Full text of "History of Poweshiek County, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement"

IVO
CO

1^ARK€R

HISTORY OF

POWESHIEK COUNTY

IOWA

A RECORD OF SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION,
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT

By PROF. L. F. PARKER

Local history is the ultimate substance of national history— Wilson

VOLUME II

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO: u] '

THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. ^^

■(?

cv^*

)\J'

ItHENEW YORK]

PUBLIC LIBRARV

THE NEW YORK \

PIJBLIC LIBRARY \

USTOR, LENOX ANO
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

j-0^iy^^^^<^^^i^^^

BIOGRAPHICAL

HON. HENRY W. SPAULDING.

Hon. Henry W. Spauldirig, one of the most prominent and leading citizens of
Poweshiek county, is at the head of the Spaulding Manufacturing Company, mak-
ers of carriages and automobiles at Grinnell and one of the largest manufacturing
firms in the west. In the fall of 1910 he was honored by election to the state
senate, now representing the twelfth district in that body.

His birth occurred in the northern part of Vermont on the 29th of June, 1846.
When still but a boy he removed with his parents to a farm in Orange county,
that state, continuing to reside thereon until nineteen years of age, when he bought
his time from his mother and started out in business life on his own account.
After working at various occupations for two years he built a shop in Chelsea,
Vermont, hired a good blacksmith and began to learn the blacksmith's trade, oc-
casionally building a buggy. In the course of a year or more, having two or
three finished buggies on hand and creditors pressing him for money which was
due them for stock, he took two buggies, hitching one behind the other, and started
out to sell them. Having made the sales, he returned and settled his most press-
ing debts. This was the origin of the trailing system, which has been followed
by the Spaulding Manufacturing Company for the past thirty-five years with
success. After carrying on business in Chelsea for about two years, H. W.
Spaulding sold out and went to work as a journeyman smith in dififerent shops.
About two years later he entered the service of Jacob Estey & Company, organ
manufacturers of Brattleboro, \'ermont, and at the end of about three months
was put in charge of their blacksmithing department. He remained with the firm
of Jacob Estey & Company for about three years and then went on the road for
the Wiley & Russell Manufacturing Company of Greenfield, Massachusetts, manu-
facturers of screw cutting machines, selling machinery for about four years and
traveling as far west as Iowa and also into Canada.

This state impressed him favorably and on the nth of April, 1876, he took
up his abode in Grinnell, here beginning business as a blacksmith and carriage
manufacturer on a small scale. The first year he turned out about fifteen new
vehicles, annually increasing the number until on the ist of January, 1883, he was
manufacturing about three hundred and fifty carriages a year. On the 17th of
June, 1882, owing to a disastrous cyclone, Mr. Spaulding sustained a heavy loss
financially and also sufifered severe physical injuries. On the ist of January,
1883, he -sold a half interest in the business to A. P. Phillips & Son, the name of
the firm becoming Spaulding, Phillips & Company. Their business gradually in-
creased until on the ist of January, 1887. they were taking care of eight hundred

6 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUXTV

jobs a year. At that time Phillips & Son withdrew and M. Snyder held their
interest for one year, the name of the concern being Spaulding & Snyder. Their
annual output was nine hundred vehicles. On the ist of January, 1888, Craver.
Steele & Austin purchased the half interest of Air. Snyder, who retired. The
firm then continued business under the style of Spaulding & Company and in 1888
manufactured two thousand vehicles. Wishing to push their Headers, Craver,
Steele & Austin withdrew from the com])any and Mr. Spaulding conducted busi-
ness independently for one year. On the ist of January, i8fjo, M. Snyder and
William Miles each bought a fourth interest in the concern, the name of which
was changed to the Spaulding Manufacturing Company. At the end of a year Mr.
Spaulding purchased Mr. Snyder's interest, then owning three-fourths of the busi-
ness. In the decade between 1890 and 1900 the output of the company was in-
creased from two thousand to four thousand vehicles annually. On the 8th of
March, 1893, the Spaulding Manufacturing Company sustained a loss by fire of
from fifty-five to sixty thousand dollars, and the insurance paid thereon was
eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. On the ist of January, 1900, F. E. and
E. H. Spaulding, sons of H. W. Spaulding, bought out William Miles and have
since remained partners of their father, holding a third interest each. In 1903 the
concern manufactured and sold six thousand and one vehicles, while at the pres-
ent time their annual output numbers ten thousand vehicles and employment is
furnished to three hundred people. Their vehicles are sold direct to the consum-
ers and find a ready sale in all the southern, western and northwestern states. For
the past two years they have also manufactured automobiles. The plant of the
company covers almost an entire block and a part of another. The house from
the beginning has sustained a reputation for undoubted integrity and reliability in
its methods that has made the name of Spaulding a synonym for commercial
honor in Grinnell.

Mr. Spaulding is now and for about fourteen years past has been a trustee
of Grinnell College, manifesting a deep and helpful interest in the institution.
He is likewise a prominent factor in financial circles as the president of the Citi-
zens National Bank of Grinnell and is a director in many other institutions. He
deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, since his prosperity is entirely
due to his own labor, his utilization of opportunity and his persistency of purpose.

Mr. Spaulding has been twice married. In October, 1872, he wedded Miss
Miriam J. Lull, by whom he had three sons, namely: Harry E., who died at the
age of twelve years ; F. E. ; and E. H. The wife and mother was called to her
final rest in 1888 and in 1903 Mr. Spaulding was again married, his second union
being with Miss Aimee M. Haight, whose birth occurred near Aurora, Kane
county, Illinois. January 4, 1870. They are the parents of two daughters. Alice C.
and Henryetta W., both of whom were born in Grinnell.

In politics Mr. Spaulding is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public
trust. For one term he served as councilman and for a similar period discharged
the responsible duties devolving upon him as mayor of Grinnell. In the fall of
1910 he was elected to the state senate from the twelfth district, comprising
Keokuk and Poweshiek counties. In that body he is now ably and creditably
serving, taking an active part in the business that is transacted in council cliam-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 7

bers of the state. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Con-
gregational church, to which his wife also belongs and of which he is a trustee.
In all of his business relations Mr. S])aulding has been thoroughly reliable and in
his treatment of employes is just and considerate. Without the aid of influence
or wealth he has risen to a position among the most prominent men of Iowa and
his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping stones on which he has
mounted.

DAVID SUTHERLAND MORRISON.

David Sutherland Morrison, one of Grinnell's foremost citizens, is at the head
of the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing Company, his associates being P>. J.
Ricker and Frederic Morrison. His birth occurred in Ijath, New Hampshire,
on the 23d of October, 1851, his parents being Frederick W. and Anna (Suther-
land) Morrison, extended mention of whom is made on another page of this
work. He was but four years of age when brought b}- his father and mother
to Grinnell and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Following
his graduation from the Grinnell high school he took up the study of civil
engineering in Iowa College and during his three years' attendance at that
institution spent each summer in the field with an engineering corps.

.■\u older brother, Leon, died about the end of that time and the growth of
his father's business called for his assistance in its conduct. When about ready
to enter the factory he received information to the efTect that the civil engineer
under whom he had spent his summers as transit man had been awarded the
contract for the extension of the Burlington & Missouri from Plattsmouth,
-Xebraska, to Denver, and would give him charge of a division if he would
accompany him. The offer meant one hundred and fifty dollars per month, an
attractive salary to a young man of twenty-one years, but his father told him that
the business needed him more and so the die was cast and he entered
manufacturing circles. From that time to the present his efforts have been an
important factor in the successful control of one of the principal industrial
enterprises of Iowa. Prior to 1872 all the gloves in the Grinnell factory had been
cut by hand but in that year Mr. Morrison went to Gloversville, New York, to
purchase dies for cutting and also instituted other modern methods to keep pace
with the increasing business. In 1876 Frederick W. Morrison died and our
subject succeeded him as the head of the concern. In the intervening years
various changes have been made in the style of the firm, Mr. Morrison first
having as partner Andrew Mcintosh, then E. C. Wadsworth and next E. A.
Wadsworth, the son of his previous associate. In 1903 the interest of Mr.
Wadsworth was purchased by B. J. Ricker and Frederic Morrison, a son of
David S. Morrison. However, the business was conducted under the name of
Morrison & Mcintosh until 1907. when INIr. Mcintosh withdrew and the present
firm style was adopted. In connection with his duties as the head of an
extensive and important manufacturing concern Mr. Morrison also acts as vice
president of the Grinnell Savings Bank.

8 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily
and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his
excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which
is today his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established
but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even con-
siderable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed, and he has
demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius
but the outcome of clear judgment and experience.

On the 15th of April, 1876, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss
Fannie Ricker. Her father, Edward Ricker, made his way from Kewanee,
Illinois, to Scott county, Iowa, at an early day and subsequently took up his
abode among the pioneer residents of Grinnell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morrison
have been born six children, the record of whom is as follows : Nellie, who
graduated from Grinnell College with the class of 1899, is now the wife of
Dr. P. E. Somers. of Grinnell. Frederic, who completed the course in Grinnell
College in 191 1, is a partner of his father in the Morrison & Ricker Manu-
facturing Company. Addie, a Grinnell College graduate of 1902, is the wife
of Charles F. Chase, of Mason City, Iowa. Frank H. is at present employed by
his father but has decided to embark in the lumber business in Idaho in the near
future. Julian and Donald are both high school students.

Mr. Morrison is a stanch supporter of the republican party, believing that its
principles are most conducive to good government. He has served on the
town council for three terms and for a similar period has been a member of
the board of education in Grinnell. He is a valued member and a trustee of
the Congregational church, to which his wife and children also belong. His
life has been well spent and in all his career he has been sincere and upright in
his purposes, honorable principles guiding him in all of his relations with his
fellowmen.

ERASTUS SNOW.

.\llhough nearly a decade has elajised since the demise of Erastus .Snow his
personality was too strongly impressed upon the community where he had resided
for so many years for him to be readily forgotten. A man of rare ability and
possessing a high sense of public duty he is remembered as an agriculturist, finan-
cier and legislator, but probably best as the citizen who was always willing to con-
tribute both his time and money to forward any movement for the general good
of the community. Of Puritan extraction, the early principles fostered in a New
England home remained with him throughout life.

His birth occurred in Winchester, New Hampshire, on the 19th of September,
1819. He was reared in the paternal home to the age of twelve years, acquiring
his education in the common schools of his native town. One evening after he had
passed his thirteenth birthday he was reading the paper by the firelight when his
eye was caught by an advertisement which read, "Wanted, a boy in a printing
office. Apply here." Being an ambitious lad, he waj most anxious to begin his
business career and so applied to his father for permission to take the position.

(^y?"Z4^^/0Cy '(^^T-T^.r-Z>) -

THE NEW iCKK \

PUBLIC LIBRARY

A8T0R, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF rOWESHIEK COUNTY 11

Ten minutes later Mr. Snow placed within his pocket a note for fifty dollars,
bearing the signature of little Erastus, remarking as he did so that he would
always have something coming to him. The mother, however, thought better of
her son than that and replied, "That note will be paid." It was to this early
confidence reposed in him by his mother that Erastus Snow attributed much of
his success in after life. At times when everything looked hopeless and he was
ready to give up or was sorely tempted to compromise with right he would remem-
ber his mother, and her belief in him gave him renewed courage and enabled him
to conquer conditions rather than to permit them to conquer him.

The note, which he had given his father, was to compensate the parent for the
latl's time and services up to the time he had attained his majority, which at that
period was deemed to be the right of every parent. At the expiration of three
years it was cancelled, in confirmation of his mother's trust, although the lad
had only received fifty dollars for his first year's service, which sum was doubled
the second and tripled the third year. Before he had attained his majority he
had lifted the mortgage from the old homestead, thus relieving from anxiety
the latter days of his parents. Mr. Snow did not follow his trade for many years,
simply using it as a stepping stone to something higher. Returning to his old home
he worked in the bank for a while but believing that the west afforded better op-
portunities for men of limited means he removed to Iowa. Upon his arrival here
he first '.ocated in Davenport, where he resided for two years, and then removed
to Poweshiek county, buying some land east of Grinnell, in the cidtivation of which
he was engaged when elected president of the First National Bank, following
which he came to town to live. He served most efficiently in various public capaci-
ties daring the long period of his. residence here, having been elected to both
branches of the legislature as well as to the board of supervisors. The latter
office he held at the time when the matter of railroad bonds was being so strongly
.gitated in the county, but probably his most notable service was in assisting the
chool district to cancel its early indebtedness. After leaving the First National
3ank, of which he was the first president, he became connected with the Grinnell
Savings Bank, subsequently assuming the management of the Granger store for
a number of years, while he was also identified with the Farmers Mutual Insur-
ance Company. During the latter years of his life he withdrew from all public
activities and returned to his farm, where he resided until December, 1893, al-
though he rented the land. He then removed to Grinnell, where he was living at
the time of his demise on the ist of March, 1902.

On the 17th of October, 1887, ^Ir. Snow was united in marriage in Boston,
Massachusetts, to Mrs. Harriett E. ( Haskell) Waterhouse, whose husband had
been killed in the first battle of Bull Run. He was a member of Company C,
First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse were living in
Minnesota when the war opened but after the death of her husband she returned
to the east, settling in Boston. She was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (John-
son) Haskell, natives of Maine, in which state the father, who was a strong
abolitionist, engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1852. His wife
survived until 1872. Three children were born unto Mr. Snow by a former mar-
riage but the daughter passed away when she was twenty-four years of age, and
the two sons are also deceased.

12 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

His political allegiance Mr. Snow ever accorded the men and measures of the
republican party, believing its principles were best adapted to protect the inter-
ests of the general public, but he favored free silver. He early adopted for his
motto the old adage "Be sure you are right then go ahead," which became the
governing principle of his life.

JOHN E. DEMPSTER.

John E. Dempster, who owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres
of good land in Chester township, Poweshiek county, and is now living retired,
has made his home in Iowa for fifty-two years and is well acquainted with the
resources of the state and the history of its development since the Civil War.

He is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, born January 3, 1837, and is a son
of Thomas and Phebe (Lane) Dempster, the former born on the eastern shore
of Maryland and the latter in Dutchess county. New York. The ancestors upon
both sides of the house fought in the Revolutionary war, the Crafts, who
belonged to the maternal branch, being driven from the ground where the
battle of White Plains, New York, was fought. The paternal grandfather
moved with his family in the early part of the nineteenth century to Morgan
county, and there passed the remainder of his days. Thomas Dempster came to
Iowa with his family early in the '60s and settled in Scott county, near Daven-
port, on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was successful in his
business and acquired two hundred and eighty acres. He died in this state
and is buried at Vail in Crawford county.

John E. Dempster, of this review, was the second in a family of seven
sons. He attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm, com-
ing to Scott county, Iowa, March 5. 1859, his eldest brother having preceded
him to this state. He applied himself industriously to agriculture and stock-
raising and became one of the well known and popular citizens of Scott
county. He was commissioned captain of the militia September 17, 1864, and
served in that office until the close of the war. He taught school several
terms in his early manhood and also purchased an interest in a threshing
outfit, with which he was connected for several years. In June, 1868, he
bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and as the years advanced
his prosperity increased until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty
acres of good land in Scott county. Since 1900 he has lived in Poweshiek
county, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres, which are cultivated
by his sons, as he retired from active work several years ago.

In 1868 Mr. Dempster was married to Miss Esther E. Burch, a daughter of
Ira and Catherine ( Deyo ) Burch, and to this union three children were born,
two daughters and one son : Emma E., who married E. W. Fisher, a farmer
of Chester township, and has three daughters. Esther E., Ruth M. and Dorothy
E. : Mary J., the wife of W. W. Sherman, of Ottertail county, Minnesota, and
the mother of three children. Harold W., Judith M. and Bernice ; and John J.,
now living upon his own farm, who is married and has two sons, J. Ciaylonl

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COITNTV 13

and Keith G. The mother of these children died December 24, 1873. and Mr.
Dempster was again married in 1875, his second union being with Miss Josephine
Fitzsimmons, a daughter of I'elix I'"itzsimmons, a contractor of New York
state. Three children were born of this union, two .sons and one daughter:
.•\lden II., who married Oral J. Xeely and has two children, tkrtrude J. and
Mildred L. ; Fdna A., who lives at home: and Roscoe. also living at home.

In politics Mr. Dempster gives his allegiance to the republican party and
for many years was one of the active workers for its success. He served as
secretary of the independent school district of Linn (irove from 1868 to 1899. ^
record which probably has never been surpassed in Iowa. He also filled the
office of township clerk for three terms. In 1897 '^^ ^^'^^ elected a member of
the state legislature from Scott county, filling the position with an ability that
reflected upon him the highest credit. He also served in charge of the United
States census of 1890 for Scott county. He displayed an interest and efficiency
in all his official duties which met the hearty approval of the people, his con-
stant aim being to promote the public good. Successful as a business man and
farmer he now enjoys a rest, which he richly earned, and also possesses the
confidence and esteem of all who know him.

WILLIAM F. VOGT.

Starting out for himself as a young man with the laudable ambition to win
for himself an honorable place in the world, William F. Vogt has succeeded,
perhaps, even beyond the brightest expectations of his earliest years, and today
he is living retired on a beautiful farm in Poweshiek county, while his sons
are carrying forward the work which he began. He is a native of Scott county,
Iowa, and was born June 9, 1848, a son of John C. and Catherine (Graff) \'ogt,
both of whom were born in Holstein, Germany. They were married in the old
country and came to .America in 1847, locating on a farm in Scott county,
Iowa, where Mr. Vogt established his home.

Educated in the district schools William F. \'ogt grew up under the friendly
shelter of the parental home and was early marie acquainted with the many
details of agriculture and stock-raising. Even as a boy he showed special
adaptability to agricultural pursuits, and as he grew to manhood it became
evident that he was destined to become a successful farmer. He continued at
home until after he had reached the age of manhood and then began farming
on his own account in his native county. In 1883 he came to Poweshiek
county and for twenty-two years applied himself to farming and stockraising
with most gratifying results. In 1905 he moved to Grinnell, and after living
for three years in the city returned to the country and took up his residence on
a farm which he had acquired adjoining his old homestead. Here, surrounded
by every comfort that can be desired, he is enjoying the fruits of many years
of labor. He is an extensive landowner, being the possessor of one thousand
and nine acres in Poweshiek county, and also of land in Jasper county and three
hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota. In addition to his agricultural interests

14 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

he is vice president of the Citizens Bank of Grinnell, of which he was one of
the founders. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Brick &
Tile Company of Grinnell, and is a man whose judgment in business affairs is
greatly respected wherever he is known.

On the 13th day of March, 1875, Mr. \'ogt was united in marriage to Miss
Wilhelmina Brockman, a daughter of C. H. and Anna (Sindt) Brockman,
both of whom were born in Germany. The family came to America and
located in Scott county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. He
passed away in i8qS, but the mother is still living on the old homestead with her
son. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. \'ogt, namely: C. J., who
married Sadie Evans, of Grinnell township and now lives on the home farm ;
Harry C, also on the home farm ; Walter E. and Otis B., both of whom are
on the home farm ; Clarence, who is now a student in the common schools ;
Grover Cleveland, who is living with his parents : William McKinley ; Anna C. ;
Julia A., who received a high school education and is now teaching at Mon-
tezuma ; and Mildred C, at home.

Mr. Vog^ and his estimable wife are sincere members of the German Luth-
eran church and active workers in its behalf. By his ballot he supports the
principles and candidates of the republican party, being allied with the progres-
sive element, which believes that the party has within itself the resources and
ability to correct the evils of government as they arise. He has always been
enterprising and public-spirited and few men have contributed more materially
to the welfare of the community. As a result he has a host of friends in
Poweshiek county who do not hesitate to declare that William F. \'ogt is a
model citizen.

JACOB SCHULTZ.

The largest and finest home in Malcom township stands as a monument to
the energy, industry and determination, successfully directed along agricultural
lines, of Jacob Schultz, one of the most prominent and substantial citizens of
this locality.

He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the i6th of October, 1857, a son
of John and Mary (Piel) Schultz, both natives of Prussia, Germany. The
father's birth occurred on the 19th of March, 1820, and the mother's on the 2d
of February of that year. They were married in the fatherland and came to the
United States in 1854, locating first in Bureau county, Illinois. Ten years later
they came to Poweshiek county. Iowa, and here cast in their lot with the early
settlers of this district. The father, who was a ship contractor in his native
country, took up the occupation of farming upon his arrival in the United States
and was therein engaged until the time of his demise. The old homestead upon
which he located on coming to Malcom township was all unbroken prairie land
when it came into his possession, and he and his son were the only white men
who have had any part in its cultivation and development. He was unusually
successful in his agricultural undertaking and at one time owned one thousand
acres of land in Malcom and Sheridan townships which, however, was all dis-

,^ -;. ^. <.<?"/?■: ^

(■■ The jst ,v YGHK /

■iPu-BLJcummY

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 17

posed of to his children either before or after his demise. He was a stanch dem-
ocrat in politics and in religious faith was a member of the Lutheran church.
He donated a portion of the old homestead as a site for that church and until
the end remained one of its loyal and substantial supporters. He was the eldest
in a family of eight children, all of whom came. to the United States with the ex-
ception of a sister. They were as follows : John ; Christ, Charles, Gust and
Henry, all deceased: Fred, of Grinnell ; Ilenrietta, who married John Ahrnes,
and is now deceased ; and a sister who passed away in Germany.

In the family of John and Alary (Piel) Schultz there were six children,
namely : Charles, deceased ; Lena, who passed away in childhood ; Fredericka,
who married Lawrence Liedke, of Malcom ; Minnie, the wife of Louis Puis,
who is mentioned at length on another page of this volume ; Jacob, of this re-
view ; and F~red, of Malcom township. The parents of this family are now de-
ceased, the father passing away on the 25th of October, 1884, and the mother
on the nth of April. 1891, their remaining days being spent in the home of our
subject.

Spending the first seven years of his life in his native county, Jacob Schultz,
whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents in 1864 on their
removal to Poweshiek county, and he has since resided on the homestead farm
here which his father purchased at the time of his arrival. His education was
acquired in the country schools and he received a thorough practical training
in the home fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of
the country lad. He continued to give his assistance to his father until the lat-
ter's death, since which time he has carried oij agricultural pursuits independ-
ently upon the portion of his father's estate whkh he inherited. This farm con-
sists of two hundred and eighty-three acres located on the northwest quarter of
section 3, Malcom township, and is one of the best equipped and most valuable
properties in this section. Here Mr. Schultz has introduced all of the con-
veniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and upon
it are to be found twelve substantial outbuildings, all topped by good shingle
roofs, and all, with the exception of one bam, were erected by him.

In 1910 he built a beautiful thirteen-room residence, thirty-two by sixty feet,
with two stories and a basement, frame and finished in hard pine. It is equipped
with every modern improvement to be found in a city home, including a lighting,
heating and water plant, and is the largest and finest home in Malcom township.
Mr. .Schultz carries eleven thousand, five hundred dollars insurance on his build-
ings, and the splendid condition of his farm speaks in no uncertain terms of the
substantial degree of success which has come to him. He engages in general
farming, but a large portion of his time and attention is devoted to his stock-
feeding interests, fattening from eighty to one hundred head of cattle per year
and raising from one to two hundred head of hogs yearly. He ships all of his
stock to the Chicago market and this brandi of his business interests yields large
financial returns. He is a stockholder in the Malcom Savings P>ank and also in
the Malcom Garage Company, and is well known to agricultural circles through-
out Poweshiek county as a stockholder in both the Grinnell and Malcom fairs, a
director of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Association and of the
Malcom fair.

18 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Mr. Schultz has been married twice. In the year 1882 he wedded Miss Ame-
lia Baum, who was born in Germany in 1858, and when twenty-four years of
age came alone to this country. She passed away on the 24th of May, 1901.
Unto this union were born seven children, as follows : Emma, the wife of W. L.
Lamb, of Malcom township; Minnie, Alvena and John, all at home; George, who
passed away when five years old ; and Elmer and May, who are also still under
the parental roof. On the 12th of December, 1910, Mr. Schultz was united in
marriage to Miss Minnie Deffenbaugh. who was born in Fulton county, Illinois,
on the 25th of February, 1869.

Mr. Schultz is a member of the German Lutheran church, the site of which
was donated by his father and of which he is a helpful and interested worker
and a substantial supporter. He is a republican in ])olitics and h.-is filled vari-
ous school and road offices, while for the past seven years he has served as town-
ship trustee. Probably few men are better known in agricultural circles through-
out this district than Mr. Schultz, whose efforts to stimulate the interests of his
fellowmen toward progress and advancement along agricultural and stock-raising
lines have been far-reaching and beneficial. In his public capacity, too, he has
ever sought the good of the community, casting the weight of his influence on
the side of advancement along material, political, intellectual and moral lines,
and in every relation of life he has been found loyal and |ml»lic-spirited, his own
success never for a moment causing him to forget his chities as a citizen.

FRANCIS W. JOHNSTON.

A farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 27, Scott town-
ship, claims the time and attention of Francis W. Johnston, who was born in
Rock Island county. Illinois, in September, 1858. ilis parents. Joseph and
Eliza Jane (Johnston) Johnston, were both natives of Ireland, where they
were reared and married, and soon after that event in their lives they eniigrateil
to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county. Illinois, where four
of their six children were born. In i8f)8 the father removed with his family
to Poweshiek county and here engaged in farming throughout his remaining
years. He died at a comparatively early age, passing away when only thirty-
five years old, at his home in Jackson township. The mother still survives and
now makes her home in Montezuma. Their children were : Francis W., of this
review ; John, who resides in Jackson township ; Mrs. Eliza Smith, deceased :
Mrs. Mary Moshier, who has also departed this life; Matilda, the wife of
William Rempp, of Montezuma; and Josephine, the wife of Joseph Johnston,
also of Montezuma.

Francis W. Johnston was reared to the age of ten years in Rock Island
county, Illinois, and at that age accompanied his parents on their removal to
Poweshiek county. He has made farming his life work and is today the owner
of a well improved farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section
2'j, Scott township. He has made many improvements on the place since it
came into his possession and now has a valuable farm property, the fields

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 19

annually yielding rich and abundant harvests as a reward for the care and
labor which he bestows upon them.

Mr. Johnston was married March 9, 1880, to Miss Maggie Hall, who was
born in Ireland. October 31, 1858, and was but three years of age when, in
1861, her parents, John and Eliza (McKeever) Hall, emigrated to the United
States, while she was a little maiden of nine years at the time the family home
was established in Poweshiek county. Her father was born in County Tyrone,
Ireland, December 28, 1829, and was married in that country, in 1854, to
Miss McKeever. Three daughters were added to the household, Mary Jane,
Margaret (now Mrs. Johnston), and Eliza, ere the emigration of the family
to the new world. They first located in Rock Island county, Illinois, where
three other children were born, these being Susan, Samuel and Rachel. In
1867 Mr. Hall removed with his family to Poweshiek county, Iowa, settling on
a farm seven miles northeast of Montezuma, where many years were devoted to
general farming. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church and died
in that faith on the 29th of January, 1910, when more than eighty years of age.
I lis wife died about thirteen years ago.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston has been blessed with five daughters,
namely: Eliza, the wife of Jo.shua Johnston, of Scott township; Mary, who be-
came the wife of James Johnston but departed this life January 4, 1911 ; Ethel,
the wife of Joseph Hutchinson, a resident of Rock Island county. Illinois: and
Ella and Maggie, at home.

Mr. lohnston i.N a stanch sujiporter of the republican party but is not active
as an office seeker. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
L'nited Presbyterian church of Scott township. He is a man whom to know is
to respect and honor, for his life is lived in harmony with his professions and
his sterling traits of character have won him a host of warm friends.

ESTHER B. M.^cGUGIN.

The value of the local newspaper in the upbuilding of the best interests of
any community is universally conceded. The press has not only recorded the
history of advancement, but has also ever been the leader in the work of progress
and improvement. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper
cannot be estimated but, at all events, its influence is greater than that of any
other single agency. Poweshiek county has every reason to be proud of the
character of its press, for it has many enterprising and progressive journals, and
prominent among these is the Montezuma Republican, one of the oldest news-
pa|)ers of the county. Esther B. MacGugin, who was in April, 1910, appointed
managing editor of this journal, has rightly been accorded a foremost place
among the leading newspaper women of Iowa, her native state.

Her birth occurred in Washington, Washington county, on the 23d of August,
1881. and she is the eldest daughter of Robert Lyle and Minnie (Dickson)
"MacGugin. Her father came to Iowa from Washington county, Pennsylvania,
in the year 1875. and for a time was located at Davenport. Being of a me-

20 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

chanical turn of mind he accepted a position with the Chicago, Rock Island
& Pacific Railway Company. His connection with this institution has continued
for thirty-seven years, and at present he is one of the oldest men in its employ.
Her mother, who attended the public schools of Washington, and later studied
in the academy, was engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. Rep-
resentatives of the name in Pennsylvania have long been identified with agri-
cultural pursuits, in the conduct of which they have proven uniformly suc-
cessful. Inheriting a fondness for the free, independent life of the country,
they have as a rule become well-to-do farmers, — well improved farms, large
families and a competency, with contentment, being characteristic of a large
portion of them. A goodly number, however, have sought fortune in other
channels, entering the commercial field and the various professions, in which they
have attained success and prosperity. Among the distant relatives of our sub-
ject is numbered Hon. Joseph R. Reed, who for many years served on the
supreme court bench of Iowa.

Esther B. MacGugin was reared in the town of her nativity, and at the
usual age was sent as a student to the public school. Upon completing the
course therein taught she entered Washington high school, from which she was
graduated in 1898. and later received the benefit of a year's work in Parsons
College. W^ith a strong literary inclination and a ready aptitude for writing,
she turned toward the journalistic field as a life work, and for more than twelve
years has been identified with newspaper work, her uninterrupted rise therein
in the meantime being rapid and well merited.

She began her career as a correspondent from Valley Junction for a Des
Moines paper, was later given 3 position as reporter on the staff of one of the
papers of the capital and subsequently became connected with the Washing-
ton (Iowa) Journal. She resigned the latter position, however, to enter the
University of California, where she pursued a special course in journalism.

Being thus well equipped for further advancement in her chosen vocation
she accepted a position with the Joplin (Missouri) Daily Cilobe, a large publica-
tion in the south, and succeeded Mrs. Baker, one of the best known news-
paper women in the United States, who has written for over a quarter of a
century under the nom de plume of "Becky Sharp." Miss MacGugin edited
the woman's department of this large daily for two years, and also contributed
stories to the magazine section.

She also at that time wrote some very original, logical and impressive articles
under the pen name of Esther Belle. About four years ago she became iden-
tified with the Needham syndicate of newspapers, and since her connection
therewith her career has been unusually successful. Her excellent journalistic
ability won well merited recognition when, about a year ago, she was appointed
to the office of managing editor of the Montezuma Republican, to succeed J.
R. Williams. This paper, which belongs to the syndicate, is one of the oldest
and best known journals of the locality, and is the oldest republican news-
paper in the county. At its best, or at its worst, a newspaper is the
expression of the personality of the single individual at its head, anil .
thus the present flourishing condition of the Republican is a logical indication
of the rare business acumen and excellent executive ability of its managing

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 21

editor. She is also a writer of considerable ability, and in the columns of her
paper appear many evidences of her attractive and pleasing style.

Miss MacGugin is a member of the Northern Press syndicate and of the
Burrell Newspaper syndicate of New York, and she has contributed largely
to various metropolitan papers of Iowa. One paper, the Davenport Democrat
and Leader, states of her: "Her experiences have been sufficiently varied to
enable her to be among the premiers of journalism."

V. S. WILCOX, M. D.

The medical fraternity finds a worthy representative in Dr. V. S. Wilcox,
who has made Malcom the scene of his activity throughout his connection with
the medical profession. He was born in Homer, Licking county, Ohio, on the
iith of October, 1848, a son of J. P. and Mary (Stark) Wilcox, natives of
Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. In the Keystone state the parents were reared
and married and at an early day went to Ohio. The mother passed away in
Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois, and later the father came to Iowa with his
son, Dr. Wilcox. He engaged in merchandising at one time, although the
greater part of his life was devoted to farming. His death occurred at Aurora,
Nebraska. His family consisted of three children, of whom our subject is the
eldest, the others being: Louisa, the wife of Jasper Weimer, of North English,
Iowa county, Iowa ; and Ella, residing in Aurora, Nebraska.

Dr. Wilcox was but seven years of age when he came with his father to
Iowa, locating first in Washington county, and in that and lo.wa county he
spent the intervening period until twenty-two years of age. At the usual age he
became a pupil in the public schools, continuing therein until his graduation
from the high school, and for one year pursued a literary course at the Iowa
State University. He then became a student in the medical department of that
institution, from which he was graduated three years later, in 1874, when the
M. D. degree was conferred upon him. Immediately after his graduation he
came to Malcom and here he has since continued in the practice of his profes-
sion. From the first he was highly successful, impressing all with whom he
came m contact with his trustworthy character, his earnestness, zeal and scrupu-
lous regard for the ethics of his profession. He is skilful in diagnosis, sure in
prescription, thoughtful and tactful in attendance, and prompt and efficacious
in emergency. Aside from a large practice, which is distinctively representa-
tive and lucrative, he is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty
acres a mile from town, which returns him a most substantial annual income.

In 1871 Dr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hamilton,
who was born in Tiffin, Johnson county, Iowa, in July, 185 1, a daughter of
Hezekiah Hamilton. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Wilcox have been born three children,
as follows: Delano, a graduate of the literary department of the Iowa State
University, also of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and who is now practicing
medicine in connection with his father; Mabel F., the wife of Oscar Bowers,

22 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

of Malcom : and Nellie G., who married Henry Wickman, now operating Ur.
Wilcox"s farm in Malcom township.

Dr. Wilcox's professional relations are with the Poweshiek County Medical
Society and the Iowa State Medical Society. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch
Mason and also belongs to Oriental Commandery, No. 22, K. T., of Newton,
while he is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and was a member
of the board of education for thirty years, during which time he served on the
building committee of the Malcom high school. For a period of thirty-seven
years Dr. Wilcox has practiced continuously in Malcom — a period character-
ized by self-sacrifice and kindly ministrations to others — and during that time
he has become the loved family physician in many households. He has ever
had the interest of the community deeply at heart and few deserve a more
prominent position among the town's most representative and valued citizens.

C. WILLIAM PEARCE.

A member of a well known family of Poweshiek county, C. William Pearce
is now living retired at Grinnell, having reached the age of seventy-two years.
He has been a resident of this county for sixty-three years and ranks among the
pioneers of a section that is now one of the most productive and prosperous parts
of the state. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, November 22, 1839,
and is a son of Peter S. and Margaret (Prosser) Pearce, the father being a native
of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. Peter S. Pearce, who was a carpenter
and builder by trade, removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1836 and seven years
later took up his residence in Illinois. In 1848 he came to Poweshiek county and
settled on government land in Grinnell township, where he established the fam-
ily on a farm of two hundred acres, which he developed from its wdld state
until it became a valuable property. He was a man of influence and responsi-
bility, whose name was accepted as a synonym for industry and integrity. In poli-
tics he adhered to the democratic party and was elected justice of the peace an
office which he filled with marked ability for a number of years. Fraternally he
was connected with Herman Lodge, No. 273, .A. F. & .\. M.. of Grinnell. He was
called to his reward while still residing on the old homestead in 1877, his wife
having died ten years earlier. On the maternal side the family record has been
traced back for over one hundred \-ears. our subject's grandfather Prosser hav-
ing served in the war of 1812.

C. William I'earce has been a resident of Iowa since he was nine \ears of
age. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and remained on the home
farm until icpi. since which time he has been an honored resident of Grinnell.
He still nwns tw" linn(h-ed ;inil tDurteen acres of land in Grinnell township and his
residence in the cit\-. He was married in January, 1864, to Miss Matilda G.
lirown, who wa< born in Somersetshire. England. October 23, 1828, an<l was a
daiisrhter nf Jnhn anrl Maria (Grant) Brown. She came with her parents to
.\merica in 1850. the family living for several years in Wisconsin. In 1854 they

r
>

THE NEW YCKK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

A»TO(t, LENOX AND
TtLDEN FOU:.0»TI0NS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 25

arrived in Poweshiek county, six months after the first settlement was made at
C.rinnell. After a happy married life of more than forty years Mrs. Pearce
(lied at Grinnell in 1907. She was a woman of many admirable traits of mind
and heart and a consistent member of the Congregational church. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Pearce were the following children : George G., who is now mar-
ried and lives in Washington township ; Frank H., who is also married and lives
in (Jrinnell township; Nellie M., who married James R. Rutherford, a farmer
of Idaho; Seth J., who is married and lives in Grinnell township; and Mary C,
who married J. R. Nicholl and lives in Jasper county.

Mr. Pearce set a worthy example for his children and today they are useful
and honorable members of society, each performing his or her work in the pro-
motion of the general welfare. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party and while he has not sought public office he has ever been a consistent
advocate of honest government administered in accordance with practical business
principles. The excellent qualities he has manifested as a citizen, as a business
man and in private life fully entitle him to the respect in which he is universally
held.

S. W. GRAY.

In his early boyhood S. W. Gray came with his parents to Poweshiek
county and ever since that time he has been a resident of this county. He is
now a prosperous farmer of Washington township who, by his upright char-
acter, well applied industry and sound birsiness judgment, has gained the
respect of the entire community.

He is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and was born October 8, 1870, a son of
Herman C. and Almeda (Booth) Gray. The father was born in Holmes
county, Ohio, May 30, 1822, and the mother in one of the eastern states. They
were married at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the time of the Civil War Mr. Gray
served faithfully in behalf of the Union. He was discharged at Davenport,
following which he engaged in teaming for a number of years. In the spring
of 1S77 he came with his family to Poweshiek county and purchased the
farm upon which his son, S. W., now lives. He died April 10, 1902, having
previously retired from active labors. The mother is now living at Grinnell.
Mr. Gray was a man of exceptional character, who exercised a good influence
u]ion all with whom he came in contact. Politically he was an ardent supporter
of the republican party. He took an active part in politics and served as town-
ship trustee and also as school director. In religious belief he adhered to the
Methodist church and for a number of years filled very acceptably the offices
of trustee and steward in the church. There were eight children in the family
and Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Gray, namely ; Josie, who is deceased ; Ella, the
wife of Tilman Vestal, of Lynnville, Iowa; Herbert, who lives at Grinnell:
Carrie, also deceased: Alfred and Ida, twins, the former now living in Mon-
tana and the later with her mother ; S. W., our subject : and Bert, who lives in
Salt Lake City, Utah.

26 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

S. W. Gray arrived in Poweshiek county with his parents when he was seven
years of age and received his education in the public schools of Washington
township. He assisted his father upon the home farm until attaining his ma-
jority, when he rented a farm for two years on his own account. He then pur-
chased eighty acres in Washington township, which he cultivated to good
advantage for five years and then disposed of, buying the old homestead of
two hundred acres upon which he is now well established. He is a general
farmer and stock-raiser, paying special attention to the raising of horses and
cattle, for which he has a rare aptitude.

On the 25th of June, 1893, Mr. Gray was married at Searsboro, to Miss
Clara Spillman, a daughter of J. A. and Sarah (\"estal) Spillman, of Washing-
ton township. Mrs. Gray was born in Washington township, September 15,
1870. Her parents are both natives of North Carolina. The father settled in
Poweshiek county about fifty years ago and is now living retired. The mother
died about 1900. Mr. Spillman has for many years been identified with the
Masonic order. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray, namely:
Grace, who is deceased ; and Farrell Ray, Robert and Addie, all of whom are
at home.

Mr. Gray has never been a seeker after political office, but casts his vote for
the republican party believing that its principles are highly important in
advancing the permanent welfare of the state and nation. Fraternally he is
connected with the Odd Fellows, his membership being in the lodge at Sears-
boro. He has many friends in the order and also among men who are not
identified with any fraternal organization. Genial in manner and pleasing
in address, he easily makes his way wherever he desires to be known, and he
enjoys the good will of all with whom he comes into contact.

FREDERICK WILLIAM MORRISON.

Although thirty-five years have passed since Frederick William Morrison
was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of Grinnell's older
residents as one of the most prominent and respected early settlers of the town.
As the founder of what is now the ]\Iorrison & Ricker Manufacturing Com-
pany, one of the principal industrial enterprises of Iowa, the record of his life
well merits a place in a volume of this character.

His birth occurred in Bath, New Hampshire, on the 29th of July, 181 3, and
he was a gentleman of Scotch-Irish lineage. He obtained a good education in the
common schools and after putting aside his text-books learned the tanner's
trade, working by the side of Mr. Parker, the father of Ira Parker, who later
developed the Saranac glove industry in Littleton, New Hampshire, using prac-
tically the same process in tanning leather that Mr. Morrison introduced in
Iowa. On the 4th of October, 1843. he was united in marriage to Miss Ann
Sutherland, a daughter of the Rev. David Sutherland, who was for many years
father and so called priest of the Congregational community of Bath, New
Hampshire. The wife brought to her new duties all the refinement of a Chris-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 27

tian home and the knowledge gained by varied experience. She had attended
Mount Holyoke Seminary as a member of the first class, under Mary Lyon,
subsequently followed the profession of teaching in Littleton, New Hampshire,
and later went to Plymouth, that state, where she learned to make gloves. Mr.
and Mrs. Morrison began their domestic life in Bath, where five children were
born unto them — three sons and two daughters. Two of the number reached
mature age, Mary and David.

With the call from J. B. Grinnell for the building of a model colony in Iowa
was an advertisement for a tanner, to which Mr. Morrison responded, bringing
his family west in the fall of 1855. After reaching the terminus of the rail-
road at Rock Island, Illinois, he made his way down the Mississippi river by
boat to Muscatine, where he procured a private hack in which to make the jour-
ney of one hundred and twenty miles to his new home. A number of the resi-
dents of his native town had preceded him and here he found friends and kin-
dred, spending the winter in the home of David Sutherland, a brother of Mrs.
Morrison. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Morrison erected a small house at the
corner of Sixth avenue and State street, which corner is marked by tall cotton-
wood trees on the college campus, the house having been moved to make room
for the circular drive on the south. Not having capital sufficient to build a
tannery, Mr. Morrison begail tanning in the open and put in vats north of the
mill pond, the mill being located on the corner of Fifth avenue and State street.
Here was begun the work which led to the development of the Grinnell glove
industry. Like all tanners of his day, Mr. Morrison was both a tanner and
currier and undertook to tan and finish anything from glove leather to sole
leather. His first desire was to establish a horse collar shop and considerable
work was done in this line. Gradually, however, he turned his attention toward
glove-making. Deer were still numerous in Iowa and Grinnell soon became a
market for them. The tanning process was a sore trial in the early days, as
the oak bark was found unsuitable and shumac and smartweed proved to be of
little value. Finally a small shipment of gambier, an imported article, was re-
ceived and Mr. Morrison developed a combination process which is still used
in the tannery. No salesmen were employed for a number of years but tht
stage drivers made a good substitute as they learned the value of the Grinnell
gloves. Orders began to come in from adjoining towns and annually increased
in number. In 1859 a tannery was erected west of Grinnell and prior to the
completion of the railroad in 1863 large shipments were sent to Newton, Des
Moines and points farther west. Mr. Morrison lived to see but the beginning
of the industry, though at the time of his demise it had outgrown the kitchen
and the home and occupied half of the Deacon Whitcom harness shop on Fourth
avenue. The glove sales of 1876 amounted to nine thousand dollars. Though
he passed away when the enterprise was practically still in its infancy, he es-
tablished a reputation for integrity in all his dealings with his fellowmen that is
more to be desired than great riches.

Mr. Morrison was a modest, retiring gentleman, faithful in attendance at
church services but not an active participant. He was an interesting conversa-
tionalist and his friends found him a congenial companion whose never-failing
supply of stories showed a rare appreciation of the best kind of humor. He was

28 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

not strong physically but no man in the community was more faithful or per-
sistent in his attention to all the requirements of his business. His word was
as good as his bond and his demise, which occurred on the i6th of August,
1876, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his life had been at
all times unselfish, upright and honorable.

CHARLES H. ONTHANK.

Among the worthy citizens of Poweshiek county who have passed to their
reward, leaving behind them memories of useful labors and kindly acts that
cannot be forgotten by the present generation, should be named Charles H. On-
thank. He was born in New York, June 13, i860, and departed this life Decem-
ber 21, 1908, being then in his forty-eighth year. His parents were George H.
and Isabella (Woods) Onthank, both of whom were natives of New York state.
At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted in an Illinois regiment and served
as a musician until the close of the Rebellion. He acquitted himself so creditably
that he was placed in charge of a hospital in Tennessee after the war was over and
having discharged this duty came to Iowa with his family in 1869 and for sev-
eral years worked at the blacksmith's trade at Grinnell. Later he became con-
nected with the Iowa Central Railroad at Grinnell as baggage agent and was also
employed in the postoffice at Grinnell. He died June 6, 1908, but his wife is still
living at Grinnell. Politically he gave his support to the republican party and
fraternally was a valued member of the Masonic order and the Grand Army of
the Republic. In religious faith he adhered to the Baptist church in which he
took a great interest, serving for a number of years as deacon. Two children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Onthank: Charles H.; and Martha, the wife of George L.
Brown, of Grinnell.

Charles H. Onthank came to Grinnell with his father at the age of ten years
and received his early education in the public schools. After reaching manhood
he went to South Dakota and took up government land, but after spending three
years in that state he returned to Grinnell and worked in the freight house of the
Iowa Central Railroad Company. About 1891 he purchased fifty-five acres of
land in Grinnell township, later acquiring fifty acres additional. After cultivating
his farm for a while he sold it and purchased two hundred acres in Washington
township, which he improved, greatly adding to its value. This place he also sold
and in December, 1899, bought a farm of two hundred and thirty acres, which is
still in possession of the family. He made a specialty of raising hogs and cattle
for the market and became known as one of the prosperous and progressive men
of the community.

On the 2ist of August, 1889, Mr. Onthank was married to Miss \iola Robin-
son, who was born July 7, 1870, in McDonough county, Illinois, and is a daughter
of Robert and Mary Jane ( Holden ) Robinson. The father was born near Louis-
ville. Kentucky, October 8. 1841, and the mother near Cincinnati, Ohio, July 10,
1848. He engaged in farming in Kentucky and later in McDonough county, Illi-
nois. In the fall of 1872 he came with his family to Poweshiek county and pur-

^-^^r^

HISTORY OF I'OWESlin^.K COUNTY 31

chased a farm of eighty acres in Grinnell township. He sold his farm in 1893
and retired with his wife to Grinnell, where he passed away May 30, 1901. His
wife died August 2, 1908. They were both consistent members of the Baptist
church. In politics he was a supporter of the republican party and being an ear-
nest friend of education served very acceptably as a member of the school board
in Grinnell township. Eight children constituted the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Onthank : Florence, who was born October 29, 1891, and is now the wife of
William \'an Wvk, of Lynnville, Iowa; Lillian M., born July 20, 1893. who mar-
ried Charles P. Kimball and is now living on the old hoinestead ; Charles H. R.,
born May 26, 1895; Grace Isabelle, born April i. 1897; Alma Viola, born Febru-
ary II, 1899; Edward W., born June 26, 1901 ; Paul L., born June 17. 1903; and
George W., born October 26, 1906.

Mr. Onthank was a firm believer in the Christian religion and a sincere mem-
ber of the Baptist church, as is his widow. In politics he gave his support to the
republican party and served for two terms as school director. Fraternally he
was identified with the Odd Fellows and he had many friends in the order and
also in Poweshiek county. Mrs. Onthank continues to reside on the old homestead
and receives from her children and from all who know her the love and respect
which is due to unquestioned worth.

WILLIAM F. SCHMIDT.

William F. Schmidt, an enterprising and energetic agriculturist of Powe-
shiek county, owns a well improved tract of land, comprising one hundred and
twenty acres in Washington township, and devotes his attention to both farm-
ing and stock-raising. His birth occurred in that township on the i8th of May,
1864, his parents being Peter and Eliza (Sanders) Schmidt, who are mentioned
at greater length in another part of this work. Unto them were born ten chil-
dren, as follows: William F., of this review; Sarah, the wife of Harmon Sul-
lee, of Washington township; Samuel, who is a resident of Jasper county, Iowa;
Henry J., living in Washington township, and who is represented elsewhere
in this volume; Elizabeth, the wife of Guy Ford, who makes her home in
Canada ; Peter and Francis, both at home ; Frank, who is deceased ; Mary, the
wife of William Whalen, of Mahaska county, Iowa; and Rose, the wife of
August Gregor, of Bismarck, North Dakota.

William F. Schmidt obtained his education in the schools of his native town-
ship. Upon leaving school he assisted in the operation of the home farm for
several years. He also worked at well driving and tile laying for a time. In
1899 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Wash-
ington township, draining the land and otherwise improving the property. In
addition to cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate he also devotes
considerable attention to the raising of stock, having met with a gratifying
measure of success in both branches of his business.

On the 28th of December, 1898, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to
Miss Amelia Mader, a daughter of John and Anna Marie (Bausch) Mader,

32 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

both of whom were natives of 'Baden, Germany, the former born in Septem-
ber, 1832, and the latter on the 28th of September, 1833. Their marriage was
celebrated in the fatherland. John Mader, who was a farmer by occupation,
emigrated to the United States in 1882, locating in Moline, Illinois, where he
labored in the mills and also in the plow works. His demise occurred on the
5th of December, 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of
December, 1898, both passing away in the faith of the Catholic church. Their
children were seven in number, namely: Anton, who is a resident of Germany;
Barbara, who is the wife of Max Hanger and also resides in Germany ; Joseph,
living in the state of Washington ; Engelbert, of Colfax. Washington ; Mrs.
Christian Kill, deceased, of Moline, Illinois ; Mrs. Schmidt, who was born in
Baden, Germany, on the 3d of November, 1865, and who accompanied her par-
ents on their emigration to the United States ; and Gustav, who is a resident of
San Francisco, California. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William F. Schmidt have been
born two children: Anna Marie, whose natal day was November 16, 1899; and
Joseph Frederick, whose birth occurred on the 19th of March, 1904.

In politics Mr. Schmidt is independent, supporting men and measures rather
than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic
church, of which his wife is also a devoted communicant. He has resided in
Poweshiek county from his birth to the present time. That his life has ever
been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his
boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.

ELBERT W. CLARK, Jr.

Elbert W. Clark, Jr., conducting a lumber yard in Grinnell, is accounted one
of the leading and progressive business men of the city, and his life record indi-
cates what may be accomplished when determination, energy and laudable ambi-
tion constitute the foundation for success. He was born here on the 28th of
February, 1880, a son of Dr. Elbert W. Clark, of whom extended mention is
made elsewhere in this volume. He was one of the best lo\'ed citizens of Grin-
nell, not alone because of his professional skill in the practice of medicine, but
also because of his ready sympathy and his kindly assistance whenever aid was
needed.

Under the parental roof Elbert W. Clark, Jr., spent his youthful days, his time
being largely given to the acquirement of an education in the public schools, and
later in Iowa College of this city, from which he was graduated with the class of
1900, winning the degree of Bachelor of Science. There was no intermediate
period between his school days and his entrance into business life, for when he
put aside his text-books he at once sought emiiloyment and secured a position in
the lumber yard of Carney Brothers, with whom he remained a year and a half.
Later, in association with E. B. Brande, he purchased a half interest in the busi-
ness that belonged to W. J. Carney, the senior member of the firm, at which time
the style of the business was changed to Carney, Rrande & Clark. This was on
the 1st of February, 1902. Lender this organization the business was conducted

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 38

for the years, during which time Mr. Clark, had charge of the yard, and in that
capacity learned all of the details of the lumber business. At the end of that
time he and j. L. Fellows purchased the interests of Mr. Carney and Mr. Brande
and the style of the firm became Clark & Fellows, February i, 1907. This part-
nership relation was maintained for two years.

Mr. Clark is today one of the best informed men concerning lumber in this
section of the state and he has displayed skill and ability as a manager. On the
1st of February, 1909, he purchased his partner's interest in the business, since
which time he has conducted his lumber yard independently. For the past three
years he has also operated a branch yard at Vancleve, Iowa, and in Grinnell is
known as the president of the Grinnell Planing Mill Company and also as a mem-
ber of the board of directors of the People's Light & Fuel Company. He pos-
sesses that keen insight into business affairs which, for want of a better term,
has been called commercial sense. His plans are carefully made and then force-
fully executed and what he undertakes he carries forward to successful com-
pletion.

On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ada
\alleau, of Grinnell, a daughter of Mrs. Angie Valleau of this city, and they now
have one son, E. W. Clark III. In politics Mr. Clark is an earnest republican, but
not an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 58,
I. O. O. F. and with Marshalltown Lodge, No. 312, B. P. O. E. He is a charter
member of Poweshiek Club and both he and his wife hold membership in the
Congregational church. Having spent his entire life in Grinnell, he is very widely
known and the many sterling qualities of character which he has developed has
made him a popular citizen as well as a progressive, enterprising and prosperous
business man.

SAMUEL J. SNIDER.

Samuel J. Snider, who is engaged in general farming in Union township, was
born in the township where he is now residing on the 12th of March, 1855, ^^'^
is the eldest son of the late John and Rachel (Durbin) Snider. The father was
a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the mother of Muskingimi county, that
state. John Snider, who was a lumberman, came to Poweshiek county as a young
man and engaged in farming, continuing to be identified with that vocation until
about five years prior to his death, at which time he retired. The mother has
also passed away. L'nto them were born eight children, five of whom are living,
namely: Samuel J., our subject: Morton L., who is residing in Union township;
( "icorge B. and Martha, both of whom are deceased ; Alice, who married Stephen
Rivers, also of Union township ; Elizabeth, the wife of Grant Johnson, of this
township: Cora, who married John W. Rogers, of Bates county, Missouri; and
■■"rank, deceased. The family attended the Christian church, of which the father
was for many years an elder, while his political allegiance was accorded the dem-
ocratic party and he served his township in the capacity of school director.

The boyhood and youth of Samuel J. Snider did not differ save in detail from
those of other farmer lads of that period and like circumstances. His time was

34 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

divided between the work of tlie schoolroom and the ])erformance of such tasks
as were assigned by parental authority, while for recreation he indulged in the
sports in which young people in the more sparsely settled communities usually
revel. In the acquirement of his education he attended the district schools in his
vicinity, and after laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work
of the farm. Later he worked by the month as a farm hand, being thus em-
ployed until he attained his majority. He subsequently jnirchased forty-two acres
of land and engaged in general farming. Having met with a fair degree of suc-
cess in his ventures he has since added to his original tract until he now owns one
hundred and two acres of land, which is under a good state of cultivation.

Ever since age conferred upon him the right of suffrage Mr. Snider has given
his political support to the candidates of the democratic party, while his religious
views are manifested through his affiliation with the Christian church, of which he
was formerly a deacon. He has always led a quiet, unobtrusive life but is
known to be a kind neighbor and loyal friend.

WILLIAM J. ELWOOD.

Of honest and resolute Irish parentage, William J. Elwood, of Sheridan town-
ship, was endowed at birth with those qualities of grit and perseverance which
generally lead to the accomplishment of worthy objects. He is a native son of
Iowa and was born in Tama county, March zj, 1873. his parents being James
and Anna (Jackson) Elwood. The father was born in Ireland and came to
•America early in the "50s, locating in Tama county, Iowa. The mother was mar-
ried to Mr. Elwood at Dunlap, Iowa.

^^'illiam J. Elwood was reared in his father's home and early engaged in rail-
road construction in Tama county. In 1896 he came to Poweshiek county and
engaged in farming, later renting land until the fall of 1910, when he purchased
two hundred acres on section 24 of Sheridan township, where he established his
home. His place is under excellent cultivation and is well watered and drained,
there being no waste land on the farm. He engages in general farming and also
fattens stock for the market. His wife is interested in the raising of full-blooded
Plymouth Rock chickens.

On the isth of February, 1898, Mr. Elwood was married to Miss Kate Mul-
ligan, a daughter of Michael and Anna (Martin) Mulligan, who came from
County Louth, Ireland, to America after their marriage in the early part of the
■50s. They located on a farm of two hundred acres in Sheridan township, Powe-
shiek county, and, in 1895, Mr, Mulligan purchased eighty acres additional in
Chester township. In 1904 he moved to Tama, where he still lives. Mrs. Mulli-
gan died about 1886 at the old homestead in Sheridan township. Air. and Mrs.
Elwood are the parents of one child, .Anna .\rlene. She was born March 31,
1902, and is now attending the Hickory Grove district school.

Mr. Elwood and his family are sincere members of the Roman Catholic church
of Tama. He gives his support politically to the democratic party and is a great
admirer of William Jennings P.ryan, considering him one of the brightest politi-

IITSTORV OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 35

cal leaders that America has ever known. As a good friend of education Mr. El-
wood has served very acceptably as member of the school board of District No.
8, Sheridan township. He is interested in all movements for the promotion of
the permanent welfare of the county and is at the present time a member of the
board of directors of the Sheridan Creamery Company. Although in actual own-
ership of his farm but comparatively a short time, he has demonstrated his ability
as an agriculturist, and his place promises to become one of the highly productive
properties of this part of the county. His success is well deserved, as it is the re-
sult of years of well directed labor.

WILLIAM ASBURY TAYLOR.

William Asbury Taylor, who owns the Searsboro Telephone Company,
was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, on the 29th of March, 1852. He
is a son of Mathew and Mary (Michaels) Taylor, also natives of North Caro-
lina. The father, who was a farmer, came to Poweshiek county in 1855, locat-
ing in Union township, where he purchased a farm. When the call came for
men in 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry
and went to the front, where he remained for three years, receiving his dis-
charge at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1865. His political support Mr. Taylor always
gave to the men and measures of the republican party, while he kept in touch
with his comrades of the field through the medium of his connection with the
G. A. R. In matters religious both hei and Mrs. Taylor manifested their views
through their affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor was born nine children, as follows : William Asbury, our subject ;
Nancy, the widow of J. A. Kline, of Washington township ; Sarah, the wife of
N. W. Pierce, of Blue Point, Washington township ; John, who is deceased ;
Dorcas ; Frank, deceased ; Finley, who is a resident of Grinnell ; and Ella, the
wife of Ira C. Heeler, also a resident of Washington township, and one who
died in infancy, being the sixth child in order of birth.

After the completion of his preliminary education, which was acquired in
the common schools, William Asbury Taylor studied for a time at Iowa Col-
lege, Grinnell, Iowa, following which he taught school for a few years. Decid-
mg at the end of that period that he preferred farming he went to Washington
township where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1881. For two years
thereafter he conducted a general merchandise business in Searsboro, but in
1883 he returned to farming. In 1908 he bought the Searsboro Telephone Com-
pany, with which he continues to be successfully identified. They have over
two hundred and twenty subscribers on the line and their business is constantly
increasing.

Mr. Taylor was united in marriage on the 17th of October, 1872, to Miss
Minnie Reed, a daughter of Charles and Malvina (Wood) Reed of Mahaska
county, Iowa. The father was a native of England and the mother of New
York state, where they were married. Mr. Reed emigrated to the L^nited
States in his early manhood, locating in the state of New York where he en-

36 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

gaged in contracting. In 1855 together with his wife and family he came to
Poweshiek county, continuing to follow his trade, and he also worked in the
mines in the vicinity of New Sharon, Iowa. He served for three or four years
in the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, being honorably
discharged. In politics he was a republican and both he and his wife affiliated
with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mrs. Taylor is a native of the state of New York, her birth having occurred
there on the nth of May, 1854. Ten children have been born' of the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the order of their birth being as follows : Frankie, who
is deceased ; May, the wife of J. W. P'layle, residing in the vicinity of Monte-
zuma; Nina, the deceased wife of Frank Morrison; Charles, who lives in Pleas-
ant township; Fred, a resident of Washington township; Clara, the wife of
R. D. Ready, of Hayes county, Nebraska ; John, who is living in the same place ;
and Frank, Henry and Pearl, all of whom are at home.

In religious matters the views of the family coincide with those of the Meth-
odist Episcopal denomination, the parents being affiliated with the church at
Blue Point, and fraternally Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic order. He
casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and served for sev-
eral terms as school trustee, township clerk and assessor, while for eighteen
years he was secretary of the township school board. He is one of the public-
spirited and progressive citizens, as well as capable business men of Searsboro.
where he is widely known- and highly regarded.

WILLIAM STEELE SANDERS.

.\mong the esteemed citizens of Grinnell township is William Steele Sanders,
the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land and a man whose sterling
traits of character have gained for him the highest respect and confidence. He
is a native son of Iowa, born at Grinnell, January 30, 1873, his parents being
George Lucius and Mary (Steele) Sanders. The father was a native of New
Ipswich. New Hampshire, and the mother of Arcade, New York. They were
married at Arcade in 1870 but had both livetl at Grinnell, having come to Iowa in
1863. ;\Ir. Sanders was for a number of years proprietor of the Sanders House
and later engaged in farming. He subsequently moved to Modesto, California.
Politically he gave his allegiance to the republican party and in religious belief w'as
affiliated with the Congregational church.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Alonzo and Ann D. (Tracy)
Steele. Her father was born near Arcade, New York, August 15, 1816, and be-
came a student at Oberlin College, where he met Miss Ann D. Tracy, who was
also a student there, and their acquaintance led to their marriage. He engaged
in the woolen business at Arcade, New York, and in 1863 came to Poweshiek
county, Iowa, where Professor Parker had invested in land for him, buying it at
ten dollars per acre. This land became the family homestead. Mr. Steele en-
gaged in the lumber business at Grinnell and later in the sale of agricultural imple-
ments, this business developing into a large hardware store, which was con-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 39

ducted under the name of Graver, Steele & Austin. The company continued for
twenty-five years at Grinnell and then moved to Harvey, Illinois, where they met
with reverses and the business was abandoned. Mr. Steele was an earnest mem-
ber of the Congregational church and a liberal contributor toward all Christian
enterprises. Originally he was identified with the whig party but he became a
republican and continued as a supporter of the republican party during the re-
mainder of his days. He was an active worker in politics but never sought the
honors or emoluments of office. His wife was a woman of a remarkably bright
mind, a sincere Christian and a true philanthropist. Her home was noted as a
center of hospitality and kindliness. She passed away in 1853. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Steele were three children : Mary, who married George Lucius
Sanders ; Louise, who is deceasetl ; and Myra, also deceased. A professorship in
mathematics at Grinnell College was established by Mr. Steele as a memorial to
his daughter Myra.

