or a stick laid upon the place. He reso-
lutely undertook the task of developing the farm and in the course
of years his labors were abundantly rewarded with good harvests.
He also carried on stock-raising with success and became recognized
as one of the leading and enterprising agriculturists of the county.
He died February 11, 1882, at the age of seventy-two years and his
wife passed away December 31, 1879, at the age of seventy-five years.
Their remains were laid to rest in Liberty cemetery. They were
pioneers in the broadest and best sense of the term, aiding largely in
the development and upbuilding of the county and promoting its
progress in every possible way.
Zephaniah Chambers was but an infant when brought by his
parents to Marion county and here he was reared amid the scenes
and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of
the hardships and privations which are features incidental to the
establishment of a frontier home. He acquired a meager education
in one of the oldtime log schools but in the school of experience
learned many valuable lessons.
On the 15th of February, 1866, Mr. Chambers was united in
marriage to Miss Temperance Bonnett, a daughter of William H.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 313
and Mahala (Spaur) Bonnett. Her father was born October 13,
1822, and departed this life April 5, 1884, while his wife, who was
born April 17, 1824, died during the Civil war. They were married
September 28, 1847, and in their family were five children, Lucy,
Temperance, Marion, Isador and Matilda Jane. The first named
is now deceased. The family were pioneer settlers of Marion county
and the father manifested a helpful interest in public afYairs of gen-
eral importance. His life was devoted to general farming and stock-
raising and through close attention to business he was able to provide
a good living for his family. His political support was given the
democratic party.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chambers began their
domestic life upon a farm in Liberty township and as the years
passed on seven children were added to the household: James Wil-
liam, who married Anna Smith and is now deceased; Stella, the
wife of William Way; Austin, who married Allie Johnson and is
deceased; Wesley, who married Esta Carmin; John, who married
Lizzie Coster; one who died unnamed; and Frank, also deceased.
Mr. Chambers always devoted his life to the work of tilling the
soil and raising stock and the result of his labors was seen in well
cultivated fields, from which he annually gathered good harvests.
At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and
personal considerations and responded to the country's call for aid,
enlisting as a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry,
with which he went to the front, taking part in a number of hotly
contested engagements. After his return home he resumed farming
and was thus busily engaged to the time of his death, which occurred
December 7, 1895. He is still survived by his wife, a most estimable
lady. She practically reared her younger brothers and sisters after
her mother's death and has been most devoted in the care of her
own household. She is highly esteemed wherever known and most
of all where she is best known.
ADGATE WARD COLLINS.
Adgate Ward Collins was associated with his brother, S. h.
Collins, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, in mer-
cantile business in Knoxville for a number of years and was also
closely identified with banking circles in this county as president of
314 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
the Knoxville National Bank, which he aided in organizing. He
was a pioneer of the county and witnessed the marvelous changes of
the past half century brought about here. He was born in Richland
county, Ohio, October 30, 1821, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth
(Adgate) Collins, natives of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Bloom-
field, Ontario county, New York, respectively. Their marriage
occurred in New York and they subsequently removed to Coshocton
county, Ohio, and later to Muskingum county, that state.
Adgate W. Collins learned the potter's trade, which he followed
for a short time. In 1852 he came to Marion county, Iowa, and
resided here for more than fifty years, or until 1906, his death occur-
ring on the 1 8th of April of that year. Soon after coming to this
county he located upon a farm near Knoxville and in the early years
of his residence here he was engaged in merchandising with his
brother, S. L. Collins. He was also president of the Knoxville
National Bank, of which, he was one of the organizers, and was at
the head of the institution until his retirement from business. He
achieved greater success than does the average man and was known
as one of the prosperous citizens of his county. He was successful
as a farmer, merchant and financier and his labors were part of tliose
forces which made for the development of his localitv.
In 1846 Mr. Collins was married to Miss Susan Cecilia Olive
and they had five children, the three eldest of whom were born in
Ohio, the younger ones being natives of this state. Chester Llewel-
lyn, a judge residing at Bay City, Michigan, married Miss Sarah
Miller and has two daughters, Emily and Susan. Mina Ellen mar-
ried John Reed, of Knoxville, Iowa. Emma Jane is the widow of
Dr. W. K. Sloan and resides at Moline, Illinois. She has two chil-
dren. Dr. Chester C. Sloan and Mrs. Clara O. Page. David Olive
passed away in 1885, at the age of thirty-one years. He was a lawyer
by profession. His son, Ward Olive, is a consulting engineer resid-
ing in Chicago. Susan married J. L. Broderick, of Elkhart, Indiana,
and passed awav in 1896, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Isabelle Rust, of
Northampton, Massachusetts. The mother of these children died
and Mr. Collins married Miss Sarah Jane Lewis, who was born in
1837 at West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, and passed to her
reward on the i8th of October, 1913. To this union were born
four children: Wilson Lewis, who died in July, 1912, when fifty
years of age, at Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he was engaged in the
banking business; Frank Weldon, who died in infancy; Bertha L.,
now Mrs. Walter Brown, of Los Angeles, California; and Prudence
W., who resides in Knoxville.
1
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 3i5
Mr. Collins became a member of tbe Methodist church in early
life and was active in securing the new building for the First Meth-
odist Episcopal church here. He was a republican in his political
views but never sought office, preferring to concentrate his energies
upon his business interests. These he managed with ability and at
the same time that he gained material prosperity he won the unquali-
fied regard of those who were brought in close contact with him.
THOMPSON E. WELCH.
Thompson E. Welch is well known as the proprietor of a gen-
eral store at Columbia, conducting one of the largest establishments
of that character in Marion county. His birth occurred in this
county on the 12th of March, 1878, his parents being James and
Eliza (High) Welch, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of
Indiana. They reared a family of nine children and all are still
living with the exception of Fred, who was drowned at the age of
nineteen years.
Thompson E. Welch acquired his education in the common
schools and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof.
Subsequently he started out as an agriculturist on his own account
and successfully followed farming for eleven years. On the expira-
tion of that period he disposed of his property and embarked in the
mercantile business at Russell, in Lucas county, but sold out at the
end of eight months, though he remained there for two years. He
purchased a store in Columbia, in March, 1913, and there he has
carried on business as a general merchant continuously and success-
fullv since, being the owner of one of the largest establishments of
the kind in the county. He displays a comprehensive and carefully
selected stock of goods, which he sells at reasonable prices, and a
liberal patronage is accorded him. In addition to his double-store
building, Mr. Welch owns a residence in Columbia and also eighty
acres of land in eastern Kansas.
In 1903 Mr. Welch was united in marriage to Miss Cora C. Sim-
mons, a native of Marion county and a daughter of Leonard and
Anna (Maddy) Simmons. Her father still survives, but her mother
has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch were born six children,
namely : Frances, Sylvia, Lois, Forrest and two who died in infancy.
The wife and mother died on the 2d of July, 1914, and her remains
were interred in the Indiana cemetery.
316 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Welch is a republican in politics but has never sought nor
desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the
camp at Russell. In both business and social circles he has become
popular and is widely recognized as one of the esteemed, represen-
tative and enterprising citizens of his native county.
BURR PHELPS.
Burr Phelps has for a number of years performed a public service
of no little value to the community as manager of the annual Chau-
tauqua held in Knoxville and many other movements which make
for civic welfare have benefited by his advice and labor. He is
traveling salesman for the J. Miller Shoe Company of Racine, Wis-
consin, and covers a territory including part of Iowa, Missouri,
Kansas and Oklahoma.
Mr. Phelps was born in Monroe county, this state, on the 12th
of October, 1858, a son of E. H. and Martha (Dow) Phelps, both
natives of Indiana, where their marriage occurred. The paternal
grandfather was born in New York. E. H. Phelps brought his
family to Iowa in 1845 and located in Appanoose county. He was
a miller by trade and was one of the first millers in that county. In
1850 he removed to Monroe county and erected a mill upon the site
where the town of Hiteman now stands. Subsequently he came to
Marion county, living first at Columbia and later at Attica, and he
owned a mill in both places. He passed away in Attica in 1893 and
was survived by his widow until 1898. They were both members of
the Baptist church and he belonged to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
Burr Phelps was their youngest child and he and three brothers
survive. He attended the academy at Kno.wille after completing
a public-school course and as a youth also farmed and assisted his
father in the mill. In 1880 he entered the employ of the Cushing
& Squire Company of Knoxville and remained with them until Mr.
Cushing went into the wholesale business, becoming a member of the
Manning-Cushing Company of Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1883 Mr.
Phelps became traveling salesman for that concern and so continued
until 1888, when he began to represent the J. Miller Shoe Company,
of Racine, Wisconsin, manufacturers of boots and shoes, for whom
he has traveled ever since. He is an authority upon his line of goods.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 317
is also an expert salesman and is one of the most valued men in the
employ of the company.
Mr. Phelps was married in 1883 to Miss Lola Cunningham, a
daughter of A. C. and Martha (Phillips) Cunningham. Her father
was a native of Virginia and came to Knoxville in pioneer times,
entering land upon the present site of the city. He was one of the
first postmasters of Knoxville and in his early life was a physician.
For a number of years he was engaged in the coal business and
became a well-to-do citizen of the town. He has passed away. To
Mr. and Mrs. Phelps were born six children: Dow, a resident of
Kansas City, Missouri; Alice, Dean and Helen, all at home; and
Phillip and Cam, who died in childhood.
Mr. Phelps has belonged to the Methodist church since 1889 and
contributes generouslv to its support. In his political views he is a
republican and is stanch in his support of the principles of that
party. Fraternally he belongs to Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. &
A. M., of which he has been a member since 1880, and to the Eastern
Star. His wife is also a member of the latter organization. Although
much of his time is spent upon the road he has always considered
Knoxville his home and has given much time and efifort to the
advancement of its welfare. He was one of the originators of the
Kno.xville Chautauqua, which was established in 1910, and has had
charge of the booking of the program and the making of arrange-
ments ever since. The success of the Chautauqua is due more largely
to him than to any other one individual in the city and he takes a
commendable pride in this achievement. His friends are many and
they hold him in warm regard because of his generosity and kindness
of heart and also because of his integrity.
REV. SAMUEL HESTWOOD.
One is apt to overemphasize the business development of a com-
munity and point with special pride to what has been accomplished
in a material way without giving due thought to the great impor-
tance and potency of moral progress as a factor in character build-
ing, upon which depends all that is commendable and valuable in
man's relations with his fellowman. Iowa owes a debt of gratitude
to her pioneer ministers who sowed the seeds of moral advancement
in this state. Among the number was the Rev. Samuel Hestwood,
one of the early preachers of the Methodist church and one whose
Vol. 11—19
318 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
life was of strong force in the growth of the church, while his mem-
ory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
Rev. Hestwood was born in Delaware county, Ohio, August i6,
1822, and his boyhood and youth were there spent. It was not until
after his marriage that he joined the Methodist Episcopal church,
of which he became a member in 1848. From that time on his life
was consecrated to the cause of Christianity and in 1850 he began
preaching. Coming to Iowa, he joined the conference of this state
in 1853 and devoted his efiforts with untiring zeal to the work of
preaching the gospel and promoting the cause of Methodism until
after the outbreak of the Civil war. He watched with interest the
progress of events in the south and when the country became involved
in strife he went to the front as chaplain of the Fortieth Regiment
of Iowa Volunteers, with which he remained for a year. Failing
health then caused him to return home and he resumed his inter-
rupted pastorate at Newton, Iowa. According to the itinerant cus-
tom of the Methodist minister, he was located at different times in
various places, but everywhere he went proved a power of strength
for good and he remained an active worker in the church up to a
short time prior to his death. A few years before his death he took
up his abode in Knoxville and never did his deep interest in the
church and the cause falter. One of the Knoxville papers said of
him: "He was a theologian of the self-made type — an earnest,
devout preacher of much more than ordinary ability and a most
excellent and exemplary Christian gentleman — firm as a rock in his
convictions of right, but afifable and reasonable in all he said and
did."
It was on the T6th of December, 184:;, in Delaware county, Ohio,
that Mr. Hestwood was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Jones,
who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. She was
about ten years of age when her parents removed with their family
to Ohio and during her maidenhood she became connected with the
Presbyterian church. She was a granddaughter of the Rev. John
Jones, a Presbyterian minister, who served as a chaplain in the Rev-
olutionary war and was also a member of congress. It was in 1847
that Mrs. Hestwood became a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and it was not until the following year that her husband
united with the church. Removing westward, they settled first in
Illinois and afterward came to Iowa. Mrs. Hestwood ever felt the
deepest interest in her husband's work as a minister of the church,
for she was in full sympathy with him and was also an ardent,
aggressive force in evangelistic work and in the upbuilding of the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 319
church. She was especially helpful in promoting the cause of Meth-
odism in Knowille, where the memory of her work will constantly
urge to noble deeds and to the highest attainments of Christian life.
Rev. and Mrs. Hestwood became the parents of seven children,
of whom a daughter died in infancy. The eldest son, Virgil E.,
enlisted when in his teens for service as a member of Company B,
Fortieth Iowa Infantry, of which regiment his father was chaplain.
He determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and
entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was grad-
uated, becoming thereafter a successful practitioner. At length his
health began to fail and, hoping to be benefited by a change of
climate, he went to New Mexico, residing in Raton to the time of
his death, which occurred when he was fifty-one years of age. The
other members of the Hestwood family are: J. E. Hestwood; Mrs.
T. N. Johnson, of Kansas City, Kansas; Mrs. Emma Amos, of Knox-
ville, Iowa; Mrs. C. C. Smead, of Newton, Iowa; and Mrs. Sam
Austin, of Eldorado, Kansas.
For almost forty-seven years Rev. Samuel and Mrs. Hestwood
traveled life's journey together, in the closest ties of companionship,
strong sympathy and enduring love. The later years of their mar-
ried life were passed in Knoxville and there the Rev. Hestwood was
called to his final rest June 22, 1892, at the age of sixty-nine years,
ten months and six days. His wife survived him for seven years and
died in Knoxville October 30, 1899.
Rev. Hestwood was a member of John C. Ferguson Post, G. A.
R., and Colonel H. J. Budd of that post at the time of the death of
Rev. Hestwood paid an eloquent tribute to his memory in the fol-
lowing words :
"The highest altitudes of life are reached only by the truly good
and the most holy solace which it is possible to find in this world is
in the benediction of a splendid life. Each of the ages have had
their heroes. Statesmen have made imperishable names, philoso-
phers have tamed the elements to become the servants of man, scien-
tists have made docile and forceful the hitherto unseen mysteries of
earth and sky; but to my mind the men who have given their lives
for the intellectual, moral and spiritual good of our world are the
highest type of men known to time. The soul of the military chief-
tain may be clouded by the black mask of mad ambition; the genius
of the artisans in the other fields of life may be inflamed by the ill
omened light of greed, or the phantasms of vain glory; but the man
who devotes his life and soul to the betterment of his age is next
highest in authority to the God who made him. The presence of
320 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
death is always a scene of imposing solemnity. By it we are touched
with the uncertainty of life, and with the need of hope and promise.
In its mute eloquence we read the story of a life and in its 'marvel
of the heroic' we catch the inspiration of the beyond. Better lips
than mine will tell you the story of Father Hestwood's life. We
who knew him best can never know the many trials and distresses
through which he passed, but we can feel and know the sublime good
he has done. One of the wealthiest, and among the best men I have
ever known, in answer to the question 'What was the best investment
you ever made?' said, 'Trying to do as I would be done by.' There
is but one better investment than that this side of the stars and that
is that of trying to enlighten and redeem a race without hope of
adequate present reward. Such a spirit outshines the diadem of
human genius. It is the spirit in the presence of which all cavils
and contentions scatter in dismay and which lights up even the dark
corners of life with the 'light divine.' Such was Father Hestwood's
life.
"Thus in the name of John C. Ferguson Post, Grand Army of
the Republic, I lay tribute upon the altar of his memory — the tribute
of the soldier to the soldier, a tribute, 'mighty only when 'tis felt.'
To the aged and disconsolate widow and to the bereaved children all
that is tender and constant is given. Thus to Chaplain Hestwocjd,
we return, in part the 'bread cast upon the waters,' by his ministra-
tions to the Fortieth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry."
Equally appropriate and eloquent were the expressions of Dr.
McDonald, presiding elder of the district, and of Rev. J. W. Hack-
ley, who was the pastor of Rev. Hestwood at the time of his demise.
With the passing of Rev. Hestwood Iowa lost one who, coming to
the state in pioneer times, had taken a most active part in the upbuild-
ing of the commonwealth along the line of its moral development
and progress, and the impress of his noble life remains today upon
the character of those with whom he was associated.
JEDIDIAH TINGLE FRENCH, M. D.
Although Dr. Jedidiah Tingle French passed away in Hutchin-
son, Kansas, while on a visit there, the greater part of his active life
was passed in this county and he was known as one of the best and
most prominent physicians of the early days. The life of the pioneer
doctor was by no means an easy one and Dr. French never spared
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 321
himself. His reward was a warm place in the hearts of the people
whom he served and the knowledge that he aided in making the
conditions of pioneer life endurable. He was the owner of a drug
store in Knoxville during his later years.
Dr. French was born on the 2^d of April, 1823, at the old home-
stead one mile from Lebanon, Ohio. His father was Daniel French,
who was born on the 9th of August, 1791, in New Jersey and married
Amy Tingle, who was born on the loth of May, 1798, at Lebanon,
Ohio. Daniel French was a son of Joseph French, whose birth
occurred on Christmas day, 1767, in New Jersey, and who married
Miss Anna Robertson, who was born on the 25th of February, 1768.
Amy (Tingle) French, the wife of Daniel French, was a daughter
of Jedidiah and Elizabeth (Reeder) Tingle, the former born May 8,
1766, in Delaware, and the latter June 4, 1776, in Loudoun county,
Virginia. Jedidiah Tingle passed away in Warren county, Ohio.
His parents were Jedidiah and Amy (Waite) Tingle, natives respec-
tively of England and Delaware. His wife, Elizabeth (Reeder)
Tingle, was a daughter of David and Mary (Adams) Reeder, the
former of whom was born March 14, 1749, in New Jersey, and was
killed by a horse near Lebanon, Ohio. David Reeder was a son of
Joseph Reeder III, who was born April 24, 1716, at Newtown, Long
Island, and who married Susana Gano. Joseph Reeder II was the
father of Joseph Reeder III and was in turn a son of Joseph Reeder I,
of England. His father was, according to tradition, Wilhelm Leser
Reeder of Germany. Eleanor (Leverich) Reeder, the wife of
Joseph Reeder II, was a daughter of Caleb and Martha (Lavaine)
Leverich, the former of whom was born in 1638 at Duxbury, Massa-
chusetts, and died in 1717 at Newtown, Long Island. His father was
William Leverich, who graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree
at Cambridge University, England, in 1625 and received the Master
of Arts degree from that institution in 1629. He emigrated on the
ship James to Salem, Massachusetts, October 10, 1633, and died in
1677. Susana Gano, previously mentioned as the wife of Joseph
Reeder III, was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Britton or Bretin)
Gano, residents of Staten Island, New York. Daniel Gano was a
son of Stephen and Ann (Walton) Gano, and a grandson of Francis
Gano or Ganeaux, as the original spelling was, a Huguenot who came
to New Rochelle, New York, in 1686. He was a native of the Isle
of Guernsey and lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and
three years.
When three months old Dr. French accompanied the family on
their removal to Shelby county, Indiana, and settled upon one hun-
322 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
dred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land, the nearest neighbor
being eight miles distant. There amid frontier conditions Dr. French
grew to manhood. He did all kinds of farm work, cleared timber
land, made brick and worked at the stone-mason's trade. His father,
who was a master mechanic, gave his son expert instruction in the
various lines of work of which it was necessary for the pioneer farmer
to know something. The Doctor acquired a limited general education
by attending the subscription schools of the period for four weeks to
two months each winter. There were no holidays in his early life,
as his time was spent in hard work upon the farm when not in school
or incapacitated by sickness. At the age of nineteen years and four
months he began the study of medicine, thus carrying out a desire
that had never left him since his fourteenth year. Without advising
with father or mother he consulted Dr. G. C. Paramore at St. Omar,
Decatur county, Indiana, and arranged for the use of the Doctor's
medical library and for private instruction in medicine. For three
months he borrowed books and carried them home, going three miles
and back each week to recite his lessons. He then taught school for
three months, receiving ten dollars per month and his board, in the
meantime continuing his medical study. In April, 1843, when recov-
ering from measles his father was stricken with a disease called the
black tongue, from which he died. A number of others in that region
succumbed to the disease, including an uncle and aunt of tlie Doctor.
The latter himself contracted the malady but recovered and was sub-
sequently placed in charge of thirteen patients by Dr. Paramore, and
of these twelve recovered. These cases were the first that Dr. French
had. In the fall of 1843 he again taught school, receiving two dollars
per pupil and "boarded round."
On the 19th of December, 1843, Dr. French married Miss Mary
Ann Crisler, and after a week resumed his teaching, but after finish-
ing the term he abandoned pedagogical work. He and his wife began
housekeeping on a farm of fifty-seven acres which he had purchased.
He cleared the standing timber and built a comfortable, though
small, residence and there the family resided for five years. He
labored unremittingly, making and laying brick in addition to his
farm work. On the 5th of May, 1849, ^he family started for Iowa
and on the 28th of that month arrived at Bellefontaine on the Des
Moines river. There were three children in the family when the
removal was made to this county. Their first residence here was a
log cabin near Bellefontaine which Dr. French repaired. He and
his entire family were taken sick soon after coming here and they
would have actually suffered from want of food if Colonel Doud,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 323
one of the first settlers of the county, had not visited them and given
them provisions. Dr. French never forgot this kindness and was a
warm friend of Colonel Doud during the latter's lifetime as well as
his family physician. There was a great deal of sickness in the early
days and it was no unusual thing for a whole family to be stricken
at once. Malarial fever especially was prevalent until January, 1850.
While living upon the farm Dr. French cultivated his land, cut wood,
split rails and did all manner of work as well as practiced his pro-
fession. However, his services as a physician were called for more
and more frequently and after two years he was compelled to leave
the farm and devote his entire time to his professional duties. He
rode over a territory thirty miles in extent east and west and twenty-
five miles north and south. In October, 1851, he removed to Ham-
ilton, Marion county, and practiced there for six years, having nearly
the exclusive practice in that region. His first typhoid cases occurred
in 1856 and out of fifty-three patients treated he lost but one, which
is a remarkable record, especially when we consider that at that time
the profession knew practically nothing of the disease. Some idea
of the demands made upon the pioneer physician may be gathered
from the fact that he traveled almost continuously for fifty days on
horseback, snatching such sleep as he could. There were no buggies
then nor were there any good roads or bridges.
On the 2 1 St of June, 1857, Dr. French removed to Knoxville and
on the I St of August of that year opened a drug store on the east side
of the town square, which he conducted successfully for twenty-seven
years and also practiced his profession. In i860 he discovered a
remedy for diphtheria, which was the means of saving many cases that
would undoubtedly otherwise have been lost. For over fifty-three
years he was in active practice and his record was one of unusual suc-
cess. His death occurred in Hutchinson, Kansas, on the 24th of
September, 1903, when he was eighty years of age. His demise was
much regretted in this county and his memory is still held in honor
and esteem.
To Dr. and Mrs. French were born nine children, namely: Eliza-
beth D., born November 15, 1844, is now the wife of W. E. Burns,
of Denver, Colorado; Caroline A., who died on the i ith of Novem-
ber, 1867, was the wife of Lieutenant Melvin Stone of Knoxville;
Parthena J. passed away on the 2d of September, 1849, when ten
months and sixteen days of age; James Allen, born on the 5th of
August, 1851, resides in Knoxville; George A., born on the 3d of
July, i8t;4, passed to his reward on the 28th of July, 1905; William
A., born December 16, 1856, died October 16, 1858; Mary Alice,
324 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
whose birth occurred on the 9th of February, 1859, 'S now the wife
of J. S. Bellamy, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work;
Amy May, born August 13, 1861, is now the wife of C. H. Sweetser,
of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and an infant, born April 16, 1865,
died nine days later on the 25th of April.
Mrs. Mary Ann (Crisler) French, the mother of these children,
was born on the zzd of January, 1822, in Boone county, Kentucky,
and died June 4, 1900, at Knoxville, Iowa. Her father was Lewis
Crisler, whose birth occurred June i, 1773, in Madison county, Vir-
ginia, and who on the i8th of August, 1806, was married in Boone
county, Kentucky, to Miss Mary Zimmerman. She was born on the
4th of April. 1778, a daughter of Christopher and Mary (Tanner)
Zimmerman, whose marriage occurred in Culpeper county, Vir-
ginia. Lewis Crisler, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Bellamy,
was a son of Leonard and Margaret (Clore) Crisler, the latter a
daughter of John and (Cafer) Clore. Leonard Crisler
was a son of Fawatt and Rosina (Garr) Crisler, natives of Virginia
and Bavaria respectively. His mother was born of the union of
Andreas and Eve (Seidelman)' Garr,, natives of Bavaria, who emi-
grated to America in 1732. The parents of Andreas Garr were John
and Elizabeth Garr.
ANTONIE J. KUYPER.
Antonie J. Kuyper is a native son of Pella and has throughout
the greater part of his life been identified with its interests. He is
a stockholder and manager of a plumbing business conducted under
name of the Pella Plumbing and Heating Company, and is consid-
ered one of the successful men of the city. He was born on the 13th
of November, 1862, a son of Hugo and Jacoba (Betten) Kuyper,
both natives of Holland. They emigrated to the United States and
made their way to Pella in 1847. The father, who is now living
retired, was very prominent in the early history of the city, being
mayor for several terms. He is a democrat in his political belief
and is also very active in church work. He was a jeweler by trade
but for many years was the proprietor of a general store. His wife
is a daughter of A. J. Betten, who brought his family to Pella in
1847. Mr. Betten was a preacher in the Reformed church and was
also the proprietor of a store in this city.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 325
Antonie J. Kuyper was reared under the parental roof and given
excellent educational advantages. After completing the course in
the public schools he attended the Central University of Iowa for
some time. He was subsequently associated with his father in the
conduct of the general store owned by the latter for a number of
years. He afterward kept books for the Pella Manufacturing Com-
pany and then went to Orange City, this state, where he was assistant
cashier of a bank for some time, and still later engaged in the real-
estate business. In 1907 he returned to Peila and devoted his time
to the real-estate business for a few years, but then became interested
in a plumbing shop, of which he is at present manager. He is a
man of good business judgment and of great energy and has the con-
tract for a great deal of the plumbing work done in the city. He
carries an excellent line of goods and is careful to see that all plumb-
ing installed is properly put in. His business has constantly
increased and yields him a gocjd profit annually.
Mr. Kuyper was married in 1886 to Miss Efiie Wormhoudt, a
daughter of H. and Antje (Overcamp) Wormhoudt, who located in
Pella in 1847. Her father was a carpenter by trade, which occupa-
tion he followed in early life but later engaged in the lumber
business. He passed away in 1907, but his widow still survives. To
Mr. and Mrs. Kuyper have been born two children: Hugo, who
married Miss Clara Mann and resides at Pella, where he is asso-
ciated with his father in business; and Henry, in school. The latter
is an enthusiastic baseball player and is catcher for the home team.
Mr. Kuyper usually votes the republican ticket but at the elec-
tion of 1912 supported Woodrow Wilson for president. For twenty
years he was city clerk of Orange City and the length of his incum-
bency in that ofTice is the best proof of the acceptability of his serv-
ices. Those who have known him most intimately are his truest
friends, as closer acquaintance but reveals more of the integrity and
fineness of his character.
RALPH H. PORTER.
Ralph H. Porter has been the proprietor of a large plumbing
establishment in Knoxville since 191 2 and has done a great deal of
work of that character in some of the best houses in the city. He
was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on the 4th of October, 1885, a
son of J. H. and Mary M. (Stolzer) Porter, both natives of Ger-
326 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
many, who accompanied their respective parents to this country.
They settled in Iowa many years ago and were highly esteemed in
their locality. The father was a carpenter by trade and was known
as an expert workman. He is deceased but his widow survives and
lives at Oskaloosa.
Ralph H. Porter attended the public schools and was graduated
from the Beacon high school in due time. He subsequently learned
the plumbing business and in 1907 opened a shop of his own at
Oskaloosa, where he remained for five years but in 191 2 sold his
interests in that city and came to Knoxville and opened a shop. He
employs four men regularly and carries a full line of plumbing
goods. He also sells and installs heating plants and all branches of
his business have proved remunerative. He is himself an expert
workman and insists that all plumbing put in by his men shall be
properly installed and as a result the work for which he is respon-
sible is invariably well done and gives satisfaction.
On the nth of October, 1905, Mr. Porter married Miss Bessie
Sowden, of Oskaloosa, a daughter of G. H. and M. J. Sowden, the
former of whom was for many years a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs.
Porter has been born a daughter, Marjorie.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and can always be counted upon to contribute their share of
money and effort in the accomplishment of a worthy project. Mr.
Porter is a republican in politics and takes a citizen's interest in
public afifairs. His fraternal affiliation is with Oriental Lodge, No.
61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. t8, R. A. M.; and with
the Knights of Pythias. He has achieved an unusual degree of suc-
cess for one of his years and his energy and business ability presage
still greater prosperity for him in the future. Personally he is well
liked and has many warm friends.
LEMUEL KINKEAD.
The demise of Lemuel Kinkead. which occurred on tiie iith of
December, 1908, was the occasion of much sincere regret in Knox-
ville, although he passed away in Des Moines, in which city he had
made his home from 1892. He was a lawyer by profession and
gained considerable prominence at the bar. He was born in Guernsey
county, Ohio, on the 10th of May, 1846, a son of David and Lydia
(Haines) Kinkead, who in 1854 came to this county, where the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 327
former died the following year of cholera when still a young man.
He was a lawyer and had practiced for a number of years in Ohio
before removing to this state. His birth occurred in Virginia,
although he was of Irish descent. His wife came of Pennsylvania
Dutch parentage and lived to be seventy-five years of age, dying in
1876. Both were members of the Methodist church and were most
estimable people.
Lemuel Kinkead was eight years of age when he accompanied
his parents to this county and here he continued to live until June,
1 861, when he enlisted at the age of fifteen years in Company E,
Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at Shiloh but
recovered and served for three years, or until he was honorably dis-
charged, January 27, 1864, at Memphis, on account of disability. He
participated in seven regular battles besides many skirmishes. Real-
izing that his education was incomplete, he returned to school and
also read avidly in his spare time. He had been obliged to leave
school while still a youth and had learned the printer's trade, at which
he was employed at the time of his enlistment, but he continued his
habit of wide reading and was largely self-educated. He followed
his trade for some years after returning from the war and then began
reading law in the office of Atherton & Anderson, one of the leading
legal firms of Knoxville. He applied himself assiduously to his study
and in less than a year, or on the 7th of June, 1875, was admitted to the
bar. He began practice at once and became one of the successful
-attorneys of Knoxville, where he resided until 1892, when he removed
to Des Moines. He was one of the well known members of the bar
of that city and continued in the active practice of his profession until
his death. While in this city he was a partner of T. J. Anderson for
some time. He devoted his energies to general practice and was very
successful.
In 1865 Mr. Kinkead was married at Knoxville to Miss Jennie
Zuck, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1846
and in 1850 removed to Ohio with her parents. Two years later the
family came to Iowa. Her father, John Zuck, was of German descent
and was a saddler by trade. He died in 1855 of cholera. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Sarah Johnston, was of English extrac-
tion. Both were members of the United Brethren church and highly
esteemed in their community. The paternal grandmother of Mrs.
Kinkead lived to an unusual age, passing the century mark. To Mr.
and Mrs. Kinkead were born three sons and two daughters. Arthur
L., who resides in Huron, South Dakota, is a well known and
prosperous real-estate dealer. He married Miss Franc Atherton, a
328 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
daughter of the late |. B. Atherton, and they have two daughters,
Ethel and Beryl. W. C, a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, gradu-
ated from the law department of the State University of Iowa and has
since practiced his profession. He married Miss Clara Button, of
Creston, Iowa, and to them has been born a son, Robert. Alta is the
wife of T. C. Fetrow, who is engaged in the insurance business in
Chicago. They have a daughter, Katherine. Olive is the wife of
Dr. Charles M. Harrington, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. James is engaged in the wholesale grocery business at
Mitchell, South Dakota. He married Miss Sadie Littler, a daughter
of C. S. Littler, of Des Moines, and they have two children, William
C. and Virginia.
Mr. Kinkead was a member of the Masonic Order, the Knights
of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. His widow belongs
to the Woman's Relief Corps and the Bay View Club and has many
warm friends. Mr. Kinkead is well remembered in Knoxville and
those who knew him honored and esteemed him.
ALFRED MOLESWORTH.
Alfred Molesworth, who was numbered among the enterprising
farmers and pioneer settlers of Marion county, won the high regard
of his fellow townsmen by a well spent life and his death was deeply
regretted when he passed away. He was born in Harrison county,
Ohio, January 26, 1828, and in his youthful days acquired a common-
school education. He came to Iowa in 1851 when a young man of
twenty-three years and entered land in Lucas county, where he
remained for about a year. At the end of that time he returned to
Ohio, but after a brief period again came to this state and began
the development and improvement of his land, upon which he built
a hewn log house.
Mr. Molesworth made further arrangements for having a home
of his own by his marriage in 1855 to Miss Mary J. Kiger, who was
born in Pennsylvania on the 28th of March, 1835, and is a daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth Kiger, who were also natives of the Keystone
state. Her parents came to Iowa in 1848, settling first in Jefiferson
county, and the following year they removed to Marion county,
becoming early settlers of that locality. The father secured a claim
in what is now Washington township and began to break the sod and
till the fields, at length converting his tract of wild prairie land into
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 329
a highly improved farm. He made the journey to this county with
teams, for there were no railroads at the time. He built log buildings
for a home and also for the shelter of his stock, but as the years passed
on he was able to supplant these with more modern improvements,
while the farm work resulted in the annual gathering of good
harvests. Upon the farm which he developed he continued to make
his home until his death, and his wife also passed away there. In the
Kiger family were six children, of whom four are yet living.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Molesworth began their
domestic life upon his farm in the spring of 1855 and for a half
century thereafter he continued to develop the fields and carry on
the farm work, being thus actively engaged to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1905 when he was seventy-seven years of age. His
had been an active and useful life, crowned with a substantial meas-
ure of success. He never sought to figure prominently in any public
connection but always faithfully discharged the duties devolving
upon him and was a loyal citizen and a consistent friend. His widow
survives and is now in her eightieth year.
In his political views Mr. Molesworth was a republican but was
never an ofhce seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to
his farm interests. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge
No. 660 at Columbia, and was a faithful Christian, holding member-
ship in the Methodist Episcopal church, as does his wife. In the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Molesworth were twelve children, eight of
whom grew to adult age, while six are now living. Barbara, the
eldest, is now the wife of H. M. Spiker, a resident of Columbia,
Marion county, where he owns a fine property and where he is exten-
sively and successfully engaged in dealing in horses, handling all
kinds of imported animals. Minnie is the wife of W. F. Carson, of
Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa. Lilly M. is the wife of Edgar
Wyland, of Des Moines. Lula E. is the wife of Adam Persch-
bacher, of Lucas county. Elsie J. is the wife of R. B. Bingaman, a
resident of Lucas county. E. Lois, the youngest living daughter, is
the wife of F. C. Dawson, of Lucas county.
To the eldest daughter, Mrs. Spiker, we are indebted for this
record concerning her honored father and mother. Mrs. Spiker was
a successful school teacher for about fifteen years, spending most of
the time in this county, although for a period she was connected with
the graded schools in Malvern, Iowa. She became the wife of H. M.
Spiker, a son of J. F. and Adella Spiker, and they are widely and
prominently known in Columbia and throughout Washington town-
ship, where they make their home. Mr. Spiker belongs to the Inde-
330 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
pendent.Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the
local lodge. His wife is connected with the Rebekahs and his served
as matron in that organization. She is a representative of one of the
old pioneer families here and has made several talks at the Old Set-
tlers meetings, relating many interesting incidents of the early days.
WILLIAM V. ELLIOTT.
William V. Elliott has been in business in Knoxville for many
years as the proprietor of a drug store and is now the owner of a
livery stable. He has been successful in both ventures and is one of
the substantial residents of the city. His birth occurred in Knox
county, Ohio, on the 9th of February, 1850, his parents being Reuben
and Ellen (Richardson) Elliott, natives of JVIaryland and Ohio,
respectively. The paternal grandfather, Eli Elliott, was a resident
of Maryland and his son Reuben went to Ohio when that state was in
its infancy and was there married. In 1852 he brought his family to
Iowa and located in Cedar county, where he farmed until advancing
years compelled him to retire from active work. He died in 1891, at
the age of eighty-four years. His children numbered five, three
daughters and two sons.
William V. Elliott took advantage of the opportunities for an
education offered in his boyhood aays and received a serviceable
common-school training. In 1880 he began clerking in the drug
store of J. P. Kelley, of Knoxville, and he rose from clerk to manager
through application to business and the ready intelligence which
enabled him to solve the problems of salesmanship and of manage-
ment which presented themselves. On the death of Mr. Kelley,
Davis & Mitchell purchased the store and Mr. Elliott subsequently
bought Mr. Mitchell's interest, he and Mr. Davis conducting the
business until 1886, when the latter was appointed postmaster of
Knoxville and the firm sold out. Mr. Elliott went to Nebraska and
took up a homestead but subsequently returned to Knoxville and
for about a year was assistant postmaster. He then purchased the
drug store in which he had formerly been interested and conducted
it alone until 1902, when he again sold out. He had previously
bought an interest in a livery stable and upon disposing of the drug
store assumed entire charge of the business, his brother, I. R. Elliott,
who was his partner, having died in 1896. The livery business is well
patronized and is proving very remunerative.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 331
In 1876 Mr. Elliott married Miss Elizabeth Henderson, of West
Liberty, Iowa, a daughter of William and Sarah Henderson, natives
of Ohio, who many years ago came to this state. Her father devoted
his life to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have had two children:
Lewis, who married Miss Stella Weingardner, of Knoxville, by
whom he has a son, John; and Carroll, who died when a child of
seven years.
Mr. Elliott has supported the democratic party at the polls since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise, as he believes firmly
in its policies and principles. He is at present alderman at large and
takes a great interest in everything affecting municipal welfare and
progress. He holds membership in Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F.
& A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M. ; and the Knights of
Pythias. His admirable qualities of character have gained him
many friends, who prize highly his favorable opinion.
HENRY W. HARVEY.
His many friends were much grieved to learn of the demise of
Henry W. Harvey, which occurred on the 30th of March, 191 1, at
his home near the village of Harvey. He was born March 4, 1873,
in Clay township, Marion county, a son of Edward Harvey, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He grew to manhood in
this county and was indebted for his education to the public schools.
As his boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, he early
became familiar with all of the phases of agriculture and assisted in
the cultivation of the fields and in the care of the stock. This proved
an admirable training for the duties of life, as he continued to follow
agricultural pursuits after arriving at years of maturity. He became
in time the owner of a valuable farm and kept his land in a state of
high cultivation, his good management and industry being rewarded
by a gratifying annual income.
Mr. Harvey was married on the 30th of June, 1895, to Miss Anna
Zugg, a native of this county, who was born on the loth of July, 1873.
Her parents, Daniel and Phoebe (Phillips) Zugg, were born in that
part of Clermont county, Ohio, which is now known as Brown county.
Her father was born on the 13th of October, 1834. During his active
life he devoted his time and attention to farming, in which he was
very successful, and paid special attention to the raising of thorough-
bred Chester White hogs and graded cattle. He owned one hundred
332 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
and twenty-one acres of land and still holds title to city property in
Knoxville, where he has lived since 1913. He still enjoys good health,
although an octogenarian. He has always supported the democratic
party at the polls but has never desired office. His family were among
the pioneers of Ohio, as were his wife's people. Her parents were
Rev. and Mrs. John I. Phillips, who removed to this county in 1850.
Her father was a Methodist minister and preached the gospel in Ohio
and in this and other counties of Iowa. He died at Harlan, this state,
at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Zugg were married
near New Harmony, Clermont county, Ohio, in 1857, and in i860
removed to Knoxville township, this county. The latter died on the
8th of February, 1909, when about sixty-seven years of age. Mrs.
Harvey is the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, of
whom seven are living, two residing in California, a sister making
her home in Minnesota and the others living in this county. Mrs.
Harvey was reared in this countv and attended the country schools
in the acquirement of her education. By her marriage she became
the mother of three sons: John, eighteen years of age, who is oper-
ating the home farm in Clay township and who married Miss Ethel
Rankin; and Lynn and Walter, fifteen and ten years of age respec-
tively, who are at home.
Mr. Harvey was a republican and was active in local political
affairs. He was especially concerned in the welfare of the public
schools and was for many years one of the school officers. He
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, as do his family, and
the teachings of Christianity guided his life, which was such as to
command respect and high esteem. In his death in 191 1 the county
lost a valued citizen and those who had known him intimately a true
and loyal friend.
DANIEL WAGNER.
Daniel Wagner, deceased, who resided near Dallas, was the owner
of seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land, although he began
his business career empty-handed. He was born in Germany on the
14th of February, 1831, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Feight),
Wagner, who came to America in 1832 when their son Daniel was
an infant of eighteen months. The family first located in Pennsyl-
vania, but subsequently removed to Indiana and thence to this county,
arriving here in 1848. They located near the site of the village o^
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 333
Dallas and Henry Wagner entered land from the government. He
remained upon his farm until his death and gave the greater part of
his time to its operation, although he was a tailor by trade. His wife
also passed away upon the homestead. They had three children,
those beside the subject of this review being John and Mrs. Elizabeth
Morelock, both of whom are deceased.
Daniel Wagner was reared to manhood in this county and here
received his education. Mr. Wagner was one of the forty-niners who
went west across the plains to California during the gold rush. He
spent about ten years freighting across the country, making several
trips, and then returned to Marion county and took up farming, to
which occupation he had been trained in his boyhood as he early
began to assist in the operation of the homestead. He began for
himself with no assets, save his knowledge of farm work and his
strength and industrious habits. He first secured land near Bauer,
this county, where he resided for three years, after which he removed
to a farm six miles north of Dallas. His hard work, thrift and wise
management of his affairs were rewarded, as he became the owner of
seven hundred and twenty acres of land which he operated until a
very short time previous to his death. In addition to the cultivation
of the fields he raised high grade stock and found both branches of
his activity profitable. At one time he held stock in the Pleasantville
Bank. His demise, which occurred in 1907, deprived the county of
one of its industrious and highly successful agriculturists and was
sincerely deplored. The farm is mainly owned by his widow, who
makes her home at Kno.wille.
On the 14th of March, 1867, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage
in this county to Miss Deborah Clark, a native of Dade county,
Tennessee, born on the loth of December, 1844. Her parents were
John and Eliza (Carroll) Clark, the latter of whom is still living
at Dallas at a very advanced age, her birth having occurred on the
25th of January, 1822. In 1849 the family removed to this county
and located near Dallas, where John Clark entered land.- He farmed
for many years, but upon retiring from active life removed to Knox-
ville and died there a year or two later, on the 17th of April, 1891.
His widow later removed to Dallas, her present home. He was a
Baptist, but Mrs. Clark is a member of the Christian church. The
paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wagner was Rev. James Thomas Clark,
a Baptist minister of Tennessee. Mrs. Wagner has five brothers
living, namely: Frank and George, twins, the former living in
Pleasantville, this county, and the latter in Oklahoma; William, of
Montrose, Colorado; Hiram, of this county; and Benjamin, who
Vol. 11—20
334 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
in
resides with his aged mother. Two sisters died young, Susie
infancy and Mary Catherine when fourteen years of age. Mrs.
Wagner grew to womanhood in this county, as she was but a child
of four years when the family settled here. For the past five years
she has made her home in Kno.wille, where she has built a fine
residence on Montgomery street. To her union with Mr. VVagsier
were born five children: two deceased; Mrs. Harry Yetter, a resident
of Knoxville; Mrs. J. A. Hartley, also of Kno.wille; and Paul, a
farmer of Johnson, Minnesota, who is married and has two children.
A stepson, John, resides at Audubon, Iowa, and is married and has
three children. Another stepson, Henry, died when a youth of
sixteen.
Mr. Wagner was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and
his wife is a member of the Christian church. In politics he was a
democrat and manifested at all times a commendable mterest in mat-
ters of public concern. He was well known throughout the countv
and was esteemed not only for his material success in life, but also
for those fine qualities of character that command honor wherever
found.
JOHN VAN HEMERT.
John Van Hemert, who is the owner of a garage and agent for
a number of well known makes of automobiles at Pella, was born in
Jasper county, this state, on the 23d of July, 1871, his parents being
Marcellus and Lizzie (Simmons) Van Hemert, who have both
passed away. The father was a farmer of Jasper county and proved
successful in that occupation. They had fourteen children, all of
whom survive.
John Van Hemert acquired a common-school education and after
his marriage followed for five years the calling to which he was
reared, engaging in farming for that length of time. He then pur-
chased a meat market, which he ran for three years but at the end
of that period bought thirty-two acres of land situated within the
limits of Pella, which property he still owns. In February, 1914,
he entered the garage business, in which he is still engaged, and as
he understands automobiles well he has proved very successful in his
present undertaking. He sells tires, automobile accessories of all
kinds and does a great deal of repair work and is also agent for the
White, Studebakcr and Buick cars. The volume of his business has
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 335
steadily increased and he is classed among the successful men of
Pella.
Mr. Van Hemert married Miss Tryntjy Boot, a daughter of
Jacob Boot, a farmer of Marion county, and to their union have
been born two sons, Harry M. and Jacob B., both of whom are high-
school students. The parents belong to the Third Reformed church,
but now attend the Second Reformed on account of their sons, as
that is English speaking. Mr. Van Hemert is a democrat and takes
a keen interest in public affairs, studying intelligently the problems
of government that press for solution. His probity is unquestioned
and the sterling worth of his character has made him highly respected
in his community.
L. E. PARK, M. D.
Dr. L. E. Park has been actively engaged in the practice of medi-
cine and surgery at Tracy for about a third of a centurv, being one
of the oldest physicians in Marion county. He likewise conducts a
drug store in the town and is widely recognized as one of its most
prosperous and respected residents. His birth occurred in Brown
county, Ohio, on the 3d of January, 1855, his parents being William
R. and Rachel (Wood) Park, both of whom were natives of the
Buckeye state. They came to Iowa in the fall of 1856 and spent the
following winter on a farm in Marion county, subsequently pur-
chasing a tract of land in Monroe county, where they continued to
reside for almost forty years. In 1896 they removed to Harrison
county, Iowa, there spending the remainder of their lives. They
became the parents of ten children, five of whom survive.
Dr. L. E. Park spent the first twenty years of his life under the
parental roof and subsequently followed the profession of teaching
for a period of five years, imparting clearly and readilv to others the
knowledge that he had acquired. Having determined upon the
practice of medicine as a life work, he entered the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and won the degree of M. D.
from that institution in 1880 and in 1904 took a post-graduate course
at the Chicago Polyclinic. He first opened an ofiice at Marysville
and in 1882 came to Tracy, which place has since remained the scene
of his professional labors. An extensive and lucrative practice has
been accorded him and he is known all over the county, enjoying an
enviable reputation for skill and ability in the field of his chosen
336
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
profession. He belongs to the Marion County Medical Society and
the Iowa State Medical Society and thus keeps in close touch with
the advanced thought of the fraternity. Dr. Park also conducts a
drug store in Tracy, owning the store building. He likewise owns
an attractive residence here and three hundred and twenty acres of
land in Colorado and is one of the directors of the Iowa Savings
Bank at Tracy.
In 1882 Dr. Park was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Bireley,
a native of Missouri and a daughter of James W. and Martha
(Royce) Bireley, who were born in Indiana and Missouri respec-
tively. The mother has passed away, but the father survives and
now makes his home with our subject. Dr. and Mrs. Park have no
children of their own but have reared five with parental affection and
to whom they have afforded excellent educational advantages. They
are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exempli-
fying its teachings in their daily lives.
Dr. Park is fraternally identihed with Lodge No. 163, A. F. &
A. M., and Lodge No. 568 of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, in both of which organizations he has filled all of the chairs.
As a citizen he is ever ready to assist in advancing the general wel-
fare and as a physician his constant aim is to discharge his duties
conscientiously and always in accordance with the most advanced
ideas as to diagnosis and treatment. He has attained deserved recog-
nition in his profession and financially enjoys a condition of prac-
tical independence.
DANIEL MARSH.
Daniel Marsh, who was a well known farmer of Knoxville tov^'n-
ship, was called to his reward on the 26th of February, 1900, after
an illness dating from the 28th of July, 1899, when he was stricken
with paralysis. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, on the
9th of August, 1824, of Scotch descent. His parents, Cyrus J. and
Elizabeth (Goss) Marsh, passed away in Morgan county, Indiana,
the father when Daniel was but a small boy and the mother on the
27th of November, 1857, at the age of si.xty-three years. Cyrus J.
Marsh was a farmer by occupation and well known in his locality.
There were seven sons and three daughters in his family, namely:
Osbin, Daniel, Cyrus J., Elrasmus, Franklin, Fielden, Martin
Luther, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine. Osbin, the eldest, came
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 337
to Marion county about 1849 '*"*^ found the county as yet undevel-
oped.
When seven years of age Daniel Marsh was taken by his parents
to Morgan county, Indiana, and remained there until 1850, when he
came to Iowa, joining his brother Osbin in Marion county. He
made the journey westward with a party but left his companions at
Red Rock, this state, and walked to his brother's home, arriving
there on the loth of May. He continued to reside with his brother
until he had entered land of his own and erected a house thereon.
He energetically began the improvement of his claim, which was on
sections 8 and 9, Knoxville township, and continued to cultivate and
develop it during his active life. From time to time, however, he
added to his holdings until he owned a large farm which he eventu-
ally divided among his children.
On the 14th of October, 1852, Mr. Marsh was united in mar-
riage to Miss Charlotte Butcher, who was born near Greencastle,
Indiana, on the 21st of July, 1830, a daughter of Jacob and Mary
(Smith) Butcher. Her father's birth occurred August 6, 1803, and
her mother's on the 12th of March, 1805. Mrs. Butcher was called
to her reward on the 2d of August, 1832, leaving two children:
William, who died on the i ith of February, 1849; and Mrs. Marsh.
Mr. Butcher was again married and his second wife died leaving a
son, John, who died in June, 1864, while in the Union army and was
buried in the National cemetery known as Arlington Heights. Jacob
Butcher married a third time. Miss Mildred Woodall becoming his
wife. She was born April 27, 181 1, and became the mother of five
daughters: Melissa, born December 10, 1834; Rebecca, whose birth
occurred March 30, 1837; Keziah, who was born January 3, 1840,
and died January 10, 1840; Nannie, born October 14, 1842; and
Melvina, born August 22, 1845.
To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh five children were born: Annette, born
August 27, 1853, now the widow of Robert Morrow and a resident
of Knoxville township; Sheldon Jay, whose birth occurred on the
14th of October, 1855, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work; Arthur B., whose natal day was the 28th of July, 1858,
and who resides in Knoxville township; Laura A., born September
29, 1862, now the wife of W. F. Burnett; and Mary Edna, who was
born on the 12th of August, 1867, and died on the 29th of July, 1876.
Mr. Marsh was a republican and reared his sons to allegiance to
that party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and his wife belongs to the Christian church, being a charter mem-
ber of the organization in Knoxville. He was one of the most liberal
338 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
contributors to the Methodist church and gave the land for and
helped to build the edifice for the Eden Methodist church, four
miles west of Knoxville. He was a veteran of the Mexican war,
having enlisted on the 5th of July, 1847, in Company B, Fourth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry under Captain J. Alexander and Col-
onel Garmand. He participated in a number of battles and was
mustered out July 16, 1848. For many years he was an esteemed
resident of this county and while gaining individual success as a
farmer he also contributed to the agricultural development of his
locality. Those who knew him recognized his public spirit and
integrity and honored him accordingly.
AUGUSTUS ALLAN DAVIS.
Augustus Allan Davis has been an important factor in the public
life of the community, holding various offices, the duties of which
he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, making a most
creditable record. Moreover, he is widely known as a successful
farmer and stock-raiser, owning three hundred and sixty acres of
valuable land on sections 7, 8 and 18, Liberty township. His life
has been characterized by intelligently directed industry and thrift
and thus he has gained a gratifying measure of success.
Mr. Davis was born in Brown county, Illinois, August 25, 1846,
a son of J. B. and Nancy (Bridges) Davis, the former a native of
West Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. They were mar-
ried, however, in Illinois and in the year 1843 the father came to
Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Liberty township, which
he later entered from the government when the land was placed
upon the market and a land office was opened. It was a tract of wild
prairie when it came into his possession, not a furrow having been
turned nor an improvement made upon it. He did not immediately
take up his abode there but returned to Illinois and remained until
1846, when he again came to this county. In the meantime, however,
he had made preparation for establishing his home here by building
a little log cabin with clapboard roof and doors. When he returned
to the farm in 1846 he immediately occupied that pioneer home and
at once began the arduous task of breaking the sod and converting
the hitherto wild and unproductive land into rich and fertile fields.
He carried on general farming with good success until 1882, when
he removed to South Dakota, in which state both he and his wife
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 339
passed away, the former dying in 1899 and the latter in 1900. In
their family were eight children, four of whom are living, while
the whereabouts of one of the number is unknown.
Augustus A. Davis was but an infant when brought by his par-
ents to Iowa and in the little cabin home his youthful days were
passed. As his age and strength increased he assisted more and more
largely in the work of the fields and he remained under the parental
roof until he had attained his majority and was married. The lady
of his choice was Miss Laura M. Spurling, who was born in Indiana,
a daughter of N. E. and Emeline (Higgins) Spurling, the former a
native of New Jersey and the latter of New York. They removed
westward to Ohio and afterward to Indiana and subsequently came
to Iowa, establishing their home in this county, where they remained
until called to their final rest.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis began their do-
mestic life on the farm where they now reside. He had previously
taught school for several vears, his first school being held in one of
the oldtime log buildings of pioneer days. He and his wife began
housekeeping in a log cabin, which is still standing upon the farm,
but only a few years passed ere he was able to secure a more modern
and commodious dwelling. Success has attended his efiforts as time
has passed and, making careful investment of his earnings, he is
today the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land on
sections 7, 8 and 18, Liberty township. His fields have been care-
fully cultivated according to modern methods and thus it has been
possible for him to garner annually large and profitable harvests. He
has also made a specialty of stock-raising and thus has added mate-
rially to his income. Mr. Davis has several mementos of pioneer
life, including the broadaxe with which Jeremiah GuUion helped to
hew the logs that were used in the building of the first courthouse of
this county. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Davis is a
director of the Bussey Savings Bank.
To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born twelve children: J. W.,
at home; G. J., Arthur R. and Rose Lee, all now deceased; Ethan, .
who is a railroad engineer; OUie S., the wife of Fred Neifert, of
this county; Anna, deceased; Nora E., the wife of William Norris;
Cora B., who is now teaching school in Bussey; Jeanette, deceased;
May, who is teaching in Hamilton, Iowa; and Horace B., who com-
pletes the family and is at home.
The parents attend the Baptist church, and Mr. Davis is a mem-
ber of Gavel Lodge, No. 228, A. F. & A. M., of Attica, Iowa, in
which he has filled all of the chairs. Advancing in the York Rite,
340 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
he is now a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Knoxville and in
his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. In politics
he is a democrat and he has been called upon to rtll various township
offices, making a creditable record by his prompt and faithful dis-
charge of duty. For six years he served as county supervisor, exer-
cising his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the
public good. He has likewise served on the school board for a num-
ber of years and has done effective work in behalf of the cause of
public education. His influence is always on the side of advance-
ment and improvement. He has lived practically his entire life,
covering sixty-eight years, in this county and there is no phase of its
history with which he is not familiar and no point of its progress
in which he has not been interested. He has given his aid to many
measures for the public good and at all times has been classed with
the public-spirited citizens of Liberty township.
FREDERICK JORDAN.
Through the years of his connection with Marion county Frede-
rick Jordan, now deceased, ranked with the leading and representa-
tive farmers, owning a valuable property of two hundred and sixty
acres on sections 7 and 8, Knoxville township. He was born in
Brunswick, Germany, Noverriber 9, 1826, and was there reared to
manhood. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade in his youth and
guided by the laudable desire to make the best possible use of his
time and opportunities, he came to the new world, believing that he
would have better advantages on this side of the Atlantic. It was
in 1847 that he made the voyage and soon afterward he became a
resident of Madison, Wisconsin, where he followed various business
pursuits during a period of eighteen months. At the end of that time
he went to Fort Madison, Iowa, where he continued until 1852, and
in the fall of that year he started for California, attracted by the dis-
coveries of gold on the Pacific coast. Four and a half years were
devoted to mining in that state, after which he returned to Fort
Madison, where he lived until i860, when he came to Marion county,
here making his home until his death.