William Steele Sanders received his early education in the public schools of
Grinnell and later entered Grinnell College, from which he was graduated in 1895
with the degree of I!. S. He was attracted to agricultural pursuits and has de-
voted his attention to farming, being now the owner of one of the most desirable
farms of Grinnell township. It comprises one hundred and si.xty acres of the land
which was acquired by his grandfather nearly fifty years ago and one hundred
and sixty acres which he purchased as a result of his own well directed labors.
In connection with the cultivation of the soil he raises and feeds stock and, as he
is both scientific and practical in his methods, the results are very satisfactory.

In January. 1899, Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Delia Andrews,
a native of Ladora, Iowa, and a daughter of Daniel Andrews, who was a resident
of (irinnell for several years and is now living in California. Three children have
come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders: Lyman A., Robert R. and Mary
Elizabeth.

Mr. Sanders politically is allied with the republican party and in religious
belief he adheres to the Congregational church. He has spent his entire life in
Poweshiek county and through his business ability and spirit of progressiveness
he has gained a host of friends. He is a representative of the younger generation
of farmers, who possess advantages of training unknown to their fathers and oc-
cupy advanced lines in all departments of the industry. By a useful and honor-
able life he has acquired a standing which is of vastly greater value than immense
wealth gained through questionable methods.

ORLANDO D. HALL.

Orlando D. Hall is well known as the owner of the Maple Lawn Farm,
located on section 3, Scott township, Poweshiek county, and his popularity
among his fellow townsmen has been proven by the fact that in IQ06. although
living in a republican stronghold, he was elected on the democratic ticket to
the office of county supervisor. He is a native of Berrien county, Michigan,

40 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

his birth having occurred May 4, 1852. His parents were George and Kath-
arine (Deardorff) Hall, the former born in Butler count)-, Ohio, in February,
1826, while the latter claims Indiana as the state of her nativity. The father
removed to Michigan from Ohio with his parents when he was a lad of ten
years but after one year the family returned to Ohio and there the grand-
father passed away. The father of our subject, however, remained in Berrien
county, Michigan, until 1865. when he removed with his family to Poweshiek
county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. He was a prosperous man and became
the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land. He died here
on the I2th of January. 1898, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother,
however, still survives and makes her home in Brooklyn. Their family num-
bered seven children, namely : Orlando D., of this review ; Curtis, a resident
of Madison county, Iowa; Eldon L., of Scott township, who is mentioned else-
where in this volume: Cass L., of Brooklyn; Charles H., who is also mentioned
in this work; Myrtle, of Brooklyn; and Guy O.. whi> makes his home in
Malcom.

O. D. Hall was reared in the state of his nativit\- tu the age of thirteen years,
at which time he accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county,
the family home being established on a farm in Bear Creek township, just
across the road from the present home of our subject. At that time much of tiie
land was unbroken prairie and the homes of the settlers were widely scattered.
He assisted his father in breaking new land anil making a home and his ex-
perience then proved of value to him when making a home for himself. He
remained with his father until 1875. when he was married to Miss Savilla
Shuler, who was born in Lycoming count)', Pennsylvania, February 2, 1856, a
daughter of George and Sarah ( W'oodley ) Shuler. The father died in the
Keystone state in 1868, after which the daughter accompanied her mother to
Poweshiek county in 1874. The mother passed away here on the 27th of
February, 1895.

Following his marriage Mr. Hall located on his farm of two hundred acres
on section 3, Scott township, which at that time was unbroken prairie. He at
Once set to work to break the land and cultivate his fields and as time passed
he gathered rich harvests as a reward for the labor which he bestowed upon it.
He also made all the improvements on the place, building a good substantial
residence and outbuildings, all of which work was done with his own hands
with the exception of some help he received in the construction of the house.
His place is now known as the Maple Lawn Farm and is one of the most
beautiful, as well as i^roductive tracts, in this section of the county. He gives
his time to general farming and stock-raising and also does some feeding. He
follows modern methods in carrying on his work and his success is well mer-
ited for it has come to him through his own well directed labors and sound
business judgment.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blessed with eight children :
Sherman, of Scott township; Carrie, the wife of B. F. Kensinger, of Bear Creek
township ; Homer, who makes his home in Huron, South Dakota ; Glenn, who
is attending school in Davenport, Iowa; Kathryn, the wife of Glenn Crider, of
Bear Creek township ; and Fred, Clyde and Helen, all at home.

HISTORY UF POWESHIEK COUNTY 41

Mr. Hall has been a lifelong democrat and on that ticket in 1906 was
elected as county supervisor, his term of service beginning on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1907, and he was the first democrat to hold that position in the county,
this being a republican stronghnld. He was elected for a second term, polling
all but thirteen out of the one hundred and fifty-six votes cast in Scott town-
ship. He has also filled the office of justice of the peace and has served in
other minor offices of the township. He is a popular official and ever discharges
his iluties with the same fidelity that he conducts his private business afifairs.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and he and his family attend
and support the . Methodist Episcopal church. Having resided in Poweshiek
county for forty-six years, Mr. Hall feels a deep interest in its welfare and is
ever found ready to do what he can to advance its interests, while at the same
time he is meeting with success in the conduct of his own business affairs.

FRED BAUSTIAN.

As the name indicates, Fred Baustian comes of German ancestry and the
traits of character which ever mark the people of that nationality are strongly
manifest in his life. He is the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land on
section 4, Pleasant township, and here he is devoting his energies to its further
improvement and cultivation.

Mr. Baustian is a native of Poweshiek county, born in Chester township,
July 12, 1872, a son of George and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Baustian, both of
whom were born in Germany, the former in Pashinn, January 26, 1837. He
was a young man of twenty-one years when he emigrated to the new world
with his parents, the date of their arrival being June 21, 1861. They located
in Illinois and it was in Lockport, that state, that George Baustian was married,
on the 13th of October, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Schmidt. He remained in
Illinois until the spring of 1866, when he removed with the family to Jasper
county, Iowa, where he made his home for five years. He then came to
Poweshiek county and engaged in farming, in which he continued until in May,
1901, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. He remained in an invalid con-
dition until his sufferings were terminated by death on the i6th of November.
igo6, when he was in his seventieth year. He was reared in the faith of the
Lutheran church and was a member of that denomination in Malcom. He vvas
an industrious man and led an upright life, his genial spirit and kindly deeds
endearing him to all those with whom he came in contact. His widow, who
was born in Germany, May 9, 1835, still survives, and now makes her home with
her daughter, Mrs. Appleby, in Chester township. By her marriage she became
the mother of eight children ; John, a resident of Rock Rapids, Iowa ; George ;
Henry; Peter; Joseph; Fred; Emma, the wife of Andrew Appleby, of Chester
township ; and Sophie, deceased wife of John P.altisberger, of Poweshiek county.

Fred Baustian spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental
roof and was early trained to habits of industry and economy, which have
proved valuable assets^ in his later life. .\t the time of his marriage he started

42 ■ HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

out upon an independent business venture, operating rented land for five
years. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Chester
township but sold this and bought his present farm of one hundred and fifty
acres in March, 1906, this farm being located on section 4, Pleasant township.
He here gives his time and attention to general farming, and his labors have
brougln him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

Mr. Baustian was married February 14, 1895, to Miss Henrietta Schultz.
who was born in Sheridan township, November 8, 1873, a daughter of Carl
Heinrich Martin and Augusta (P.lat) Schultz. Her father was born September
I, 1843, in Richtenberg, Pomerania, Prussia, and came w-ith his parents to
America in 1855, the family home being established at Princeton, Illinois.
After residing for ten years in that state, the family removed to Poweshiek
county, and here Mr. Schultz followed farming in Sheridan township for many
years but the last five years of his life were spent in Malconi. where he was
called to his final rest, when more than sixty-two years of age. His widow
still survives and makes her home in Brooklyn. Their marriage was blessed
with seven children but two of the number are deceased: Minnie and August,
who died at the age of fifteen years. Those living are: Lena, the wife of Peter
Baustian ; Henrietta, the wife of our subject ; Jacob ; Theodore F. ; and Ger-
trude. All are residents of Poweshiek county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baustian
have been born three children ; Alfred. Carrie and Grace.

Mr. Baustian gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church of Mal-
com. He is a representative young farmer, who rapidly discerns opportunities
of advancement and is working his way to the front among the substantial
citizens of Poweshiek county.

SAMUEL S. ORMISTON.

An excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres, located on section 13.
Madison township, pays sterling tribute to the care and attention bestowed upon
it by Samuel S. Ormiston, one of the progressive and jjrosperous agriculturists
of this locality.

He was born in Washington county, Ohio, on the i8th of June, 1857, a son
of John and Harriett (Disbro) Ormiston. The former was born in Scotland
about 1822 and when a little lad of but two years of age came with his parents
to America, the family home being established in Washington county, Ohio. There
he spent practically his entire lifetime, giving his attention during' the period of
his business career to the occupation of farming. His death occurred there in
February, 1894. His wife, who was a native of New York, accompanied her
parents to Ohio when but a child. Her father was drowned in the Muskingum
river, near Zanesville, Ohio. She met and married lohn Ormiston in Washing-
ton county, Ohio, and still survives him, making her home on' the old homestead
with her youngest daughter, Mrs. James' Schweikert.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 43

Samuel S. Ormiston was reared on the home farm in Ohio, spending the pe-
riod of his boyhood and youth amid the wholesome influences of rural life, and re-
mained with his father until he was nineteen years of age, when he came west to
Iowa, locating in Brooklyn, Poweshiek county. Here he worked at farm labor
by the month for three years, after which he made his way to Jefferson township
where two years were devoted to the operation of a rented farm of one hundred
and sixty acres. The three following years were given to the cultivation of a
rented farm in Scott township, after which he took a year's trip, driving through
Kansas and Nebraska in search of a favorable location. After a thorough investi-
gation he purchased two hundred acres in Nebraska, which remained in !iis pos-
session until nineteen years ago. After his return to Iowa he rented a farm in
Warren township for two years, and then operated the Garvin Lang place in
Madison township in the capacity of renter for five yea.rs.

In 1892 he purchased his present homestead of one hundred and twenty acres
located on section 15, Madison township, whereon he has since continued to re-
side. Here he engages in general farming and also devotes much of his time to
stock-raising, being the owner of a fine recorded herd of Hereford cattle. He
also raises a good grade of hogs and for the past twenty-five years has made a
specialty of breeding Plymouth Rock chickens, every year hatching from five to
six hundred chickens. He is well known throughout the township for the ex-
cellent grade of his stock and he has so carefully managed his interests that today
he is ranked among the most substantial farmers and stock-raisers in this locality.

On the i8th of February, 1881, Mr. Ormiston was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Katharine Torrance, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Barr) Torrance,
both natives of Ireland. The father, whose birth occurred in Garvah, London-
tlerry county, was there reared, and when a youth of seventeen years he came
alone to the United States, determining to seek a home and fortune on this side
of the Atlantic. He resided in Philadelphia for a time where he was engaged as
cabinet-maker, and later assisted in the construction of the Lehigh canal. He
then purchased a boat, which he operated as captain on the canal for a time, and
subsequently took up railroad contracting, being employed on the construction of
the L'nion Pacific road. In 1878 Mr. Torrance came to Iowa, locating on a farm
in Jefferson township, Poweshiek county, and there on one farm resided for
twenty-three years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Hartwick,
Jefferson to\\'nship, where he now makes his home. His wife, who was born
near Coleraine, Londonderry county, Ireland, is now deceased, her death occur-
ring on the i6th of February, sixteen years ago, on the farm near Hartwick.
L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston have been born four children : William Frederick,
the eldest, resides with his parents on the home farm. He formerly engaged in
school teaching and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mabel Torrance married Homer A. Carpenter, who is well known among the
younger farmers of Madison township, and they now have one daughter, \'era
Helen, three years of age ; Mary Harriett resides at home and teaches school in
district No. 5, Madison township ; and Susan Florence, the youngest of the fam-
ily, lives at home and attends the school taught by her sister. At one time all
three daughters attended the school in the home district of which their brother
William was teacher.

44 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Mr. Ormiston has given his support to the men and measures of the republi-
can party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fellow citi-
zens have honored him by election to the various positions of public trust and he
has acted as justice of the peace for four years. He also served on the school
board for one term and has filled the office of township trustee for four years,
while in 191 1 he was reelected for another term of two years. The owner of a
well improved farming property, and progressive and practical in the conduct of
his business affairs, he is now numbered among the substantial and well-to-do
residents of Malcom township, while his life, ever upright and h.-inorable, has
gained for him the warm esteem and unf|ualified confidence of those with whom
he has been brought into contact.

CAPTAIN GEORGE PHILLIES.

Coming to Brooklyn when its population numbered but one hundred and fifty
p)eople. Captain George Phillips has watched it develop into a flourishing village
of fifteen hundred inhabitants, and during the period of his residence here he has
occupied a prominent place in the community, his activity in both business and
public interests proving a stimulating and potent force toward progress and im-
provement along various lines. ., •

Born in Onondaga county. New York, on the 13th of August, 1835, he is a
son of George and Betsy (Craig) Phillips, natives of Bristol, England, where
they were reared and married. Thinking to find better business opportunities in
the new world, the father came alone to the United States in 1833, locating in
Marcellus, Onondaga county. New York, and a year later was followed by his
wife and family, consisting then of a son and daughter. The parents spent their
remaining days upon the farm where they had first located, the father passing
away when Captain Phillips was very young. He had been a farmer through-
out his lifetime and was the first to introduce the growing of teasels into
America. After his arrival in this country the family of George Phillips. Sr.,
was increased to four children, as follows: Eliza, who was the wife of Ralph
McKinney and died in Illinois in 1907 ; Edward, a resident of Wolsey, South
Dakota; George, of this review; and A. W., a physician residing in Derby,
Connecticut, who is also a member of the senate of that state. The last named
served as a soldier in the Union army during the time of the Civil war, enlist-
ing from Onondaga county, New York, in the Twelfth New York Regiment,
and later serving as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth
New York Infantry.

Captain George Phillips spent the first twenty years of his life in Onondaga
and Cayuga counties. New York, and in 1855 sought the opjjortunities of the
growing west, making his way to Iroquois county. Illinois. After two years
there spent he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and thence to Waterloo, where he spent
the winter. When a young man of twenty years of age he had learned the car-
penter's trade, and followed that occupation in both Illinois and Iowa, assisting
in the building of one of the first railroad bridges in the latter state. He also

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

/■.).

:^^n//:/,j

THE NEW YORK

PU'BLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF I'OWESilJEK COUNTY 49

hel])cd to build the first packing house at Ottumwa, Iowa, and was variously
engaged at his trade until July, 18O0. when he came to Brooklyn, Poweshiek
county, and has since been a resident of this place.

At the time of the Civil war he assisted in organizing Company H, Twenty-
eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and in August, 1862, was mustered in as lirst
lieutenant of his company. Later, on the 3d of August, 1863, he was pro-
moted to the rank of captain of the same company and as such served until the
close of the war. His regiment was one of the three Iowa regiments to take
part in the operations in the Shenandoah valley under General Sheridan, and
he also saw service in thirteen important battles as well as many minor en-
gagements. Captain Phillips partucipated in every engagement in which his
regiment took part with the exception of one, the battle at Sabine Cross Roads,
at which time he was in a hospital in New Orleans. At die close of hostilities
he was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, and returned home with a military
record that was most honorable and creditable.

When his country no longer needed his services Captain Phillips once more
took up civil pursuits, entering business in connection with O. F. Dorrance,
under the firm style of Phillips & Dorrance, dealers in general merchandise.
He was thus engaged for eight years and then retired from business activities
to give his entire attention to the duties of public office, to which he had
been elected by his fellow townsmen. He had been most fortunate in his
business ventures, winning a success which now ranks him among the substan-
tial and well-to-do citizens of Poweshiek county. He now owns two hundred
and forty acres of rich land six miles south of Brooklyn and three-quarters of
a section in Minnesota. He is the president of Yellowstone Valley Land Com-
jiany, Inc., and in this connection was ''associated with five others in the owner-
ship of fifty thousand acres of land in Dawson County, Montana, which they
have since sold.

Captain Phillips' connection with the public life of Brooklyn extends over
many years and forms a period of continuous and substantial growth in the his-
tory of the community. On the 17th of December, 1874, he was appointed to
the position of postmaster of Brooklyn, his term of office continuing for thir-
teen years, or until the election of Grover Qeveland to the presidency. He
was then elected mayor of the city, his fellow townsmen thus conferring upon
him the highest honor in their power to bestow. For two years he occupied
the office of chief executive and during that time gave the city a business like
and progressive administration. He next served for four years as clerk of the
ilistrict court. He was a member of the city council for several years and
in that capacity had personal charge of the installation of the water system,
and for several years also served on the board of education, during which period
the new high-school building was erected. In fact few projects having for their
object the improvement and betterment of the town have failed to arouse his
deep interest or to receive his hearty indorsement and cooperation, and he is
numbered among Brooklyn's most representative and valued residents.

On the 1st of January, 1867, Captain Phillips was united in marriage to
Miss Nancy Elizabeth Carson, a daughter of Edward R. and Margaret (Camp-
bell) Carson, of Iowa City, who were very early settlers of Iowa. Her parents

50 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COrXTY

were both natives of Washington county, East Tennessee, the father burn
July II, 1809, and the mother in Leesburg, March 5, 1809. They were mar-
ried in that county, August 24, 1834. Mrs. Philhps was born near Iowa City
on the 28th of May, 1846, and had an elder sister, also born in Johnson
county, whose name was Dilla Iowa and who became the wife of Hon. A. J.
Wood. With the passing years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips was blessed
by the birth of five children, as follows: Lela, a school teacher residing at
home; A. H., of Brooklyn, where he has been engaged in business for forty
years, first as a merchant in connection with his father, whom he later suc-
ceeded, and now as a real estate operator; Effie \'., of Montana, Delia 1.. of
Montana, who was formerly a teacher at Grinnell; and Prescott Bryon, who
was born on the nth of December, 1873, and died two years later, on October
28, 1875. The daughters in Montana are at jaresent holding adjoining claims
at Savage, that state. ^Irs. Phillips died August 8, 1902.

Captain Phillips has given his political allegiance to the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, casting his first vote for
Fremont, since which time he has supported every candidate for president on
that ticket. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at the present
time, although he was reared in the faith of the Baptist churcli. of which he
was a member until two years ago. There is no church of that denomination in
Brooklyn, however, at the present time. In fraternal circles he is a Master
Mason, holding membership in Corinthian Lodge, No. 174. of Brooklyn. He is
a charter member and commander of John T. Drake Post, Xo. 321. G. A. R.,
and was a charter member and first president of Brooklyn \"eteran Union, an
organization which preceded the Grand .Army of the Republic post and erecte I
the soldiers monument at this place.

Few men who have reached a place of independence in the business world
today have started out in life with a more discouraging outlook than did he
whose name introduces this review. Left fatherless at a very early age, lie had
never had a suit of clothes that had not been made over from old garments
until he was able to earn them for himself. , When hut a lad of ten years he
was thrown upon his own resources to make his way in the world, his first
position securing him a salary of twenty dollars for si.x months. From this
humble position he steadily forged ahead and utilized every opportunity for
advancement, until he is now able to live retired from business activity, a sub-
stantial competence furnishing him with all of the comforts of life without
recourse to further labor. He has truly earned the title of self-made man
and richlv deserves the success whicli is now his to enjoy.

HARRY F. LAXPHERE.

Harrv F. Lanphere is numbered among those who have made of the Citizens
National Bank a well balanced and carefully conducted financial enterprise. He
is filling the position of cashier and is proving a popular officer with the patrons
of the bank, to whom he gives courteous and faithful attentifm. while at the same

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 51

time he is most loyal to the best interests of the iiistitutitJii and its stockholders.
Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Davenport, on the
1 ith of November, 1870. His parents were William H., and Esther (Canfield)
Lanphere, both of whom were natives of Cattaraugus county, New York, where
they were reared and married. The opportunities of the west attracted him, how-
ever, and in 1855 they came to Iowa, settling first in Davenport. On reaching
manhood William H. Lanphere became express messenger on the Chicago, Rock-
Island & Pacific Railroad, at which time Grinnell was the terminus of the line.
Later he became identified with mercantile interests, going upon the road as a
traveling salesman. He represented various houses in the state of Iowa and be-
came widely and favorably known to the trade. He died in 1898, at the age of
sixty-eight years, his birth having occurred in 1830. He was a member of the
Masonic lodge and a man well known throughout the state of Iowa through his
fraternal and business relations. His social qualities and genuine worth com-
mended him to the confidence and good will of all, and few men have had more
warm friends. His wife survived him for about ten years, passing away in igo8.

Harry F. Lanphere was reared under the parental roof and the public schools
afforded him his educational privileges. The family removed from Davenport to
Grinnell in 1884 and he continued his studies in Grinnell high school, thus ac-
(|uiring a fair practical education to equip him for life's responsible, duties. In
January, 1889, two months after having attained his eighteenth year, he entered
the First National Bank of Grinnell as bookkeeper and served in that cajtacity
for about three and a half years, when he was made teller. After filling that im-
portant position for eight years he resigned to enter the office of the Spaulding
Manufacturing Company, with whom he was associated for about three years,
when he resigned and engaged in the land business. In July, 1904, the First Na-
tional Bank closed its doors and soon thereafter Mr. Lanphere, recognized that a
favorable opportunity presented for the establishment of another banking enter-
prise in the city, organized the Citizens National Bank, and on the 12th of De-
cember. i'X)4. the new institution opened its doors for busine^s. In the capacity
of cashier Mr. Lanphere dictated its policy and has since beei' most active in Its
management, making it one of the strong financial enterpr ;es of Poweshiek
county. A general banking business is conducted and the books of the company
show a substantial balance. The safe, conservative policy instituted has won the
confidence of the public and its patronage js steadily increasing.

On the 26th of November, 1891, Mr. Lanphere was married to Miss Kate
Yost Grinnell, a daughter of Ezra H. Grinnell, and niece of Josiah Bushnell
Grinnell, the founder of the town which bears his name. L'Uto Mr. and Mrs.
Lanphere have been born two children, Pauline and Katharine.

Mr. Lanphere is well known in several fraternal and social organizations,
holding membership in Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M.. Palestine Chap-
ter, R. A. M., and Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P. He also belongs to Franklin
Club, is a member of the Poweshiek Club and of the Grant Club of Des IMoines.
He is one of Grinnell's most prominent and best known men, actuated in all that
he does by a spirit of enterprise and progress and seeking the public good as well
as individual advancement in all of his business affairs. What he has accom-
plished represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers. He has

52 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

worked his way upward along a path that is clear and open and though difficulties
and obstacles have beset him, as they do in every business career, he has over-
come these by persistent purpose and stands today among the representative men
of Poweshiek countv.

JAMES E. XEELY

The firm anil unfalterng ]3urpose which is an indispensable element in the
attainment of success finds expression in the life record of James E. Neely, who
is engaged in dealing in coal in Grinnell. Through sheer force of perseverance
and capable management he has won success that places him with the foremost
business men of the city. He was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York,
June 19, 1846, and is a son of Jerome and Elizabeth ( Nellis) Neely, who were
likewise natives of Fairfield, where they were reared and married. The father
devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and continued to reside at the
place of his nativity until his death, which occurred September 2, 1856, when he
was forty-nine years of age. The mother continued her residence in Fairfield
mitil the fall of 1871, when she came to Grinnell to make her home with her son
James, here residing until her demise on the i8th of May, 1888.

James E. Neely spent his youth in the Empire state and the public schools
afforded him his early educational privileges, while later he had the benefit of
instruction in the Fairfield Academy. He took up teaching at-the age of si.xteen
years and followed the profession through five winter seasons, while the summer
months were devoted to farm work. When twenty-one years of age he made his
way westward to Perry, Lake county, Ohio, where he engaged in the produce
business.

With the establishment of a commercial enterprise he also undertook the es-
tablishment of a home and on the 22d of December, 1869, Mr. Neely was united
in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Wire, a daughter of Truman Wire, a sawmill man
who cut the cross ties that were used in the building of a section of the first Lake
Shore Railroad built through that part of the country. He had removed from
Yates county, New York, to Lake county, Ohio, and it was while the family was
living in the latter state that Mr. Neely was married. He began his domestic life
in Ohio, but in February, 1871, he removed westward to Grinnell, where he ar-
rived on the 28th of the month. Soon afterward he purchased a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, three miles east of the town, and took up his abode upon
that property, continuing its cultivation and improvement until 1804. when he left
the farm and removed to Grinnell. In 1873 he began the manufacture of cheese
in connection with the cultivation of his fields, and statistics show that he was
among the first cheese manufacturers in this state. He also developed the lead-
ing enterprise of this character in Iowa and conducted his factory until igo2, when
he sold his farm and iliscontinued his factory. On his removal to Grinnell in
t8c)4 he established himself in the coal business and is today the leading coal
dealer of this citv. His business affairs are capably and jirofitably managed and
keen discernment and enterprise are elements in liis prosperity.

HISTORY OF POWESHTEK COUNTY 53

The home of Mr. and Mrs. \eely has been blessed with four children: Walter
|., who now occupies a political position in the Grinnell postofifice ; Earl M., of
the firm of J. E. Neely & Son, coal dealers; and Ada P. and Ida E., twins, who
died of diphtheria in 1893, one on the i ith and the other on the T3th of February.
The family are widely and favorably known in Poweshiek county and Mr. and
Mrs. Neely have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their
acquaintance, lie is a prominent Mason, belonging to Herman Lodge, No. 273,
A. F. & A. M., Palestine Chapter, No. loi, R. A. M.; St. .\ndrew's Commandery,
No. 22, K. T., of Newton, Iowa : and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Des Moines. He and his wife are
also members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as one
of the trustees. In politics he is a progressive republican and has repeatedly
served as a delegate to the county and state conventions. He has also been a
member of the cit\" council of Grinnell at various times, in which connection he
has ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures and
movements which are of marked value to the city in the promotion of its best
interests. He never gives up a cause in which he embarks and, therefore, his
aid and cooperation are eagerly sought where the best interests of the city are to
be conserved.

LYMAN A. LONGLEY.

Lyman A. Longley, deceased, was one of the honored native sons of Powe-
shiek county, whose farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Jasper county,
near Grinnell, is now the home of his widow and children. To him belonged the
distinction of having been the first male white child born in Chester township, his
birth occurring on the 6th of July, 1861. For many years he was a^ prominent
farmer and business man of this section and at his death, in 1909, the community
mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. His father, Amos L. Longley, was
a native of Maine and died when our subject was only three years old. He owned
a farm of eighty acres of land in Chester township, north of Grinnell, and upon
that place made his home until his death. His widow, who bore the maiden name
of Cordelia Bigelow, was also a native of the Pine Tree state. After his death
she became the wife of Benoni Howard, who was born in Massachusetts, and
from that state removed to Princeton, Illinois, in 1854, the journey being made
by rail. It was his intention to locate at Princeton, but, finding land too high for
his resources, he decided to come farther west. Proceeding to Rock Island, he
walked from that city to \'inton, Iowa, in search of a location and later went to
Tama county. Not being satisfied with the outlook there, lie came to Sugar Creek
township, Poweshiek county, where timber was plentiful and conditions appeared
more favorable than in the localities where he had previously stopped. He as-
sisted in the original survey of the city of Grinnell and also in stoning up the first
well that was dug there. .After the surveyors had completed their work, how-
ever, it was found that the well was in the middle of the street and it was neces-
sarilv abandoned.

54 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Lyman A. Longley attended the common schools during his boyhood and
youth and was reared upon his stepfather's farm, displaying in early life an
adaptability for farming and stock-raising. Subsequently he served for ten years
as mail clerk and also engaged in the meat business for three years, but his life
was principally devoted to farming and in 1882 he acquired one hundred and
sixty acres of land, including the old homestead. In 1908 he began the erection
of a handsome residence, containing all modern improvements, but did not live
to see its completion. The family estate now comprises three hundred and twenty
acres of well improved and valuable land.

On the 14th of September, 1882, Mr. Longley was united in marriage to Aliss
Alice Howard, a daughter of Benoni Howard, his stepfather, and they became the
parents of two children, Ethel Cordelia and Ralph Lyman, both of whom are
now living with their mother on the home farm, the son having charge of the
place, which under his management is producing excellent harvests.

Mr. Longley gave his support to the republican party but never aspired to
public office, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs. He was a sin-
cere believer in the autliority of the Bible and an earnest member of the Congre-
gational church. He was recognized as a man of honesty and ability — a natural
gentleman whose kindly and obliging disposition readily attracted friends wher-
ever he was known. A good farmer and a clear-headed busines.s man, his opin-
ion on business affairs was accepted as authority and by his associates he was
greatly respected for his enterprising spirit and genial nature and for his con-
sideration of others, which was apparent in all his relations with his fellowmen.

HENRY ILLIAN.

Among the veterans of the Civil war now living in Poweshiek county is num-
bered Henry Illian, whose birth occurred in the duchy of Waldeck, Prussia,
Germany, on the 19th of January, 1838. He is a son of Frederick and I^xDuise
(Willis) Illian, also natives of the fatherland, the mother there passing away
in 1846. The father again married, his second union being with Miss Caro-
line Rummell. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1S53 brought his family
to the United States, establishing his home in Davenport, where his death oc-
curred in 1858. By his first marriage there were five sons and two daughters,
of which number Henry Illian, of this review, was the third in order of birth,
while by the second marriage there were two children, a son and daughter.
With the e.xception of one daughter, who is married and resides in Germany,
all of the children came to the United States.

In 1853, when a lad of fifteen, Henry Illian left his native country and came
to the new world. After arriving in Iowa he gave his father the benefit of his
assistance upon the home farm until July 25, 1862, when, in response to the call
of the Union for more troops, he enlisted at Davenport as a member of Com-
pany G, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He
participated in all of the engagements of his regiment, including the siege of
Vicksburg, the battles of Forts Morgan and Blakely, and various minor skir-

^iMJrf OvL^.(kA^-^

I THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

A8T0R, LENOX AND
TILOEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 57

mishes, and bears the scars of three flesh wounds received during his term of
service, one a bullet wound in the breast, another in the back and the third in
the arm. He was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, in August, 1865, after a most
honorable and creditable military career.

Returning to Scott county, Iowa, Mr. Illian there engaged independently in
farming for a number of years, and in the spring of 1883 came to Poweshiek
county, purchasing his present home of eighty acres on section 2^, Malcolm
township. It is a well improved farm, its neat and thrifty appearance indicating
the supervision of a practical owner, and he is widely recognized as one of the
enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of the community.

In 1870 Mr. Illian was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Tissin, who was
born in Holstein, Germany, in 1847, "iicl in 1854 came with her parents to Iowa,
the family establishing tlieir home at Davenport. On the 4th of March, [894,
Mr. Illian was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and eight chiklren
have also passed away, as follows: Henry, William. Fred and Tillie. all of
whom died in Cleona township, Scott county, inside of three weeks, their deaths
resulting from diphtheria ; Lulu, who passed away at the age of four years ;
Barnard, at the age of two and a half years ; Adam, at the age of four years ; and
Ellen, at the age of five years. One daughter, Genevieve, survives, and is now
the wife of James B. McKeag. She has a daughter. Irma Marguerite, and a son,
Kenneth Henry, and with her husband resides with her father on the old home
farm.

Mr. Illian holds membership in the Lutheran church and also belongs to John
T. Drake Post, G. A. R., at Brooklyn. He gives his support to the republican
party and although not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, is a public-
spirited citizen, deeply interested in" the substantial improvement of his home
locality. He served, however, as road supervisor two years and as school direc-
tor the same length of time. He is honorable and straightforward in his business
dealings and is highly esteemed wherever known.

JOHN W. FISHER.

The son of a soldier who lost his life in the Civil war, John W. Fisher, of
Chester township, early learned to depend upon his own resources, and thus de-
veloped those sturdy traits of character which inevitably lead to success in busi-
ness and to leadership in the community. He is a native of Tama county, Iowa,
born July 31, 1862, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Cooper) Fisher, the
former having been born in Ohio and the latter in Pennsylvania. They were mar-
ried in 1861. The father was drafted in an Iowa regiment in defence of the
Union at the time of the Civil war and died in a hospital, his body being buried
m the south. The mother was married in 1868 to W. S. Harris, at that time a
resident of Tama county, Iowa.

John W. Fisher received his early education in the common schools and also
attended Albion Seminary near Marshalltown, Iowa. He engaged in farm work
in Tama county and in March, 1892, being then thirty years of age, he came to

58 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Chester township, Poweshiek county, subsec|uently moving ii[jon his present loca-
tion in section 29, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres, and being also
the owner of a tract of eighty acres in the same township. He has been highly
successful in raising Guernsey cattle and Chester White hogs, and as an exhib-
itor at the fairs has carried off some of the most desirable prizes. He devotes
special attention to the dairy business.

On the 1 2th of January, 1888. Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Anna ). Hen-
drixson, a daughter of Hugh and Sarah ( Waldron) Hendri.xson. The father was
a physician and practiced for a number of years at Columbus, Ohio, his birth
having occurred in Clermont county, that state. One child has blessed the union
of Mr. and Airs. Fisher. She has attended high school and is now engaged in
teaching school No. 4 at Chester.

Politically Mr. Fisher supports the principles and candidates of the republican
party. He has served with marked ability as justice of the peace and as president
of the school board. In religious belief he adheres to the Methodist church. .\
broad-minded and conscientious man, he has accumulated a competency by his
industry and thrift and has set an example which reflects high credit upon him-
self and those with whom he is associated. He is known as an earnest and ])a-
triotic citizen who appreciates the responsibilities of American citizenship an<l
manfully endeavors to discharge them.

W^ H. TAYLOR.

Perhaps no resident of Barnes City, Iowa, occupies a more prominent place
among the builders of the town than does W. H. Taylor, whose generous dona-
tion of land made possible the establishment of enterprises around which, as a
nucleus, the flourishing little village has had its growth. Born in Parke county.
Indiana, on the 3d of February, 1845, lie is a son of William and Martha (Dar-
land) Taylor, also natives of that state. There the father passed away when the
son was but a year old, and subsequently his wife and her mother, Mrs. Alsey
(Reynolds) Darland, also a widow, removed to Warren county, Illinois, where
they resided until about 1857. They then came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where
both passed away. W. H. Taylor, of this review, was the youngest and is now
the only living member of a family of three children, the others being: Amanda,
the deceased wife of George Anderson : and John Dudley.

W. H. Taylor was a lad of twelve years when he took up his abode in Powe-
shiek county, and since the age of twenty-three years he has made his home u]5on
his present farm. Wlien twenty-one years of age he purchased eighty acres of
this farm, to which he later added as he prospered in his agricultural pursuits im-
til he became one of the most extensive landowners in his section of the county,
a fact which speaks strongly of a life of industry, perseverance and ambition on
the part of one whose start in life was in no way auspicious and whose gradual
rise in the business world came as the result of his own well directed efforts.
At one time he owned all of section 34, Jackson township, eighty acres of section
33 and eighty acres of section 27, all lying in one body, and constituting one of

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 59

the finest and most valuable estates in the township. Twenty acres of this prop-
erty is within the corporation limits of Barnes City and upon this tract Mr. Tay-
lor now makes his home. He has disposed of much of his land to his sons, al-
though the entire tract still remains in the possession of the family. It is equipped
with five good sets of buildings, occupied by two sons, a son-in-law and two ten-
ants, and is a well improved property, all of the up-to-date conveniences and ac-
cessories of a model farm having been introduced by Mr. Taylor. In 18^7 he
built a large barn, forty-eight by ninety-six feet, antl in the following year erected
his ]}resent hantlsome fourteen-room dwelling, equipped throughout with all of
the latest improvements. In former years he operated this place himself, actively
engaged in general farming and stock-raising, but during the past few vears has
rented the land. In 1892 he became identified with the commercial interests of
Barnes City as proprietor of a general mercantile business operated under the
firm style of W. H. Taylor & Sons. For about seven years this enterprise had a
continuous and successful growth under his management, becoming one of the
most important business concerns of the town, and then, in 1899, he withdrew
from active life, leaving the entire direction and management of the business to
his sons, who have since conducted it under the original name of W. H. Taylor
& Sons. He is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest a fortime which
is at once substantial and honorable.

Mr. Taylor was married, in 1868, to Miss Martha Ann Fisher, whose death
occurred in 1872. For his second wife he chose Miss Martha Jane Lown, whom
he wedded on the 17th of April, 1876. She was born in Marion county, Ohio, on
the 13th of May, 1847, and in 1856 came to Iowa with her parents, Thomas and
jane (Hodson), both natives of England. Her father had come alone to this
county in early manhood, while the mother had been brought to Ohio by her
parents when only eight years of age. They were married in Richmond county,
Ohio, and both passed away in Iowa county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
were born five children, as follows : Charles W., a member of the fii-m of W. H.
Taylor & .Sons ; Martin D., also a member of that firm ; James M., a resident of
Texas, who has an interest in the firm; Elsie E., the wife of James Doan, of
Barnes City, who is likewise one of the firm ; and George F., now operating
a part of the home farm. At one time all of these children were connected with
their father in the active management of the business of W. H. Taylor & Sons.'

Mr. Taylor belongs to the Christian church, whose teachings form the guiding
influence in his life, and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. .\
stalwart democrat, he has never been active in politics, however, further than
casting his ballot at the polls, but he is nevertheless deeply interested in the wel-
fare oi the community, and his name is foremost upon the list of the town's
public-spirited citizens and benefactors. It was his donation of nine acres of land
to the Rock Island Railroad Company for a right of way and a site for a station
that decided the location of the town of liarnes City at this point, and thus with
its very founding his name is connected. He also gave a tract of three acres as a
site for the Barnes City Tile Factory and in this way brought to the village one of
its well known and important industries, and he also assisted largely in the erection
of all three of the church edifices here. .\n excellent example of the .self-made
man. he has every reason to be proud of the success which he has achieved and

60 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the high place which he has won in the community, for his life has been one of
noble purposes and has found its reward in the high regard, respect and good-will
in which he is held by all who know him.

JOHN F. HATCHER.

John F. Hatcher, one of the leading citizens of Poweshiek county, is a retired
agriculturist of Brooklyn and a prominent factor in financial circles as the presi-
"dent of the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. His birth occurred in Belmont
county, Ohio, on the 2ist of April, 1842, his parents being Elijah and Jane
(Craig) Hatcher, both of whom were natives of Loudoun coimty, \'irginia, the
former born on the 15th of August, 1796, and the latter on the 15th of August,
1806. Elijah Hatcher, a farmer by occupation, was one of the earliest settlers
of Ohio, making his way to that state from Virginia on horseback. He cleared
his ground of the timber, erected a log cabin and then returned to the Old
Dominion for his bride, driving back to the Buckeye state in a wagon. There
he continued to reside until called to his final rest at the age of eighty-three
years. His wife was also eighty-three years old when she passed away.

John F. Hatcher remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age,
obtaining his education in the district school and the seminary at Lloydsville,
Ohio. After attaining his majority he removed to Illinois, where he had a sister
living. In the meantime his father had entered three hundred and twenty acres
of land near Webster City, Iowa, and had sent money to pay the taxes but,
in spite of the fact that he received receipts, the land was sold for ta.xes. Our
subject then came to Iowa with the receipts and regained possession of the prop-
erty. He was married after returning to Illinois and in 1864 purchased and
located on the old Bates farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Malcom town-
ship, Poweshiek county, Iowa, being successfully engaged in its further culti-
vation and improvement until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the
fields and took up his abode in Brooklyn. While residing on the old homestead
in Malcom township, he purchased four farms, aggregating four hundred and
eighty acres of land, all of which he leases at the present time. The home jjlace
has been sold.

In 1904 Mr. Hatcher was elected a member of the board of directors of
the Poweshiek County Bank of Brooklyn, Iowa, serving in that capacity until
1908, when the institution was organized as the Poweshiek County Savings I'.ank.
He has been chosen president of the bank pust prior to the change and retained
his position as chief executive officer of the new organization. A man of splendid
executive ability and sound judgment, his efiforts have been a potent factor in
the continued growth and success of the institution. He is likewise the presi-
dent of the Brooklyn Heating & Lighting Company and a large stockholder
in the Brooklyn Grain & Lumber Company.

Mr. Hatcher has been married twice. On the 15th of November. 1864, he
wedded Miss Mary J. Hoge, a daughter of Isaac and Caroline (Holderman)
Hoge, who were natives of Virginia and from that state removed to Illinois.

^ a". Jp co/cjt^.

xj2yi/->^

t .^f '^

okk

i^.SfLKUBBKR'f

W^°''--M .OPTIONS.

HISTORY OF POWRSUIKK COUNTY 63

By his first wife Mr. Hatcher had two sons. Isaac F., a retired agriculturist
of Morris. llHnois, married Miss Cora Pahner, by whom he had two children,
Carrie and Paul. Charles E. Hatcher, a retired farmer living in Marshalltown,
Iowa, married Lizzie Ballisberger. Mrs. Mary J. Hatcher passed away on the
home farm in Malcom township on the i8th of January, 1879, and on the 14th
of lune. 1883, Mr. Hatcher was again married, his second union being with
Miss Clara L. Rrown, a daughter of William H. and Martha J. (Pancoast)
Brown, who were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia, and spent their entire
h\cs in the ()ld Dominion. Mr. Brown, who followed general agricultural
[lursuits throughout his active business career, died on the 21st of January,
i8y8, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 23d of January, 1893.
In politics Mr. Hatcher is independent, supporting men and measures rather
than party. For twelve years he served as trustee and for eight years as school
treasurer of Malcom township, ever discharging his official duties in a most
prompt and capable manner. For many terms he was also a member of the
school board of district No. 5, Malcom township. Both he and his wife are
members of the Goose Creek church of Quakers of Loudoun county, \'irginia.
Mr, Hatcher has resided in Poweshiek county for almost a half century and
enjovs a very wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders, being hon-
oreil and respected by all by reason of the commendable policy he has followed
in an active business career anthjal-se-jaiying to the excellent traits of character
which he has displayed in a]l-H^''.s^''rfelai'ibflp. ;

S. D. WARD.

S. D. Ward is one of the capable agriculturists of Poweshiek county, whose
ability is most ably manifested in the general ajipearance of his fine farm of one
hundred acres in Chester township, where he engages in general farming and
stock-raising. He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 22(1 of De-
cember, 1863, his parents being Milton and Amanda ( Denison) Ward, natives of
Pennsylvania. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, located in Rock Island
in 1835, where he remained for three years, then removed to Hampton,. Illinois.
In 1884 he came to Poweshiek county, locating in Grinnell, in which city he was
living retired when his death occurred two years later.

The common schools of Hampton provided S. D. Ward with an education,
which was terminated by his graduation from the high school. He came from
Hampton to Poweshiek county, locating upon the farm of one hundred acres in
Chester township in the cultivation of which he has ever since been engaged.
There is a fine orchard upon the place, in the development of which Mr. Ward
has expended much time and money, but it is repaying his efforts. He makes a
specialty of feeding stock for the market, a venture which has proven to be
highly lucrative.

On the i8th of March, 1886, Mr. Ward was married to Miss Lettie Rickard,
a daughter of Alvin and Jane (Nichols) Rickard, her father being a pioneer

64 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

farmer of Iowa. Four children were born of this union : Ella, who died ui in-
fancy ; Samuel Howard, who married Cora Davis, and is living in Chester town-
ship ; Alvin D., a grarluate of the Grinnell high school, who is teaching in Chester
township; and Margaret, who is attending the district school. The religious views
of the family coincide with the principles of the Congregational <lenomination,
their membership being held in the church of Chester.

The policy of the republican party has ever found in Mr. Ward a stanch su])-
porter, as he considers it the party best adapted to protect the rights of the ma-
jority. He always takes an active and helpful interest in local politics and for
twelve years has been assessor of his township, this long period of service elo-
(|uently attesting his capable discharge of his responsibilities.

CHARLES C. HUNT.

Charles C. Hunt, engaged in the abstract business in Montezuma, serving
for his thirtl term as county treasurer and well known throughout the state
as a prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity, was born at Cleve-
land, Ohio, November 9, 1866, his parents being William George and Mary
(Chase) Hunt. The father was born in Kent county, England, August 7, 1803,
and there resided until about forty years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic
to Nqw York. He was a gilder, working for a long period in gold leaf. After
coming to the United States he studied medicine and engaged in its practice.
In 1870, after living for some time in Ohio, he came to Iowa, settling in Jones
county, and his death occurred in Monticello, that county, in 1886. He was
three times married and was a widower when he left his native land. He
afterward wedded Mary Chase, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 5, 1845,
and is now a resident of Walscnburg. Colorado. They were the parents of
two children, the younger being W. C. Himt, also of Walsenburg.

Charles C. Hunt, the elder son, accompanied his parents on their removal
from Cleveland, Ohio, to Monticello, Jones county. Jowa, where he resided
until 1887. Having attained his majority, he left home and made his way to
Grinnell,- where he resumed his education. In 1892 he was graduated from
Iowa College at Grinnell with the Bachelor of Arts degree and later he en-
gaged in teaching school until appointed deputy county treasurer in May, 1895.
At a later election he was chosen treasurer and is now serving for his third
term in that office, proving himself a most faithful custodian of the public
funds. He has made an unassailable record in this ])osition and the confidence
reposed in him is indicated in the fact that he has licen three times chosen for
the office. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since
age conferred ui)on him the right of franchise and he is an earnest worker in
its ranks. For one term he served as a member of the school lioard at Monte-
zuma and in March, 191 1, was again elected to that position for a three years'
term. He has ever been an active champion of the cause of education. On the
1st of January, 191 1, he took charge of the abstract books formerly owned by

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 65

E. |. Lewis. He purchased these hooks and now has a complete set of ab-
stracts of real estate in Poweshiek county.

In 1898 occurred tlie marriage of Charles C. Hunt and Miss Catharine M.
Kuapp, who was born in Minnesota. July 4, 1871. and there resided with her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. V. W. Kna])]), of Sniithtield, Minnesota, up to the time
of her marriage. She has becnnie llic mother of four children : Lucian F., George
A.. I'^velyn K. and Catharine I..

Mr. Hunt is a very prominent Mason, having attained higli rank in tiie
order. He belongs to Lafayette Lodge, No. 52, A. F. & A. M., and both he
and his wife are members of Lafayette Chapter, No. 232, O. E. S. He is
connected with Capitular Masonry as a member of Hyssop Chapter, No. 50,
1\. A. M., with Cryptic Masonry as a member of King Solomon Council, No.
20. \\. & S. M.. and with Chivalric Masonry as a Knights Templar of De Paynes
Conimandery, No. 6. He has also attained the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite in Des Moines Consistory, S. P. R. S., and belong to Kaaba
Temple, .A. .A. O. N. ^I. S. He likewise holds membership in the Independent
( )rder of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. His quietude of de-
portment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address with a total
absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is
ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come
of conscious personal ability, a right conception of things and an habitual regard
for what is best in the exercise of human activities.

ELDON LINCOL.X HALL.

Eldon Lincoln Hall is a prosperous and progressive farmer of Poweshiek
county, his possessions comprising three hundred and twentv acres, located
in Scott and Bear Creek townships. He was born in Berrien county, Michigan,
September 2^. i860, a son of George and Katharine (Deardorfif) Hall, the
former a native of Butler county, Ohio, born in February, 1826. while the
latter was a native of Indiana. They came to F'oweshiek county in 1865 and
the father was here engaged in farming to the time of his death on the 12th
ni January, 1898. The mother survives and makes her home in Brooklvn.
.More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch
of Orlando D. Hall on another page of this work.

Eldon L. Hall, the third in order of birth, was a little lad of five years at
the time the family home was established in Poweshiek county. He was reared
on the home farm, early being trained in the duties and labors that fall to the
lot of the farmer boy, and in the winter season he jnirsued his studies in the
district school near his father's home, .\fter reaching mature years he de-
cided to start out upon an independent business venture, choosing as his life
work the occupation to which he had been reared. From time to time he has
made investment in land until today he is the owner of three hundred and
t\vcmy acres in Poweshiek county, one hundred and sixtv acres of which lie

66 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

in the home farm on section 4, Scott township, while he has eighty acres on
section 3 and an eighty acre tract in Rear Creek township. This is all culti-
vable land and the two farms in Scott township are well improved and valuable
properties.

It was on the 19th of March, 1885. that Mr. Hall was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Milne, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, February 4, 1864. In
her childhood she accompanied her parents, Stewart and Mary (Chapman)
Milne, to Poweshiek county but after residing here for some time they removed
to Oregon, where they are now living.

Unto Mr. and I\Irs. Hall have been born five children : Elza Ross, of Scott
township ; John LeRoy, who makes his home in South Dakota : Lewis Arden ;
Roscoe ; and Eldon Clinton. They also took into their home Lois Marie Hall,
when she was but three days old, she being a daughter of Mr. Hall's brother
and his wife's sister. She is being reared and educated as her own.

Mr. Hall has always given his political support to the democratic party
but is not active in its ranks, taking merely a citizen's interest in public affairs.
His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has
come to him through energy, labor and perserverance, directed by an evenly
balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet
and straightforward, and his word has become a synonym for business integrity.

R. L. MORTLAND.

It has been said that there is no better criterion of a community than its
newspapers, which are both makers and mirrors of public opinion. The jiro-
gressive journal has much to do with shaping thought and action and the
editor who closely studies the signs of the times may stand in a position of
leadership in relation to many public affairs and projects. This R. L. Mort-
land has done in editing and publishing the Montezuma Democrat. Mr. Mort-
land is now in the seventy-third year of his age but in spirit and interest seems
yet in his prime. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, December i,
1838, a son of Robert Alortland, descended from Protestant-Irish ancestry. In
his native state Robert Mortland was reared and throughout his life fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. He wedded Margaret Cumberland, also a
native of Butler county. Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children.

R. L. Mortland spent his youthful days under the parental roof and as
opportunity offered attended the public schools, but spent much of his time
in the work of the farm. He afterward engaged in wood chopping and in the
manufacture of charcoal at Maple Furnace, where he remained for some time.
He afterward devoted his attention to lumbering in the oil regions and to
boating on the river, continuing in the east vmtil 1864, when, believing that
better opportunities might be obtained in the middle west, he made his way
to Mercer county, Illinois. There his attention was devoted to farming and
carpentering for four years and in the spring of 1868 he came to Poweshiek
county, where he carried on farming for a year. At the end of that time he

HISTORY or POWESHIEK COl'XTY 67

established his home in Montezuma and followed various pursuits for a time,
but later became a contractor for bridges and buildings, giving his attention to
that work from 1875 until 1889, during which period he built many bridges
in Poweshiek and adjoining counties.

Then came a decided change in his life inasmuch as he put aside industrial
interests to turn his attention to journalism. He purchased a half interest in
the Democrat in 1889 and on the ist of August of the same year became sole
proprietor of the plant and paper. He conducted that paper until 1894 and in
1895 established the Poweshiek County Palladium, which he has since pul)-
lished with his son, R. A. Mortland as active editor. After a period of ten
years R. L. Mortland resumed his active connection, with county work and has
erected many wood and concrete bridges. Although he has passed the age of
seventy-two years he is yet a most active, energetic man and accomplishes
today an amount of work from which many a younger man would shrink,
thinking the burden too heavy to be borne.

In September, 1864, Mr. Mortland was united in marriage to Miss Ruth
Ann \\''ebber, who was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of
June, 1841, and there resided until she came west with her husband. Unto
them were born seven cliildren who reached years of maturity, while three
died in infancy. The living are: Nettie; Mahala T. ; Robert A.; [ames A., who
is living in White Creek, New York, where he is following the profession of
civil engineering, having been educated therefor in the state university and in
the Chicago University ; Inez, who is a graduate of the Drexel Institute of
Philadelphia and for the past eight years has been librarian at the Louisiana
State University ; Mazie ; and Ruth. One of the sons, James A., was a soldier
in the Spanish-American war, serving with the Third Army Corps.

In his political views R. L. Mortland has been a lifelong democrat and has
taken an active and helpful interest in the party work. He stands at all times
for that which is progressive in citizenship and in every relation of life he has
been found reliable and trustworthy.

C. O. BOWERS.

Well known among the younger business men of Malcom is C. O. Bowers,
cashier of the Malcom Savings Bank, with which institution he has been iden-
tified for almost two decades. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana,
December 28, 1872, a son of Shem and Ruth Jane (Painter) Bowers. The
parents, who were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, were married in
Indiana, and there the mother passed away when the subject of this review was
about six years of age. Later the father was again married and, in 1883, came
with his family to Iowa, locating on a farm six and a half miles northwest of
Brooklyn. He devoted his entire active life to farming and was connected with
agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to Brooklyn and there lived
retired until his death in i\Iarch, 1893, when he was sixty-two years and seven

68 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

months old. By his first marriage there were ten children, eight of whom yet
survive, our subject being next to the youngest in order of birth.

C. O. Bowers was eleven years of age when he came with his father to
Poweshiek county, and his education, which had been begun in his native
state, was continued in the country schools here. Later he received the benefit
of a commercial course at the Iowa Business College of Des Moines, and on the
2d of January, 1893, accepted a position as bookkeeper in the private bank of
Johnson, Dorrance & Leonard. He was thus engaged until August 7, 1905,
when the bank was reorganized under the name of the Malcom Savings Bank,
at which time he became cashier of the institution. His connection with the
business extends over a period of eighteen years, his long association therewith
being proof of his ability and integrity. He is popular alike with the patrons
and officers of the bank, for he is prompt, accurate and faithful in the discharge
of his duties, while at the same time he treats all patrons with a thoughtfulness
and kindly consideration that not only wins their good will for himself, but
reflects credit upon the institution. Aside from his connection with financial
circles he is interested in Dakota and Canada lands, in which he has invested
rather extensively.

On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage to Miss
.Maljel Wilcox, who was born in Malcom on the 27th of July, 1876, a daughter
uf Dr. W S. Wilcox, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto this
union have been born four children : Donovan Hamilton, \inton Sheni, Reberta
Painter and Wilbur Oscar.

Mr. Bowers holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political support to the repub-
lican party and, although he has never sought nor desired public office for him-
self he has ever been a public-spirited citizen, advocating every measure which
has for its object the development and general welfare of the community in
which he resides. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspired
confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into
a position of trust and responsibility, and he ranks high among the well
known anrl valued young citizens of Malcom.

LUCIEN G. C. PEIRCE.

Seventy-five years ago Lucien G. C. Peirce entered upon the journey of life
and is today living retired at Grinnell in the enjoyment of a competency which he
earned through industry and good judgment. He looks back on many years of
activity, in the course of which he extended a hand of sympathy to many a way-
farer whose lot was less fortunate than his own. He comes of an illustrious line
of ancestors and was born in \'illenovia township. Chautauqua county, Xew York.
February 5, 1836. a son of .Austin and Mary .\nn (Sterling) Peirce. The father
was a native of Thetford, \'ermont. and was born in 1799. He was married to
Mary .\nn Sterling, March 17, 1826, and thev removed to \'illenovia township,
Cliaiitau(|iia county. .\ew "S'ork, three years later when that section of the state

HISTORY OF I'OWRSIHEK COUNTY 71

\va-~ still only thinly settled. I Ic engaged in the practice of medicine until 1850,
when he was attacketl by spinal disease and confined to his bed for nearly twelve
\ears. He passed away June 17, 1861. He was a firm believer in the Christian
religion and a devout member of the Presbyterian church. For many years he
took an active interest in politics and was supervisor of his town, serving also as
member of the state legislature of New York in the winter of 1841-2.

The I'eirce family was very prominent in the early days of New^ England.
The emigrant ancestor, Thomas Peirce, was born in England about 1583 and emi-
grated to this country in 1633 or 1634, settling at Charlestown, Massachusetts,
[lis wife, Elizabeth, was born in England about 1595. Thomas Peirce was
made a freeman in the colonies May 6, 1635, and was one of the twenty-
one commissioners appointed by the general court of Massachusetts to see that
saltpetre heaps were made by all the farmers of the colony. Several members of
the family served in the Revolutionary war and since that time many of them
have been prominent in public life and also in business in various states of the
L'nion. On the mother's side the subject of this review is descended from noted
ancestry of Scotland, Mary Ann Sterling having been a daughter of Lord Sterling.
The ancestry is traced back to Walter De Streverlying, who lived about 1 130 .\. D.
The name underwent various changes until it became Sterling.

Lucien G. C. Peirce was reared in his native town \'illenovia township and
educated ii< the public schools, remaining at home until seventeen years of age.
In 1853, having a desire to see the world and also to carve out a fortune for
himself, he went to Kane county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm in the
summer and clerked in a store in the winter. For several years, beginning in
1858. he was employed by Brady & Pease at .Aurora. He spent ten years in
Kane and Kendall counties, Illinois, and for two years was deputy postmaster at
Lisbon.

In the meantime .Mr. Peirce purchased one hundred and sixty acres in
Poweshiek county, Iowa, four miles southeast of Grinnell and in the fall of 1862
he visitetl this county and in the spring of 1863 brought his wife and two children
to their new home. It was for some time a lonely spot as there were no neighbors
within several miles, the eye being greeted only by the open prairie and blue sky.
He built a house fourteen by eighteen feet in size, still standing, in which the fam-
ily lived until 1880, when he erected a modern residence, having meanwhile ap-
plied himself to good advantage as a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1889 he re-
moved to Grinnell and for three years w'as interested with a partner in the cream-
ery business. Since that time he has lived retired. He is a member of the hoard
of directors of the Interurban Telephone Company, which operated between Grin-
nell and Montezuma, and for twenty-five years was secretary of the Poweshiek
( onnty Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, displaying in the discharge of his
duties an ability that made his services highly acceptable to all concerned.

In i860 Mr. Peirce was married at Batavia, Kane county, Illinois, to Miss
Esther M. Snow, who has been to him a true and loving companion. Nine chil-
dren came to bless this union, namely : Austin P., now living at Des Moines, Iowa ;
r.yn m B., of Kearney, Nebraska; Edna L.. widow of William Philpott, of Grin-
nell; M. Genevra, now engaged in teaching at Blue Island, Illinois; Lucia E.,
\\ho is also a teacher and is living at home; Gurdon D., deceased; Helen T., now

Vol. II— 4

72 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Mrs. C. S. Williston, of Chicago ; William S., an osteopathic physician, who i^ en-
gaged in practice at Lima, Ohio ; and Tiny V., deceased.

Mr. Peirce and his wife are identified with the Universalist church, in which
he has served as clerk. He is now independent in politics but for many years
was a prominent factor in political affairs in this part of the state. Originally a
republican, he became an advocate of the greenback party and was a candidate for
the state legislature, carrying every precinct outside of Grinnell with a majority
of fourteen votes, but he was defeated by the labor element of the city. He was
prominent in the organization of the populist party and was one of the leaders
in the Patrons of Husbandry, occupying all the chairs in that body from secretary
to master. He is also an active worker in the Grange, remaining with it until the
local organization went out of existence. He has been a director of the Poweshiek
County Central Agricultural Society and served as its treasurer for three years.
He and his estimable wife have a legion of friends in Poweshiek and adjoining
counties who have been attracted by their interest in the welfare of others. .As
the shadows lengthen this venerable couple are blessed with the love of their chil-
dren and neighbors, and they have the satisfaction of feeling that in an important
degree they have performed their duty. Always progressive in business, kindly
in disposition and generous in estimate of others, Mr. Peirce has retained the high
regard of those with whom he has come in contact either in social, business or
political life, and is one of the most honored residents of this city.

ERNEST JAAIES HARRIS.

The records of the successful men of Poweshiek county are doubly interest-
ing from the fact that so many of them won their way from humble positions
and today are in the enjoyment of an abundance acquired through their own
intelligently applied industry. Ernest James Harris is among those who sur-
mounted great obstacles, and although he started as a boy of seventeen prac-
tically empty-handed, he is now the owner of a beautiful farm of which Ik- has
just reason to be proud. He is a native of Dorsetshire, England, and was born
January 6. 1871, a son of James and Elizabeth ( Slade) Harris. The parents
were both born in the same county as the son, the fatlier November 22, 1833.
and the mother December 7, 1838. They were married m England and Mr.
Harris spent his entire life in that country, being identified with farming in-
terests. The mother came to America in 1890 and is now living with her sons
in Poweshiek county. There were five children in their family : Elizabeth, who
is deceased; Thomas .\., who engages in farming in Chester township: Fred-
erick, of Brule county. South Dakota ; Ernest James, of this review ; and Edgar
J., of Chester township.

Ernest James Harris received his preliminary education m the public schools
of England. In 1887, seeking to take advantage of opportunities presented in
the new world, he came to Iowa and began working on the farm of his uncle,
George Harris, in Washington township, Poweshiek county. After a short
time he went to Grinnell and entered the employment of James Bailey, with

HISTORY OF POWESIIIRK COUNTY 73

whom he continued for two years, and then working under A. G. Williams,
of Chester township, for one year. At the end of this time he rented forty
acres of land in Chester township which he cultivated for two years, and, hav-
ing acquired sufficient ca])ital, luirchased one hundred and twenty acres in
Washington township, upon which he established his home. He makes a
specialty of raising hogs and Shorthorn cattle. He has provided the farm with
a good residence, barn and outbuildings, and also with all modern accessories
and conveniences, and its neat appearance indicates the great interest which he
takes in his work.

On the i6th of May, 1894, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss
Lula Lillian I'atrick. a daughter of .\ndrew and Gertrude (Spire) Patrick,
and eight children have blessed this union, namely: lames .\., who was born
July 2J. 1895 ''"•' 'lied January 29, 1907: Winifred 1., bom .August 15, 1897;
Arthur E., born .\ugust 15, igoo : Elsie May, born September 27,, igo2: I'.essie
[>uella, born ;\lay 15, 1904: Dorothy Irene, born November 6, 1905: Alfred,
born .April 13, 1907, and died April 21, 1907; and Roy Roscoe, born April 3,
1909. .Mrs. Harris was born .Ai)ril 14, 1874, at Jasper county. Iowa. Her
mother was a native of New York and was married to Mr. Patrick in New
York state. They came to Iowa and lived for several years in Chester town-
ship, Poweshiek county, after which they established their home in fasper
county. The father died in August, 1881, and the mother passed away March
2, 1909. He was an earnest adherent of the republican party, and both he
and his wife were members of the Methodist church and also of the Grange.

Afr. Harris has been from boyhood a member of the Episcopal church,
while his wife is connected with the Alethodist church. In politics he supports
the republican party and has served to the general satisfaction of the com-
munity as a member of the school board. He is an active and helpful citizen,
intelligent and progressive in whatsoever he undertakes, and always governed
by a worthy ambition to promote to the extent of his ability the best mterests
of those with whom he is associated. I!y undaunted resolution and zeal he has
won deserved recognition as one of the substantial citizens of Poweshiek
county.