Throughout the period of his residence here Mr. Jordan carried
on general agricultural pursuits and was very successful in the de-
velopment of his fields and the improvement of his property. He
was well known as a man of thrift, of energy and of determination,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 341
and his labors were soon evidenced in the substantial improvements
which he placed upon his farm. In addition to cultivating the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate he was extensively engaged
in stock-raising and won substantial success as the years passed on,
becoming eventually the owner of a splendid farm property of two
hundred and sixty acres in Knoxville township.
In April, 1858, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Hen-
rietta Brennaka, a native of Germany, and they became the parents
of fifteen children: Christina, George, Louis, Emma, John, Charles,
Albert, Anna, Henry and Mandy, all of whom are yet living; and
August, Willie, Clara, Minnie and Mary, who have passed away.
Mr. Jordan was devoted to the welfare of his family and his great-
est pleasure in his success came from the fact that it enabled him to
provide a good home for his wife and children. He passed away
in March, 1901, and his death was the occasion of deep and wide-
spread regret among those who knew him. He had never had occa-
sion to feel sorry that he came to America on attaining his majority,
for in this country he found the opportunities which he sought and
in their improvement gradually worked his way upward, ever prov-
ing a loyal citizen of his adopted land.
JOSEPH W. BOYD.
Joseph W. Boyd is one of the leaders in the industrial life of
Pella and is connected with the Fella Overall Company. He was
born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on the 6th of November, 1855, a
son of Leslie and Elizabeth (Marion) Boyd. The family is of
Scotch-Irish descent. Leslie Boyd was engaged in the horse busi-
ness and was very successful therein. Mr. Boyd of this review was
given the advantages of a public-school education and in 1878, when
a young man of about twenty-three years, went to Chicago, where
he became connected with the garment maker's business. He was
for a time cutter for the Straus-Kahn Company and later went to
Columbus, Georgia, where he was superintendent for the Georgia
Manufacturing Company until 1908. He then removed to Racine,
living a few months in that city, but in 1909 he came to Pella, where
he has since resided. He is connected with the Pella Overall Com-
pany as manager and his knowledge of the problems of administra-
tion, involving alike questions of production and distribution, make
him a valuable executive.
342 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Boyd was married in 1881 to Miss Minnie Brock of Chi-
cago, and to their union were born four sons and a daughter: Harry,
the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Olean, New York; Leslie
Warren, who has passed away; Charlotte Elizabeth, at home; George
L., residing in Des Moines; and Joseph W., Jr., living at Pella. Mr.
Boyd is a republican when national issues are at stake, but in hjcal
affairs votes independently, believing that non-partisanship is ■ he
best in municipal elections. Fraternally he belongs to the Masuuic
order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and to
the Knights of Pythias, and his religious belief is indicated by his
affiliation with the Second Reformed church. In the five years that
he has lived in Pella he has not only contributed to the upbuilding
of her industrial life but has also aided largely in the furtherance
of those civic movements which mean progress and advancement for
the whole community.
C. J. SCOTT, D. V. M.
Dr. C. J. Scott is one of the best known veterinary surgeons in
Marion county and is proving very successful in the practice of his
profession. He was born on the 24th of June, 1881, a son of W. J.
and Mary (McConnell) Scott, natives of Warren county and Jasper
county, Iowa, respectively. His grandparents on both sides were
pioneer settlers of Iowa.
Dr. Scott was reared upon his father's farm and attended the
public schools in the acquirement of his elementary education. He
was later a student at Ackworth Academy and at Humboldt College
and upon completing his general education entered the veterinary
department of the State University of Iowa, from which he was
graduated with the degree of D. V. M. in 1908. He located for
practice in Pleasantville and remained there for a few months, after
which he entered the employ of the United States Bureau of Animal
Industry and was sent over several of the western states in quaran-
tine work. In 191 1 he came to Knoxville and has since engaged in
active practice here. He has had thorough training for his profes-
sion and his experience has also taught him much and since coming
here he has gained a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Scott was married on the iith of February, i9'3i to Miss
Winnifred Clark, of Indianola, this state, and to their union has been
born a son, Roger Clark. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Methodist
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 343
Episcopal church and the Doctor gives his political allegiance to
the republican party. Fraternally he belongs to Oriental Lodge,
No. 6i. I:. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. i8, R. A. i\I.; and
Alelita Commandery, No. 64, K. T. He is one of the most highly
esiwcmed citizens of Knoxville and has gained an unusual measure
of prosperity for one of his years. His many friends hold him in
wi. m regard and value highly his friendship.
AMOS MICHAEL BEAVER.
Amos Michael Beaver owns and operates a well improved farm
of sixty acres on section 11, Knoxville township, his place being
pleasantly and conveniently located four and a half miles east of
the city of Knoxville. He was born near his present home, in the
township in which he still resides, October 10, 1873, a son of Amos
and Elizabeth (Hedrick) Beaver, who were natives of Ross county,
Ohio, where they were reared and married. They removed to Michi-
gan, thence to Illinois, later to Nebraska and finally settled in this
county in the latter part of the '60s. Amos Beaver secured a farm of
two hundred and eighteen acres and cultivated and improved his
land until in the later years of his life, when he retired and removed
to Knoxville. There he died, September 26, 1906, when about
seventy-three years of age. His wife had passed away on the old home
farm in 1901, when about sixty-seven years of age. They were con-
sistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
Mr. Beaver gave his political support to the republican party but
did not seek the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to con-
centrate his energies upon his business affairs. He was well known
as a successful farmer and stockman. He and his wife reared a
family of five daughters and three sons, of whom Amos M. Beaver
and four sisters are now living, namely: Mrs. Etta Taylor, of Knox-
ville township, this county; Mrs. Ella Butler, who resides in Knox-
ville township on the old homestead; Mrs. Maria J. Pippin, who
lives on a fruit farm at The Dalles, Oregon, east of Portland; and
Mrs. May Boylan, who is a widow living in Iowa.
Amos M. Beaver has spent his entire life to the present time in
Marion county and supplemented his public-school course by study
in the Central University of Iowa at Pella. He was trained to farm
work, which he has always followed and upon his place, comprising
sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 11, Knoxville
344 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
township, he has made fine improvements, so that he now has a valu-
able and attractive property. He also makes stock-raising an
important feature of his business. He raises fine Shropshire sheep
and others of .good grade and he also raises high grade hogs and
horses.
On the 29th of June, 1904, Mr. Beaver was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Ann Wood, who was born in the county of Durham,
England, October 9, 1875, ^ daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Raines) Wood. The mother died in the fall of 1875, leaving Mrs.
Beaver the only child. The father married again in England and
came to America. He established his home in Marion county, where
he lived for a time but afterward went to the far west and died on
Vancouver Island in 1889. Mrs. Beaver was reared bv her grand-
father, Mr. Joseph Wood, who came to Marion county in 1880,
settling in Knoxville township. The grandfather died August 5,
1903, when almost ninety-two years of age. He would have attained
that age on the nth of October. In religious faith he was an
Episcopalian.
Mr. Beaver gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and he served as assessor of Knoxville township in 1913. Formerly
he was identified with the Red Men. He concentrates his energies,
however, upon his farming interests and his well directed activity is
bringing to him a substantial and justly merited measure of success.
JOHN WESLEY McCLAIN, Sr.
John Wesley McClain, Sr., who died on the 7th of February,
1906, was for over six decades a resident of Iowa and for forty-six
years made his home in Marion county, where he was widely known
and greatly respected. He was born on the 19th of July, 1834, in
Hendricks county, Indiana, a son of Phillip and Rachel (Jenkins)
McClain, who removed to Wapello county, Iowa, when their son
John Wesley was but eight years of age. Some years later the family
came to this county, locating in Knoxville township, west of the city
of Knoxville. Phillip McClain owned a farm and resided thereon
until his death, which occurred on the 6th of July, 1873, when he
was about seventy-two years of age. His wife died in Wapello county,
leaving ten children, all of whom are deceased.
John W. McClain grew to manhood in this state and here acquired
his education. A great deal of his training for the duties of life
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY • 345
was of a practical nature and gained by work in the fields, as he
early began to assist in the cultivation of the homestead. When
he reached manhood he decided to follow the occupation to which he
had been reared as it was both profitable and congenial, and in time
he purchased the home farm, five miles west of Knoxville. He lived
there in all for forty-six years. At one time he owned a quarter
section and as he was efficient in the management of his interests and
energetic in the cultivation of his land he received a good income
from his farm.
On the i8th of March, 1855, Mr. McCIain was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lucinda Saha, a native of Jackson county, Ohio, born
on the 6th of August, 1837. Her parents, John and Hannah (Richa-
baugh) Saha, died in the Buckeye state when comparatively young.
The father was a native of Ireland and the mother of Virginia. She
was a Methodist in her religious faith. The maternal grandfather of
Mrs. McClain, Reuben Richabaugh, served in the Revolutionary
army. Mrs. McClain came to Knoxville in 1853 with her brothers,
Jackson and James Saha, both of whom died when about eighty
years of age, while a younger brother, Franklin, who enlisted from
Ohio and served under Sherman in the Civil war, died at Nashville,
Tennessee, of typhoid fever and was buried there.
Mr. and Mrs. McClain became the parents of seven children, four
sons and three daughters. Richard T., born on the 2d of October,
1856, resides at Carlisle, Iowa. He married Miss Mary Courtney,
by whom he has had four children, two sons and a daughter who are
still living, and a daughter, deceased. William J., born April 9,
1 86c, owns and operates a farm in Polk county, Iowa. He married
Miss Fannie Chafifey and they have a daughter and two sons. Flora
E., who was born on the 3d of December, 1862, is the widow of
Edward Derrickson and resides at Swan, this county. She has four
daughters and two sons. Lydia Ann, born July 29, 1868, is the wife
of William Hyer, a farmer living in Minnesota, and they have five
sons and two daughters. A sketch of John Wesley, Jr., the next in
order of birth, appears elsewhere in this work. Charles P., born
February 7, 1874, resides in Omaha, Nebraska, and is successfully
engaged in the grain business. He married Miss Dora Murphy and
they have one son. Mettie A., who was born December 10, 1876,
resides with her widowed mother at No. 803 Robinson street, Knox-
ville. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. McClain exercised his right of franchise in support of the
democratic party and manifests a citizen's interest in public afifairs.
His boyhood was passed amid pioneer conditions in Iowa but at the
346 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
time of his death the state had become one of the most prosperous
of the Union and villages and cities existed where in the early days
there was nothing but the prairie covered with wild grass. He was
not only an interested witness of the many and swift changes which
have wrought this transformation but did his share to bring it about,
aiding in the agricultural development of his county and seeking
always to advance those phases of civilization represented by the
schools, church and state.
GEORGE L. BUTTERFIELD.
George L. Butterfield has since 1904 resided upon the farm in
Liberty township, not far from Bussey, which is still his home, and
many of the improvements to be seen thereon are evidences of his
handiwork and of his progressive spirit. Mr. Butterfield is a native
of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Bureau county, that state,
February 22, 1866, his parents being P. H. and Elizabeth (Wilson)
Butterfield. The father was a native of New York and his last davs
were spent in Iowa, where he became a bridge contractor, having
come to this state in 1867. The mother still survives and resides in
Marion county.
George L. Butterfield may well be called a self-made man, for he
started out in life to earn his living when but ten years of age and has
since been dependent upon his own resources and efforts for the suc-
cess which has come to him. He was first employed as a farm hand.
He early learned the lesson that industry wins and he has led a very
active, busy and useful life. In 1904 he purchased the farm upon
which he now resides and at once began to improve and develop it.
He has always made a specialty of stock-raising in connection with
general farming and has handled some good grades of cattle and hogs.
His judgment in business matters is sound and reliable, and his enter-
prise is at all times unfaltering. Recently he has sold his farm of one
hundred and twenty acres in Liberty township and purchased a farm
of one hundred and forty acres in Knoxville township adjacent to
the city of Knoxville.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Butterfield and Miss
Lily Gregory, whose family history is given in connection with the
sketch of T. R. Gregory on another page of this work. To Mr. and
Mrs. Butterfield have been born six children: John O., a member of
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY Ml
the United States navy; Myrtle E. and James H., both now de-
ceased; Tony R. ; Harriett G.; and Sarah E.
Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield attend the Methodist Episcopal church
and he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Im-
proved Order of Red Men. His political views are in accord with
the principles of the republican party and he has always been a
stanch advocate of its platform since age conferred upon Iiim the
right of franchise. He has served as school director but has never
sought nor desired political preferment. His life may well serve as a
source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what may
be accomplished when perseverance and energy lead the way and
when determination is of such strength that obstacles and difficulties
are readily overcome. Having to earn his own living when a lad
of ten years, his educational opportunities were necessarily limited,
but he has found that experience is a good teacher and from her he
has learned many practical lessons. Working his way upward step
by step, he has constantly widened his opportunities and he certainly
deserves the prosperity which has come to him.
WILLIAM A. KELLY.
William A. Kelly died in 1913 upon his home farm in Knoxville
township, which is now the home of his son, John W. Kelly, who
is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. For an extended period he
had been connected with agricultural interests and had made for
himself a creditable name and place as a representative of agricul-
tural life in Marion county.
He was born in Ohio in 1842 and was a son of John Kelly, a
native of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. For some time ere leav-
ing his native state he made his home in Columbiana county, Ohio,
and then in the year i860 he and his brother, Thomas Kelly, brought
their families to Iowa, establishing their homes upon farms in Knox-
ville township. They became well known and representative agri-
culturists of that district and had a large circle of friends almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
The ancestral history of the family can be traced back to the
colonial epoch in America. John and Thomas Kelly were sons of
William Kelly, who was a descendant of Nathan and Ann (Smith)
Kelly, Scotch-Irish people, who came to America in 1770. Nathan
348 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Kelly enlisted for service in the Revolutionary war in 1778 and loy-
ally aided the colonists in their struggle for independence.
Thus it was that William A. Kelly was eligible to membership
in the Sons of the American Revolution. His patriotism was mani-
fest during the Civil war by his enlistment September 3, 1861, in
Company K, Third Iowa Cavalry, and on the ist of January, 1864,
he reenlisted. He was captured at Ripley, Mississippi, June 11,
1864, and was first confined in Andersonville prison and later at
Lawton, Georgia, from which place he was taken to Florence, South
Carolina. He was at length paroled on the 20th of March, 1865.
Mr. Kelly was one of a family of ten children who were brought
by their parents to Iowa, the family home being established in Knox-
ville township, Marion county, where representatives of the family
have since been found. His youthful experiences were those which
usually fall to the lot of the farm lad. He assisted his father in the
arduous task of developing and improving a new farm and ultimately
he began farming on his own account, becoming the owner of an
excellent tract of land which he carefully developed and improved
to the time of his death, which occurred in 191 3. Like others of the
family he was well known and his progressiveness in connection with
community afifairs and his public-spirited citizenship established
him firmly in the regard of his fellow townsmen.
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK.
The Citizens National Bank of Pella was organized in January,
1906, with L. Kruidenier as president; B. H. Van Spanckeren, Jr.,
as cashier; and H. D. Wormhoudt as vice president. The capital
stock was twentv-five thousand dollars and the institution purchased
a building situated at the corner of Franklin and Main streets and
remodeled it. It has three stories, the first being used by the bank,
the second being given over to offices, while the third is devoted to
lodge rooms. The bank is capitalized the same as at its organiza-
tion and has a surplus of five thousand dollars, while the deposits
total one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The present
officers are: H. D. Wormhoudt, president; J. S. Rhynsburger, vice
president; and B. H. Van Spanckeren, Jr.. cashier.
The bank has prospered steadily in the eight years in which it
has been opened for business and has completely gained the confi-
dence of the public as its policy has always been to make the safety
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 349
of its deposits the first consideration and the earning of dividends
secondary in importance. However, due to the excellent business
ability of its officers the institution has been a success from the point
of dividends declared and its stock has advanced in price. It has
correspondents in all of the leading cities and is able to give its de-
positors and the business men of Pella all of the services of a modern
bank.
FRANK V. REAVER.
Frank V. Reaver was for many years in the bakery and restaurant
business but has now sold his interests in that connection and devotes
his time to his duties as vice president of the Knoxville Gas Com-
pany. He was born in Knoxville on the 23d of April, 1858, a son
of John and Mary C. (Sherman) Reaver, natives of Philadelphia
and Newcastle, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father brought his
family to Knoxville in 1856 from Columbus, Ohio, where he was a
baker and candy maker. He opened the first store of the kind in
Knoxville and conducted the business personally until he retired in
1879. He had learned his trade in New York in 1851. He passed
away in 1894 and was survived by his widow until September, 1912.
Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. To their union were born eight children, four of whom died
in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were as follows: Mrs. R.
O. Ayres, deceased; Frank V., of this review; J. O., a resident of
Des Moines; and C. A., living in Eldora, Iowa.
Frank V. Reaver attended the public schools, gaining a service-
able education, and as a youth of seventeen became associated with
his father in the restaurant and bakery which the latter owned. In
1871;, however, he embarked in the boot and shoe business, selling
out in 1877, when he again became connected with his father in busi-
ness. In 1879 he assumed charge of the bakery and restaurant, his
father retiring from active life, and he conducted it successfully until
1908. In his restaurant and bakery alike he used nothing but pure
materials and great care was exercised at all times to maintain strictly
sanitary conditions and to avoid any possible contamination of the
food. Since 1908 he has devoted his time to his other business inter-
ests, especially to the gas plant, as he is vice president of the Knox-
ville Gas Company.
350 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
In 1881 Mr. Reaver married Miss Hattie M. Taylor, of Bur-
lington, Iowa, a daughter of Colonel J. E. Taylor. Mr. Reaver is
a progressive in his political belief and is serving as alderman of
the first ward. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He has a wide acquain-
tance in the city and not only readily makes friends but holds them,
as his character is one that commands respect.
HARRISON HORSMAN.
Among the active, energetic and enterprising business men of
Marion county is Harrison Horsman, president of the Citizens Bank
of Pleasantville, in which institution he has been a stockholder for
the past twenty-two years or more. He is also the owner of a farm
in Union and Pleasant Grove townships, comprising four hundred
and thirteen acres and his rental of this property brings to him a
gratifying annual income.
For sixty years Mr. Horsman has lived in Marion county, hav-
ing arrived in November, 1854, at which time he took up his abode
upon a farm in Union township. He was then a youth of fourteen
years, his birth having occurred in Highland county, Ohio, June 2,
1840, his parents being Levi and Sidney (Bonecutter) Horsman.
\vho were natives of Virginia but were married in the Buckeye state.
They started west in 1844 and spent ten years in Shelby county, Illi-
nois, whence they removed to Iowa in 1854, casting in their lot with
the pioneer settlers of this county. The father here engaged in farm-
ing after entering land from the government in I'nion township.
Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon his
place, but with characteristic energy he began its development and
transformed the tract into richly cultivated fields to which he added
from time to time until he became the owner of an extensive farm
property, in the conduct and management of which he was very suc-
cessful. He resided upon that farm until his death, which occurred
in 1873 when he was sixty-five years of age. In politics he was a
republican and gave loyal support to the principles of that party.
Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the
Christian church. Mrs. Horsman survived her husband for a num-
ber of years and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
In their family were seven children, of whom five are yet living:
David, who is now retired in Pleasantville; John, of Wichita, Kan-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 351
sas; Joseph, living in Union township; Mrs. Grace Elder, a widow
whose home is in Kansas; and Harrison. One sister died in early
life in Illinois and another died in this county-
Harrison Horsman was reared in Marion county and attended
the public schools. He also pursued his education in Pella for a
time and was a pupil there when the Civil war broke out. He
watched with interest the progress of events, saw that the war was to
be no mere holiday affair and, prompted by a spirit of patriotism,
ofifered his services to the government, enlisting at Red Rock in 1862
as a member of Company H, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
with which he served for three years and three days, or until the
close of hostilities. He became a noncommissioned officer and was
mustered out at Fort Gibson, Arkansas, in the fall of 1865. He was
never seriously wounded nor was he at any time held as a prisoner
of war. He participated, however, in many hotly contested engage-
ments, arduous campaigns and long, hard marches and returned to
his home with a creditable military record. When the war was over
he resumed farming, in which he was actively engaged until 1894,
when he retired from business life and took up his abode in Pleasant-
ville, where he erected the comfortable and commodious residence
that he now occupies. While upon the farm he carefully managed
the work of the fields and his energy and determination brought
good results.
Mr. Horsman was married in Pleasant Grove township in 1867
to Miss Margaret Jane Logan, who was born October 31, 1849, at
what is now Pleasantville, a daughter of Gilmore and Mary (Strat-
ton) Logan, who had settled in Marion county in the fall of 1845,
being among the pioneers of this part of the state. All around was
the unclaimed and undeveloped prairie and the work of improve-
ment had scarcely been begun, but with other pioneer settlers Mr.
Logan aided in planting the seeds of civilization that in time brought
forth abundant harvests. He entered land and followed farming
and upon his original home place he resided until his death, which
occurred in 1895 when he was seventy-five years of age. For a brief
period he had survived his wife, who died in 1891. They were
earnest. Christian people, loyal to their professions as members of
the Baptist church. In the family were three sons and three daugh-
ters, who are yet living: Mrs. Horsman; Charles, a resident of
Knoxville; Albert, whose home is in Dallas, this county; George,
living in Des Moines; Mrs. C. R. Johnson, who is located at Cen-
tralia, Kansas; and Mrs. Bertie Elliott, of Des Moines. Mr. and
Mrs. Horsman are the parents of four children: Leonard, who
352 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
died leaving a wife and one son, Gail, who are now residents of
Knoxville; Iva Nora, who died in infancy; Elva, the wife of Thomas
Conway, by whom she has five children, their home being upon her
father's farm; and Lula, who is the wife of Warren Summy. They
also live on one of her father's farms and their family numbers three
children.
Mr. Horsman exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party and his fellow townsmen,
appreciating his worth and ability, have called him to a number of
local offices, including that of member of the board of supervisors,
on which he served from 1896 until 1899, exercising his official
prerogatives in support of manv measures for the public good. He
and his family are members of the Christian church and he is highly
esteemed throughout the community in which he makes his home.
More than two decades ago he became connected with the Citizens
Bank of Pleasantville and since his retirement from farming has
been called to the office of president, in which capacity he is now
connected with the institution. He is a thoroughlv reliable and
energetic business man and in every relation of life commands the
confidence and good-will of those who know him.
JAMES M. MAY.
James M. May is now living retired at the venerable age of eighty
years, making his home in Columbia, where he has resided for more
than a quarter of a century and where for a number of years he was
actively and successfully identified with mercantile interests. His
birth occurred in Indiana on the 2qth of July, 1834, his parents
being G. W. and Mary (Wood) May, both of whom were natives
of Kentucky. They were married in Indiana and continued to reside
in that state until called to their liiial rest. G. W. May went to
the Hoosier state as early as 1814 and took up his abode in the tim-
ber, living in log cabins for many years. He was an agriculturist by
occupation and undertook the arduous task of developing a farm,
first grubbing out the stumps and performing the other difficult labor
necessary in a new district. To him and his wife were born two
children.
James M. May received a common-school education in his youth
and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his
majority. Subsequently he bought a farm in Indiana and devoted
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 353
his attention to its operation until 1861, when he removed to Mon-
roe county, Iowa, there purchasing and locating on a tract of land
comprising eighty acres. He cultivated that property until 1887
and in that year came to Columbia, Marion county, where he has
resided continuously since. He was first engaged in business as a
general merchant for three years, on the expiration of which period
he sold out and embarked in the hardware business, enjoying a
gratifying patronage in that connection until he disposed of the enter-
prise and retired. He still owns sixty-three acres of land on sections
6 and 27, in Washington and Cedar townships, and is widely recog-
nized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of his adopted
county.
In 1856 Mr. May was united in marriage to Miss Susan Harned,
a native of Indiana and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Real)
Harned, who were born in Indiana and passed away in Marion
county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. May became the parents of six chil-
dren, as follows: G. W., who is engaged in business as a merchant
of Columbia; Thomas V., an agriculturist of this county; John H.,
who is a resident of Ringgold county, Iowa; Elizabeth, who is the
wife of W. S. Long, of Lucas county, Iowa; William B., living on
the old homestead; and Rachel, who gave her hand in marriage to
Buel Maddy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maddy are deceased.
Mr. May is a republican in his political views and has ably served
as justice of the peace for eighteen years, while for twenty years he
has acted in the capacity of school director, making a most creditable
record in public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons,
belonging to Tyre Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., of which he has
been treasurer since 1894. His religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has
served as class leader for years and to which his wife also belongs.
They are widely and favorably known throughout the community,
having won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with whom
they have come in contact.
JAMES L. CLARK.
James L. Clark is one of the owners of a modern and well stocked
men's furnishing and clothing store, in which he has had a half inter-
est since 1910. He is a representative business man of Knoxville
and is always willing to cooperate with others in securing the com-
35i HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
mercial expansion of the city. His birth occurred in this c )unt> on
the 1 8th of April, i860, and his parents were James and Meri _a
(Miller) Clark, natives of Warren county, Tennessee, and Putnam
county, Indiana, respectively. His paternal grandfather was Ben-
jamin Clark, who was a Baptist preacher and spent his life in "
nessee. The family is of ScotchTrish descent. James Clark, fat.ier
of our subject, arrived in this county in 1849 and took up government
land six miles northwest of Knoxville, at which time there were 10
neighbors within a distance of two miles. He devoted his life to
farming and was a highly respected citizen of the county. He died
on the loth of April, 1902. His wife was a daughter of John and
Willa Miller, who about 1848 came to Iowa and settled in Marion
county, where they entered government land, their farm being lo-
cated north of Dallas and becoming in time one of the well devel-
oped properties of the county. Mrs. Merinda Clark passed away
on the nth of June, 1896. She attended the Baptist church, as did
also Mr. Clark, and the latter was a democrat in his political belief.
To them were born six children. Both had been married previous
to their union and the father had six children bv his first marriage
and the mother two by her union with William Sunderland.
James L. Clark received a common-school education and in addi-
tion to the lessons which he learned from books was given valuable
training in agriculture, as he assisted his father in the work of the
farm during his youth. On reaching manhood he continued to fol-
low the occupation to which he had been reared until 1902 and also
taught school during the winter months for eight consecutive years.
He then went to Webster, South Dakota, where he engaged in the
real-estate business for seven years, but in 1909 returned to this state,
locating in Rock Rapids, where he entered the mercantile business.
After one year he sold his store and came to Knoxville, where in
partnership with C. Rouze Hunter he opened a men's furnishing
and clothing store in March, 1910. They are usually able to antici-
pate the fashions which are destined to be most popular and their
stock offers a varied and pleasing line from which to select. As the
clothing which they sell is at once correct in line, attractive in weave
and lasting in wearing qualities, their customers are many and the
volume of their business is steadily increasing. A feature of the
store that adds much to its popularity is the courteous treatment
given all and the sincere effort to aid customers in choosing that which
will be the most permanently satisfying, as the partners realize that
it is not enough to merely sell goods, as continued growth in a busi-
ness depends upon the giving of real value and real service.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 355
.Mr. ( lark was married on the 26th of April, 1893, to Miss Fannie
F^unter, a daughter of M. C. and Emily Hunter. They have three
children: Lorein, Paul and James, all at home. Mr. Clark and his
faniily are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has
9 rftd as its treasurer since 191 1. Politically he is an adherent of
111 j democratic party and during 1902-3 he served as deputy county
treasurer of Marion county. His social nature finds expression in
his n.embership in Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., and in
the Knights of Pythias. Throughout his entire life Mr. Clark has
ordered his conduct in conformity to the standards of justice and
right and his reward is the consciousness of duty faithfully per-
formed and the esteem of his fellowmen.
EDWARD LOYNACHAN.
In the death of Edward Loynachan, Marion county lost a repre-
sentative citizen who for a long period had been ranked with the
prominent and successful farmers and business men of Clay township.
He passed away at his home there on the 3d of September, 1906,
when he had reached the age of seventy-two years, five months and
twenty-two days. He was a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, and
during his childhood was brought to the new world, the family home
being established in Washington county, Ohio. There he remained
throughout the period of his minority and on the 14th of April, 1857,
he came to Marion county, his destination being Bellefontaine, near
the present town of Tracy. He made his way up the Des Moines
river and joined his brother David, who had preceded him to this
state.
The brothers had previously worked on and along the Ohio river
and had saved their money with the hope of ultimately investing in
property, and after reaching this county they purchased a tract of
between two and three hundred acres of government land in the
vicinity of the present village of Durham. They lived in a log cabin
on the land belonging to the brother, making their home together for
some years, but ultimately Edward Loynachan built a house on his
own land and kept bachelor's hall for six or seven years. Together
the brothers broke the sod with ox teams and made rails from which
they built a fence. They added other improvements from time to
time as opportunity permitted and in the course of years the once
wild prairie which came into their possession was transformed into
3S6 HISTORY OF xMARION COUNTY
a valuable farm property supplied with all modern equipments and
conveniences in the way of buildings and machinery, while the land
was brought to a high state of cultivation. That success in large
measure crowned the intelligently directed labors of Edward Loyna-
chan is indicated in the fact that he was at one time the owner of
seven hundred and seventy-one and a half acres in Clay and Knox-
ville townships and was thus numbered among the large landowners
of Marion county.
On the 27th of February, 1873, Mr. Loynachan was joined in
wedlock to Miss Mary E. Spohn, who was born in Highland countv,
Ohio, January 3, 1854, but lost her parents in early girlhood and was
reared by an aunt. She came to Marion county just prior to the out-
break of the Civil war and since 1907 has resided at Knoxville, own-
ing and occupying a fine home at No. 1414 Montgomery street. She
is still the owner of valuable farming propertv and her farm is oper-
ated by a son. Mrs. Loynachan is a member of the Presbvterian
church, w^hich her husband attended and supported, and she also has
membership with the Rebekahs of Knoxville.
To Mr. and Mrs. Loynachan were born three children : Oda Mav,
now the wife of J. A. Hammond, mentioned elsewhere in this volume;
Clark C, who was born in 1879 and married Bertha Rouze, by whom
he has four children; and David H., who was born December 14,
1890, and married Ethel Whitlatch. They have one child, a daughter.
Mr. Loynachan exercised his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican partv and kept well informed
on the questions and issues of the day but was not an aspirant for
office. He felt that the pursuits of private life w'ere in themselves
abundantly worthy of his best efforts and he concentrated his energies
upon his farming with the result that he won a creditable place
among the substantial citizens of Clav township and by his honorable
business methods gained the respect and good-will of all.
SAXTON LA FAYETTE COLLINS.
In the demise of Saxton La Fayette Collins, which occurred on
Friday evening, August 19, 1904, Knoxville lost one of the men who
were prominent in the organization and control of her banking insti-
tutions. He was a man of marked financial and executive ability
and left his impress upon the business life of the city.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 357
He was born in Richland county, Ohio, December 12, 1830, a
son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Adgate) Collins, and spent his early
life upon his father's farm. He attended the public schools in the
winters and was also for one term a student at the Bcllville (Ohio)
high school. In 1850, when a young man of twenty years, he accom-
panied his brother, A. W. Collins, a sketch of whom appears else-
where in this work, to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, and there worked
for a year upon a farm, receiving fifty cents per day in return for
his labor. He did the hardest kind of farm work, splitting rails,
making fence, breaking the prairie and many other things. In 1852
he and his brother located at Kno.wille and engaged in the mercan-
tile business. In May, 1856, he opened a store in company with
others at Gosport and continued in business as a merchant until
1865, when he sold out his interests in that line and, owing to fail-
ing health, removed to a farm. In 1871 he became an organizer of
the Knoxville National Bank and was for some years its largest
stockholder. In 1883, in company with his sons. La Fayette S. and
Grant, he engaged in merchandising and in 1885 they purchased the
Earlville & Knoxville Coal Company and in 1889 established the
S. L. Collins Oil & Tank Line. In 1891, together with J. Ramey,
La Fayette S. Collins, L. O. Donnelly, A. J. Hanna and others, he
organized the Citizens National Bank. In 1901 he was one of the
incorporators of the Peoples Savings Bank of Albia, Iowa, among
his associates being B. P. Castner, L. S. Collins and L. B. Myers.
In 1903 Mr. Collins of this review was instrumental in founding the
Iowa State Savings Bank and served as president for a number of
years. He was the largest stockholder in all of the banks 'in which
he was interested and was one of the most powerful men in local
financial circles.
In 1854 Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Miss Lavinia
M. James, of Ohio, who passed away on the 4th of October, i860.
To them were born three children: Clinton A., now a resident of
Wahoo, Nebraska; Mrs. Alice E. Gilson, who passed away at
Holyoke, Colorado, in 1899; and Delphine, who died in infancy.
On the 4th of October, 1864, Mr. Collins was joined in wedlock
with Miss Anna Thompson, of Center county, Pennsylvania. She
was born there in 1841, a daughter of Elias and Rebecca (McKain)
Thompson, of English and Scotch parentage respectively. Her
father died in 1848 but her mother survived him for many years.
She passed away more than three decades ago. To them were born
seven children and a sister of Mrs. Collins is still residing in the
Keystone state. As her father died when she was but seven years
358 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
of age, Mrs. Collins was reared by a family named Ferguson and
in 1861 accompanied them to this state. She taught school several
years in Marion county before her marriage and has resided at or
near Knoxville for more than fifty years, being highly esteemed in
the county. She is a faithful and active member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins were born the follow-
ing children: La Fayette S., a resident of Knoxville; Grant, who is
connected with the Cedar Rapids Oil Company at Cedar Rapids;
Mrs. N. H. McCorkle, of Mountain View, California; June, now
Mrs. E. O. Ames and a resident of Omaha; Belle, who married R.
H. Jacobs, of New York city; Scott, associated with his brother
Grant in the Cedar Rapids Oil Company; Joy, who is employed in
the Citizens Bank of Knoxville; Anna, who died in 1870; and Hope,
whose demise occurred in 1893.
Mr. Collins was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal
church from 1853 until his death and contributed liberally of his
means to its support, while he was always willing to give his time
and efforts to the furtherance of its plans. In 1895, when the pres-
ent fine church structure was erected, he was a member of the build-
ing committee. For several years he served on the board of trus-
tees of the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant and in this
way aided the cause of Christian education. In 1858 he became an
Odd Fellow and from 1861 was a past grand in that organization,
always taking a great interest in its afifairs. Although ten years have
passed since the death of Mr. Collins his influence is still strongly
felt in the financial life of his city and his many friends cherish his
memory 'as they knew him to be a man of high purpose and fine
achievement.
CAPTAIN CALEB J. AMOS.
Marion countv pays honor to a most worthy man when she makes
mention of Captain Caleb J. Amos, who was numbered among the
Iowa pioneers who represented the state upon the battlefields of
the south during the darkest hour in the country's history and who
was afterward identified with business interests in this state, becoming
a merchant of Knoxville. Ohio claimed him as a native son, his
birth having occurred in Highland county, that state, on the 31st of
lulv, 1839. His father. Pleasant Amos, was born in Grayson county,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 359
Virginia, and represented one of the old colonial families of that
section of the country. He removed from Virginia to Ohio and in
the autumn of 1848 brought his family to Iowa, again casting in his
lot with the pioneer settlers. He took up his abode near Red Rock,
in Marion county, and Captain Amos, who was then a lad of nine
years, was largely reared to manhood in Marion county, meeting with
many of the experiences of pioneer life.
The latter attended the common schools and afterward became a
student in Central University at Pella, where he pursued his studies
for three or four years. He had almost reached the point of gradua-
tion when his course was interrupted by his military life. All of his
preconceived plans were put aside when the Civil war broke out,
for on the 12th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company
H of the Fortieth Iowa Infantry and assisted Dr. Johnston in raising
that company. His father had been a soldier in the War of 1812
and the military spirit was strong within him. He was chosen second
lieutenant of his company, but was commissioned first lieutenant when
the regiment was mustered into service at Iowa City on the 15th of
November, 1862, being the youngest commissioned officer in his
brigade. The following winter was spent in Kentucky and in the
summer of 1863 he participated in the siege of Vicksburg. Later his
command was stationed for a year and a half at Little Rock, Arkansas,
and when Captain Richards retired from the command of the com-
pany Mr. Amos was appointed to that position on the 9th of April,
1864, and thus won the title by which he was afterward known. He
was at that time acting quartermaster of his regiment in the place
of A. B. Miller of Knoxville, who had retired. Captain Amos saw
strenuous service in the Camden expedition, in which he was twice
wounded, though not so seriously as to necessitate his leaving the
company. He was on duty at Fort Smith and at Fort Gibson and
when, in May, 1865, the victorious Union army marched through
the streets of Washington in the Grand Review — the most celebrated
military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere — Captain Amos
stood at the head of his company and participated in that event.
He was mustered out with his command on the 2d of August, 1865.
Captain Amos at once returned to Marion county and on the
20th of May, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily A.
HesUvood, a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Hestwood, who for many
years was a distinguished minister of the Methodist Episcopal church
in Lnva. They became the parents of four children, all of whom died
in infancy, with the exception of one son, Charles, of whom mention
is made elsewhere in this work.
360
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Following his marriage Captain Amos located in Essex, Page
county, Iowa, where he engaged in business for three years and took
an active part in the upbuilding of the town during the time when
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was built through there.
In 1875 he moved to Knoxville, erected a business block and con-
ducted a dry-goods and general store until 1878, becoming one of
the leading merchants of the city. The success which he achieved
in that connection led him to seek a still broader field of labor and
in October, 1878, he went to Chicago, where he engaged in the live
stock commission business to the time of his death. He was a man
of energy and prudence, possessed sound business ability and good
judgment and obtained in large measure the rewards of business appli-
cation and enterprise. He was also a man of scholarlv tastes and
habits and in the midst of pressing business duties found time to keep
abreast with modern thought and to inform himself concerning ques-
tions of vital and significant importance. Of him it was said: "He
was known among his associates as a thoughtful, well informed man
and one possessing broad views of public matters and of life. To him
the world was more than a place in which to make money."
Captain Amos passed away at his home in Chicago on the 7th
of January, 1893, and his remains were taken back to Knoxville,
Iowa, for interment. He was for many years an exemplarv member
of the Masonic fraternity and to the time of his death retained his
membership in the lodge at Knoxville, w hich organization conducted
his funeral services. He was also a member of Abraham Lincoln
Post, G. A. R., and many of its members were present when he was
laid to rest. No better indication of his life and character can be
given than by quoting from one of the Kno.xville papers, which said
of him :
"Captain Amos was deservedly held in high esteem by all who
knew him. He had the confidence and esteem of his business asso-
ciates in an unusual degree. In the army he was loved, honored and
trusted by his comrades and showed marked qualities for leadership.
He was a man of commanding presence, generous heart and broad
sympathies and loved to do a kindly deed. He was an upright, manly
man. He had no patience with meanness, trickery or dishonestv.
His most marked characteristic was sterling honesty. He sought to
be an honest man in business, in his social relations, at home, every-
where. He was a man of courage on the field and was no less brave
in the defense of what he believed to be right at home. And witli
these qualities he was fitted to take a manly part in the wonderful
development through which our country has passed since the war and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 361
in the growth of the great western metropolis in which latter he had
made his home. In his home life he was a dutiful son, a brother
beloved, a kind and loving husband and father and everywhere a
genial and companionable man."
.REV. JOHN FORSYTHE ROUZE.
Rev. John Forsythe Rouze devoted thirty-.si.x years of his life to
preaching the gospel and his influence was of no restricted order,
for he was not denied the full harvest nor the aftermath of his labors.
In fact he contributed in large measure to the moral progress of
Marion county and he was a man highly beloved and respected by
all who knew him.
He was born in Butler county, Ohio, January i, 1823, and was
one of a family of five sons and five daughters who were children of
Joseph and Susan (Forsythe) Rouze, both of whom were natives of
New Jersey, where they were reared and married. They removed
to Ohio and later to Indiana, where their last days were spent.
The Rev. John F. Rouze received only such meager educational
opportunities as the schools of that early day in the pioneer district
afforded. He was quite young when he started out in life on his own
account and prior to the Civil war he came to Marion county and
entered land from the government. The fact that property could be
secured in that way is indicative of the conditions of the county at
the time. He lived to see remarkable changes and bore his part in
the material development of this section as well as in the moral
progress. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in
early manhood but afterward became identified with the Methodist
Protestant church, believing that more good could be accomplished
through that avenue. For thirty-six years he engaged in preaching
and his work was fraught with good results for the benefit of his
fellowmen.
Mr. Rouze was three times married and his children were all
born of the first union. His last marriage was celebrated Septem-
ber 4, 1865, when Mrs. Nancy J. May became his wife. She was
the W'idow of Alexander S. May, who came to this county with his
parents when the Indians were here. After the outbreak of the Civil
war he offered his services to the Union and served as a member of
Company E, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His remains now
rest in a cemetery in New Orleans. Mrs. Rouze is a daughter of
362 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
S. P. and Alsina (Robinson) McCorkle and she became the wife
of Mr. Rouze in the old Knoxville courthouse. For a time there-
after they resided upon his farm and he gave considerable attention
to its development and improvement, but he never ceased his labors
as a minister of the gospel and his efforts in that direction were large-
ly beneficial. At different times he was called to public oflice by his
fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. He was
a member of the Masonic order and also the Knights of Pythias. He
died August 28, 1901, since which time Mrs. Rouze has taken up her
abode in Bussey, where she still resides. His life, ever honorable in
its purpose and high in its ideals, left a deep impress upon many with
whom he came in contact and his memorv now remains as a blessed
benediction to all who knew him.
s
N. J. GESMAN.
N. J. Gesman is a well known real-estate dealer of Pella and has
also been prominent in the political afifairs of the city, serving for two
terms as mayor, during which time he was instrumental in closing up
saloons and objectionable resorts. He was born in Pella on the ist
of November, 1865, a son of N. J. and Anna (de Jong) Gesman,
both natives of Holland. The father was but a child when brought
by his father, A. G. Gesman, to the United States in 1847, and the
family resided in St. Louis for two vears but in 1849 removed to
Pella. A. G. Gesman, being a carpenter, built many of the first
residences in this city and followed contracting until his demise,
which occurred about 1889.
N. J. Gesman, Sr., was but eleven vears of age when the family
came to Pella and he received the greater part of his education here.
He studied law and was admitted to the bar about 1872, but prior to
this he engaged in teaching school for a time. He continued in the
practice of his profession here until about 1890 and won a reputation
as a lawyer of ability and integrity. He was connected with many
phases of life in the city, as, in addition to his experience as teacher
and his practice as a lawyer, he was for the last seven years of his life
a minister in the Dutch Reformed church and for a time owned and
edited the Pella Gazette. He passed away in 1894. His wife is a
daughter of Arie de Jong, who in 1855 brought his family from
Holland to the United States and came direct to Pella. Mrs. Gesman
survives her husband and resides in Pella at the age of seventy-nine
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 363
years. She is an active church worker, as was Mr. Gesman, the
latter being one of the founders of the Second Reformed church.
They had nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Arie is now
living in Omaha; Mrs. John Korver is a resident of Pella; G. A.
lives in Lavina, Montana; N. J., of this review, is the next of the
family; and Mrs. S. B. Grant resides in Pella.
N. J. Gesman of this review received a public-school education
and subsec]uently attended the Central University of Iowa at Pella.
After leaving school he clerked in the city for several years, but in
1888 went west, remaining there until 1900, when he returned to Pella.
During the fourteen years that have since passed he has devoted his
time to the real-estate business and has become recognized as an
authority upon realty values. He has negotiated many important
transfers of property and is recognized as one of the prosperous busi-
ness men of the city.
Mr. Gesman is a democrat in his political belief and has taken a
prominent part in public alTairs of the city. In 1909 he was elected
mayor and reelected in 1911. The question at issue was the liquor
business and his election meant the complete rout of the saloon inter-
ests. He enforced the law strictly and under his administration all
saloons and objectionable resorts were closed. It was also while he
was mayor that the bonds were issued for the city water, light and
sewers. All who know him concede his sincerity and integrity and
honor him for the moral courage which characterizes all of his
transactions.
M. L. CURTIS.
M. L. Curtis has been associated with journalism, with the excep-
tion of little more than a year, ever since leaving college and in the
intervening fifteen years has added wide experience to his excellent
general training and is now one of the most able men associated with
the press of the smaller cities of the state. He owns a half interest
in the Knoxville Journal, which is a publication of wide circulation
and of a high standard throughout.
Mr. Curtis was born in this county on the 6th of January, 1876,
a son of Joshua and Margaret E. (Andrews) Curtis, both natives
of Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Truman Curtis, was also born
in the Buckeye state but eventually became a resident of Iowa,
although his arrival was subsequent to that of his son Joshua. Tru-
364 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
man Curtis, a cabinet maker by trade, opened a shop at Knoxville
in 1859 and continued to reside in this city until his death. The
family is of English descent. Joshua Curtis came to Knoxville in
1850 and opened a wagon and blacksmith shop. In 1862 he enrolled
in the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, Thirty-third
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until the end of the war, holding
the rank of sergeant during the last of his term of enlistment. After
the close of hostilities he returned to this county and began farming,
so continuing during the remainder of his active life. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political alle-
giance was given to the republican party. On the 4th of October,
1894, he passed away but his widow survives and lives in Knoxville.
To their union were born five children: one who died in infancy;
George, a farmer of this county; Charles E., a resident of Knoxville;
Frederick, who is a farmer of this county and who is married and has
three children; and M. L., of this review.
The last named received his elementary and secondary education
in the public schools of the county, graduating from the Knoxville
high school, and he subsequently entered the State University of Iowa,
completing a course there in 1899 '^'^^ receiving the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. In April, 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish-
American war, during his term at the university, being a member
of Company D, Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Curtis left
school, joined his company and accompanied his regiment to San
Francisco. He was a sergeant. After being mustered out, March
4, 1899, on account of physical disability, he returned to school and
graduated with honors in his class. His high scholarship also won
him election to Phi Beta Kappa, a national fraternity formed for the
purpose of fostering a love of learning. For a year and a half he
taught school in Knoxville and then, deciding that better opportuni-
ties for advancement were to be found in other fields, he purchased
an interest in the Daily Republican of Boone, Iowa.
In August, 1901, the Iowa Publishing Company, which issued
the Boone Daily Republican and the Atlantic Messenger, purchased
the Knoxville Journal, of which Mr. Curtis was made manager. He
has since been connected with it and in January, 1902, became the
sole owner of the paper, buying it from the Iowa Publishing Com-
pany, but late in 1903 T. G. Gilson purchased a iialf interest in the
publication. Mr. Curtis is the editor of the paper and his ability to
judge of the news value of a happening of local or general interest
and his well developed literary sense have been important factors
in making tlie Knoxville Journal one of the best papers of its size
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 365
ill the state. Especial attention is given to the reporting of local
happenings but news of a general character is not neglected by any
means and the editorials are timely and are clearly and succinctly
written. As the paper has a large circulation list and as its subscribers
are the representative people of the city and county it is valuable
as an advertising medium and is patronized as such by the local
merchants.
Mr. Curtis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
politically is identified with the republican party. He is an enthusi-
astic Mason and has been prominently identified with Masonic
circles in this part of Iowa. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No.
6 1, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. i8, R. A. M. ; Melita
Commandery, No. 64, K. T. ; Des Moines Consistory, S. P. R. S. ;
and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of
Zabud Council, No. 2, R. S. M. at Oskaloosa. He is a past master
of the blue lodge, past high priest of the chapter and past prelate of
the commandery. He is a man fitted by natural ability and training
for leadership and as editor of the Knoxville Journal he wields no
small influence in the public afifairs of city and county and this power
is always used for the furtherance of the public welfare and the
development of the commercial interests of Knoxville. His activities
in the councils and affairs of the republican party are of an important
character. He has always exerted a strong influence in political mat-
ters and his value has been recognized by his party, and in the cam-
paign of 1914 he was one of five men chosen by Senator Cummings
personally to manage his senatorial campaign. Mr. Curtis has never
sought nor accepted political preferment as an office seeker. He is
held in high respect throughout his native county and has many per-
sonal friends, who value greatly his good opinion.
JOHN ANDREW AYERS.
Closely connected with agricultural and stock-raising interests in
Marion county for many years was John Andrew Ayers, who passed
away on the 23d of May, 1913, after a residence of many years in
this county. He was born in Illinois on the 26th of January, 1853,
his parents being Andrew and Susanna (Smith) Ayers. At an early
day the family was established in Marion county, becoming identified
with the development of this part of the state when the work of
progress and improvement had scarcely been begun here. The family
366 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
home was established in Liberty township and Andrew Ayers carried
on general farming up to the time of his death. He also took an active
interest in community affairs and cooperated in many plans and move-
ments for the development and upbuilding of the county. Both he
and his wife were people of the highest respectability and their lives,
at all times honorable and upright, won for them warm regard.
John A. Ayers was a pupil in the public schools of this county,
to which he came with his parents in early life. He started out on
his own account when but a youth and was always identified with
general agricultural interests. He also followed carpentering and was
a good workman in that line. He thoroughly understood the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and as the years
passed on he brought his farm to a high state of cultivation and re-
ceived therefrom a gratifying annual income, for the large crops
which he harvested found a ready sale.
On the 17th of April, 1879, Mr. Ayers was married to Miss Mary
M. Yeater, a daughter of James R. and Virginia (Shaw) Yeater.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ayers were born three children, Elmer, Mamie and
Alfred, all of whom survive. The father passed away on the 23d of
May, 1913, and was laid to rest in the Bussey cemetery.
His political allegiance had always been given the republican
party from the time when age conferred upon him the right of fran-
chise and for several terms he had efficiently served as road supervisor
of Liberty township. He did not seek nor desire office, however.
He was essentially a home man and preferred to concentrate his
energies upon his business affairs and the enjoyment of the companion-
ship of his family, to whom he was a devoted husband and father.
In friendship, too, he was faithful and true, and he was highly
regarded by all who knew him, so that his death was the occasion
of deep regret throughout the county.
GARRY D. CLARK.
For the past seven years Garry D. Clark has resided at Knoxville,
having retired from the active cultivation of his farm, which is lo-
cated five miles from the city. He was born in Humboldt county,
Iowa, October 10, 1857, a son of Albert B. and Elizabeth (Decker)
Clark, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was born
in Marion county, that state, in January, 1832, a son of Garry and
Salina (Holcomb) Clark, both natives of Hartford, Connecticut,
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 367
whence they removed to Marion county, Ohio, at an early day in the
history of that state. There both passed to their reward. The father,
who was a farmer and cabinet-maker by occupation, died in 1857,
when over fifty-one years of age, as his birth occurred November
5, 1805. He was married in June, 1828, at Hartford, Connecticut.
Both he and his wife were for many years members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and he was for a long time superintendent of the
Sunday school. His wife died in Columbus, Ohio, about 1901 at
the age of ninety-four years.
Albert B. Clark was reared near Bucyrus, Ohio, and in 1854
came to Iowa, first locating in Marshall county. Shortly afterward
he removed to Humboldt county, where he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land and where he erected two houses, one in town
and the other upon his farm. After spending about a year there he
returned to Ohio at the time of his father's death. On again coming
to Iowa he made the trip alone and located in this county. He is a
cabinet-maker, as was his father before him, and also a carpenter
and joiner, and among other things has made many fine coffins. He
was early convinced of the value of land and at different times has
owned several hundred acres. He purchased a farm in this county
soon after the Civil war and lived there for several years. He owned
a residence in Knoxville and also one in the country, but for several
years past has made his home with his son, Garry D., as he is eighty-
three years of age. In addition to following his trade he engaged in
the nursery business for a number of years, dealing especially in trees.
He is a Methodist in religious faith and has conformed his life
to the teachings of that faith. His personal habits have always been
most exemplary as he has never smoked, chewed, used liquor in any
form nor been profane in his language. His wife passed away on
the 20th of February, 1886, on a farm in Knoxville township, when
more than fifty years of age. To their union were born two sons:
J. B., a farmer in Knoxville township; and Garry D., of this review.
Albert B. Clark cast his first ballot for the candidates of the whig
party but in 1856, at the time of the organization of the republican
party, he voted for John C. Fremont and has since given his alle-
giance to that organization. He served as road supervisor and accept-
ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection.
He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and
has never departed therefrom, being a consistent member of the local
church of that denomination.
Garry D. Clark was educated in the common schools of this
county and after arriving at years of maturity he gave his time and
368 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
attention largely to the work, of farming. In 1887 he bought one
hundred acres five miles southwest of Knoxville and successfully
operated it until 1907, when he retired to Knoxville and in 1910 he
sold his farm. He has several residence properties in Knoxville
which now require his time and attention as he leases them. He
raised stock as well as cereals and was very successful in his under-
takings, being progressive and energetic in his work.
In 1 88 1, at Clinton, Vermilion county, Indiana, Mr. Clark was
united in marriage with Miss Martha Shew, a native of Edgar coun-
ty, Illinois, born in 1858, and a daughter of Joel and Lillie J. (Simp-
son) Shew. Her father was for many years engaged in the grocery
business and her mother conducted a millinery shop. About 1863
they removed to Vermilion county, Indiana, and resided there during
the remainder of their lives. The father eventually retired from the
grocery business because of ill health. His parents were early resi-
dents of Indiana, removing there from North Carolina. His father
preempted land which was rich in coal near the site of the town of
Bunson. He was a native of Germany but came to America in young
manhood. Joel Shew lived to be almost ninety years of age for he
passed away March 25, 1906, and was born September 23, 18 17. His
wife survives and is seventy-four years of age as she was born in
1840. She is a member of the United Brethren church and highly
esteemed in her community. They had three daughters and one son,
namely: Mrs. Clark; William H., the owner of a meat market in
Clinton, Indiana; Mrs. Thomas Campbell, the wife of one of the
prominent men of Clinton, Indiana, who has extensive real-estate
interests and is active in the Business Men's Association; and Mrs.
Emma Van Gundy, a widow residing in Pittsburgh, Kansas. Her
husband was an attorney and she was the successful candidate for
the office of district clerk of Crawford county, Kansas, in the election
of 1914. She is an expert stenographer and has considerable knowl-
edge of legal forms.
To Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born two children. Mrs. Edith
Brown is a widow and resides at home. She engaged in the millinery
business at Harding, Nebraska, for a time, and for several years
worked in stores in Knoxville. She has a son, Kenneth Brown, who
was born in May, 1906, and is also living with Mr. and Mrs. Clark.
Gertrude, the second daughter, is the wife of Earl Sutherland, of
Knoxville, by whom she has a son, Corwin, born in 1909.
Mr. Clark is a republican and firmly supports the principles of
that party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs. Both of his
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 369
daughters are also members of the Rebekahs and the Pythian Sis-
ters. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and
take a great interest in the advancement of its work. Their home is
at No. 422 Robinson street, and their friends often gather there and
are hospitably welcomed.
GEORGE L. KING.
For an extended period George L. King was connected with agri-
cultural pursuits but is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his
former toil in well earned rest. He is a native of Virginia, his birth
having occurred in Wetzel county on the ist of January, 1842. He
is a son of James and Elizabeth (Wise) King, who were natives of
Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They had twelve children,
of whom five are yet living. It was in 1850 that the father brought
his family to Marion county, settling near Harvey, where he began
farming. Later he removed to Liberty township, where his remain-
ing days were passed. As the years went on he carefully and sys-
tematically tilled his fields, becoming one of the substantial farmers
of the community. He likewise engaged in raising stock. He passed
away October 22, 1901, having for about three years survived his
wife, who died in 1898, their remains being interred in Eureka cem-
etery. Mr. King was a democrat and was interested in matters of
public moment, giving his support to the measures and movements
which he deemed of worth to the community.
George L. King was educated in the public schools. He was
one of twelve children, five of whom are yet living, and when about
twenty years of age he enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth Iowa
Infantry, with which he served from the 8th of March, 1862, until
the close of hostilities in 1865. He was wounded at Champion's Hill,
Mississippi, May 16, 1863, and after spending but three weeks in a
hospital he rejoined his company and was on active duty throughout
the remainder of the war. He participated in the first and second
battles of Corinth and in other important engagements and was taken
prisoner at Tilton, Georgia, after which he spent seven months of
suffering in southern prison pens, mostly .in Andersonville. When
hostilities were over he was honorably discharged at Davenport and
returned to the north. He certainly has every reason to be proud
of his military record, for he never faltered in the performance of
duty, whether on the lonely picket line or on the firing line.
370 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
On the 7th of October, 1866, Mr. King was united in marriage
to Miss Adeline GuUion and they became the parents of five children,
of whom the first born, Isabel, is deceased. Those living are Maud,
Elizabeth, John and Delia. The wife and mother passed away Octo-
ber 27, 1880, and on the 24th of March, 1881, Mr. King wedded
Samantha Gullion, who died in March, 1900. They had a family
of six children, Jesse, Jeremiah, George, Annie, Clyde and Perry.
All of the children are living with the exception of Clyde. On the
nth of February, 1903, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss
Celestia Gause, a daughter of James and Marinda (Davis) Gause,
who were residents of Marion county but now reside in Monroe
county.