GEORGE H. McMURRAY.

Occupying a position of leadership in connection with many of the most
important interests, business enterjirises and public projects of Grinnell, George
H. McAIurray has contributed in sulistantial anrl gratif\ing measure to the
growth and prosperity of the city, and has so indelibly impressed iiimself upon
the community in the w^ork of advancement that no historv of this section of
the state would be complete without iirominent reference to him. Iowa may
well be proud to number him among her native sons.

His birth occurred in Bellevue, Jackson county, on the i8th of October,
1863, his parents being James H. and Thirza (Smith) McMurray, the former
a native of Delaware county. New York, and the latter of Galena, Illinois.
They were married in Bellevue, Iowa, the father having located there m early

74 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

manhood. The mother was a daughter of Judge Joseph Smilli. who presided
over the court of his district in Iowa. He had taken up his abode in Bellevue
early in the '50s, removing to this state from Knoxville, Tennessee. On be-
coming a resident of Bellevue James H. McMurray had turned his attention
to merchandising and some years later he removed his business to Dewitt,
lowa, and afterward to Brooklyn, Poweshiek county, in 1869. He was prom-
inently identified with the business interests of that town for eighteen years
when he went to California for the benefit of his health, spending seven
years in Los Angeles. In i8()2 he became a resident of Grinnell and purchased
a half interest in the business owned by his sons, G. H. McMurray and James
H. McMurray, since which time the enterprise has been conducted under the
name of J. H. McMurray, Jr. & Company. For the past thirty-five years or
more father and son have conducted the largest stores in their respective lines
in Poweshiek county, their combined stocks representing an aggregate invest-
ment of seventy thousand dollars. The name of McMurray is a synonym for
progressiveness in commercial lines and their activities have constituted a
standard that others have followed.

George H. McMurray was reared at home, acquiring his education in the
public schools and also in a boarding school at Clinton, Iowa, where he finished
the work of the freshman year. From the early age of twelve vears, however,
he has devoted much of his time to merchandising, assisting in his father's
store when not in school. In 1882 he embarked in merchandising on his own
account, forming a partnership with Wesley Manatt, in which connection they
established business under the firm name of McMurray & Afanatt. After
five years they sold out antl George H. McMurray and his brother J. H.
McMurray, Jr., organized the firm of McMurray Brothers and opened a store
in Grinnell. The business relation between them was maintained for five
years, at the end of which time, in 1892, the father returned from California
and George H. McMurray sold his interest to him and opened his present
clothing business, which he has successfully carried on for the past eighteen
years. He is today the leading clothier of Poweshiek county, employs five
people and conducts a very extensive business. During much of this |)eriod he
has been interested in branch stores at West Union and .\nita, Iowa, and else-
where. However, he has since disposed of these and now gives much of his time
to the operation of a valuable farm of four hundred acres which he owns in
Chester tt)wnship. On this place lie raises horses and feeds cattle and also carries
on the usual farm work in the production of grain. He leads an extremely busy
and useful life and his determined nature enables him to carry forward to suc-
cessful comj>leti(in whatever he undertakes. His cooperation is counted a valuable
asset in any business venture and it is felt that his aid will secure a prosperous
outcome. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens' National Bank and is
a member of its board of directors. He readily solves intricate and involved
financial problems and seems to see from the circumference to the very center
of things, recognizing with almost unerring judgment the possibilities for the
attainment of success in any given connection.

On the 6th of July, 1886, Mr. McMurray was inarried to Miss Margaret C.
Wright, of I'rooklyii, this county, anfl unto them have been born three children:

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 75

Harry I""., wlio is now a senior in Grinnell College; Arthur R., who is pursuing
the work of the junior year; and Donald J., who is yet a student in the public
schools. The family are prominent socially and their own home is most at-
tractive by reason of its warm-hearted and cordial hospitality. Mr. McMurray
is a member of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 174, A. ]■'. & A. M., and he gives his
political allegiance to the republican i)arty, but has never been an aspirant for
office. Many look to him as the leader in all public enterprises and follow his
example, for it is known that his judgment is sound and his loyalty to the
best interests of the community above question.

JOHN BAKER.

John Baker, a former agriculturist of Poweshiek county, who is now living
retired in Searsboro, was born in Reaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of
November, 1834. His parents were Richard and Catherine (Thompson) Baker,
also natives of Beaver county, the father having been born on the 22d of Feb-
ruary, 1799, and the mother in 1807. The father who during the entire period
of his active life engaged in farming, was living retired at the time of his
death, which occurred on the 2d of December, 1882. His wife survived him for
almost two years thereafter, her demise occurring on the 9th of October, 1884.
He voted for the candidates of the democratic party, and while residing in
Pennsylvania he acted as postmaster at Baker's Bank. Sixteen children were
born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the order of their birth being as
follows : James, who died in Andersonville prison during the Civil war ; So-
phronia, who is a resident of Detroit, Michigan ; William, who is deceased :
Sidney, the widow of William Beatty, of lieaver county, Pennsylvania ; Lorenzo
1!., who was killed at the siege of Vicksburg ; John, our subject ; Thomson,
who is living at Ansley, Custer county, Nebraska ; Sarah, the widow of Iknja-
min James, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania ; Mary Ann, the widow of Fred
Stralia, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania ; George, who is a resident of Butler
county, Pennsylvania; Matilda, the widow of Walter Craig, of Pittsburg:
Nancy Jane, the wife of Walter Swagers, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania ;
Catherine, the wife of Robert Mills, of Custer county, Nebraska; Wesley 1'..,
also a resident of Custer county, Nebraska ; Robert, who died in the army :
and Rachel, the widow of Mr. Wood, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania

The first twenty-two years in the life of John Baker were spent on the
homestead where he was born and reared, his education being acquired in the
district schools of Beaver county. After laying aside his text-books he assisted
his father in the work of the homestead until April, 1856, at which time he
migrated to Iowa. Upon his arrival in this state he first located in Mahaska
county, where he worked by the month as a farm hand. In 1859 he came to
Poweshiek county, settling in Sugar Creek township where for a time he con-
tinued to do farm work. In 1888 he purchased forty acres of land, in the cul-
tivation of which he met with such success that he was later able to add another
forty acres to his tract. He still owns this property, but has for some time

76 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

been living i-etiretl in Searsboro. Mr. IJaker foUuwed general farming. He
also had a fine orchard and made a .specialty of raising stock.

On the 24th of March, 1859, .Mr. P.aker was married to Miss Julia Stanley,
a daughter of John T. and Mary (Berry) Stanley, of Sugar Creek township,
Poweshiek county. Mrs. Baker was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the nth
of June, 1835, her parents having resided there for about twenty years. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were natives of \'irginia, from which state they migrated
to Ohio, settling in Miami county in 1830. In 1851 they came to Iowa, settling
on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sugar Creek township, Powe-
shiek county, which Mr. Stanley purchased. He later added to this another
eighty acres, continuing to make his home on the farm until his death on the
27th of March. 1888. The mother survived him until the 15th of August, 1890.
He was a supporter of the democracy and served as township trustee, while
both he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. The family of
Mr. and Mrs. Baker numbered six children, five of whom are now surviving:
Mary C, the wife of Paul Nelson, of Rochester, Minnesota; Wesley, who is a
resident of Kendall, Missouri ; Lucy Jane, who is deceased ; George, who makes
his home in Mahaska county, Iowa; Clarissa; and Cora, the wife of Bert Sex-
ton, of Sugar Creek township.

The family always worshipped in the Christian church, of which Mrs.
Baker is a member, and fraternally Mr. Baker has been affiliated with the Ma-
sonic order for forty-three years. His political support he gives to the republican
party, and for several years served as road supervisor. Many notable changes
have taken place in Poweshiek county during the long period of Mr. Baker's
residence, in all of which he has ever taken a keen interest.

CHARLES SWECKER.

Charles Swecker is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of laml in
Jefferson township, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and
which yields him a handsome annual income.

He is a native of this county, and was born in Jefferson township, January
25, 1873, a son of Abraham and Lydia (Niswander) Swecker, who were both
natives of ^^irginia. The father was reared as a farmer and came to Powe-
shiek county, Iowa, with his family in the spring of 1872. He engaged suc-
cessfully in agriculture and stock-raising and became the owner of three hun-
dred and twenty acres of good land, which he cultivated tor over thirty
years. He then retired to Hartwick, where he died in July, 1906. The
mother is still living and resides at Belle Plaine.

Charles Swecker, of this review, possessed good opportunities of education
in the common schools, and under his father became well acquainted with all
classes of work pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1894 he began
working on his own account on the old homestead north of Hartwick, and m
the spring of 1910 removed to his present location on section 34, where he
engages in general agriculture, also raising cattle and hogs for the market.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 77

He cultivates the soil to good advantage and his farm yields a reliable income.
The buildings are all in excellent order and he and his family have one of the
most comfortable homes in the township.

In 1807 Mr. Swecker was married to Miss Myrtle Wilson, a daughter of
lav Wilson, and to this union one child. Rex. J., was born. The mother of
this child died May 3, 1898, and in September, 1899, Mr. Swecker was again
HKirried. his second union being with Kathrine Mcllrath, a daughter of James
Mcllrath, a well known farmer of Jefferson township. To the second mar-
riage of Mr. Swecker four children have been born, namely : Wayne James,
Charles Wilson ; Myrtle E. : and Eleanor L.

Mr. Swecker casts his ballot in support of the republican party. He has
never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, but served with general
approval as member of the school board. Religiously he is connected with the
C'ongregational church at Hartwick. He is known as an up-to-date farmer
and an intelligent and broad-minded man, one who may be depended upon to
lend a hand in forwarding every movement that aims to promote the general
welfare.

CHARLES H. HALL.

I'lrming claims the time and attention of Charles H. Hall, who owns and
operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott town-
ship, as well as a tract of eighty acres in Bear Creek township. He is a native
of the latter township, born July 27, 1873, a son of George and Katharine
' Deardorff) Hall, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of O. D.
1 lall, a brother of our subject, on another page of this work. Their family
numbered nine children but only seven are now living.

Charles H. Hall was reared on the home farm in Bear Creek township and
was early trained to the work of plowing, planting and harvesting during the
spring and summer months, while in the winter season he attended the district
schools. He remained under the parental roof until he reached mature years,
when he began working out by the month as a farm hand. He was thus em-
ployed for three years, when, having saved sufficient capital, he began farming
on his own account. As his financial resources have permitted he has invested
in land and today owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Scott town-
ship, where he resides, and eighty acres in Bear Creek township. Both tracts
are improved with good buildings, and his fields are in a cultivable state, from
which he annually gathers abundant harvests.

Mr. Hall was married in March, 1898. to Miss Nellie Robertson, who was
born in Scott township, December 28, 1871, a daughter of Charles and .\nnie
ffiibbs) Robertson, both of whom were natives of Scotland but were reared
anfl married in New York. The father came west with his family at an early
(lay and accumulated three hundred and twenty acres of land in Poweshiek
countv. He died here in early life, in 1886, when but forty-five years of age,
while his wife passed away in 1893 at the age of fifty-two. They !iad two
daughters and a son : Nellie, now Mrs. Hall : Thomas, a resident of Scott town-

78 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ship; and Maggie, the wife of WiUiam Johnson, a resident of Brooklyn. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born four children : Lester, Grace, Ray and Lyle.
Politically Mr. Hall is a democrat. Having spent their entire lives in Powe-
shiek county, both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are well and favorably known, having a
wide circle of friends in their home localitv.

WILLIAM McCLURE.

The position which William McOure holds in the agricultural circles of
Poweshiek county is indicated by the fact that for the past five years he has
served as president of the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Society of
Malcom. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, in 1861, a son of James and
Mary (Corrough) McClure, both natives of County Down, Ireland. They were
reared and married in their native country and later came to Iowa, locating
in Scott county. Subsequently they took up their abode in Muscatine county,
where the mother passed away in 1872, at the age of forty-six years. The
father came to Poweshiek county in February, 1879, and here engaged in gen-
eral farming for many years, making his home upon his farm two miles east
of Malcom until the time of his death, which occurred about 1891, when
he was sixty-nine years of age. He and his wife were the parents of ten chil-
dren, seven sons and three daughters, of which number three sons and two
daughters still survive.

William McClure, who was the fifth in order of birth, spent the period of
his boyhood and youth in his native county and there acquired his education.
He has been a resident of Poweshiek county since February, 1879, when he
came to this county with his father, with whom he resided on the old home-
stead farm until twelve years ago, when he purchased his present home. His
farm consists of three hundred and fifty-one acres, located on sections 23 and
14. and is a highly imi)roved property, equipped with all modern conveniences.
His fields are inclosed by neat, well kept fences, and upon the place are found
a comfortable dwelling, a large barn, sixty-four by eighty feet, and substantial
outbuildings. Everything about the place indicates that he is in touch with the
modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. During the
past three years he has rented his farm. He now rents his land but continues to
live on his farm and gives his attention to his stock. He is engaged in general
farming and stock-raising and so manages his interests that he is winning most
gratifying success.

In October, 1908, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth
(Moses) Johnson, a daughter of Simon and Catharine Moses, her birth oc-
curring in Monona, Iowa, on the 27th of July, 1876. Unto them have been
born two children, Kathryn Elizabeth and William James. By a former mar-
riage Mrs. McClure had a son, Raymond C. Johnson, now a lad six years
of age.

Mr. McQure is well known in fraternal circles as a member of the Knight-;
of Pythias and also of the Masonic order, belonging to Lily Lodge, No. 254.

'^<>77^^.

'CA.^^.^Jl

■'<^.VOA

^IOns,

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 81

A. !•". & A. M., and to Hyssop Chapter, R. A. M., both of Mak(jm. His relig-
ious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and in jiohtics he gives stalwart sup-
port to the republican party. He is now serving as township trustee and for tlie
past three years has acted as secretary of the township school board. In what-
ever relation he has been found, whether in public, private or business life, he
has ever manifested the most loyal and public-spirited citizenship, strongly
advocating and upholding every measure which has for its object the material,
political, intellectual or moral growth of the community. As president of the
Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Association, which position he has oc-
cupied for the past five years, he has come into contact with the farming ele-
ment throughout the county and his efforts in behalf of progress and advance-
ment along agricultural and kindred lines have been potent factors in stimulat-
ing the interest and action of his fellowmen in that direction.

JOSEPH D. CARPENTER.

No resident of Poweshiek county has achieved greater success in agricul-
tural pursuits than has Joseph D. Carpenter, whose beautiful home on section
3, Pleasant township, is one of the most attractive spots in this locality. He
was born at Pownal, \'ermont, and comes of old Revolutionary stock, his
ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines having fought in the war for
independence. He was the only son of Joseph I. and Augusta E. (Gardner)
Carpenter, who were also natives of Pownal, where the father's birth occurred
in 1 82 1 and the mother's in 1829. The latter, who passed away when her son
was but three days old, was born on the old homestead on which her father
and her son were both born. She was the daughter of Captain David Gardner,
who died in 1866 at the age of eighty-two years, and a sister of Abram Gard-
ner, lieutenant governor of \'ermont at one time and also a well known and
prominent lawyer of that state. The Gardner family was one of the first to
settle at Pownal, \'ermont, and the old homestead in which our subject was
born, still remains in the family, being now owned by his cousin. Shortly
after the death of his wife Joseph Carpenter went to Illinois, locating in
Bureau county, and in 1857 he was joined by his son, who was reared in that
county. The father engaged in the lumber business in Princeton until his son
was eleven years of age, when they removed to a farm near that city and
there he passed his remaining days. His death occurred at Princeton in Sep-
tember, 1902. By a second marriage he had become the father of four sons
and a daughter.

Joseph D. Carpenter, whose name introduces this review, spent his early
life in Princeton and Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1877 came to Poweshiek
county, where he has since maintained his residence. His home place consists
of half of section 3, Pleasant township, about two and a half miles southwest
of Malcom, and is one of the finely improved and valuable properties of this
section. In its midst stands the beautiful residence which Mr. Carpenter
erected in 1907, containing fifteen rooms, all equipped with the most modern

82 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

impruvements. In the rear are substanlial buildings and on the jilace is found
every convenience for facihtating farm labor. In addition to the cultivation
of this property Mr. Carpenter gives considerable attention to his extensive
live-stock interests, being one of the heaviest stock- feeders and shippers in the
county. He ships an average of ten carloads of stock annually and has also
shipped as high as one hundred carloads a year. Prosperity has attended him
in the conduct of his affairs, for he possesses in large measure those qualities
which are positive forces in the acquirement of financial independence, and as
success has come to him he has purchased more land, being now the owner of
three valuable farms aside from his home place. His wife also possesses con-
siderable property in her own right and, together with their children, they now
own about one thousand acres of good land in Poweshiek county.

Mr. Carpenter was married, on the loth of June, 1875, at Princeton, Illinois,
to Miss ]\Iinerva E. Judd, who was born in that city on the 27th of October,
1852. She is a daughter of Eli P. Judd. now deceased, a very wealthy man of
whom mention is made on another page in this volume. Unto rhis union have
been born nine children as follows: Sarah A., who has filled the office of
county superintendent of schools since January i, 191 1 : David Eli, of Pleasant
township ; Flora, the wife of William C. Stimson, of Scott township ; Rey-
nolds R., also of that township; Joseph L., of Pleasant township; Forest D.,
still under the parental roof; \'era, a teacher residing at home; Lodi, at home;
and Hazel, who is engaged in teaching.

Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Masonic order, holding membership in
Lily Lodge, No. 54, A. F. & A. M.. at Malcom, and in politics is a republican.
The honors and emoluments of office, however, have never possessed any at-
traction for him, for he has desired to concentrate his energies upon his per-
sonal business affairs. Substantial and enviable success has come to him as
the legitimate and logical result of his well directed eiTorts, for with him per-
severance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life,
bringing him to the honorable and prominent position which he now occupies
in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has so long lived and
labored.

EDWIN E. H.\RRIS, M. D.

Dr. Edwin E. Harris, physician and surgeon, who in the practice of med-
icine gives evidence of his comprehensive understanding of the principles upon
which his work is based and whose ability is further attested in the large
practice that is accorded him, was born in Fremont county, Iowa. January 2,
1867. His parents were Jared J. and Mary E. (Ewell) Harris, the former a
native of Ohio and the latter of Iowa, and they were married in Fremont
county, Iowa. The father was reared in his native state and there enlisted
for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Seventeenth Ohio
Infantry. He was with that command for less than a year when he was dis-
charged on account of illness, after which he came west for his health. Later

HISTORY OF I'OWF.SIIIEK COUNTY 83

lie reenlisted in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the war.
Following the cessation of hostilities he was married and took ;ip his abode in
Fremont county, Iowa. In early life he had studied pharmacy and for some
years practiced his profession. .After the war he took up the study of law and
was admitted to the bar. practicing for eight or nine years in Sidney, Iowa. In
1876 he went to California, where he entered upon the work of the ministry,
preaching the gospel for about seven years in the Methodist Episcopal church.
About 1882 he returned to Fremont county and turned his attention to edu-
cational work, .-\fter teaching school for a short period he was elected county
superintendent of schools, in which position he served for three terms, or six
years. On the expiration of his third term of office he retired from active life
and five years later again went to California, where his death occurred in
1003. His wife is still living on the Pacific coast, her home being in I^)erkeley,
California.

Dr. Harris was reared under the parental roof and became a student in
Tabor College, being graduated therefrom on the completion of the English
course with the class of 1891. Prior to this time he had taken up teaching
as a profession and in 1891 and 1892 was principal of the schools of Elliott,
Iowa, but resigned his position to enter upon preparation for the practice of
medicine. He pursued his studies in both Columbia University and in the
Howard University Medical School at Washington, D. C, and in both in-
stitutions he acted also as teaclier of chemistry. He received his degree from
Howard University in 1895 and then came west, settling first in Tabor, Iowa.
P)0th he and his wife were graduates of the same school and in 1908 they went
abroad, returning the following year. While in Europe Dr. Harris pursued a
s|)ecial course of study in London and in \'ienna and in the latter city he
received his zeugnus, or diploma. On his return in 1909 he took post-graduate
work at the Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Maryland. Later he lo-
cated in Grinnell. He had also done special work in Rome and in Paris. He
devotes a portion of almost every summer to post-graduate study either in
Chicago or New York and is one of the best equipped physicians and surgeons
of this section of the west. His knowledge is most accurate and comprehensive
and wide experience as well as research has made him a man of pronounced
ability.

In 1894 Dr. Harris was married to Miss Louise A. Fairfield, of Washing-
ton, D. C, a daughter of the Rev. F. W. Fairfield, D. D., professor of Greek
in Tabor I'niversity, who later held the same position in Howard University
in Washington, D C, becoming acting president of the latter institution. LTnto
Dr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three children, of whom two are living:
Frederick F., who is a graduate of the Grinnell high school ; and Eleanor F,
The parents are members of the Congregational church and Dr. Harris is now
presi.lent of the choir. He belongs to Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M.
The duties and demands of his profession leave him little time for social
pleasures, but his friends and his patients find him a congenial, courteous gen-
tleman nf hoi^eful nature and of cordial disposition. He is a member of the
county, state and national medical societies and for years has served as sec-
retary of the county society. Words of commendation are spoken concerning

84 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

him not only by the general public but by the profession as well, for his fellow-
practitioners recognize his superior worth and ability in a calling where ad-
vancement depends entirely upon individual merit.

ERNEST EDWIN LINCOLN.

At the early age of four years Ernest I'Ldwin Lincoln arrived in America
with his parents from England. He has, perhaps, but a faint recollection of
the green fields and crowded cities of the British Isles. In Poweshiek county
he has spent about forty-five years of his life. He is now one of the honored
citizens of Washington township and the owner of one of its highl)- i)roducti\e
farms.

He was born on Isle Sheppy, fifty miles east of London, in the Thames
river, November 8, 1849, a son of Edward and Amy (Mapstead) Lincoln.
The father was born at Chillhani, a suburb of London, and the mother at
Charing Cross. They were married in the old country and came to the United
States in 1853, taking up their residence near Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Lin-
coln rented a farm for twelve years. He then came to \\'ashington township,
Poweshiek county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres upon
which he established his family homestead. He died June 9, 1882, the mother
being called away on the 4th of March, 1884. They were both baptized in the
faith of the Episcopal church and the father gave his political support to the
republican party. There were nine children in their family: John F. and George,
both of whom are deceased ; Mary Ann, who married Cieorge Simmons, of
Grinnell : Edward, living in Washington, this county ; Henry W., who is now
living near Columbus, Ohio ; Jane and Charles, both of whom are deceased ;
Ernest Edwin, of this review, and Amy, also deceased.

Ernest Edwin Lincoln was educated in the public schools of Ohio and as
he grew to manhood assisted his father in the work ui)on the home farm. He
came to Poweshiek county with liis parents and inherited forty acres of the
family estate, to which he added one hundred and sixty acres by purchase.
Subse<|uently he disposed of his land and acquired his present farm of four
hundred acres. He also owned sixty acres in the west side of the township,
which he has sold his son. He erected the buildings, which are substantial and
sightly, and has made many other im[M-ovements, the place being one of the
valuable properties of the township. His business interests are well managed
and he is a man of energy and determination, the reward he received as the
result of his efforts being well merited.

On the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, Alay 4, 1858. a
daughter of Alexander and Mary (Robson) Thompson. The father was born
near [ielfast, Ireland, and the mother also at the same place. They were mar-
ried in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having come to the L'nited States in
1851. After their marriage they removed to Mercer count}-, Illinois, where Mr.
Thompson purchased a farm. Subsequently he disposed of his pro]iertv and

HISTORY OF POWESITIKK COl'XTV 85

came to Iowa, ])urchasiiig one hundred and sixty acres in Jasper county, and
applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of six hundred
and forty acres of good land. He is now retired from active labor and has
reached the age of eighty-four years. The beloved wife and mother died April
14. i(jo9. being then eighty-two years of age. Mr. Thompson is a member of
the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and m politics he gives his
allegiance to the democratic party. Eight children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Lincoln. namel\' : Alexander, of Washington township, who is married and
has two children . Elsie Elizabeth and Alice Mary ; Ernest, also of Washington
township, who is married and has two children , Frances Elizabeth and Roy
[•".rnest ; David, of W'ashington township, who is married and has five children ;
Emma May, Albert Ernest, Grace Susan, William David and Harry Ralph ;
Charles, of Washington township, who is married and has two children , George
Edwin and Ross Arthur; Susan Mary, who married T>. N. Whittaker, of Wash-
ington township, and has one child , Ona Elizabeth ; John E., deceased ; and
I'rancis Henry and George Edward, both of whom are at home.

In politics Mr. Lincoln is independent, preferring to cast his ballot for the
man ^-ather than in support of any party organization. He is active in local
affairs and has held most of the township offices, including those of trustee and
road supervisor. He is greatly interested in education and for twenty-five years
[)ast !ias served as a member of the school board. He has an intimate knowl-
edge of the development of Poweshiek county and through his genial character-
istics has gained many warm friends, who regard him as one of the most
capable and useful men in the township.

ROBERT A. MORTLAND.

.\mong the native sons of Montezuma Robert A. Mortland is numbered.
1 le is now well known in journalistic circles in Poweshiek county as editor of
the Palladium and is a partner of his father. R. L. Mortland, in the ownership
of the paper. He has always remained a resident of his native city and after
mastering the branches of learning taught in the graded schools he became a
high school student and was graduated in 1891. In the years 1894 and 1895
he was a student in the state university, after which he became associated with
his father in newspa])er publication, assuming the management of the Powe-
shiek County Palladium, having been in control of this paper since its estab-
lishment in 1895. ^■'i 't^ publication he keeps in touch with the most advanced
ideas of progressive journalism and gives to the public a readable journal, which
because of its large and growing circulation is also an excellent advertising
medium and has secured a good support in that connection.

On the 23d of August. 1906. Mr. Mortland was married to Miss Katharine
Harden, who was born in Montezuma, a daughter of T. J. Harden. They now
have one child, Ruth Elizabeth. In his fraternal relations Mr. Mortland is a
Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow. His ])olitical allegiance has always been
given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of fran-

86 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

chise and he has served on the county and congressional committees and at the
present writing is filhng the office of town clerk, which position he has occupied
since 1897. or for a period of fourteen years. His long retention in this office
stands as incontrovertible proof of his ability and fidelity. The consensus of pub-
lic opinion places Robert A. Portland in a prominent position as one of the lead-
ing and influential men of his native city and as one whose labors have been
effective and far-reaching forces for the general good.

JOHN HENRY STANLEY.

John Henry Stanley, who is now living retired in Searsboro. was born in
Miami county, Ohio, on the 21st of July, 1838, and is a son of John T. and
Mary (Barber) Stanley. The parents were both natives of Virginia, the
father having been born in Halifax county on the 25th of July, 1806, and the
mother in Vermont county on the 12th of .August, 181 1. They were reared
and educated in their native state, where they were also married. Subseiiuently
they migrated to Ohio, locating on a farm which they rented in Aliami county
in 1833. They continued to reside in the Buckeye state until 1851, when they
came to Poweshiek county and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land
in Sugar Creek township. Later Mr. Stanley purchased eighty acres of school
land, which he cleared and improved, continuing to engage in general farming
until about three years prior to his demise, when he retired. He [passed away
on the 26th of March, 1888, and his wife in .\ugust, 1890. He voted with the
democratic party and served for several years as township trustee, while both
he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley were born eight children: Martha J., who is deceased; Julia .\.. the
wife of John Baker, a resident of Poweshiek county; Mary E., the wife of
John English, of Sugar Creek township ; John Henry, our subject ; James T.,
who is living in Mahaska county; Granville M., who is deceased; Lawson M.,
also a resident of Mahaska county ; and William, who is deceased.

The district schools of Sugar Creek township provided John Henry Stanley
with his educational advantages. .After laying aside his text-books he gave his
entire time and attention to the work of the farm until he had attained his ma-
jority. He subsequently bought forty acres of land from his father, which he
cultivated for a time and then disposing of it he went to Kansas, locating in
Norton county. At the end of a year he returned to Sugar Creek township
where he bought eighty acres of land ; selling this, later he purchased fifty
acres elsewhere in the township. Five years thereafter he bought the old
homestead which he retained until 1898, when he traded it to B. T. X'estal
for a stock of general merchandise in Searsboro. .After conducting the store
for eighteen months he traded it for a farm in Sugar Creek township, which he
sold later, and once more bought the old homestead. He operated this for two
years and then came to Searsboro, where he erected a building and again en-
gaged in the mercantile business, being associated with his son, Robert H. in
the conduct of same. Two vears later he sold this Ijusiness to I. S. Saunders

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTV 87

and bought a livery stable, which he conducted for three years, but he is
now renting it. At the present time Mr. Stanley is practically living a retired
life in Searsboro, where he owns a very comfortable residence.

On the nth of March, i860, Mr. Stanley was united in marriage to Miss
Cornelia Reed, a daughter of William and Eliza (Reed) Reed, of Sugar
Creek township. The parents were born in North Carolina in 1814, and there
the father engaged in farming until his demise. Mrs. Stanley is also a native
of North Carolina her birth having occurred in Perquimans county on the
i6th of May, 1840. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Reed removed
with her family to Indiana, locating in the vicinity of Richmond, where she later
married Philip Reed. In 1854 the family came to Poweshiek county and settled
on an eighty acre farm in Sugar Creek township which Mr. Reed bouglit.
Here the mother passed away in March, 1865. He went to California later
and there engaged in farming until his death. He was a republican in politics
and both Mr. and Mrs. Reed affiliated with the United Brethren church. Of
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley there were born seven children : Charles L.,
who is a resident of Malcom township; Mary F., who married John Stilwell. of
South Dakota: Emma E., the wife of David Miller, of New Sharon, Mahaska
county, Iowa; Ella E., who married JefTerson Gordon, of Oskaloosa ; Robert H.,
who is living in Searsboro; Minnie M., who married Clarence Main, of Sugar
Creek township; and Ellen, who died in infancy.

Fraternally Mr. Stanley is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, having been a member of Searsboro Lodge, No. 335, for thirty-three
years, during which time he has held the various chairs, while Mrs. Stanley
is a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Stanley's political allegiance is
given to the democratic party, and he has served two years as township trustee,
while for ten years he was a member of the school board, during six of which
he was secretary, and at the present time he is serving his third term as clerk
of the township. Nearly the entire life of Air. Stanley has been spent in
Poweshiek county, where he has made many friends whose regard he still
retains.

FREDERICK ELLIOTT SPAULDING.

Frederick Elliott Spaulding, a prominent vehicle manufacturer of Grinnell,
is associated in business with H. W. and E. H. Spaulding. He is also a director
of the Ohio Valley Bending Company, the Mercer Wheel Company and the
Moline Pole and Shaft Company. His birth occurred in Grinnell, Iowa, on
the 29th of November, 1877, his parents being Henry W. and Miriam Jane
(Lull) Spaulding. He supplemented his preliminary education by a course
of study in Grinnell College, which institution conferred upon him the degree
of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1899, while the following year he won the same
degree from Princeton University of Princeton, New Jersey. On starting out
in business life he joined his father in the manufacture of vehicles and in
1900 his brother, E. H. Spaulding, also became a member of the firm.

88 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

On the 3d of October, 1900, at Sibley, Iowa, Mr. Spaulding was united in
marriage to Miss Gertrude Morse Brown, a daughter of Charles E. Brown of
that place. Unto them has been born one child, Elizabeth Jane Spaulding.

Mr. Spaulding gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while
his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church
of Grinnell. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and he also belongs to the Poweshiek Club.
His entire life has been spent in Grinnell and he has won an envable reputation
as a successful business man and respected citizen.

ALFRED W. HEACOCK.

A residence of more than forty years in Iowa has given Alfred W. Heacock
an opportunity of becoming well acquainted with the agricultural resources of
the state and also of acquiring a valuable farm which he owns in Poweshiek
county. He is a native of Henry county. Indiana, born .\ugust 8, 1844, and is
a son of Salathial and Anna ( Weeks) Heacock. The father was born in Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, and the mother near Rochester, New York. Thev were
married in Henry county, Indiana. Salathial Heacock received his education in
Bucks county and after laying his books aside worked as a cabinet-maker but
later removed to Henry county, Indiana, where he became identified with agri-
cultural interests, continuing there during the remainder of his life. His wife
died at Spiceland, Henry county. He was a member of the Society of Friends
and politically gave his support to the republican party. He never was an office
seeker but served acceptabl\- as a member of the school board. There were
five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Heacock, namely: .Alfred W., Mary,
now the widow of Peter Rifner, of Spiceland, Henry county, Indiana: Lydia
Ann, of Easthaven, Wayne county, Indiana; John, of Spiceland; and Charles,
deceased,

Alfred W. Heacock was educated in the ]3ublic schools of Henry county and
later attended Spiceland Academy and the .Sullivan Teachers Normal School at
Sullivan, Indiana. He taught school in Hcnrv county and later in Sullivan
county, but being attracted to agricultural pursuits, gave up teaching and began
farming in Henry county. In 1870 he came to Iowa and located in Washing-
ton township, Poweshiek county, where he now lives. He began farming in this
county upon a place of fifty acres, but as his resources increased he purchased
more land until he now has two hundred and twenty-five acres. By diligence
and systematic application he has greatly increased the productive capacity of
the fields, and he has also erected buildings and improved the farm until it is one
of the pleasing features of the landscape. He receives abundant annual returns
from the lalx)r anil capital expended, all of which is the result of his wisely
apj)lied energies.

On the 8th of September, i86c), Mr. Heacock was married to Miss .Sarah E.
De Bord, who was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, January 0. 1852. a
daughter of John and Jemima ("Heron") De Bord, Iioth of whom were native'^ of

1 THE NEW YORK

PU-BLIC LIbiURY

A8T0R, tENOX AND
XIUOEN FOUNDATIONS^

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 91

West \irginia. The father was a farmer and fruit-grower and took up his resi-
dence in Henry county, Indiana, in 1853. Later he removed to Hancock county,
Indiana, where he and his wife hved for twenty years. They died near Green-
field after having journeyed together in loving companionship for fifty-six years.
They were both earnest members of the Baptist church and he was an ordained
minister of that denomination. Politically he gave his support to the republican
party.

Eleven children came to bless the union of Mr. and .Mrs. Heacock : Bertha,
who married Edgar Williams, of Jasper county, Iowa ; Mary, the wife of Will-
iam McDowell, of Oak Grove, Poweshiek county, a record of whom appears
elsewhere in this review ; John Orla, of South Dakota, who was married February
27, 1900, to Genie Thompson, of Kellogg, Iowa ; Louie Pearl, deceased ;
Mabel, who became the wife of Enos Norman, of Grinnell township; Ella, the
wife of Henry Marshall, of Jasper county ; Lizzie, who became the wife of
John Poets, of Jasper county ; Clifford, deceased ; Arthur, at home, who married
.\lice Godfrey ; Reppie, deceased ; and Olivett, who married Nellie Thorp and
is living at home.

In political belief Mr. Heacock is a prohibitionist, as he is firmly of the opin-
ion that the saloon is the greatest evil in the country. The estimate in which he
is held by the voters of the township is shown in the fact that he filled the re-
sponsible office of justice of the peace for eight years. He has also served as a
member of the school board and is al\\-ays ready to assist in promoting the wel-
fare of this section. Religiously he adheres to the Society of Friends, and his
life has in an important measure been controlled by the simple faith of that
organization. He was an officer and overseer in the church for many years. He
ranks as one of the leaders in Poweshiek county and is a man who conscien-
tiously strives to follow in the footsteps of the Master.

(Mr. Heacock passed away April 9, 191 1, after the above biography was
written. On the opposite page is a steel portrait of Mr. Heacock, arranged for
by his widow.)

JOHN CAUDLE.

One of the enterprising young agriculturists of Poweshiek county is John
Caudle, who is engaged in general farming in Union township. He was born
in Sugar Creek township, this county, on the 4th of August, 1882, and is a
son of Jacob C. and Mary (Watson) Caudle, the father a native of North
Carolina and the mother of Sugar Creek township. Jacob C. Caudle, who was
a farmer, migrated to Iowa in his early manhood and located in Poweshiek
county. He first engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sugar Creek township,
where he rented land and later he bought a farm which he cultivated for a
time. On disposing of it he bought the place in Union township upon which
his son John now resides. The father is now living retired in New Sharon,
Iowa, but the mother passed away on the 23d of June. 1892. Three children
were born of this union: Cora, who is the wife of Alford Allen, of Sugar
Creek township : Hattie, who is deceased : and John, our subject. The fam-

92 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY

ily worshipped with the Baptist denomination, of which church Mr. Caudle is a
member, while in poHtics he is a democrat and has served as a member of
the school board.

The education of John Caudle was acquired in the district schools in the
vicinity of his home. After he had obtained a sufficient knowledge of the
common branches to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life
he laid aside his text-books and gave his undivided attention to agricultural
pursuits. He continued to remain at home with his father until he was twenty-
three years of age and then rented land, which he cultivated until 1906, when he
purchased his present farm of his father. This contains fifty acres of land.
all of which is under a good state of cultivation and well rewards the efforts of
Mr. Caudle, who is engaged in general farming.

In Union township on the ist of April, 1906, Mr. Caudle married Miss
Rosie Elmira \'ought, a daughter of Robert and Jennie (Johnson) \'ought. Her
father is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in the vicinity of Pitts-
burg, and her mother of Iowa. Mr. Vought, who is a farmer, in his early
manhood located in Missouri but later came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating
in Union township, where he continues to be engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He votes the democratic ticket and Mrs. X'ought belongs to the Christian
church. Their daughter, Mrs. Caudle, is a native of Poweshiek county, having
been born in Union township on the 14th of July, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Caudle
have two children: Mary Elnora, who was born on the ist of October, 1907;
and Fannie Christine, whose birth occurred on the i8th of August, 1909.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Caudle affiliate with the Christian church and he votes
with the democracy, feeling that their policy is best adapted to subserve the
interests of the majority. Since starting out in life for himself Mr. Caudle
has given evidence of possessing the perseverance and foresight as well as
executive ability essential for success in any vocation.

PHILIP HKISHMAX.

Some men are endowed at birth with the faculty fur business which is
further developed by practical e.xperience, and naturally become leaders in the
community. To this class belongs Philip Heishman, of Sheridan tow-nship.
He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, now West \'irginia. May 29, 1838, a
son of Philip and Rebecca (Bowers) Heishman. The parents were both
natives of Hardy county and spent their entire lives in that county. The father
died at the age of eighty-two years, the mother having lieen called away twenty
years previously. The grandparents were John and Mary Heishman, natives
of Germany, who came to America and settled in West \'irginia.

Philip Heishman spent his boyhood years on his father's farm, and con-
tinued there until he was married. He then began farming on his own account
upon rented land. In 1861 he answered the call of the south, enlisting as a
private in Company I. Eighteenth Virginia Cavalry. For four years he wore
the gray, serving on scout duty on the left flank under Stonewall Jackson, and

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 93

later under General Early. He participated in a number of prominent battles
and in skirmishes in the Shenandoah \'alley and was captured at Winchester,
January 3, 1863, and conducted as a prisoner of war to Harper's Ferry. Later
he was confined at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where for two months he en-
joyed northern hospitality. Then he was confined at Fort Delaware, where he
remained a prisoner of war until June 20, 1865, when he was released and re-
turned to his home, via Baltimore, Maryland. After laying aside the;, accouter-
ments of war he took up farming and after two years removed to Delaware
county, Indiana, where he rented land for ten years. Having accumulated
sufficient ca])ital, he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, m 1877 and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township, upon which is now his
homestead. At various times he acquired more land until he is the owner of six
hundred acres in the garden spot of Iowa, four hundred acres of which are
located in section 13, eighty acres in section 11, and forty acres in section 14,
of Sheridan township, and eighty acres in section 18, Madison township. The
land is well drained and excellent buildings have been erected, the farm being
one of the largest and best in this part of the county. All of the land is under
cultivation. Mr. Heishman is an extensive raiser of corn, oats and grass. He
is also a large breeder of horses and of full-blooded Duroc Jersey hogs. He
feeds three hundred head of hogs yearly and also feeds three carloads of cattle
for the market each winter. As is readily to be seen, he farms upon an ex-
ceptionally large scale and prides himself on the fact that he has never gone
into debt for a single acre of the land he now owns.

On the 9th of June, 1859, Mr. Heishman was united in marriage in Hardy
county, \'irginia, to Miss Maggie Richman, a daughter of Daniel and Lydia
Richman, the father being a farmer of Hardy county. Eleven children were
born to this union, seven of whom are now living, namely : Alice, who became
the wife of N. P. Boyle, a farmer of Grundy county, Iowa; Andrew J., at home;
Elmer C, who is a farmer and lives in Grinnell ; William H., who engages
in farming near the old homestead ; John L., also a farmer, residing near
Grinnell ; Augustus, who is engaged in farming near Brooklyn ; and Ernest, at
home. The mother of these children died April 7, 1890, and Mr. Heishman was
married December 8, 1892, to Mrs. Catharine (Shank) Miller, a daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Mason) Shank, natives of Rockingham county, Virginia,
where Mrs. Heishman was born and reared. In 1876 she came west with her
former husband, John M. Miller, to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and Mr. Miller
died at his home in this county June 8, 1887. At the time of her marriage to
Mr. Heishman she had four daughters ; Ida, Betty, Sally and Mary. The first
three daughters married three of the sons of Mr. Heishman; Ida became Mrs.
William H. Heishman; Sally became Mrs. Ernest Heishman; and Betty mar-
ried Augustus Heishman. John L., another of the sons of Mr. Heishman, mar-
ried Miss Anna Miller. By his second marriage Mr. Heishman has three sons :
Clifford P., Lester J. and Elza F., all of whom are living at home.

Politically Mr. Heishman gives his support to the republican party and
all of his sons vote in support of the same organization. He served as town-
ship trustee for six years and for the past thirty-four years has uninterruptedly
filled the office of member of the school board in District No. 6, .Sheridan town-

94 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ship. His son, William H. Heishman, also holds membership on the same
board. Mr. Heishman has passed the Psalmist's span of three score and ten
years, but he is still actively interested in business affairs and his advice is
eagerly sought by neighbors and friends who regard his opinion on many sub-
jects as final. By a life of industry and by his constant regard for the wel-
fare of others he has earned the place he holds as one of the highly respected
citizens of central Iowa.

GEORGE H. HAMLIN.

George H. Hamlin is cashier of the Merchants National Bank but the per-
formance of his duties in that connection do not by any means indicate the extent
of his activities nor the breadth of his usefulness as a citizen of Grinnell. One
of the native sons of this city, he was born October 23, 1855, his father being
Homer Hamlin, one of the four founders of Grinnell and well known as a promi-
nent and honored resident of Poweshiek county. His youthful days were spent
upon the home farm and his early education was supplemented by study in the
high school of Grinnell. No event of special importance occurred to vary the
routine of farm life for him in the days of his boyhood and youth.

When old enough to handle the plow, he began work in the fields and con-
tinued to assist in the cultivation of the crops until his seventeenth year, when,
feeling that he would find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he sought
emplovment elsewhere, entering the First National Eiank of Grinnell as teller.
He filled the position for ten years and in 1883, upon the organization of the Mer-
chants National Bank, he was elected cashier and business manager of the new
institution, in which he has served continuously for more than twenty years, hav-
ing complete control of the bank's policy throughout the entire time. He is
today recognized by bankers and business men generally as one of the ablest finan-
ciers of this section of the state and under his guidance the Merchants National
Bank has met with remarkable success, being by far the largest banking institu-
tion of the county and the largest national bank between Davenport and Des
Moines on the Rock Island railroad. A general banking business is conducted
and progressive methods are instituted whenever the interests of the depositors
and patrons can be better safeguarded, or the business of the bank promoted
along substantial lines. The policy maintained has ever been such as to com-
mend the bank to the confidence and patronage of the public, and its success is
attributable in large measure to Mr. Hamlin.

On the 1 2th of January, 1881, Mr. Hamlin was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie R. Bonsall, of Grinnell, a foster daughter of Dr. S. C. Cravath, president
of the Merchants National Bank. Both Mr. and Mrs. HamHn are members of
the Congregational church, in which he is serving as a trustee. They are also
prominent in social circles of the city and their own home is the abode of a warm-
hearted and generous hospitality.

In politics Mr. Hamlin is a republican and has served as a member of the town
council and as town treasurer. He was also for several years a member of the

GEOKGK II. HAM 1,1 \

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 97

board of education and the public schools have found in him a stalwart champion.
He was one of the principal factors in the organization of the Poweshiek County
Agricultural Society and served for years as treasurer and secretary of the so-
ciety. He is now one of the park commissioners of (jrinnell and is a member of
the Commercial Club. He is actively interested in every movement of that or-
ganization for the ui)building and benefit of the city and both individually and in
connection with otliers, he does everything in his power to promote the work of
general progress. His labors have been far-reaching and beneficial, and he is
justly accounted one of the most prominent residents of this city.

JOHN C. .MANLY.

No history of Poweshiek county would be complete without the record of
John C. Manly, whose life illustrates clearly what may be accomplished when
determination and force of character constitute the foundation for advancement.
Starting out in life without the aid of wealth or influential friends, he sought
ever to do faithfully the duty nearest his hand, and his capable service won
him gradual promotion in business when he was in the employ of others and
led to the expansion of his own interests when he. .started out independently.
He came eventually to be recognizjed'";4s' one of the most prominent and suc-
cessful grain and lumber dealers of ' tlie state,, and while developing his in-
dividual interests, contributed in siibstantial measure to the growth and pros-
perity of various sections of Iowa. .._ . -• •' ' '

Mr. Manly was born in Schenectady-, New Yoi-k, on the 15th of May, 1846,
his parents being Dominick and Margaret (Manly) Manly. The father was
a native of England and the mother of Ireland, and in early manhood and wo-
manhood they crossed the Atlantic to the new world. Dominick Manly en-
gaged in construction work in early life and for years was foreman with va-
rious concerns engaged in canal and railroad building. He died in 185 1 at a
comparatively early age and the mother afterward married again, becoming
the wife of John Manly. This is rather a strange coincidence as both her
husbands bore the name of Manly and yet there was no relation between any
of them. Mer second husband was like her first one a railroad builder. The
leath of Mrs. Manly occurred in Belvidere, Illinois, about 1895, when she
had reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years.

John C. Manly spent his youthful days in his mother's home and was
about seven years of age when he accompanied his mother and stepfather on
the removal from Buffalo, New York, to Chicago, where his stepfather was
employed by Bristol & Holton, who had been the contractors in the widening
of the Erie canal and had removed to the west to engage in railroad building,
having the contract for the construction of the Chicago, Galena & Union Rail-
road, now a part of the Northwestern system. After the building of this road
the Manly family finally located at Marengo, Illinois, where John C. Manly
attained his majority. He supplemented his early educational privileges by
study in Marengo high school and in Euphemia Hall Academy at Marengo.

98 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

As early as his eleventh or twelfth year he was employed, when not in school,
in one of the stores in Marengo and subsequently entered the telegraph office,
learning telegraphy. He followed that profession for several years in the em-
ploy of the Northwestern Railroad Company, and on the outbreak of the
Civil war went to the front with General Stephen A. Hulbert, whose home was
in Belvidere, Illinois, as telegraph operator, General Hulbert being assigned to
the Army of the Tennessee. They went to Memphis, where Mr. Manly re-
mained for about a year, at the end of which time General Forrest made a
raid and entered the city, at which time General \'each was placed in command
to succeed General Hulbert and Mr. Manly returned home. He again secured
a position as telegraph operator on the Northwestern and afterward was em-
ployed as a clerk in the freight office in Chicago where he was stationed for
seven years, within which period he won promotion to the position of head
bill clerk.

In 1 87 1 Mr. Manly left that city to come to Iowa, in the employ of the Cen-
tral Railroad Company of this state, being made agent at Oskaloosa. A year
later he was sent to Marshalltown as master of transportation of the road and
continued in that capacity for about a year, when he became general agent of
the road with offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There he remained until 1876,
when he returned to Marshalltown as general freight agent of the road, occupy-
ing that position acceptably until 1879, when he resigned to accept the position
of general agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with
headquarters at Des Moines. While serving in that capacity he had much to
do with the building of the road from Albia to Des Moines and with the pur-
chasing of terminal facilities at the capital city. In 1880 he was appointed as-
sistant superintendent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, his division being
from Ottumwa to Creston. with all of the branches of that line. He thus rep-
resented the company until 1882, when he resigned to engage in the lumber
and grain business in Lineville, Iowa, and the year following removed to Grin-
nell. He became identified with Henry B. Gififord in the operation of a line of
elevators and lumber yards throughout Iowa, under the firm name of GifTord
& Manly, and during the years that followed they laid out towns, built depots
under contract with railroads and steadily pushed forward the wheels of pro-
gress, their labors constituting not only a source of individual profit but also
an important element in the general upbuilding and jjrosperity of the state.
In all things Mr. Manly has shown himself to be a man of initiative and enter-
prising spirit. He readily recognizes and improves an opportunity and in the
conduct of the grain and lumber business he won a position among the fore-
most representatives of commercial interests in the state. About ten years ago
he and his partner disposed of their elevators and retired from active participa-
tion in business affairs, so that Mr. Manly is now enjoying a well earned and
well merited rest.

It was impossible, however, for him to cease to be a factor in the public
life of the community. While not active in business at present, he is a director
of the Merchants National Bank of Grinnell and is also well known as a lead-
ing republican of Poweshiek county. In the fall of 1898 he was elected county
Mipervi^or and served in that (.■a])acity for fnnr terms, or twelve consecutive

HISTORY Ui' ruW ESHIKK CUL'XTV 99

\ears, his reelection being incontrovertible proof of the ability he displayed and
the faith reposed in him by his constituents. He has also filled the office of town
councilman of Grinnell for seven or eight years and for an extended period has
been a member of the school board, serving both as trustee and jjresident of the
board Whatever he undertakes, whether of a public or private nature, is sure
to meet success, for his determined purpose will brook no obstacles that can
be overcome by honorable effort. When one avenue seems closed he searches
out another path that leatls him to the goal of what he seeks.

In 1876 Mr. Manly was uniteil in marriage to Miss Mary C. Carter, of Wood-
stock, Vermont, and this union has been blessed with three sons and one daugh-
ter : Carter, who is engaged in the clothing business at West Union, Iowa ;
.Mary I'"., the wife of K. W. Blow, a salesman of buggies in Grinnell; John C.,
Jr., also of this city; and Charles M., who is a law student in Drake Universitv
at Des Moines.

Fraternally Mr. Manly is connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 358, I. O. O.
I''., and is also a member of Fidelity Encampment, No. 118, and Rebekah Lodge,
.\'o. 119, all of Grinnell. He is also connected with Grinnell Lodge, No. 175,
K. P. and is most loyal to the teachings and principles of those organizations.
He has a very wide acquaintance not only in Grinnell and Poweshiek county
but throughout the state and his worth as a man and citizen is recognized by
all who know him.

FRANK E. TERRELL.

One of Poweshiek county's native sons who has successfully directed his
activities along agricultural lines is Frank E. Terrell, a well known stockman
of Union township. His birth occurred in the township where he is now re-
siding on the 23d of September, 1864, his parents being Christopher C. and
Martha .-\.nn (McCoy) Terrell, who were both natives of Highland county,
Ohio. The father's natal day was the 30th of May, 1819, and that of the
mother the 14th of March, 1822. Christopher C. Terrell, who was a physician,
inirsued his professional studies in the Cincinnati Medical College, from which
institution he received the degree of M. D. Following his graduation he first
engaged in practice in Leesburg, Ohio, going from there to Martinsburg, where
he met the lady who subsequently became his wife. In 1856 he removed with
his family to Forest Home, Union township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, where
he engaged in the practice of his profession until he retired. Here the mother
passed away on the 23d of May, 1882, but the father survived until the 28th
of February, 1897. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom
are living: Charles W., who is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Esther,
who became the wife of John A. Griffith, of Montana; Ida, who married Isaac
H. Saunders, of Union township ; and Frank E., our subject. Among those
deceased were Nancy Jane, Lois, Thomas, Andrew, Victoria and Era. The
mother was a Presbyterian, while the father was a member of the Christian
church. Fraternally Dr. Terrell was identified with the Independent Order of

53G3()9

100 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. He was a public-spirited man, always
took an active interest in local politics and was several times elected to minor
township offices, his support being given to the candidates of the republican
party.

After the completion of his preliminary education, in the acquirement of
which he attended the public schools, Frank E. Terrell studied at Iowa Col-
lege, Grinnell and Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Early having decided to be-
come an agriculturist after the completion of his education he worked on a
farm for a time and then rented his present homestead, which in 1897 he pur-
chased. It contains one hundred and fifty-five acres, which is well improved
and under a high state of cultivation and which is known as Woodlanil Stock
Farm. Here Mr. Terrell devotes practically his entire attention to the breed-
ing and raising of fancy shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.

Mr. Terrell was married in Poweshiek county, this state, on the i8th of No-
vember, 1884, to Miss Irene Benson, a daughter of George and Josephine (Ben-
son) Benson, natives of Jamestown, Ohio. They came to Iowa during pioneer
days, locating in Lucas county, where the father engaged in agricultural pur-
suits for several years. From there they went to Oregon, of which state Mrs.
Terrell is a native, her birth having occurred in Salem on the i8th of January,
1865. Mr. Benson continued to follow farming in the west until his demise,
following which Mrs. Benson, who is now living in Forest Home, returned to
Iowa. The family affiliated with the Christian church, while Mr. Benson gave
his political support to the republican party. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Terrell have
been born five children: Coleman C, a resident of Charles City, Iowa, who
married Miss Adela Miller : Martha, who married Joseph Miller, of Sugar
Creek township : G. Clark, who is living at home ; Lillian, at home ; and Pauline,
who also resides at home.

Ever since granted the full rights of citizenship Mr. Terrell has given his
support to the men and measures of the republican party. He is now serving
as tov.nship trustee and always takes an active and helpful interest in all public
movements the adoption of which he feels will promote the intellectual or moral
welfare of the community.

JAY R. ORCUTT.

Jay R. Orcutt, conducting a general hardware and implement business in
Searsboro, Iowa, is meeting with success in this line of activity and at the same
time his efforts have been a factor in the commercial development of the town.
He is a native of Poweshiek county, his birth having occurred in Sheridan
township on the 9th of May, 1883, his parents being Lewis and Anna D. (Hart-
zell) Orcutt. The father was born in Rome, New York, on the 27th of May,
1836, and the mother in Rock Island, Illinois, January 20, 1849. Early in life
they came to Poweshiek county, locating in Sheridan township. The father was
a farmer by occupation and was the owner of a well developed farm, to the
cultivation of which he gave his attention until the time of his demise. He

HISTORY OF POWESIIIKK COUNTY 101

passed away in 1885. His wife still survives him and makes her home in Grin-
nell. Mr. Orcutt was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also
Mrs. Orcutt, and he gave his political support to the republican party. In their
family were three children, namely: Helen Mildred, who was born January 18,
1880, and passed away August 5, 1887; Lewis Percival, born October 27, 1881,
whose death occurred August 5. igoo; and Jay Reginald, of this review, P^y
a former marriage Mr. Orcutt had three children : Detta, deceased ; Charles, of
Grinnell : and Frank, of Minnesota.

In the school of Sheridan township and Grinnell, Iowa, Jay R. Orcutt re-
ceived an excellent education, passing through consecutive grades, and later
entered the college at Grinnell, from which he was graduated. With this good
general information to serve as a preparation for life's practical and responsi-
ble duties he took his first step in the business world in connection with the real-
estate and insurance business, in which he was associated with J. J. Muller for
about one year. At the expiration of that period he accepted a position as
travelling salesman for the Gale Manufacturing Company of Albion, Michigan,
and was on the road for two years, after which, on the 17th of July, 1908, he
purchased the hardware stock of Moody & Son, in Searsboro, and has since
conducted business on his own account. He has greatly increased his stock
and now deals in hardware, agricultural implements, builders' supplies, etc.,
and his trade is constantly growing in volume and importance, being one of the
prosperous enterprises of this town. He is a shrewd young business man and
his ability and untiring efforts have added much to the growth of trade in this
community.

Mr. Orcutt is a member of the Masonic lodge at Lynnville, Jasper county,
and in politics is a stalwart republican, now serving as a member of the town
council. He is progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and a strong ad-
vocate of advancement and improvement in connection with local affairs. Al-
though numbered among the younger generation of business men in Sugar
Creek township he has. however, attained an enviable position in commercial
circles, and his keen business insight, exceptional enterprise and his progressive
spirit will undoubtedly win for him continued success in the future.

HENRY I. SCHMIDT.

A representative of a well known family of Poweshiek county, Henry J.
Schmidt has most creditably upheld the name and is one of the prosperous
farmers of Washington township. He has, from his boyhood, been actuated
by a laudable ambition to excel in whatever he undertook, and there are few
farmers of his age in central Iowa who can truly claim a more practical knowl-
edge of agriculture and stock-raising.

He is a native of Washington township and was born on the old family
homestead, June 21, 1873, being a son of Peter and Eliza (Saunders) Schmidt,
the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Pennsylvania. The
father emigrated to America and lived for several years in Pennsylvania, after

102 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

which he took up his residence on a farm in Washington township, Poweshiek
county, Iowa. He was highly successful in his vocation, becoming one of the
leading farmers of the county, and he and his wife are now living retired. They
are both members of the Catholic church and in politics he gives his support
to the democratic party. In their family were ten children, as follows : Will-
iam, who is now living in Washington township; Sarah, who is the wife of
Herman Selle, also of Washington township ; Samuel, who lives in Jasper
county, Iowa ; Frank, who is deceased ; Henry J., of this review ; Mary, now the
wife of William Whalen, of Oskaloosa, Iowa ; Rosie, the wife of August
Greagor, of Napoleon, North Dakota ; Peter, who is living at home : Elizabeth,
the wife of Guy Ford, of Howard, North Dakota ; and Francis, who lives at
home.

Henry J. Schmidt attended the district schools of Washington township and
assisted his father upon the home farm until reaching the age of twenty-one
years. He then began business upon his own account by renting land, which
he cultivated for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres in Washington township as his home farm. He devotes his attention es-
pecially to raising horses and cattle and, being a good judge of animals and
thoroughly interested in his calling, he is meeting with a gratifying measure of
success. He is energetic and progressive and always keeps thoroughly informed
as to the markets and the best methods in agriculture and stock-raising. He
has for years past been a steadily growing influence in the community.

On the 13th of October, 1898, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Mary E.
Schmitz, a daughter of John Schmitz, of Grinnell township, a record of whom
appears elsewhere in this work. He and his wife are members of the Catholic
church, in which they were reared, and he is a liberal contributor toward its
maintenance. In political faith he adheres to the democratic party, but he does
not seek public office, as his time and energies are devoted to his farm. He is
a man of unexceptionable character and it may be said of him that he is most
honored where he is best known.

JOHN H. STONE.

Among the natives of the Keystone state who have attained marked success
as farmers in Poweshiek county is John H. Stone, the owner of a valuable farm
in Grinnell township, which he acquired through his industry and practical
knowledge of his calling. He was born in Clearfield county, Penn.sylvania,
March 5, 1858, a son of Linza and Priscilla (Turner) Stone, the former of
whom was born in England and the latter in Pennsylvania. The mother died
in i860, and six years later the father came west with his family to Tama
county, Iowa, and subsequently established his home in Madison township,
Poweshiek county. He died in Tama county in 1895.

John H. Stone changed his residence several times, living in .'^heridan town-
ship for sixteen years, after which he settled in Grinnell township where he now
lives. Fle received his education in the common schools, but being the pos-

Si
>

a
>

<ARY

, *3T"0R, , ,

} T(l,0?,v ^.-

HISTORY OF I'OWESlllliK COLXTY 105

sessor of good faculties of observation and reflection, he has in the course of
his life acquired considerable knowledge not found in books. His well im-
proved farm of three hundred and twenty acres is under a high state of culti-
vation and produces gratifying annual returns. He makes a s[)ecialty of
raising cattle and hogs for the market and is more than ordinarily successful,
as he has mastered the business in all its details and devoted to it his best
energies.

In July, 1885, -Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shadel,
who was born in Illinois and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stacey)
Shadel. Her father was born in Germany and the mother in Switzerland. They
came to this country and were married in Illinois, and later removed to Sheridan
township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, becoming closely identified with the agri-
cultural interests of the county. They are now living at Tama. Mr. and Mrs.
Stone are the parents of six children, namely: Henry E., Fred T., Nellie E.,
George A., Louis C. and Mary Vivian.

Mr. Stone has been a resident of Iowa since his childhood, and few men
in the state have a more comprehensive knowledge of its agricultural resources
and possibilities. He has demonstrated the beneficial results of systematic
application to agriculture and stock-raising and ranks among the substantial
and enterprising men of the county. Politically he adheres to no party, pre-
ferring to cast his vote independently and be governed by the conditions
prevailing at the time of the election, rather than by any party platform. Fra-
ternally he is a valued member of Sheridan Lodge, No. 303, M. W. A.

ALFRED J. EVVART.

Alfred J. Ewart, who is a progressive and enterprising farmer and stock-
dealer, owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 21,
Pleasant township, and is also a representative of one of the old and well known
families of this section of the state. Mr. Ewart was born in the little village of
Ewart in Pleasant township, January 25, 1867, a son of Robert and Euphemia
(Burns) Ewart, who are now deceased. The parents were both natives of
Morrow county, Ohio, and were there reared and married, coming to Poweshiek
county about the year 1862. Here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits
and became an extensive landowner, the village of Ewart being built on land
which was once in his possession. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ewart were born
six children : Sarah, the wife of M. E. Sturgeon, of Saskatchewan, Canada ;
T. E., who makes his home in Chicago; Alfred J., of this review; Mattie, the
wife of F. C. Rayburn, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; James S.,
a resident of Ewart; and Mamie, who became the wife of Charles Smith but
is now deceased. The father departed this life in 1905, and the mother, sur-
viving for only a year, passed away in 1906. Thus the community mourned
the loss of two of its most prominent and highly esteemed residents.

.\lfred |. Ewart was reared on the home farm in Pleasant township and
was early trained to the duties that fall to the farmer boy, and the instruction

106 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

which he received in his youth ami early manhood proved a valuable asset in
after life. When he reached mature years he began business on his own ac-
count and is today the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land on section
21, Pleasant township, this property adjoining the village of Ewart on the east.
In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Ewart also buys and ships
stock on quite an extensive scale and this branch of his business is proving
profitable to him.