After his return from the war Mr. King began farming and has
made that pursuit his life work. He also engaged in the raising of
graded stock and was closely connected with agricultural interests
in this county until 1886, when he sold his farm and went to the west,
spending a number of years in Nebraska and Colorado. In 1894,
however, he returned to Iowa and again resumed farming in Marion
county, but after a few years he retired from active life and took up
his abode in Hamilton, where he is now living. He is interested in
political afTairs but votes independently as he does not care to be
bound by party ties. He belongs to the Christian Union church, and
his life has been an honorable and upright one, so that he enjoys
the goodwill and high regard of those with whom he has come in
contact.
CHARLES M. HARRINGTON, M. D.
For the past fifteen years Dr. Charles M. Harrington has been
a physician and surgeon of Knoxville and has built up a gratifying
practice. He was born in this county, five miles east of Knoxville,
in 1872, a son of Nathan and Mary (Smith) Harrington, both of
whom have gone to their reward. His father was a native of Wash-
ington countv, Ohio, and remained there until he attained his major-
ity. He then came to Iowa and learned the milling business under
Mr. Bussing, continuing to follow that trade throughout his active
life. He resided in the country until the early '70s, when he removed
to Knoxville, which city remained his home until his death, which
occurred in April, 191 1, when he was sixty-eight years of age. He
invested to quite an extent in land and owned some excellent farm-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 371
ing property. He was interested in the public welfare and exercised
his right of franchise in support of the candidates and measures of
the republican party but never desired office for himself. He was
a member of the Congregational church, as was also his wife, and
fraternally belonged to the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias.
His parents came to this country from Ireland and located in Bal-
timore, Maryland, but his father, Ephraim Harrington, afterward
took his family to the Northwest Territory, settling upon a land grant
in Washington county, Ohio. The mother of Dr. Harrington w^s
born in Crawford county, Ohio, near Dresden, and accompanied her
father, John Smith, to Iowa in 1855, the family locating two miles
east of Knoxville. Her mother had previously died in Ohio. Mr.
Smith was a farmer and stockman and very successful in all of his
undertakings. He secured large landholdings and was known as one
of the representative men of the county. He passed away when about
eighty years of age. Both he and his wife were Presbyterians. Mrs.
Nathan Harrington died here in 1898, when fifty-one years of age.
She was the mother of three children, one of whom died when four
years of age and another in infancy, Dr. Harrington being the only
survivor.
The last named was reared in Knoxville and has spent practically
all of his life in this city. In 1891 he was graduated from the local
high school and then for three years was in the employ of the Wabash
Railroad at Des Moines and later with the Union Pacific Railway
at Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 1895 he began the study of medicine,
entering the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, from which
he was graduated in 1899. He immediately returned to his home
city and began practice. He has taken post-graduate courses, at-
tending clinics at the Metropolitan Hospital, New York city, in
1903 and 190c;. His offices are well located, being in the Odd Fel-
lows building, and are completely appointed. He has gained a fine
practice and has the respect of his colleagues in the profession as well
as the confidence of the general public. He adheres strictly to the
highest standard of professional ethics and is very conscientious in
his treatment of cases, giving his patients the full benefit of his
knowledge of the latest discoveries and developments in the field of
medical science. He belongs to the county, tri-county and state med-
ical societies and the American Medical Association. He has studied
both allopathy and homeopathy and practices both schools.
Dr. Harrington married Miss Olive Kinkead, a native of this
county and a daughter of the late Lemuel Kinkead, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Kinkead is still living and
372 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
resides with Dr. and Mrs. Harrington. The Doctor and his wife
are members of the Congregational church and can be depended upon
to aid in movements for the welfare of humanity and especially those
whose object is the good of their community. The Doctor is a repub-
lican with progressive tendencies. Socially he belongs to the Masonic
fraternity, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and com-
mandery at Knoxville and in the Shrine and consistory of Des
Moines. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a
member of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which she is past worthy
matron, and of the P. E. O. The Doctor is in his prime and has
accomplished much in his busy life. He has the satisfaction of
knowing that he is a factor in the advancement of his community and
that his success cannot be measured entirely or even mainly bv a
monetary standard although he has gained financial prosperity.
MRS. VERNA MAE GOLDIZEN.
As the women of the country are perhaps the most vitally inter-
ested in the education of the children and as the elementary schools
are largely taught by women it is fitting that the county superin-
tendent should also be a woman and Mrs. Goldizen has fully demon-
strated her fitness for this position, which carries with it responsi-
bility for the advancement and efficiency of the public schools of the
county. She was for many years a teacher and understands thor-
oughly the problems that confront the teacher and is thus able to
advise wisely and to judge correctly of the value of the work, done
by those under her supervision. She has the faculty of securing the
whole-hearted cooperation of the teachers of the county and of in-
spiring them to their best efforts.
Mrs. Goldizen was born in Warren county, this state, a daughter
of S. I. and Jane (Turnipseed) Cassady, natives of Indiana and Ohio
respectively. Her paternal grandfather was S. J. Cassady, of Barnes-
ville, Ohio. After his death his widow remarried and brought her
family to Warren county in 1853. S. 1. Cassady was a farmer by
occupation and was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in Company
B, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861 and remaining
under arms until the close of the war. He passed away in 1902. His
wife, who survives, is a daughter of Christopher and Maria Turnip-
seed, both natives of Virginia. She came to Iowa in 1854 and by
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 373
her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, the subject
of this review being the third in order of birth.
Mrs. Goldizen attended the public schools in her childhood and
early girlhood and subsequently was a student in Simpson College,
Des Moines College and the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar
Falls. Her first teaching experience was gained at Summerset
school, Iowa, and from 1895 to 1897 ^^^ was principal at Palmyra,
Iowa. In 1901 she came to this county and was for seven years prin-
cipal of schools in Harvey. At the expiration of that time she be-
came principal of the Hamilton public schools and continued in that
position for four years. In the fall of 191 2 she was elected county
superintendent of schools on the democratic ticket and took office
January i, 1913. The high standard of the schools of the county
has been maintained and in a number of lines steps in advance have
been taken, the work done comparing favorably with that of other
counties of the state. The corps of teachers is very efficient and the
parents manifest a willingness to cooperate for the good of the
schools. Mrs. Goldizen is proving a capable leader of the educa-
tional forces, adapting new methods and new ideals to the needs of
the different schools of the county. Not the least of her value to the
public-school system is her ability to suggest to the teacher a means
of overcoming a difficulty that has arisen in her work.
In 1897 she became the wife of J. M. Goldizen, of Warren coun-
ty, Iowa, whose parents removed to this state from Indiana in 1855.
Mr. Goldizen is a resident of Knoxville and is well known and re-
spected. Mrs. Goldizen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, the Rebekahs and the Woman's Relief Corps and takes a
prominent part in all movements that have as their object the better-
ment of the community.
EUGENE DENNIS.
Eugene Dennis is now living retired at Pella, enjoying a leisure
justly won by former years of industry and labor, when he gave his
undivided attention to the duties of cultivating the fields and caring
for stock. He was born at Peapack, New Jersey, on the 20th of May,
1846, a son of Anthony P. and Mary (Cole) Dennis.
Eugene Dennis entered the common schools of New Jersey upon
arriving at school age and completed his education in his native state.
In August, 1862, at the age of sixteen he enlisted as a drummer boy in
374 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
answer to the nine months' call by President Lincoln. He was with
Company A, Thirtieth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and served
until given his honorable discharge in June, 1863. He was at Fred-
ericksburg, Chancellorsville and a number of other engagements.
In March, 1867, when a young man of about twenty-one years, he
came to Iowa, where his brother, George J. Dennis, had removed in
1866. Upon arriving in this state Mr. Dennis of this review began
farming for himself and was so occupied continuously for more than
three decades. He followed general farming and his knowledge of
practical methods of agriculture made his efforts effective and the
sale of his grain and stock brought him a gratifying return. He
gained financial independence and in 1900 retired and removed to
Pella, where he has since resided.
In July, 1865, Mr. Dennis married Miss Amanda Perry and of
the children born to their union six survive: Mary, who married
William Butts, of Pella; Charles, who married Mary Gruddes and
is now living at Pella ; Warren, who is also married and is a carpenter
at Fort Dodge; Sherman, superintendent of bridges on the Minne-
apolis and Portal division of the "Soo" Line; Minnie, the wife of
J. C. Largent, of Des Moines; and Bessie, the wife of Dr. Talbot, of
Pella, a practitioner of veterinary medicine. The wife and mother
was called to her last rest in February, 1900, and in 1903 Mr. Dennis
married Mrs. Stomaker. He is fraternally affiliated with Albert
Hobbs Post, No. 404, G. A. R., of which he is the commander. He
owns two hundred and eighty acres of land in Missouri, the Dennis
block in Pella and property in Harvey and is one of the well-to-do
residents of the city. The number of his friends and the sincerity of
their regard for him testify to the worth of his character and the
probity of his life.
WILLIAM J. WILSON.
Marion county is fortunate in having countv officials who are
thoroughly competent and also conscientious in the discharge of their
duties and one of the most efficient of these public servants is William
J. Wilson, the present county treasurer. His position is one of great
responsibility and one requiring the use of system and the exercise
of accuracy. He has proven himself admirably fitted for the office
and his constituents have had no reason to regret his election.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 375
He was born on the 3d of September, 1863, in this county, a son
of James T. and Mary M. (Brown) Wilson, natives of Ohio and
Iowa respectively. The paternal grandfather, William Wilson, was
also born in the Buckeye state. He subsequently removed to Iowa,
locating in this county a few years after his arrival in the state. He
was a farmer by occupation and was highly respected in his com-
munity. His son, James T., grew to manhood in this county and was
here married to Miss Mary M. Brown, who came here from another
part of Iowa in her girlhood. James T. Wilson passed away in 1884,
but his widow survives and lives at Pleasantville. To them were
born six children: Amanda, the widow of Marion Sexton and a
resident of Pleasantville; Annette, who married James Peck, and lives
at Hartford, Kansas; Belle, the wife of Thomas Moore, a resident
of Union county, Iowa; William J., of this review; Ida, the wife of
William Miller and a resident of Indianola; and Thomas, who died
when a child of eight years.
William J. Wilson received a common-school education and also
became familiar with farming when a boy. He followed that occu-
pation until 1888, or until he was twenty-five years of age, and then
he and his mother removed to Pleasantville, taking up their residence
there and renting the farm. He embarked in the general merchandise
business in association with F. H. Spalte, but after a time sold his
interest to his partner, though he remained in the latter's employ. In
1906 he was elected county sheriff, taking office in 1907, and he
served in that capacity for two terms, proving resourceful and fearless
in the preservation of the peace and the apprehension of criminals.
At the expiration of his second term as sheriff he traveled for one year
for the well known company of J. I. Case, manufacturers of threshing
machines, and after that was employed for a year in Knoxville. In
1912 he was elected county treasurer and took office in January, 1913.
The work devolving upon him, the collection of the taxes, the dis-
bursing of public funds and the keeping account of all transactions
has been accurately done and his record is one that reflects much
credit upon his business ability. In November, 1914, Mr. Wilson
was reelected, his second term beginning January i, 1915.
In September, 1893, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss May
McDaniel, a daughter of J. A. and Lettie (Clark) McDaniel. Her
father was for many years a hardware merchant of Pleasantville but
is now living retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born two
children, Arlen J. and Beulah, both at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson belong to the Methodist Episcopal church
and he is a democrat in his political belief. Fraternally he is a
376 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
member of Pleasant Lodge, No. 1 28, F. & A. M. ; Fleasantville Lodge,
No. 446, I. O. O. F. ; and Wildey Encampment, No. 116, of the
Odd Fellows; Fleasantville Lodge, No. 149, K. P.; and Ontario
Tribe, No. 73, I. O. R. M. Both he and his wife belong to Knoxville
Chapter, No. 85, O. E. S., and she is also a member of the Pythian
Sisters. Both in private life and in an official capacity Mr. Wilson
has always conformed his life to the highest standards of conduct and
has proved highly capable and he has contributed to the general
welfare and prosperity.
JOHN RIETVELD.
Among the extensive landowners of the county is John Rietveld,
the owner of six hundred acres in Clay township. He was born at
Noordeloos, Holland, on the 21st of January, 1844, a son of Jan and
Dierke (Blokland) Rietveld, who three years later emigrated with
their family to America. The father was one of the committee
having charge of the afitairs of the colony which settled at Pella.
He located on the Des Moines river, near the present home of his
son John, in August, 1847, and there he resided until his death, which
occurred in 1859 when he was past fifty-five years of age. He became
the owner of a half section of land, which was but slightly improved
when it came into his possession and wliich he developed during the
succeeding years. In addition to cultivating the soil he raised stock
and was very successful in both lines of activity. He was a devout
member of the Dutch Reformed church and was held in high esteem
by those who knew^ him. His wife died in February, 1876, when
more than seventy years old. She was also a member of the Dutch
Reformed church. Ten of their children grew to maturity, but only
two are now living, the subject of this review and a sister, Mrs.
Langerak, who is the mother of the present clerk of Marion county.
Three brothers of our subject, who were farmers, have now passed
away and five of his sisters are also deceased.
John Rietveld attended the early subscription schools in this
county when his services were not needed at home and received
thorough training in the subjects taught at that time. He remained
at home until 1864, when he was married, and then began his inde-
pendent business career. He had practically no capital and began
farming on shares. He saved as much as possible annually, as he had
determined to purchase land, and when, upon the settling of his
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 377
father's estate, he received one thousand dollars, he added this sum
to the thousand dollars that he had saved and purchased his first
farm. Industry and economy enabled him to add other land and he
now holds title to six hundred acres in the northwestern part of Clay
township. He is an efficient agriculturist and his labors yield him a
handsome income.
On the 28th of October, 1864, Mr. Rietveld was married to Miss
Christina Van Loon, who was born in Woerden, Holland, on the 28th
of July, 1843, a daughter of Gideon and Elizabeth Hendriene (Sols-
bergen) Van Loon. In June, 1849, she was brought by her parents
to this country, the family home being established at Pella. Her
father engaged in cultivating a small farm, which he purchased and
improved, and he and his wife resided there until called to their
reward, he in 1907 at the age of eighty-nine years, and she in 1899
when seventy-three years old. Both were consistent members of the
Dutch Reformed church. All of their six children are still living,
those besides Mrs. Rietveld being: James, Dierk, Gideon, Mrs. Mary
Bogaard and Miss Elizabeth, who resides with her eldest brother,
who is unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Rietveld have ten children : Delia ;
Mrs. Elizabeth Weirs; Mrs. Jennie Vanderwal; Mrs. Marie Sells;
John and Gideon, both of whom are married ; Mrs. Bertha De Young;
and Cora, Katherine and Lois, all at home.
Mr. Rietveld is a stanch supporter of the measures and candidates
of the republican party at the polls, believing firmly in the policies
of that organization. Both he and his wife are active members of the
Dutch Reformed church and their influence is always on the side
of moral advancement. Mr. Rietveld deserves much credit for hav-
ing achieved such a large measure of success and also is entitled to
honor because of the unswerving integrity and uprightness of his
daily life.
ERNEST y. S. DAVIS.
Ernest J. S. Davis came to this state in 1876 and resided here
until his death, which occurred on the 22d of January, 1909. He
was a general contractor and builder at Knoxville and erected many
of the representative buildings of the city. He was born near the
city of Coshocton, in Coshocton county, Ohio, in December, 1853, "^
son of James R. and Rachel (Kimball) Davis, of English and Welsh
descent respectively. The father was born in Hertfordshire, Eng-
378 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
land, but came to the United States when a young man and settled in
Ohio, where he farmed until his death. In his family were eight sons.
The Kimballs are of Colonial stock, the American branch of the
family being descended from a second son of a family of that name in
England, who emigrated to America in pre-Revolutionary times.
The family was represented in the war for independence and there-
fore its members are eligible to the Sons and Daughters of the
American Revolution. The noted piano manufacturers are of the
same family. Five of the eight sons born to Mr. and Mrs. James R.
Davis are still living. Another, the late C. K. Davis, was for many
years a resident of Knoxville and engaged in the grain and stock
business. Before coming here he had lived in Idaho for some time
and was verv active in politics there, serving with credit in the state
legislature.
Ernest J. S. Davis was educated at Obcrlin College, Oberlin,
Ohio, and subsequently followed telegraphy. For a time he was
employed by the old Pan Handle Railroad in Ohio in that capacity
but on account of his health abandoned that work and engaged in
contracting. In 1876 he came west, locating at Kno.xville, Iowa, and
remained here for more than three decades, building up a large busi-
ness in his line and becoming known as a thoroughlv reliable and
successful contractor and builder. The houses which he erected
stand as proof of his thoroughness and ability and testify to his life
of activity and usefulness.
In 1882 Mr. Davis was married in Madison county, Iowa, to Miss
Sarah T. McCleeary, who was born in that county, a daughter of
Charles and Mary (Yost) McCleeary, who removed to Madison
county from Ohio in pioneer times. The father went to California
in 1849 and in 1852 took up his residence in this state. He w'as an
extensive farmer, owning some hve hundred acres of land, and was
very successful in his agricultural pursuits. He was married in
Coshocton county, Ohio, to Miss Mary Yost, who was born in Musk-
ingum county, that state, and they reared eleven children. To Mr.
and Mrs. Davis were born two children: Maude, at home, who is a
graduate of the Knoxville high school; and Harry, a civil engineer,
now with the Portland Cement Company with headquarters at Phila-
delphia. He travels through several states, acting as advisory engi-
neer for the company. He received his technical training in the
Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames,
being graduated from that institution with the class of 1909. For
three years he was in the Philippines with the government engineer-
ing corps. He married a Miss Roberts, of Marathon, Iowa, also a
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 379
graduate oi the college at Ames, and they have two children, Robert
Kimball and Katherine, both of whom were born in the Philippines.
The family now reside in Knoxville.
Mr. Davis of this review was a republican in his political views
and his church membership was in the Methodist Episcopal church.
His widow and children are also Methodists. Mrs. Davis and her
daughter Maude reside at their home at No. 428 East Montgomery
street, and have many friends who regard them highly. Energy,
sound judgment and unswerving integrity characterized Mr. Davis
throughout his life and not the least of the heritage that he left his
children was a name honored and respected by all in his community.
THOMAS J. NEISWANGER.
Thomas J. Neiswanger is the secretary and treasurer of the
Harvey Brick & Tile Company, doing business at Harvey, and as
such occupies a leading position in business circles. He is a native
of this state, his birth having occurred Aug. 18, 1873, upon a farm
near Washington. He was one of nine children, six of whom are
living, while three have passed away. Their parents were Samuel
and Margaret (Thompson) Neiswanger, who were of German and
Scotch descent, respectively. The mother has been called to her
final rest but the father survives and makes his home with his son
Thomas.
The last named started out in life on his own account when com-
parativelv young. At the age of nineteen years he left home and
learned the baker's trade, which he followed for a time but subse-
quently began dealing in building materials at Washington, Iowa.
In April, 1904, he came to Marion county and organized the company
and established the business now conducted under the name of the
Harvey Brick & Tile Company. This concern has built up quite
a wide and enviable reputation because of the quality of the "Harvey
Block" and its products are shipped extensively over Iowa and nearby
states. The business has been incorporated and is capitalized for
twenty-one thousand dollars. It is today recognized as one of the
substantial manufacturing concerns of the county and its patronage
is growing year by year.
Mr. Neiswanger was married in Washington county, Iowa,
January 17, 1894, to Miss Estella W. England, who was also born
in Washington county, Iowa. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
380 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
G. W. England and her father is a retired farmer and an early settler
of that county. She was graduated from the Washington high school
and taught for a year before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Neis-
wanger are the parents of five children: Richard E., Samuel O.,
Gladys M., Everett A. and Thomas H. Politically Mr. Neiswanger
is republican, though progressive. Fraternally he is a member of
the Masonic chapter and commandery at Knoxville and of the shrine
at Des Moines, and Mrs. Neiswanger belongs to the Order of the
Eastern Star. He has also been a member of various other social
orders. He is interested in public afifairs and is one of the progres-
sive men of his community. He stands at all times for advancement
and improvement and his efiforts have been an element in promoting
public progress.
DANIEL HUNT.
Daniel Hunt was one of the well known pioneer settlers of Marion
county and took a deep and helpful interest in the work of general
improvement and development. He was born in New Jersey, near
Jersey City, on the 5th of May, 1817, and had therefore passed the
eighty-third milestone on life's journey when he was called to his
final rest December 24, 1900, his death occurring in Pleasantville,
this county, where he had resided for four or five years after retir-
ing from active business life.
Mr. Hunt was reared and educated in New Jersey and came to
Iowa in 1840, making his way to Van Buren county, where he mar-
ried Rachel Grooms. To them was born one son, John Hunt, who
reached mature vears but was killed while serving in the Civil war.
The wife and mother passed away in the later '40s and in 1849 Daniel
Hunt made the overland trip to California with ox teams, attracted
by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. He spent three years
there and accumulated a sum of money in mining and in other lines
of business. On the expiration of that period he returned to Marion
county, where he invested his capital, buying considerable land. He
had previously located on a small farm, on which he built a cabin,
but sold this property before he went to California. Upon his return
he took up his abode in a log cabin but afterward built a comfortable
modern residence near Swan and occupied it for about forty years.
He prospered in his undertakings and became one of the most ex-
tensive landowners of the county, having at one time thirteen bun-
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 381
dred acres. He was the pioneer breeder of thoroughbred Norman
horses in this county or vicinity. He brought the first thoroughbreds
here and he continued to engage in raising blooded stock until almost
the time of his retirement from active business about 1896. He vs^as
very successful and became widely known through his activities as
a farmer and stock dealer. He was also a man of good business abil-
ity, seeing clearly the possibilities of a situation and carrying for-
ward to successful completion whatever he undertook. Over thirty-
five years ago, or about 1878, he owned land adjoining the Des
Moines river in Swan township, at a point known as "the washout.''
Entirely at his own expense he made three attempts and was finally
successful in constructing a permanent levee extending some three
hundred yards at this point, a part of which was about ten feet high.
Although the feasibility of his plan was more or less discredited then,
time has proved the immense practical value of this work.
Following his return from California Mr. Hunt was married on
the 24th of January, 1854, to Miss Caroline Vanderford, who was
born in Athens, Ohio, May 7, 183 i, a daughter of Eli and Barbara
(Swaim) Vanderford, who were farming people and were residents
of Athens county, where they lived until 1851. They then drove
overland to Iowa, stopping first in Washington county, where they
remained for eighteen months. At the end of that time they came
to Swan township, Marion county, and the parents spent their re-
maining days here, Mrs. Vander.ford departing this life in 1852,
while Mr. Vanderford's death occurred in 1870, when he was sixty-
six years of age. The Vanderfords were an old southern family, the
grandfather, William Vanderford, removing from North Carolina
to Ohio. The Swaim family came from Kentucky. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Vanderford were five daughters and one son.
There was also a half-brother and of this family only one is now
living — Zerry Vanderford, who makes his home at Indianola, Iowa.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hunt seven children were
born, all of whom are yet living: Emerson, of whom mention is
made elsewhere in this volume; Mrs. Isabel Richards, of lola, Kan-
sas; Leroy, a hardware and lumber merchant of Swan; Mrs. Anna
F. Smith, also living in Swan; Mrs. Miranda Stewart, of La Junta,
Colorado; W. R., a hardware merchant of Swan; and Mrs. Esta
Mclntyre, of Warren county, Iowa, who formerly owned the home
place near Swan, but has recently sold it and purchased another
farm.
For a long period Daniel Hunt figured prominently as a busi-
ness man of Marion county. In early manhood he had fifteen hun-
382 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
dred dollars, which he invested in young cattle at eight dollars per
head. On these he made money and he ultimately fed from one to
three carloads of cattle per year, continuing the business until he
began the breeding of Percheron horses. In ail of his business affairs
he was progressive, determined and energetic and he would allow
no obstacle or difficulty to bar his path if it could be overcome by
persistent and honorable efifort. In his fraternal connections he was
a Mason and was always true and loyal to the teachings of the craft
after he became identified therewith. His was indeed a well spent
life. At an early age he was left an cjrphan, had but limited educa-
tional opportunities and no particular advantages in other directions.
He was both the architect and builder of his own fortunes and he
builded wisely and well, winning success and at the same time shap-
ing his character in such a manner that respect and confidence were
given him in unstinted measure.
JACOB H. CAMP.
Marion county lost one of her pioneer settlers when Jacob H.
Camp passed away on the 28th of January, 1884, upon his farm
three-quarters of a mile west of Swan. He had long been identified
with agricultural interests in that Jocality, where he owned and cul-
tivated two hundred and eighty acres of land, and in addition he was
the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres southeast of
the village. He had been a resident of Marion county since May,
1856, at which time he took up his abode on the border of Warren
county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January
1, 1825, a son of Frederick and Rebecca (Carrier) Camp, who
removed to Morrow county, Ohio, when their son Jacob was a small
child and in i8i;6 came to Iowa. They were not long permitted to
enjoy their new home, however, for both passed away about i860.
Jacob H. Camp was an only child. He pursued his education
in the schools of Ohio and in early manhood took up the profession
of teaching, which he followed through several winter seasons after
coming to Marion county. He inherited less than two thousand
dollars from his father's estate and with that exception never had
any financial assistance, making his own way unaided in the world
and yet winning for himself a place among the men of affluence in
his adopted county. Following his arrival in Marion county he
purchased land and began the improvement of his farm and through
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 383
the intervening years to the time of his death remained a successful
farmer and stock-raiser. He was always diligent, determined and
persistent and by reason of his careful management and unfaltering
industry won a very gratifying measure of success, becoming in time
the owner of two excellent farms, comprising four hundred and fifty
acres, near the village of Swan. As previously stated, the land was
divided, his home place consisting of two hundred and eighty acres
about three quarters of a mile west of the village of Swan, while the
other tract of one hundred and seventy acres lay southeast of the
town.
Mr. Camp was first married in the spring of 1851 to Miss Heph-
zibah Murray. She was born May 31, 1834, and died November 9,
1866, in the faith of the Dunkard church, of which she was a devout
member. There were six children born of that marriage but three
died in infancy, while three reached mature years, although but
one is now living, Mrs. Emma De Veny of Swan township. A son,
John Camp, died June 8, 1889, and a daughter, Ella, passed away
in 1876. The Murray family was established in this county in pio-
neer times, for Edward and Elizabeth Murray, the parents of Mrs.
Hephzibah Camp, arrived here in 1850.
On the 18th of August, 1867, Jacob H. Camp was united in mar-
riage to Mrs. Martha E. Murray, nee Smith, widow of Samuel D.
Murray, who was a brother of Mr. Camp's first wife. Samuel D.
Murray was born February 24, 1836, in Ohio, and passed away on
his farm near Swan, May 22, 1862. In 1859 he had wedded Martha
E. Smith and to them were born two children, one of whom died in
infancy, while the other is Mrs. Luella Goss, a widow with two
children, now living on a claim in Montana. To Mr. and Mrs.
Camp were born four children. Jacob H., residing at Miles City,
Montana, is a forest ranger in the employ of the government. He
is married and has four children. Lizzie is the wife of Oscar Whaley,
a son of Wilson Whaley, of Clay township, Marion county. They
now reside at Mountain View, California, where Mr. Whaley is
assistant cashier of a bank. They have one son who is twenty years
of age. Anna, the next of the family, died July 18, 1888, at the age
of sixteen years. Wilbur, residing in Santa Clara county, California,
is the cashier of a bank at Mountain View, although he was in the
railway mail service for several years. His education was acquired
at Highland Park College in Des Moines and he entered the army
as a member of Company B, Fifty-first Iowa Infantry, and went to
the Philippines, serving throughout the Spanish-American war.
He then returned home and reentered the railway mail service, run-
384 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
ning between Burlington and Omaha and a part of the time to Chi-
cago over the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he
resigned and organized a bank at Mountain V^iew, California, of
which he is the cashier and active manager. He is still the owner
of a farm near Swan. He has a wife and two children.
Mr. Camp was a democrat in his political views and held some
local ofKces. He read law in his younger days and altliough he never
practiced, his knowledge of the law proved of benefit to him in the
conduct of his business affairs. He was reared in the Dunkard faith
and afterward became a member of the church. He was highly
esteemed throughout the community and enjoyed the warm regard
and friendship of many with whom he came in contact. His business
integrity was above question and in all of his business dealings he
was found thoroughly reliable. There were substantial elements
in his character that gained him high regard and his memory is yet
cherished by many who knew him while he was still an active factor
in the world's work. Since her husband's death Mrs. Camp has
built her present comfortable home in Swan, where she has resided
for the past sixteen years. For a number of years she was a mem-
ber of the United Brethren church but of later years has observed
the seventh day Sabbath.
EMERSON HUNT.
Emerson Hunt, a farmer and stockman, owns and cultivates three
hundred and twenty-three acres of land on sections 16, 17, 20 and 21,
Swan township, his residence being on section 21, not far from the
old homestead farm which for many years was occupied by his par-
ents. For a considerable period he engaged e.xtensivelv in the breed-
ing of Norman horses but now confines his attention to the breeding
of cattle and iiogs and to the raising of grain. He owns the land
upon which his birth occurred on the 28th of October, 1854, his par-
ents being Daniel and Caroline ( Vanderford ) Hunt. The latter is
now living in Swan at the age of eighty-three years but the former
has passed away. Extended mention is made of them on another
page of this work.
Emerson Hunt remained at home until twenty-two years of age,
or until 1876, wiien he was united in marriage with Miss Georgia
Beitzell, who was born in Marion county, near Wheeling, July 27,
1857, a daughter of George C. and Keziah (Mills) Beitzell, who
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 385
were early residents of this county. Both were natives of Indiana,
the latter born near Greencastle. They were reared in the Hoosier
state and as young people came to Iowa, their marriage being cele-
brated at Hartford, Warren county, on the 3d of July, 1851;. Soon
afterward they removed to Wheeling, Iowa, where Mr. Beitzell
conducted a blacksmith shop, following that business throughout the
remainder of his life. He died in October, 1900, when about seventy-
five years of age. He served as a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting
at Red Rock, and for three years was with the cavalry forces, during
which time he participated in many hotly contested engagements and
thus aided in winning the victory which finally crowned the Union
arms. He was a member of the Grand Army post at Milo, Warren
county, and he and his wife were faithful and consistent members of
the Christian church. His widow survived him for about three
years and died in 1903 at Waterloo, at the age of seventy-one years,
her last days being spent in the home of her daughter. In their
family were eight children, all born in Marion county, and seven
are yet living: Mrs. Hunt; Edward, a resident of Lincoln,
Nebraska; John and Orville, who are living in Warren county;
Kate, the wife of J. W. Myers, of Idaho; Laura A., who married
Leroy Hunt; Charles, living in Swan; and Mrs. Ida May McDaniel,
who died in 1894. She, too, had been a resident of Swan.
Mrs. Hunt was reared in this county and attended the public
schools. By her marriage she has become the mother of five chil-
dren. Chester C, the eldest, wedded a Miss Brewer, of Des Moines,
by whom he has six children. He now follows farming in Swan
township. Elsie is the wife of F. L. Beck, of Des Moines, who is
interested in coal mines. Mabel is the wife of W. E. Wellons, of
Dallas, who is principal of the schools, and they have three children.
May married C. G. Farr, a traveling salesman residing in Des
Moines, and they have two children. Roy E., who is associated with
his father in carrying on the home farm, married Miss Hazel New-
man and they have two children. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have thirteen
grandchildren and all were at home on Thanksgiving day of 1914 —
an interesting family reunion.
Emerson Hunt was reared to farm life and has always carried on
agricultural pursuits. He built his present fine residence about
thirty years ago and he also has two other residences upon the farm.
He has worked on persistently and energetically in the development
and improvement of his place and has won success by close applica-
tion, persistency of purpose and careful management. For years he
was one of the successful breeders of Norman horses but at the pres-
386 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
ent time is concentrating his efforts upon the raising of cattle and
hogs and the production of grain. His political allegiance is given
to the republican party and he has served in several township offices.
He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship yet his foremost
interest is his farm, which enables him to provide well for his family.
He is today one of the men of affluence in Swan township, where he
has always lived, being numbered among the worthy pioneer citi-
zens.
ARNOLDUS KUYPER.
No one has figured more prominently or honorably in connec-
tion with the business interests and upbuilding of Pella than Arnoldus
Kuyper and no history of this section of the state would be complete
without extended reference to him and the important work which
he did along the lines of general improvement and advancement.
He was born August 7, 1863, in Pella, a son of Peter and Jannegje
(Doedyns) Kuyper, who emigrated from Holland to the new world.
He attended school only to the age of twelve years and was then com-
pelled to put aside his studies and assist in the support oi the family
by teaming. He hauled coal, ice and other commodities and after-
ward for many years worked for H. Rhynsburger. He gathered
cream and eggs all over Marion county and thus he formed a wide
accjuaintance which proved of value to him in later years, for the
public had come to know him as a reliable, energetic, industrious
business man, not afraid of work and emploving progressive ideas in
all that he did.
At length, througli careful economy and industry, Mr. Kuyper
accumulated a capital sufficient to enable him to engage in business
on his own account and he opened a lumber yard in 1893. From
the outset the undertaking prospered. He ever recognized that satis-
fied patrons are the best advertisement and he always adhered to the
old axiom that honesty is the best policy. In addition to conducting
a lumber business he became a stockholder and vice president of the
Citizens National Bank and of the Garden City Feeder Company,
a director in the Pella Creamery Company, a stockholder in the
Huttig Manufacturing Company at Muscatine, Iowa, a director in
the Pella Overall Company, and a director in tlic Pella Plumbing
& Heating Company. In fact, there were few enterprises of impor-
tance at Pella with which he was not identified to a greater or less
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 387
degree. He had various smaller interests than those already men-
tioned and he also owned considerable valuable farming land and
timber tracts in Canada. His investments were ever judiciously
made and his unfaltering perseverance was a most salient factor in
the attainment of success. He brooked no obstacle that could be
overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort and he builded
his prosperity upon the sure foundation of industry.
On the 27th of November, 1890, at Pella, Mr. Kuyper was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Louise Neyenesch, a daughter of Herman
and Anne Maria Neyenesch, who came from Holland. Her father
was for several years a schoolmaster and later became proprietor and
editor of Pella's Weekblad, a Holland paper, and The Blade, pub-
lished in English. To Mr. and Mrs. Kuyper were born three sons,
Peter H., Julian A. and Louis A.
In his political views Mr. Kuyper was a democrat and supported
the party at national elections, but on local questions voted independ-
ently. He was serving as alderman at large of Pella at the time of
his death and he was a trustee of Central University. He passed
away December 6, 1910, when in the prime of life, after a seven
weeks' siege of typhoid. Starting out in life with a very limited edu-
cation and penniless, he became one of the prosperous residents of
his town, widely recognized as one of the leading and most highly
respected men of his community. At the time of his death he had
amassed a considerable fortune and his life and conduct suffered no
reproach. His path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's
fortunes, for he always used constructive measures in the conduct of
his business and as the years went on gained the sure reward of
earnest, honest effort, his native talent and ability gaining for him
the prominence which he enjoyed.
LEROY HUNT.
Leroy Hunt has served as a member of the board of county super-
visors and for many years was engaged in farming in Marion county,
but in the spring of 1914 sold his farm property and embarked in
merchandising in Swan as a dealer in general hardware, implements
and lumber. Already he has built up a gratifying trade in this con-
nection and devotes almost his entire attention to the business. How-
ever, he is the vice president and (mic of the stockholders of the Swan
Savings Bank.
388 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mr. Hunt is a native son of Marion county. His birthplace was
an old log cabin on the home farm of his father, the late Daniel H unt.
of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His natal day
was September 2, 1858, and he remained upon the old homestead
until he started out in the business world on his own account. For
a long period he owned and cultivated a farm of two hundred and
four acres about a mile east of the old home place and made a special-
ty of the breeding and raising of Percheron horses, as did his father.
He continued as a stock breeder until he sold out in order to embark
in the hardware business. He has the largest establishment of the
kind in the village. The business was established by J. S. Bellamv
and conducted later by a Mr. Ackenberry, while subsequentlv the
business was taken over by Mr. Seglar, of the Seglar Lumber Com-
pany, and in time became the property of the O'Dell Lumber Com-
pany, from whom Mr. Hunt purchased the business in 19 14. He
now conducts his interests under the name of the Swan Lumber Com-
pany. His trade is large and extends over parts of NLuion and
Warren counties. He employs from two to four men and his stock
and building represent an investment of about twentv thousand dol-
lars. As a stock-raiser and farmer he was energetic and progressive.
He ever kept his fields in a high state of cultivation and his place
always presented a neat and thrifty appearance.
On the 3d of July, 1881, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to
Miss Laura A. Beitzell, a sister of Mrs. Emerson Hunt, who is also
mentioned elsewhere in this volume. ALs. Laura A. Hunt was born
in Marion county, was here reared and was educated in the public
schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born eight children.
Mrs. Maude Stradley, a widow who resides at Swan, has five chil-
dren. Her husband, the late William Stradley, was a prominent
stockman and was killed by lightning in Oklahoma. W. S., the next
member of the family, is at home. Bess is the wife of O. S. O'Dell,
a lumberman at Beach, Warren county, and they have one child.
Edwin, who follows farming near Salem, Marion county, is married
and has one child. Clare is the wife of C. C. Hooper, who is asso-
ciated with her father in business, and they have one child. Orville
and Oral are twins. The former is at home and the latter is the wife
of Roland Freel, of Chariton, by whom she has one child. Lizzie
completes the family.
Politically Mr. Hunt is a republican and has always given his
support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of fran-
chise. He has always taken part in local politics and has filled vari-
ous township offices beside being for six years a member of the board
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 389
of county supervisors of Marion county. He is a charter member
of Riverside Lodge, No. 478, I. O. O. F., which he aided in organiz-
ing, and he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs. He has
a wide acquaintance in this county, in which he has always lived.
It is not difficult for him to make friends because he is easy of ap-
proach and because he is considerate of the feelings and wishes of
others. His life is guided by straightforward principles and in all
of his business dealings he has never been known to take advantage
of the necessities of another.
STEPHANOS DE KOCK.
Marion county owes its agricultural development in no small
measure to its citizens of Holland birth or descent, among which
number is Stephanus De Kock, whose birth occurred at Gelderland,
in the Netherlands, December 14, 1838. For a long period he was
closely associated with agricultural interests in this section and is
now living retired at Pella. His parents, John and Antonia (Van
Arendonk) De Kock, were farming people of the Netherlands and
in 1856 crossed the Atlantic to America, making their way to Marion
countv. They established their home upon a farm near Pella and
there reared their family of six children, three of whom are yet
living: John, a resident of Pella; Aric, living in Jasper county;
and Stephanus.
The last named acquired a common-school education in his native
country and when in his eighteenth year accompanied his parents on
their emigration to the new world. He began farming on his own
account in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1865 and there remained for
thirty-seven years, or until 1902, when he retired and took up his
abode in Pella. As the years passed on he brought his fields to a
high state of cultivation and added many modern improvements to
his farm. Moreover, the careful management of his business affairs
added to his diligence and determination brought to him a very sub-
stantial measure of success and he is now enjoying the fruits of his
former toil in well earned rest. He is the owner of a valuable farm
of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Mahaska county and, although
now seventy-six years of age, he still gives personal supervision to
the property.
Before Mr. De Kock began farming on his own account he had
served for three years as a soldier of the Civil war, having been a
390 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
member of Company G, 'I'hirty-third Iowa Infantry. With that
command he went to the front, participating in a number of engage-
ments, and was wounded at the battle of Saline River. At the close
of the war he returned home, began his farming operations, and on
the ist of January, 1867, was united in marriage to Miss Angel ine
Van Zee, a daughter of S. Van Zee, and they have become the par-
ents of nine children: Antonia, the wife of A. De Gest, a resident
farmer of Marion county; Stephen S., who married Minnie Tyselling
and is engaged in farming in Mahaska county; Julia, the widow of
Frank Adair, who was a farmer of the same county; John F., who
married Hattie.De Jong and is a resident farmer of Sioux county;
Artie, who carries on farming in Mahaska county; Cornelia Marie,
the wife of Rev. Muller, of West Saville, Long Island; Rebecca, at
home; David A., living in Sioux countv, Iowa; and Harrv B., at
home.
The parents are members of the First Reformed church, in which
Mr. De Kock has served as deacon for nine years. His political
allegiance is given the republican party and he was a member of the
board of supervisors of Mahaska county from 1894 until 1898. He
acted as school director in Black Hawk tow^iship, Mahaska county,
for many years and the cause of education found in him a stalwart
champion. He belongs to John Hobbs Post, G. A. R., and thus
maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. While
born across the water it was soon evident that he was becfjming thor-
oughly American in his ideas and proof of this was seen in his service
as a soldier in the Civil war. He has always been interested in the
welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his
home and wherever known he is esteemed for his genuine worth.
FRANK D. ELLIOTT.
Frank D. Elliott, dcxoting his attention to general farming and
stock-raising, owns and culti\ates one hundred acres of land in
Knoxville township, upon which he has made many improvements,
bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation. Marion county
numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred
March 6, 1862, in the township in whicii he still makes his home.
He is a son of J. C. and Ludema R. (Johnson) Elliott. The father
was born in Ohio and was a son ol Robert Elliott, who died when
J. C. Elliott was quite small. The latter was reared by his maternal
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 391
grandfather and in the year 1857 or 1858 removed westward to Iowa,
settling in Knowille township, Marion county, where he followed
farming successfully until he retired some years ago. He is now
living in the city of Knoxville at the age of seventy-five years.
Although not a member, J. C. Elliott usually attends the Pres-
byterian church, and he gives his political allegiance to the repub-
lican party, which he has stanchly supported since attaining his
majority. His wife was born in what is now West Virginia, not far
from Wheeling. She held membership in the Presbyterian church
and in that faith passed away in January, 1899, when sixty-eight
years of age. Her mother and stepfather, S. Henry, came to this
county prior to the Civil war, but it was in Ohio that Ludema R.
Johnson became the wife of J. C. Elliott. All of their children,
however, were born in this county, namely: Walter, who is now
living in the city of Oklahoma; Evy, of Des Moines; Amanda, a
resident of Knoxville; Mrs. Mary Dickerson, also of Knoxville; and
Frank D., of this review.
Frank D. Elliott was reared upon the old homestead farm and
attended the public schools, dividing his time between the acquire-
ment of an education and the work of the fields. He has always fol-
lowed farming and stock-raising and has been very successful. Indo-
lence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature. He works per-
sistently and energetically in the care of his fields, practices rotation
of crops and keeps his land in excellent condition.
On the 3d of October, 1883, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss
Rosa E. Owen, who was born in Ottumwa, Wapello county, Iowa,
March i, 1862, a daughter of William and Caroline (Rowel) Owen,
who came to Iowa prior to the Civil war. The mother died in Des
Moines and the father now resides in Knoxville at the age of eighty-
five years. Many years ago he lived in Des Moines, where he
engaged in teaming, and later he carried on general farming in
Knoxville township. In the Owen family were four children: Mrs.
Elliott; Mrs. Louisa Johnson, living in Des Moines; A. C, a resi-
dent of Seattle, Washington; and Mrs. Matilda Ricks, of Oklahoma
City. Having lost his first wife Mr. Owen wedded Mrs. Mary
McClain, and they have three children: Mrs. Eflie Harmon, of
Aberdeen, South Dakota; Mrs. Gertie Elliott, of Knoxville; and
Claude, who is living at Dallas Center, Iowa. By her former mar-
riage Mrs. Owen had one child, Marion, now of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have, been born four children: Mrs.
Eva Rees, of Franklin township; Ray, of Knoxville, who married
Eva West and has two children; Mrs. Lena Cline, of Knoxville
392 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
township, who has two children; and Everett, who died when ten
years old. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and
are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard
and friendship of all who know them.
Fraternally Mr. Elliott is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a republican and has served as
road supervisor. He has also been a member of the school board and
is interested in various plans and projects for the upbuilding and
benefit of the county in which his entire life has been spent. His
friends, and they are many, know him as a man of genuine worth
and his popularity is well deserved.
JACKSON D. ROGERS.
Jackson D. Rogers is extensively engaged in farming in Indiana
township, an excellent property of three hundred and forty acres on
section 17 paying tribute to the care and labor which he bestows
upon it. He was born in this county July 21, 1868, his parents being
Benjamin and Mary E. (Ruffner) Rogers, both of whom were
natives of Indiana and came to Iowa in 1864, taking up their abode
upon a farm which is now the home of their son, J. D. Rogers. The
father converted the land into rich and productive fields and lived
upon this place until 1890, when he removed to Knoxville, where
his remaining days were passed, his death there occurring in 1905.
His widow survives and has now reached the age of seventy-six years.
In their family were two children but the elder, Rozella, is now
deceased.
J. D. Rogers remained under the parental roof during the period
of his boyhood and youth and attended the district schools through
the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm
work. After reaching adult age he started out in life on his own
account by renting the old home farm and after two years he pur-
chased the property. Today he is the owner of three hundred and
forty acres of ricli and valuable land on section 17, Indiana town-
ship, which is all splendidly improved. In the midst of the place
stands a comfortable residence and in the rear of this are good barns
and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. All
around stretch the broad fields that annually produce good harvests
as a reward for the progressive methods of the owner. Mr. Rogers
makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock in connection with the
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 393
cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and his
stock-raising, like his farming, is bringing to him gratifying finan-
cial returns.
In 1890 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to IVIiss Ida Whit-
iatch, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Rachel
Ann Whitlatch, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
Mrs. Rogers took up the profession of school-teaching in early
womanhood and was thus engaged for four terms. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Rogers are members of the Methodist Protestant church and
are much interested in its work, aiding in the extension of its influ-
ence. Mr. Rogers votes with the republican party but has never
filled political office. He is interested in community affairs, how-
ever, and is now serving for the thirteenth year as a member of the
school board, in which connection he has done much to further the
interests of education. He has spent his entire life in this county and
is widely known, particularly in Indiana township, where high
regard is entertained for him bv all with whom he has been brought
in contact.
PETER HERMAN KUYPER.
The name of Kuyper has become a prominent and honored one
in business circles in Pella and a spirit of enterprise actuates him
whose name introduces this review in the conduct of important busi-
ness afifairs. It is true that he entered into connection with business
interests already established, but he is enlarging these and in their
control displays keen discernment. He was born in Pella, Septem-
ber 24, 1891, a son of Arnoldus and Mary Louise (Neyenesch)
Kuyper, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
In the acquirement of his education Peter H. Kuyper passed
through consecutive grades to the public schools until graduated
from the Pella high school on the 6th of June, 1909. He afterward
attended Central University of Pella, but had to abandon his studies
at the beginning of the sophomore year on account of the death of
his father. He then took up the management of the lumber yard
and the supervision of all other financial interests left by his father
and thus he has become actively connected with the lumber trade,
with the Garden City Feeder Company, the Pella Creamery Com-
pany, the Pella Overall Company, the Pella Plumbing & Heating
Company and the Citizens National Bank of Pella. The estate left
394 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
by the father brought to the family large landed and timber interests
in Canada, all of which are now under the supervision and control
of Mr. Kuyper, who, since his father's death, has been elected a
director of the Garden City Feeder Company and of the Pella
Creamery Company. He is also a trustee of Central University, a
member of the Second Reformed church of Pella, and is deeply
interested in the educational, social and moral as well as in the
material progress of his native city.
MYLES HARKIN.
Myles Harkin owns and farms eighty acres of good land situated
on section 9, Union township, and the improvements upon the place
are all due to him. He was born at Boone, Boone county, Iowa, on
the 20th of May, 1869, a son of Owen and Margaret (Burke) Harkin.
The father was born in Dewitt, Clinton county, Iowa, in 1840, of
Irish descent. His mother is still living in Dewitt at the remarkable
age of one hundred and four. Margaret (Burke) Harkin was born
in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1845 and passed away on the 23d of
January, 1907. Her marriage occurred in Clinton county, this state,
and she became the mother of ten children, of whom the subject of
this review is the second in order of birth. Shortly after her mar-
riage she removed with her husband to Boone county, Iowa, where
he was engaged in farming for a number of years. The family home
was afterward established at Fort Dodge and Owen Harkin now
resides in Lucas county. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party and he believes firmly in the wisdom of its policies.
Myles Harkin was educated in Fort Dodge and in Coalville and
remained at home until twenty-three years of age. He then began
farming on his own account and in 1896 came to this county, where
he rented a quarter section for about one year. In 1897 he took up
his abode upon his present farm of eighty acres, renting the property
until he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase it. This is
situated on section 9, Union township, and is one of the well improved
small farms of the county. Mr. Harkin is well known as a breeder
of full blooded Duroc jersey hogs and has one hundred and forty head
that are registered. His stock-raising interests bring him in a good
income annually and his assets are constantly increasing. He also
breeds Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and finds this a profitable
side line.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 395
On the 17th of February, 1896, Mr. Harkin was united in mar-
riage with Miss Juda M. Hyer, a daughter of W. E. and Elizabeth
(Benson) Hyer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Her mother was born in Highland county, Ohio, February 8, 1840,
and died on the 2d of April, 1909. Mrs. Harkin is the seventh in
order of birth of the nine children born to her parents. She is a
native of this county and her natal day was September 23, 1871. She
attended the public schools of the county in the acquirement of an
education and remained at home until she became the wife of Mr.
Harkin. To their union have been born three children: Hazel
Gertrude, whose birth occurred on the 17th of June, 1902, is a student
in the eighth grade and has a diploma from the county for regular
attendance in school. William Owen, born January 5, 1909, is also
attending school. Wilbur De Wayne, the youngest member of the
family, was born December 31, 191 3.
Mr. Harkin is a democrat in his political allegiance and he has
served a number of times as a delegate to county conventions. He is
also president of the school board and township trustee. His fra-
ternal affiliation is with Fleasantville Lodge, No. 128, A. F. & A. M.,
and the Royal Arch Chapter at Knoxville. His record as a man and
as a citizen is free from any taint of dishonor or suspicion and all
who know him respect and esteem him.
D. C. GATES.
D. C. Gates is a general merchant of Swan, where he has con-
ducted business since 1902. His residence in this county dates from
1869, although he was first here in 1866. Later he resided in War-
ren county for two years. His birth occurred in Rock Island county,
Illinois, on the 29th of July, 1858. His grandparents were John
and Mary Ann (Schoonover) Gates, who removed to Iowa in 1859,
accompanied by their grandson, D. C. Gates. In the fall of 1866
they came to Marion county. The grandfather was a farmer of Swan
township, where he continued to engage actively in agricultural pur-
suits until his death, which occurred in 1898, when he was more
than ninety years of age. Both he and his wife were members of the
Christian church, and their lives were in consistent harmony with
its teachings.
D. C. Gates has a half-brother and a half-sister, Mrs. Nellie
Jordan and Burr Shook, of Swan. He was reared in his grand-
396 HISTORY OF iMARION COUNTY
parents' home and attended the common schools. He early became
familiar with farm work and followed that pursuit for a time in
early manhood but later began clerking, to which he devoted one
year. He later embarked in general merchandising at Swan and has
since devoted his entire attention to that business. He has a well
appointed general store and the stock which he carries and the hon-
orable methods which he has followed have brought him substantial
success in its conduct.
In 1901 Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Bram-
hall, a native of Warren county and a daughter of the late Harry
Bramhall, of Indianola. Mrs. Gates was reared in Warren county
and for nine years was an able and successful teacher in the schools of
Warren and Pottawattomie counties. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have
reared two adopted children, Clyde and Clara, twins, now fifteen
years of age.
Mr. Gates is a republican, and fraternally he is connected with
the Odd Fellows of Swan, while his wife is identified with the
Rebekah degree. They are well known in Swan and the hospitality
of the best homes is freely and cordially extended them. They have
many friends whom they in turn delight to entertain.
J. F. MENTZER.
J. F. Mentzer is well known in Marion county as one who for a
number of years has been in public office and at all times has dis-
charged his duties in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory
to his constituents. On the ist of January, 1903, he was appointed
postmaster of Knoxville by President Roosevelt and has since occu-
pied that position, making an excellent record in office.
Mr. Mentzer was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 31st
of August, 1863, and is a son of Cyrus and Nancy (Erb) Mentzer.
The father was born in Pennsylvania, as was his father, Jacob Ment-
zer, who came of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. The mother was a
daughter of Abraham Erb, of Ohio, and it was in Indiana that she
gave her hand in marriage to Cyrus Mentzer. After living for some
time in Kosciusko county, Indiana, they removed in 1873 to Pleasant-
ville, Iowa, where Mr. Mentzer engaged in business as a contractor
and builder. In later life he took up his abode in Knoxville, where
he passed away in 191 2. His wife survives. She holds membership
in the Methodist church, of which Mr. Mentzer was also a loyal
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 397
adherent, and he belonged likewise to the Masonic fraternity and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In their family were five chil-
dren: Ida A., the wife of W. E. Johnson, a resident of Kansas;
Ellis, who was engaged in the commission business and died in New
York city in 1898; J. F., of this review; Salome E., the wife of Dr.
M. C. L. Wright, of Des Moines; and W. C, who is judge of the
district court at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
y. F. Mentzer was a lad of ten summers when his parents brought
their family to Iowa, since which time he has made his home in
Marion county. His education, begun in Indiana, was continued in
the public schools of Pleasantville and he engaged in farming in
early manhood until twenty-four years of age, after which he turned
his attention to the harness business in Pleasantville, continuing in
that line for five years. In 1895 he was called to public oflice, being
elected sheriff of Marion county, to which position he was reelected,
serving for four years. He has the distinction of being the first
republican sheriflf ever reelected in the county, a fact indicative of
the faithfulness and capability with which he discharged the duties
of the position. On the ist of January, 1903, appointment of Presi-
dent Roosevelt made him postmaster of Knoxville and he has since
remained in the office, carefully and systematically directing the care
of the mails and their distribution.
On the 23d of November, 1885, Mr. Mentzer was married to
Miss Mollie Spalti, who was born in Denver, Colorado, a daughter
of F. F. and Sarah (Cafifrey) Spalti. The father, a farmer by occu-
pation, was a native of Canton Glaras, Switzerland, and in 1848,
when nine years of age, came to the United States with his father,
Fridolin Spalti, who located near Pleasantville, Iowa, where he
entered government land. F. F. Spalti remained in Denver for only
two years, after which he returned with his family to Marion county.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mentzer had three brothers who
came to the United States, Henry, John and Yost. Henry and Yost
removed to California, while John became a merchant of Pleasant-
ville, where he also filled the office of postmaster. F. F. Spalti, a
brother of Mrs. Mentzer, is now a retired farmer, having for many
years carried on agricultural pursuits and therein won a measure of
success that now enables him to rest from further labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer have become the parents of two children:
Roche A., who was graduated from the State University at Iowa
City in 1913, having completed the law course, since which time he
has engaged in practice as an attorney of Knoxville; and L. Cleaves,
at home. In politics Mr. Mentzer has always been a stalwart repub-
Vnl. II — -24
398 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
lican and no one is in doubt as to his position, for he stands tirnily
by his convictions. He has belonged to Oriental Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., since 1897 and he likewise has membership with the Odd Fel-
lows and the Knights of Pythias, having held all the chairs in the
local organizations of the two last named and having also been a
member of the grand lodge of both. He was likewise the first pre-
siding officer in the camp of the Red Men at Pleasantville. His
wife attends the Presbyterian church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Meiitzer
are widely and favorably known in this county and have a circle of
friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
JAMES WILLIAM HUNT.
James William Hunt for the past seven years has been operating
the stock yards at Knoxville but still owns his valuable farm of two
hundred acres situated in Washington township. His birth occurred
on the 30th of November, 1857, ^"'^ '""^^ parents were Jefferson and
Jane (Bellamy) Hunt. The former was born probably in Illinois in
1837, a son of William and Nancy (England) Hunt, who 'brought
their family to this county about 1844 and located in Washington
township, where the father entered land from the government. Wil-
liam Hunt spent the greater part of the remainder of his life in this
county and devoted his time to farming. He was a soldier of the
Mexican war and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. He
passed away in 1880. He and his family were members of the Metho-
dist Protestant church. His wife, who was born in Washington
county, Tennessee, on the 25th of May, 1813, accompanied her par-
ents to Illinois when a girl of fifteen. In December, 1831, her mar-
riage to William Hunt was celebrated and they became the parents
of fifteen children, all of whom have passed away save three, Mrs.
Ann Chismore, Mrs. Frank Chismore and Louisa Pershall. The
mother joined the Methodist Episcopal church when a young woman
but after 1865 held membership in the Methodist Protestant church,
uniting with that congregation at Gosport, this county. She died
March 4, 1908, at the remarkable age of ninety-four years, nine
months and eight days. She lived to be the oldest resident of Marion
county, if not of the state of Iowa. At her death she left descendants
to the fifth generation.