Mr. Ewart chose as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life. Miss
Anna Powell, their marriage being celebrated on the 22d of December, 1888.
She was born in Searsboro, Poweshiek county, in 1866, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. lames Powell. By her marriage she has become the mother of three
daughters and three sons, namely: Leta, .Alfred R., Nellie, Ruth, Kenneth and
Robert.

In politics jMr. Ewart is independent, voting for the men and measures which
he deems will prove most beneficial to the community. He is serving as as-
sessor of his township and for three terms filled the office of township trustee.
In his fraternal relations he is a Knight of Pythias. He is ever alert and pro-
gressive, and his advancement in life is the result of honorable business prin-
ciples coupled with sound judgment. He is well known in the community in
which he lives and labors, and the high re])utation which his honored father
always bore is also enjoyed by the son.

ERNEST HEYWOOD SP.\ULDING.

Ernest Hey wood Spaulding, engaged in the manufacture of \ehicles and in
the sale of automobiles, having the agency for some of the best known makers
of motor cars, was born in Grinnell, October 12, 1881, a son of Henry W.
and Merriam Jane (Lull) Spaulding. He pursued his education in the schools
of this city, supplementing his public school course by study in the Iowa Col-
lege Academy and College, during which time he gave special attention to politi-
cal science and history. In the same year in which he won his degree he became
an active factof in the business circles of Grinnell by forming a partnership
with H. W. and F. E. Spaulding in the manufacture of vehicles. The same
year he took the agency of one of the few motor cars then manufactuied, and
a little later built the first garage for motor cars in the county. In this con-
nection he has developed a good business and has had the satisfaction of in-
troducing many well manufactured cars to the trade in Poweshiek county. He
not only engages in the sale of automobiles, but also conducts a repair depart-
ment and, in fact, has a splendidly equipped garage.

On the 17th of .August, 1904. at Des Moines, Iowa, Mr. Spaulding was
united in marriage to Miss Irma Towne, who was graduated from Iowa Col-
lege in the class of 1903. They now have one daughter, Merriam Jane. In
his political views Mr. Spaulding is a republican who firmly believes in the
principles of the party, but does not seek nor desire office. He holds member-
shi]) with the Masonic lodge, the University Club of Chicago and the Poweshiek

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 107

Club f)f Cirinnell. In his native city he is regarded as a popular resident, his
geniality and unaffected cordiality winning him many friends, while the sterling
traits of his character have commended him to the confidence and good will
of the general public. In business he has made steady advancement, and the
spirit of ])rogress which he manifested in establishing the first garage in the
county has characterized him in all of his business activity and brought him
substantial success.

W. F. VOGEL.

F"ew men are better known in the commercial circles of Malcom than W. h'.
\'oge!. proprietor of an extensive hardware business here. He is numbered
among Germany's contribution to the citizenship of Iowa, his birth having oc-
curred in Dehausen, Waldeck, Germany. September 14. 1859. His parents,
Ludwig and Carolina \ ogel, were also natives of the fatherland, where the
former, a farmer by occupation, passed away when the son was but six years
old. The mother later came to the United States to visit her children and here
her death occurred in 1902. In their family were four children, namely : Wil-
helmina, who died in Wisconsin : Ludwig, whose death occurred on the old
home place in Germany ; Christina, who passed away in Scott county, Iowa ;
and \y. F., of this review.

The last named remained a resident of the fatherland until he was sixteen
years of age and then, accompanied by his sister Christina, he sought a home
and fortune in tlie new world, arriving in Davenport, Iowa, in 1874. He at-
tended school in that city for two years and then engaged in clerking in a gro-
cery store for a similar period. Upon the expiration of that time he went to
Walcott, Scott county, Iowa, where he was employed in a general store for
about five years, and on the 29th of September, 1883, arrived in Malcom. On
the 4th of October of that year he opened a general store here. He was en-
gaged in that business until 1890, when he sold out and established his present
hardware business, which has since become one of the most successful and
prominent enterprises of the town. Mr. \'ogel now owns his own building, a
two-story brick structure, twenty-two by eighty-four feet, and also a warehouse,
one story in height, twenty-two by forty feet. The entire space is occupied by
the business, which now has one of the most extensive stocks of general hard-
ware in Poweshiek county. The progressive condition of the house is due in
large measure to the excellent business policy inaugurated by its owner, which
from the first has been such as to win the confidence of the general public.
He has ever employed modern and progressive methods and his dealings in every
instance have been honorable and straightforward. ]\Ioreover he has recognized
the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and, carefully studying
the wishes of his customers, has sought to satisfactorily meet the demands of
every class of trade. His success ranks him among the substantial and pros-
perous business men nf the city. He is interested in Texas land Iving along the

108 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

gulf coast, and six years ago purchased his present attractive home on the
north side of the square.

In 1883 Mr. \'ogel was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Schwarting, who
was born in Ichtershausen, Germany, on the 3d of February. 1864, a daughter
of Bernhardt and Dorothea Scliwarting, both of whom passed away in Scott
county. Unto Mr. and Airs. Vogel were born four children: Irma C, Edna T.,
Walter B. and Stella M. Mr. Vogel was reared in the faith of the German
Evangelical Lutheran church, of which he is a member, and he also belongs to
the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Although the develop-
ment of his business interests has made heavy demands upon his time and at-
tention, he has nevertheless taken an active interest in the public afTairs of the
community and his fellow citizens, recognizing his personal worth and ability,
have called him to fill various offices. He is a stanch supporter of the demo-
cratic party and on that ticket was nominated for county treasurer in 1906.
From 1893 until 1897 he served as postmaster of jMalcom, under President
Cleveland's administration, and for twenty-five consecutive years served as
township trustee. For the past five years he has been a member of the board
of education and is the present treasurer of IMalcom. He has ever discharged
his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most loyal, public-spirited
citizen, and as a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates,
not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods.

BERNARD JOSEPH CARNEY.

In the course of an active business career Bernard Joseph Carney estab-
lished many business enterprises of magnitude which he carried forward to
successful completion, and in his life record demonstrated the power of deter-
mination, perseverance, integrity antl intelligently directed effort as factors m
the attainment of notable and desirable success. While he prospered in the
management of important business affairs he also belonged to that class of citi-
zens who while promoting individual interests also advance the general pros-
perity.

Mr. Carney was born at Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, in June, 1852,
and after spending nine years in his native land came with his parents to the
new world, the family settling in Chicago, where his father engaged in business.
The family numbered eleven children but five are yet living: W. J. and T. J.
Carney, Mrs. G. W. Kelly and Misses Nora and Mary Carney, of Chicago.

Bernard Joseph Carney attended the public schools of Chicago and after-
ward had the benefit of instruction in Bryant & Stratton Business College,
then the leading commercial school of the city. He made his initial step in the
business world as a bookkeeper, occupying that position for several years, but
the desire to engage in business on his own account and thus enjoy the direct
profit of his labors led him to leave the metropolis and come to Iowa. He ar-
rived in Grinnell in 1880 and purchased a half interest in a lumber business then
owned by Stephen Goss, who had had dealings with Mr. Carney's brother, W.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 109

J. Carney, who was a lumber merchant of Chicago. From that point in his
career his prosperity and advancement were assured. He recognized opportunity
and employed it to the best advantage. He never seemed to make a false move
or take a backward step and he won his advancement by doing daily the duty
that lay nearest his hand. After a year and a half connection with the lumber
trade of Grinnell he and his brother, W. J. Carney, purchased the interest of
Mr. Goss in the lumber business which was then conducted under the firm
style of Carney Brothers until 1902, when the firm of Carney, Brande & Clark
was formed, his associates being E. B. Brande and E. W. Clark, Jr. This re-
lation was maintained until 1907 when Mr. Carney and Mr. Brande sold out to
Mr. Clark and J. L. Fellows. They then organized the firm of B. J. Carney &
Company and conducted a wholesale business in poles. Mr. Carney was a re-
sourceful business man, always looking beyond the exigencies of the moment
to the opportunities and possibilities of the future. He found real pleasure in
business in the solution of involved and intricate problems and in the masterful
handling of complex interests. From time to time he extended his opportunities
into other fields. He became one of the organizers of the Carney Coal Com-
pany, of Carneyville, Wyoming, and was its vice president. He also iield the
same official relations to the Saylor Coal Mines of Des Moines, was president
of the Coaldale Fuel Company of Des Moines and a director of the Scandia
Coal Company of Madrid. He was also president of the Mitchellville Tele-
phone Exchange and for many years was associated with W. F. Hammond in
the ownership of the electric light plant at Grinnell.

In 1888 Mr. Carney was united in marriage to Miss E. M. Tibbits, of Ply-
mouth, Indiana, and to them were born five children: Cyril, who was graduated
from the Iowa College of Grinnell with the class of 1910 and is now attending
Columbia College ; Kriegh, now a senior in Iowa College ; Bernard, a junior
of the same institution : and Kathleen and Aileen, who are students in the high
school. The relations of his home life were largely ideal. He was to his fam-
ily the personification of care and goodness and it was a joy to see him in his
home life. No interest of childhood was too unimportant to claim his attention
if it aroused the interest of his children and to them he was companion and
friend as well as father.

Mr. Carney was long a devoted member of the Catholic church and also
of the leading social organizations of the city. He gave generously to the vari-
ous branches of the church work and was a liberal supporter of many public
movements which he regarded as beneficial to Grinnell. The Grinnell Herald
at the time of his death wrote: "Mr. Carney was more than a business man —
more even than a very broad business man ; he was a student, both of books
and of human nature. In spite of the large business duties which called for
constant attention he found time to read and he read the best literature. Few
men in Grinnell were so well informed and on such a wide range of topics as
he. His versatility, as it showed itself even in chance conversations, was re-
markable. .A few years ago he became interested in German and attended
evening classes enough to acquire a speaking knowledge of it. Shortly after-
wards he wrote and read a paper before a lumbermen's association in Minne-
sota in German. It was with difficulty that he proceeded for the idea of an

110 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Irishman with so ricli a brogue as Mr. Carney's reading German took the con-
vention by storm. Another of Mr. Carney's chief characteristics was his rare
sense of humor. He fairly sparkled with good nature and many a one, we im-
agine, like the writer, will always remember him pleasantly, with his eyes twink-
ling and his conversation fairly scintillating with the bright things that came
as naturally as the smile to his lips. To meet him and talk to him was a tonic
for the jaded spirit and refreshment for the mind. It was the writer's custom
to have a chat with him on every possible occasion and such a chat always left
him indebted to Mr. Carney. He was by nature one of the brightest and most
pleasant men it has ever been our good fortime to know. He was strict with him-
self in all his habits, though liberal in his views towards others. He was ab-
stemious to a degree and lived cleanly and circumspectly. He was a public-
spirited man, especially in the latter years of his life. Said a Grinnell banker
vesterday : 'There is no man to whom I would have gone sooner or from whom
I would have received help more readily than from Mr. Carney." Especially
in more recent years he has taken an interest in public movements, being loyal
to his town and its institutions. A close business associate testifies to the fact
that in the time he has known Mr. Carney he never knew him to fail to support
any movement looking towards public improvement. He was deeply interested
and well informed on the latest developments in politics, science and art, but
never held a public office excepting that of councilman. During the twenty-
eight years he lived here Mr. Carney grew in public esteem and in importance
until he was without question one , "of Grinnell's leading citizens. Whenever any
public enterprise is started, whenever the Fortnightly Club meets, whenever men
have occasion to do business with the firm of which he was a member, when-
ever there are social gatherings of his friends and whenever the Catholic church
needs sup]5ort in the coming years, B. J. Carney will be missed. But most of
all will he be missed in the beautiful home by his wife and children and other
relatives who were bound to him by every tie of affection which a kind and
clean life can form with those nearest to it."

PAUL G. NORRIS.

Paul G. Xorris. who for about nine years has been engaged in the practice
of law in ( irinnell, his course reflecting credit and honor upon a name that has
long been prominently connected with the legal profession in this city, was
here born on the 5th of January, 1878, his parents being David W. and Lizzie
S. (Gififord) Norris, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Illinois.

The father came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, with his parents in 1863, the
family home being established upon a farm four miles north of Chester. David
Norris was then fourteen years of age. He was reared to manhood ujion the
farm, aiding in the arduous task of developing the land and of cultivating the
fields year by year. He pursued his more specifically literary education in
Towa College at Grinnell. from which he was graduated with the class of 1872.
lie then took up the profession of teaching and for some years was principal

»STOR, LENOX *N0

PAUL G. XOIiKIS

D.WII) \V. XOKUIS

THE NEW YORK

PO'BLIC LIBRARY

ASTCR, _;^
TILDEN

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 115

of the schools of Tama City, Iowa, and also of the Marshalltown schools, but,
thinking to tind more congenial aiul profitable labor in the field of law, he began
preparation for the bar in Chicagt) and was admitted to practice in Montezuma
on the 23d of April, 1878. Following his admission he was employed for a
time by C. W. H. Beyer, a mortgage banker, and later formed a partnership
with J. E. Dodge, now judge of the supreme court of Wisconsin. They opened
law offices in Grinnell under the firm style of Norris & Dodge, but were asso-
ciated in practice for only a short time when Mr. Dodge removed to Milwaukee,
after which Mr. Norris remained in the profession alone for a time. From
1885 until 1890 he was identified with A. L. Preston under the firm name of
Xorris & Preston. He continued alone until 1902. when he was joined by his
son Paul G. Norris under the firm style of Norris & Norris, a relation that
was maintained until the death of the father on the 22d of May, 1907, when
he was in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He had long been accounted one of
the prominent attorneys of Poweshiek county and his place at the bar of this
section of the state was a conspicuous and enviable one. In early life he gave
his political allegiance to the democratic party but in 1896, when the republican
party declared for sound money and the democratic party for a currency which
regarded as unstable, he affiliated with the former and indorsed its principles
until his death. He served for ten years as a member of the town council of
(irinnell and for many years was identified with the board of education here,
l)eing very active in educational work. _He- was also -a- yaljued member of the
.Masonic lodge and also of the Knighfs;''.df-' Pythia's. ;^ ' . '- •

In early manhood David Norris w'as married tO' Miss Lizzie S. Gifford, a
tlaughter of Edmund GifTord. who was graduated from the Harvard Law
School and afterward located in Elgjn, itfiricsrs".. ;'\VHere his active life was
spent. He enlisted in the Union army at the time of the Civil war and served
ft)r four years, rising to the rank of major. His declining years were passed
in (Irinnell, Iowa, where he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Lizzie
Norris, with whom he continued until his demise. Mrs. Norris is still living
in Grinnell, where she has an extensive circle of warm friends.

F'aul G. Norris was here reared and pursued his education in Grinnell Col-
lege, being graduated with the class of 1899, at which time the Bachelor of
Philosophy degree was conferred upon him. The following year he entered
the law department of Harvard University and was graduated with the class
of 1902. He then returned home and on the 9th of October, 1902, was ad-
mitted to the bar. He became associated with his father in practice under
the firm style of Norris & Norris and after his father's death was joined by
.\lfred Burroughs under the firm style of Norris & Burroughs, Mr. Burroughs
having been associated with David Norris for over twenty years. His practice
is large and of a distinctively representative character. He is faithful to his
clients, fair to his adversaries and candid to the court. In many cases he has
e.xhibited the possession of every faculty of which a lawyer may be proud — •
skill in the presentation of his own evidence, marked ability in cross-examina-
tion, persuasiveness before the jury, strong grasp of every feature of the case,
ai)ility to secure favorable rulings from the judge, unusual familiarity with
human nature and untiring industry.

116 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

On the 20th of May, 1903. Mr. Norris was married to Miss Edna L. Hand,
of Ottumwa, Iowa, a daughter of the Rev. Leroy S. Hand, a Congregational
minister now residing in Grinnell and filHng a pulpit in X'ancleve. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Norris have been born three children: Paul G., Edmond H. and
Elizabeth A. The Norris household is a hospitable one and the parents have
a circle of friends in Grinnell almost coextensive with the circle of their
acquaintance.

Mr. Norris votes with the republican party and has served for one term
as city attorney but prefers to concentrate his energies upon the private practice
of law. He belongs to the Commercial Club of Grinnell and is interested in
all that pertains to public progress and improvement, therefore giving his support
to many projects for the general good.

E. D. FORRHAND.

E. D. Forrhand was born on the farm where he now lives in Chester town-
ship, Poweshiek county, .^pril 16, 1872, and here he has spent his entire life ex-
cept when absent attending school. He is a son of L. D. Forrhand, who was
born at Croydon, New Hampshire, and who migrated to the west in 1869. He
settled in Poweshiek county, Iowa, and was married to Mary J. Cocking, a
native of Lincolnshire, England. Mr. Forrhand established his family upon
a farm in Chester township and prospered in his business, being an energetic
and capable manager. His wife died in August, 18S7, when E. D., the subject
of this review, was fifteen years of age, and a few years later the father re-
moved to Grinnell. where he is now living retired. Of the original family but
two children survive : E. D. : and Eva. who married Harrv Parsons, a farmer
of Charles Mi.x county, South Dakota.

E. D. Forrhand, the subject of this review, attended the common schools
and later the Iowa Business College at Des Moines, graduating from that in-
stitution in 1890. He also took a short course of two years at Grinnell College
and laid the foundation of a literary education, upon which he has built by
observation and reading. He continued from his boyhood upon the old family
homestead and has applied himself to e.xcellent advantage, being now in charge
of a farm of one hundred and ninety-four acres. It produces bountiful crops,
as the land is kept in splendid condition. He feeds stock for the market, and
by working diligently and persistently and applying progressive methods he
keeps well at the front as an agriculturist and stock-raiser.

On January 5, 1891, l\Ir. Forrhand was united in marriage, at Grinnell, to
Miss Mina M. Harris, a daughter of Robert and Ellen Harris, both of whom
were born in Ireland. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Forrhand:
Oliver Leroy, a graduate of the high school at Chester Center ; and Ruth Ellen,
who is attending the high school.

Mr. Forrhand has made a careful study of political subjects and as a result
gives his support to the republican party, although he is not bound by party
lines, often e.xercising independent proclivities in the selection of candidates.

TITSTORV OF POWKSTIIF.K COl-XTY 117

lie has served as road supervisor and school director, showing special adapta-
bility for those positions. He is a valued member of Lodge No. 291, M. VV. A.,
of lirinnell. Possessing the advantages of good educational training in his ear-
lier years he has applied scientific methods to his work, and the result is to be
perceived in the prosperous appearance of his farm and the success that at-
tends his undertakings.

JOHN BRADLEY.

A good example of the self-made man who entirely through his own ef-
forts has worked his way upward until today he is numbered among the sub-
stantial residents of Jackson township, is John ISradley. Born on the 2d of
.•\pril, 1864, in Bureau county, Illinois, he is a son of George and Ann ( Tim-
brell) Bradley, who were both born in England in the year 1831. They were
there reared and married, immediately after which they came to the United
States, locating in Illinois in 1857. Later they came to Iowa, where the father
lollowed the occupation of farming for a number of years, and both passed
away in this state, the mother in February, 1905, and the father in April, 1908.
In their family were eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of S. R.
L3ryden, of Cedar Falls, Iowa ; Mary, now deceased ; William, residing in Jack-
son township; John, of this review; Emma, who is engaged in teaching school
in Des Moines: Alice, who married I. N. Hill, of Montana; George, of Jack-
son township: and Charles, who passed away in infancy. All of this number
were born in Illinois with the exception of the two youngest, who were born in
Iowa.

John Bradley spent the first five years of his life in the state of his nativity,
and then, in 1869 came with his parents to Iowa, the family home being es-
tablished in Scott township, Poweshiek county. There he was reared to man-
hood and, owing to the limited financial circumstances of his parents he was
early forced to make his own way in the business world. He recognized, how-
ever, the value of a good education in the attainment of success in any line of
activity, and so attended Grinnell College and also took a business course in a
business college at Burlington, Iowa. He was thereafter engaged in teaching
school for four or five terms during the winter season, and for four years car-
ried on agricultural pursuits in Pleasant township. In 1894 he embarkeci in the
clothing business with James E. Anderson, under the firm style of Anderson &
Bradley, and for twelve years they conducted a most successful enterprise. At
the end of that period, in 1906, Mr. Bradley sold his interest in the concern to
Mr. Anderson and, deciding to turn his energies into the channel of agriculture,
purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott township. That re-
mained his home for four years, when he sold out and purchased his present
farm in the spring of 1910. This farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty
acres located on section 8, Jackson township, is a well improved property, its
good state of development being due in large measure to the earnest labor and
unfaltering industry of Mr. liradley. He is meeting with a most creditable

118 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

degree of success and is already numbered among the prosperous and progres-
sive agriculturists of this section.

It was in 1896 that Mr. Bradley was united in marriage to Lillian Aikin,
of Mahaska county, a daughter of Dr. Aikin, and by this union have been
born three children, Grace, Harry and Helen.

Mr. Bradley gives his allegiance to the republican party, and, although not
an ofifice-seeker, he is serving at present at township trustee, taking a deep and
active interest in the affairs of the community. He holds membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church of Montezuma, and for nearly twenty years has
served as steward. He was also secretary of the building committee which
erected the present handsome church edifice in that town. All matters bearing
up>on the material and moral development of the community have his considera-
tion and indorsement, and no measure which has to do with the betterment of his
community or fellowmen fails to win his aid. Since his residence in Poweshiek
county he has been accorded a high place among the respected and valued citi-
zens of this district, for he possesses those qualities which ever command re-
spect and confidence.

JUDGE J. P. LYMAN.

Judge J. P. Lyman, who since January, 1909, has occupied the bench of the
superior court of the city of Grinnell, and who for many years previous was
regarded as one of the ablest and most distinguished representatives of the bar
of central Iowa, was born in Arcade, Wyoming county. New York, on the 14th
of February, 1844, a son of Ralston W. and Harriet N. (Tracy) Lyman, both
of whom were natives of New England. Their marriage, however, occurred
in the Empire state, to which they had removed during the period of youth. On
reaching manhood Ralston W. Lyman became identified with mercantile in-
terests to which he gave his attention throughout the years of his active busi-
ness life, being at different times located in the towns of Friendship, Castile,
Arcade and Yorkshire, his death occurring in Arcade in igoo, when he had
reached an advanced age. The mother passed away there some years prior to
her husband's death.

Judge Lyman was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public
schools of Arcade and in the academy of that place. The west seemed to offer
better opportunities to young men than could be found in the older and more
conservative east, and in i860 he and his brother, Robert R. Lyman, made their
way to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where their uncle, Alonzo Steel, had acquired
some land. It was the intention of the brothers to locate upon this tract and
engage in its cultivation, but J. P. Lyman did not remain on the farm with his
brother after the summer had passed, coming to Grinnell in the fall and here
continuing his education under Professor L. F. Parker. In 1863 he entered
Iowa College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in the class of 1867. During his college course he taught school through
the vacations and following his graduation continued in the profession of teach-

TTTSTORY OF POWRSHIEK COl'NTV 119

ing for three years. It was his intention at that time to take up the practice of
medicine and in fact wliile engaged in teaching he gave much time to the read-
ing of medical text-books in his leisure hours. Changing his plans, however,
he entered the law department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, in
1870, and was graduated with the class of 1871. Following his admission to
the bar he returned to Grinnell where he formed a partnership with R. M.
Haines, with whom he was associated in active practice under the style of
Haines & Lyman until the death of the senior member of the firm m 1902.
Subsequent to that time Judge Lyman continued in practice alone until after
his son's graduation from Harvard, when he became a member of the firm
under the style of Lyman & Lyman. Almost from the outset of his profes-
sional career Judge Lyman was accorded a large practice for he soon demon-
strated his ability to handle the intricate problems of the law. He carefully
prepared his cases and his presentation has always been full and comprehensive
yet not to the extent of redundancy. He marshals the facts of the case with
the precision of a military commander and his clear and cogent reasonmg has
always commanded the attention of the jury, counsel and the court. In the
fall of 1908 there came to him recognition of his ability in his election to the
superior court bench, in which position he is now ably serving, his course upon
the bench being in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, distinguished
by the utmost loyalty and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for
solution.

Other official honors have come to Judge Lyman through political channels.
He has always been a stalwart republican in politics and was elected upon the
party ticket to the office of county attorney, which position he filled for four
years. He also represented his district in the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth
general assemblies of the Iowa legislature. He has served almost continuously
for vears in some official capacity in Grinnell, acting as city attorney, as a
member of the town council and as mayor, while at the present time he is a
member of the school board. His fidelity to his country was further mani-
fested by his enlistment in 1864 for one hundred days' service in the Civil war
with Company B, Forty-sixth Iowa Regiment, of which company Professor
L. F. Parker was first lieutenant.

In October, 1873, Judge Lyman was married to Miss Elizabeth L. Little, of
Grinnell, whose parents came to this city in 1867 from Kewanee, Illinois. Their
only child, Henry G., is a graduate of the Harvard Law School of the class of
1906. He was first associated in practice with his father but since Judge Ly-
man's elevation to the bench he has become a partner of W. C. Raybum, prac-
ticing under the firm name of Rayburn & Lyman. He married Miss Fae La
Grange, of Storm Lake, Iowa. The death of Airs. Elizabeth Lyman occurred
in 1906 and was the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret throughout Grin-
nell and Poweshiek coimty.

judge Lyman maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades
through his membership in Gordon Granger Post, No. 64, G. A. R., of Grin-
nell. He is a member of the Congregational church and chairman of its board
of trustees. Interested in the material, intellectual, political and moral progress
of his city, he does all in his power to further its interests and upbuilding, and,

120 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY

being a man of influence, his example is followed by many and thus he has be-
come a potent force for good in the city with which he has been identified
throughout the greater period of his residence in the west.

C. B. LINEWEAVER.

A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 4,
Scott township, paid tribute to the care and labor of C. B. Lineweaver for
many years but since the spring of 191 1 he has lived retired, although he still
retains his residence on his farm. He was born in Rockingham county, \'ir-
ginia. September 24, 1846. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Lineweaver, spent
his life as a farmer in \'irginia and there reared his family, which included
David Lineweaver, who became the father of our subject. He was likewise
born in Rockingham county, \'irginia, and followed farming in the south. He
wedded Hetta Catharine Beard, whose father ran away from home at the age
of fourteen years, emigrating from Ireland to the new world. He likewise
settled in Virginia. Air. and Mrs. David Lineweaver reared a family of five
children : C. B., of this review ; Jeremiah, who still makes his home in Rock-
ingham county ; Catharine, who died at the age of thirteen years ; De Witt C.
of Poweshiek county; and Sarah, the wife of Daniel Heatwole, a resident of
Rockingham county.

C. B. Lineweaver was reared on the home farm to the age of seventeen
years, when he was drafted for service in the Confederate army. In the fall
of 1863 he became a meinber of Company C, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, Ros-
ser's Brigade. He took part in all of the engagements of his command in the
Shenandoah valley and Virginia and served until the surrender of Lee.

Following his service at the front Mr. Lineweaver resumed work on the
home farm and at the age of twenty-two years was married and began farming
on his own account. In the spring of 1873 he came to Powesheik county, Iowa,
and during the succeeding five years lived on a farm in Bear Creek township,
since which time he has resided on his present farm of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 4, Scott township. For many years he was actively identified
with the agricultural life of the community and in connection with general
farming raised stock to some extent. However, in the spring of 191 1, he rented
his land to his son Fred and he is now living retired, although he retains his
residence on the home place.

It was in 1868 that Mr. Lineweaver wedded Miss Rebecca C. Andes, who
was born in Rockingham county, X'irginia, December 12, 1844, a daughter of
Eli and Sarah (Lowman) Andes, who spent their entire lives in the south.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lineweaver have been born nine children: Jeremiah F., a
resident of P.rooklyn : Sarah, the wife of John A. Evans, of Scott township :
Clara, the wife of John W. Wiley, also of Scott township; Boyd, of North
Dakota; Fannie, the wife of John C. Johnston, also of Scott township; Nettie,
the wife of George Lundy, of Malcom ; Andrew, a resident of North Dakota;
Pearl, still with her parents; and Fred, al.so at home and now operating the

HISTORY OF I'OWESllIKK COUNTY 121

farm. The two eldest were born in \'irginia but tlie others are all natives of
Poweshiek county.

Mr. Lineweaver is a stanch supporter of the republican party and has been
called by his fellow townsmen to fill some offices, having served as township
trustee, assessor, road supervisor and as a member of the school board. He is
a member of Fairmont Methodist Episcopal church in Scott township and is
serving as a trustee of the church. His fraternal relations connect him with
the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is a man of good priciples and upright char-
acter, and both in public and private life he has ever been found the same genial
gentleman, who in his relations with his fellowmen and in his treatment of his
neighbors has never lost sight of the golden rule.

R. J. SMITH.

R. J. Smith, a member of the Montezuma bar. engages in the general prac-
tice of law but specializes to some extent in the department of law relating to
land titles and the settlement of estates, and his broad and discriminating study
along those lines has largely made him an authority in this district for that
branch of his profession.

-Mr. Smith is a native of Johnson county, Iowa, his birth having occurred
on a farm east of Iowa City. May 24, 1873. His parents were Robert B. and
.■\nn (Smith) Smith, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Ohio. They came to Iowa in the years 1853 and 1854 respectively in company
with their parents, the journey of both families being made with wagons and
I IX teams. P)Oth Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Smith are now residents of Iowa City,
where he is living retired, having previously for many years engaged extensively
and successfully in farming and stock-raising. He served for four years as a
soldier in the Civil war with Company G, Second Iowa Cavalry, and is now
one of the honored veterans of the state. The family numbered three sons, of
whom R. J. Smith is the eldest. C. Horton, the second son, now a civil en-
gineer at Minneapolis, Minnesota, was graduated from the State University in
1901 and received his advanced degree in 1905. The youngest son. Dr. Oakley
Smith, is a physician of Chicago and is president of the Oakley Smith College
of Naprapathy in that city. His academic education was acquired in the State
University, his attention being especially given to scientific studies, and later he
continued his education in Prague, Bohemia.

R. J. Smith spent the first nineteen years of his life amid the usual environ-
ment and experiences of farm life and then accompanied his parents on their
removal to Eugene, Oregon, where they remained for two years, during which
period the subject of this review attended the State University of Oregon.
In 1893 he returned to Iowa City and pursued the liberal arts course in the
university of this state, winning the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy upon his
graduation in the class of 1898. He completed the law course in the State Uni-
versity in 1899 and then passed the state board examination, being admitted to
practice in the summer of that year. He chose Montezuma as the scene of his

122 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

labors and has since been a resident of this city and a well known and worthy
representative of its bar. He engages in general practice in all the courts but,
as previously stated, specializes to some extent in that branch of the law relat-
ing to land titles and the settlement of estates. He holds membership with the
County Bar Association and also with the Iowa State and American Associa-
tions of Title Men. He has been accorded a liberal clientage and his work in
the courts has been so carefully and successfully conducted that he has won
many cases favorable to his clients.

On the 1st of January, 1901, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Addie G. Gray, a native of Cedar county, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas
and Ann (GiiTord) Gray. Her mother is now deceased, while her father resides
at West Liberty. His mother was reputed to be the first white woman to es-
tablish a home in Iowa outside of Dubuque. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith has
been born an only child. Mary Frances.

Mr. Smith has always given his political allegiance to the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as a mem-
ber of the town council and is always interested in progressive movements for
the public good. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has served
on its ofificial board, and his influence and aid are always found on the side of
right, progress, truth and advancement.

CAPTAl-X JOHX W. CARR.

There was one house in Montezuma when Captain John W. Carr came to
Poweshiek county. He was then a lad of eight years and has therefore been a
witness of the entire growth of the county seat and practically of the entire de-
velopment and progress of the county and has himself borne an important part
in its upbuilding, especially through his connection with the legal profession and
with banking interests. His name is indelibly impressed upon the pages of its
history.

His birth occurred in Logan county, Illinois, near Mount Pulaski, on the 26th
of April, 1839, his parents being William and Catharine (Moore) Carr, natives
of Virginia and Ohio respectively. The former was the son of a planter and in
early manhood became a resident of Logan county, Illinois, where he developed
and improved a farm, meeting the usual experiences and hardships of pioneer life
during the early period of his residence there. When the war cry of the savages
was heard and the Indians under the leadership of Black Hawk marched against
the white settlers he did active duty as a soldier. His wife was born near Colum-
bus, Ohio, and went to Logan county, Illinois, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Nicholas Aloore, who became farming people of the locality. Later Mr. Moore
came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1845, his death occurring here the following
year. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Downing, resided near
Montezuma for a number of years and was one of the well known pioneer women
of this part of the state. Her death occurred in 1875, '^er daughter, Mrs. Carr.
passed away in Illinois in 1843 and William Carr died in 1845. They were the

J. W. CAUH

\'-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 125

parents of four children. Sarah, who was born in 1832, became the wife of
lacob Deanlorf, who died in Oklahoma about 1900. Kate, born in 1834, became
the wife of Pleasant Deardorf, the brother of her sister's husband, and passed
away in Madison county, Iowa, about 1899. Nicholas, born in 1836, was for
about eighteen months a soldier of the Tenth Iowa Infantry during the Civil war.
He was afterward sheriff of Poweshiek county, Iowa, for four years and later
special examiner of tillable land in Nebraska under President Cleveland. He
afteward became justice of the peace at Neligh, Nebraska, and died in that
state in 1898.

Captain John W. Carr was the youngest of the family and was only six years
of age when left an orphan. He lived with an uncle, William Moore, in Illinois
until 1847, when with his brother and sisters he started for Iowa to make his
home with his maternal grandmother, near Montezuma. They reached their
destination on the 23d of December, after crossing the river at Warsaw because
of the blockade at Fort Madison. Montezuma had not been platted at that time
and contained but one house. The county was largely an unsettled and unde-
veloped region, the home of Mrs. Moore being in Union township, near Forest
Home. Hers was the best house in the county and was a log structure eighteen
by twenty feet. Religious services were there held whenever a preacher would
visit the neighborhood. When but a young man Captain Carr became inured to
the arduous task of developing a new farm, driving oxen to the breaking plow,
dropping the corn into the furrow^- -iind afterward cultivating the fields until
crops were harvested. When schtj^ol'was in "session he pursued his education, be-
ing a pupil in the first log schoolhouse of the county. Tt.was a primitive structure,
having a puncheon floor and seats wi^h. windows made of greased paper. The
school boys supplied the fuel whicb.'^s-burnedin a huge fireplace. The methods
of instruction, too, were most crude and it was only at intervals that Captain Carr
could attend, as his services were needed upon the home farm. He was ambitious,
however, to make advancement along educational lines and utilized his evening
hours for study. Later he had the advantage of instruction in the preparatory
department of Grinnell College and the following year recited his lessons in the
first college building there erected. As opportunity offered he continued his
studies until after the outbreak of the Civil war save for the summer of 1857
spent in Missouri.

He was then eighteen years of age and saw for the first time the practices and
abuses of slavery, and the opinion which he formed of the system led him later
to espouse the abolitionist cause. His attendance at college was alternated by
periods of school-teaching, but after the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside
all personal considerations and responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting
on the 5th of July, 1861, at Iowa City, as a member of Company F, Tenth Iowa
Infantry. He was elected second lieutenant and with his command went south,
serving with that regiment until February, 1862, when a relapse after an attack of
measles forced him to resign and he returned to Montezuma. He then pur-
chased a drug store and began the study of medicine, thinking to become a physi-
cian. But on the 5th of July, 1862, following the call for three hundred thousand
men, he began raising the company that was attached to the Twenty-eighth Iowa
Infantry as Company C. He was commissioned its captain and served until

126 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the close of the war. During his previous enlistment he had held the rank of
second lieutenant. The succeeding winter was passed in Arkansas and Missis-
sippi, after which the command entered upon active campaigning, taking part in
the battles of Port Gibson, Edwards Station, Champion's Hill, Black River
Bridge and the siege of Vicksburg, followed by the battle of Jackson, Missis-
sippi. Later the command returned to Vicksburg and subsequently with the
Department of the Gulf went to New Orleans in August, 1863. The year fol-
lowing Captain Carr participated in the engagements at Carrion Crow Bayou and
Chafi'elisle Bayou in Louisiana. In the spring of 1864 he took part in the Red
River expedition under Banks and in July of that year was sent to Washington
and afterward participated in the campaign in the Shenandoah valley under Sheri-
dan in the battles of Berryville, \'irginia ; and of Winchester. At the last named
he was wounded, a minie ball piercing his right leg which rendered him unfit
for service for six weeks, during which time he was at Harpers Ferry until Sep-
tember 25, when he obtained leave of absence and returned home. On his recov-
ery he rejoined his regiment, with which he remained until the close of the war.
Owing to the wounds sustained by his colonel, lieutenant colonel and major he
assumed command of the regiment and following his return at the close of the
war was brevetted major. After Sheridan's campaign the regiment went to
Savannah to return with Sherman and participated in the engagement at New-
berne, North Carolina, and subsequently went to Augusta and assisted in paroling
Johnston's army. The muster out came at Savannah, July 31, 1865, and later
the command proceeded to Davenport, where the troops were honorably dis-
charged and dispersed. That the service was arduous is indicated by the fact
that out of the one hundred men of his company originally mustered in and twenty
recruits, but forty-five came home together.

Following his return to Montezuma, Captain Carr engaged in general mer-
chandising until 1869, when he was elected clerk of the district court, which posi-
tion he filled by reelection for three terms, or six years. During that period he
studied law and was admitted to the bar in February, 1877. He has since prac-
ticed his profession in Montezuma with the exception of a year spent in Des
Moines, and for three terms, or six years, he filled the office of county attorney.
He was for a time a member of the firm of Redman & Carr, the senior partner
beconfing subsequently speaker of the Iowa house of representatives. From the
beginning of his practice Captain Carr has been accorded a large and distinctively
representative clientage and has been associated with much of the important liti-
gation tried in the courts of this district. He prepares his cases thoroughly and
his arguments are strongly logical and convincing. He is also well known in
financial circles in Poweshiek county, having been president of the Montezuma
Savings Bank since its organization in 1893. He was also at one time a director
of the First National Bank, which he aided in establishing. He was the owner
of considerable farm property in Poweshiek county together with a fine home in
Montezuma, but has recently sold his farm property.

On the loth of January, 1866, in this city Captain Carr was married to Miss
Lottie Frick, who was born in Erie, New York, April 30, 1844, and was reared
in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. While visiting her sister, Mrs. M. E. Cutts, she formed
the acquaintance of Captain Carr, who sought her hand in marriage. Their chil-

ITISTORV OF I'OWF.SIIIICK COfNTY 127

dren are : Fred, who for fifteen years .has been associated with his father in the
practice of law ; and CHfford W.. a dentist of Los Angeles, California.

In his political views Captain Carr has always been a stalwart republican and
in addition to the offices already mentioned he has served as a member of the city
council at iMontezuma and as a member of the school board. He belongs to Wis-
ner Post, Xo. 127, G. A. R., of which he has been commander, and holds mem-
bership with Lafayette Lodge No. 52, A. F. & A. M., of Montezuma, and the
Royal .\rch Chapter at Malcolm, Iowa. He is likewise a member of the Knights
of Pythias fraternity at Montezuma and of the State P)ar Association. His activi-
ties have been most varied and in every relation of life he seems to have had a
regard for the duties and obligations of citizenship and to have labored at all
times for the progress and upbuilding of the community in which he has so
long lived. Xo man in Montezuma is held in higher regard or more justly rle-
ierves the respect and honor accorded him.

ROBERT RICE.

Robert Rice, who will long be remembered as a prominent farmer and a
noble-hearted citizen of Grinnell township, was a native of Wayne county, Ken-
tucky, born May 3, 1853. He was the son of Ebenezer and Rebecca ( Parm-
ley) Rice, both of whom were born in Wayne county. The family came to
Iowa in the early '70s, and located in Jasper county west of Grinnell, wiiere the
l)arents lived until their death.

Robert Rice received his preliminary education in Kentucky and grew up
under the shelter of a kindly home. His opportunities of attendance at school
were limited, but he possessed a bright mind and was a close observer and be-
came a man of good general knowledge and thorough discrimination. He came
with his parents to Iowa and after his marriage began working on his own ac-
count on a farm east of Kellogg, Jasper county. He applied himself with such
excellent results that he acquired about five hundred acres and was known as
one of the most prosperous farmers of that part of the county. About 1897
he sold his farm, and later purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the
fair grounds in Grinnell township, Poweshiek county. He also was the owner
of two hundred and forty-five acres six miles west of Grinnell. He engaged
in general farming, but made a specialty of cattle feeding, a branch which he
understood scientifically, and in this line he was remarkably successful, be-
coming one of the important cattle feeders of the county.

In 1876 Mr. Rice was unitefl in marriage to Miss Martha Armelda Parmley,
a native of Wayne county, Kentucky, and a daughter of Robert and Zerilda
(Strunk) Parmley of Parmley ville, Kentucky. Mrs. Rice came to Iowa in her
voung womanhood with an aunt. In 1877 her parents removed to Kansas and
located near Tisdale. The father died March 24, 1907, being then in his sev-
entv-ninth vear. Mr. Rice was called away .'\pril 4, 1907, at the age of fifty-
four vears, in the height of an honorable and useful career. Politically, he

1-28 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

gave his support to the democratic party, and fraternall}- he was identified with
the Odd Fellows.

His success in business was due to his great energy and thorough knowl-
edge of a vocation which he studied in all its details. He spareil no labor or
pains to become thorough and efficient and the honorable record he attained is
evidence of his high character and ability. By his many estimable ([ualities he
gained a host of friends who extended to him their sincere regard as a worthy
member of the great brotherhood of man.

BYRAM B. MARTIN.

Byram B. Martin, who for a number of years has been identified with the
insurance business in Malcom, in which connection he has been accorded a
most liberal patronage throughout this community and Poweshiek county, is
also entitled to special mention as an honored veteran of the Civil war.

He is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred near Greencastle, Put-
nam county, on the 20th of .^iiril, 1842. His jiarents, Robert and Lucy (Routt)
Martin, were born in Virginia and Kentucky respectively, and were married
in the latter state. They became early settlers of Indiana, and there the mother
passed away in 1847. In 1852 Mr. Alartin became a resident of Boone county,
Iowa, where he entered a large tract of land, consisting of about eight hundred
acres, and upon which he made his home until the fall of 1859. when he came
to Poweshiek county, locating near Montezuma, where he spent his remaining
vears. He passed away while on a visit to Greencastle, Indiana. After the
death of his first wife he again married in Indiana, his second union bemg with
Mrs. Nancy Nosier. Her death occurred in Montezuma. By his first marriage
Mr. Martin had six sons and four daughters, of whom Byram B. Martin was
the seventh in order of birth. Unto the second marriage was born one son.

Byram B. Martin spent the first ten years of his life in the state of his
nativity and, in 1852, came with the family to Iowa. He remained with his
father, assisting him in his agricultural pursuits, until twenty years of age
when, in July, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a soldier
in Company K, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry. His term of service e.xtended over
three years, or until the close of hostilities, and, in .August, 1865, he was mus-
tered out with a creditable record for loyalty and bravery. He participated in
many of the important engagements, including the battle at Springfield, Missouri,
Poison Spring, Kansas, and the campaign against Price and the Red River cam-
paign. He took part in all of the activities of his regiment, with the exception
of a few weeks which he spent in a hospital.

.Vfter the country no longer needed his services he returned home and for
two years was engaged in farming in Poweshiek county. At the end of that
time he became a barber and for twenty-five years followed that trade in Mon-
tezuma and Malcom. He was then appointed postmaster of the latter city under
the administration of President Harrison, and capably and efficiently filled that
office for a term of four years, proving a most popular official. Upon retiring

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 129

from that position he embarked in the fire insurance business to which he has
given his entire attention for the past twelve years. He has made a careful
study of the business, familiarizing himself with all of its various phases, and
through the intervening years has so conducted his enterprise that he has built
up a most gratifying clientage throughout Malcom and Poweshiek county, which
is constantly expanding in volume and growing in importance.

On the I2th of June, 1867, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Ferneau, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, February 16, 1844. Her
parents were Levi and Elizabeth (Taylor) Ferneau, who were both natives of
Ohio, where the mother's death occurred. Later the father was again married
and in the fall of 1856 brought his family to Iowa, locating in this county on a
farm near Montezuma, where he passed his remaining days. Two sons and
four daughters were born unto his first union, while by the second marriage
there was one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have become the parents of six
children, who are as follows: Charles E., a resident of Oakland, California;
La Rue, the wife of Charles H. Blumenauer, of Steubenville, Ohio; R. L., of
Malcom; Mary A., who wedded A. L. Burford, of Brooklyn; Nellie M., who
wedded L. P. Raymond ; and Lucy E., the wife of George Graff, of Sheridan
township.

Politically Mr. Martin gives his support to the republican party and he has
served as a member of the town council and the school board, although he is
not a politician in the sense of office-seeking. He is a member of Lodge No.
369, I. O. O. F., of Malcom, and is a charter member of the Grand Army of
the Republic post at Montezuma, which was organized in 1866. He is a man of
marked public spirit and in his life exemplifies those qualities which win con-
fidence, respect and good will.

PETER SCHMIDT.

A resident of Poweshiek county since 1855, Peter Schmidt well deserves the
name of pioneer and has earned a position as one of the highly successful citi-
zens of the county by acquiring a valuable farm of five hundred acres, upon
which he now lives. He is a native of Germany, born September 16, 1826, and
is a son of William and Catherine (Baker) Schmidt. The father was a farmer
and both he and his wife passed their entire lives in the old country. He died
in 1834 and Mrs. Schmidt passed away sixteen years later.

Peter Schmidt acquired his education in the public schools of his native
land, and after he grew to manhood engaged in railroad work until he was
twenty-six years of age. Being attracted to the new world he crossed the ocean
and stopped for a time in New York city and Philadelphia, also spending one
year on a farm near Altoona, Pennsylvania. He then traveled westward as
far as St. Louis, where he secured work upon a railroad, later engaging as a
farm laborer in Illinois. On October 20, 1855, he arrived in Poweshiek county
and, having carefully saved his earnings, he purchased a small tract of land,
to which he has added as his resources permitted until he now has a i)eautiful

130 HISTORY OF TOWESHIEK COUNTY

place of five hundred acres, which is provided with every modern tacihtv. He
has engaged in general farming and has also been very successful in raising
and fattening stock for the market. In addition to his farming interests he is
a stockholder in the bank at Searsboro.

On the 7th of August, 1863, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Eliza Sand-
ers, who was born in Ohio, July 12, 1847, and is a daughter of Henry and Hattie
(Smith) Sanders. The parents were both natives of the Keystone state. They
moved to Ohio and in 1856 came to Poweshiek county and located near Monte-
zuma. They were both members of the Presbyterian church and politically
Mr. Sanders gave his support to the democratic party. Ten children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, namely: William, who is now engaged in farming in
Washington township; Sarah, the wife of Herman Sella, of Washington town-
ship ; Samuel, of Jasper county, Iowa ; Frank, who is deceased : Henry, also of
Washington township ; Mary, the wife of William Whalen, of Mahaska county ;
Rosie, who became the wife of August Dager, of North Dakota; Peter, who is
at home ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Guy Ford, of North Dakota ; and Francis, also
at home.

In religious faith Mr. Schmidt is a Catholic. He has never sought political
honors, as his time and attention have largely been devoted to the management
of his farm and his promising family of children whom he reared to principles
of honor and usefulness. He has now reached the advanced age of eightv-five
years and upon younger men rests the responsibility of looking after the home
farm, but he still takes a lively interest in agricultural affairs and also in the
development of the community of which he has been a member for more than
a half century. He has been a living witness of the development of Poweshiek
county from the original prairie and woodland to the present state of high pro-
ductiveness, and is justly honored as one of the substantial and efficient agen-
cies by which this great transformation has been wrought.

FRED C. RAYBURN.

The citizens of Pleasant township, Poweshiek county, are glad to claim
Fred C. Rayburn as one of their native sons, for he is a most enterprising and
progressive young farmer, born here on the 30th of July. 1872, a son of John
G. and Annie (Gier) Rayburn. The parents were born in the state of Ohio
but are numbered among the pioneers of Poweshiek county, having settled here
in the early '50s. For many years the father followed farming in this section
of the state but he is now living retired in Montezuma, where he and his esti-
mable wife are enjoying the fruits of their former toil. Unto them have been
born six children, namely; Ettie, the deceased wife of Fred Ingram: Charles, a
resident of Dalhart, Te.xas ; Fred C.. whose name introduces this review ; Flora,
the wife of Clyde Blain, a resident of Jackson township: .Alfred, of Monte-
zuma , and Harland, who is a student of art in Chicago.

Fred C. Rayburn. the third in order of birth, was reared on the home farm,
early being trained to the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm lad.

HISTORY OF rOWESHIEK COl'XTV 131

and as his age and strength increased he more largely assumed responsibilities
and thus was (|ualified to carry on business on his own account in later life.
He remained with his parents until they removed to Montezuma and then took
up farming on his own account. He has prospered in his undertakings and is
now the owner of three hundred acres of valuable farm land, situated on section
20. Pleasant township, which is known as the old Ewart property and has been
in his possession since 1904. His place is well improved and he makes stock-
feeding the principal feature of his labors.

It was on the 20th of January, 1897, that Mr. Rayburn was married to Miss
Mattie Ewart. who was born on the farm which is still her home, February 8.
1876. Her father. Robert Ewart, who was one of the well known and prosper-
out farmers of Pleasant township, is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ray-
burn have been born a son and daughter, Lester and Bernice.

In politics Mr. Rayburn is a republican and is now serving his second term
as township trustee. He attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church,
but is not a member of any religious organization. He is a stockholder in the
Ewart Cooperative Creamery Company and is ever interested in any industry
or enterprise that tends to benefit the community in which he makes his home.
He and his wife are well known here, for their entire lives have been passed
in the district which is still their home and their numerous friends have for them
the highest regard and esteem.

EDGAR J. HARRIS.

Edgar J. Harris, a well known farmer of Poweshiek county, comes of an
industrious family, as is indicated by the prosperity enjoyed by four brothers,
all of whom were born in England and sought in America the opportunities
unavailable under conditions existing in the old world. Mr. Harris was born
at Dorsetshire, England, August 31, 1872, and is the son of James and Eliza-
beth (Slade) Harris, both of whom were born in Dorsetshire. Mr. Harris
spent his entire life in England as a farmer, but the mother came to America in
1890, after the death of her husband, and is now living with one of her sons
m Poweshiek county.

Edgar J. Harris was educated in England and at seventeen years of age
crossed the ocean to America with Edwin Dare, a record of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. He came to Poweshiek county and soon found em-
ployment at farm labor. Later he rented the old Williams' farm in Chester
township, which he cultivated to good advantage for eleven years and then,
in 1898, purchased one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he established
his homestead. He also acquired eighty acres on Bear creek, and is, therefore.
the owner of two hundred and forty acres of good Poweshiek county land
which yields each year a handsome revenue. He is a general farmer and stock-
feeder and the success he has achieved is the direct result of his industry,
energy and wise management.

132 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

On the nth of July, 1900, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Mary
D. Schmidt, a daughter of William Schmidt, for many years a resident of
Poweshiek county and one of its prosperous farmers. Mr. Harris is recognized
as a wide-awake, up-to-date man, and a public-spirited citizen, who has con-
tributed his share toward the progress of the community. His farm has been
excellently managed and his home is one of the handsomest residences in the
township. In politics he supports the republican party and, having been reared
in the Church of England, he has through life been faithful to its tenets.

JOHN S. BEELER.

The memory of John S. Beeler, for the past forty-five years a resident of
Poweshiek county, carries him back still further to the pioneer days of Iowa,
when a large part of this great state was yet open prairie and little was known as
to its resources.

He was born at Marion, Iowa, September 13, 1845, and was a member of a
family of sixteen children — eight sons and eight daughters — of Fred and Nancy
(Dollarhide) Beeler, the former of whom was a native of West Virginia and the
latter of Indiana. They were married in 1836 at Indianapolis, and in 1837 came
to Iowa and lived for several years at Muscatine, where the father engaged in
work in connection with the river traffic. From that place he moved to Linn
county, Iowa, and took up land at Marion, being one of the early settlers of that
section. The Indians were still wandering at large through the country when he
arrived in Linn county and he maintained with them the most friendly relations,
often trading horses with his visitors. This was a favorite diversion of the
early days. He was a man of good business ability and a large landowner, pos-
sessing one thousand acres of good Linn county land. In politics he gave his
support to the democratic party, and in religious belief affiliated with the Metho-
dist church, of which he was deacon and trustee. He took a great interest in
education and was a valued member of the school board. A man of many ster-
ling characteristics, he was greatly respected wherever he was known. He died
February 12, 1895, having then reached the age of eighty-one years. Mrs. Beeler
was called away five years later.

John S. Beeler, of this review, received his early education in the public
schools of Marion, Iowa, and also had the advantage of attendance at the high
school in the same town. He was reared under the favorable conditions of farm
life, and even as a boy displayed remarkable strength and ability in his work.
One day, in a few hours, he split eighty-five railroad ties. He followed this occu-
pation for twenty-seven days and then in December, 1866, arrived in Poweshiek
county and went to work on shares under his uncle, George M. Beeler. In 1868
his father gave him a farm in Linn county, which he soon afterward disposed of,
and settled on productive land in Poweshiek county where he has since continued.
He is now the owner of six hundred acres, and his wife owns sixty-eight acres
in this county. He also owns three hundred and forty acres in Missouri. He has
for thirty-five years been a large raiser and feeder of stock, devoting his attention

Mlt. AMI MKS JOHN S. I'.KET.KU

^^^^.„ /

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 135

especially to Hereford cattle and the breeding of Percheron horses, in which he
has attained an enviable reputation.

On the 22d of January, 1871, Mr. Heeler was united in marriage to Miss
lillen C. Heeler, a daughter of George M. and Nancy (Carpenter) Heeler, and of
this union ten children have been born, namely : Ira C, who is now living in
Washingtown township; Ora F., who lives at Hugo, Colorado; George F., of
Pleasant township; May, who became the wife of L. A. Winters, of Jacob, Iowa;
Xancy A., who married Joe H. Bradley, of Missouri; Mary, who married E. S.
Morrison, a business man of Grinnell ; John Cleveland; Louis Clark, now engaged
in farming in Sugar Creek township; Janie, who married John Reed, of Pleasant
township ; and Clara, who is now a student in the Grinnell high school.

Politically Mr. Heeler gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He has
been a candidate for member of the lower house of the state legislature at two
difi'erent elections but, his party being in the minority, he was unsuccessful and
met with defeat. In religious belief lie adheres to the faith of the Society of
JMiends and through life he has aimed to be guided by the teachings of this worthy
organization. Fortunate in possessing qualities of mind and heart which are
inseparable from honorable manhood, he won the respect of neighbors and ac-
quaintances and for many years has been a tower of strength in the community.
Me has always been loyal to every trust and has ever been ready to assist in every
movement for the upbuilding of the section. It is with pleasure that this record
is here given of one of the clear-headed aiid noble-hearted men of Poweshiek
count V. . ■.'■'-■. •.v'V, ' ■,

.•\v

WILLIAM fi. ■'AjCirEY.

William H. Alley is a well known farmer and business man who for a
number of years has engaged as sprinkling contractor at Grinnell. He is a
native of Canada, born November 24, 1854, and is a son of Jeremiah and
Kathryn (GifFord) Alley, both of whom were born in Canada. The father
removed with his family to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farm-
ing for ten years, and then came to Iowa, locating in Tama county, where he
continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1879. The mother is
still living and makes Jier home with her children. In the famih- were the
following children: A. M., who married Ella Robinson and is now a resident
of Huron, S. D. ; William H., of this review ; J. H., who married Elizabeth A.
Spire and lives in Grinnell : Enos G.. who married Jessie Harmon and makes
his home in Huron. S. D. : George W., also a resident of Huron, who married
Kittie Coburn ; Charles E., who married JMaud Crew and lives in Meridian.
Mississippi ; and Electa, the wife of W. W. Dale, of Grinnell township, this
county.

William H. AUex- received his early education in the common schools and
continued with his ]«rents until after attaining his majority. He removed
with them to Tama county, this state in \R(%. Ever since his boyhood he has been
actively identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests. He engaged in
farmincf for seventeen years in Sheridan township, Poweshiek county, where

136 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

he still owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and in 1895 removed to
Grinnell, where he established his home. During the last two years upon his
farm he devoted considerable attention to raising Poland China hogs, in which
he was very successful. He rented his place and is now living in Grinnell,
where he has rendered efficient service for thirteen years as contractor for
street sprinkling.

On March 11, 1879, Mr. Alley was united in marriage in Highland town-
ship, Tama county, to Miss Mary J. Steikle, a daughter of A. H. and Mary
Steikle. The parents were both born in Canada and removed to Tama county,
Iowa, where Mr. Steikle devoted his attention to farming. Mrs. Alley died
in 1894 and on January 2, 1896, Mr. Alley was married to Mrs. Amelia Smith,
a native of Germany, and a daughter of C. H. Speth. Air. Alley has three chil-
ilren living: Nellie, the wife of Peter J. Schmeltz, who is engaged in the manu-
facture of automobile tops at Marshalltown, Iowa ; Hazel, who is a student in
the high school and is now living at home : and George Roger. Bertha Smith,
a daughter of Mrs. Alley by her former marriage, graduated as a kindergarten
teacher at Des Moines.

Ever since McKinley's election Mr. Alley has given his support to the re-
publican party. In religious belief he is a Methodist and is now serving as
trustee of the church at Grinnell. He is a valued member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Modern Brotherhood of America and as a business man is
identified with the Commercial Club. Active, industrious and enterprising, he
is thoroughly efficient in anything he undertakes and as his life is governed
by sound principles he always aims to deal justly with his fellowmen. He is of
a genial and accommodating disposition and it is greatly to his credit that his
best friends are to be found among those with whom he has had business
relations.

JOHN BOSLEY GORSUCH.

John Bosley Gorsuch, who is numbered among the progressive and pros-
])erous agriculturists of Jackson township, is a representative of one of the
old pioneer families of Iowa. He was born in that township on the 19th of
November, 1871, and has spent almost his entire life within its borders. A son
of Daniel L. and Mary J. (Murrow) Gorsuch. of whom mention is made on
another page, he is one of seven surviving children in a family of twelve. He
acquired his education in the schools of Jackson township and also received
broad practical training under the direction of his father, for. reared amid the
busy activities of rural life, he was early taught the value of industry, energy
and perseverance. He remained on the home farm, giving his father the benefit
of his assistance, until the time of his marriage, after which he removed to
Mahaska county and there resided from 1894 until 1897.

Mr. Gorsuch then returned to Poweshiek county and spent the following
three years on a rented farm in Union township, at the end of which time he
purchased his present home of one hundred acres, located on section 17. Jack-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 137

son township. This place is a highly improved property, containing a com-
fortable dwelling, substantial outbuildings and all the conveniences necessary,
and he is giving his time to the cultivation of grain together with stock-raising.
.A.S a farmer he has been quite successful and, taking pride in the appearance
of his farm, has added every improvement which may contribute to its neatness
and fertility. He has also made such study of the soil as to enable him to so
adapt his crops as to reap the maximum yied per acre. He has made of his
farm a good paying proposition and prosperity has attended his efiforts as the
years have gone by, so that today he stands among the substantial and progres-
sive agriculturists of Jackson township.

Mr. Gorsuch was united in marriage, on the nth of February, 1894, to
Miss Blanche Wilkinson, w^ho was born in Mahaska county, July i, 1873, a
daughter of John P. and Cynthia A. (Watkins) Wilkinson, residents of Barnes
City, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Airs. Gorsuch have been born two children, Ida F.
and Thomas Daniel.

A lifelong republican, Mr. Gorsuch is now serving his third term as town-
ship trustee, in which position he is proving a most faithful and public-spirited
official. Fraternally he holds membership in Aztec Lodge, No. 238, K. P., at
Montezuma. Having spent almost his entire life in this locality he has drawn
around him a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who entertain for him
unqualified respect and esteem, a fact which indicates that the principles which
have actuated his conduct have ever been those which govern honorable man-
hood and desirable citizenship.

JOHN A. EVANS.

The farming interests of Scott township and Poweshiek county are well
represented by John A. Evans, who cultivates a tract of four hundred acres.
He has always been identified with the interests of this section, for his birth
occurred on a farm about five miles south of Montezuma, June 29, 1857. He is
a son of Daniel John and Jane (Fields) Evans, the former born in Greene
county, Ohio, November 12, 1818, a son of George Evans, who was born in
Wales and emigrated to the United States in an early day, making a permanent
location in Ohio, where he passed away. His son, Daniel J., was reared in the
Buckeye state and was there married. In the fall of 1852 he removed to the
middle west, locating in Mahaska county, Iowa, but after a brief stay of two or
three years there he continued his journey to Poweshiek county and here en-
gaged in farming. With him and his family also came two brothers and a
sister. Mr. Evans was married twice ere coming to Poweshiek county and by
his first union he had two sons but the younger is deceased, the other being N.
G., of Thornburg, Nebraska. After the death of his first wife, he wedded Miss
lane Fields, who was likewise born in Greene county, Ohio, in May, 1820. Her
death occurred in Scott township, this county, in May, 1872, when she was
fifty-two years of age. She was the mother of nine children: Alfred A., of
O'Brien county, Iowa; Mary E., the wife of Robert R. Johnston, a resident

138 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

of South Dakota ; C. G., who makes his home in Montezuma ; John A., of this
review ; Aseneth, the wife of Samuel Meldrem, a resident of Brooklyn ; Alan-
son, deceased ; and three who died in infancy. The father was actively con-
nected with farming interests in Poweshiek county until about four years ago,
when he removed to Brooklyn, where he has since made his home.

John A. Evans was reared to farm life, assisting in the work of the fields
during the spring and summer months, while in the winter season he attended
the district schools near his father's home. When starting out upon an in-
dependent business venture he chose as his work the occupation to which he had
been reared. He began with eighty acres which he purchased but he after-
ward sold this and bought his present place, which comprises four hundred
acres, situated on sections 2, 3, 10 and 11, Scott township, all in one body. On
the place are two sets of good buildings, while the fields are under a high state
of cultivation and annually yield bounteous harvests. Mr. Evans is progres-
sive in his methods of farm work and is ever ready to adopt any measures
along agricultural lines that he believes will prove of benefit.

Mr. Evans was married October 4, 1888, to Miss Sarah E. Lineweaver,
who was born in Rockingham county, \'irginia, October 4, 1872. a daughter of
C. B. Lineweaver, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Their mar-
riage has been blessed by two sons and a daughter : Earl L. ; Elsie May, the
wife of Henry Allen, a resident of Scott township ; and Allen Ray.