Jefiferson Hunt, the father of our subject, was but a child when
he accompanied his parents to this county and was here reared to
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY :}09
manhood. He served for three years in the Civil war, being a mem-
ber of Company F, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was for-
tunate enough to go through the war without being wounded. He
was a farmer by occupation and the last ten years of his life were
spent in Knoxville in retirement from the duties and responsibilities
of business. His death occurred on the 14th of October, 191 2. Politi-
cally he was a democrat and fraternally he belonged to J. C. Fer-
guson Post, No. 49, G. A. R. His first wife, the mother of our sub-
ject, passed away in 1861, when her son was very small. She was
married in 1854, when a girl of sixteen, to Mr. Hunt and they became
the parents of four children: Linnie, who died in infancy; James
William; and Luella and Lucille, twins. The last named died in
infancy, and Luella is the wife of F. M. Wood, of Dallas, Iowa.
The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Jef-
ferson Hunt was united in marriage on the 30th of July, 1862, to Miss
Anna Maria Whitesell, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio,
on the 28th of August, 1839. She became the mother of twelve chil-
dren, of whom nine survive, and at the time of her death had one
great-grandchild. In early life she belonged to the Methodist Protes-
tant church but subsequently transferred her membership to the
Congregational church. She died June 12, 1910, when nearly sev-
enty-two years of age.
James W. Hunt was reared in this county and has always resided
here with the exception of about two years. After his marriage,
which occurred in 1878, he began farming on his own account and
continued to operate his place of two hundred acres of fine land in
Washington township until 1907. He was successful as an agricul-
turist but in the year mentioned decided to rent his land and engage
in business in Knoxville. He has since devoted his time to the man-
agement of the stock yards at that place and in addition to operating
the scales and looking after the placing of the animals in pens and the
loading of them into cars he also buys and sells many head annually.
He understands the good points of stock and his judgment of an
animal is seldom at fault. Under his direction the stock yards serve
well their purpose and the farmers of the surrounding country are
sure of fair treatment from Mr. Hunt when they bring their stock
for shipment.
Mr. Hunt was married on Christmas day, 1878, to Miss Sarah
Ellen Samson, who was born in September, 1862, at Gosport, this
county, the only child of Levi J. and Johanna (Crowley) Samson.
Her father was born in Missouri and married in Gosport, this county.
He was a soldier in the Civil war, being enrolled in Company A,
400 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service in 1863.
In 1867 his widow married William Agan, who was born October
28, 1838, in Orange county, Indiana, and when a lad of ten years
accompanied his parents to this county. He fought in the Civil war
as a member of Company F, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He
was a farmer by occupation and was a member of the Methodist Prot-
estant church. He passed away November 30, 1908, when a little over
seventy years of age. His widow survives and lives upon the home
farm, at the age of seventy years. To their union were born ten chil-
dren, seven of whom are living, the greater part of them being resi-
dents of this state. Mrs. Hunt was reared in Marion county and
educated in the common schools. By her marriage she has become
the mother of five children, as follows: Mrs. Earl Abbott, who
resides near Dallas, this county, and is the mother of two children,
Beulah and Adda; Clyde; Cecil, who married Miss Tekla Johnson
and is assisting in the operation of the home farm; Mrs. J. C. Meyers,
who resides in Knoxvillc and has an infant daughter, Wilda Mae; and
Mrs. Henry Little, whose husband is engaged in business in Knox-
ville.
The mother and children are members of the Methodist Protestant
church. Mr. Hunt owns his comfortable residence on Kent street and
still holds title to his farm of two hundred acres in Washington town-
siiip. He is ranked as one of the substantial business men of Knox-
villc and has many stanch friends.
JACOB D. HARSIN.
Among the prosperous farmers and stockmen of Marion county
is Jacob D. Harsin, the owner of three hundred and nine acres of
fine land in Clay township, who was born in that township, two miles
nortii of Durham, on the 26th of February, 1856, a son of the
late G. W. Harsin, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
When he reached a suitable age he entered the public schools and
there acquired his education, which, however, was somewhat lim-
ited as much of his time was taken up in assisting his father with
the work of the farm. This, however, was valuable training as it
taught him practical methods of agriculture and provided him with
a congenial means of earning a good livelihood. He remained at
home until twenty-six years of age, when his marriage occurred, and
then removed to his present farm on section 7, Clay township. He
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 401
has since lived there and has devoted his time to agricultural pur-
suits and has so wisely directed his work that not only has he gained
abundant crops year by year, but he has also conserved the fertility
-of the soil. He has made many fine improvements and his intelli-
gent development of the place, combined with the general rise in
land values, makes his land now worth about two hundred dollars
an acre, although in 1876 he paid but fourteen dollars and thirty
cents per acre for the one hundred and forty-four acres which he
purchased at that time. He has since added to his holdings until his
place now comprises three hundred and nine acres of land. He fol-
lows general farming and stock-raising and finds both phases of
his work highly profitable.
Mr. Harsin was married to Miss Nettie Loynachan, who was
born near the town of Barlow, in Washington county, Ohio, on the
28th of January, 1855, a daughter of Neil and Margaret (Turner)
Loynachan. Her father was born in Scotland and came to America
when seventeen years of age, settling in Washington county, Ohio,
and there remaining for many years. After reaching maturity he
engaged in farming upon his own account and was most successful
in that occupation. He married Miss Margaret Turner and after
his death, which occurred in Washington county, she removed to
Marion county. About twenty years ago she took up her residence
at Knoxville and lived there for a number of years, but for the last
nine years of her life made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Har-
sin. The mother died on the 14th of March, 191 1, at the advanced
age of eighty-eight years and fifteen days. Both Mr. and Mrs. Loy-
nachan were Presbyterians in religious faith. Mrs. Harsin is one
of a family of six children, of whom one son died at eleven years of
age and one daughter when a maiden of thirteen. The others who
survive are: Mrs. Margaret J. Hassig, a resident of Cope, Colo-
rado; Edward E., of Russell, Iowa; and George Neil, who lives on
the old home place in Ohio. Mrs. Harsin was reared and educated
in Washington county, Ohio, and taught there and also in Marion
county, Iowa, previous to her marriage. She has become the mother
of two sons and two daughters, namely: Maggie, the wife of Wil-
liam Holmes, a farmer residing near Tracy, Minnesota, by whom
she has a son, Lester; Alta, who died in young womanhood and who
was the wife of Lemuel Durham, a resident of Clay township, this
county; Gilbert, a farmer of Clay township, who married Irene
Smith, by whom he has two daughters and a son, Pauline, Helen and
Donald; and Charles, a young man of twenty-three years who is yet
at home.
402 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mrs. Harsin is a member of the Presbyterian church of Plym-
outh, Clay township, and is one of the active workers of that con-
gregation. Mr. Harsin is a republican in his political belief and is
consistent in his support of its principles and candidates, believing
that it is the best agency for the government of the country. He is
one of the successful agriculturists of the county and his prosperity
is due to his ability to meet the changing conditions of farm life, his
willingness to adopt new methods and to use the latest improvements
in machinery, his sound business judgment and his energy and in-
dustry.
GEORGE H. BINGAMAN.
George H. Bingaman is living on section 27, Washington town-
ship, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and forty acres of
land constituting one of the good farms of the locality. Upon this
place he has lived since 191 1 and has wrought many improvements,
making it one of the attractive farms of his part of the county. He
was born in Pleasant township, Lucas county, Iowa, April 24, 1875,
a son of William and Melinda (Whitlatch) Bingaman, who were
natives of Indiana and Iowa respectively. The parents were married
in Marion county in 1872 and to them have been born four children,
as follows: Fanny, who is now the wife of Otis Grimes; George H.,
of this review; Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Stanley
Applegate; and Bert, a resident of Lucas county, Iowa. The father
has always followed farming and he and his wife vet reside in Lucas
county, where they established their home in pioneer times, being
among those who have aided in the development of Iowa, making it
the rich agricultural state which it is today.
Through the period of his boyhood George H. Bingaman was
learning lessons that have been of value to him in all of his later life —
not only the lessons that one masters in the schoolroom but also those
which one learns with experience as the teacher. At the age of twenty
years he left home and on the qth of March, 1896, was united in mar-
riage to Miss Eunice Caldwell, a daughter of John and Mary
(Mathew) Caldwell, who came to Marion county before the war and
settled first in Indiana township. Later they removed to Washington
township and there the father died after having devoted many years
to general agricultural pursuits. His widow survives and makes her
home in the village of Columbia.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 403
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman took, up their abode
in Marion county, where they have since lived, and as the years passed
several children were added to their family, namely: Ruby; Donald;
Echo and Twila, both of whom are deceased; and Dwain.
Mr. Bingaman ranks with the enterprising and progressive farm-
ers of his district and in addition to the work of cultivating the cereals
best adapted to soil and climate has engaged in raising stock. He has
always followed the occupation to which he was reared and in 191 1
he bought his present place, comprising one hundred and forty acres
on section 27, Washington township. Since that time he has built a
cave house and a barn upon his farm, which is today a well improved
property. The buildings are surrounded by well kept fields that
annually produce good harvests, and all of the equipments of a model
farm are used in carrying on the work. In addition to this property
Mr. Bingaman owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Wash-
ington township, and from his farms derives a substantial annual
income. He is progressive and his methods are at the same time prac-
tical. He has studied the question of soil, practices the rotation of
crops and knows what is necessary to produce the different cereals
raised in this locality. In politics he is a prohibitionist, which indi-
cates his attitude upon the temperance question. He is interested in
public afifairs but has never been an office seeker. He believes, how-
ever, in improvement in matters relating to the general good and he
cooperates heartily in all those plans which are a matter of civic vir-
tue and civic pride.
PETER H. VAN CORP.
Peter H. Van Gorp is the secretary and treasurer of the Garden
City Feeder Company of Pella and is one of the native sons of
Marion countv, his birth having occurred upon a farm near Pella on
the 26th of April, i860, his parents being Henry and Jennie ( Kemp-
kes) Van Gorp, both of whom were natives of The Netherlands. The
father came to America with a colony of Holland emigrants in the
year 1847 ^"^ engaged in the business of teaming. He also became
the owner of a farm near Pella and it was upon that place that
Peter H. Van Gorp was born and reared. His time was divided
between the acquirement of a public-school education and the work
of the fields and he remained upon the home farm until 1882. He
was afterward employed upon a dairy farm for six years and sub-
404 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
sequently he owned and operated a threshing outfit for several years.
On the expiration of that period he embarked in the shoe business
at Pella and conducted his store with growing success for ten years.
In 1898 he became a partner of A. C. Van Honweling in organizing
the Pella Stacker Company, of which he was manager. This busi-
ness was conducted successfully for several years and in 191 2 was
reorganized under the name of the Garden City Feeder Company,
in which Mr. Van Gorp holds the position of secretary, treasurer
and manager. He is an enterprising, progressive business man,
working along modern lines, and his prosperity is well merited.
On the 15th of November, 1883, Mr. Van Gorp was united in
marriage to Miss Nellie Pos, a daughter of Derk Pos, a farmer.
They have two sons: Harvey P., who married Nina Sadler and is
now with the Star Auto Company; and Dick, who is employed by
the Garden City Feeder Company. In addition to his other busi-
ness interests Mr. Van Gorp is a stockholder in the Star Automobile
Company. In politics he is a democrat and has filled the office of
alderman for one term, making a creditable record in the position.
He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, how-
ever, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business afifairs,
whicli, carefully and intelligently directed, have brought to him a
gratifying measure of prosperity. ,
FRANK H. SHERWOOD.
On the list of Marion county's pioneer settlers who laid the
foundation for the present growth, development and prosperity of
this district appears the name of Frank H. Sherwood, who was
practically a lifelong resident of this part of tlic state. He was born
on the nth of November, 1842, a son of Daniel and Julia (Phelps)
Sherwood, who in the latter '40s, came to Marion county and spent
their remaining days in Indiana township. The work of progress
and civilization seemed scarcely begun in this county at that period.
Indeed there were onlv a few settlers and it was no unusual thing
to see bands of Indians. Much wild game was to be had and there
was every evidence of frontier life in the wide stretches of unde-
veloped prairie land and in the uncut forests which bordered the
streams.
Frank H. Sherwood shared with the family in the hardships
and trials incident to pioneer life and early became familiar with
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 405
the task of developing new fields. Much of the farm machinery
common at the present day was then unknown, so that much of the
work of the fields was done by hand. In his youthful days Frank
H. Sherwood attended the country schools or followed the plow,
but when a youth of nineteen years he put aside all personal thoughts
and ambitions in order to respond to the country's call for troops,
for the north and south was divided over the question of slavery
and conditions brought about thereby. When the attempt was made
to overthrow the Union, Mr. Sherwood enlisted as a member of
Company E, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served
for three years, participating in a number of hotly contested engage-
ments which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union
arms.
Following his return home Mr. Sherwood was united in marriage
to Miss Louisa Robuck on the 4th of February, 1865, the wedding
ceremony being performed by the Rev. J. C. Sherwood. The lady
was born December 17, 1841, and was a daughter of James and
Elizabeth (Kahler) Robuck, who became residents of Indiana town-
ship, this county, in 1853. Their remaining days were here passed
and when called to their final rest their graves were made in Indiana
chapel. They were indeed pioneer settlers of the community and
contributed to the early development and upbuilding of this part of
the county. The father was born November 7, 1806, while the
mother's birth occurred on the 21st of November, 181 1. They were
the parents of eight children, namely: John, who was born May
13, 183 1 ; Joseph, December 24, 1833; Sarah Jane, October 15, 1834;
Aaron, February 4, 1838; William, April 24, 1840; Louisa, Decem-
ber 17, 1 841 ; Susan E., June 12, 1846; and James Nelson, born Feb-
ruary 10, 1849.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood was blessed with nine
children, as follows: Luella, who passed away in April, 1899; Dan-
iel Harry, who died on the 4th of February, 1869; Sarah, who gave
her hand in marriage to Chris Horned; Francis M.; James W., who
died on the 31st of January, 1876; Mary I., who is now the wife of
Fred Bingaman; Blanche A., who wedded John Monteith; Altie,
who died on the 5th of February, 1884; and Allie, twin of Altie, who
is the wife of L. Gullion.
Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood made their home upon a farm and
through hard work, close application and capable management he
accumulated a handsome competence. He was the owner of one
hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land which he
carefully tilled and from which he gathered good harvests. Follow-
406 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
ing his demise Airs. Sherwood sold the farm to her son and about
fifteen years ago took up her abode in Columbia, where she still
makes her home. He was well known as a pioneer settler of this
county and one who had witnessed practically its entire growth and
development. He had lived to see the wild animals of the early days
superseded by farm animals, the prairie grass give way before the
cultivated grain, the pioneer cabins replaced by modern, commo-
dious residences and the work of improvement carried on along all
lines that indicate higher ideals and earnest efiforts for their accom-
plishment. Mr. Sherwood had the goodwill and confidence of his
fellowmen and at his death left behind him many warm friends.
M. M. WREN.
M. M. Wren is a farmer and stockman who owns and operates
two hundred and forty acres upon section 32, Knoxville township,
and he is highly respected wherever known. He was born in that
township on the 24th of March, 1861, a son of Michael and Catherine
(Brown) Wren. The father was born in County Kerry, Ireland,
but emigrated to America as a young man. He first located in Indi-
ana, where he was married, but later removed to Marion county,
Iowa, arriving here in 1856. He entered eighty acres of land, which
is a part of the farm now owned by the subject of this review, and
from time to time as his resources increased he added to his hold-
ings until he held title to two hundred and fifty acres. His fine
farm was the evidence of his prosperity and none grudged him his
success as it was won by persistent effort and good management. He
passed away in 1890, when about seventy-four years of age. He and
his wife were both communicants of the Catholic church. She was
also born in County Kerry, Ireland, and emigrated to the United
States with her parents, the family home being established in Indiana.
Her parents both passed away in that state. She died in February,
1888, when about sixty-five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wren had
three children: James, now residing in Des Moines, is married and
has a family. M. M. is the subject of this review, and Mary is the
wife of Patrick Riley, of Ottumwa.
M. M. Wren was reared upon the farm he is now operating and
gained his education in the school of his home neighborhood. The
early training given him in agriculture by his father stood him in
good stead and he has proved successful as a general farmer. The
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 407
splendid condition of his place testifies to his carefulness and in-
dustry and his labors are rewarded by abundant crops.
In 1886 Mr. Wren married Miss Maggie Ruane, a native of
County Roscommon, Ireland, born on the 3d of December, 1863.
Her parents were Thomas and Catherine (Murray) Ruane, who in
the winter of 1864-5 emigrated to Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Ruane
was a baker and followed his trade in that city, where he passed away
while still a young man. His widow married L. F. Cotter at Balti-
more and in 1869 they removed to this county and located at Knox-
ville. Mr. Cotter died there a quarter of a century ago but his widow
survives at the age of ninety-five years and still makes her home at
Knoxville. Mr. and Mrs. Ruane had three children: Mrs. Wren;
Mary A., the deceased wife of James Wren, her demise occurring
in 1904 in Des Moines; and John, superintendent of the insurance
patrol at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sons born to the mother by
her marriage to Mr. Cotter are now leading merchants of Knoxville.
Mrs. Wren was reared and educated in Knoxville and there her mar-
riage occurred. She has become the mother of three children, all
born upon the home farm. Charles, who is twenty-seven years of
age, resides at Lovilia, Monroe countv, this state, and is cashier of
the Farmers & Merchants Bank of that place. He married Miss
Gertrude Kinney, of this county. Catherine is at home and is a grad-
uate of the Highland Park College at Des Moines. She has taught
in both Marion and Monroe counties. Margaret completed the
public-school course and is at home.
Mr. Wren exercises his right of frahchise in support of the demo-
cratic party as he is convinced of the wisdom of its policies. He has
taken a great interest in the welfare of the schools and for many years
has served as president of the school board. Both he and his wife
are communicants of St. Anthony's Catholic church of Knoxville and
can always be counted upon to do their share in furthering the moral
advancement of the community.
ISAAC R. HODGSON.
One of the venerable citizens of Swan township passed away when
Isaac R. Hodgson was called from this life November 5, 19 14, at the
age of eighty-five years. He was born November 29, 1828, in Fred-
erick county, Virginia, a son of Robert Hodgson, who was also a na-
tive of the Old Dominion and there followed the occupation of
408 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
farming until he was called to his final rest at the comparativelv early
age t)f forty-two years.
Isaac R. Hodgson left his native state when fourteen years old
and went to Highland county, Ohio, where he remained until he
reached young manhood. He was there married to Miss Susan Ann
Morrison and in 1848 they removed westward to Iowa, settling in
Marion county. The following year Mr. Hodgson went to Cali-
fornia, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. He
spent six months on the road, traveling over long stretches of hot sand
and across the mountains until he reached the gold fields of the far
west. He did not remain long, however, and with the exception of
that period was continuously a resident of Marion county from the
time he arrived here in 1848 until his death. His first wife passed
away in this county in i860, leaving one child, Mrs. Ella Van Pelt,
now of Ohio. There were also two other children, who died in
infancy.
On the 14th of May, 1862, Mr. Hodgson was again married, his
second union being with Miss Rosanna Price, who was born in Indi-
ana, near St. Joseph, on the 9th of February, 1840, a daughter of
Thomas and Tabitha (Emerling) Price, who came to Iowa with ox
teams, making the overland journey about 1850. They settled in Red
Rock township, Marion county, where Mr. Price secured land and
engaged in farming. After residing in Iowa until 1892 they removed
to Colorado, where Mr. Price passed away when more than seventy-
six years of age. His widow survived and died at Adel, Iowa, in the
fall of 1909 at the age of eighty-seven years. They were of the Dun-
kard faith. Their daughter, Mrs. Hodgson, was reared from the
age of nine years in Marion county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson were
born five children: Alice, the wife of Thomas J. Prickett, a resident
farmer of Swan township; William E., a farmer of Montana, who
is married and has a family; Viola, the wife of Charles Phillips, a
resident farmer of Swan township; Laban, mentioned elsewhere in
this volume; and Charles O., a resident farmer of Union township,
who is married and has a family.
Throughout his entire life Isaac R. Hodgson, the father, followed
the occupation of farming and won notable success. He added to
his possessions from time to time until his real-estate holdings were
very extensive, so much so that in 1912 he was able to deed fifteen
hundred acres of land to his children and yet retain a farm of two
hundred and fifty acres. All of his extensive holdings, comprising
seventeen hundred and fifty acres, lay in Red Rock, Swan and Union
townships. His widow is still the owner of the home farm of two
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 409
hundred and fifty acres, which provides her with a good living. Mr.
Hodgson started out in life empty-handed. He had no influential
friends to aid him and there came to him no financial assistance of
any kind. He realized, however, that industry and determination
will overcome all obstacles and difficulties and by his perseverance
and indefatigable efifort he advanced steadily and won a place among
the most prosperous residents of the county. The family attended the
Christian church, of which Mrs. Hodgson is a member.
Mr. Hodgson gave his political support to the democratic party
but he never sought nor desired ofRce, preferring to give his undi-
vided attention to his business affairs, which were most capably man-
aged. He possessed sound judgment and keen discrimination and
seemed to realize fully the possibilities of any business situation. His
life record should serve to inspire and encourage others who are
desirous of attaining prosperity, as it indicates what may be accom-
plished when there is the will to dare and to do. He lived to a ripe old
age, passing away when eighty-five, and by all who knew him he was
spoken of in terms of high regard.
SETH WAY.
The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into
the records of Marion county without recognizing the fact that the
name of Way figures prominently in connection with the develop-
ment and substantial progress of the district, especially along agri-
cultural lines. It was Joshua Way, father of Seth Way, who with
two others, at midnight on the ist of May, 1843, staked ofif the first
claims entered in this county, and from that time to the present he
and others of the family have borne an active part in advancing the
material, political and social interests of the district. He was born
in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1822, a son of Seth Way, who in the
year 1837 came to Iowa with his family and settled at Keosauqua.
In the same year Joshua Way visited Marion county and six years
later, on the ist of May, 1843, he and two others staked off their
claims by lantern light, their quarter sections being the first ones
entered from the government in this county. He immediately took
up his residence upon his claim and continued to reside there until
his death. The others who staked ofif claims the same night were
Horace Lyman and Colonel Stanford Dowd, while Mr. Jones and
Mr. Durham arrived but a short time afterward. The men built
410 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
cabins and those who were married went to Keosauqua on foot to
bring their families to their new homes, while Mr. Way, who was
then a young man of twenty-one years and single, took care of the
claims until the others returned.
It was in 1854 that Joshua Way was united in marriage to Miss
Ruth Ridlen, a native of Shelby county, Indiana, and a daughter
of Timothy and Sarah Ridlen, who were likewise natives of the
Hoosier state, whence they came to Marion countv in 1849, the
father purchasing government land not far from the home of Mr.
Way. Seven children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Joshua Way: Seth ; Charles Owen, who died in 1902; Walter, who
is a farmer and resides in Bussey, Iowa; William, who follows farm-
ing in this county; Parker, who owns and cultivates a tract of land
near Bussey; and Mary and Sarah, who died in childhood. The
father passed away on the 19th of May, 1895, and the mother's
death occurred in September, 19 10.
In the demise of Joshua Way the county was deprived of a repre-
sentative farmer and good citizen, while his close friends and rela-
tives sufifered an irreparable loss in his passing. As one of the earliest
white settlers in this part of the state he experienced the privations
that must always characterize real pioneer life, but the consciousness
that he was assisting in the development of a splendid section of
country more than compensated for the hardships endured. More-
over, in the improvement of his opportunities he won a very sub-
stantial and gratifying measure of success and at the time of his
death was the owner of twenty-five hundred acres of valuable land,
all in Marion and Mahaska counties. He was regarded as one of
the best business men in his section of the state and his prosperity
was attributable entirely to his own labors and sound judgment. His
educational opportunities were very limited and withcnit capital he
came to Marion county in early manhood, working his way steadily
upward until he was numbered among the most prosperous and
highly esteemed citizens. He was widely known for his kindly in-
terest in young men who were desirous of gaining a start in the busi-
ness world. He never hesitated to loan wagons or other farm equip-
ments and was also most generous in iiis financial assistance. He
believed in the goodness and honor of those with whom he had busi-
ness dealings and seldom, if ever, was his confidence betrayed, for
the trust which he displayed awakened the better nature of many
with whom he came in contact. His hand was constantly outreach-
ing to assist another. A modern philosopher has said: "Not the
good that comes to us, but the good that comes to the world through
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 411
us, is the measure of our success." And judged by this standard, as
well as by what he acquired along material lines, Joshua Way was
a most successful man. His memory is cherished by all who knew
him and his example is indeed one worthy of emulation.
His eldest son, Seth Way, was born in 1856, on the old homestead
farm which his father had entered from the government, and at the
usual age he became a public-school pupil. His training in the
work of the fields began early and as his strength increased he aided
more and more in the operation of the farm until, while still a youth
in years, he was doing all the work that fell to the lot of one of adult
age upon a farm in the middle west. After attaining man's estate
he continued to follow agricultural pursuits for a number of years
and he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and added
thereto all modern equipments and accessories. In 1888 he rented
his land and removed to Knowille, where the following year he
entered into partnership with C. K. Davis in forming the firm of
Davis & Way, dealers in grain, hay, coal, wood and lumber. This
firm was very successful during this period and in 1910, at the death
of Mr. Davis, the firm became Seth Way & Company and so continues
to the present time. They ceased to deal in lumber some years ago
and confine their attention to hay, coal and wood. The business has
grown along substantial lines and is today one of the important con-
cerns of the kind in the county, Mr. Way giving his entire attention
thereto. He likewise has extensive agricultural interests, owning
in Liberty township nine hundred and forty-seven acres, which he
operates in connection with his son. He raises high grade stock of
all kinds and is accounted one of the most successful farmers of
Alarion county. His enterprising methods have been the source of
the growth and development of his business and at every point in
his career he seems to have realized the possibility for successful
accomplishment at that point.
Mr. Way was united in marriage in 1877 to Miss Arminta John-
son, of this county, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Beal) Johnson,
who came to Marion county from Ohio in 1868. Her father devoted
his life to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Way have been born two
children: Charles J., who is operating his father's farm; and Nora,
the wife of A. J. Vandermeulen, an agriculturist. Mr. Way is a
republican in his political allegiance and fraternally is a member of
the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. Both he
and his wife hold membership in the Rebekahs. They fully merit
the general esteem with which they are regarded by their fellowmen.
412 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Capability has brought Mr. Way to the front and through the wise
utilization of the opportunities which have been his he has gained
a place among the representative business men and foremost citizens
of Knoxville.
JOHN ADAM NEAL.
John Adam Neal, who is a well known farmer of Knoxville
township, was born in Adams county, Ohio, April 7, 1867, a son of
George G. and Mary Frances (Stumm) Neal, both natives of Fayette
county, Pennsylvania. The father, who was of German descent, was
born in November, 1816, and the mother's birth occurred on the 4th
of March, 1827. The maternal grandfather was a native of Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. George G. Neal were married in their native county
but later removed to Adams county, Ohio, where they lived for three
and one-half years. At the end of that time they came to Marion
county, Iowa, arriving here in the fall of 1867. They went from Pella
to Knoxville by stage and remained in the latter city for a few months,
after which the father purchased seventy-two acres of land on section
6, Knoxville township. His farm was covered with brush which it
was necessary to clear before crops could be planted, but Mr. Neal
set himself resolutely to work, to develop his farm and became the
owner of a valuable property. He subsequently bought forty acres
more and continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his death.
He became well-to-do but was without capital when he started upon
his independent career and the hard work by means of which he
gained material prosperity undermined his health and perhaps has-
tened his death, which occurred on the 5th of May, 1880, when he
was sixty-four years of age. He was a republican in politics and his
religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian church of Kno.wille.
His wife survives and resides at her old home. They had three chil-
dren, as follows: Sylvanus S. is a farmer and stockman of Knoxville
township and has traveled extensively. He is married and has sev-
eral children. Sarah Isabellc, who was familiarly known as Sallie,
was born December 6, 1853, and married William I. Morris. She
died March 17, 1892, and left three children. Her husband sur-
vives and is a retired farmer living at Indianola, Iowa. John Adam
of this review is the youngest of the family.
The last mentioned grew to nianhooii in this countv and was a
student in the public schools, thus acquiring a serviceable education.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 41S
When thirteen years of age his father died and from that time on he
has depended upon his own resources for his livelihood. He has
devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits and has been very suc-
cessful, especially in the line of stock-raising. He is now operating
his mother's farm of one hundred and twelve acres on section 6,
Knoxville township, an eighty acre tract on section 5, which he owns,
and one hundred and sixty acres, known as the Joe Fisher farm,
which he bought in the fall of 1896. Altogether he operates three
hundred and fifty-two acres, devoting his time chiefly to the raising
of stock. He understands the care and feeding of live stock and as
he also studies the markets carefully he is able to secure good prices.