Mr. Evans is a democrat in his political views and affiliations, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He is
well known throughout Poweshiek county and has a reputation for fair and
honorable dealing surpassed by no man in this community. Considerate and
thoughtful, his life is that of a man who practices what he preaches to others
and he is leaving a name that will be an honor to his family.

RAY A. CLARKE.

Over thirty years ago Ray A. Clarke established his home in Grinnell township
and devoted himself to agriculture and stockraising with an enterprise and abil-
ity which enables him now to live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his
labor. He was born at Arcade, New York, February 28, 1850, a son of Elbert
and Louise ( Steele ) Clarke. The father was a native of Brookfield, New York,
and the mother of Arcade. Early in life Elbert Clarke gave evidence of unu.sual
talent as a public speaker and at nineteen years of age began preaching, becom-
ing a prominent minister of the Baptist church at Buffalo, New York. He de-
livered a noted sermon on the death of William Henry Harrison to a body of
distinguished men of the nation. He was of a highly intellectual and nervous
temperament and died at the age of thirty-six at Arcade in the midst of a life
of great usefulness.

In early boyhood Ray A. Clarke lost his father and in 1859 moved with his
mother to Oberlin, Ohio. He attended the common schools and was later grad-
uated from a business college and became a student at Oberlin college. In 1866

ItAV A. <'I.AKKE

-K

^'braSS

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 141

tlie family removed to New Haven, Connecticut, and continued there for two
years, during wliich time he possessed advantages of training in a military school
of that city. They ticn returned to Oberlin and in 1877 moved to Painesville,
Ohio. Mr. Clarke can relate many interesting incidents that occurred during
his boyhood in Ohio. On the 25th of May. 1863. when only thirteen years of
age, he nearly lost his life in a vain endeavor to save Martin Fitch while swim-
ming in Black river. The water was cold and his companion went down in the
middle of the river. Mr. Clarke reached him and started to help him to the shore
but the boy pulled him under and he was compelled to let go or he too would
have been drowned.

In 1879. having decided that the west ofifered better inducements for an am-
bitious young man than he had observed in northern Ohio, Mr. Clarke came to
Iowa and located upon a farm in Grinnell township, Poweshiek county. He dili-
gently improved his place and devoted his attention for many years principally to
raising cattle for the market. As he made use of good judgment, his business
grew in importance and yielded generous annual returns so that he attained a posi-
tion of comparative financial independence.

In September, 1882, Mr. Clarke was united in marriage at Grinnell to Miss
Cornelia Shepard, a daughter of Levi and Mary (St. John) Shepard, both of
whom were natives of Painesville, Ohio, and are now deceased. Mr. Shepard
was one of the large landowners of his locality. One daughter, Cornelia S., came
to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke. The beloved wife and mother passed
away in 1884 and the daughter is now keeping houje for her father. She is an
excellent scholar, having graduated from the ���lii^h' 'school and also from Grinnell
College and has proved an invaluable assistant and companion to her father.

Mr. Clarke is identified with the Congt^gatJcWaJ^ehurch and is a stanch sup-
porter of its doctrines. Politically he gives -his a'llegiance to the republican party,
although he does not hold himself strictly to party lines in voting. He is of a
modest, retiring disposition and has never sought the emoluments or honors of
public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business. He has
many friends whom he has made by his genial, social qualities and by many years
of honorable business dealings. He has witnessed great changes in his adopted
county since taking up his abode here and as a reputable representative and valued
citizen he has assisted materially in its transformation.

REV. JAMES L. HILL. D. D.

It IS most fitting that Dr. James L. Hill be mentioned in the history of Powe-
shiek county for every citizen of the county is proud of his record and he num-
bers among the residents of this county many warm friends. Moreover, he
completed his literary education in Grinnell College and has since been a stal-
wart, zealous and helpful friend of the institution.

Numbered among Iowa's native sons. Dr. Hill was born at Garnavillo,
March 14, 1848, a son of the Rev. James J. Hill, who was long associated with
the work of the ministry in Iowa and gave the first dollar to found Grinnell

142 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL-XTY

CoUege, the proof of which fact Dr. Hill has in a written or printed statement
from five of the men who w-ere his father's associates at the time. His mother,
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Hill, was present at the meeting in Dubuque when addi-
tional plans for Grinnell College took definite form and this record is still ex-
tant : "The wives also of the ministers, anxious to share in the enterprise of
founding the college, resolved to raise one hundred dollars out of their own re-
sources and seventy dollars were subscribed by fourteen who were present."
It was at this time that Mrs. Hill, who died at the early age of twenty-eight
years, exclaimed: "Somebody must be built into these foundations," and these
ivords are inscribed upon her monument in the cemetery at Grinnell.

Reared amid the refining influences of a cultured home, where intellectual
training and moral teaching were rated at their true worth as forces m char-
acter building, Dr. Hill was provided with such opportunities and advantages
as his parents could secure for him and completed his more specifically literary
education by a course in Grinnell College, from which he was graduated with
the class of 1871. He was a tutor there in 1871-2 and a continuous resident
of Poweshiek county for twelve years. Following his connection with the col-
lege he left Grinnell and went east for professional training at Andover The-
ological Seminary There he applied himself closely to the mastery of the
branches that constituted the curriculum of the school and before his gradua-
tion was called to the pastorate of the North Congregational church in Lynn,
Massachusetts. During the ten years of his absence at school he never re-
ceived a dollar from home to assist him in meeting his tuition and other nec-
essary expenses and during the last year of his student life he earned eight
hundred dollars notwithstanding the fact that he applied himself so closely to
his studies that he won the valedictorian honors of his class.

As clergyman, lecturer and author Dr. Hill has since become known through-
out the country, his labors calling him into various sections, but throughout
the years he has never ceased to feel the deepest attachment for his alma mater
nor neglected any opportunity to promote the interests and work of Grinnell
College, of which he is still a trustee. He spent his first night in Poweshiek
county in a small building, still standing, opposite the residence of the presi-
dent of the college at Grinnell and this he and his brother Dr. Gershom H. Hill
have purchased with the intention of presenting it as a gift to the school. He
and his brother also founded the Hill prize for excellence in extemporaneous
address in Grinnell College and they have been repeatedly assured that the
competition for this prize constitutes the most popular event at commencement.
Following his father's example in giving the first dollar to a college, he made
the earliest gift to aid in the establishment of Yankton College, founded by the
Dakota Band, who in that state planted the seeds of Christian citizenship and
civilization. This dollar was found in the desk of the college president after
after his death with a statement as to where it came from. For some years
pastoral labors occupied his attention and throughout his life he has been a
teacher, not always in the school room or in the pulpit for at other times his
teaching has been done from the lecture platform. He was one of four clergy-
men who in 1 89 1 were selected to make addresses and to found societies of
Christian Endeavor in England. He established the society at old Boston, Eng-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 143

land, and the same year was created Doctor of Divinity by his alma mater, be-
ing the first of her graduates on whom she conferred this honor. From the
beginning of the United Society of Christian Endeavor he has been one of its
trustees and he was one of four who secured control of the Golden Rule, a
religious paper, making it the recognized official organ of the Christian En-
deavor Society. In the effort now being made to raise two hundred thousand
dollars for a Christian Endeavor headquarters building in Boston Dr. Hill has
agreed to give the last fifteen thousand dollars.

In acknowledgment of this generous gift the following was presented him:
"The executive committee of the board of trustees of the United States Chris-
tian Endeavor desires to e.xpr'jss and put on record their hearty appreciation
of the generous gift of fifteen thousand dollars — the largest gift yet made —
for the new Headquarters building by one of their own number, Rev. James
L. Hill, D. D. They unite in wishing for the donor the Scriptural benediction.
'The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also
himself.' "

In recent years Dr. Hill has become widely known through his appearance
on the lecture platform and is regarded as one of the most attractive speakers
sent out by the Central Lyceum Bureau. He has made addresses in all of the
capitals of New England and in almost all of the states of the Union. In 1878
he was selected to deliver the Election Sermon before the governor and legis-
lature of Massachusetts. Some of his lectures he has delivered more than a
hundred times. His lectures, adapted to the times, treat of social life, travel
and reform, .\mong his most popular addresses are those given under the
subjects : How to be at Home at Home ; Team Work ; Cupid ; Success a Duty ;
How we Struck Each Other ; Europe and I : The Spirit of '61 ; and The
Worst Boys in Town. At all places wherever he has spoken he has found
favor with his audiences and the opinions of the press in different cities are
unanimous in their support of him as "a brilliant speaker, who clothes his ideas
in simple descriptive language that even a child may grasp and comprehend."
"There is a certain magnetism about him which attracts his listeners and carries
them with him. . . . Pleasantry and wit constituted features of his lec-
tures and the people were not only pleased with his manner of delivery but
also with his rounded periods and illustrations and best of all his noble senti-
ments." His writings perhaps cover even wider range. He is the author of
various volumes and pamphlets, including The Growth of Government, which
was published by vote of the legislature of Massachusetts ; Modern Methods of
Christian Nurture ; Boys in the Late War ; Decade of History ; Woman and
Satan ; The Problem of Spiritual Awakenings ; The 'Superlative Vacation ; Seven
Sorts of Successful Sunday Evening Services; and Historic Pilgrimages. His
leaflets and newspaper articles are very numerous and his fugitive pieces that
have been gathered fill seven hundred and fifty pages, as large as an atlas.

In 1878 Dr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Lucy B. Dunham, the
only daughter of the chaplain of the Massachusetts senate. In his travels he
has been collecting with much painstaking care and considerable expense a
large number of curios and valuable relics which are to be the nucleus of a
museum which he intends to give to Grinnell College. This already includes

144 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

some articles that cannot be duplicated either in North or South America. I le
also possesses the most valuable collection in existence bearing on the earliest
religious history of Iowa, including the letters inviting "the immortal eleven"
to this state to establish the work of their church within the boundaries of the
commonwealth. More than one-half of the members of the Iowa Band con-
tributed to the treasures touching early Iowa history which are in Dr. Hill's
keeping.

JESSE L. FELLOWS.

The success which follows close application and ready appreciation for and
utilization of opportunities has come to Jesse L. Fellows, who is now manager
of the Grinnell Washing Machine Company and a financial, if not an active,
factor in several other business enterprises. He was born in Vinton, Benton
county, Iowa, November 28, 1878, a son of E. G. and Lottie A. (Wilder)
Fellows, both of whom were natives of Canandaigua, New York, where they
were married in 1869. They came to Iowa in 1870, settling in Vinton, and the
father, who was a photographer, conducted a gallery in that city for a number
of years. He came to Grinnell in 1889, since which time he has served in the
capacity of engineer for public schools.

Jesse L. Fellows was reared at home and pursued his education in Grinnell
Academy and Grinnell College, being graduated from the latter with the B. S.
degree in the class of 1901. His school days over, he went to North Dakota
and became local agent at Bowbells and later at Sherwood for the Stoltze
Lumber Company, with which he remained for about five years.

While residing in Sherwood Mr. Fellows was united in marriage on the
28th of June, 1905, to Miss Maude B. Young, of Clarion, Iowa, and in 1907
returned to Grinnell, where he purchased an interest in the lumber firm of
Carney, Brande & Clark. On the reorganization of the business the firm name
of Clark & Fellows was assumed and the partnership was maintained for two
years, after which Mr. Fellows sold his interest and for a year following was
engaged in no business. However, during that period he awaited a favorable
opportunity for reentrance into commercial life and became a stockholder of
the Grinnell Washington Machine Company on its organization in 1908. He
was at that time elected a director of the company but not until the fall of 1909
did he become active in the business. He was then called upon to assume the
management of the enterprise and so continued until January. 1910. when he
secured a new manager. This arrangement, however, proved unsatisfactory
and he again took up the management of the business of which he now has
charge. His sound judgment, his keen insight into conditions and possibilities
and his unfaltering energy have proved strong forces in the successful conduct
of the enterprise, which is recognized today as one of growing and substantial
importance. He also has other investments in business affairs and is regarded
as one of the prominent and leading men of the city, his labors constituting an
important element In the promotion of trade interests in Iowa.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 145

Mr. Fellows is a member of Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P., and also of
the Modern Woodmen camp. He is deeply interested in everything that per-
tains to the welfare and progress of his town and his cooperation can always
be counted upon to further measures for the public good. He has, moreover,
an interesting military chajner in his life history, for at the end of his sophomore
year in college he responded to the country's call and enlisted for service in the
Spanish-American war, becoming a member of Company G, Forty-ninth Iowa
\'olunteer Infantry. The regiment spent one year in Cuba and after the ces-
sation of hostilities he received his discharge and returned home, resuming his
college work where he had laid it down. In politics he has been a stanch
republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but has never
been an office seeker. He belongs to the Congregational church and his
influence is always found on the side of progress and improvement. Al-
though a young man, he has made for himself a very creditable position in
business circles and Grinnell places his name high on the list of her energetic
and progressive business men.

FRED R. BASTIAN.

In the enjoyment of a well earnetl rest at his present home in Malcom, I'Ved
R. Bastian and his estimable wife look back upon many years of active labor
and usefulness in the course of which they endeared themselves to neighbors
and friends and assisted very materially in promoting the welfare of the com-
munity. They are both natives of Prussia, Germany. Mr. Bastian was born
May 17, 1834, being the son of William and Mary (Crone) Bastian, both of
whom were born in Pomman, Germany.

Mr. Bastian, of this review, received his education in the common schools
and continued upon his father's farm until he was fourteen years of age. He
then hired out at thirty dollars per year as a farm hand and worked for wages
until 1862, when he was married to Miss Hannah Strebeng, a daughter of
Christian and Mary (Pessel) Strebeng, both of whom were natives of Prussia
and identified with the farming interests. The mother died in Germany and in
1868 Mr. Strebeng came to America where he died the same year at the home
of his son in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1868 Mr. Bastian crossed the ocean with his family to the new world
and for two years worked by the day on a farm near Wilton Center, Illinois,
then becoming a renter of land for six years in the same section. Having de-
cided to seek his fortune further west, he came to Iowa, and for thirteen years
rented a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. During these years, with
the assistance of his wife and by the practice of wise economy, he acquired
sufficient capital to buy eighty acres of land two miles east of Malcom, in
Poweshiek county. He met with such favorable results upon his farm that
two years later he purchased another tract of eighty acres in Bear township.
His fields responded to his care and labor and he became one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the county, continuing as an agriculturist and stock-raiser

146 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

until 1909, when he retired from active work, rented his farm, and he and his
wife are now hving at Malcom where they expect to spend the remainder of
their days. Two children were born to them, namely : Charles, now a farmer
of Malcom township, who married Miss Nellie Wickman, and has one daughter,
Nellie, aged fourteen j^ears ; and William, now living on a farm in Chester
township, who married Miss Lena Rohr, and who have two children : Powell,
eleven years of age, and Arnold, aged three years.

Mr. Bastian and his wife are consistent members of the German Lutheran
church of Malcom. In political faith he gives his adherence to the republican
party, but has never held public office, preferring to devote his time and energies
to his business and his family. Although seventy-seven years of age he is in
excellent health and bodily strength and is proud of the fact that he has never
experienced a single day's illness since arriving in America. Both he and his
wife are widely known in the county where they have lived so many years.
They have truly performed their part in enhancing the comfort and happiness
of those with whom they have associated.

ALVIN D. RAYL.

.A. well kept farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Washington township
which conveys the impression of comfort and prosperity is the homestead of
Alvin D. Rayl. He was born in this township April 24, 1864, a son of Hymelius
and Sarah J. (Macy) Rayl. The father was born in North Carolina. ]\Iarch
25, 1827, and the mother in Indiana. They were married in the latter state,
and later came to Poweshiek county and established a home in Sugar Creek
township. Subsequently they moved to Washington township, upon eighty
acres, and after a few years the farm was increased by the addition of sixty-
five acres. As old age approached they made their home with the subject of
this review where the father is now living, Mrs. Rayl having been called away
December 18, 1901. Mr. Rayl is a member of the Society of Friends and in
politics adheres to the republican party. In their family were eight children,
namely : William C, of Newton, Iowa ; Charles T., who is now living with
the subject of this review; Jabez H., of Union county, Iowa; Jesse M., of
Post, Kansas ; Esther A., the wife of Luther Stanley, of Jasper county ; Alvin
D. ; Estella, the wife of Harry Thompson, of Poweshiek county ; and Barclay
H., who resides in Texas.

.-Alvin D. Rayl received his education in the district schools of Washington
township and at the Lynnville high school. After completing his education he
assisted his father upon the home farm until reaching his majority, and then
rented land upon his own account in Washington township. After acquiring
sufficient capital he purchased sixty-five acres and, in 1894, bought eighty acres
of his father's land, to which he added another tract of eighty acres, disposing
of the si-xty-five acres which he originally owned. His farm which comprises
one hundred and sixty acres presents a neat and thrifty appearance and gives
evidence of a high state of cultivation and abundant annual returns. He makes

5" d

W
K

g >

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 149

a specialty of raising hogs for the market and as he follows progressive modern
methods he is highly successful.

On the 25th of December, 1901, Mr. Rayl was married to Miss Molly J.
Revis, a daughter of J. W. and Catherine Revis, of Grinnell, Iowa. Three chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rayl: Elsie, who was born April 4,
1903; Delbert, born June 6, 1905; and Thelma, born July 9, 1907.

Mr. Rayl has engaged in farming since his boyhood, and having early been
thoroughly instructed in farm work and management he has avoided many
mistakes of those less thoroughly trained and is now enjoying the fruits of
years of patient and carefully directed industry. In political belief he gives
his allegiance to the republican party and has served very acceptably as a mem-
ber of the school board. He is a stanch supporter of Christianity and holds
membership in the Society of Friends, an organization in which he was reared
and whose principles in an important degree have been his guide through life.
Possessing qualities which win success in business and the confidence of his
associates, he enjoys the good will of his neighbors and of all who know him.

EVAN S. EVANS, M. D.

Dr. Evan S. Evans, a successful medical practitioner of Grinnell, has built
up and is now enjoying an exterr^iv"?' -and .lucrative practice as a physician and
surgeon. His birth occurred in Hamgfepg.;.Iowa,- on the 20th of October, 1880,
his parents being William D. and Julia (Stark) Evans. The Evans family
has long been a prominent one in this, state, the grandfather of our subject,
Evan T. Evans, being one of the early Welsh Congregational ministers of Iowa
county. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Davis, were
natives of Wales. They were married just before or just after their emigra-
tion to the new world, their first home being near Racine, Wisconsin, in the
Welsh colony of that section. About 1857 they came west to Iowa, locating in
Iowa county, where Evan J. Evans preached the gospel for a great many years,
becoming one of the most widely known early divines of the state. His
demise occurred in Iowa county sometime in the early '80s but his widow still
survives, making her home with a daughter in Williamsburg.

William D. Evans, the father of Dr. Evans, was born in Racine, Wisconsin,
in 1852 and was admitted to the bar after receiving his law degree from the
State University of Iowa. He was actively engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession at Hampton, Iowa, until about 1901, when he was elected judge of the
district court, thus serving until 1908. In that year he was appointed to fill
a vacancy as judge of the supreme court and on the expiration of the term
was regularly elected to the office, while in 1910 he was reelected. His wife
is the daughter of Benjamin Stark, who was a great-nephew of General John
Stark of Revolutionary fame. One of their sons, W^illiam Donald Evans, Jr.,
is a prominent attorney of Des Moines, while David W. Evans, an uncle of Dr.
Evans of this review, is a leading lawyer of Hampton, Iowa.

150 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Evans S. Evans was reared under the parental ruof and was graduated irom
the Hampton high school with the class of 1897. He then entered Iowa College
and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1902, winning the
degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. In the fall of 1903 he took up the study of
medicine in Rush Medical College and, being given one year's credit because
of his degree, graduated from that institution in 190O. Subsequently he spent
six months as interne in the Chicago Emergency Hospital, while during the next
eighteen months he served an interneship in the Cook Couniy Hospital. Locat-
ing for practice at Brooklyn, Iowa, he there remained for a little less than a
year and then came to Grinnell, which town has since been the scene of his
professional labors. His practice has steadily grown in volume and impor-
tance as he has demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems
which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and
prolong life. He is a member of both the Poweshiek County Medical Society
and the Iowa State Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the advance-
ment made by the profession.

In 1908 Dr. Evans was joined in wedlock to Miss Marabelle Baldwin, of
Whitewater, Wisconsin. He gives his political allegiance to the republican
party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congre-
gational church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with
the Masons, belonging to Herman Lodge, No. iji. He is also a member
of the Modern Brotherhood of America and belongs to two Greek letter fra-
ternities, the Phi Beta Phi and the .\lpha Omega Alpha. He is conscientious
and faithful in the discharge of his professional duties and in his practice con-
forms closely to a high standard of professional ethics.

JOHN W. JACKSON.

John W. Jackson, wlui is engaged in stock-raising in Union township, was
born in Clinton county. Ohio, on the 15th of February, 1855. His father, Jesse
Jackson, was a native of the same place, his birth having occurred on the
24th of April, 1833. There he met and subsequently married Miss Catherine
Bryan, who was born in \'irginia on the 12th of October, 1832, iheir union
being solemnized on the 13th of .April, 1854. They began their domestic life
on a farm in Clinton county, contiiniing to reside there until 1858, in which
year they migrated to Iowa, living on a farm in Warren county for four years.
At the expiration of that period they returned to Ohio, where they resided for
eight years. In 1871 they again came to Iowa, locating on a farm which Mr.
Jackson purchased in L'nion township, Poweshiek county, and there he engaged
in general farming and stock-raising during the remainder of his active career.
He passed away on the 19th of October, 1902, but the mother is still living,
at the age of seventy-nine years, and continues to reside upon the old home-
stead. Mr. Jack.son was a member of the Society of Friends, while his political
supjjort he gave to the rejjublican party, by which body he was elected a mem-
ber of the board of school directors. Unto him and his wife were born four

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 151

children, the onler of tlieir birth being as follows; Jnhn W., our subject : I'llbridge
L.. who is living at home: Lillian, the wife of William Tindall, of Union town-
ship; and Adelia, who became the wife of Henry C. Saunders, of Jackson town-
ship.

The common schools of Clinton county, Ohio, and Union township, Pow-
eshiek county, provided John W. Jackson with his preliminary education, fol-
lowing which he attended Penn College at Oskaloosa, Iowa. After the com-
pletion of his education he remained at home and engaged in teaching school
for five or six years. He subsequently decided that he preferred to follow
agricultural pursuits and so purchased a farm in Union township, where, in
addition to the cultivation of his fields, he breeds and raises thoroughbred
shorthorn cattle and Polanrl China hogs, which has proven to be a very lucra-
tive business.

Fraternally Mr. Jackson is aiflliated with the Masonic order, holding mem-
bership in the lodge of Montezuma. His political support he has accorded the
republican party ever since granted the right of franchise on attaining his ma-
jority. He is now serving as township assessor, has filled the office of town-
ship clerk and is also acting in the capacity of secretary of the scnool board.
Mr. Jackson is one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Union town-
ship as well as a capable business man, whose judgment and opinion has consid-
erable influence in local matters.

WILLIS CLINTON BENSON.

Willis Clinton Benson, who is engaged in the produce business in Sears-
boro, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on the 23d of October, 1846, and is a
son of James and Sarah (McPowell) Benson. The parents were also natives
of Fayette county, where the mother passed away in 1848. The father, who
was a cobbler, migrated to Iowa in 1850, locating in Benton county, where he
followed his trade for two years. He purchased a farm at the end of that time
and engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing to be identified with that avoca-
tion until about twenty-five years prior to his demise, which occurred on the
15th of April, 1896. Mr. Benson was a republican in politics and fraternally
he affiliated with the Masonic order. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Benson
there were born two children of whom the daughter. Sarah M., who is now
deceased, was the younger.

.\s he was only a lad of four years when his father settled in Iowa, Willis
Clinton Benson obtained his education in the common schools of Benton county.
The experiences of his early years were very similar to those of the majority
of boys who spend their lives in the rural districts. He early became familiar
with the routine work of the homestead, his duties and responsibilities increasing
with his age and development, .-\fter leaving school he gave his entire atten-
tion to the work of the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He subse-
quently came to Poweshiek county, locating in Sugar Creek township, but later
he removed to Clarke county. Iowa, and purchased a farm upon which he
resided for four vear'~. Disposing of his interest at the expiration of that time

152 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

he returned to Poweshiek county, settling in Sugar Creek township, where
he rented a farm. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1893, when he
removed to Searsboro and engaged in the produce business for four years. At
the end of that period he withdrew from this occupation and returned to the
country, where he engaged in general farming until 1906, when he again went
into the produce business, this time being associated with Charles Evans. At
the end of the first year he purchased his partner's interest, and has ever since
conducted the business alone. He handled all kinds of produce, in addition to
which he is also the agent for the DeLaval cream separator.

On the 7th of May, 1871, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Tish, a daughter of Samuel R. and Catherine (Shafer) Tish. Her
father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ohio, in which state
they were also married. The father, who was a farmer and a cabinet-maker by
trade, came to Iowa in the early days, acquiring a farm of two hundred and
fifteen acres in Sugar Creek township. The mother passed away on the home-
stead in 1897, and the demise of the father occurred in the same place in April,
1904. He was a democrat, and Mrs. Tish was a member of the Christian
church. Mrs. Benson is also a native of the Buckeye state, her birth having oc-
curred there in 1853. To Mr. and Mrs. Benson were born the following chil-
dren: Willis, who is a resident of Clemens Grove, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of
Horace Ent, of Grinnell ; Sarah Ann, who is deceased ; Alta, the wife of Richard
Myeis, of Sugar Creek township; Ida, who married Herman Kluger, of Swea
City, Iowa ; Charles A., who is living in Grinnell ; and Goldie, the wife of Ros-
coe Bartlett, of Brighton, Iowa.

His political support Mr. Benson gives to the democracy. He has served
as city marshal, while for the past five or six terms he has acted as constable.
In matters religious the views of both himself and wife coincide with the
principles of the Friends church, in which they hold membership and in the
faith of which they reared their family.

JOHN EIRP.

Starting as a boy on his own account John Eirp, who is now the owner
of a valuable farm in Poweshiek county, worked his way through many ob-
stacles and attained a position of comparative independence. The efforts which
he was obliged to make strengthened the muscles and also developed his
character, so that he is today highly respected, not alone on account of his suc-
cess in business, but also because of his reputation for honest and straightfor-
ward dealing, which is an asset greatly to be valued.

He was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, in March, i860, a son of Andrew
and Sarah ( Johnson j Eirp, the former of whom was born in Columbus, Ohio,
and the latter in West Virginia. The father of our subject removed to Keokuk
county, Iowa, in 1858, and there engaged in farming for eleven years. He then
moved to Missouri, but after two years returned to this state and settled per-
manently in Poweshiek county, where he engaged in farming until his death,

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 158

which occurred in 1901. The mother is still living and makes her home in this
county.

John Eirp received limited advantages of education in the district schools
as he was obliged to begin working for wages at the age of twelve years. He
continued to work by the month until he was twenty-eight years of age and
in the course of this time became thoroughly acquainted with all the details of
farming and stock-raising. About 1888 he rented land in Jefferson township,
which he later purchased, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres. The
farm is beautifully located and is provided with modern improvements, making
it one of the desirable places of the township. He feeds cattle and raises Poland
China hogs for the market. He also buys and sells horses and is regarded as
an expert in the various lines to which he devotes his attention.

In April, 1888, Mr. Eirp was married to Miss Ella H. Meyer, a daughter of
Henry and Veronica (Buhl) Meyer. The parents were both born in Germany
and emigrated to this country. The father was a ship carpenter and became a
successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Eirp have six children: Ethel, who married A.
M. McCarty, a farmer of Jefferson township, and who is the mother of three
children, Harry, Howard and Jessie ; Maggie : Andrew ; Orrin ; Carrie ; and
James, all of whom are residing at home.

Politically Mr. Eirp casts his ballot in support of the democratic party, the
principles of which he endorses as essential to the permanency and prosperity
of the nation. He has through life been accustomed to work, having early
learned its value, and he and his estimable wife have reared their children so
that they may become useful and efficient members of society, willing to make
sacrifices if necessary for the promotion of the comfort and happiness of
others, and also desirous at all times of performing their part in whatsoever
station they may be found. Mr. Eirp takes just pride in his family and in his
farm, and as he is energetic and capable in whatever he undertakes he ranks
as one of the successful men of the county.

C. F. RANDALL.

A well tilled quarter section in Chester township has yielded most gratify-
ing returns for the labor expended by the owner, C. F. Randall, who during
the entire period of his active career has been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Randall was born on the 17th of January, i860, in Jackson county, Iowa,
and is a son of John and Mary (Words) Randall, natives of England. They
were married on the i8th of November, 1857, the ceremony taking place in New-
York city. Immediately following this event they went to Jackson county,
where Mr. Randall, who was a Methodist minister, had a charge to which he
had been ministering for some time. They remained residents of Jackson
county until 1877, at which time they removed to Poweshiek county, locating
upon a farm in Sheridan township. Mr. Randall had left the ministry in 1859.
just two years after his marriage, engaging from that time on in agricultural
pursuits. In 1905 he removed to Everson, near Puget Sound, Washington,

154 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL-XTV

where he is now hving retired. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Randall, the son, C. F., subject of this review, being the eldest.

Being reared upon a farm C. F. Randall acquired his education in the dis-
trict schools of Jackson county, having resided there until he was seventeen
years of age. In his boyhood and youth he always gave his father such as-
sistaiice as he was able to perform in the cultivation of the homestead, and Dy
the time he had reached manhood had quite a comprehensive knowledge of
agricultural methods. The training of his early years has ever been put to
the best use and he now owns one of the good farms of Chester township, in
the cultivation of which he has been engaged since 1901. Subsequent to his
marriage in 1887 Mr. Randall and his bride removed to Nebraska where they
continued to live for nine years, then returned to Poweshiek county, where
he engages in general farming.

Mrs. Randall, who prior to her marriage on the 5th of January, 1887, was
Miss Nellie M. Wolcott, was a daughter of Edwin and Angeline A. (Barnum)
VV'olcott. The parents were natives of New York, but were living in Iowa at
the time on their marriage. They removed to Poweshiek county in 1871.
Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Randall : Charles C, who is a
graduate of Grinnell .Academy, at Grinnell : and Mary A. and Raymond G.
Mrs. Randall, who was the second in order of birth of the nine children born
unto her parents, passed away on the 24th of February, 1908, at the age of
forty-two years, three months and eighteen days.

The family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, their iden-
tification being with the church at Senora. An ardent republican Mr. Randall
gives his political support to the candidates of that party, but as he is not an
office seeker does not prominently participate in local activities of a govern-
mental nature.

GEORGE COX.

.Mihough George Cox is now practically living retired he is still financially
interested in the mercantile enterprise conducted under the style of C. N. Cox
& Company at Deep River, one of the largest concerns of its kind in this section
of Poweshiek coiintw

He was born in (iuernsey county. Ohio, March 9, 1839, a son of Ephraim
and Margaret (Christy) Cox. the father born in Ohio, in 1801, and the mother
in Pennsylvania in the same year. The paternal grandfather, Christopher Cox,
was a trader with the Indians in Ohio. The maternal grandparents were natives
of Scotland but emigrated to the new world in an early day, making a location
in Pennsylvania. Ephraim Cox was reared in the F)Uckeye state and was there
married to Miss Margaret Christy, making his home in that state until 1854,
which year witnessed his arrival in Poweshiek county. He here entered four
hundred acres of land in Deep River townshiji and at once began to develop and
iin|)rove his property, and it eventually became very valuable. In his home place
lie h;i(l line huiiilrcd and furty acres, and he .'ilso made many improvements on

(M'.oitiii-: ( <>x

MRS. (;i:oi!(iK cox

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 159

this land. He and his wife reared a family of eight children: Nancy, who be-
came the wife of George HufTman, and who died in Indiana; Robert, who makes
his home in Deep River; Mary Jane, the widow of William Cochran, a resident
of Fort Collins, Colorado ; Samuel, who lost his life by the explosion of a boiler
in a sawmill in 1856: Christopher, a resident of Nebraska; Mrs. Sarah Ann
Farmer, who departed this life in Kansas ; Mrs. Margaret Wherry, a resident
of Guernsey, Iowa ; and George, whose name introduces this review. Both the
parents have long since passed away, the father dying in 1862, and the mother
in 1877. They were numbered among the worthy pioneers of this section of
Poweshiek county. The old home in Deep River was situated on the old stage
line between Iowa City and Grinnell and was the stopping place for travelers in
1857-61.

George Cox was reared in Ohio until he reached the age of fifteen years when,
in 1854, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Poweshiek county. He
here assisted his father in making a home on the frontier and in cultivating his
land until the time of the latter's death, when he undertook the management of
the farm for his mother, so continuing for four years. He then began farming
on his own account, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of raw prairie, on a
part of which the village of Deep River now stands. He added to his original
holdings from time to time until he became the owner of four hundred and
twentv acres, but he has sold off some of this and now has four hundred acres,
on which he erected a fine modern horac-threeyears ago.' In 1870, in connection
with his brother-in-law, E. M. Funk, We erig'Agecl in -general snerchandising at the
old town of Dresden but, in 1884. when the railroad' was built through the village
of Deep River, he moved his stock of goods to this place and has been interested
in the enterprise from that time to the present. He is, however, now living
jiractically retired, the business being managed by his son; C. N., the firm being
known under the style of C. N. Cox & Company. In the years that have passed
they have built up a splendid trade and this is one of the large and important
concerns of this part of the county. In addition to this Mr. Cox also had various
other interests for, in 1884, he also purchased an elevator at Brooklyn, which
he moved to this place, and until 1900 conducted a grain, coal and lumber busi-
ness. He also had considerable stock in the bank at Deep River. Mr. Cox, dur-
ing the years of his active connection with business affairs, amassed a consider-
able amount of money, which he has invested in Louisiana lands, owning today
fifteen hundred acres which he rents for the cultivation of rice. From this in-
vestment he derives a substantial income that enables him to spend the evening
of his days in practical retirement, and he now merely gives supervision to his
financial interests.

Mr. Cox was married in 1866 to Miss Catharine Funk, who was born in Ogle
county, Illinois, in 1848, her natal day being October 27. She came with her
parents, Michael and Adaline (Newcomer") Funk, to Deep River in July, 1854,
and has lived here from that time to the present. The parents were both natives
of Washington county, Maryland, the father born March 16, 1823, and the
mother, February 15, 1824. They were reared and married in that state and in
1847 came north, establishing their home in Ogle county, Illinois. In 1854, as
above stated, they came to Poweshiek county, and for many years the father

160 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

worked in the store with his son-in-law, Mr. Cox. In 1888 he went to Louisiana,
where he engaged in the mercantile business and was also appointed postmaster
at Roanoke. He eventually returned to Poweshiek county, however, and passed
away here November 20, 1899, when he was seventy-six years of age. The
mother, surviving him for only a few months, departed this life June 2, 1900,
at the same age. Their family numbered six children, namely : Catharine, now
Mrs. Cox ; Henry, a practicing attorney of Rogers, Arkansas ; Emanuel, an at-
torney of Rogers, Arkansas ; George, who is a Congregational minister of Fort
Worth, Texas ; Martin, who died at the age of eighteen months ; and Lee, a
merchant of Iowa, Louisiana.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cox has been blessed with lour children : C. N.,
a merchant of Deep River ; Ervvin, who died at the age of two years : Alma,
the wife of Hon. George E. Grier, of Deep River ; and Hattie, the wife of
Walter Light, a resident of West Liberty.

Mr. Cox cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln m i860 and
has voted for every republican candidate for the presidency since that time. He
has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill some township offices, btit has
never aspired to public position. He is a member of the Presbyterian church,
in which he has served as a trustee for the past ten years. His fraternal rela-
tions are indicated by his membership in the Masonic order and in the Modern
Woodmen of America. He has ever been alert — quick to note and improve op-
portunities for advancement — and coming to this section at an early day he
exercised sound judgment in the investment of his capital, which has been
thereby greatly increased and now leaves him in comfortable circumstances.
He has not directed his attention to one line but has ventured into various fields,
and in all these directions his efforts have been crowned with success — the
success which may always with safety be predicted as the reward of steady,
strong and well directed energy, and the results of his life work are being left
as monuments to his activity.

N. W. CESSNA.

Possessing natural talent for mercantile life, N. W. Cessna gave up farming
fifteen years ago and settled in Grinnell, where he has ever since been identified
with the meat business. He is one of the valued men in the community and by
close application and the exercise of sound judgment he has attained a goodly
measure of financial success. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania.
August 13, 1857, a son of Thomas R. and Sarah A. (Koerner) Cessna, also
natives of Bedford county.

The Cessnas are of Huguenot ancestry and are direct descendants of Count
John De Cessna. In 1690, owing to persecution of the Huguenots, about
twelve hundred of the nobility of France, together with about half a million
of the Protestant faith fled to England, Holland, Switzerland and Denmark, an
official proclamation having been made by those countries (iroffering refuge to
the oppressed. Many of the refugees entered military service and among these

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 161

was Count John De Cessna, who in 1690 distinguished himself as an officer
under Duke De Schomberg at the battle of the Boyne in Ireland. He remained
in Ireland until 1718 and then crossed the ocean to America, settling in Pennsyl-
vania, where he died in 1751. One of his sons, John De Cessna, located in Bed-
ford county, Pennsylvania, and the family became very prominent. He was
a member of the provincial assembly and also of the constitutional convention
of 1775. He joined with all his heart in the patriotic cause and served
as colonel in the Revolutionary war. The Hon. John Cessna, member of the
forty-first and forty-third congresses of the United States, belonged to this
family and was a brother of Thomas R. Cessna, both of them being great-
grandsons of Colonel John De Cessna.

Thomas R. Cessna was a son of Williain and Rachel (Morgaret) Cessna.
He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1827, and possessed
limited opportunities of education in the schools but became a man of strong
character and great integrity, gaining the confidence and respect of all with
whom he associated. He was married, in 1848, to Sarah A. Koerner, who
was rilso a native of Bedford county, and in 1838 with his wife and three chil-
tlren came to Scott county, Iowa, and located upon a farm which he purchased
near Davenport. He and his wife reared a family of seven children, all of
whom are now living. He was very successful in business and took an active
part in i)ublic affairs, discharging his duties as a public officer with the same
mterest that he evinced in his private business. In 1885, desiring to be near
his children who had settled at Grinnell, he disposed of his farm in Scott
county and came to this city. However, he was not yet prepared for a life of
inactivitv, and he engaged for ten years in a profitable real-estate business. He
was 7\ stanch believer in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and served
for many years as an officer of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died on
March 26, 191 1, having arrived at the venerable age of eighty-four years.

N. W. Cessna was brought to Scott county, Iowa, by his parents in 1858
and was reared to manhood on his father's farm. He possessed limited op-
portunities of education in the district schools but has since made up for this
deficiency, being a man of close observation and good general reading. He
engaged in faming until 1896 and then came to Grinnell and engaged in the
meat business, being now identified with the Grinnell Provision Company. He
is recognized as a prominent factor in the business circles of the city, being ener-
getic and progressive in his tnethods. The company with which he is connected
has attained a high standard of efficiency and theirs is known as one of the im-
portant and paying establishments of Grinnell. Mr. Cessna is also a director of
the Merchants National Bank and has served for the past twelve years as treas-
urer of the Poweshiek Mutual Insurance Company. He is an active working
member of the Merchants and Manufacturers Association of the city and may
always be counted upon to assist in forwarding every cause that seeks to promote
the permanent interests of the community.

In December, 1882, Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to Miss Nannie S.
Skiles. of Muscatine county, Iowa, and three children came to bless this union.
M. Pearl, Ruby and Maud O. M. Pearl was graduated from Iowa College at
Grinnell, in 1906, and then took a post-graduate course of one year at the

162 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She is now a successful teacher of the
Grinnell high school. Ruby is deceased. Maud O. received her education at
Iowa College and the University of Illinois, grarluating from the latter institu-
tion in 1910. She is now a teacher in the high school of Rockwell City.

Mr. Cessna was reared a democrat but in 1896 he espoused the gold stand-
ard platform and has since given his adherence to the republican party. Fra-
ternally he is identified with Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P. He and his family
are sincere members of the Methodist church and for many years he has served
as trustee of the local organization. Pioth he and his wife are well known and
are held in high regard by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

MERRICK H. GRAHAM.

Few residents of Madison township, Poweshiek county, are held in higher
respect than he whose name introduces this review. A native of Pennsylvania,
Merrick H. Graham was born in Bradford township, Clearfield county, on the
5th of July, 1846, a son of John and Amelia (Nefif) Graham, of Irish and Ger-
man descent respectively. The father, a farmer by occupation, came to Iowa
when fifty years of age, locating on a farm in Madison township, Poweshiek
county. This remained his home until the time of his death, which occurred
in 1884. His wife survived him for five years, passing away on the old
homestead.

Reared amid the busy activities of farm life Merrick H. Graham early
learned the value of industry, energy and thrift, and under the direction of his
father acquired a thorough practical knowledge of the best methods of carrying
on agricultural pursuits. He came west with his parents on their removal to
Iowa from the Keystone state, spending two years in Scott county, and thence
came to Poweshiek county, where for forty-seven years he has made his home
upon the farm upon which he now resides.

He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-eight years of age,
arid at that time was married, thus laying the foundation for a happy home
life of his own. After the death of his father he took possession of the old
home place and has since continued its operation, in which connection he has
been most successful. It is a well improved farm of two hundred acres, located
on section 3, Madison township, contains no waste land whatever, is well tiled,
and contains a fine dwelling and substantial barns and outbuildings.

Mr. Graham has a fine orchard of two and a half acres and is an extensive
raiser of grain. He also devotes considerable time to his stock interests, making
a specialty of shorthorn cattle, being the owner of a good herd, all of which is
nearly full-blooded stock. The excellent condition of his home place denotes
the spirit of progress, enterprise and thrift on the part of its owner, and the
gratifying results which have attended his efforts are well merited, for at all
times his methods have been practical and his dealings of the most honorable
character.

HISTORY OF I'OWIvSIllEK COL'XTV 163

On the 28th of October, 1873, in Brooklyn, Mr. Graham was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sybil Adan, a daughter of George and Anna ( Jansen) Adan, both
of whom were born in the central part of Germany, and in the same village.
Mr. Adam, who was a farmer, brought his family to America when Mrs. Graham
was a maiden of fifteen years of age, the family home being established in Free-
port, Illinois. After a residence in that city of ten years they took up their
abode upon a farm in Carroll county, Iowa, where the parents passed their
remaining days, the father passing away in 1894 and the mother in the year
following. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been born seven children, five
of whom are still living, namely : Dena, who married Port Walker, engaged
in railroading in Eagle Grove, Iowa ; Frank, who married Miss Lucy Beattle,
of llaven, Iowa, and now makes his home at Tama, Tama county, Iowa; Maude,
the wife of Rowland O. Harman, a well known young farmer of Madison
township ; Grace and Allen, both of whom are still at home. The other two
children passed away in infancy — George, at the age of three weeks and
Mamie when nine months old.

Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of the Christian church of Aladison
township, and are people of the highest traits of character. In politics Mr.
Graham is a stanch republican, but is not an office seeker, and although he
served one term as road supervisor he has refused repeatedly, when he would
have been elected by his fellow citizens, to serve as a member of the district
school board. He is not lacking, however, in interest in public affairs, but is
public-spirited in his citizenship, giving his cooperation to all measures which he
deems for the best interests of the community. A man of good business ability,
which has won for him substantial success, and actuated in all of his dealings
by the most honorable and upright principles, he also possesses those per<;onal
characteristics which command the confidence and good will of his fellowmen
and place him among the highly respected and valued residents of Madison
township.

JOHN HENRY BLATHERWICK.

One of the well known citizens of Grinnell, a veteran of the Civil war, a
successful man of business and the head of a remarkable family of scholars
is John Henry Blatherwick whose name introduces this review. He is a native of
Portage county, Ohio, born April 16, 1840, and is a son of James and Matilda
(Caswell) Blatherwick. The father was born at Nottingham, England, and the
mother in New York state. In 1845 the family removed to Waukegan, Illi-
nois, where the father followed farming, but was subsequently engaged in the
insurance business in Chicago, where both he and his wife made their home
throughout the remainder of their lives. In their family were eleven children
and of this number three of the sons were soldiers of the Civil war. Our sub-
ject's paternal grandfather was one of the first lace-makers in Nottingham,
England, came to the United .States with his seven sons, and James, being

164 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the eldest carried seven thousand dollars in gold in a belt strapped around his
waist.

John H. Blathervvick received his early education in the common schools
and after laying his books aside became connected with agricultural interests
in Illinois. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fifty-first Illinois
Infantry and served as a member of the band until honorably discharged and
mustered out at Corinth, Mississippi. Returning from the war, he rented a
farm in Illinois for two years and then came to Iowa and engaged in farming
for twelve years in Pdackhawk county. Subsequently he lived in Carroll
county, Iowa : Antelope county, Nebraska, and Sioux county, Iowa, finally
taking up his residence at Grinnell in 1903, where he has since continued.

In December, 1869, Mr. Blatherwick was united in marriage to Miss Nettie
McArthur, of lilackhawk county, a daughter of John McArthur, who was
born in Scotland. The following children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Blatherwick, namely: Wilfred E., who is now a practicing physician of Drake,
North Dakota: John Clarence, engaged in farming at Breckenridge, Minnesota;
Charles, deceased; Ada, who is the wife of Professor Wiley, of the Iowa State
University : George, who graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago,
and is now engaged in practice at Denver, Colorado : Alexander, also a grad-
uate of Rush Medical College of Chicago and now practicing at Los Angeles,
California: Belle, a teacher at Iowa City: and Norman, who is now taking a
post-graduate course at the University of Illinois. The children have attained
a remarkable record in educational lines, all of them except .-Xda, who was
graduated in Music at Epworth Conservatory and finished study in Chicago,
being graduates of Grinnell College, and three of the sons are successfully
engaged in the practice of medicine. During a period extending over eighteen
years one or more of the children were in attendance at Grinnell College.

Politically Mr Blatherwick supports the men and measures of the republi-
can party — an organization with which he has been in hearty sympathy ever
since he cast his first ballot fifty years ago, in 1861. In religious belief he is a
Congregationalist and fraternally he holds membership in Gordon Granger Post,
No. 64, G. A. R. Mr. Blatherwick has passed the seventy-first milestone on life's
journey and looks back on many years of pleasing and useful labor. His
efforts have not been expended entirely in pursuit of selfish aims as he has
many times extended a helping hand to a weary or disheartened fellowman
and today he enjoys in an unusual degree the confidence and respect of a large
circle of the best citizens of Grinnell.

DANIEL L. GORSUCH.

Nature seems to have intended that man, in the evening of life, should rest
from further labor after an active career which has had its dawn of hope and
promise and its noontide of activity and achievement. Such has been the record
of Daniel L. Gorsuch, who is now living retired in Montezuma, after many
years of earnest toil and well directed effort. Born in Delaware county, Ohio,

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 165

on the 22d of March, 1837, he is a son of Joshua and Mary (Bosley) Gorsuch,
both natives of Maryland. The parents continued to reside in that state until
the late '30s, after which they emigrated to Ohio and thence, in 1844, to Iowa,
where the father, a farmer by occupation, located a claim in Mahaska county.
There the mother passed away on the 22d of March, 1848, and in the spring
of 1856 the father sold his farm and removed to Jackson county, Kansas, where
he spent his remaining days. In his family were eight children, as follows :
Sarah, the deceased wife of John Morrison; Thomas, also deceased; Mary
Ann, who married John Deardorff, and has also passed away ; Rebecca, the de-
ceased wife of Pleasant Deardorff; Daniel L., of this review; Dorcus, who
married Isaac Nelson, of Kansas; Matilda, the wife of a Mr. Purdy, residing
in California; and Charles, who passed away in infancy.

Daniel L. Gorsuch was a little lad of seven years when he came to Iowa
with his parents in 1844, at which time Poweshiek county was still a frontier
district, where but three or four families had located. He remained on a farm
in Mahaska county until the spring of 1856, when he accompanied his father
on his removal to Kansas and there made his home for about four years. In
the fall of i860 he arrived in Poweshiek county, locating on a farm in Jackson
township, which remained the scene of his activities throughout his connection
with agricultural pursuits. This tract, consisting of two hundred acres, is lo-
cated about a mile from the Mahaska county line and is a well improved prop-
erty, its neat appearance and high state of development being due in large meas-
ure to the efforts of Mr. Gorsuch. He was practical and systematic in the
conduct of his affairs, ever adhered to progressive methods and as the years
passed by his industry, perseverance and thrift made it possible for him to
accumulate a competency which was substantial and creditable. Indeed, he
was able to withdraw from active labor in 1908 and on the 25th of December
of that year he took up his abode in Montezuma, where he now lives retired.
He yet retains possession of his farm, however, the rental from which proves
a most gratifying source of revenue.

Mr. Gorsuch was married, on the 30th of May, i860, in Mahaska county,
Iowa, to Miss Mary Jane Murrow, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, on
the 8th of August, 1842. She removed to Mahaska county, Iowa, in the fall of
1850 in company with her parents, Benjamin and Sarah (Blue) Murrow, both
natives of Kentucky. They were married in the Blue Grass state but removed
to Indiana in early pioneer days. Both passed away in Mahaska county, Iowa.
In their family were six children, of whom Mrs. Gorsuch was the youngest.
The others were as follows : James R., now deceased ; David, who enlisted from
Montezuma for service in the Civil war, became a soldier of the Twenty-eighth
Iowa Infantry and died during his term of service; Margaret A., the deceased
wife of Thomas B. Gorsuch, a brother of our subject; Martha, who passed away
at the age of twelve years, her death occurring three days after the family
home was established in Iowa ; and Thomas A., a resident of Wayne county.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gorsuch were born twelve children, namely : Sarah
Elizabeth, the wife of James Bangham, of Grinnell ; Dwight, who passed away
at the age of nine months ; Angeline, who married John Tilford, of New
Sharon, Iowa ; Fred, a resident of Kansas ; Edward, who passed away in Feb-

166 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ruary, 1908, leaving a widow and five children ; George, of Boone county : John
B., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Lily May, the deceased wife of
Oliver Kirby, who is survived by two sons : Rose, who passed away at the
age of twelve years ; Laura, the wife of Frank Butler, residing on Mr. Gorsuch's
farm in Jackson township ; Clay, yet at home ; and one who died in infanc}'.

Fraternally Mr. Gorsuch is connected with the Knights of Pythias, being a
prominent and well known member of that lodge, and in politics he is a repub-
lican, upholding the principles of that party since age conferred upon him the
right of franchise. He cast his first vote in 1858, while a resident of Jackson
county, Kansas, and following his arrival there in 1856 was a witness of much
political excitement in that state just prior to the Civil war. Since becoming
a citizen of Poweshiek county he has held several township offices but has
never been a politician in the usually accepted sense of the term. Starting out
in life with no especially favorable advantages, his educational opportunities
being limited to those afforded in the little log schoolhouses of that day, Mr.
Gorsuch has, nevertheless, worked his way steadily upward in the business
world until he is now able to live in honorable retirement as a result of a life
of continuous activity, in which the salient elements have been enterprise, per-
severance and integrity. He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of
three score years and ten and can look back upon a past which has ever been
characterized by honest endeavor and high principles.

MILES CHAFEE.

Although now in his ninetieth year Miles Chafee is acceptably filling the
office of notary public and still retains his interest in public affairs and the
progress of the world. He has been a resident of Grinnell for more than forty
years and is one of its valued citizens. Born in Erie county, New York, Octo-
ber 20, 1 82 1, he is a son of Charles and Polly (Miles) Chafee, both of whom
were natives of Vermont. They settled at Springville, New York, in 1817,
being among the pioneers of that section. Our subject's paternal grandfather.
Stephen Chafee, served in the Revolutionary war under General Washington,
who signed the papers bearing record of his honorable discharge from the
army.

Miles Chafee received his early education in the common schools and later
attended Spring\'ille .Academy near Buffalo, New York, .\fter completing his
educational training he taught school for ten years, but he was not entirely sat-
isfied with that vocation and accordingly he became a carpenter and builder
and continued in that business for many years. In 1855 he removed to Allen
Grove, Walworth county. Wisconsin, and thirteen years later, in 1868, arrived
in Grinnell. Here he engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills until 1880,
when he retired from the manufacturing business and has since rlevotefl his
attention largely to official duties.

In 1847 Mr. Chafee was married at Springville, New York, to Miss Caro-
line E. Miner, a daughter of Marvin M. and Betty (Gross) Miner. Both of

IIH. AMI MKS. Mir.KS CHAFEE

THE NEW ,,^.-,,

PUBLIC LIBRARY

TILDEN FOiJUOATIONS.

HISTORY UF I'UWESlllEK COUNTY 169

the parents were natives of New York state. The father was an elder in the
Presbyterian church. Three children came to bless the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Chafee. namely: Addie G., now the widow of John Walker; Charles M.,
who engages in farming at Billings, Montana; and Susan M., the wife of Charles
Taylor, who engages in the advertising business in Chicago.

Politically Mr. Chafee was originally a supporter of the whig party but he
has voted with the republican party ever since its organization in 1856. He has
held a number of important local offices, being elected township trustee one year
after his arrival at Grinnell. He served as county coroner for five years, as
town treasurer for many years, as justice of the peace for more than twenty-
eight years, and for thirty-two years filled the office of township clerk. At the
present time he is serving as notary public. In 1843 he joined the Presbyter-
ian church but in later years has been affiliated with the Congregational church.
Successful in his business affairs and surrounded by scores of friends, this
venerable and respected man in the evening of a useful life passes his days in
peace and comfort. The esteem in which he is universally held in the city of
his adoption is evidence of his personal worth.

DR. JAMES H. FRIEND.

The osteopathic school for treatment of physical ills of humanity has a
worthy representative in Dr. James," .y. Friend, of Grinnell, whose increasing
clientage is evidence of the esteerti'.ij(l_;^h|ch he is held in this city. He was
born in Poweshiek county on a farm about twelve miles south of Grinnell, June
20, 1859, a son of Franklin and Martha^J. ..(Stanley ) Friend. The father was a
native of Illinois and the mother of Virgiiiia." ' The grandparents on both sides of
the family came to Poweshiek county. The paternal grandfather, Elijah Friend,
arrived here in 1849 and located three miles northeast of Lynnville, adjoining the
Jasper county line, while the maternal grandfather, John T. Stanley, reached
here in 1851 and located in Sugar Creek township, five miles east of Lynnville.
Franklin Friend was married to Martha J. Stanley at Montezuma in 1853, the
ceremony being performed by Rev. James Johnson. He located on land in Wash-
ington township, which he cultivated to good advantage until 1864, when he
yielded to the gold excitement and started for the Montana gold fields. After ar-
riving at the miles he selected a location in Jefferson valley and staked out a
mining claim, which he proposed to work later. In 1865 he started homeward
but on reaching Fort Benton found that the boat in which he expected to take
passage down the river was delayed. A large amount of government supplies
was received at the fort about this time and there being no warehouse in which
to store them volunteers were called for to go into the forest and cut logs for
a house. This was dangerous service as the Indians were lurking in the vicinity
and were highly incensed at the encroachments of the white men upon their
hunting grounds. Mr. Friend and about a dozen companions volunteered to
perform the work and while engaged in this undertaking the party was ambushed
and every man was killed. Mrs. Friend was later married to Levi H. McDowell,

170 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

who came to Poweshiek county with his parents in 1848. She died January 31,
1896.

James H. Friend was reared upon the home farm and notwithstanding the
death of his father he secured good advantages of education. After attending
the district schools he became a student at Grinnell Academy and later at
Callanan College, which was under general supervision of Drake University.
In 1887, having thoroughly prepared himself, he took up teaching as a profes-
sion and for seventeen years taught in various schools of the county, becoming
recognized as one of the most capable educators in this section of the state. In
1904, however, be became interested in osteopathy and entered the American
School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, from which he was graduated in
1906. He immediately opened offices at Grinnell but shortly afterward was in-
vited to Story City to take charge of the practice of Dr. O. F. Beckett, who was
temporarily called away. The absence of Dr. Beckett was prolonged and Dr.
Friend remained three years in Story City. In 1909 he returned to Grinnell,
where he maintains well appointed offices and has built up an extensive practice.

On the 24th of December, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Myra
McDonald, a native of Poweshiek county, and by this union six children have
been born, namely : Gladys, who was educated at Grinnell high school and
Iowa College and is now successfully teaching in the district schools; Arthur
McDonald, a student in the high school ; Leona and James, who are attending
the graded school ; Myra A. ; and Homer C.

Dr. Friend has seen no reason to regret giving up his profession as a teacher
to engage in the healing art. From the beginning of his practice he has evinced
a natural adaptability to the vocation and his services are steadily growing in
demand, his patients being numbered among his best friends and most en-
thusiastic advocates. He is an intelligent gentleman and as he has been a life-
long student and investigator he has a highly cultivated mind which has been
brightened by contact with the world and also by systematic study and reflec-
tion. His skill in the treatment either of acute or chronic diseases is widely
acknowledged throughout this part of the state. Politically he is independent,
preferring to vote for the man rather than for the party, and fraternally he is
identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F & A. M., of Grinnell, and Baldur
Lodge, No. 279, Knights of Pythias, of Story City.

J. HENRY HINK, Sr.

In this work are to be found some remarkable instances of success financially,
showing the difficulties that may be overcome by one who is determined to
accomplish a worthy object in life. The record of J. Henry Hink, Sr.. is one
that should encourage every aspiring young man. He arrived in America from
a foreign land almost without a dollar in his pockets, and today he is the owner
of five hundred and sixty acres of good land in Poweshiek county and one of
the highly respected members of the community. He was born in Hanover.

HISTORY OF I'OWMSlllEK COUNTY 171

Germany. August 23, 1851, and is a son of tienry and Anna (Moritz) Hink,
both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country.

I. Henry Hink, Sr., was the youngest member of a family of si.x children
and grew to fifteen years of age on his father's farm, receiving his education
in the common schools. As a boy of fifteen he crossed the ocean to America
and spent five years in Henry county, Illinois, where he prosecuted his studies
in the common schools and worked upon the farm. In 1873 he came to Chester
township. Poweshiek county, Iowa, three of his brothers having preceded him
to this county. Two years after his arrival he purchased eighty acres of land
which he improved, adding good equipment and accessories. He fenced and
tiled the fields and carried on his work along progressive lines, purchasing more
land as opportunity offered. He is today one of the most prosperous farmers
of the township and one of the most substantial citizens in this section.

On the 28th of October, 1879, Mr. Hink was married in the German Lutheran
church in Malcom township to Miss Mary L. Wanner, a daughter of August
and Frances (Stecker) Wanner, both of whom were natives of Germany, the
father being a cabinet-maker by trade. He came to America and at the out-
break of the Civil war offered his services to the Union, enrolling as a mem-
ber of Company K, Xinety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was killed
while bravely fighting for the stars and stripes, his family later settling in
Poweshiek county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hink:
Clara, who married Henry Luttman, a farmer of Chester township; Emma,
the wife of Fred Puis, also of Chester township; Charles, who is a graduate
of the Grinnell high school and is now manager of the Central Garage at Grin-
nell ; and Walter, who is living at home.

Politicallv :\Ir. Hink affiliates with the republican party and has servp-l
with general approval as township trustee and member of the school board.
He is identified with the German Lutheran church of Malcom. His success
may be ascribed to hard work and good judgment and he has now arrived at
a stage where he can enjoy himself at leisure, his farm yielding a handsome in-
come. His methods have always been straightforward, based on fairness and
honesty, and he possesses the confidence and respect of all who know him.

WALTER FORD HAMMOND.

The late Walter Ford Hammond, who for many years was identified with
various activities in Grinnell, was born in Plattsville, Wisconsin, on the 2d
of December, 1857. He was a son of George S. and Jane (Pemberthy) Ham-
mond, the father a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the mother
of England, having emigrated from there to the United States with her par*
ents when a child of twelve years. The father passed away in Illinois and the
widow, who remarried, is now living with a daughter in Rhode Island.

Reared in the parental home Walter Ford Hammond acquired his prelimi-
nary education in the common schools of Wisconsin and Illinois. When a youth
of fifteen years he migrated to Iowa, locating in Poweshiek county. Feeling

172 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the need of a better education during the first year of his residence he attended
Grinnell College and tauglit school. Subsequently he accepted a clerkship with
Mcintosh & Proctor, who were engaged in the clothing business. Later he
purchased the interest of Mr. Proctor, the business being continued under the
firm name of Mcintosh & Hammond, which was subsequently changed to Ham-
mond Brothers & James. In 1883 he removed to Des Aloines, where he con-
ducted a jobbing and brokerage business for seven years. At the expiration
of that period he returned to Grinnell and purchased the clothing business of
N. D. Soper, with which he continued to be identified until 1893, when he sold
out to G. H. McMurray, subsequently buying from ]\Iichael Snyder his interest
in the Grinnell Electric Light Company. Mr. Hammond retained the manage-
ment of this concern until 1902, at which time he disposed of his interest to
become one of the organizers of the Elliott Hotel Company of Des Moines,
of which he was vice president at the time of his death, the 7th of July, 1905.

In 1878 Air. Hammond was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M. ChikI, a
daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Walker) Child, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. The following children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Hammond : Martha, who died at the age of five inonths ; Russell, who is twenty-
nine years of age, and lives in the west ; Walter, aged twenty-three, who grad-
uated from Iowa College in June, 191 1 ; Arthur, twenty years of age, who also
graduated in June, 191 1; Aldace W., aged eighteen, who graduated from the
Grinnell high school in June, 191 1; Mae, fifteen years of age, who is attending
the high school ; Harold, aged thirteen ; and Bruce, now seven years of age.

Mr. Hammond, who was a republican in politics, was a prominent member
of the Franklin Club of Grinnell and he and his wife and daughter affiliated
with the Congregational church. Mr. Hammond was well known in Grinnell
and Poweshiek by reason of his long residence there, and was highly esteemed
and regarded.

JOHN WILKINSON COGSWELL, AI. D.

From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the cardinal
virtues as from the physician. If a clergyman is austere, we imagine that his
mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things beyond our ken. If our
lawyer is brusque and crabbed, it is the mark of genius ; but in the physician we
expect not only a superior mentality and comprehensive knowledge but sympathy
as wide as the universe. Dr. Cogswell in large measure meets all of these re-
quirements and is regarded by many as an ideal physician. Certainly if patron-
age is any criterion of ability he ranks high among the leading medical prac-
titioners of Grinnell, where he is now enjoying a large practice.

Dr. Cogswell was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the 29th of October. 1883,
his parents being Charles Herbert and Mary (Wilkinson) Cogswell, who are
natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively. Their marriage was cele-
brated in the year 1869. Charles H. Cogswell, who was graduated from the
Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago with the class of 1866, located for prac-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 173

tice in Clinton, Iowa, and has since been numbered among the successful physi-
cians of this state. From 1884 until 1902 he presided as professor of obstetrics
in the College of Homeopathic Medicine at the State University of Iowa.

lohn W. Cogswell obtained his early education in the public schools of his
native city and subsequently entered the State University of Iowa, being grad-
uated from the College of Liberal Arts with the degree of Bachelor of Science
in 1904. In 1906 he completed the medical course in the College of Homeopathic
Medicine of the State University of Iowa and received the degree of M. D.
His professional knowledge was augmented by post-graduate work in the
University of Vienna during the years 1907 and 1908. Locating for practice
in Toledo, Iowa, he there remained during the years 1906 and 1907 and on
the ist of May, 1908, opened an office at Grinnell, which town has since re-
mained the scene of his professional labors. In 1908-09 he acted as an in-
structor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in the College of Homeo-
pathic Medicine at the State University of Iowa, while in 1909-10 he had
charge of the same department as assistant professor. In professional lines
he is connected with the Central Iowa Homeopathic Medical Society, the Hahne-
mann Medical Association of Iowa, the American Institute of Homeopathy and
the Obstetrical Society of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is in-
terested in all that promotes a knowledge of the human body — the onslaughts
made upon it by disease and the possibilities for recovery through the use
of remedial agencies. Dfr. Cogswell also has a military record, having served
as cadet at the University of Iowa for four years. He is now serving as cap-
tain of Company K, Fifty-fourth Infantry, Iowa National Guard, located at
Grinnell.

Dr. Cogswell is a member of Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and
has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Iowa
Consistory, No. 2. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian. Though still a
young man, he has already attained a creditable position in professional circles,
while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him
the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise associated.

H. T. SMITH.

H. T. Smith, a retired farmer and stockman and a veteran of the Civil war,
was born in Tunbridge, Vermont, on the 2d of May, 1845. He was a son of Sam
and Hulda (Peabody) Smith, lifelong residents of the Green mountain state,
and there the father passed away when H. T. Smith, the youngest of three sons
and four daughters, was but a year old. Reared amid the scenes and envi-
ronments of rural life, he spent the early years of his life upon the home farm,
giving his widowed mother the benefit of his assistance, until eighteen years
of age, when he ofYered his services to the Union, enlisting from Brookfield,
Vermont, in December, 1863, as a recruit in Company G, Tenth \'ermont Vol-
unteer Infantry. He served with that command until the close of the war,
taking part in many important engagements, including that at Cold Harbor,

174 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, and many others. For seven days
he participated in the campaign of the wilderness under General Grant, during
which time he suffered many hardships. During his term of service he was
twice wounded, first at the battle of Cedar Creek, when the end of his nose
was shot oflf, and again in front of Petersburg, when a ball struck his left leg
below the knee, which he carried for seventeen days before it was extracted.
This last wound caused his removal from the field to the hospital, where he
remained until mustered out at the close of hostilities. June 29, 1865.

Mr. Smith then returned to his \'ermont home, where he remained until
1866, when he decided to seek the opportunities of the middle west, which
district was entering upon an era of most substantial yet rapid growth. In the
spring of that year he came to Iowa, locating first in Winneshiek county, where
he engaged in general farming for eight years. He then sold his farm there
and returned to \'ermont on a visit to his old home, remaining in his native
state from December until the following July. On again coming to Iowa, in
1874, he took up his abode in Poweshiek county, purchasing a quarter of a
section of land in Pleasant township. During the eighteen years in which that
farm remained his home he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock
raising wfth gratifying results. He made a specialty of breeding horses and
became well known through the locality for the high grade of stock to be found
upon his place. He continued in this enterprise with increasing success until.
in 1893, he left the farm and took up his residence in Malcom, where he is
now living retired, being ranked among the substantial and well-to-do citizens
of this community.

Mr. Smith was married, on the i8th of February, 1868, to Miss Cynthia M.
GifTord, who was born in Randolph, Vermont, on the 28th of May, 1846, and
there resided until her marriage. Her parents were Friend and Armida ( Smith )
Gifford, lifelong residents of that state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been
born two sons: Walter D., of Saskatchewan, Canada; and Amos B., at home.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is
highly esteemed in a large circle of friends in this locality. He early learned
the lesson that success must be purchased at the price of earnest, well defined
labor, and as the years went by his record was one of indefatigable effort, close
application and intelligent direction that found their just reward in the life of
ease and comfort which today is his.

WILLIAM CLELAND.

It is astonishing to witness the success of men who have emigrated to
America without capital and from a position of comparative obscurity have
worked their way upward to a place of influence and prominence. The readi-
ness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take advantage
of opportunities offered brings to them success and wins them a place among
the leading men of the community in which they reside. To this class belongs

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 175

William Cleland, who is today perhaps the largest landowner in Poweshiek
county, owning altogether one thousand three hundred and eighty acres.

He is a native of County Down, Ireland, born January 8, 1840, a son of
lames and Margaret (Adams) Cleland, who spent their entire lives on the Emer-
ald isle. The father was a stone-mason. His family numbered four children :
John, who at one time came to the United States but returned to his native
country, where he departed this life; William, of this review; James, who died
in Cook county, Illinois ; and Jane, who is also deceased.

William Cleland was a young man of twenty years, when, in i860, he
emigrated to the new world. He first located in Rock Island county, Illinois,
and there worked on a farm for eight years. In the meantime, however, he
carefully saved his earnings and from time to time invested his capital in land
m Iowa, having in 1864 purchased the farm on which he now makes his home.
He continued to work for others until he had accumulated a sum sufficient
to begin operations on his own account, and eventually, feeling justified in es-
tablishing a home of his own, he was married in Rock Island county, December 28,
1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah McKeag. who was likewise born
in County Dow-n. Ireland, in 1842, and in 1866 came to the United States, also
settling in Rock Island county, Illinois. The parents, James and Jane McKeag,
emigrated to the new world in 1868 and settled in Rock Island county, but
both are now deceased.

Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cleland came to Poweshiek county
and since 1868 have resided on their present farm on section 19, Pleasant
township. He began work in earnest and through his economy and frugality
gradually added to his land holdings until he is now the owner of thirteen hun-
dred acres, situated in Pleasant and Washington townships. He is engaged in
farming on quite an extensive scale and also gives much of his time and at-
tention to stock-raising. He is a man of good business judgment and in this
lies the secret of his success.

The marriage of Mr. and Airs. Cleland has been blessed with three daugh-
ters and two sons. Elizabeth, the eldest, is the wife of William Molison, a resi-
dent of Pleasant township, and has four children. Margaret is the wife of Geo.
W. Hays, of Malcom. James passed away in November, 1908, at the age of
thirty-four years, leaving a widow and one child. Rose is the wife of E. O.
Porter, of Grinnell, and her one child, William, the youngest, w-ho manages the
home farm, wedded Miss Emma Agnew, and they have two children.

In his political views Mr. Cleland is a stanch republican and for the past
twenty years has filled the office of justice of the peace and for si.x years was
trustee of the township. In i8go he took the census of Pleasant township and
in the various public positions he has filled has ever fully merited the confidence
of those whose interests he has served. His religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Presbyterian church at Ewart.

When Mr. Cleland first located in Poweshiek county the district in which he
settled was all wild and unbroken prairie. He has lived to see the conditions
changed, for today the land is divided into beautiful and highly cultivated farms,
inhabited by a prosperous and contented people, and while Mr. Cleland has wit-
nessed this change he has also been an active participant in bringing about this

176 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

condition, for he has ever been a hard working man as may be known by the
broad acreage of which he is now the possessor. The accumulation of wealth,
however, has not been his sole aim and ambition in life, for he is a public-
spirited citizen who is ever ready to lend his aid and influence to any worthy
movement for the betterment of his home locality. Perhaps the highest tribute
that can be paid Mr. Cleland is that he has been successful in all of his under-
takings and that he has so discharged his duties as a citizen and as a business
man as to merit the confidence of those who know him best.

SAMUEL JAY BUCK, D. D.

Samuel Jay Buck, who has been termed "the grand old man of Iowa College."
was for forty-two and one-third years connected with the institution as instructor
and acting president, and the school in its present prosperous condition stands
largely as a monument to his ability in and devotion to the profession which he
chose as a life work. He came to Grinnell in early manhood and for forty-two
years labored for the upbuilding of the school. Ex-President Eliot of Harvard
said : "What is needed is continuous education which lasts all through life." It
was this which Professor Buck strove to give to his pupils, believing with Kant
that "The object of education is to train each individual to reach the highest per-
fection possible for him." He had acquired some previous experience as a teacher
in Ohio and Illinois before coming to Iowa. He had gone to the former state in his
early boyhood with his parents, who removed westward from Russia. Herkimer
county. New York, where Professor Buck was born on the 4th of July, 1835.
Upon a farm near the town of Mecca in Trumbull county, Ohio, his youthful
days were passed and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of
the farm lad. It is undoubtedly true that environment has not a little to do with
the forming of character and Professor Buck spent his youth in Ohio where the
forces of New England were arrayed against the incoming forces from the south
over the questions of gambling, intemperance and the slave trade. The discussion
of such themes could not have failed to leave an impress upon the mind and char-
acter of the boy who, moreover, spent five years as a student in Oberlin College,
Ohio, the very center from which permeated a strong influence of personal lib-
erty and public morality. He entered the preparatory department of the school
in 1853 and on the completion of the college course was graduated in 1858 and at
once turned his attention to the profession of teaching. At one time he was an
instructor in an academy at Bazetta. Ohio, and at another time principal of the
Union high school at West Liberty, Ohio.

Soon after his marriage in 1859 to Miss Jane Cory, a college classmate. Dr.
Buck entered the theological school of Oberlin, from which he graduated in 1862
with the degree of Master of Arts. He then accepted the position of principal
of Orwell Academy in Orwell. Ohio, and in 1863 was ordained to the ministry
of the Congregational church. His time was afterward given to the dual profes-
Mim of teaching and preaching, his pastoral work being done at Orwell and Mecca
until 1864.

S. J. BUCK

-EN POUNOATION*.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 179

111 tliat vcar Iowa College at (Irinnell sought the services of Dr. Buck, and he
came to this citv to take up his work in connection with the school that was strug-
gling for existence. The greater part of its pupils who were able to carry a
Tiuisket had gone to the front in defense of the Union cause and there were hut
ninety-two students enrolled in the catalog of if~'<')V4 under the charge of four
teachers, one of whom was Professor \'on Coelln, whose recommendation of Dr.
I'lUck had led to his selection for the ])rofessorship at Grinnell. He reached Grin-
iiell on the 5th of p-ebruary. 1864, and at once took up his work as principal of
the Iowa College .Academy and second permanent instructor in Iowa College. He
hrouglit to his new duties zeal and enthusiasm as well as wide knowledge, and the
>chool soon felt the stimulus of his interest and e.xertions. In 1869 the college
trustees elected him professor of mathematics and physics, which position he tilled
until 1905. the title of the chair, however, being changed in 1893 to that of mathe-
matics and astronomy. In the earlier years of his professorship here he preached
at Chester, aiding in organizing the Congregational church there and supplying
the pulpit until January, 1866. when he resigned to accept the position of county
superintendent of schools. He was twice elected to that position and the public
school svstem of this city benefited by the stimulus given to it by his efforts and
ability.

In i8(;)8 he was elected a member of the school board of the independent dis-
trict of Grinnell and continued to serve ipMi it until 1880, being president of the
hoard the last six years, declining to serv|e :kihger., ,' ■ ■■, .v; •'

After three years in the county superiijtehclency he resigned to accept again the
pnstorate of the church at Chester. Foritwo years, he, engaged in preaching the
gos])el there and then resigned to supply the rife'w cJiurch at Gilman, which he had
aided in organizing and of which he remained pastor for seven years. For two
\L'a'-s he supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church of Toledo. Iowa, and
his labors in the ministry were not denied the full harvests nor the aftermath.

.\t the same tim£ Dr Buck was continuing his work in the college and the
beneficial results of his labors were so far and so strongly felt that in 1870, when
the trustees, feeling the need of more funds, began to look about for some one
to act as a representative of the college in the solicitation of gifts for the memo-
rial fund, -o-called because that year was the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary
of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, they very naturally chose Dr. Buck, The
same zeal and enthusiasm which characterized him in the performance of every
duty were manifest in this connection and within a few months he had succeeded
in securing between twenty-five and thirty thousand dollars for endowment and
an additional sum of three thousand dollars for the equipment of the physics de-
partment. At the following commencement the trustees in recognition of his
succe-^sful efforts, unsolicited, gave his chair the title of "the memorial professor-
shi])." This name was retained until 1891 when Alonzo Steele, of Grinnell, pledged
twenty thou-^and dollars for the endowment of the chair and at his request the
title wa- changed to "the Myra Steele professorship of mathematics and physics"
in lionor of a deceased daughter, which name is still retained except that the word
astronomy has been substituted for physics.

In the same vear in which Iowa College chose him as professor of mathematics
and astrononn- to solicit funds, the .State Teachers Association elected him to its

Tol n— 9

180 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

presidency and he occupied the chair at the meeting of the State Teachers As-
sociation held in Council Bluffs the following year. Later he was again chosen
as the chief executive of the association but declined the honors. It has been
characteristic of the life of Dr. Buck that duty has ever been with him the first
consideration. He has refused honors and emoluments to remain with Grinnell
College. He was offered the presidency of Talladega College, in Alabama, by
the American Missionary Association in 1880 and although this would have meant
advancement in honors and salary, he declined in order to remain with Grinnell
College, where his interests had so long centered. In 1884, when George F.
Magoun, the first president of the college, resigned. Professor Buck was chosen
acting president and the work went forward without interruption, gaining in
quality and quantity so that at the close of this triennium the attendance had in-
creased over forty-three per cent and more money was raised for Grinnell College
than during any similar period in its history of nearly six decades. There is per-
haps no department of the college that has not been benefited materially and
largely by the efforts of Dr. Buck, while in various directions his labors have
been of inestimable value. In 1888 the Clark Equatorial telescope was given to
ihe college and Professor Buck, who had been teaching astronomy without in-
terruption since 1869, determined to obtain other equipment for the department.
The usual success attended him in this undertaking and soon the astronomical
department was supplied with a modern equipment for advanced instruction in
the science of astronomy. In 1903 the degree of D. D. was bestowed upon Pro-
fessor Buck by Tabor College, Iowa. After forty-two years' connection with the
school Dr. Buck tendered his resignation, announcing his determination to retire
from the active work of teaching, an announcement that was received with deep
regret on the part of all who had been connected with the school. He had en-
deared himself not only to his associate professors and teachers but also to the
students of the college. In his work as a teacher he had always regarded the per-
sonal equation and studied the individual needs of the pu]iil and had adapted his
instruction thereto. Moreover, his pupils recognized his strong sympathy and his
abiding spirit of helpfulness and therefore his work was an inspiration that
prompted them to do their best.

In addition to his regular college work Dr. Buck had made regular weather
reports from 1888 as a volunteer observer. He has also filled the office of county
surveyor for twenty-one years, in which connection he was never loath to give
his students an opportunity to aid him and thus supplement their college instruc-
tion not only by practical experience but also by the attainment of funds of which
many of them stood in need. An alumnus of Grinnell College, writing the bio-
graphy of Dr. Buck, has said: "As one recalls the story of his life and thinks of
the part which he has played in the building up, not only of the college and the
town of Grinnell, but of the state as well, it is little wonder that he hesitates to
point a moral or adorn the tale with words which cannot be more eloquent or force-
ful than a statement of the simple facts. Moreover eulogy seems inappropriate
here from the fact that Dr. Buck has never been one to court public notice or to
desire public praise. But for the alumni of Iowa College who have learned to
know this man and, knowing, to love him. the news of his resignation will in-
voluntarily call up certain thoughts and lessons which associate themselves nat-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 181

iirally with the story of his life and which it seems well to mention briefly at this
time. H there is any one thing more than another which Dr. ljuck"s life and
efforts illustrate it is perhaps the great amount of work which a man can ac-
complish simply by living his life conscientiously from day to day and by work-
ing patiently, tirelessly, calmly — without unseemly haste or worry. That Dr. Buck's
days have been filled with hard, serious toil, none who have known of the various
interests of his life will deny. One of his own household recalls many a day in
earlier years when, wearied by the trials of a week's hard work, he would shut
himself up alone on Saturday in order not to be disturbed while preparing a dis-
course for his Chester or Oilman or Toledo congregation the following day. On
Sunday morning he would be up and off early for the long drive to his pulpit
where he would conduct one, two and often three services and then drive home
and cheerfully begin the week's round over again early Alonday morning. Yet
his life has been characterized by tranquillity and patient reserve — a mark of
culture which the much-boasted strenuousness of our present working-day world
cares little for and which shames the hasty ways of little men.

"But the characteristic which we think most prominently associates itself with
Dr. Buck in the minds of those who have been his students is his unfailing kind-
ness and gentleness. He has always tried to be just and while holding up high
ideals to others he has never been one to demand of others what he did not re-
quire of himself. Like Chaucer's good priest, 'Christ's lore and His apostles
twelve he taught, but first he followed it himselve.' Another conspicuous fea-
ture in the life of this man has been the respect and high regard which he has
always maintained for his calling. Whether preaching or teaching he has felt
that he was doing God's good work and he has done it with a befitting dignity.
Yet this dignity and self-respect could never be mistaken for bigotry or intoler-
ance towards the views or acts of others. Being by nature conservative, he has
held conservative views and was never accused of unorthodoxy, but he has been
broad-minded enough to have respect for the opinions of others. In fact one may
say he has been as a rule very reserved in expressing his own views except when
he thought the time imperatively demanded it. On one such occasion at least he
took a firm and decided stand when others questioned and hesitated, only to see
his position justified by time. He possesses a real and keen sense of humor which
has always found ready expression and this humor has been as unfailing as his
kindness and his bright, cheerful manner has been a tonic and a lesson for those
who have come in contact with him. Generosity has ever been another of his
traits — a generosity which has led him to give to college, church, town and public
interests far in excess of his means or his share, particularly in the early days of
town and college. In regard to him a prominent graduate of the college ex-
presses the common sentiment when he writes, 'He is one of the Pioneers of the
college, a true friend to all students, and a kind Providence has found him so
useful in the institution that two score years of labor have been measured out to
him. It is a rare record ; one vouchsafed to but few persons. He ought to be
proud of it and every son and daughter of Grinnell College is proud of Dr. Buck.'
He has been in a very true sense a connecting link between the old and the new
in our college life, for he has shared the privileges and helped bear the burdens
of both. Young in spirit and in faith, he is old in service and rich in experience.

182 HISTORY OF I'OWI'.Sl II [•:k COUNTY

Though by no means tlie last by whom the new has been tried he has never been
the first to throw the old aside. Thus he has been a constant reminder of old
ideals at the same time that he has been a conservative adopter of new ideas. If,
as President Eliot has said, 'It is the greatest of human rewards to be enfolded
as years advance in an atmosphere of honor, gratitude and love," Dr. Buck has
come as near realizing this supreme happiness as perhaps any one could. He has
been blessed for over half a century with a wife in sympathy with all his aspira-
tions, who 'wears the pure flower of a blameless life' and who has borne her full
share of her husband's burdens as she has been joint participant in his joys. He has
seen the college, whose success has been his ambition and care, grow from a
weakling to its present state and has been allotted a prominent part in bringing
about this development. He has won the respect and afl:"ection of all those who
have had the interests of the college in their hearts and he has been in the truest
sense "the student's friend.' "

On November 17, 1909, the golden wedding of Dr. Buck and his wife was
celebrated. At this time all their chihlrcn now living were present. Edith C.
Buck, professor in the Iowa Teachers College at Cedar Falls ; Dr. Samuel
C. Buck, a physician of Grinnell, and family; and Irving J. Buck, a business man
of St. Louis, Missouri, and family. Many friends called during the afternoon and
evening to offer their congratulations. During the evening two songs written
especially for the occasion were sung, one being composed by a college classmate,
the other by two former pupils. Letters to the number of one hundred and fifty
were received from acquaintances of note, from college classmates, from teachers
in other institutions, from former pupils and from relatives, extending hearty con-
gratulations and paying high tribute to tlie work accomplished in the world by Dr.
Buck and his wife, and to their noble and useful lives. On diis occasion, the
house was filled with flowers, the gifts of friends and neighbors.

When names were selected for the Phi Beta Kappa chapter of Oberlin College,
members of classes of years ago were chosen by vote of the surviving classmates
and Dr. Buck was one of four of his class of 1858 to receive this mark of high
attainment.

WILLIAM McDowell.

William McDowell, whose farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in
Washington township is proof of his business sagacity and who is at the head
of one of the protuising families in the township, is a native of Ireland. He
was born in County Antrim, February 25, 1859, a son of David and Eliza (Jam-
eson) McDowell, both of whom were natives of County Antrim. The father
was a laborer and resided during his entire life on the Emerald isle. The
mother came to .\merica in i8<j4 and took u]) her home at Oak Grove, Iowa.
She nassed away October 10, 1907, having then reached the age of seventy-si.x
vears and six months. Both .she and her husband were sincere members of the
Presbyterian church. In their family were four children: Robert, who is now

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 183

living in New Zealand : William, oi this review ; David, deceased ; and Agnes,
the wile of Dan McMuUin, uf l'liiladeli)hia.

William McDowell received his early education in the natitJiial sciiools of
Ireland. Even as a boy he was taught the value and importance of labor and
hired out by the month until he had reached maturity, coming to .America when
he was twenty-three years of age. lie located in Washington to\vnshi]j. I'ow-
eshiek county, and in UJ04 purchased the farm upon which he has since lived.
It consists of two hundred and thirty-si.x acres and the general air of neat-
ness and order that prevails about the place indicates a goodly measure of
prosperity. He uses practical and jirogressive methods, which have gained for
him the success he has richly merited.

On the 23th of December, 1889, Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Mary
D. Heacock, who was born in Washington township November 4, 1871, a
daughter of .\lfred W. and Sarah E. ( De Bord) Heacock, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume. Ten children have blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. McDowell, nine of whom are now living at home: Fred R., who was born
November 12, 1890: David John, decea.sed ; William M., born March 21. 1893:
Charles E., born March 29, 1895: Bertha E., born May 2, 1897; Leslie A., born
February 28, 1899: Arthur O., born June 22, 1902: Earle E., born April 16,
1904: Carl R., born June i, 1907: and Paul R., born July 7, 1909.

Mr. McDowell is a member of the Society of Friends, whose teachings of
brotherhood he has ever made the guiding principles of his life. In politics he
adheres to the republican ])arty. He has served as township trustee for one
term and as member of the school board for two terms, dis])hving the same
interest in his duties as a public officer that he evinces in private affairs. Mr.
and Mrs. McDowell are rearing their children to lives of usefulness and un-
selfishness, and the family has many well wishers in a community where its
members are highly popular and most favorably known.

GEORGE W. WILTSE.

The public record of George W. Wiltse is most creditable. Since 1903; he
has filled the position of postmaster at Montezuma and his administration of the
duties of office has been characterized by singleness of purpose, by promptness
and loyalty whereby he has won the high commendation of all concerned. He
has ever been classed as a progressive citizen, manifesting the same faithfulness
to his country in times of peace that he did when he defended her interests upon
the southern battlefields in times of war. He was born in Qayton county, Iowa,
February 17, 1845, his parents being Leonard and Jane (Smith) Wiltse. the
former a native of Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1838
the father arrived in Delaware county, Iowa, and three years later Jane Smith
took up her abode there, having accompanied her parents on their westward
removal. They were married in Delaware county and spent many years in
Clayton coimty, but after retiring from active business life the father became
a resident of Rawlins county, Kansas, where his death occurred. His widow

184 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

still resides there and was eighty-six years of age on the nth of January, 191 1.
Leonard Wiltse had devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits save when
engaged in military duty. He served as a soldier in the Alexican war and also
aided in subduing the Indians in Iowa and Minnesota when the white race
were first making a settlement in these states.

George W. Wiltse is the eldest in a family of eight children, four sons and
four daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are now deceased. He
resided at the place of his birth on the old home farm in Clayton county until
he enlisted for active service in the Civil war, in August, 1862, when a youth
of but seventeen years. He joined Company D, Twenty-first Iowa \'olunteer
Infantry, and continued with his command for three years, or until mustered
out at the close of the war. The regiment left Dubuque for Montrose, Iowa,
thence went to St. Louis and after being in camp until January, 1863. a detach-
ment of the Twenty-first was sent to Springfield, Missouri, which was threat-
ened by the rebel forces under General Marmaduke. In February the regiment
went to Cape Girardeau and subsequently moved on to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana,
and afterward to Richmond with a view to engaging in the X'icksburg cam-
paign. Mr. Wiltse on account of illness was left at Young's Point but on con-
valescing rejoined his regiment at Richmond. In quick succession the bloody
battles of Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge were fought after which the
command assisted in building fortifications and in making the assault on Vicks-
burg. Mr. Wiltse was wounded in the charge and was sent to a hospital
but rejoined his command after ten days. On August 13, the Twenty-first Iowa
left Vicksburg and was on camp and picket duty at Bayou Boeuflf until the
order to take part in the Teche expedition. After a brief period spent at New
Orleans the command came to proceed to the coast of Texas and the regiment
landed at Matagorda Island. In January, 1864, they proceeded to Indianola,
Texas, and on the 17th of May received orders to join General Banks in his
Red River expedition, leaving New Orleans on the 14th of May. They went
into camp at Thibodeaux and remained there on provost duty until July 9
when they returned to Algiers. The next move took them to Morganza Bend
and later to Natchez, opposite \'icksburg. Subsequently a camp was built at
the mouth of the White River in Arkansas and expeditions were made up the
river as far as Duvall's Bluflf where the regiment engaged in picket duty for
some time. Early in December they started to assist in the operations against
Hood who was besieging Nashville, and on the ist of January, 1865, returned
to Memphis and embarked for New Orleans. Later orders caused them to
join in the Mobile campaign under General Canby and on the 12th of April the
city of Mobile surrendered. There the troops learned of Lee's surrender and
the collapse of the Confederacy, and in June the Twenty-first Iowa was mustered
out, returning up the Mississippi and disbanding at Clinton, Iowa.

When the war was over Mr. Wiltse again became a resident of Clayton county
where he followed farming until 1877, when he tfiok up his abode upon a tract
of land a mile south of Alontezuma. Here he carried on general agricultural
pursuits until 1883 when he entered the dray and coal business in Montezuma,
being thus prominently connected with the mercantile interests of the city for
twenty years, or until his api)ointment to the position of postmaster, in 1903.

HISTORY Ol" I'OWESHIEK COUNTY 185

This position he has since filled and during his eight years' service has made
a most creditable record in office.

In July, 1870, in Colesburg, Iowa, Mr. Wiltse was married to Miss Emily J.
Twonibly who died in Montezuma. They had five children : D. O., who died
at the age of four years ; Frank, a resident of Emmetsburg, Iowa ; Lottie, the
wife of Fred Wiegant, of Clayton county; Maude, the deceased wife of Richard
Pierce; and William, of Waterloo, Iowa. On the 12th of May, 1889, Mr. Wiltse
was again marrieil, his second union being with Miss Tillie F. Myers, of Monte-
zuma, and they have one child, Lois.

Mr. Wiltse has been a lifelong republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the
party and its principles. He served as deputy sheriiT of Poweshiek county for
four years and in that position, as in the office of postmaster, made a creditable
record. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic,
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In every relation of life he has been as true and loyal to his country as when
he followed the old flag upon the southern battlefields and won his right to be
classed with the honored veterans of the Civil war.

ARTHUR C. NORRIS.

Arthur C. Norris, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Grinnell.
is ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of postmaster.
His birth occurred in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, on the 27th of May, 1868, his
parents being Moses L. and Anna (Joy) Norris, who were born, reared and
married in Pittsfield. In 1870 they came west to Poweshiek county, Iowa, re-
siding on a farm a mile east of Grinnell for one year. On the expiration of
that period Mr. Norris purchased a farm of two hundred acres in Rock Creek
township, six miles southwest of Grinnell, paying ten dollars an acre for the
property. He made his home thereon until 1887 and then took up his abode
in Grinnell, where he engaged in the hardware business, being thus identified
with mercantile interests for ten years. Since 1898 he has lived in honorable
retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. In 1903
he removed to Greeley, Colorado, where he has since made his home. He owns
a farm there but is not actively engaged in its operation. His political alle-
giance is given to the democracy, while in religious faith both he and his wife
are Baptists. While a resident of Rock Creek township Mr. Norris was a
leader in the local ranks of his party, holding the various township offices.

Arthur C. Norris, who was but two years of age when brought to Poweshiek
county by his parents, has made his home within its borders continuously since.
He was reared on the home farm and obtained his early education in the com-
mon schools, while subsequently he attended Iowa College. In early manhood
he entered his father's hardware store as an assistant and there learned the
tinner's trade, remaining in the store until his father's disposal of the same in
1898. For several years prior to that time he had been associated with the
Iowa National Guards as captain of the Grinnell company, which was known

186 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

as Company K, Second Iowa Infantry. The company volunteered for service
at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, enlisting on the 26th of April
and being mustered in as Company K and assigned to the Fiftieth Regiment on
the 17th of May following. Mr. Xorris was sent to T:,cksonville, Florida, in
command of his company and on the 30th of November was discharged from
the service. On returning home he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the
lurdware store of G. L, Miles, being thus employed for three years. In the
spring of 1902, being advised by his physician to recuperate his strength by
spending more time out-of-doors, he took a position as rural mail carrier, hold-
ing the same for nine months. He then spent a few months in the hardware
store and on the ist of July, 1903, entered the Grinnell postoffice as substitute
clerk, while on the 15th of November following he was appointed a regular clerk.
In the latter capacity he served until a special election was called that the people
might choose a successor to W. G. Ray, the retiring postmaster. Mr. Norris
was elected by a majority of three hundred and si.xty-one votes over si.x other
candidates for the office. He has proven a capable, genial and popular official
and enjoys the friendship and confidence of the public at large.

\lr. Norris has been married twice. In 1890 he wedded Miss Nellie E.
Rafifety, of Grinnell, Iowa, by whom he had two children, Renna and Wendell.
The wife and mother died of typhoid fever at St. Louis, in 1898, while return-
ing from a visit to her husband, who had been stricken with the fever and was
lying in the hospital at Jacksonville. While there she contracted the disease
and was advised by her physician to go north at once. She began the journey but
was taken off the train at St. Louis, where her demise occurred. On the 4th
of June, 1901, Mr. Norris was again married, his second union being with Miss
Jennie V. Rafifety, a sister of his first wife.

Mr. Norris is a stanch republican in politics, while his religious faith is
mdicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which his wife also be-
longs. Fraternally he is identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M.;
Hardy Camp, No. 291, Modern Woodmen; and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is a sterling, upright and conscientious citizen, true to a lofty ideal
of manhood in all the relations of life and eminently worthy of the high esteem
in which he is held.

BEDY BRYAN.

Bedy Bryan is now living retired in Montezuma, enjoying a rest which he
has truly earned and richly deserves. He was very successful in his business
operations, conducting fanning along extensive lines. At one time he owned si.x
hundred acres and is still the possessor of a valuable property of one hundred
and seventy-three acres, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. His
birth occurred in Greene county. Ohio, near Jamestown, February 28, 1834,
his parents being Alanson and Easter ( Mendenhall) Bryan. The Bryan family
came from Ireland. Bryan as a surname originated in Ireland in most instances
with descendants of Brian Boru, king of Ireland, from 1002 to 1014. The

.MU. AM) MItS. m:i>V KKYAN

j TH2 NEW YORK

'■'^'^IC LIBRARY

A8T0R, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS, '

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 189

first form of the name was OTJrien, from which I'.ryan and many other varia-
tions are derived. I'Vom King Brian descended a hne of chiefs and princes
who. with their adherents, defendetl tlieir national independence for centuries
in Thomond, called OT^)rien's country, with tierce contests against the Anglo,
Norman and British settlers.

Sir I'Vancis Bryan was a prominent man in Ireland ahout the middle of the
sixteenth century and ])rohably became president of \Iunster. It is thought that
he was the ancestor of the following liryan line. William Smith Bryan was a
landholder in Ireland at the time of the English invasion under Cromwell ami
for championing the cause of the Irish was transported as a rebellious subject
in 1650 to the American colonies. He settled in Gloucester county. Virginia.
He had eleven sons, of whom Morgan Bryan of Norfolk county, was probably
one. It is believed that William Bryan, born in 1685. was another son. He and
his wife. Margaret, lived at Ballyroney, County Down Ireland, and one day
sent their little son John to the woods to cut a stick to make a handle for a
hook used in weaving. The boy was arrested for poaching. After much trouble
and expense the father secured his release and immediately sailed for zAmerica,
where, as he said, timber was free and there were no constables. This was in
1 7 18 and he settled first in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Their son John wedded
Mary Morrison and to them was born a son, Andrew Morrison Bryan, April
25, 1748. He wedded Mary Akers and their son Morrison married Rhoda
Johnson and removed from X'irginbfjjto.'Hig^hland cOunty, Ohio, in 1807.

It was in that county that Ala^sfcrric'Jjiyali.^'fatlier of our subject, was Ixirn
in a log schoolhouse, February 4, 1808, and two years later the family removed
to Greene county, Ohio, wherej at t-be-^fe df twenty, Alanson Bryan married
Easter Mendenhall. He owned' a sT>ffli' interest in fifty acres of land in (Ireene
county, Ohio, afterward purchased the interests of the other heirs and added
to his holdings until he had two hundred acres. In 1849 he sold his property
for fifteen dollars per acre and came to Iowa, where he purchased two hun-
dred acres at seven and a half dollars per acre in Mahaska county. He then
came to Poweshiek county and intended to enter one hundred and sixty acres
adjoining Montezuma on the northeast, but made a misentry and secured one
hundred and sixty acres of timber land three miles southwest. Some one dis-
covering his misentry told him of it and B. O. Payne, who had a claim on it.
unknown to Mr. Bryan, called a number of the members of the claim club
together and started for Oskaloosa to make Air. Bryan give up the timber land
or tar and feather him. John Deardolif. living on Moon creek in Mahaska
county, was president of the club. He advised the party to wait, saying that
he would go down and get Mr. Bryan. When he returned a trial was held and
it was proven that Payne had more land than he could hold by the claim laws,
which allowed one hundred and sixty acres of prairie and eighty acres of
timber land to an individual. With that the case was dropped. A few years
later the land was all taken up and the "claim law* accordingly passed out of
use. Within the next two years Alanson Bryan entered land until at one time
he owned over eleven hundred acres in Poweshiek county. Three of his chil-
dren died before coming to Iowa and to the surviving eight lie gave each one
hundred and twenty acres. His children began, therefore, to settle in this

190 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

county in 1850 but the father did not live in Poweshiek county until about 1875.
His sons and daughters numbered eleven : Morrison G., John M., Rachel,
Dennis, Bedy, William A., Rhoda, Neri E.. Talitha, Andrew A. and James J.
Seven of these are now living. Of the children J. M. Bryan, Mrs. Rachel
Bryan Bone and Neri Bryan, a brother of Alanson, came to Poweshiek county
in January, 1850, and lived in the Gideon ^Villson double log house at the north-
west corner of the square in Montezuma until they could erect a log house on
the one hundred and sixty acre tract previously mentioned. There they es-
tablished the first brickyard in the county. In 1851 or 1852 J. M. Bryan mar-
ried Tacy Jane Smith and removed to the farm northeast of Montezuma, where
he still makes his home. His wife died in 1898. W. A. Bryan came to this
county in 1856, ran a breaking team with oxen and later opened the Mincer
coal mine in Mahaska county, this being the first coal mine on Buck creek.
In the following winter he married Catharine Pearson, and in the spring of 1857
they took up their abode in Union township, Poweshiek county. Two sons,
Neri E. and Andrew A., were soldiers of the Union army from 1862 until the
close of the war. Neri afterward wedded Mary E. Jobe and occupied a farm
north of Montezuma, while Andrew married Harriet Harner and settled on
his farm a mile and a half north of Montezuma. Several years ago, however,
he took up his abode in the city and eighteen years ago Neri Bryan removed to
California. Two others of the family, Dennis Bryan and Mrs. Talitha Harner,
are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The mother of this family, Mrs. Easter
Bryan, died in 1874 in Hamilton county, Iowa, and the father, Alanson Bryan,
afterward came to Poweshiek county, where he continued to live with his chil-
dren until his death in August, 1897, when in the ninetieth year of his age.

Bedy Bryan, the fifth of the family, came to Iowa with his parents in 1849
and bore the usual hardships and privations of pioneer life in the early days.
He resided with his parents tintil his marriage, April 19, 1855, when with a
loaded ox wagon he drove to Montezuma and settled a mile and a half north-
east of the town on an eighty acre tract of prairie land on section 6, Jackson
township. He also had forty acres of timber land, this property being given
him by his father, who had entered it in 1849. Mr. Bryan resided on his eighty
acre tract for fifty years lacking two months. He then sold out and since 1905
has made his home in Montezuma. He was also at one time owner of eighty
acres in Scott township, which he sold in 1906. Throughout his life he fol-
lowed farming and was very successful in his work, becoming the owner of
over six hundred acres. He made a specialty of stock-raising and his business
interests brought to him substantial success. Although he has since disposed
of much of his land, he is still the owner of a valuable tract of one hundred
and seventy-three acres, which returns to him a gratifying annual income.

On the 19th of April, 1855, Mr. Bryan was married to Miss Margaret A.
Victor, who was born in Delaware. October 13, 1834. After living for a time
in Ohio and later in Indiana she accompanied her parents to Iowa in 1848, the
family being established near Oskaloosa, in the same neighborhood as the Bryan
home. She is a daughter of Burton and Sarah A. (Todd) Victor, who were
natives of Delaware. Her mother died in Mahaska county, Iowa, and her
father passed away in Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan became the parents of

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COLWTY 191

five children. Sarah E., the eldest, is the wife of J. M. Chamberlain, of Wash-
ington township, and has five children : Sylvia A., Charles L., William, who
married Laura Cline and has a son, Virgil ; and Clarence and Lawrence, twins.
Mary E. died at the age of twenty years. Elliott ^L, a resident of Montezuma,
wedded Mary A. Cochran and they have one child, Lowell V. John B., who
for the past thirty years has been agent for the Grinnell & Montezuma Railroad
at Montezuma, married Nellie Porter and has two sons : Chester S., who
wedded \^ida Brown and has one child. Hazel Fay, and Harold. William A.,
the youngest of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Bedy Bryan, married Xellie Henry
and they have five children : Edna L., Howard, who died at the age of four
years ; Ellis, who died at the age of seven years ; Verna, and Raymond V.

Xo history of this county would be complete without extended mention of
the Bryan family, one of the oldest within its borders. The representatives of
the name have ever been loyal in citizenship and reliable in business and have
made excellent records in every relation of life. Bedy Bryan tells most in-
teresting stories and incidents of the early days when the family were under-
going all the hardships of a new country. They lived here during the era of wild-
cat money from 1854 until i860, which made it doubly hard, as one had to
consult Thompson's Bank-Xote Detector every time they received a paper
dollar, as the value changed nearly every day. One day it would be quoted at
its face and the next day ten or twenty cents on the dollar ; sometimes it was.
fifty cents and again it was worthless. It was not safe to keep money on hand
twenty-four hours, but the money system of the country, like all other things,
has changed and the people of Poweshiek county are now living in a splendidly
developed region, the naturally rich and fertile land responding readily to the
care and cultivation bestowed upon it, while business interests of many kinds
have here sprung up, affording excellent opportunity to the man who is will-
ing to put forth earnest, honest labor for the attainment of success.

F. S. BERNARD.

F. S. Bernard has the distinction of being the oldest business man, in point
of years of residence, in Malcom, and his record has therefore been closely
identified with the growth and development of the town from the earliest chap-
ters of its history.

A native of Ohio, he was born in Highland county, May 26, 1849, ^ son of
Richard and Eunice ( Wick) Bernard, who were born in \'irginia and Kentucky
respectively. They were reared and married in Ohio, however, and came to
Poweshiek county, settling in Montezuma in the fall of i860. In 1895 they
arrived in Malcom, where their remaining days were spent, the father passing
away in iQOi, at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother in 1899, when
eighty-two years of age. The former had devoted his entire lifetime to agri-
cultural pursuits. Their family consisted of the following children : Mary Ann,
who married Ivins Johnson and is now deceased; Louisa, who passed away in
infancy ; W. H., of Montezuma, who served in the Third Iowa and Twenty-eighth

192 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Iowa Infantry at the time of the Civil war: Christopher C, who enlisted from
Poweshiek county as a meml^er of Company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, and w-as killed at the battle of Cedar Creek ; Eliza, the widow of
Andrew Gilliland. of Hartford, Michigan; F. S., of this review; H. R., of Port-
land, Oregon; Joseph Edgar, residing in Pasadena, California; Ella, who mar-
ried D. H. Jonty, of Hartford; and Flora, the wife of Charles Swaney, oi
Montezmna.

F. S. Bernard was a lad of eleven years of age when he came to Pow-
eshiek county with his parents in i860, and through the intervening years
since that period has continued to make his home within its limits. On the
home farm, about three and a half miles southeast of Montezuma, he was
reareLl to rural life, and remained with his parents until, believing that he might
find other pursuits more congenial and profitable than farming, he went to
Ottimiwa, Iowa, where he worked at the blacksmith trade for about three years,
during which period he thoroughly mastered all branches of the business. In
March, 1875, he came to Malcom. which has since continued to remain the
scene of his business activity. Malcom at that time was but a town in embryo,
consisting of little more than a group of buildings near the depot and bearing
little resemblance to the flourishing village of today. He at once sought work
and for nine years was employed in the blacksmith shop of T. S. Cartwright.
.\t the expiration of that period he joined his brother in purchasing the busi-
ness of Mr. Cartwright. and they continued in its operation until the election
of the latter, in 1902, to the office of county recorder. Mr. Bernard then
entered into partnership relations with R. A. Wiley, under the firm style of
Bernard & Wiley, engaging in general blacksmithing and all kinds of repairing
and wood work. They also conduct an agricultural implement business, dealing
in buggies, wagons, pumps, windmills, etc.. and in this direction they have
built up an extensive trade, drawing their patronage from all parts of the
county. While connected with his brother Mr. Bernard erected the present
shops, consisting of a two-story frame building, one hundred and five by twenty-
five feet, with an ell extension of fifty feet. The enterprise, which has had a
continuous and substantial growth since its inception, has developed into one
of the important business interests of the town and its success is due, in large
measure, to the keen business ability, expert workmanship and reliable methods
of the partners.

In the year 1881 Mr. Bernard was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla
Stoaks, who was born in Donahue. Scott county, Iowa, on the i8th of August.
1862, but was reared and married in Poweshiek county. Her parents, Peter and
Nancy (Helm) Stoaks, are both deceased, the mother passing away on the
4th of July. 1891. and the father on the ist of March. igo8, while residing with
his daughter. Mrs. Bernard. The latter by her marriage to Mr. Bernard be-
came the mother of five children, namely : Blanche, the wife of Worth Porter,
of Grinnell township ; Fred, who passed away at the age of nine years ; Hazel,
who married Harley Bookneau. of Grinnell ; and Frank and James, both at
home.

Mr. Bernard is well known in Masonic circles as a Master Ma.son, belonging
to Lily Lodge. No. 254. A. F. &: .\. M.. of Malcom; llysoi) Chapter. No. 50.

HISTORY UF I'UVVliSlllEK COUNTY 193

K. A. M., also of Malcom ; aiul ( )ii<;ntal Conunaiulcry, No. 22, K. T., of New-
ton. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and at one time
served on the city council. He is justice of the peace at present and for eigh-
teen years has served on the board of education, of which he is now president,
i le has ever been a stanch champion of the cause of education, standing as he
does for the highest and best in intellectual training, and other interests as well
have felt the stimulus of his influence, for he is public-spirited in his citizenship,
lulvucating all those measures which tend to promote the welfare of the com-
munity. He has been identified with the business interests of Malcom longer
than any other resident, his connection therewith extending over a periotl of
thirtv-six years, and in the meantime he has witnessed its development from a
small hamlet to the progressive little town of the present, his own record
tvpifying in a certain degree the progress and advancement which has been
continuously carried forward w'ithin its limits. He is widely known throughout
the cdmmunitv and the consensus of public opinion accords him a prominent
place among Malcom's representative and resjjected citizens.

JOHN S. DEVEREUX.

Ever since he arrived at an age when he was able to work in the fields John
S. Devereu.x has been connected with farming and stock-raising. He began
as a farmer on his father's place but now owns productive property in Wash-
ington township, and each year under his management the land yields excellent
harvests. He is a native of Harford county, Maryland, is a son of .\lexander
and Elizabeth ( Hayes ) Devereux, and was born Jvme 4, 1859. The parents
were both born in County Wexford, Ireland. The mother came to the United
States in 1852 and the father in the year following. They were married in the
east and arrived in Poweshiek county, Iowa, March 17, 1871, where Mr. De-
vereu.x purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and
improved. He devoted his attention especially to stock farming and attained a
goodly measure of success. He died December 20, 1900, the mother being
called away February 11, 1905. They were consistent members of the Catholic
church and politically Mr. Devereux gave his support to the democratic party.
He never sought public office but served for several years as member of the
school board in his district. There were nine children in their family: James,
who is now living in Adair county, Iowa; John S., the subject of this review:
-Mary, the wife of John Hanley, of .\dair county; .Alexander, of Washington
township: Sarah, who is deceased; Margaret, the wife of Edward Comerforcl, of
Stewart, Iowa; Ida. who is living with her brother .\lexander; William, of
Floyd county. Iowa; and .\nnie. now Mrs. Louis Higdon. of Washington
township.

John S. Devereux received his preliminary education in the schools of Mary-
land. He came to Iowa with his parents in his boyhood and remained on his
father's farm until about 1897, when he took up his residence on a farm of
two bundred acres, which he had purchased in 1890, This place he sold in 1900

194 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

and then bought three hundred and forty-nine acres, which he has developed
into one of the most attractive farms in this part of the county- He raises
various kinds of grain but speciaHzes in hvestock — a Hne of business which
he understands thoroughly and one which yields good returns.

On the 27th of April, 1897, Mr. Devereux was married to Miss Alice Com-
erford, who was born in Ohio, March 17, 1864, a daughter of Pierce and Mary
(Ford) Comerford. The father was born in County Tipperary and the mother
in County Mayo, Ireland. They emigrated to America in 1847 and for a
number of years lived near Dayton, Ohio. In 1869 they came west to Os-
kaloosa, Iowa, and m the year following removed to New Sharon, where Mr.
Comerford purchased a farm, which became the family homestead. He died
January 31, 1905, his wife having been called away April 12, 1899. They were
both born and reared in the Catholic church and in politics he gave his support
to the democratic party. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Devereux :
James E., who is deceased ; and Leo P., now living at home.

Mr. Devereux and his wife are members of the Catholic church and are
earnest and sincere believers in its teachings. In politics he is in sympathy
with the democratic party, its platform and candidates, but he is not a seeker
for political honors, his interest being mostly centered in his business. He is a
friend of education and has served for two years as member of the school
board. Ever alert and enterprising, he is governed by a worthy ambition to
make the best use of his talents and the success he has achieved indicates that
he was wise, indeed, in establishing his permanent home amidst the inviting
scenes of Washington township.

GRANT L. OSTROM.

On the paternal side the family of which Grant L. Ostrom, of Poweshiek
county, is a member has been traced to Holland, the early progenitors of the
family in America assisting in the founding of New Amsterdam, which is
now New York city. The sagacity, patience and perseverance of the Dutch
settlers of New York have been observed as characteristics of many of their
descendants and it is, perhaps, due to influences handed down from worthy an-
cestry that Mr. Ostrom owes a large measure of his success in business. He
was born in Knox county, Illinois, July 24, 1863, a son of George L. and Mar-
garet M. Ostrom, a record of whom is presented elsewhere in this work.

Grant L. Ostrom was brought by his parents to Iowa in his infancy and
grew to manhood in the parental home. He received his early education in the
common schools and after laying his books aside worked on shares on his fath-
er's farm. Later he entered the implement and lumber business at Hartwick,
but after five years moved out upon his present location on section 24, Jefferson
township, where he applied himself to farming for six years. He then returned
to Hartwick and for seven years was connected with the lumber business,
finally settling permanently on his farm. He owns a place of one hundred and
sixty acres, which is well improved and, as it is diligently cultivated, yields

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 195

handsome annual returns. The farm is provided with modern improvements
and its appearance reflects high credit upon its owner and incHcates that he
takes great interest in his vocation.

On the 25th of December, 1888, Mr. Ostrom was married to Miss Sadie C.
Whitlatch, a daughter of Jonathan Whitlatch, who was born in Pennsylvania
and settled on a farm in Poweshiek county, Iowa. He died in 1908. Mr. Os-
trom was called upon to mourn the death of his wife in 1903. Three children
were born of this union, namely : Ray L. ; Earl ; and Lisle, all of whom are liv-
ing. For his second wife Mr. Ostrom married Mrs. Ada (Doty) Smith, a
daughter of Abel and Laura (Sheets) Doty, a record of whom is given on an-
other page of this work. To this union two children have been born : Grace and
Percy. William A. Smith, a son of Mrs. Ostrom by her former marriage, is
also a member of the family.

Mr. Ostrom is a stanch advocate of the republican party and takes great
interest in its success, usually voting the entire ticket as indorsed by the con-
ventions. He served for four terms to the general satisfaction of the commu-
nity as justice of the peace, and also for many years as member of the school
board. Fraternally he is connected with Sharon Lodge, No. 287, A. F. & A. M.,
of Victor, Iowa. A successful business man and a thorough farmer he is now
reaping the rewards of his labors, and also enjoys the confidence and respect
of those who have known him from his boyhood.

CHARLES O. LORD.

Charles O. Lord, who was born at Shapleigh, York county, Maine, Febru-
ary 6, 1849, and died December 30, 1904, was one of the highly respected citi-
zens of Poweshiek county and was the owner of a well improved farm in
Washington township. He retired from active labors two years before his
.death, having through his industry and good management acquired a handsome
competence for himself and family. His parents were Oliver and Hulda
(Thurston) Lord, and both of them were natives of York county. The father
was a ship builder and also the owner of a farm. He died in Maine about
1878, the mother being called away several years later while living near Haver-
hill, Massachusetts. Mr. Lord was in political belief a democrat, and both he
and his wife were members of the Free Will Baptist church. Besides their son,
Charles O., there were two other children in the family — Maria H. and Francis
M., both of whom are deceased.

Charles O. Lord was educated in the public schools of the Pine Tree state
and after completing his education he worked in a shoe shop until 1864 when,
although he had scarcely passed his boyhood, he was accepted as a soldier in
Company F, Thirty-second Maine Volunteers, being later transferred to the
Thirty-first Maine Volunteers. He served most acceptably until the close of the
war, a period of about one year. He then engaged in peaceful pursuits and was
employed in a piano factory at Deep River, Connecticut, until 1872, when he
came to Grinnell and rented a farm. Later he went to Nebraska for two years

196 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

bin returning once more took up his residence in Grinnell. In 1S95 he pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township which
became the family homestead. He took great interest in his work and improved
his farm by the erection of buildings and fences and the setting out of shade
trees, so that, although the place was not as large as some others in the neigh-
borhood, it compared favorably in appearance and productive capacity with the
best kejJt farms in the township. Mr. Lord was a good business man and his
labors were attended with an abundant measure of prosperity.

On the 6th of February, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Brownell, a daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Mary Jane (Shipman)
Brownell. She was born April 10, 1858, in Pike county, Illinois, and was
educated in Chester township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, having accompanied
her [larents to this county when she was nine years old. Two children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Lord, namely: George Curtis, who was born October 24, 1880,
and is now living in Grinnell township; and Jesse Cornelius, born July 14, 1882,
and now living with his mother.

Mr. Lord, the subject of this review, was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church and an active worker in that organization, having served as super-
inten<ient of the Sunday school in Westfield for several years. Politically, he
gave his support to the republican party, and although he did not seek public
oftice he filled the ])osition of school director in Washington township very
acceptably. As an e.x-soldier of the Civil war he held membership in the
Grand Army of the Republic. He was for many years a member of the Ma-
sonic order and advanced through many degrees, becoming a Knight Templar.
He was a man of genial characteristics who made many friends, and by a life
which was devoted in a large measure to the promotion of the welfare of others
he gained the good will of the entire community. Mrs. Lord still lives upon
the family homestead, her son, Jesse, now being in charge of the farm. She
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is one of the highly respected
and honored residents of this section.

JAMES FORDYCE BAILEY.

James Fordyce Bailey was born August 22, 181 5, in Westmoreland town-
shij). Oneida county, Xew York. On the nth of June, 1845, he married Cor-
nelia Doolittle, the ceremony taking ]3lace at Hampton village ( now called West-
moreland village), Westmoreland township, ( )neida county, Xew York. The
same day his brother, John Bailey, married Emily Seymour in Kirkland, Oneida
county. New York, at the home of her sister, while his sister, Joanna Bailey,
married Dr. Ralph Abercromby Severance at the Bailey homestead. His bro-
ther-in-law. Rev. Amzi D. Barber, performed all these ceremonies.

James Fordyce Bailey was one of a family of nine children, seven sons and
two daug'hters. His parents were Eliphalet and Xancy ( Bradish ) Bailey. His
father, one of tlic early settlers of Westmoreland, was a prosperous farmer and

.lAMKS r.Air.KY

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

TILOeN f OUNOAT iONS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 199

took an active part in public affairs. The paternal grandparents of onr sub-
ject were James and Lucy (day) Bailey, who lived in Lebanon, Connecticut.
During the Revolutionary war the grandfather acted as a guard for a few
ilays. The grandmother lived to attain the age of ninety-two years. .Mr.
r.ailey of this review was descended from John Bailey, who came from Cliip-
|)enham, England, being shijjwrecked at Pemaquid (now Bristol), Maine, in
tlie great storm on the 15th of August, 1635. He settled first at Newbury,
.Massachusetts, ami in 1639 became one of the founders of Salisbury, Massa-
chusetts. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Nancy Bradish
and was born in Cummington, Massachusetts, her parents being Dr. James and
Irene (Townsend) Bradish. Her mother was twice married, her first hus-
l)and being Dr. Clark. They took up their abode in Floyd, Oneida county. New
York, in 1802. Dr. James Bradish was a surgeon at the siege of Boston in
tile Revolutionary war. Irene (Townsend) l'>radisli lived to attain the age of
ninety-two years She was a twin sister of Nathaniel Townsend and a daugh-
ter of David and Irene (Loomis) Townsend. The Loomis, Townsend and
Bradish families have been traced to New England pioneers of very early
dates. Deacon John Bradish, the father of Dr. James Bradish, served as
selectman in 1775 and was a member of the Revolutionary committee of cor-
respondence for Hardwick, Massachusetts, from 1774 until 1777. Robert Bradish,
the emigrant from England, was in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at least as
early as August 28, 1635. .'"TT!^ T: T . . ." . ' ,

Cornelia Doolittle, who was ' b6T,n ,in; Camden; Oneida county. New York,
on the 28th of August, 1824, hail two brothers and a half sister. She was the
eldest child of Amzi Doolittle, psq.. and.,his first wife, Hannah (Cone) Doo-
little, who was the widow of *.\ndre\v Bettis. Amzi Doolittle was born in
Watertown. Connecticut, and accompanied his parents on their removal to
Plymouth, Connecticut. Subsequently he made his way to Camden, New York,
and about 1825 went to the village of Hampton in New York, where he served
as town judge until his health failed. He was a cooper by trade. The name
Doolittle means "of Dolieta," a place on the Norman coast in France. Rudolph
of Dolieta. a Norman noble who came over with William the Conqueror, is
the progenitor of all the Doolittles in England. Cornelia Doolittle was de-
scended from Hon. Abraham Dowlittell (as he spelled his name), who was
born in England in 1619 or 1620. He was a Puritan and came to America
at the age of about twenty-one to escape the tyranny of Charles I. As early
as 1640 he was in Boston, Massachusetts. He removed to New Haven, Con-
necticut, prior to 1642 and was the chief executive officer of that town in
1644, when scarcely twenty-five years old. For many years he served as
selectman and was seven times deputy to the general assembly at Hartford.
He was one of the founders of Wallingford, Connecticut, and held almost
every office of honor and trust in the town. Several times he acted as repre-
sentative to the general court at Hartford. He was made a sergeant in 1673
and at the time of King Philip's war was a member of the vigilance committee.

Cornelia Doolittle was descended from Daniel Cone, who was probably the
emigrant. The first mention of Daniel Cone in this country that has been
found is in 1657. He was one of the founders of Haddam, Connecticut. Lieu-

200 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

tenant James Cone of East Haddam, Connecticut, the great-great-grandfather
of CorneHa Doolittle, served under Sir WiUiam Pepperill in 1745. He was a
member of the legislature of the colony from 1747 until 1749. The great-
grandfather of Cornelia Doolittle was Sylvanus Cone, who participated in the
French and Indian wars and also in the Revolutionary war, being a minute-
man at Bunker Hill. Hannah (ConeJ Doolittle, the mother of Cornelia Doo-
little, was born in Westmoreland township, Oneida county. New York. Cor-
nelia Doolittle had some Scottish ancestry. She lived in the Hampton village
of Xew York from the time she was about a year old until her marriage except
that after the death of her mother, in 1834. her father resided in Plymouth,
Connecticut, for a few years. She attended the Ladies' Seminary at Utica,
Xew York, and subsequently taught public and private schools. She also sang
in the church choir.

James F. Bailey, whose name introduces this review, left Westmoreland
in 1853 and took up his abode in the vicinity of Auburn, Xew York. He and
some of his brothers were planning to move farther west where they could
obtain more land and they wished to find a place where their children would
have good educational advantages. Happening to notice Mr. Grinnell's article
in the New York Independent with reference to the new colony to be founded
in the west, they wrote to Mr. Grinnell making inquiries. James F. Bailey
came to Grinnell, Iowa, in October, 1854, and in February, 1856, went back
to Auburn, New York, for his wife and children, with whom he returned to
Grinnell in the following May. When the question arose of increasing the
price paid for the land on condition that the college should be located in Grin-
nell within a certain time, he voted for the increase and cheerfully paid the
increased price on his land. Not a few students were helped by the oppor-
tunities he gave them to work for their board and room. On first coming to
Grinnell he brought with him a horse power sawmill, setting it up near the
present site of the Colonial. While sawing the second board the mill broke.
He and his brother John then went to Muscatine and purchased a steam
engine. Bringing the boiler here was a very difficult task, as the roads were
poor and the sloughs unbridged. They now had a good saw and grist mill
combined, located on what is at present block 4 of Bailey's Addition. Coal
could not be obtained and they were obliged to haul all of the fuel for the
■ mill a distance of seven miles from their timber land in Rock Creek, Jasper
county. They sawed some of the lumber for the first schoolhouse and also
for some of the first dwellings. James F. Bailey assisted in the erection of
some of the first houses. He conducted the mill for eight or ten years and
during this period had brought his farm under cultivation, eventually becom-
ing a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser. His house was a station on the
"underground railroad" for escaped slaves and with his team he carried a
number of John Brown's party to the ne.xt station. He was one of those who
stood guard on the night of the "Sugar Creek" war. Some time later, on his
way to the coal banks, he fell in with some of the participants in that skirmish,
who declared lustily that they would yet wipe out every abolitionist. Upon
being told that he was an abolitionist and that they might wipe him out, they
concluded they were not ready. He welcomed the coming of the Rock Island

HISTORY OI" I'OWF'SIIIRK COUNTY 201

Railroad, for he knew what it was to haul wheat forty miles to Marengo and
sell it for ihirty-hve cents per bushel. He gave three hundred dollars in labor
and money to help build the Iowa Central Railroad. He was one of the stock
holders of the land company for the Benzonia (Michigan) colony and at one
time owned four hundred acres of land there. He was a member of the
Grange and a stockholder in the Grange store. His political allegiance was
given to the republican party, while in religious faith he was a Congregationalism
He was, moreover, a strong temperance man and advocated the suppression
of the liquor traffic. He won a host of friends and had a wide acquaintance
in all the surrounding country.

Tames F. liailey lived in several different houses in Grinnell. In .April,
1864, he moved to the corner of his farm west of West street and north of
Eleventh avenue, where he resided until his death. .\t the time of his demise
he owned two hundred and forty acres of land, a part of which was afterward
l^latted by his children and called Bailey's Addition. Another portion was
platted by his daughter. Mrs. Joanna (Bailey) Baggs. and called Baggs' Addi-
tion. ;\Ir. Bailey died on the ist of February, 1888, and was buried in the
southwest corner of lot 67, Hazelwood cemetery, Grinnell. His wife, Cor-
nelia (Doolittle) Bailey, died in Grinnell on the 9th of January, 1893, and
was buried beside him. They had seven children, six daughters and one son,
four of whom were born in New York and three in Grinnell. Joanna Eliza-
beth, who was graduated from Iowa College of Grinnell in 1868, married George
Thomas Baggs on the 31st of May, 1877, and is still a resident of Grinnell.
Mary Irene died at the age of two years. Ella Cornelia gave her hand in
marriage to Elmore Chapman Read on the 27th of May, 1872, and makes her
home at Parsons, Kansas. Irene Conklin, who was an artist, passed away on
the 24th of August, 1877, when twenty-three years of age. Gertrude Laurinda,
who was graduated from Iowa College in 1879, resides at Grinnell. Jennie,
who completed her course in Iowa College in 1883, also makes her home in
Grinnell. William Doolittle was graduated from Iowa College of Grinnell
in 1891 and from the law department of Yale University at New Haven. Con-
necticut, in 1893. He is now a member of the law firm of Washburn, Bailey
& Mitchell of Duluth, Minnesota, and has an immense practice. On the 12th
of June, 1901, he wedded Miss Ora Ida Gridley.