On the 27th of December, 1893, Mr. Neal was united in mar-
riage to Miss Dora Marsh, a daughter of William J. Marsh, who
is mentioned elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Neal have
been born four children, George G., Ethel Marie, Harry M. and
Florence, all at home. Mr. Neal attends the Eden Methodist Epis-
copal church, of which his wife and son are members. Politically
he supports the republican party and for six years served as town-
ship assessor. He is much interested in the cause of education and
is a director of the Lincoln school district. His fraternal affiliations
are with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Knight
Templar degree, being a charter member of Knoxville Command-
ery, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is highly spoken
of in his locality and is a valued and useful citizen.
C. C. KENDALL.
C. C. Kendall is a wide-awake and progressive representative of
commercial interests in Marysville, where he is part owner of a gen-
eral store. He was born in Eddyville, Iowa, September 3, 1875, a
son of Mathias and Rose Anna (Kent) Kendall, the former a native
of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Attracted by the oppor-
tunities of the new world, the father came to America when a young
man of eighteen years and during the Civil war he rendered valuable
aid to his adopted country by four years' service at the front in the
defense of the Union. His last days were spent in Marion county,
where he was highly esteemed as a leading representative citizen.
His widow still survives and yet makes her home in this county.
C. C. Kendall was one of a family of eight children, six of
whom are yet living. He remained upon the home farm until he
.414 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
attained his majority and divided his time between the work of the
fields, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the play-
ground. After attaining man's estate he began farming on his own
account, but with the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he en
listed for two years' service as a member of Company D, Fifty-first
Iowa Infantry, of which he became a private. He was honorably
discharged at San Francisco and following his return to Marion
county embarked in merchandising in Marysville, having a half in-
terest with his brother in a store at this place. They carry an at-
tractive line of goods and are enjoying a liberal patronage, which
they well merit. C. C. Kendall is also the owner of a half interest
in the mill at this place and he owns the store building in which they
conduct their mercantile interests and also has other property.
In his political views Mr. Kendall has always been a democrat,
giving to the party stalwart support. He is now postmaster at Marys-
ville, having occupied the office for two years. His fraternal rela-
tions are with the Improved Order of Red Men. He is well known
in this county and has attractive social qualities which render him
popular, while his energetic business methods are gaining for him
substantial success.
JOHN DAVIE SCHLOTTERBACK.
John Davie Schlotterback is at present county auditor and has
demonstrated his fitness for public office bv the conscientiousness
and capability with which he has discharged the duties devolving
upon him. He was born in Kno.xville, Iowa, on the 13th of March,
i860, a son of Michael and Johanna (Toler) Schlotterback, natives
of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The paternal grandfather was
John Schlotterback, a resident of Pennsvlvania of German descent.
He was a carpenter by trade and went to Ohio in the early days of
the history of that state. In the '50s he came to Iowa and located
in this county, where he resided until his death. His wife lived to
reach the remarkable age of one hundred years.
Michael Schlotterback removed to Iowa about 1851 and located
in Wapello county, where he remained for a year, but in 1 852 he came
to this county, where he devoted his time to farming. In that
same year, however, he went west to California, remaining in the
Golden state for seven years, at the end of which time he returned to
Marion county, Iowa. For a considerable period of time he followed
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 415
agricultural pursuits in Knoxville township, but a number of years
before his death he retired and made his home with a daughter. On
the 27th of April, 191 1, he passed away at the venerable age of ninety-
two years. He was a democrat in his political belief. His wife, who
died in 1899, was a daughter of William and Annie (Spencer) Toler,
who removed from Tennessee to Indiana and lived there until their
deaths. Her father was a blacksmith by trade. Mr. and Mrs.
Michael Schlotterback were married in the Hoosier state. To their
union were born six children: Dale, who died when eighteen years
of age; Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Wilson, formerly an agricul-
turist of the county and now a resident of Bentonville, Arkansas;
Ellen, who died in 1875; Lucy, who passed away in 1884; John D.,
of this review; and William, who died in 1891.
John Davie Schlotterback was reared upon the home farm and
received that well-rounded education common to the sons of farmers,
as he was not only well grounded in the fundamental branches of
book learning, but also learned the principles of agriculture and
became familiar by actual experience with the work of the farm.
He followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty years of age
and then learned the printer's trade and was employed for many
years on various Knoxville and Des Moines papers. In 1893 he was
elected city assessor of Knoxville for a two-year term and in 1895
was reelected, serving until January i, 1898. Subsequently he was
again employed at the printer's trade in Knoxville until the spring
of 1907, when he was again elected city assessor, resigning that posi-
tion, however, on the ist of January, 1909, to become deputy county
auditor. In 1912 he was elected county auditor, taking office in Jan-
uary of the year following. He was his party's candidate for reelec-
tion in November, 1914, and was chosen by a handsome majority,
leading his ticket. As county auditor he has made a record of which
he may well be proud, and his present term of office does not expire
until January i, 1917. He has been prompt, accurate and sys-
tematic in the performance of his work and has been uniformly cour-
teous in his treatment of those with whom he has been brought in
contact in an official capacity.
On the 24th of December, 1882, Mr. Schlotterback was united
in marriage to Miss Laura Stoops, a native of Indiana and a daughter
of Thomas and Sarah (Bates) Stoops. Many years ago the family
removed from the Hoosier state to Marion county, Iowa, and here
the father devoted his time to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Schlotter-
back have been born five children: Blanche, who died in infancy;
Mabel, the wife of Loren Zugg, a resident of Knoxville; Clyde, em-
416 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
ployed by the Knoxville Journal, who married Miss Mary Court-
ney; Ruth, the wife of James Crawford; and Babe, who died when
three years of age.
Mr. Schlotterback is a democrat in his political affiliation and
stanchly supports the candidates and measures of that party. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the lodge and encampment of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Foresters, the Knights of
Pythias and the Moose. He and his wife are both members of the
Rebekahs. His entire life has been spent in this county and the fact
that those who have known him intimately from his early youth are
his truest friends is incontrovertible proof of the genuineness of his
worth as a man.
B. W. OWEN.
B. W. Owen, who carries on general farming, his home being on
section 24, Liberty township, has a large and valuable property and in
addition to the cultivation of the fields he is engaged in the raising of
shorthorn cattle. He is a man of determined purpose who formulates
his plans carefully and then carries them forward to successful com-
pletion. He was born in Liberty township, Marion county, on the
i6th of March, 1870, a son of John E. and Elvira (Berry) Owen,
natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father removed west-
ward to this state and in Mahaska county was married. To them
were born three children: William E., Quilla A. and B. W. The
mother passed away in 1871, when her youngest son, the subject of
this review, was but a year old, and her grave was made in Mahaska
county. The father long survived and was laid to rest in the cemetery
at Hamilton.
John E. Owen came to Marion county in the year 1857, casting
in his lot with the pioneer settlers, and from that time until his death
he was much interested in the development and progress of this sec-
tion, taking an active part in advancing the public welfare. Follow-
ing the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted as a piper in Company
H, Eighth Iowa Infantry, and served until honorably discharged
on account of ill health before the close of the war. He then returned
home and began farming, continuing actively in that pursuit through-
out his remaining days. He also engaged in the raising of graded
stock and had good horses. His political allegiance was given the
republican party and he kept well informed on the questions and
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 417
issues of the day and was ever ready to support his position by intelli-
gent argument. He accumulated considerable property through
dint of hard work and capable business management and so honorable
and upright was he in all his dealings that he enjoyed the highest
respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact. His
death occurred in 1890.
B. W. Owen was educated in the local schools and in his youthful
days started out in business on his own account, always following the
occupation of farming, to which he was reared. He erected all of
the buildings upon his place and in many ways has improved the
property, which is today one of the valuable farms of the county,
comprising three hundred and thirty-nine acres of valuable and
productive land, all of which is under cultivation and is free from
all indebtedness. He carries on general farming and is also engaged
in the raising of shorthorn cattle. The place is pleasantly and con-
veniently located not far from Hamilton, on sections 24, 25 and 26,
Liberty township.
On the i6th of June, 1892, Mr. Owen was united in marriage to
Miss Louisa McGee, her parents being J. A. and Luda (Grass)
McGee, who have resided in Monroe county, this state, since pioneer
times. Mr. and Mrs. Owen have five children, namely : Beulah, who
was born July 21, 1893, and is the wife of Chester Bailey; Blanche,
whose birth occurred November 19, 1895; Clyde, whose natal day
was October 7, 1898; Elmer, born November 30, 1906; and Donald,
who was born on the 24th of October, 1909.
Mr. Owen has never sought to figure prominently in any public
connection outside of business, feeling that his farming interests
demanded his best efforts. He has closely studied the problems of
the farmer and carries on his work according to modern, scientific
methods and ideas. That his plans are characterized by sound judg-
ment is indicated in the success which has come to him and which
has placed him among the representative agriculturists of this part
of the state.
J. H. CHRISMAN.
J. H. Chrisman, who some years ago retired from active business
life and now makes his home in Knoxville, has been a resident of
Knox county for more than half a century, having taken up his abode
here in the fall of 1861. He has been an interested witness of the
418 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
changes which have since occurred and his memory forms a connect-
ing link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
Mr. Chrisman was born in Clark county, Indiana, September i,
1839, a son of David and Elizabeth M. (Robertson) Chrisman, who
were likewise natives of Clark county, the former born in 18 13 and
the latter in 1816. Mrs. Chrisman was a daughter of Eli Robertson,
on whose farm was built the first Methodist church in the state of
Indiana. When their son, J. H. Chrisman, was but two years of
age the parents removed with their family from Clark county to
Laporte county, Indiana, settling in the town of New Durham,
where the family home was maintained for about eighteen vears.
In 1859 a removal was made to Missouri and in the fall of 1861 thev
came to Iowa, becoming residents of Marion countv. The father
was a strong anti-slavery man. Living close to the Kentucky border,
he saw the evil effects of slavery and early imbued his children with
the same spirit of hatred and opposition to the institution. That his
lessons took deep root is shown in the fact that several of his sons
served in the Civil war. David Chrisman voted the whisj ticket until
the organization of the republican party and all of his sons save one
have followed in his footsteps. He was ever a man of high and
honorable purpose and was for a half century a local minister of
the Methodist church, the religious faith of both the paternal and
maternal ancestors of j. H. Chrisman being that of Methodism! The
father died at his home in Knoxville township in October, 1890, on
his seventy-seventh birthday, and his wife survived until xlpril, 1899,
passing away in Knoxville. In their family were eight children.
VV. T., the oldest, enlisted in Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry,
on the I ith of August, 1862, and died and was buried at Mound City,
Illinois, on the 1 ith of August, 1863, just a year after he had enrolled
as one of the "Boys in blue." J. H. is the ne.xt of the family. David
enlisted as chief musician in Company A, Fortieth Iowa Regiment.
E. R. is a resident of Fall Brook, California. Mrs. Mary J. Burzett
died at Liberty Center, Warren county, Iowa, a number of years
ago. L. W., who enlisted for one hundred days' service as a member
of Captain McCormick's company, formed in Knoxville, served
until the close of the war and is now living in San Diego, California.
J. F. is a resident of Guide Rock, Nebraska, and H. W. is living at
Mojave, California.
J. H. Chrisman spent the greater part of his vouth in Laporte
went to Missouri. Two years later he arrived in Marion county,
county, Indiana, and was a young man of twenty years when the family
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 419
where he has since remained and he has ever been numbered among
the worthy and respected citizens of his part of the state. On the
22d of April, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A.
Hodges, of Knoxville, Iowa, and they removed to a farm six miles
east of the town, on the Pella road. Mr. Chrisman bent his enero-ies
to the development and improvement of that place and followed that
occupation until nine years ago, when he removed to Knoxville and
put aside the active cares of business life. He had brought his farm
to a high state of cultivation, had added to it many modern acces-
sories and conveniences, and as the result of his careful management
had acquired a substantial competence as the years went by. To
him and his wife were born four children: W. T., who is now living
at Long Beach, California; Ora G., now the wife of M. R. Voorhees,
of Kansas City, Missouri; Gertrude, at home; and James G. B., who
is living on a farm in Knoxville township.
An important chapter in the life history of J. H. Chrisman is
that which covers his service as a soldier of the Civil war. He
enlisted as a member of Company A, Thirtv-third Iowa Infantry,
under Major C. B. Boydston, and was with that command on every
campaign save the one to Little Rock. His military history is that
of the Thirty-third Iowa and with his command he participated in
many hotly contested engagements. Today there is scarcely a member
of the old company remaining, four or five living in Knoxville or
vicinity. His family have every reason to be proud of his war record,
for he was among those who won for Iowa her splendid reputation
in connection with the defense of the Union. Mr. Chrisman has
adhered to the religious faith of the family. His moral standards
are high and he has lived up to them. One who knows him well said :
"His word is as good as his bond ; he is the soul of honor and the better
one knows him the greater the respect and the warmer the friendship.
His home life has been beautiful and satisfying and in it he has found
his chief enjoyment."
J. B. CHRISMAN.
J. B. Chrisman is a well known farmer and stockman of Marion
county, operating the old home farm that belonged to his father. He
also owns and cultivates one hundred and ninety-seven acres adjoin-
ing, in the east part of Knoxville township and also across the border
in Clay township. Thus he operates altogether about five hundred
420 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
acres of land, which he devotes to general agricultural pursuits and
to stock-raising, making a specialty of Polled Angus cattle and Poland
China hogs. He is a very energetic, enterprising young man, per-
sistent, determined and capable, and in his business affairs displays
splendid ability. He was born in Clay township, this county, on
the 26th of January, 1880, and is a son of J. H. Chrisman, mention
of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. He attended the public
schools through the period of his youth and in vacations worked in
the fields. The greater part of his life has been devoted to farming
and success has attended his efforts. His methods have always been
practical and he has ever kept abreast with the progress of the times,
which is manifest as strongly in connection with agricultural inter-
ests as in other phases of business activity.
On the 6th of April, 1904, Mr. Chrisman was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mamie Blanche Gee, who was born in Knoxville
township, February 7, 1881, a daughter of the late Amos and Saman-
tha (Scott) Gee. Her father came to the middle west from Tomp-
kins, New York. When a young man he removed to Mason county,
Illinois, and there he enlisted in response to the country's call for
troops, joining Company M, Second Illinois Cavalry, with which
he served on active duty until he became ill. He was afterward in
a hospital for some time and was then honorably discharged. In
the spring of 1868 he came to Marion county, Iowa, taking up his
abode in Kno.xville township, where he carried on general farming
to the time of his death. He passed away on the old homestead
December 11, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, and there were
many friends who deeply regretted his demise because of the sterling
traits of character which he displayed and which endeared him to
those with whom he was associated. He was twice married. In
Illinois he wedded Miss Mary I. Knight, who died i-n Nebraska,
March 15, 1866, leaving a daughter, Lucy, who has now passed
away. On the 21st of March, 1869, Mr. Gee wedded Samantha
Scott, who is now living on East Main street in Knoxville. They
became the parents of nine children, of whom seven survive, as fol-
lows: Mrs. J. B. Chrisman; James N., who is a resident of Texas;
Mrs. Dora V. Noftsger, living in Knoxville township, this county;
Mrs. Bessie I. Amsberry, also a resident of Knoxville township;
George W., who makes his home in Raton, New Mexico; Ralph, of
Knoxville township, this county; and Benjamin H., who lives at
home with his widowed mother. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman have two
children, James Francis and Robert Amos, who are eight and four
years of age respectively.
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 421
Politically Mr. Chrisman is a stalwart republican, supporting
the 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 ad-
vancement. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church
and their lives accord with its teachings. In all business affairs
he is thoroughly trustworthy and at the same time is progressive
and determined, so that he carries forward to successful completion
whatever he undertakes. He is today extensively engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising, about five hundred acres paying tribute to the
care and cultivation which he bestows upon his fields. He also has
a large herd of Polled Angus cattle and many hogs of the Poland
China breed and he has done much to improve and raise the stand-
ard of stock handled in this county. His success is the merited
reward of his labors and the good name which he bears is the legiti-
mate result of a well spent and honorable life.
WATSON H. VANDERPLOEG.
Watson H. Vanderploeg is a native of this county and one of the
most prominent younger business men in Pella. He is cashier of
the Farmers & Merchants Bank and is also an attorney. He was born
on the 24th of December, 1888, a son of R. and Pietje (Terpetra)
Vanderploeg, natives of Holland and New York, respectively. The
paternal grandfather was Dirk Vanderploeg, who brought his family
to the United States, arriving at Pella, Iowa, on the 4th of July, 1857.
He was a farmer by occupation and located upon land in Lake Prairie
township but later removed to Summit township. His son, the father
of the subject of this review, is president of the Farmers & Merchants
Bank, which was organized in 1905, and is an important figure in the
financial life of the city. His wife is a daughter of Watson Terpetra,
a native of Holland, who in early manhood went to New York.
Subsequently he came west with his family and arrived at Pella about
1857. He was a farmer by occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. R. Vander-
ploeg have been born eight children: Mary C, the wife of Arie
Vander Waal, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Delia, who became
the wife of Simon De Haan ; Anna, at home ; Charles, a farmer living
near Monroe, Iowa; Linnie, the wife of James Cochrane, a resident
of Monroe; Margaret, at home; W. G., living in Knoxville; and
Watson H., of this review.
422 HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
The last named completed the course in the public schools of
Pella and then entered the Central University of Iowa, located there,
and was graduated from tliat institution. He subsequently read law
with a brother and in 1912 was admitted to the bar and has since
practiced his profession here. However, part of his time has been
taken up by other duties, as he is cashier of the Farmers & Merchants
Bank of this place. He has already accomplished much and his keen
intellect and splendid training presage yet greater achievement.
Mr. Vanderploeg is a member of the Baptist church and is an
active worker in those movements which seek the betterment of his
community. Politically he is a republican and fraternally he belongs
to Pella Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M.; and to the Knights of Pythias.
Among his marked characteristics are initiative, sound judgment and
energy that constantly impels to action and achievement, and these
traits, together with a high sense of right and justice, have gained
him the respect which is accorded him in business circles of Pella.
His personal friends are many and hold him in the warmest regard.
JOHN A. WELCH.
John A. Welch was born in Paris, Edgar county, Illinois; No-
vember 24, 1834, and was the fourth son and fourth child of a family
of seven children. His father, John R. Welch, was born May 24,
1805, in Batii county, Kentucky, and died on the i8th of May, 1891,
in Salem, Oregon. He was of English parentage. The mother of
our subject, Matilda Lowry Welch, was of Irish and German de-
scent. She was born on the 27th of November, 1807, ^'i*^ '^'^'^ ''^
Butler, Missouri, November 28, 1880. The father moved witii the
family to Iowa in the vear 1843, making the journey with ox teams.
They located temporarily in Jefferson county but after a residence
there of ten or eleven months moved on further west in May, 1844,
and located in an unorganized part of the country, wiiich was later
organized and given the name of Marion county.
Here John A. Welch grew to manhood. During the summer of
18^4 he with his brothers, James and Isaiah, drove cattle overland
to California and was four months lacking a few days in making the
trip. He worked in the gold mines most of the time in the central
and northern part of the state for three years. \n the spring of 1857
he with his brother Isaiah returned to Iowa bv way of Panama and
New York. James had previously returned by the same route. After
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 423
reaching home he attended school and taught school alternately until
the commencement of the Civil war in 1861.
On account of a war scare along the southern border of the state
he with nearly one hundred other men from Marion county volun-
teered their services to aid others from different parts of the state to
repel the invaders. On arrival at the war threatened district the ex-
pected invaders had returned south. After a reconnoissance lasting
four weeks through northwestern Missouri without a conflict, all
parties returned to Iowa and were disbanded without the loss of a
man. Soon after returning home from this expedition Mr. Welch
enlisted and was regularly mustered into the United States service
in G, Company Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After nine
months' service he was discharged at Corinth, Mississippi, on account
of disability.
About one year after returning home from the army he engaged
in the mercantile business in Attica in the southeast part of the coun-
tv, with J. M. Cathcart as a partner, under the firm name of Cath-
cart & Welch. A few years later, in 1872, a change of location was
made to Knoxville, the county seat, where a mercantile partnership
was formed with D. T. Welch, and they did business under the firm
name of Welch & Welch. From this time on he was in business in
one way and another in Knoxville for ten years. In 1882 he moved
to Burrton, Harvey county, Kansas, where he resided for twenty-
six years, during which time he was engaged in mercantile, banking
or lumber business, at the end of which time he retired and removed
to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he now resides at 620 North Main
street.
A few days after Mr. Welch had volunteered his services to the
United States, he was married to Mary E. Haines, October 22, 1861.
She was of Welsh and Scotch lineage and of Quaker parentage, born
in New Jersey, January 27, 1840. Both are now living and have
passed their fifty-third wedding anniversary.
INDEX
Amos, C. H 18
Amos, C. J 358
Amos, G. H 265
Amos, J. M 338
Anderson, Allen 251
Andrews, Hiram 35
Andrews, W. F 148
Avery, J. W 274
Ayers. J. A 365
Bane, Walter 246
Banks, W. A 161
Batten, L. D 303
Beach, B. R 249
Beaver, A. M 343
Pebout, T. N 94
Beem, Mr. and Mrs. J. K 136
Bellamy. J. S 283
Bingaraan, G. H 403
Bittenbender, J. W 210
Bos, C. N 232
Bousquet, L. F 191
Boyd, J. W 341
Braam, John, Jr 16
Bradey. I. W . .
Brennan, C. M.
Bridgen, Joseph
59
366
99
Bridsman, H. L 177
Brobst, A. B 213
Buffington, J. F 17
Butcher, Osa 65
Butterfield, G. L 346
Bybee. L. L 393
Bye, E. P 7
Camp, J. H 382
Carpenter, F. F 166
Carruthers, Frank 216
Casey, W. J 13
Chambers, J. 1 80
Chambers, Zephaniah 312
Chesnut. Henry 57
Chrisman, .1. B 419
ClirisMian. .1. H 417
Citizens National Bank 348
Cnark, A. M 100
Clark, Frank 360
Clark, G. D 366
Clark. J. L 353
Cline, J. R 348
Cloe. Frank 218
Cole, C. N 27!)
Cole, T. R., Sr, 134
Collins, A. W 313
Collins, S. L 356
Conrey, H. H 231
Cooper, Sampson • ■ ■ ■ 3.17
Core, Reuben, Sr 133
Craig, Thompson 116
Crew, W. F 255
Crouch, C. N 125
Culbertson, Cambridge 193
G\immings, E. H 356
Cunningham, .J. D 15
Curtis, M. L 363
Daniels. W. H 173
Davis, A. A 338
Davis, E. J. S 377
Davis, F. 173
De Ko'ck. Stephanus 389
Dennis. Eugene 373
Deny, C. W 105
Doughman, S. H 358
Douglass, J. B 49
Durham, J. P 90
Elliott, D. B.
Elliott, F. D.
Elliott, J. B.
Elliott, W. V.
288
390
76
330
Fee, G. W 270
Fee, J. F 61
Fergus, Clinton 178
Finarty, J. W 234
Fisk, H. M 157
Fitzgerald, J. H 223
Flanagan, VV. P 86
Fowler, W. H 234
Free, J. W 58
French, J. T 320
Fry, M. D 103
Fultz, T. G 254
Gates, DC 395
Gesman, N. J 363
Gilson, T. G 276
Goldizen, Verna Mae 372
Grant, F. P 137
Gregory, T. R 120
Griffith. S. R 54
Gnibb, Clarence 189
Guaranty Bank 156
Gullion, Thomas 162
fiullion, William 286
Gustin, G. L 183
Hammond. Jacob 144
Hammond, J. A 150
Hanna, W. R 108
Hardman, C. L 238
425
426
INDEX
Haikin, Myles 394
Harrington, C. M 370
Harsin, J. D 400
Hart, G. K 1 «ti
Hartley, J. A 2'.)r>
Harvey, A. L 208
Harvey, Edward 118
HarveV. H. \V 331
Hendricks, Udell 215
Hestwood, Samuel 317
Hodgson, I. R 407
H(idgs(in, Laban 135
Hogate, ]■:. C 245
Holliiigshead, G. S.. 154
Horsman, Harrison 350
Hunt, Daniel 380
Hunt, Emerson 384
Hunt, J. VV 398
Hunt, Leroy 387
Hyer, W. E 297
James, C. E 72
Jenkins, Joshua 24
Jenkins, Stephen 138
Johnson, E. A 15U
Johnson, H. F 195
Jones, F. G 149
Jones, Price 291
Jordan, A. D 19S
Jordan, E. R Ill
Jordan, Frederick 340
Keables, H. F 300
Kelly, J. W 214
Kelly, R. P 170
Kelly, W. A 347
Kendall, C. C 413
King, G. L 369
Kinkead, Lemuel 326
Kirk, J. W 44
Klein, A. T 89
Knoxville Express 141
Knoxville National Bank 151
Kuyper, A. J 324
Kuyper, Arnoldus 386
Kuyper, P. H 393
Leiby, S. L 253
Lowman, W. H 222
Loynaclian, Edward 355
Lyman, J. B. . . 142
Lyon, W. H. . . .' 84
McClain, J. W., Jr 203
McQain, J. \V., Sr 344
McCoy, Edmund 130
McMillan, John 233
McMillan, T. T 242
McTaggart, D. A 220
McVay, E. W 190
Maddy , F. A 209
Manhardt, J. W 308
Marsh, A. B 121
Marsh, Daniel 336
Marsh, J. P 83
Marsh, S. J 112
Mathews, B. A 28
May, J. M 3,52
Mentzer, J. F 39fl
Metz, John 95
Mickle, J. M 267
Miller, N. F 51
Mitchell, J. E 102
Mitten, J. C. 152
ilolesworth, Alfred 328
Monroe, F. A 3O6
Moon. \V. H 88
ilorgan, J. L 70
Morris, A. J 41
Mullen. T. H .' 272
Jfunsell, A. L 27
Murr, A. S 278
Xeal, J. A 412
Xeal, S. S 196
Neiswanger, T. J 379
Xorris, ,1. W 226
Osborn, E. M 296
( Uerton. A. S 1,58
Overton, Tyler 309
Owen, B, \V 416
Park, L. E... 335
Parsons, B. L I8O
Pascoe. L J 185
I'auls Lumber Co 166
I'ella Overall Co 153
Pclla's Weekblad 136
Plielps. Burr 316
Porter, ('.A 97
Porter. R. H 325
Reaver, F. V 349
Reynolds, A. 1) 268
Reynolds, J. M 78
Richards, John 281
Richards, Joshua 263
Richards, J. A 305
K'icliariLs, William 32
Rictveld. John 376
Rinehart, J. 14
Rinehart, W. E 188
Roberts, J. J 290
Roberts. W. L 280
Robuck. J. T 26
Rogers, J. D 393
Roorda, E. R 269
Rose, G. H 87
Rose, T. E n
Rouze. A. F 67
Rouze, Homer 170
Rouze, H. N 34
Kouze. ,1. F 361
Ruckmaii, E. B 167
Sandiland. W. A 204
Savage, W. B 81
Schlotterback, J. 1) 414
Schmidt, G. W ]39
Scott, C. J 342
Sharon, C. C . . . 230
Sherwood, F. H 404
Simmons, Jesse 187
Spiker, W. A 250
Stapp, H. T 31
Steele, G. A 132
Stierncmanii, .lacob 302
Stihvell. J. G 75
Stout, G. A 298
Stroud, \V. H 217
Teter, Samuel 287
Tliomassen, G.J , , . . 184
van der Ploeg, .Tohn 311
Vander Plocg, W. G 237
INDEX 427
Vanderploeg, W. H 431 Welcli, T. E 315
Vail Gorp, P. H 403 Welslicr. Aslilie 114
Van Heiiiert, Joliii 334 VVliitliitcli, Charles . . •. 115
Van Houvveling, A. B 50 Whitlatcli, George 174
Van Spanckeien, B. H 122 Whitlatcli, W. J '. 244
Varenkamp, E. C 275 VViUianis, J. E 107
X'erros, Mathys 243 Wilson, W. J 374
\ riezelaar, J. B 42 Wren, M. M 406
Wright, J. R 241
Wagner. Daniel 333 Wright, J. VV 5
Walker, ,J. J 205 Wright, 0. L 63
Walker, ,J. U 53 Wright, O. P 47
Ward, H. VV 98 ,, t ts
Way,G.O 36 ^>'"^''^,"; ?,^
Wa.v: Seth 409 ^"""g. \\.A 10
Welch, John A 422 Zin, George 261
DEC 12 m?