Four of the brothers of James F. Bailey lived in Grinnell for a time. John
Bailey came from Auburn, New York, to Grinnell in June, 1854, and went to
Glen Arbor, Michigan, in the fall of 1857. Rev. Charles Eliphalet Bailey came
from Weymouth, Ohio, to Grinnell in the fall of 1856. While in Weymouth he
had conceived the idea of founding a Christian colony and a Christian college
in the west. In November, 1857, he was preaching at Ontario, Illinois. In
October, 1858, Rev. Charles E. Bailey, John Bailey, Horace Burr and Mr.
Wolcott founded Benzonia. Michigan, and a college was chartered in 1862.
Horace Clark Bailey lived in Grinnell several months in the summer and fall
of 1857. He went to Glen Arbor, Michigan, in the fall of 1857, intending to
help bis brothers found a new colony, but died in Glen Arbor on the nth of
June, 1858. Lorenzo Bailey came from Auburn, New York, to Grinnell in
May, 1856, and removed to Benzonia, Michigan, in 1866.

202 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Two cousins of James F. Bailey, brothers, lived in Grinnell a few years
anti died in this city. Edwin S. Bailey, who came to Grinnell from Antwerp,
New York, in the fall of 1855, conducted a store and passed away on the 23d
of March, 1864. Alfred Bailey came from Antwerp, New York, to Grinnell
in the fall of 1856. He conducted a hotel on the corner west of Main street
and south of Fifth avenue, which was named the Bailey House. His demise
occurred on the 26th of March, 1858.

CHARLES JACOB SANDERS.

Charles Jacob Sanders may truly be termed a self-made man. for he started
out in life empty-handed and today owns valuable farm property of one hun-
dred and sixty-three acres, located on section 6, Pleasant township. He was
born in Trumbull county, Ohio, .\pril 30, 1850, a son of Henry and Hettie
(Smith) Sanders, who were both natives of Pennsylvania but were married
in Ohio. In 1855 they journeyed westwanl, settling in Poweshiek county,
Iowa, and here they remained until 1858, when they removed to Dallas county.
Texas, and there the father died in i860 at the age of fifty years. Following
his demise, the mother and her family returned to Poweshiek county, arriving
here in the fall of iSC)!. They had a long and arduous journey, driving
through with a wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, and our subject walked
much of the distance. In passing through the state of Missouri they came in
contact with the guerrillas, who were engaged in warfare, but eventually they
reached their destination in safety. The family located at Deep River in
Poweshiek county but after a few years, in 1865, the laother returned to her
old home in Crawfonl county. Pennsylvania, and was thei? married a second
time, her union being with lleiiry Wolf. She once more returned with her
husband to Poweshiek county and died here in 18S8, having reached the
advanced age of eighty-two years. By her marriage to ^Ir. Sanders she
had become the mother of ten children, nine of whom grew to years of
maturity and are as follows : Harrison, of Montezuma ; Frank, who se'-v?J
for three years as a member of the Tenth Iowa Infantry and is now deceased:
^^'illiam, who served three and a half years in the Civil war as a member of
the Fourth Iowa Infantry and is now residing in Deep River; Rachel; Mrs.
Mary Ann Stonebocher, decea.sed ; Mrs. Eliza Smith, of Searsboro ; Daniel M.,
who served for one hundred days in the Civil war and is now a resident of
New York; Charles J., of this review; and Mrs. Rosanna Mulhollan, deceased.
Charles J. Sanders, of this review, accompanied his parents on their various
removals and was a lad of eleven years when he returned with his mother to
Poweshiek county from Texas. He remained in this county until he had
attained his majority, when he went to Ohio and was there married in 1871.
He spent eight years in the Buckeye state, during which time he was engaged
in farming a part of the time, while the remainder of his time was given to
the oil business. In 1878 he returned once more to Poweshiek county and for
fourteen vears farmed rented land in various localities. In 1891 he bought

TTTSTORV OF I'OWESHIEK COUNTY 203

his i)resent Imme farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty-three acres on
sectit)n (). Pleasant ttjwnship. lie has made most of the improvements on
this place, which has added much to its value, being worth today two hundred
dollars per acre. He was actively engagetl in the operation of this farm until
h'ebruary, 190S, when he rented the land to his son.

As above stated, Mr. Sanders was married in Ohio in 1871, the lady of
his choice being Miss Susan \irginia Campbell, who was born in Rockbridge
county, \'irginia. May 22. 1853, and died in Poweshiek county. December
15, 1903, at the age of fifty years. Jler parents, Charles and Mary (Pieaty)
Campbell, were likewise natives of Virginia. The father died in Greene
county, ()hit), but the mother still survives and makes her home in Kansas.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders was blessed with five children. William
Monroe died when seventeen months old. Lydia May died at the age of
eleven months. Rose lielle is the wife of Willis ]\Iartz, a resident of Grin-
nell township. Charles H. makes his home in Malcom township. He wedded
Miss Rachel Wright and served for a year and a half in the Spanish-American
war. James Franklin is living on the home farm. He was married, January
23, 1910, to Miss Gertie Wright, a daughter of William Wright of Montezuma
and a sister of Mrs. Charles H. Sanders.

Mr. Sanders formerlv gave his political allegiance to the republican party
but now votes independently. He has held various township offices and in
all public movements has exerted immeasurable influence in his home locality.
He is a member of the Christian church and his life is m harmony with his
professions. He encountered many difficulties and obstacles in his early career
but has overcome all these and worked his way upward to success, so that
today he stands among the well-to-do and prominent citizens of his section of
the countv.

WILLIAM JOHN COX.

A well tilled and highly cultivated farm of two hundred and twenty-four
acres in Union township pays tribute to the agricultural skill of William John
Cox, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of April, 1851, and is a son of Hiram
and Nancy (Wright) Cox, both natives of the Keystone state. The father,
who was born in Westmoreland county, was a carpenter by trade. He came
to Iowa in 1865. locating in Poweshiek county. Upon his arrival here he first
boitght a farm in Jackson township, which he cultivated for a time, but later
disposed of it and purchased other land in Sugar Creek township, in the opera-
lion of which he engaged until his retirement to New Sharon, Mahaska county,
where he later passed away. The mother, also died in New Sharon. Unto
them were born six children ; Joseph L., who is a resident of Searsboro, Iowa ;
Alexander R., a resident of Montezuma, Iowa ; Sarah E., deceased : William John,
our subject; Hiram Zenas, who is living in Oskaloosa ; and Nancy Jane, the wife
of Charles Bogard, of Oskaloosa. The family attended the services of the Pres-

204 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

byterian church. In politics Mr. Cox was always an ardent democrat and
served as school director in his district.

As William John Cox was fourteen years of age when his parents settled
in Poweshiek county his education was largely acquired in the common schools
of Pennsylvania. After laying aside his text-books he assisted in the cultiva-
tion of the home farm until he had attained his majority. In 1872 he rented
the homestead from his father and for a year thereafter engaged in its cultiva-
tion. He subsequently went to Nemaha county, Kansas, where he resided for
live years going from there to Nebraska. In the latter state he filed upon a
homestead, which he cultivated for a time, and then disposed of it and returned
to Iowa, purchasing a farm in Union township, this county, upon which he has
ever since continued to reside. He now owns two hundred and twenty-four
acres of land, upon which he engages in general farming, making a specialty of
raising high grade stock, particularly thoroughbred horses. Mr. Cox has met
with success in his ventures and owns one of the highly improved and well
stocked farms of the township.

In 1875 ^^'^s celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cox and Miss Amanda M. Mc-
Farlin, a daughter of Perry and Nancy (Kemp) McFarlin, of Sugar Creek
township, and they have become the parents of two sons and three daughters,
the order of their birth being as follows : Harvey H., who is a resident of
Union township ; Rose, the wife of Charles A. White, of Sugar Creek town-
ship ; Essie, the wife of George Sheehe, of Mahaska county, Iowa; Verde M.,
the wife of Guy Hildebrant, of Union township ; and Joy L., who is at home.

Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Cox has given his political support to
the candidates of the democratic party but has never held any official position
save that of school director. .\ capable business man as well as agriculturist,
Mr. Cox has so intelligently directed his activities during the period of his resi-
dence in Union township that he is now recognized as one of the substantial
citizens of the community in which he resides.

GEORGE L. MILES.

George L. Miles, one of the leading and respected citizens of Grinnell, is
extensively engaged in the hardware business and is also prominently identi-
fied with financial interests as the president of the Grinnell Savings Bank. His
birth occurred in Steuben county, New York, on the 15th of April, 1858, his
parents being William and Nancy A. (Parker) Miles, who were born, reared
and married in that county. The year 1866 witnessed their removal westward
to Princeton, Illinois. William Miles had become familiar with the lumber
business in early life, rafting logs down the river as a boy. After locating in
Princeton he embarked in the retail lumber business and acquired and worked
extensive pine forests in Michigan. He became a very successful man, accu-
mulating much land and also becoming connected with banking interests. He
supported the republican party and, while in no sense a politician, was a recog-
nized factor in local politics, holding the various town offices. His demise oc-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 205

curred in Princeton in 1S98, while his wife was called to her final rest two
years later.

George L. Miles was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his
preliminary education by a course of study in the Princeton high school. His
ambition as a boy was to become a farmer and when a youth of nineteen he
went to western Iowa, locating in Pottawattamie county, where his father owned
fourteen hundred acres of land and where he devoted his attention to general
agricultural pursuits for nine years. After abandoning farming pursuits he
turned his attention to the hardware business in Tipton, Iowa, being thus prom-
inently identified with the mercantile interests of the town for seven years.
During this period he became interested in the Tipton Savings Bank and was
chosen vice president of the institution. In 1894 he came to Grinnell and es-
tablished himself in business as a hardware dealer, the enterprise having since
grown to extensive and profitable proportions. Subsequently he became iden-
tified with the Grinnell Savings Bank and was made president of the institu-
tion. He is an able officer as well as enterprising merchant and in the control
of his business affairs has displayed excellent management and keen discernment.

In 1882 Mr. Miles was united in marriage to Miss Flora Priestley, her father
being Charles M. Priestley, a prominent hardware dealer of Princeton, Illinois.
L'nto our subject and his wife have been born two children, namely: Louise
Beach, of Aledo, Illinois, who is the wife of Glenn Clark, a professor in Will-
iam & Vashti College ; and Rosella May, who is employed as a bookkeeper by
her father. Both daughters graduated from Iowa College with the class of
1906.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Miles has sup-
ported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its princi-
ples are most conducive to good government. He served as a member of the
town council and of the school board while a resident of Tipton but has re-
fused political preferment in Grinnell. Fraternally he is identified with the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Grinnell Lodge, No. 358. No
lireath of suspicion has ever assailed his good name and on the contrary he
stands as a splendid type of the honorable, reliable, successful man, the public-
spirited citizen and the trustworthy friend.

EDWIN DARE.

Edwin Dare, whose farm in section 24, Chester township, gives evidence of
careful cultivation and liberal returns each year, is a native of Dorsetshire,
England, and was born April 16, 1869. He is a son of John and Sarah (Bus
sell) Dare, both natives of England. The father learned the miller's trade but
later devoted his attention to farming, continuing during his entire life in the
old country. He died in 1905, but the mother is now living with a son in Eng-
land.

Edwin Dare was the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children.
He received a common school education and for three years lived with an uncle.

206 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COLXTV

at the end of which time, being tlien twenty years of age. he came to America,
arriving in Chester township, Poweshiek county, in 1889. He worked for eight
years as a farm laborer by the month and then rented a place of a Mr. Fore-
hand at Chester Center, upon which he continued for two years. At the end of
the time named he rented land in section 24, Chester township, which he pur-
chased in the fall of 1902 from (ieorge Rutherford. His farm comprises one
hundred and sixty acres and in many respects he has added to its appearance,
making it a very desirable property. He raises feed for cattle and hogs, which
he usually delivers to the market in excellent condition, thus commanding the
highest prices.

On the 17th of March, 1897, Mr. Dare was married at Chester Center to
Miss Minnie Warren, who was born in England, a daughter of Walter and
Frances (Green) Warren, who are identified with agricultural interests in their
native country, Mr. Warren being a farmer and dairyman. The parents are
both still living but have never visited America. Fi\e children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Dare: Arthur E., Mildred, George W., Ada F. and Harlan
Charles. These children have all possessed excellent advantages in the way
of educational facilities.

Mr. Dare is a member of the Congregational church at Chester Center and
in politics gives his support to the republican party. He has not held an)- pub-
lic office save that of member of the school board. He has never looked to luck
or chance for his fortune, but by steady, persistent application has won a com-
petency for himself and family from the soil. He is deeply interested in the
progress of the community and has labored earnestly for the public good, never
seeking to advance his own welfare to the injury of others.

JOHN SCHiMITZ.

One of the thrifty and energetic Cjermans who are now numbered among
Poweshiek county's successful farmers is John Schmitz, who owns two him-
dred and seventy acres of excellent land in Grinnell township. He was born
in Germany on the 27th of March, 1852, a son of Emery and Margaret (Dahm )
Schmitz, who spent their entire lives in their native land, where the father en-
gaged in teaching and farming. For many years he taught in Onhoven. in which
village he was born and where he passed away in 1857.

The common schools of his native land provided John Schmitz with his edu-
cation, and after laying aside his school books he worked out until he was nine-
teen years of age. Having decided at the expiration of that time that better
advantages must be available for energetic young men in the United States, he
took passage for America, landing in New York in April, 1871. From there he
made his way directly to Brooklyn, this county, where he worked for a year
and then came to Washington township, where he was employed by "Uncle"
Johnnv Brom for a year. Being very thrifty, he had carefully ;aved a portion
of each month's salary until he had acquired sufficient capital to enable him to
buy a farm, and then purchased sixty-five acres in Washington township, adding

•I.

HISTORY Ul'- I'OVVESlllEK COUNTY UOy

to his original tract forty acres at one time and fifteen at another, making the
aggregate of his holdings one hundred and twenty acres. In 1879 he remuved
to Grinnell township and in 1902 he bought his present farm of two hundred
and seventy acres in Grinnell township. Here he engages in general farming
and stock-raising and makes a specialty of Poland China hogs and Hereford
cattle, in which he is meeting with most gratifying success.

On February 18, 1879, Mr. Schmitz was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Hertzel, who was born January 19, 1848, in Germany, from which country she
emigrated to the United States with friends. Five children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz: Mary, the wife of Henry Schmidt, of Washington town-
ship ; Emery, who married Anna Flannigan and has one child, and is living one
mile west of the home place; and Eliza, John and Francis, all of whom are at
iiome with their father. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic
church of Grinnell.

Ever since acquiring the full rights of citizenship ^Ir. Schmitz has given his
^Kjlitical support to the democratic party, but he has always been too absorbed in
his private affairs to aspire to a public office, so does not 'actively participate
in local governmental matters. He has clearly demonstrated by his life that
success invariably awaits him who has the i)atience. perseverance and deter-
mination to conquer conditions.

HERBERT WESTON 'SOMERS. '

• ■•:• /.' ';> .: ";, :

Herbert Weston Somers. who has held the dual position of business manager
and secretary of Grinnell College since the ,ist of September, 1907, is one of the
representative and highly respected residents of <thiscity. His birth occurred in
Barnet, \'ermont, on the 31st of May, 1857, his parents being John S. and
Mary L. Somers, who were likewise natives of that state and came of Scotch
ancestry. They removed to Marshall county, Iowa, in 1864 and continued to
reside on a farm in that county until 1891, when they took up their abode in
Rapid City, South Dakota, both passing away there in January, 1898. They
were consistent and devoted members of the Congregational church.

Herbert W. Somers obtained his early education in a country school of
Marshall county, Iowa, subsequently attended Grinnell Academy and then en-
tered Grinnell College, from which institution he was graduated with the
"cyclone class" of 1882 — the year of the cyclone in Grinnell. Grinnell College
has conferred upon him the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts.
He was reared on a farm and when not in school spent all his time there until
he liad graduated from college. During his junior year in Grinnell College he
taught a country school in Marshall county throughout one winter term, at
the same time keeping up his own studies. Following his graduation he be-
came identified with educational interests as superintendent of the city schools
of Rapid City, South Dakota, serving in that capacity from 1882 until 1885.
During this period he spent two summer vacations of three months each as
traveling salesman for the Morrison Glove Manufacturing Company of Grin-

210 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

nell. In October, 1885, he began work in the First National Bank of Rapid
City. South Dakota, and in January, 1898, was elected cashier of the institution,
resigning in 1907 to accept a call from the trustees of Grinnell College to act
as their business manager and secretary. Since the 1st of September, 1907,
he has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection, his ex-
cellent executive ability and sound judgment proving potent factors in the suc-
cessful control of the institution. He was formerly a stockholder and director
in the First National Bank of Rapid City and also owned a fourth interest
in the stock of the Rapid City Electric Light Company, serving as business
manager, secretary and treasurer of the latter concern for eighteen years. He
likewise acquired considerable real estate in Rapid City but has disposed of
most of it since coming to Grinnell. He has invested in Florida lands to some
extent and now owns a fine home at No. 1018 Broad street in Grinnell. Since
January, 1910, he has been a director of the Merchants National Bank of
Grinnell.

On the 13th of June, 1888, at Jacksonville, Illinois, Mr. Somers was united
in marriage to Miss Nellie May Van Zandt, a native of that place. She is a
graduate of The Athenaeum a ladies' seminary of Jacksonville, and also pur-
sued a vocal course. Mr. and Mrs. Somers have three children, as follows :
Leslie V., who was born in 1890 and is a senior in Grinnell College; Helen M.,
born in 1891, who is a sophomore in Grinnell College; and Paul W., whose
natal year was 1895 and who is a high school student.

Mr. Somers is a stanch republican in politics and while a resident of Rapid
City served on the school board from 1885 until 1890. He was connected with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen while living there and joined the Com-
mercial Clubs in both Rapid City and Grinnell. In early life he became a mem-
ber of the Congregational church at Green Mountain, Marshall county, Iowa,
and later joined the church of that denomination in Rapid City, South Dakota,
serving as one of its trustees for several years and also acting as Sunday school
superintendent from 1884 until 1904. After coming to Grinnell he joined the
Congregational church here and has been a deacon since 1910. In manner
modest and retiring, free from self-laudation, he is best appreciated by those
who know him intimately, and his friendship is greatly prized by those who
come within the close circle of his intimate acquaintance.

JOHN W. SAWYER.

From an outlook which it has required three-quarters of a century to attain
John W. Sawyer, of Grinnell, reviews in moments of reminiscence many inter-
esting scenes and incidents of his life. A native of New England he traces his
descent to worthy ancestry, whose characteristics of grit and perseverance he
clearly inherited. He remained in the east until middle life, but has spent thirty-
seven years in Iowa and has been an interested witness of the marvelous growth
of this state as it has taken its place well toward the top of the column as one
of the most wealthy and progressive commonwealths of the Union, He was

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY 211

born in May, 1836, in Vermont, and is a son of Calvin and Fannie f Hatch)
Sawyer. The parents were both born in Connecticut, the father in 1793 and
the mother in 1797. They removed to Vermont, where Mr. Sawyer engaged in
farming and Hved for more than fifty years on the old homestead. He died in
1883, his wife having been called away four years earlier.

John W. Sawyer acquired his early education in the district schools and after
leaving school was apprenticed to the harness-maker's trade, working for the first
three years for the meager compensation of ninety dollars and board. He con-
tinued in the harness business in Vermont until 1874 and then came with his fam-
ily to Grinnell, Iowa, where he engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store. Being
a man of good address and genial social disposition, he made many friends and
in 1878 was elected marshal and street commissioner. He resigned from his posi-
tion in the store and serveil for a number of years as a public officer. He also
became connected with the coal business and for twenty-tive years was identified
with the Grinnell Fuel Company. In 1905 he gave up business concerns and is
now happy in the serenity of a retired life in the city of his adoption.

On the 20th of November, i860, Mr. Sawyer, in Hartland, Vermont, was
united in marriage to Miss Sarah G. Short, a daughter of Benjamin Short, of
Hartland. Two children have blessed this union : Ida Louise, who lives in Chi-
cago ; and Carroll E., who is married and now lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa, being
manager of a branch of the Western Grocers' Company. Mr. Sawyer has, ever
since he reached his majority, taken the interest of a patriotic citizen in support-
ing the men and measures that seem to him most essential in promoting the gen-
eral welfare. As a public official and in private business he always aimed to be
just and true to his highest sense of right, and the respect in which he is held in
a community where he has long been a resident is the best evidence of his per-
sonal worth. He has a host of friends, who sincerely wish that he may enjoy for
many years to come abundant health and prosperity.

ALEX.\NDER H. SMITH.

One of the finely improved farms of Jackson township stands as a monument
to a life of activity and enterprise on the part of Alexander H. Smith who, start-
ing out in life without any special advantages, has attained to his present posi-
tion of prosperity through his own efforts. Born in Morgan county. Ohio, on
the 26th of July, 1847, he is a son of Solomon and Lethinda (Newman) Smith,
both natives of Ohio. Their entire lives were passed in the Buckeye state, where
the father followed the blacksmith's trade throughout his active career. Their
family consisted of five children, of whom our subject was the first in order of
birth. The others were: Harrison, residing in Des Moines; J. A., of Harlan,
Iowa ; J. B.. who passed away at Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; and Susanna, the wife
of Frank Cunningham, of Pittsburg. Kansas.

The period of his boyhood and youth were spent by Alexander H. Smith in
the home of his parents, with whom he remained until he had reached the age
of eighteen years, when, in March, 1865, he made his way to Bushnell, Illinois.

212 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

vshcre he was employed as a farm hand for two years, lie then came to Powe-
shiek county, Iowa, in 1867, and for a similar period was engaged at farm work
by the month. The money which he had been able to accumulate then made it
possible for him to rent a farm, and for a time he operated a tract of eighty acres
located in Jackson township. It was not long before he was able to purchase
a farm of his own, and he invested in his present place, consisting of three hun-
dred and twenty acres on sections 3 and 4. Jackson township. Since that time
he has given much of his time to the further development of this property, which
is now a well improved tract, equipped with good barns and outbuildings, with
neat fences and all of the modern accessories for facilitating farm labor. In
1910 he erected his present fine nine-room dwelling, supplied with all modern
conveniences including water and gas systems. Much of his attention is given
also to his stock-raising interests, for he is an extensive breeder of high grade
stock, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle and .Shire horses, also Morgan horses
and Duroc Jersey hogs. He is prominently known throughout the neighlxirhood
for the excellence of his stock, and his efforts in this direction have done mucli
toward sustaining the high standard of stock in Poweshiek county, .\side from
his home place, Mr. Smith is also interested in a half section of land in the
Panhandle of Te.xas in connection with his son.

On the 2d of April, 1874, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Eliza-
beth Searight, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 28, 1847,
and with her parents came to Iowa in 1862. She is a daughter of John F. and
Harriet Ann (Stevens) Searight. natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland re-
spectively. Both passed away in Montezuma, where the father was engaged at
the tailor trade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children, namely:
Hattie L., the wife of Benjamin J. Farmer, of Pleasant township: John H.. of
Jackson township, operating his father's farm and residing upon a portion of
it; Mary, who married John W. Johnston, of Deep River; the Rev. Frederick
A., pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Oxford, Iowa ; and Katharine,
now in her senior year at Mount Pleasant College.

The religious faith of Mr. Smith is indicated by his membership in the
Christian church of Montezuma, while his political allegiance is given to the
republican party. He earlv learned the lesson that success must be purchased
at the price of earnest, well defined labor, and as the years have gone by per-
severance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life,
bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion
of his fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored.

JOHN W. ROSE.

On the roster of county officials appears the name of John \V. Rose, who
for the fourth time has been elected to the office of county auditor. He was
born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 8, 1855, and is a son of Thompson
antl Susanna (Lowe) Rose, who were also natives of the Buckeye state and
there resided until their removal westward to Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1882.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 213

They are now living at iJelle 1 Maine, this state, and the father has retired from
farm life, to which he devoted many years. He has served as street commis-
sioner of Belle Plaine for a number of years and is a respected and worthy
citizen of that community.

John W. Rose is the eldest of a family of two sons and eight daughters all
of whom arc- yet living, lie resided at his birthplace until he came to this
county, in iSjd. and within its borders he has since lived covering a period of
tbirty-live years, lie has worked at the carpenter's trade and has engaged in
general agricultural pursuits but put aside business interests of that character
to enter upon the duties of county auditor to which he was elected in 1904. He
discharged his duties with such ability and fidelity during his first term that
he was reelected in 1906, again was the pwpular choice in 1908, and for a third
time was chosen for the office in 1910. At each election he has been the can-
didate of the republican i)arty of which he has been a lifelong supporter. He
has done active work in the party ranks and for a number of years served as a
member of the county central committee. He has also held other public positions,
serving in most of the township offices, and was assessor of his township for
thirteen consecutive years before he was elected county auditor. He still owns
a good farm of eighty-seven acres situated in Lincoln township.

In 1876 ^Ir. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Henderson, who
was born in the same township, in Guernsey county. Ohio, as was her husband,
her natal year being 1848. She is a daughter of John L. Henderson and by
her marriage she has become the mother of four children: ^Minnie, the wife of
H. L. Shrader, of Lincoln township; Earl P., who is married and resides upon
his father's farm ; Clarence W., who is married and lives in Grinnell ; and Elsie,
at home.

Fraternally Mr. Rose belongs to Lafayette Lodge, Xo. 52, A. F. & A. M., of
Montezuma, also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern
Woodmen camp. In Ohio he became a member of the United Presbyterian church
and when he came to Iowa united with a congregation of the same denomina-
tion at Guernsey. His labors in behalf of the church have been far-reaching and
effective and at all times his aid is to be counted upon when a question of truth
and right is involved.

L. P. R.AYMOND.

L. P. Raymond, who is numbered among Malcom's native sons, is a repre-
sentative of a well known family whose name was for a long period closely and
prominently identified with banking interests in this community. He was born
December 19, 1877, his parents being E. P. and Lizzie (Reedy) Raymond, natives
of \'ermont and Tama county. Iowa, respectively. The former was the only child
of P. P. Raymnnd. who was also born in X'ermont and came to Poweshiek county
when his son was but two years of age. Locating in Malcom. he established the
private bank of P. P. Raymond & Son. the first and only hank i)f Malcom. now
conducted under the name of the Malcom Savings I'.ank. F. P. Ravmnnd was

214 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

very active in the conduct of the business, his father giving his attention entirely
to the loan department of the institution, and continued in the management of the
business for many years, or until the incorporation of the concern as the Malcom
Savings Bank at which time P. P. "Raymond & Son disposed of their interests
therein. E. P. Raymond was also interested in agricultural pursuits in Poweshiek
county for a number of years and in 1904 went to Missouri. For the past three
years, however, he has been engaged in the real-estate business in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, in which line of activity he is meeting with gratifying success.

L. P. Raymond, whose name introduces this review, was the eldest of three
children, the other two, Edna Ruth and \'ictor Rex, still making their home with
their parents. He acquiretl his education in the common schools of this commu-
nity and for a time assisted his father in the conduct of his agricultural interests.
He made his home in Alalcom township until 1901, when he went to Te.xas and
took up his abode on a ranch which he had purchased in Dallam county. He re-
mained there for three years, after which he sold out and went to Paris, Missouri,
where he farmed for a similar period. The following year was spent with his
parents in Minneapolis, after which he returned to Poweshiek county, in 1907,
since which time he has continuously given his attention to agricultural pursuits
on a farm which he ptirchased from his father. It is a tract of one hundred anil
sixty acres located on section 23, about a half mile north of Malcom, which has
been in the Raymond family for about twenty years. It is a highly developed
property, all modern improvements having been made upon it by Mr. Raymond's
father. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and conducts his affairs
in accordance with the most practical and up-to-date methods. He possesses good
business ability, and his keen discrimination and close application to his interests
have been potent elements in the acquirement of a most enviable degree of pros-
perity.

In 1898 Mr. Raymond was united in marriage to Miss Nellie May Martin.
who was born in Malcom, December 21, 1880, a daughter of P>. B. Martin, of
whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. With the exception of seven
years Mr. Raymond has made his home in the vicinity of Malcom and he has a
wide circle of friends in this community, which is almost coextensive with the
circle of his acquaintances. He is now in the very prime of young manhood, and
the characteristics which he has displayed in the conduct of his business affairs
and in private life are such as augur a bright future and speak for upright man-
hood and desirable citizenship.

B. F. BROWN ELL.

I!. F. Browncll, who owns a productive farm of eighty acres in Grinnell town-
ship, is one of the well known residents of the county, having arrived here forty-
four years ago. He is a native of Delaware county. New York, born Alarch 29,
1832," and is a son of Benjamin Ferris and Jane (Rickey) Brownell, both of
whom were born in New York state. The paternal grandfather was a patriot of
the Revolutionary war. He was paid off in colonial money, which proved to be

HISTORY OF 1K)\VESH1EK COUNTY 215

worthless, but he never regretted the part he took in the estabhslinient of the great
American repubhc. B. Ferris Brownell. the father of our subject, was by trade
a blacksmith. He removed with his family in 1840 to Pike county, Illinois, and
died in that state at the age of eighty-four years, Mrs. Brownell being called
away a week later. There were nine children in their family : Newton and Bela.
both of whom are deceased; James; Jane; Wesley; B. F., of this review; Hector
and Elbert, both deceased ; and Caroline, who is living in Pike county, Illinois.

B. F. Brownell received his early education in the subscription schools. He
early learned the importance and value of labor, and after his marriage engaged
in farming on his own account in Illinois. In 1867 he came to Iowa and culti-
vated a farm in Chester township, Poweshiek county, for twenty years. He then
located on a place in Grinnell township, but after six years returned to Chester
township, where he continued as a farmer for three years. At the end of that
time he took up his residence at Lynnville, where he spent five years, after which
he took up his present location, his farm yielding an income that enables him to
live comfortably in his declining years. Formerly he gave considerable .ittention
to raising shorthorn cattle and he also fed stock for the market. During recent
vears he has lived retired.

In 1855, in Pike county, Illinois, Mr. Brownell was married to Miss Jane Ship-
man, a daughter of Reuben Shipman, a well known farmer of the county. Five
children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brownell: Clarissa Jane, who is living
at home ; Caroline, who is now a widow, living in Washington township, and has
two children, George and Jessie ; George, who died in infancy ; Curtis, now a
blacksmith of Grinnell, who is married and has two children, Mary and Ruth:
and Alice, who died in infancy. Mrs. Brownell died in 1895. She was a devoted
wMfeand mother and her departure was deeply mourned by her husband and chil-
dren and sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Brownell in religious belief adheres to the Methodist church. Having ob-
served the evil effects of the liquor traffic he has given his political support to the
prohibition party. He has now reached the venerable age of seventy-nine years
and the labors of the farm have been delegated to younger men. Throughout his
life he has been actuated by high and worthy aims, and he receives his reward in
the esteem in which he is held by the entire community, of which he has so long
been an honored resident.

GEORGE G. PEARCE.

The owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Washington town-
ship, George G. Pearce is a representative agriculturist of Poweshiek county. He
was born in Grinnell township, January 27, 1866, and is a son of William Cyrenus
and Mathilda Grant (Brown) Pearce, a record of whom appears elsewhere in
this work.

Mr. Pearce, of this review, received his preliminary education in the dis-
trict schools of Grinnell township and later attended the public schools of Grin-
nell. He worked for his father on the home farm and then rented land in Grinnell

216 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

township for nine years. At the end of this time he decided to see the great
west and went to the state of Washington, spending one year in Tacoma, and
three years in the hardware store of an uncle at Yakima. BeHeving that a more
favorahle opening was presented in his native county than he could find in the
northwest, and having also made up his mind to reengage in agricultural pur-
suits, he returned to Poweshiek county and again cultivated rented land. In
1902 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Washington township, which
he has improved by the erection of buildings, fences, and setting out of shade
and ornamental trees, making it a highly desirable property. He devotes special
attention to raising and marketing cattle, hogs and sheep, and his lalxirs have
met with an abundant measure of reward. He has won a creditable position and
enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.

On tiie 20th of March, 1895, Mr. Pearce was married to .Miss Catherine Max-
well, born March 29, 1870, in Henry county, Illinois, a daughter of John A. and
Louisa A. ( P)ick ) Maxwell. The father was born in Henry coimty, Illinois, Jan-
uary 9. 1849, ant' the mother near Columbus, Ohio, January 20, 185 1. They
came west to Missouri, where -Mr. .Maxwell engaged in farming for three years,
at the end of which time he brought his family to Poweshiek county and from
1875 to 1906 rented land in this county. In the latter year he purchased a farm
at .Malcoin and engaged in general farming. He is an ardent adherent of the
democratic i^arty and a leader in politics in his part of the county, being at the
present time mayor of Malcom. He has also served as justice of the peace and
assessor of Malcom township. He is identified with the Masonic order and the
Knights of Pythias andvlys wife is a member of the Congregational church.
Six children were born. to (the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pearce: Herbert \\'.,
who was born August 28. '1897*;" Alwe- iM„ Tiorn May 10, 1899; Helen M.. born
March 14, 1901 ; George Wendell, born March 2, 1903; Leonard -M., born May
4, ifp6; and Harold Graht, born,^fay 3, 191 1.

In politics Mr. Pearce is independent and therefore is not affiliated with any
of the political organizations. He has served two terms very acceptably as mem-
ber of the school board, and the confidence of his friends and neighbors is in-
dicated by his election as justice of the peace, which office he now holds. He
is not connected with any religious denomination, but his wife is a member of
the Congregational church. He has had wide experience in life and. being a
man of good powers of observation and reflection, he learned many useful lessons
which he has been able to apply practically. He ranks today as one of the best
and most popular citizens of Washington township.

WJLI.IA.M PROSSER.

.\t the venerable age of eighty-nine years, William Prosser, of Washington
township, is living in honorable retirement upon his farm. He is one of the
most interesting pioneers to be met with in the state of Iowa. His eyes first
rested on Poweshiek county in 1848— sixty-three years ago — when there were
comparatively few settlers in the county and the great west was largely a wilder-

AVII.I.IAM I'ltOSSI'.K

MKS. wu.i.iA.M ri;(issi;i;

THE NEVv ; u \K

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LSNOX *r<D
TILOEN FOUNOATIONS.

HISTORY ()!• POWESHIEK COUNTY 2:il

ness untrodden by white men. He participated in the gold excitement and
joined "the tens of thousand.-- that braved the hardships of the deserts and
niomitains. and the greater danger from attacks of hostile Indians, and for
several years on the I'acihc coast he witnessed the memorable scenes coin-
cident with the establishment of the early mining camps. Returning to Iowa,
he established his home in Poweshiek county, and today is the owner of one
of the valuable farms in the county.

He is a native of Richland county. Ohio, and was born November 25, 1821,
a son of William and Catherine ( Uempsey ) Prosser. both of whom were born
in Pennsylvania. The father removed with the family to Brown county, In-
diana, and engaged in farming, and later continued in the same occupation in
.Morgan county. Illinois. In the spring of 1848 he arrived with his family in
Poweshiek county, where he and, his wife spent the remaining years of their
lives. They were both members of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr.
Prosser adhered to the democratic party. He was a patriotic man and served
as a private in the war of 1812, enlisting from Pennsylvania. Of the seven
children reared at the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Prosser, William, of this re-
view, is the onl\' survivor. The others were Polly, Margaret, Daniel, Isaac,
(ieorge and Rachel.

William Prosser received his preliminary education in the district schools
of Ohio and Indiana. At the age of twenty-one he began working for wages
in Indiana, and continued as a Nv^^'.'^r^er .4n Illinois. In 1848, being then
twenty-seven years of age, he cameqt9>.I^Jweshij5k county and took up govern-
ment land which he later sold. In 1851 he yielded to jhe gold fever excitement
and crossed the plains to Califdrnia^vijvli^^e; .Ite spent four years in quest of
the yellow metal. He met with marfj'-'Sdv'Wtures and_ with many strange char-
acters, who were attracted there from all parts of the world by the lure of
wealth. The dreams of the great majority of the vast throng never became
realized, and thousands of the weary wanderers were buried in unknown graves
on the mountains and in the plains. Mr. Prosser met with a measure of suc-
cess and, in 1855. he returned to Poweshiek county and purchased three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land, upon which he established his homestead. As
the years advanced he lx)ught more land, until he became the owner of eight
hundred and twelve acres, all of which is well improved. He has followed
general farming, also raising and feeding stock upon an extensive scale. He
now lives at ease, the labors of the farm having been given over to younger
shoidders.

On the i6th of .\pril. 1858, Mr. Prosser was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Jenkins, who was born June 3. 1832, in West Virginia and is a
daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Stafford) Jenkins. The parents were both
born in West Virginia and the family removed to Madison, Indiana, where
the father died .April 30. 1837. Later the mother took up her residence in
Poweshiek county. Iowa, where she died December 16, 1875. Both she and
her Inisband were members of the Methodist church.

Politically Mr. Prosser affiliates with the democratic party. He has, how-
ever, devoted his attention to business rather than to politics, and his beauti-
ful farm is evidence of his judgment and enterprise. He is one of the honored

222 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

survivors of the white race that opened the way for the millions that now
occupy the fertile lands of the west and have made them blossom as a garden.
The work of the venerable pioneer is now accomplished and he is in the
enjoyment of the peace and plenty that rightfully belong to those who, in the
heat of the day and the midst of the battle, attempted to perform their duty.

ALBERT W. READ.

Almost a half century has come and gone since the arrival of Albert W.
Read in Iowa, and with the passing years he has witnessed the development of
one of the finest agricultural districts in the country.

A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Clearfield county on the 9th of
September, 1857, a son of Thomas and Jane (Irwin) Read, who were natives
of Ireland and Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father, a
farmer by occupation, came west in 1866, locating on a farm in Madison town-
ship, Poweshiek county, upon which his son now makes his home. His pur-
chase consisted of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 16, and here
he continued to reside, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until his death, which
occurred on the 31st of October, 1908. He survived his wife for about seven
years, her death occurring April 11, 1901.

Reared in the Keystone state Albert W. Read accompanied his parents on
their westward trip in 1866, and assisted his father in the work of the home
farm in Madison township until he was fifteen years of age, when he started
out on his own account, working at farm labor by the month until he reached
man's estate. When he had attained his twenty-second year he rented a farm
in Madison township which he operated for five years, and then rented a farm
in Tama county, Iowa, for two years, although he still retained his residence in
Madison township, Poweshiek county. At the end of that period he returned
to the homestead farm and here cared for his parents until their demise.

He then purchased the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which
he has since added forty acres, making it today an excellent place of two him-
dred acres. The place contains no waste land but is all under a high state of
cultivation and is a well developed tract. It contains a fine orchard of one
acre, and is well watered and well tiled throughout. Mr. Read has recently
greatly enhanced the value of the property by installing an up-to-date acetylene
lighting svstem, operated by electricity generated by storage batteries, there
being only three such plants in Madison township. He has remodeled his dwell-
ing, adding all of the modern conveniences of a city home, making it one of the
well improved and attractive homes of the district. He engages extensively in
the raising of grain, cattle and hogs, which he sells to shippers direct, and .the
high grade of his grain and stock makes it possible for him to realize excellent
returns. He is practical and progressive in the management of his aflfairs and
his well directed efforts are meeting with substantial and merited success.

On the i6th of December, 1903, Mr. Read was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Leach, a daughter of Jonathan and Liza Jane (Lawn) Leach, natives

HISTORY UI< I'OVVKSIIII-.K COUXTY 223

of Virginia and Pickaway county, Ohio, resiJectively. The mother passed away
at the age of twenty-nine years, but the father still survives and is now en-
gaged in business at Harrisburg, Franklin county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Read has been born one daughter, Ruth Naomi, whose birth occurred on the
28th of March, 1908, and who is the life and light of the household.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work
of which they are greatly interested, and both are held in the highest esteem in
the community in which they reside. Mr. Read gives his political support to
the democracy, and is now serving as township trustee of Madison township,
having been elected to that office in the fall of 1910 for a term of two years.
He has now made his home in this county for almost a half century and his
life, ever upright and honorable, has gained for him the warm esteem and un-
qualified confidence of those with whom business or social relations have brought
him in contact.

WILLIAM W. CUMMINGS.

Among the citizens of Union township who have contributed toward the de-
velopment of the agricultural interests of Poweshiek county is William W.
Cummings, who was born in the township where he now resides on the 17th of
l'"ebruary. 1858. His parents were Alexander and Jane ( Duffus ) Cummings,
natives of Scotland, from which country they emigrated to the United States,
locating in Ohio. Later they removed to Iowa, settling upon a farm in the
vicinity of Ewart, in Pleasant township. The father, who was a stone-mason
by trade, engaged in the cultivation of his homestead until he passed away.
Both parents were members of the Presbyterian church, and his political sup-
port was accorded the republican party. They were the parents of six children,
the order of their birth being as follows : Margaret, the widow of Moses Jacob,
of Ewart; James A., who is a resident of Malcom ; Ellen D., the wife of James
Donnan, of Ewart; William W., our subject; George W., also a resident of
Ewart ; and John L.. deceased.

After the completion of his education which was acquired in the common
schools of Poweshiek county, William W. Cummings laid aside his text-books
and gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in
the cultivation of the homestead. He remained a member of the parental house-
hold until he was twenty-two years of age, following which he rented some
land, which he operated for three years. Subsequently he went to Ewart, where
he engaged in the mercantile and stock business for several years. In 1898 he
purchased his present homestead, containing four hundred and fifty-two acres
within the corporate limits of Montezuma. Here he is engaging in the breed-
ing and raising of stock in addition to the cultivation of his fields.

Mr. Cummings was married on the 17th of February, 1881, to Miss Ella J.
Donnan, a daughter of James and Nancy (Hamilton) Donnan, of Ewart. Her
parents were natives of Belfast, Ireland, coming from there to the United States
and locating in Rock Island, Illinois, where the father engaged in agricultural

224 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY

pursuits. Subse(|uently they came to Rwart, Iowa, again settling on a farm,
and here the father passed away on the 31st of .\ugust, 1871, but the mother
survived until the 20th of October. 1891. Six children were born to them as
follows: Susanna, the wife of \\'. A. McGonigan, of Chicago: James, who is
a resident of Ewart. Iowa: Ella J., now Mrs. Cummings. who was born in Rock
Island on the loth of March, 1857: Mary A., the wife of William McCormick,
of Ewart: Elizabeth N., who is at home: and Sarah, the wife of Andrew Mc-
Cormick, also of Ewart. The family affiliated with the Presbyterian church,
of which the parents were active and earnest members, Mr. Donnan having
been both an elder and trustee. His political support he always gave to the
democratic party and he served his district in the capacity of school director.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cummings were born five daughters and three sons in the
following order: Charles G., who is a resident of ^Montezuma: James A.; Mae
Agnes: Pearl Elizabeth: Sarah Jane: William J.: Florence S. : and Margaret,
all of whom are at home. P>oth Mr. and Airs. Cummings hold membership in
the Presbyterian church, and fraternally he is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His political support he gives to the men and measures
of the republican party. He is one of the representative citizens of L'nion town-
ship, where he and his family are held in high regard.

WILLIAM NEMLLE.

Left at an early age to the mercy of strangers through the death of both par-
ents, and handicapped by the loss of one hand, William Neville has nevertheless
become one of the representative agriculturists of Malcom township and one of
the substantial men of Poweshiek county.

He was born in New York city on the 15th of Novemi)er, 1861, a son of F"rank
and Elizabeth (Barrett) Neville, both natives of England. They were reared in
their native country and were there married, and ere leaving for this country be-
came the parents of one son. Upon their arrival in the United States they located
in New York, and Mr. Neville passed away in Brooklyn from the effects of small-
po.x when William Neville was but four years of age. .\t the time of the father's
death the widowed mother also lost two children from the same disease, and was
left with four small children. Her death occurred when her son, William, was
eleven years old. He was the second in order of birth in a family of six chil-
dren, as follows : Frank, who died in youth from smallpox : \\'illiam : Albert, who
until recently resided in Poweshiek county, but now makes his home in X'irginia :
Martha, the wife of J. C. Clemmens. of Tacoma, Washington: Nellie, who passed
away at the time of her father's death : and Sarah, whose whereabouts are un-
known.

.\fter the mother's demise the children were taken by the Children's Aid So-
ciety of the Episcopal church of Brooklyn, and in June, 1873, William Neville and
his younger brother, Albert, were brought to Poweshiek county at first being
located at Brooklyn. Later they went to Grinnell and subsequently went to live
with C. H. Verbeck, who was residing on a farm near Grinnell, in Malcom town-

HISTORY OF POWESUIKK COL'NTY 22B

shiji. Not long afterward tliey sent for their sister, Martha, and slie, too, was
reared in this county. Wilham Xeville remained in the home of Mr. Verbeck
until twenty years of age, when, in iS8i, lie look up agriculture on his own ac-
count, cultivating a rented farm for three years. He was then married, after
which he ojierated Mr. X'erbeck's farm on shares for several years, being thus
engaged until i8(>S, when his carefully saved earnings made it possible for him
to invest in i)ro])erty of his own. Me accordingly purchased his present farm of
two hundred and ten acres, located on section ro, Malcoin township, while he
later invested in another tract of eighty acres on section 29. The home place is a
highly im]jri)vt'(l pri)|)erty which, in its neat appearance, indicates progressive and
[practical methods on the part of its owner. He is an extensive stock-raiser,
breeding on an average of one hundred head of cattle jier year, wdiile in igio he
shipped one hundred and fifty head to the Chicago market. He likewise raises
and ships a large number of hogs and the high grade of his stock commands for
him reach- sale and excellent prices. 1 le has been eminently successful in his
agricultural enterprise and as he has prospered he has assumed other interests,
being now known in the financial circles of this community as a stockholder in
the Mutual Home & Loan Bank of Grinnell, and also of the Malcom Savings
Bank.

On the iSth of February, i8go, Mr. Xeville was united in marriage to Miss
Cora Nutting, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, a daughter of D. W. and
Helen Nutting, the former now deceased and the latter a resiflent of Grinnell.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Neville have been born four children, as follows: Ina, Martha.
Rex and Orville.

Mr. Neville has excv supportecl the democratic party and on that ticket was
elected to the office of trustee of Malcom township. He also served as director-
at-large of the school board, and is public-spirited in citizenship, lending his in-
fluence and cooperation to all measures and movements for the betterment and
improvement of the community. Few residents of Poweshiek county more rightly
'leserve the proud .\merican title of a self-made man, for through difficulties and
obstacles he has forged his way upward, allowing nothing to bar his path that
might be overcome by persistent, earnest effort, and today he stands among the
most prominent, progressive and substantial business men of the county.

WILLIAM H. FISHER.

Among the wide-awake and progressive farmers of Poweshiek county should
be named William H. I-'isher, whose beautiful place of three hundred and twenty
acres in Jefferson township presents abundant evidence of his interest in his
calling and his ability as an agriculturist and stock-raiser.

He was born in the township where he now lives December 19, 1878, a son
of Luther and Margaret (Kelly) Fisher. The father was born in Ohio and the
mother in Massachusetts, and both came to Iowa in their childhood. They
were married in Mahaska county, this state, and in 1874 located in Poweshiek

226 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

county, where Mr. Fisher purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres,
which he later increased to four hundred acres, becoming the owner of one of
the best developed properties in his part of the county. He distributed a large
portion of his land among his children and is now living retired at Belle Plaine.
He has adhered to the democratic party ever since he cast his first ballot and has
served as township trustee, township treasurer and also as school director. He
has for years been known as a man of excellent judgment in financial matters and
is a member of the board of directors of the Hartwick Bank.

William H. Fisher, of this review, had the advantage of education in the
common schools, and later attended the high school at Belle Plaine and at Dixon,
Illinois, finally taking a course in the Iowa City Commercial College. He re-
ceived his first lessons in agriculture upon his father's farm and at twenty-one
years of age began farming upon land owned by his father. Three years later,
in March, 1902, he moved to his present location on section 24, Jeiiferson town-
ship, where he has one of the most attractive residences of the township and
also has provided his place with large and well built barns. He raises cattle and
hogs and is usually successful in securing the best prices that are quoted for the
class of stock which he delivers.

On February 5, 1902, Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Nellie Hakeman, a
daughter of George Hakeman, of Sanborn, Iowa. The father is a veteran of the
Civil war and is now living retired, but still owns the old homestead in O'Brien
county, Iowa. Two children, Zada M. and Edev C. have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Fisher.

Mr. Fisher votes in support of the republican party, believing firmly in its
principles as essential to the prosperity of the country. He has served as town-
ship treasurer and trustee, but his business has demanded most of his attention.
anrl the excellent results he has obtained could not have been secured except by
thoughtful attention. He is a representative of the younger element in farming
and is always on the lookout for methods that will produce the best results at
a reasonable cost in time, money and labor. Earnest, energetic and ambitious
of advancement, there is every reason to believe that he will lie known in years
to come as one of the prominent factors of Poweshiek county.

GIDEON W. MERRILL.

liideon W. Merrill, who has reached the sixty-fourth mile-stone in life's
journey, is one of the best known residents of Grinnell. He is a native of Plain-
field, New Hampshire, born April 18, 1847, a son of Philo G. C. and Sophia W.
(Woodward) Merrill, both of whom were born in X'ermonl. The father was
reared as a farmer and in 1851 took u]) his residence at Wilton, New York,
where he remained for a year and a half, coming west to Warren county, Iowa,
in 1853. He conducted a store and gristmill at his new home in this state and
had attained a goodly measure of prosperity at the outbreak of the Civil war.
Ti> him belongs the honor of being the first man from Warren county to enlist
in the LInion army. His name was enrolled as first lieutenant of Company G,

HISTORY OI- I'OWF.SIlll'.K COrNTY 227

riiiril Iowa Regiment. At the hattle of Shiloh he was wounded and captured and
was confinecl for six moiUlis in a Confederate prison at Savannah, Georgia, and
later at Tuskegee and Mijbile, Alabama. He was finally exchangetl and returned
to his company, with which he served until il^'i^, when, on account of ill health
occasioned by the hardshi])s through which he had passed, he was discharged from
the army and returned home. The estimation in which he was held by the people
of Warren county is indicated b\- the fact that he was elected to the state senate
from that county and served in i8f>,^-4. In the spring of 1864 he removed to Pow-
eshielc county and engaged with marked success in farming. He died in 1896 but
his wife is still living upon the old homestead.

Gideon W. Merrill arrived in Iowa with his parents at the age of six years
and has ever since that time been a resident of this state. He attended the com-
mon schools in Warren count\- and later was a student at Iowa College. After
leaving college he devoted his attention to agriculture and stock-raising upon the
home place, where he is now living retired. The original farm upon which his
father located is within the city limits of Grinnell and its value has increased
many fold so that Mr. Merrill enjoys a good income.

In 1897 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary E. Dickerson, of Grinnell, a
daughter of George and Nancy Jackson, the former of whoin was born in New-
York and the latter in Indiana. They came to Iowa and settled in Iowa City in
1853. Mr. Jackson was by trade a carpenter and assisted in building the first
capitol of the state of Iowa.

Mr. Merrill has been a resident of Iowa since 1853 — ^ period of fifty-eight
years — and for forty-seven years he has made his home at Grinnell. He has
seen the country town grow to a thriving modern city and has been one of the
factors by which this great transformation was wrought. As the son of a noble
defender of the republic, he was early taught the duties of citizenship, and he has
ever attempted to discharge his responsibilities fairly and with justice to all con-
cerned. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, as his in-
terests have been concentrated on his business. Fraternally he is a valued mem-
ber of the Masonic lodge at Grinnell.

H. R. BOOKNAU.

( )ne of the finest farms in Poweshiek county is that owned by H. R. Booknau.
It comprises nine hundred and sixty acres and is in many respects a model place,
the barns being strictly modern and all utensils and appliances the best to be
foimd in the market. This large and valuable property Mr. Booknau has ac-
quired through his own exertions and it is, indeed, a monument to his ability
and energ}'.

He is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, born June 22, 1848, a son of George
and Christina (Lynn) Booknau, both of whom were natives of Germany. The
father was born in 1809 and devoted his attention to farming in the old country.
He came to America in 1842. and in 1850 removed with his family from Boston
to Hartford, Wisconsin. He came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1859, and after

228 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COLXTV

spending one year at Montezuma removed to Grinnell. and in 1864 purchased a
farm in Chester township. He apphed himself with such (hhgence that in a few
years he owned four hundred acres, but in 1870 met with financial reverses from
which he did not recover. He died in 1890, his wife having passed away at Hart-
ford. Wisconsin, forty years previously. There were five children in the family
— four boys and one girl, the subject of this review being the fourth in order
of birth.

Educated in the common schools and in an academy at (irinnell. H. R. Booknau
early became ac(|uainted with farm work under liis father, and ever since his
boyhood has devoted his attention to agriculture and stock-raising. The financial
reverses of his father he regards, not as a misfortune, but rather as a blessing to
himself. He went to work on his own account and thus developed the strength
of character and clearness of judgment which carried him through many diffi-
culties and finally made him financially independent. He jJurchased his first
land in 1880, the cost being thirty-six dollars an acre, and in 1881 he acquired
more land, being today one of the important landholders of the county. He makes
a specialty of raising and feeding Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle, mar-
keting as many as three hundred cattle in a year. He is a large feeder, and as
he is a good judge of livestock and understands his busmess thoroughly he
usually receives the best prices quoted for his class of stock in the market.

In politics Mr. Booknau supports the republican party, and religiously he is
connected with the Congregational church at Grinnell. He is a bachelor, his
widowed sister, who has four children, keeping house for him. He has witnessed
many changes in Poweshiek county, one of which is the advance in the price of
land. He remembers when land sold at three dollars per acre and the same land
now commands three hundred dollars per acre. He has also noted the remark-
able improvements in farm methods, all branches of agriculture and stock-rais-
ing having been revolutionized since the early days of farming in this county. He
is fond of building anchor posts, and has one two feet in diameter, which extends
seven feet in the ground and six feet above, tapering to eighteen inches at the top.
It is reinforced by steel wire and weighs seventy-five hundred pounds, and yet it
is a cheap post, as it only cost sixteen dollars. This is believed to be the most
remarkable anchor post in the county,. if not in the state. He is a man of good
education, a constant reader, a clear and logical thinker, and his advice is often
sought by neighbors and friends, who seldom make a mistake if they follow the
line he suggests.

101 IX INERSON.

Among the X'orwegian Americans of Poweshiek county John Iverson is
prominent, being the owner of a beautiful farm which he acquired through
his energy and ability as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. He was born at
Stavanger. Norway, May 20. 1862, and is a son of Iver and Bertha ( Johanson )
Iverson, both of whom were born in Norway and spent their entire lives in their
native country.

JOHN IVDUSON AMI FAMILY

THE NEV

PUBLIC LIB..,^V

ASTOR, LSNCa
TILOEN FOUNts

HISTORY OF rOWESIllEK COl-XTY 231

John Iverson received a common-school education and at seventeen years of
age began work on a fishing boat. However, he was not satisfied with the outlook
in his native land, where wages were low and opportunities for advancement
were limited. Accordingly, on May 12, 1882, he landed in .\merica and soon
came to Brooklyn, Iowa, finding employment as a farm laborer. He continueil
to work for wages for four years and tiien, in 1886. rented a farm in Sheridan
townslii]). I'our years later he purchased land at his present location on section
34, Chester township, and is now the owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred
and forty acres, which he has supplied with substantial buildings and all mo<l-
ern conveniences. His residence stands back about one hundred yards from the
road in an attractive location, an evergreen hedge bordering the front of the
premises and a roadway winding through a nicely shaded lawn to the house.
It is one of the beautiful sights of the neighborhood and the appearance of the
farm indicates a high degree of prosperity.

On the 14th of February, i8yi, Air. Iverson was united in marriage, at the
Lutheran church in Sheridan, to Miss Letta Severson, a daughter of Severt
Severson, a farmer of Norway. She came to America with an uncle but her
parents never made the trip to this country. One child, Elmer .S., has blessed
this union.

.Mr. Iverson is a man of fine tastes, as is sho\v,n..by the appearance of his
place and the care he takes in keeping' Jpv.ery^^ing io'Ofd^r about him. He believes
that everything should be well don^-that, is' \vbrtl£'.d6ing at all and accordingly
he puts his best efforts into his work." He is a consistent advocate of education
and was instrumental in establishir^ a ^p;liQOJ^ im.Cfhtstei; township, of which he
has just cause to be proud. ReligipusAy^he ^adheres. , to .ihe Lutlieran church, in
which he was reared as a boy, an9"Tn politics he votes in support of the re-
publican party. He has not been a seeker for public office but has served as
road supervisor of his township. His principal interests are centered in his fam-
ily 'and his farm, and it is the general opinion of his friends that lie is one of the
model farmers of the countv.

DR. U. Al. HIBBETS.

Dr. U. M. Hibbets, the subject of this sketch, located in Grinnell for the
practice of osteopathy in Ajiril, 1898, and has enjoyed a large practice from the
beginning. He was born in Lebanon, Missouri, March 6, 1870, but his parents
moved to \\'ayne county, Iowa, two years later and then back to .\dair county,
Missouri, when he was seven years of age. He grew to manhood on the farm.
Dr. Hibbets attended the public schools of his county in acquiring his educa-
tion, and in the spring of 1896 he matriculated in the .American School of Os-
teopathy, from which institution he graduated in 1898 and came immediately to
Iowa and oj^ened offices in Grinnell and Brooklyn, coming at once into a very
active and lucrative practice. In 1900 he gave up his Brooklyn j^ractice to Dr.
George W. Graham and then confined his practice to Grinnell alone, havmg one
of the largest practices in the county.

232 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Dr. Hibbets has twice served his profession as president of the Iowa Osteo-
pathic Association, and being one of the oldest practitioners of his school in
the state is frequently called in consultation with other physicians of his
school.

Dr. Hibbets has been married twice. In 1889 he wedded Alaud L. Gill, of
Kirksville, Missouri, by whom he had two children : Charles Andrew, who was
born in 1898, and lived but a little more than four years; and George Kenneth,
who was born in 1900 and is now a bright lad of eleven years. The wife and
mother passed away in June, 1902, and in October. 1904, Dr. Hibbets was mar-
ried to Ida B. Gordon, of Montezuma, Iowa.

Dr. Hibbets is identified with many enterprises in Grmnell and is always
among those willing to do their part in advancing Grinnell and Poweshiek
county. He is a member of the Methodist church, the ?^Iasonic lodge, the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and in both pro-
fessional and business circles he is recognized as a success, being widely known
as a leading and representative citizen of Grinnell.

WILLIAM HALL.

A well developed and highly ini[irovetl farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Pleasant township is the property of William Hall, who has spent his entire
life in Poweshiek county. He was born on a farm three miles west of Monte-
zuma, September 9, 1849, a son of Joseph and Nancy (Wright) Hall, the former
born in Butler county, Ohio, and the latter in Pennsylvania, in November, 1810.
They were married in Indiana, and from there made their way to Jefferson
county, Iowa, in a prairie schooner about 1845. After one year spent in that
locality, they came in 1846 to Poweshiek county. It was two years before the
land on which they settled was placed on the market but when the time arrived
the father entered one hundred and sixty acres and there made a home on the
western frontier for himself and family. The place continued to be their home
until 1885, when they crossed the line into Iowa county but after two or three
years they located in New Sharon, Iowa, where the mother died in January,
1893, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The father
afterward made his home in Grinnell and there departed this life when he had
reached the age of eighty years. Their family numbered ten children, three of
whom died in infancy. Those who reached mature years were : Juliann, the
widow of Henry Sharp, of Ollie, Iowa; Nancy, the wife of Jackson Gregson,
of South Dakota; Mrs. Sarah Faircloth, deceased; Susan, the widow of John
Bradbury, a resident of Des Moines; William, of this review; Joseph, deceased;
and Hannah, the wife of Scott McCready, a resident of South Dakota.

William Hall has spent his entire life in Poweshiek county and has made
farming his life work. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of
rich and valuable land, situated on section 23, Pleasant township. He gives
mucli of his time to general farming but makes a specialty of small fruits and
his knowledge of horticulture has brought him success in this venture.

HISTORY OF POWF.SIITF.K COrXTV 233

Mr. Hall was married October 20, 1867. to Miss Mary A. McCoy, who was
born in New lUitTalo, I'.errien county. Michigan, February 29, 1848. a daughter
of .\ndrew and Flizabeth I Metz) McCoy. The parents were both natives of
Ohio, the father born in Highland county, June 20, 1817, and the latter in Chaiu-
paign couutv, December 20. i8n). They came to Poweshiek county in 181)3 trmn
Valparaiso, Indiana, and both died on the farm which is now the home of our
subject, the father on the 17th of April, 1883, and the mother on the i6th of
September, 1906 He was a prosperous farmer of this county for many years
and a man highly respected by all who knew him. The marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. McCoy was celebrated on the 20th of April, 1846, and their union was
blessed with three children but the eldest died in infancy, while the youngest,
Hadden D., died June 18, 1883, leaving Mrs. Hall as the only survivor.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born nine children: Nancy L., a resi-
dent of Des Moines ; Rosa May, who died at the age of three years and ten
months ; Martha A., the wife of Henry Schneekloth, of Montezuma ; Emma G.,
who died at the age of twenty months; Sarah L., the wife of Ed Palmer, of
\'alley Junction ; Ethel Z., who died at the age of ten years ; one who died in
infancy; Frank, a resident of Jackson township; and Lila F., who is with her
jjarents.

In his political views and affiliations Mr. Hall is a democrat, while his fra-
ternal relations connect him with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He and
his estimable wife are well known in their home locality and his reputation for
fair and honorable dealing is surpassed by no man in the community.

ANDREW A. FOSTER.

In whatever line of business he has been engaged Andrew A. Foster, of
Grinnell, has through his shrewdness, sagacity and clear judgment produced
substantial financial returns. He is known not only as one of the most suc-
cessful business men of Grinnell, but also as one of its most public-spirited cit-
izens — one who is at all times ready to assist in forwarding any movement that
aims to promote the general welfare.

He is a native of Scott county, Iowa, born May 11, 1851, and is a son of
William and Margaret (Alcorn) Foster, both of whom were born in the north
of Ireland. They came to the United States as children with their parents
and both families located near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where the children
were reared. Some time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Foster came to
Iowa, landing at Davenport, March 26, 1851. They located on a farm near the
city and there the father died from cholera four years later, leaving a widow and
nine children. Mrs. Foster continued upon the farm until 1869, when she
came to Grinnell with her son Andrew and two other members of the family.
She made her home with her son until her death, which occurred December 13,
1007, when she was ninety-two years of age.

.Andrew A. Foster was reared under a mother's loving care and attended
the public schools, also possessing the advantage of two terms at Iowa College.

234 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

He began in business life by renting land in Jasper county just across the line
from Poweshiek county, which he cultivated for eight years, and then pur-
chased eighty acres in Grinnell township. In February. 1877. he tiiok up his
residence in Grinnell and engaged in the harilware and implement business,
also being an extensive buyer and seller of stock and a slock- feeder. He was
connected with the implement and hardware business for twenty-six years and
during that time dealt largely in Iowa farm lands, of which he is an excellent
judge. He now owns four hundred and ten acres of good land, a part of which
is in Grinnell township anil the remainder in Marshall comity He is now
devoting his attention principally to farming.

On the 22(1 of December. 1880, Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss
Fannie E. Houghton, a daughter of William Houghton, a in-ominent farmer of
Grinnell township. He and his wife are earnest members of the Congrega-
tional church, in which he has served as trustee for many \ears. Politically
he gives his support to the republican party and for se\eral years past has been
a member of the citv council. He is connected with the Commercial Club
and his opinions as to the best means to encourage the development of the city
alwavs find ready acceptance. He has been interested in many business en-
terprises in which he has demonstrated a rare judgment, and it is doubtful
whether his superior in deciding such (piestions is to be found in this part of the
state.

JAMES W. CUXXIXGH.XM.

lames W. Cunningham, who is now living retired on his farm on section 14.
Jefiferson township. Poweshiek county, Iowa, and is one of the highly respected
citizens of the county, was born in Jefiferson township December 19. 1869. He
is a son of James R. and Elizabeth M. (Noble) Cunningham, the former of
whom was born in Indiana and the latter in Illinois. The father was taken by
his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, when he was four years of age and grew
to manhood in that county. After attaining his majority he worked in a pack-
ing house in ]\Iercer county but, having decided to devote his attention to farm-
ing, he came to Poweshiek county in 1862 and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres, which he improved and developed into an attractive homestead. He died
at lielle Plaine May 6, 1899. He was a consistent member of the Methodist
church of Walnut Creek, and served as trustee of the township and also as mem-
ber of the school board. In politics he gave his support to the republican party.

James W. Cunningham, of this review, received his preliminary education in
the district schools and devoted his attention to farm work, expecting later to
become a student in college. Owing to financial reverses of the family he was
obliged to give up his college education and he continued upon the home farm
until he was twenty-two years of age. He then began working on his own
account and, in 1901, moved to the farm on section 14 where he now lives. The
place consists of one hundred and fifty acres and is in an excellent state of culti-
vation. For a number of years Mr. Cunningham devoted his energies principally
to raising shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and was very successful along

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 235

this line, as he is a good judge of animals and also understands thoroughly how to
liandlc tlicni and prepare them for the market. Owing to ill health he is now
renting his farm and is not engaged in any active work.

On the 23d of November, 1898, Mr. Cunningham was married, in this county,
to -Margaret Dixon, a daughter of Thomas and Jennie (Mc.Arthur) Dixon. The
lather wa> horn in England and the mother in New York state. He took up his
oidence in \ irginia after coming to this country, but later settled in Poweshiek
unty on the location now occupied by the subject of this review. He is at
present engaged in the stock business at lielle Plaine. Two children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, one of whom died in infancy. The other, \'era
E.. is now attending the district school.

Mr. Cunningham casts his ballot in support of the republican party, believ-
ing that its principles are important in promoting the best interests of the country.
He has never nought public office, but at all times has aimed to discharge the
duties of an intelligent and progressive .American citizen. He applied himself
faithfullv to his vocation as a farmer and now enjoys a competency which is the
result of many years of well directed laljor. He is a man of acknowledged high
character and sound judgment and one who has ever been a credit to his county
and his state.

D.\NIEL WEBSTER BRAINARD.

A noticeable factor in the experience of long established families of the east-
ern states has been the departure of the younger members for more promising
fields in the great and growing west. Iowa has profited very largely by the
arrival of stalwart young men, who generally remain in this state after once
gaining a knowledge by personal investigation as to its marvelous agricultural
resources. In the number may be named Daniel Webster Brainard, who en-
gaged in farming in Poweshiek county and for twenty-seven years has been
a resident of Grinnell.

He is a native of New \"iirk state, basing l)een liorn in W)oming county in
August, 1837, and is a son of Edmond and Alzina (Howe) Brainard, the former
of whom was born at Rome. New York, and the latter at Springfield, Massa-
chusetts. On the paternal >ide the family has been traced back seven genera-
tions to East Haddam, Connecticut, where one of the early progenitors, Daniel
r.rainerd, was buried. On the maternal side the ancestry has been traced to
Lord Howe, a prominent general of the British forces at the time of the Revolu-
tionary war. Edmond Brainard. the father, was a well known and highly re-
spected farmer and spent his entire life in New York state. Politically he gave
his support to the whig party, and later to the republican party. Of a /fear-
less and independent disposition, he did not hesitate to make up his mind on
anv subject and to act in accordance with his own convictions without seeking
the advice of others. He was married to .\lzina A. Howe in 1831, and the
celebration of their golden wedding at the old farm homestead in New York.

236 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

in 1881, was one of the memorable events of that section, the beloved wife be-
ing called away the year following. The death of Air. Brainard occurred in 1886.

Daniel W. Brainard attended the common schools of Wyoming county and
later became a student of an academy at Alexander, New York, acquiring the
foundation of an education which he has largely broadened through reading and
contact with the world. After leaving school he became a teacher and engaged
in this vocation at fourteen dollars a month and board, following this occupa-
tion during the winter seasons until 1868. In the spring of year named he
came west and settled on a farm in Alalconi township, Poweshiek county, where
he followed agriculture and stock-raising with a goodly measure of success for
sixteen years. In 1884 he moved to Griimell and has since lived in this city, be-
ing now engaged in the real-estate and insurance business.

On January i, 1S63, Mr. Brainard was married to Miss Susie M. Kingdon,
a member of a well known family of Stafford, Genesee county. New York, and
a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Kingdon. Mr. Brainard cast his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860 and during all the years that have
since passed he has faithfully adhered to the republican party. He is a valued
member of Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and Lodge No. 358, I. O. O. F., both
of Grinnell. In religious belief he is a confirmed Spiritualist and is fully per^
suaded that communication has been opened with disembodied spirits that once
inhabited this world. He is a thoughtful man, of wide observation, and one
who is entirely fearless in expressing his views after making up his mind as to
what he considers to be right anti true. Ever sincere, straightforward and
generous-hearted, he is greatly esteemed by all who know him in Grinnell and
Poweshiek county.

HENRY LUTTiMAN, Sr.

Industry, thrift and perseverance have been marked characteristics in the
life of Henry Luttman, Sr., who is the owner of a valuable farm in Chester
township, which yields generous returns for the labor expended upon it. He
sought in the new world to establish a home for himself and family and his
early hopes have been more than realized, he being today one of the most pros-
perous men in Chester township. He is now practically living retired, while
his sons manage the farm.

He was born in Hanover, Germany, November 7, 1842, and is a son of Louis
and Lizzie Luttman, who passed their entire lives in the old country. In his
boyhood days he became familiar with farming and was required to make him-
self useful from an early age about the house. He received his education in
the public schools and continued to work as a farmer in his native land until
he reached the age of twenty-four years. Ambitious and highly desirous of
advancing as rapidly as possible toward a state of independence, he crossed the
ocean in 1866 and found employment in a factory at Cincinnati, Ohio, later
working in a stone quarry. In 1890 he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and
after spending two years in Sheridan township located in Chester township.

HISTORY Ol' I'OWKSIITEK COUNTY 237

I le has pros])ere(l greatly in his labors and is the owner of five hundred and
sixty acres of land, which he has developed into one of the most attractive farms
in the townshi]). He has devoted his attention to general farming and the feed-
ing of stock for the market and each year has shown an increase in his prosperity.

In December, 1868, in Ohio, Mr. Luttman was married to Miss Minnie
Hadler, a daughter of William Hadler, of Hanover, Germany, and three chil-
dren came to brighten their home, namely: Louis, a resident of Chester town-
ship, wdio married Annie Siehl and has two children ; Sophia, who married Otto
Schultz, a farmer of Sheridan township, and has five children; and Henry, Jr.,
with whom the father is now living upon the home farm, who married Clara
ITink, a daughter of Henry Hink, Sr., and has four children.

Like thousands of his countrymen, Mr. Luttman early left home and friends
in order to better his conditions in a foreign land. He applied himself with
great determination and by practicing self-denial in his earlier years he saved
money which enabled him to become a landowner in one of the most favored
sections of Iowa. His life has been a success and his example of patient per-
severance has encouraged others to follow in his footsteps, thus attaining a
measure of prosperity. In politics he supports the republican party and in relig-
ious belief he is in hearty accord with the German Lutheran church, being a
member of the church of Malcom.

D. T. GORSUCH.

D. T. Gorsuch, now serving as treasurer of Jackson township and success-
fully engaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Jackson county, Kansas, near
the city of Circleville, on the 26th of December, 1858, a son of Thomas B. and
Margaret Ann (Murrow) Gorsuch. The father came to Iowa with his parents
in 1844, the family locating in Mahaska county, and later he removed to Jackson
county. Kansas, where he resided for about three years. In i860 he came to
Poweshiek county and here passed away December 30, 1884, at the age of fifty-
four years. He was a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire life to agri-
cultural pursuits, and at the time of his death was the owner of valuable prop-
erty amounting to three hundred and thirty acres. His wife also passed away
in this county in February, 1910, at the age of seventy years. In their family
were nine children, as follows: Martha Ellen, the wife of H. L. Jones, of Monte-
zuma; David, who passed away in infancy; John J., of Jackson township; D. T.,
of this review ; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of O. J. Butler, of Montezuma; Rebecca
Emeline, who married W. A. Wells, of Pleasant township; Laura D., of Monte-
zuma ; Charles W., of Scott township ; and \'erna Edith, also a resident of
Montezuma.

\Mien only two years of age D. T. Gorsuch was brought to Poweshiek county
and since that time has made this locality his home. He attended the country
schools in the acquirement of his education and early in life was given a part
in the work of the fields, so that his practical training in no way was neglected.
He remained under the parental roof until about the year 1882, when he en-
tered independently into agricultural pursuits in connection with his brother.

23H HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

lolm |. Gorsuch, with whom he engaged in general farming under the name of
Gorsuch Brothers for nineteen years. Their start in business was made on
rented land, but it was not long before their enterprise and perseverance made
it possible for them to invest in property of their own, and they became the own-
ers of six hundred acres of valuable land. Upon severing their relations they
divided their property and D. T. Gorsuch has now a tract of two hundred and
forty acres, located in section ii, Jackson township. Under his careful direc-
tion and wise management it has become a highly developed farm, containing
two good sets of buildings, neat fences, well kept orchards and equipped with all
conveniences and accessories for the conduct of a successful farming enterprise.
In 1902 he erected his present home, a fine ten-room modern dwelling, while
the other residence, which is occupied by his son-in-law. w-as built in 1907. The
excellent condition of the place is due entirely to the efforts of Mr. Gorsuch,
and is generally considered an exceptionally well improved property. The soil
is rich and fertile, well adapted to various crops and is particularly excellent
for pasture land, enabling the owner to engage in stock-raising in addition to the
cultivation of the fields. The success which has attended his efforts has kept
pace with the general prosperity of a community located in one of the best
agricultural districts of the entire country.

It was in March, 1883, that Mr. Gorsuch was united in marriage to Miss
?arah E. Webber, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1863 and came to Iowa with
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. .A. Webber, of Montezuma. By her marriage she
became the mother of three children, namely: Ethel Bernice, now the wife of
William E. ^IcKee, residing on a portion of her father's farm ; Blanche Edith,
a senior at the State University of Iowa ; and Maude E., who resides with her
])arents and is engaged in teaching in the home school.

Mr, (n)rsuch belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Montezuma and
m p(ilitic> gives stalwart su])port to the democratic party. He has held various
schiiol and road offices and for the past ten years has served as township treasurer,
his long retention in that office being indicative of the confidence and trust re-
posed in him bv his fellow citizens. Fortunate in possessing ability and char-
acter that inspire confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has
Ijniught him into ])ositions of responsibility and he ranks high among the well
kr.own and valued citizens of Jackson township. His record has ever been in
harniiiny with that of an honored veteran father who, as a soldier of Company
B, Fortieth Iowa X'olr.nteer Infantry, serxed for three years at the front to
protect the interests of the nation.

JUDGE W. k. LEWIS.

With the work of framing as well as interpreting the laws of Iowa Judge
W. R. Lewis has been closely associated, serving at different times as a member
of the u]oper house of tlje state legislature and as judge of the circuit and district
courts. .Aside from this he has won a wid.e and enviable reputation as a learned
lawyer, seldom, if cxer, at faidt in the application of a legal principle. For more

W. K. I.KWIS

PUSLIC LlBi

oTOR, LENOX AND
jcN FOONOXTIONS.

HISTORY OF" I'OWESIIIEK COUNTY 241

than a half century he has been a resident of Poweshiek county, having come here
in the days of his early manhood, his birth having occurred near Zanesville, Mus-
kingum county, Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1835. He was, therefore, about
twenty-two years of age when he arrived in Poweshiek county and nine years
later was admitted to the bar.

He comes of Welsh and German ancestry. His father, John M. Lewis, was
born in Muskingum county, Ohio, his natal year being 181 1. He was a son of
.\bel Lewis, who was born near White Sulphur Springs. \'irginia, and was a
college graduate. In the latter part of the eighteenth century he removed to
Ohio and became a government surveyor in Muskingum and Coshocton counties.
He took part in several of the Indian wars and was closely associated with many
of the events which led to the reclamation of Ohio for the purpose of civiliza-
tion. Following his marriage he established his home in Zanesville and there
served as clerk of the court for four years. He was also the author of some
mathematical works. Entering a large tract of land, he became interested in
agricultural pursuits, took up his abode on his farm and spent the residue of his
davs there. For many _\ears he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and his entire life was the e.xemplitication of his Christian belief.

John M. Lewis, the father of Judge Lewis, married Louisa A. Ramey and set-
tled upon a part of the old homestead, five and a half miles from Zanesville. Sub-
sequently he took up his abode at New Castle, Coshocton county, Ohio, and en-
gaged in merchandising as a member of the firm of Thornhill, Berry & Lewis.
The discovery of gold, however, attracted hjm.to California in 1851, the journey
to the coast being made by \vay of tl^e jsthmUS of Panama. He spent two years
in prospecting and mining, in which li'e vVas'^fainl^ successful. He then returned
to New Castle and soon afterward retired from business. He, too, belonged to
the Methodist Episcopal churclT,'iand,,hjs jjolitical allegiance was given to the re-
publican party. His wife was born"iti Muskingum county, a daughter of Sanford
Ramey, a native of X'irginia and of German descent. He became one of the
early settlers of Ohio and his daughter Louisa was born and reared in that state.
I ler death occurred in 1886.

Judge Lewis, the eldest in a family of ten children, spent the first ten years of
his life in his native county and then removed with his parents to Coshocton
county, Ohio. For four or five years he attended school during the winter
months, the remainder of the year being spent in assisting his father in the
store. He was also at intervals engaged in farm work and took up the study
of surveying. He read law in New Castle and while thus engaged followed
the profession of surveying for several years. In 1856 he took the first step
in the removals which brought him eventually to Iowa. In that year he be-
came a resident of Southport, Peoria county, Illinois, where he worked at the
carpenter's trade and also spent a month in farm labor. During the winter
he taught school at Southport and in the spring of 1857 he came to Montezuma,
then a little village of four or five hundred inhabitants. Since that time he
has continuously resided in Poweshiek county and has made for himself a high
and eviable position in the regard of his fellowmen. Through the summer
months he worked at carpentering or at other employment which he could
secure and his evening hours were devoted to the further studv of law. He

242 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

thus soon qualified for admission to the bar but he determined not to seek
admission until he felt that he could give his entire attention to law practice.
He recognized the fact that to do this he must have a certain amount of capital
to tide him over that initial period in the life of every lawyer when he must
spend some time in waiting for clients.

In the fall of 1857 Judge Lewis secured the position of principal of the
public schools and did splendid works as one of the early educators of Poweshiek
county. While active in that capacity he was largely instrumental in organizing
the teachers' institute and he also graded the schools of Montezuma. This
work alone would entitle him to the lasting gratitude of his fellow townsmen.
In 1862 he was elected county superintendent of schools and before the e.xpira-
tion of his term was chosen by popular suffrage for the office of clerk of the
countv and district courts. In the latter position he served acceptably for a term,
after which he resigned to form a partnership with Hon. M. E. Cutts, former mem-
ber of congress, to conduct a milling business, which was carried on success-
fully for a great period, after which he sold out. For a year he occupied the
position of deputy treasurer and for two years as a member of the county
board of supervisors served as its chairman. He has ever regarded a public
office as a public trust and it is well known that no public trust reposed in Judge
Lewis has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. Capable, diligent and
loyal, he won the confidence and good-will of the public through his devotion
to duty in the offices which he was called upon to fill in the earlier years of
his residence here.

At length, feeling that the time was ripe when he might give his attention
to his profession, in 1866 he applied for and secured admission to the bar and
entered upon active practice, being associated for a time with the Hon. D. H.
Emery, while later he became a partner of C. R. Clark. He won success because
he wisely and conscientiously used the talents with which nature endowed him.
An analytical mind enabled him to bring a trend of reasoning to its logical con-
clusion and to accurately apply the principles of law to the points at issue. His
successful handling of cases early in his legal career awakened public confidence
and brought him an increased clientage. In the fall of 1880 he was honored
with election to the circuit court bench for the district embracing Poweshiek.
Jefferson, Washington, Keokuk, Mahaska, Marion and Jasper counties, be-
coming the second circuit judge, his predecessor having been Judge Blanchard.
After filling the position for four years the district was divided and he was
elected judge of the first circuit, which included Jefferson, Washington, Keokuk
and Poweshiek counties. He continued upon that bench until 1886, when,
upon the abolishment of the circuit court, he was made one of the three judges
for the district. There was keen strife for the office and Judge Lewis was
not renominated by his party at the time but in response to the unanimous wish
of his constituents he permitted his name to be used as an independent candirlate
and was elected by a sweeping majority. There was a prevailing belief that his
defeat in the convention was due to unfair means and this contributed to his
success at the polls. He retired from the bench in 1890, after a judicial service
of ten years, and resumed the practice of law in Montezuma. A contemporary
biographer has said of him :

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COl'XTY 243

"He is a man of great legal ability and while on the bench was a warm
friend of the young practitioner. He never permitted a young lawyer to sac-
rifice his client's interest if a word or suggestion from the court could help
him. His decisions were rarely reversed. No district or circuit judge has a
better record in the supreme court than Judge Lewis. So unerring were his
views, especially in equity cases, that the attorneys in his court learned it was
next to useless to appeal as he was nearly always sustained. He was slow in
deciding but his work never had to be done a second time. As special counsel
for the county in the famous cases against the Rowes and against the bondsmen
of the defaulting treasurer he earned new laurels."

Following his retirement from the bench Judge Lewis during the year 1891
acted as general manager for the Hawkeye Electric Manufacturing Company,
with headquarters at Davenport, but in the fall of 1891 again took up his abode
in Montezuma and has since been actively associated with the work of the
courts and at seventy-five years of age has a large and lucrative law practice,
doing as much court work as he ever did in his younger days. In addition he
has proved his worth in the management of commercial interests. He was one
of the organizers of the Montezuma Electric Light & Power Company, superin-
tended the construction of the plant and took up the management of the busi-
ness. He also superintended the erection and installation of the electric light
works at Bloomfield and at Sigourney and assisted in surveying the route for
the Grinnell & Montezuma Railroad. He made and published the first map
of Poweshiek county and at all times has been closely associated with the growth
and progress of the county not alone by reason of his connection with industrial
and commercial afl^airs or with the legal profession but also because he has
been the champion of every project and measure which he deemed of value in
the public life of the community. He was again called to office in the fall of
1897, when he was nominated by acclamation for the state senate at the republi-
can convention of the twelfth senatorial district, comprising Poweshiek and
Keokuk counties. The election showed that he was the popular candidate and
for four years he remained a member of the upper house. He gave careful
consideration to each question which came up for settlement and left the impress
of his individuality and ability upon the laws enacted during that period.

In 1865, in Burlington, \'ermont, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Cutts, a daughter of Edwin Cutts, of Brandon, Vermont, and a sister
of M. E. Cutts, of Oskaloosa. The marriage relation between them was al-
ways of a most ideal character and the deepest grief in the life of Judge Lewis
came to him in the death of his wife on the loth of April, 1893.

Fraternally Judge Lewis is connected with Masonry as a Knight Templar and
belongs also to the Iowa Legion, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
to the Iowa State Bar Association. He has never faltered in his stalwart sup-
port of the republican party and its principles and has served as chairman of the
county central committee. He was a member of the first city council of Monte-
zuma and while important political interests relative to the work of the courts
and to the law-making body of the state have claimed his attention he has never
considered himself above the duties connected with the management of local
interests. .\ lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, he has served as

244 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

elder and trustee and for a number of years was superintendent of the Sunday
school, in which position he continued until his election to the bench. He is
today one of the oldest residents of Montezuma in years of continuous con-
nection with the city, and among the men of Poweshiek county who have
been long in public service the record of none has been more constant in honor,
fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.

LYMAN DUNLAP TUTTLE.

Lyman Dunlap Tuttle is numbered among the well known and prosperous
residents of Madison township whose well directed elTorts of former years now
make it possible for him to live retired, enjoying in merited retirement a goodly
competence. He was bom in Peoria county, Illinois, on the 30th of December
1848. a son of Andrew and Betsey A. ( Dunlap) Tuttle, natives of Oneida
county. New York. The family history in this country can be traced back to
William Tuttle, who came to America in 1635. The father, who was born and
reared in Oneida county, came west to Illinois in the early '40s and there passed
the remaining years of his life, his time and attention being devoted to the oc-
cupation of farming. His death occurred in 1904, but his wife had passed away
when the subject of this sketch was but six years of age, her death occurring
on the old homestead farm in Illinois.

No event of sjiecial importance came to vary the routine of life for Lyman
Dunlap Tuttle during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was spent
on the home place in Peoria county. Illinois. Reared amid the busy activities
of rural life he early mastered the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the
country lad, and he continued to give his father the benefit of his assistance
until he was twenty-two years of age, when he decided to enter the business
world independently.

Consequently, in 1871, he came to Iowa, locating on his jiresent farm on
section 32, Madison township, Poweshiek county. This farm, consisting of one
hundred ami sixtv acres, had been purchased by his father a few years prior
to his arrival here, for six dollars per acre. He at once applied himeslf to the
further develo]iment and improvement of this farm, and it was not long ere
his unfaltering enterprise, close application and ])ractical methods had brought
it under a high state of cultivation. .Xs time passed he labored earnestly, each
year witnessing a substantial advance in the business world until, several years
ago. he was able to withdraw practically from active life, leaving the actual
work of the farm to younger shoulders, while he devoted his attention to the
supervision of his afifairs. His son is now in charge of the operation of the
farm and thev are now conducting a very remunerative enterprise. Aside
from the raising of a considerable amount of grain annually the place is de-
voted also to stock-raising ])urposes, Mr. Tuttle and his son giving their entire
time and attention in this direction to the feeding of hogs. This stock, which is
of a high grade, is largely shipped to the Chicago market direct, although they
deal to some extent with local shippers.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY •->45

I'-re coming to Iowa Mr. I'uUle liad liccn inarriccl, in irivoli, Illinois, on the
iJth of Jannary, 1871, to Miss Jennie A. IJnnttm, a danghter of I lenry Dnnlon,
and rhilena (Conrad) a well known farmer of llnreau ci)unty, Illinois, where
he and his wife both passed away. I'ntd this union were born eleven children,
but one daughter, Minnie May Luella, ])assed away in 1875 at the age of si.\
vears. The surviving members are as follows : John lierl, a ditching foreman
in northern Iowa ; George Orie, a resident farmer of Lockney, Texas, who mar-
ried Clara Miller, of Canton, Illinois, and who jiassed away leaving four children,
I'ansv, (ieorge, Howard and William; Maude, who marrietl Jay Jewell, a
farmer residing on a homestead in Colorado, by whom she has four children,
Allen, \ iola, I'earl and Lucy: Arthur, a foreman in a glove factory at Kewanee,
Illinois, who wedded Miss Jessie Hodge, of that city; Edward W., a tiler and
ditcher of Madison township, who married Miss Mary Willett, of Kewanee,
Illinois, and who now has one daughter, Grace; Bernard Stanley, operating the
homestead farm for his father, who wedded Edna Hiner, a daughter of Jacob
Miner, a farmer of Madison township, one child having been born of this union,
Howard Jacob, aged two years; Bessie, who became the wife of Rudy Doran, a
farmer of Pleasant township, Poweshiek county ; William Harrison, residing at
home and engaged in the tiling and draining business with his brother, Edward ;
Clarence, who is employed as a farm hand in Madison township ; and Orris,
also working at farm labor near Malcom, Iowa. On the 7th of June, igo6, the
mother of this family was called to her final rest, her death occurring on the
old home place in Madison township.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Tuttle the right of franchise he has given stal-
wart support to the republican party and for four years served as township
clerk. He was also census enumerator in 1910, and for several years was a
member of the school board in district Xo. 9, the cause of education finding
in him a friend and champion. Although over sixty years of age Mr. Tuttle
still remains actively interested in the world's work, and no resident of Madison
township has ever proved himself more loyal or public-s|)irited in citizenship.

H. H. HANSSEN.

Among Iowa's native sons who are meeting with substantial and well
merited success along agricultural lines is numbered H. H. Hanssen, who was
horn in Davenport, on the 20th of September, 1869.

He is the son of Peter Jacob and Phoebe Wiebka (Stoldt) Hanssen, natives of
Germany, the father's birth occurring in Meldorf, Holstein, on the 20th of
May, 1840. His parents were Peter and Margaret (Maasen) Hanssen, life-
long residents of the fatherland, where they engaged in farming. Peter Hans-
sen, Sr., was twice married and had a family of eight children, of whom the
eldest, Peter Jacob Hanssen, was the only child by the first marriage, his
mother passing away when he was but two years of age. Peter Jacob Hans-
sen was a young man of twenty-six years when he crossed the Atlantic ocean
to the new world in 1866. He landed at New York, but did not tarry on the

24tj HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

eastern coast, making his way direct to Indiana. He remained in that state,
however, for only about two months, after which he came to Iowa and for
three years was employeil in a sawmill at Davenport. At the expiration of
that period he took up farming pursuits in Scott county and there continued in
that line of activity until 1885. In that year he came to Poweshiek county and
located upon a farm which is now the property of H. H. Hanssen. He was
most successful in his undertaking and won a substantial measure of success.
At one time he owned two hundred and forty acres of land, but he has since
sold one hundred and sixty acres to his son, now making his home on a farm
of eighty acres located in section 23, Malcom township. He is a member of
the Lutheran church and in politics gives his allegiance to the democracy.
He is well known throughout the community in which he resides and few men
more justly merit the high regard and respect entertained for him by his fel-
lowmcn. On the nth of June, 1866, in Valparaiso, Indiana, he was united in
marriage to Miss Phoebe Stoldt, who was born in Meldorf. Holstein, Germany,
on the 8th of March, 1836, and came to the United States at the same time that
Mr. Hanssen made the journey. In their family are three children, namely:
Peter Albert, of Sheridan township; H. H., of this review: and Joanna, the wife
of Fred Rehberg, also at Sheridan township, the family circle remaining un-
touched by the hand of death.

H. H. Hanssen, whose name introduces this sketch, spent the first sixteen
years of his life in Davenport, where he attained a good public school educa-
tion. In 1885 he came with his parents to Poweshiek county, the family home
being established in Malcom township, and here he has since continued to reside.
He was first engaged in farming in connection with his father, with whom he
remained until his tnarriage, when he took up agricultural pursuits independently,
purchasing his present farm from his father, a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 22. This is a highly developed farm, upon which Mr. Hanssen
and his father have made many improvements, including a large and comfort-
able house, substantial barns and outbuildings and good fences, and is ecjuipped
with u complete water system and all of the modern accessories for facilitating
farm labor. Mr. Hanssen engages in general farming and stock-iaising and
also operates his father's farm of eighty acres. He is a progressive farmer,
keeping in touch with modern ideas of agriculture, and his practical methods,
close application and wise management are proving potent forces in the at-
tainment of a success which ranks him among the successful and substantial
agriculturists of Malcom township.

In 1899 Mr, Hanssen was married to Miss Ella Weise. who was born in
Davenport, Iowa, July 20, 1880, and as a little maiden nf eight years came
to Poweshiek county with her mother. She is a daughter of John and Sophia
(Schiller) Weise, both natives of Germany, the former's birth occurring in
Hamburg and the latter's at Preetz, Holstein. Mr. Weise passed away in
Davenport in 1887, and his wife, who later married William Cropper, now re-
sides at Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. Hanssen have two sons, Lester and Delmar,
born on the loth of July, 1901, and the 15th of June, 1904, respectively.

Mr. Hanssen is democratic in politics but has never sought to figure in
public life, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen, and he is highly es-

HISTORY OF rOWESTIIEK COUNTY 247

teemed by his fellow citizens, not only by reason of the success which he has
attained along agricultural lines, but also because of his many substantial final-
ities of manhood.

FRANK S. WATSON.

Of good American parentage, F"rank S. Watson was given a fair start in
life and, as he possesses the essential qualities that lead to success in business
affairs, he became the owner of a valuable farm in Washington township.
The prosperity which has attended his efforts has been due largely to his good
judgment and his practical knowledge of a business with which he has been con-
nected from his earliest recollection.

.\ native of Poweshiek county, he was born in Sugar Creek township,
.March 22, 1869, a son of William and Sarah (Cline) Watson. The father was
born in Indiana and the mother in Illinois. He came to Poweshiek county, Iowa,
as a young man and rented a farm, later purchasing one hundred and sixty
acres in Sugar Creek township, upon which he has since lived. Politically he gives
his support to the democratic party and, although he has not sought public
office, he has served very acceptably as member of the school board. Mrs.
Watson died May 5, 1905. She was a woman of many excellent qualities and
a consistent member of the Christian church, as is also Mr. Watson. In their
family were eight children : Laura, who is deceased ; Charles, now living in
Grinnell ; Frank S., of this review; Arthur, of Sugar Creek township: Alice,
who is the wife of John McMickle, of Davis county, Iowa; Frederick, of An-
tigo, Wisconsin ; Robert, also of Sugar Creek township ; and Nellie, who mar-
ried Fred Rivers, of Sugar Creek township.

Frank S. Watson received his early education in the district schools and as
he grew up assisted his father upon the home farm. At the age of
nineteen he began working out on his own account and continued so doing for
some years, thus becoming well acquainted with the various details of
agriculture and stock-raising. In 1900 he purchased one hundred and sixty-
four acres, upon which he has established his home. Since assuming possession
of his place he has made many improvements and by proper rotation of crops
has increased the fertility of the soil, the farm now comparing favorably with any
other of its area in the county as to general appearance and abundance of
iiarvests.

On the 22(1 of February, 1893, Mr. Watson was married to Miss Matilda
Prosser, a daughter of Daniel D. and Matilda S. (Jenkins) Prosser. Her
father was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 18. 181 3, while the birth of
her mother occurred in Virginia, June 8, 1821. They were married in In-
diana and came to Iowa in 1851, first locating in Lynnville, Jasper county,
where the father improved a farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, which
was all wild land when it came into his possession. He died on the 24th
of January, 1896, and his wife passed away February 5, 1898. They were
both earnest and consistent members of the Christian church. In their family

248 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COLXTY

were eight children, namely: Thomas J., now deceased, whose family live ni
Des Moines ; Catherine, the widow of S. 1>. Faircloth who died in Grinnell :
Nancy, the wife of A. R. Faircloth, of Des ]Moines ; George W., also a resident
of Des Moines ; William, of Grinnell : Margaret, who married F. C. Dickinson
and died in Nebraska; Daniel, a resident of Wisconsin; and Matilda, the wife
of our subject. One son, William, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson. His
natal day was June 22, 1894.

In religious behef Mr. Watson gives his support to the Christian church,
believing that the teachings of that denomination very nearly conform to the
standard of the new testament. Politically he is in sympathy with the repub-
lican party, and is an earnest advocate of its principles as being conducive
to the welfare of the nation. However, he is a broad-minded man, and in local
afifairs votes for the best man, irrespective of part)-. He has worked persist-
ently, year after year, and his efforts have met with their deserved reward, lie
possesses the unqualified confidence and regard of those with whom he comes
into contact and may be designated as one of the fortunate men of Washington
township.

TAMES E. McINTIRE.

The life record of James E. Mclntire covered almost seventy-three years.
He was born in Waveland. Montgomery county, Indiana. September 20, 183 1,
and died in Montezuma, July 29, 1904, after having lived retired here for twenty
years. He came to Iowa in 1849 with his parents, John and Jane (McMains)
Mclntire, both of whom were born near Lexington, Kentucky, the former in
1801 and the latter about 181 1. The father was a son of Alexander and Mar-
garet (Clark) Mclntire, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of
Pennsylvania. In the state of his nativity Alexander Mclntire spent his youthful
days on the farm and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Ken-
tucky, the family home being one of the first established in the present city of
Lexington. Follow^ing his marriage he devoted his attention to agricultural pur-
suits, becoming the owner of a large plantation and a number of slaves. Later
he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Montgomery county, Indiana, where
he carried on farming for many years, taking active part in the work of reclaim-
ing that region for the purposes of civilization. He died at the home of one of
his daughters in Montezuma, about 1843, when eighty-seven years of age.

John Mclntire, father of James E. Mclntire, had been reared to manhood
in Kentucky, where a common-school education had been accorded him. He.
too, was long identified with agricultural pursuits. About 1827 he was married,
in Montgomery countv. Indiana, to Jane McIMains. a daughter of James Mc-
Mains. who was born in Ireland. Purchasing land in Indiana, John Mclntire
there engaged in the cultivation of the soil until his removal to Iowa in 1845,
traveling overland with wagons in which were loaded all of his household
goods. He was then a man of well-to-do circumstances and secured a farm
about five miles west of Montezuma, being one of the first to purchase property

M r.

fej r.

2 ►-

THE NEW Yo.w.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

A5T0FI, L£NOX AND
TlLO£N FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF POWESIllKK COLXTV 251

in Poweshiek county. He afterward added to his holdings until he was the
owner of four hundred acres in one body and an almost equal amount in other
tracts. He built the tirst hotel in Montezuma and also erected and conducted
the Stanley House. At one time he was the owner of a large grist and saw mill,
the tirst erected in the county, and he continued in the milling business in vari-
ous portions of the county until a short time prior to his death, when he retired.
In 1856 he also became connected with merchandising and for some time figured
prominently in commercial connections in Montezuma. His political support was
given to the democracy and he served as county commissioner. He died in 1890
in the faith of the Christian church, in which both he and his wife held mem-
bership. Her demise occurred in 1870. In their family were nine children :
Anne, who became the wife of George Wasson ; James E. ; John; Margaret, who
married Hiram Taylor; Thomas; Ferry; Sarah J., the wife of John Furnaugh :
Ellen, the wife of Edward Shipley; and Robert.

lames E. Mclntire was a youth of about eighteen years when the family
came to Iowa, arriving in 1849. He aided in the arduous task of developing a
farm and when twenty years of age began teaching, which profession he followed
for three years. He was qualified for this work by the excellent educational
advantages which had been accorded him in Waveland, while wide reading had
also added to his knowledge.

On the i6th of October, 1851, James E. Mclntire was united in marriage to
Miss Catharine Willson. This was the first marriage celebrated in .Montezuma
and probably the first in the county. Mrs. Mclntire was born June 29, 1837,
and was a daughter of Gideon and Catharine (Wilson) Willson. Soon after
their marriage the young couple locatqa.'iipon. a; .iat'pi"0^f'.:orie hundred and sixty
acres which had been given him by bis {atlien H-is'.w-ife' had also received a
generous allowance from her father— a farm of two hijndred acres. After
spending five years in agricultural pu^suit^ th^y.^ removed tb Montezuma, where
for two years Mr. Mclntire operated a nwll that- beionged to his father. After
a few years, however, he returned to a farm^to the' cultivation of which he de-
voted his energies for thirty-one years, and in the meantime won substantial
and gratifying success, owing to the careful management of his business inter-
ests. At the time of his retirement he was the owner of three hundred and twenty
acres, having disposed of much of his property, which at one time amounted to
seven hundred and eighty acres.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mclntire were born nine children, all of whom are grarl-
uates of the high school. Mary A., born August 29, 1852, was married Febru-
ary 10, 1870, to Ellis Herrod, who died in Montezuma, and she afterward became
the wife of David McKee. of Des Moines. She is now a very wealthy woman.
She has reared a family of three children, all of whom are now married and
doing well. Catharine J., born March 20, 1854, died December 16, 1872. John
G., born March 22, 1856, died December 5, 1872. He was a teacher at the time
of his demise and was also studying for the ministry of the Christian church.
Nancy E., born ,\pril 6. 1859, in Marshalltown, became the wife of E, J. Pimlott
and they had four children. After the death of her first husband she married
Henry Hersley and had one daughter. Her third husband was Russell
Geisler and unto them has been born a son. Sarah E. Mclntire, the fifth

252 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

member of the family, was born June i", 1862, and on the 14th of October, 1884.
became the wife of William N. Alorrison, now of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They are
parents of seven children. Isaac N. Mclntire, born February 8, 1864, is a grad-
uate of the law department of the Iowa State University and for the past twenty
years has been engaged in law practice, being now located at Sheldon, Iowa.
He has been married twice and has a son and two daughters. Rev. James R.
Mclntire, now of Santa Monica, California, was born January 21, 1867, received
his education at Oskaloosa, Iowa, at Lexington, Kentucky, and in the Chicago
University, and is now a minister of the Christian church. Ida M., born October
14, 1869, became the wife of William Buxton, who was then serving as county
recorder of Poweshiek county, but they now reside in Los Angeles, California.
Rev. Thomas C. Mclntire, the youngest of the family, was born July 16, 1874,
and is a minister of the Christian church at Ainsley, Nebraska. He also owns
a farm of one thousand acres in that vicinity. All of the sons of this family and
their wives as well are college graduates.

Mr. Mclntire continued to reside upon the home farm, which he converted
into a very valuable property, for more than thirty-one years, and 1894 removed
to Montezuma, where he spent his remaining days, his death there occurring on
July 29, 1904. He was a devoted member of the Christian church, in which he
served as an elder for many years, and in politics he was a stanch democrat and
in later years voted the temperance ticket. It is well known that he was true
to very honest conviction and nothing could swerve him from the course which
he believed to be right. All who knew him trusted him because of his well known
integrity and esteemed him because of his sound judgment and his justice. He
lield friendship inviolable and was most devoted to his family, and throughout
the county where he was so widely known his death was most deeply regretted.

Mrs. Mclntire still makes her home in Montezuma, where she owns seven
good dwellings and other property. Her husband left her most comfortably sit-
uated in life and she has done much for her children, of whom she has ever}'
reason to be proud. .^11 are well educated and are people of genuine worth who
advocate temperance principles and adliere at all times to the right. They are
certainly a credit and honor to her name and their lives are also an indication of
the teachings of a true Christian woman. Mrs. Mclntire is very well known in
the county, where she has lived continuously since 1847, ^nd no history of this
part of tiie state would be complete without mention of her and her husband,
witli whom she so long and happily traveled life's journey.

LOUIS E. HIGDON.

Enterprise, perseverance, ability and industry have been important elements
which have contributed to the progress of Louis E. Higdon, who is today one
of the respected farmers of Poweshiek county. He is a native of Kentucky and
was born in Daviess county, March 9, 1868, a son of James T. and Alary E.
( McDaniel ) Higdon. The father was also born in Kentucky and the mother
is a native of Illinois. They were married in Kentucky, where the father en-

HISTORY Ol' l'()\Vi:SlllI'.K COL'XTV 253

gagfd in farming during his entire life. In politics he was in sympathy with
the democratic party and in religious views he gave his earnest adherence to the
Catholic church. The mother is now living in Kentucky. In their family were
fifteen children : Francis, who is deceased ; Delia, who is the widow of Ed. Jarboe,
of Kentucky: Charles, who now lives at Utnver, Colorado; Emma, of Clinton,
Iowa; Robert, of Oklahoma; Louis E., the subject of this review; Alattie, the
wife of Zach Higdon, of Kentucky; Lillie, the wife of James Devereux, of
Adair county. Iowa; Geneva, who is also married; Eloda, the wife of John Neal,
of Kentucky; Hilory, of Kentucky; Paul, who lives in Denver, Colorado; and
Bernard, Petronella and Thomason, all of whom are deceased.

Louis E. Higdon secured his education in the district schools of his native
state and assisted upon his father's farm until after reaching his majority. In
1891, desiring to see the world and also to find a favorable location, he traveled
westward to York, Nebraska, and for four years hired out by the month, later
continuing to work at monthly wages in Adair county, Iowa. In 1902 he ar-
rived in Poweshiek county, where the outlook appeared quite favorable, and for
three years he rented land, which he cultivated on his own account. He then
lunchased eighty acres. He is a man of great industry and of good business
judgment, as is shown by the fact that at the present time he is owner of a farm
of two hundred acres of valuable land in this county. He is a general farmer
and raises horses, cattle and hogs for the market.

On the 13th of January, 1902, Mr. Higdon was married to Miss Anna De-
vereu.x, a daughter of Alexander and Ehza Devereux, of Washington township.
Four children have blessed this union : Mary, who was born September 10,
1905; Margaret, born April 18, 1908; James, born June 6, 1909; and Francis,
born September 6, 19 10.

Mr. Higdon possesses sterling qualities of character, as is attested by his
undaunted ambition to obtain a worthy position among his fellowmen. Starting
among strangers, without aid from others, he applied himself with undiminished
zeal, toiling from month to month and from year to year, even denying him-
self recreation and many of the ordinary comforts of life, until he felt assured
that he was on the way to financial independence. It is through such efforts
that many of the most honored men of the nation have won recognition and
wrought out their destiny. He early learned to make good use of the strength
and talents with which nature endowed him, and he has his reward in his happy
home and pleasant surroundings. Politically he is allied with the democratic
jiarty and religiously he and his family are devout members of the Catholic
cliurch.

JOHN F. DRYDEN.

During a residence covering forty-four years in Poweshiek county, John F.
Dryden has seen remarkable changes in this section of the state, for when he
came here in his early manhood much of the country was still open prairie,
uncultivated and uninhabited. Today the country is thickly settled, while there
is no waste land to be found and the farms in their splendid appearance, give

254 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

evidence of the thrift and industry of the people. Mr. Dryden was born in
Adam.s county, Ohio, September 25, 1841, a son of Samuel Al. and Sarah
(Sparks) Dryden, the former a native of Virginia, and tlie latter of Ohio. The
wife and mother passed away in Ohio in the year 184(1 and the father after-
ward married again and came with his second wife and hve children to Powe-
shiek county in 1867. Both he and his last wife departed this life in .Montezuma.
The children are : James, who served for over three years as a member of the
Forty-eighth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry and is now residing in Oskaloosa. Iowa;
John F., of this review; Mrs. Mary Jane Grice, of Highland county, (Jliio; Mrs.
Krila Abbott, deceased; and Mrs. Sarah .Mice Mcliride, also of Highland county.

John F. Dryden, whose name introduces this record, was reared in the
Buckeye state and when he attained his majority, the Civil war having been in-
augurated, he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of
the Second Ohio \'olunteer Artillery on the 13th of June, 1863. He gave valiant
and faithful service for two years and was then discharged on the 12th of May,
1865, owing to injury.

Following his discharge from the army, Air. Dryden returned to his home
in Ohio, where he remained for two years, and then accom])anied his father on
his removal to Poweshiek county, Iowa. He was soon afterward married and
located on the farm which has since been his place of residence, this tract com-
prising eighty acres on section 24, Pleasant township. He purchased the land
from his father, paying for the same three hundred dollars, the latter having
paid for it two and a half dollars per acre. Air. Dryden at once set to work
to improve and cultivate his land and in course of time he had it divided into
fields of convenient size and planted with the various grains best suited to the
soil and climate of Iowa, wdiile his buildings were constructed with a view to
convenience and durability. Today his land is worth two hundred dollars per
acre. He is here engaged in general farming and his labors are bringing him
a merited measure of success.

Mr. Dryden was married April 28, 1869, the lady of his choice being Aliss
Mary Hennicutt, who was born in Clinton, Ohio, October 13, 1846. She ac-
companied her parents, Abel and Ann (Hagan) Hennicutt, to Henry county,
Iowa. They were both natives of Virginia but were married in Ohio. The
father departed this life in Salem, Iowa, but the mother still survives and now
makes her home in Montezuma. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dryden have been born
three sons and two daughters, namely: Fred, who is still under the parental
roof ; Burtie, who died at the age of seven years ; Eva D., at home ; Krila, the
wife of Hershel Smothers, of Pleasant township; and Arthur, who is at home.
.Ml were born on the home farm.

Mr. Dryden gives his political support to the republican party and served as
assessor of his township for three or four terms, while he has also been a mem-
ber of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in

HISTORY OF POWESHFEK COl'XTY 255

the Methodist Episcopal chunh and his fraternal relations connect him with the
Odd Fellows Lodge, Xo. 74, at Montezuma, while he maintains pleasant re-
lations with his old army comrades through his membership in Wisner Post, No.
127, G. A. R., at Montezuma. He is well known as a pioneer of the county and
as a most industrious and useful man, whose probity is an unquestioned element
in his character.

W. W. GWINN.

W. W. Gwinn. who for the past four years has capably and acceptably tilled
the office of steward of the Poweshiek county farm, is one of Iowa's native sons,
almost his entire life having been spent within the borders of Poweshiek county.
His birth occurred near Victor, Warren township, this county, on the 9th of
December, 1859. his parents being Sampson C. and Sarah A. (Morgan) Gwinn.
They were born in Holmes county, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively and in
childhood were brought by their parents to Poweshiek county, Iowa. Sampson
C. Gwinn was the son of John Gwinn, a native of Ohio, who came to Iowa in
1S48, about the same time that the Talbott, Manatt and Snook families located
here, and with them was numbered among the first settlers of his section of the
county. He entered large tracts of land here and gave farms to all of his chil-
dren, his family consisting of six sons and six daughters, all now deceased. His
death occurred in Warren township. Several years after coming to this county
with his parents Sampson C. Gwinn entered land from the government here,
which property is still in possession of the family. He was a farmer by occu-
pation and made his home upon one of his government claims, consisting of two
luuKlred and twenty acres in Warren township, upon which he and his wife
spent the remaining days of their lives. In their family were five children, as
follows: Frank B.. now deceased: Henry W., of Kansas City, Kansas; M. D.,
of Warren township; W. W., of this review; and May, also of Warren township.

On the old homestead in Warren township W. W. Gwinn spent the period
of his boyhood and youth, and he remained with his parents until the time of his
marriage, when he took up farming independently. In 1882 he went to South
Dakota and there entered land from the government, proving a homestead claim,
aiifl to the improvement and cultivatinn of that property he devoted the succeed-
ing five years. In 1887 he sold his farm, however, and returned to Poweshiek
county, Iowa, locating upon one of his father's farms. Subsequently he pur-
chased a tract of fifty acres in Warren township, upon which he took up his
abode and which is yet in his possession. That farm remained his home for
about twenty years, and there he carried on general agricultural pursuits, giving
his entire time and attention to the development of his property, which under his
wise management and close application became one of the neat, attractive and
desirable farms of that section. In 1907, however, he laid aside his personal
interests to accept the position of steward of Poweshiek county farm, to which
he had been appointed by the board of supervisors. He has since concentrated
his energies upon the discharge of tin- duties of that office and is bringing to

256 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

bear the same close application, business ability and common sense which char-
acterized his conduct of his private affiairs. His interests are now thoroughly
identified with those of the institution with which he is connected and the effi-
cient and satisfactory manner in which he is managing its affairs is proving to
all concerned that the choice for that office was a wise one.

On the 2ist of August, 1879, Mr. Gwinn was united in marriage to Miss
Virginia Price, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, and was called from this
life on the 25th of May. 1904. At her death she left four children, as follows:
Eva M., now the wife of Edgar Hicks, of Fort Collins, Colorado; Edna M..
who married Charles Rohrer, of \'ictor, Iowa ; Blanche, the wife of William
Norton, of Hartwick, who is assisting Mr. Gwinn in the management of the county
farm; and C. P., at home. On the iith of April, 190(1. Mr. Gwinn was again
married, his second union being with Miss Florence Fasten, a native of Poweshiek
county.

Interested as all American citizens should be in the political situation of the
country. Mr. Gwinn has thoroughly informed himself concerning the questions
and issues of the day and gives stalwart support to the republican party. He is
well known in the locality in which he has resided for almost a half century and
the principles which have governed his life in business, private or public rela-
tions have ever done credit to a representative of one of the oldest and most
honored names of Poweshiek countv.

LEWIS E. WHITE.

A thoroughly developed farm of forty acres pays tribute to the labors of
Lewis E. White, who has spent his entire life in Poweshiek county. He comes
of good Quaker parentage and in the course of his experience in business,
extending through a period of ten or twelve years, and also in private affairs,
he has ever aimed to be controlled by the gentle teachings under which he was
reared.

He was born on his parents' farm in Washington township, July Z2., \'>^~2,
being a son of Thomas J. and Caroline J. (Patterson) White. The father was
born in Indiana; the mother at Portland, Maine, on February 18, 1853. They
were married in Poweshiek county, Mr. White having come to this county with
his parents in his boyhood. The family located in Sugar Creek township and
there he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. He
engaged in farming in this county for many years and is now identified with the
same occupation in Jasper county, having reached the age of sixty-seven years.
His study of public questions has convinced him that the saloon is the great
evil of the country and, therefore, he is a pronounced prohibitionist, being also
a valued member of the Society of Friends and a man of great influence wherever
he is known. There were four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. White:
Lewis E., of this review ; Edwin, who now lives at Kellogg, Iowa ; Lila, who
is the wife of Arthur Cope, of New Sharon, Iowa; and Roy R., of Jasper county.

HISTORY OF rOWIuSlIIF.K COl'-XTY I'JT

Lewis E. White attended the public schools of Washington township in his
boyhood, and later took advantage of instruction for one year at the Grinnell
high school. He assisted in the work upon the home farm until he reached
the age of twenty years. He then began working for wages upon neighboring
farms and continued so doing for four years. At the end of this time he asso-
ciateil with his father in farming but, after another period of four years, having
acquired sutficient capital and desiring to become independent he purchased
forty acres of land, upon which he established his homestead. He has erected
buildings and improved his place in many ways, making it one of the most
productive farms of its size in this part of the county. He uses good judgment
in his work and each year witnesses an increase in his prosperity.

On the 24th of April, 1901, Air. White was married to Miss Nellie D. Harbi-
son, of Poweshiek county, who was born September 8, 1882, a daughter of
George W. and Jennie (Edwards) Harbison. Her father was born in Penn-
sylvania and her mother in England. He engaged in farming in the Keystone
state and, being attracted westward, came to Iowa and worked in coal mines in
the southern part of the state. Subsequently he located in Washington town-
ship, Poweshiek county, upon land which he purchased and cultivated, and which
produced generous returns. He then moved to Grinnell township, where he
died, the mother also being deceased. Politically he gave his support to the
republican party. At the time of the Civil war he was a valiant soldier for the
Union, and later held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Five
children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. White: Raymond E., who
was born May 12, 1902; Harold E., born October 9, 1903; Martha B., born
September 9, 1905; Ruth, born June 4, 1908; and Alice Viola, born July 21,
1910.

Mr. White has made an excellent start as a farmer and conducts his place
m such a way that each year adds to his prosperity, and he is regarded as one
of the rising young men of this section. Energetic and efficient, always mindful
of his duties to others, and known as a progressive and useful citizen, he is a
credit to his county and state.

MYRON A. SEARS.

Myron A. Sears is now operating one of the valuable farm properties of
Chester township, owned by his father's estate. It is situated in section 10 and is
provided with facilities which are considered essential in an up-to-date farm.
He has shown a practical knowledge of his business and although he is a young
man, he has won a high standing and enjoys success which is the result of
well directed effort. He was born in Chester township, January 25, 1881.
and is a son of Milton A. and Etta F. (Bacon) Sears, the former a native of
New York state and the latter of Vermont. The father removed from New
York to Grinnell, Iowa, where he later became connected with the implement
business under the title of Fuller & Sears, continuing in that line about six years.
He died in 1908, at the age of fifty-two, but the mother is now living at Grinnell.

25b HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Myron A. Sears atteiuled the common schools and took advanced work, in-
cluding several histories, algebra and bookkeeping. After laying aside his books
he worked at the carpenter's trade for a year, at the end of which time, in 1903,
he began farming in Chester township at his present location, where he cultivates
one hundred and sixty acres. He engages principally in feeding livestock for
the market, raising hay and grain for this purpose, and his labors return to him
a gratifying annual income.

On the 9th of December, 1903, Mr. Sears was united in marriage to Miss
Edith L. Palmer, who is a graduate of Grinnell Academy. She is a daughter of
Anson and Abi F. (Alden) Palmer, the former of whom was born in Ohio
and the latter at Montour, Iowa. Mrs. Sears on the mother's side is a direct
descendant of John and Priscilla Alden of Mayflower fame. Three children have
come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sears: Margaret E., Anson .\. and
Howard A., all of whom are living at home.

Ever since he reached maturity Mr. Sears has given his close attention to
agriculture and stock-raising, and having employed the best known methods,
his farm has become one of the most productive of its area in the township.
His study and observation of affairs have convinced him of the evils of the liquor
traffic anil he therefore casts his ballot in support of the prohibition party. He
is a stanch advocate of education and has served as school director, being at
all times in favor of the employment of none but thoroughly competent teachers.
He has never been afraid to work and has found in industry and persistent
application the road to prosperity.

H. F. MORTON.

H. F. Alorton is a lawyer of Montezuma, whose life has been largely spent
in public service, his fidelity in office winning him the high regard of his fellow
townsmen. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, ]March 18, 1845, his par-
ents being Morris and .Sarah (Ferrell) Morton, the former born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1818, the latter a native of Ohio. When a youth of ten years Morris
^lorton went to Ohio, was there married and spent his remaining days in the
Buckeye state, devoting his life to farming. His death occurred in 1884 and
his wife passed away some time later. In their family were four sons and
three daughters, one of whom, W. H. Morton, now deceased, was a soldier
of the Ninety-seventh Ohio \'olunteer Infantry during the Civil war.

H. F. ]\Iorton, who was the third in order of birth, resided upon the home
farm until at the age of nineteen years he offered his services to the govern-
ment in defense of the Union, enlisting at Fairview, Guernsey county, Ohio,
as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio \^olunteer
Infantry. He served under Captain James A. Coleman for one hundred days
and was then honorably discharged on the 3d of September, 1864. He after-
ward devoted the summer luonths to farming and in the winter seasons engaged
in teaching in the countrv schools. He also spent one year as a teacher in
the graded schools of Quaker City. Ohio. He further promoted his own edu-

[|. V. M(ii;i(i.\

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

A8T0R, LENOX ANB
TILDEN FOUKDATION*.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 261

cation immediately after the war by attending college at New Sharon, Noble
county, Ohio, of which his brother, the Rev. W. H. Morton, was then prin-
cipal. During one term of teaching 11. I*". Morton conducted his school in one
of the old time log schoolhouses. He taught altogether for about ten winter
terms and in the summer months worked at farm labor. His leisure hours
during the last three years of that decade were devoted to the study of law with
the intention of devoting the remainder of his life to its practice and in Sep-
tember. 1877, he was admitted to the bar at Cambridge, Ohio.

In September, 1878, Mr. Morton came to Montezuma, where he has since
practiced his profession. His time has not been given solely, however, to pri-
vate practice, for he has been again and again called to public office and has
done excellent service for his fellow townsmen in this connection. He served as
mayor of the city for one term and was clerk of the district court for six years.
Previously he had filled the office of justice of the peace and on his retirement
from the position of district court clerk he again became judge of the justice
court, over which he has presided continuously since 1880 with the exception of
six years. He has been secretary of the school board for ten or twelve years
and is still the incumbent in that office. He is a director and the vice presi-
dent of the Montezuma Savings Bank and is the owner of valuable property
holdings. The town of Guernsey was located on a quarter section of land
that he owned but he has sold of? all of this with the exception of thirty acres
for town lots. He also has a number of properties in Montezuma and his
life on the whole has been a most successful one.

In 1882 occurred the marriage o-f Mr. Morton and'i^iss Laura J. Mullikin,
who was born in Indiana and came to Poweshiek county \K'ith her parents, James
and Mary Mullikin. Mr. and Mrs. Morton have two children: Gertrude, who
is pursuing the library course in the Illinois State University at Champaign ,
and Winifred, who is a student in .the' State Teadhefs' College at Cedar Falls,
Iowa. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in
which Mr. Morton is now serving as a trustee. He also belongs to the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic and has
ever given his political support to the republican party, thus following in the
footsteps of his father, who was one of the early advocates of the party. Mr.
Morton is regarded as a dependable man in any relation and in any emergency,
and strong character and honorable purpose have placed him in a most creditable
position in the regard of his fellow citizens.

S. A. CRAVATH, M. D.

Dr. S. A. Cravath, one of the prominent and respected residents of Grin-
nell. is serving as the president of the Merchants National Bank. His birth
occurred in Conneaut, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of September, 1836, his par-
ents being James and Emily (Davis) Cravath, both of whom were natives of
New York. He lost his father when but a few months old and when eight
years of age was left an orphan by the death of his mother. Entering the

Tol. n— 13

262 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

home of an uncle and aunt, he lived with them until 1851 and in that year
entered Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio, which institution conferred upon
him the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1858. During his collegiate years he
also followed the profession of teaching, acting a part of the time as an in-
structor at college in order to defray the expenses of his course. Following
his graduation he continued educational work for five years, teaching in Mad-
ison Seminary at Madison, Ohio, for three years, while for two years he acted
as superintendent of the Marion (Ohio) city schools.

At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war Dr. Cravath could not enlist
because of a broken shoulder. Being told that he could be used if he had a
medical degree, he immediately took up the study of medicine and was gradu-
ated from the Cincinnati Medical College with the class of 1865. When hos-
tilities had ceased he located for practice in Springfield, Ohio, where he re-
mained for three years.

In the fall of 1867 he came to Iowa, locating in Alitchell, Mitchell county,
where he successfully followed his profession until 1872. During his residence
there he became identified with journalistic interests and, after insistent urging
on the part of the town's leading men, took charge of and edited the local paper
for two years. He found the work congenial and in 1872 came to Grinnell and
purchased the Grinnell Herald, publishing that sheet until he disposed of it in
1894. WHiile still a factor in journalism he became one of the organizers of
the Grinnell Savings Bank, of which institution he was later made president
and director. On the organization of the Merchants National Bank he became
a stockholder thereof. In 1897 or 1898 he resigned the presidency of the
Grinnell Savings Bank and soon thereafter was chosen the chief executive ofii-
cer of the Merchants National Bank. However, he still retains an interest in
the savings bank and is yet a director of the institution. A wide-awake, ener-
getic business man, he has done much to promote the interests of the institu-
tions with which he is connected and has become thoroughly conversant with
every department of banking. He keeps well posted on the financial interests
of the country and in his management of afifairs has followed a safe, conservative
policy which has won the commendation and gained the confidence of the
general public.

On the nth of July, i860, in the church uf the Rev. Albert Barnes at Phil-
adelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Cravath was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Raley, of Hanoverton, Ohio, by whom he had three children. The only sur-
viving child is James R. Cravath, now an electrical engineer of Chicago, Illi-
nois, who for several years has been an editorial writer for the Electrical World.
Mrs. Cravath also reared one of her nieces, Ella B., who is still in the Doctor's
home. All three were devoted members of the Congregational church, .\fter
a happy married life of over fifty years the wife died on the 25th of February.

1911.

Dr. Cravath has made his home in Grinnell for almost four decades and is
widely recognized as one of the city's most esteemed and leading residents. He
has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey and can look
back upon an active, useful and honorable career. He was a trustee of the col-
lege for several years and a member of the public school board about half the

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 263

time of liis residence in Grinnell. He also served as postmaster under Presi-
dent Harrison and has been president of the Building, Loan & Savings
Association.

ROBERT A. SAUNDERS.

Robert A. Saunders, who is one of the successful agriculturists of Union
township, was born near the farm where he now resides on the 17th of April,
1857, and is a son of Aaron A. and Harriet E. (Dudley) Saunders. The
parents were natives of Greene county, Ohio, the father's natal day being the 13th
of May. 1820. and that of the mother the i6th of April, 1830. After the com-
pletion of his education the father engaged in farming, and he also learned the
carpenter's trade. In 1851 he migrated west, locating in Union township,
Poweshiek county, where he acquired eighty acres of land, which he imme-
diately began to cultivate. As time passed he was able to extend the boundaries
of his farm, which embraced two hundred and thirty-one acres at the time of
his demise. He passed away on the 19th of November, 1880, but the mother
survived him until the 4th of February, 1899. Their family numbered nine
children: Mary S., the wife of P. A. Hayes, of Montezuma, Iowa; Irvin S., of
Searsboro ; Nancy S., who became the wife of Jasper N. Marsh, of Montezuma;
James M., who is a resident of Searsboro; Robert A., our subject; Isaac H.,
also of Poweshiek county ; Richard A., who is living in Lorimor, Iowa ; Harry
S., of Searsboro; and Ernest F., of Union township. The parents affiliated
with the Christian church. The father was a republican and served his town-
ship in both the capacity of trustee and assessor for several years.

At the usual age Robert A. Saunders began his education in the district
schools, which he continued to attend until he hatl mastered the common
branches. Being reared on a farm his early energies were largely directed along
the discharge of the easier and lighter chores of the homestead, until he had
laid aside his studies, following which his entire time was devoted to agricul-
tural pursuits, with the exception of one year, when he taught one term of
school in his township. He remained at home uiUii his father's death and then
he and his brother Isaac H., bought the interest of the other heirs in the
farm, which they have ever since operated. The land is very fertile and pro-
ductive, but nevertheless is always given the supervision which yields abundant
harvests. In connection with the tilling of their fields Mr. Saunders and his
brother devote considerable attention to the breeding and raising of stock.

On the 5th of October. 1881, Mr. Saunders was married to Miss Ida E.
Draper, a daughter of William T., and Mary A. (Thrailkill) Draper, who was
born in Elmwood, Illinois, on the loth of December, i860. Mr. Draper, who
was a saddle and harness-maker, came to Montezuma, where he followed his
trade until 1880. when he went to Denver, Colorado. After remaining there
for a short time he removed to Sherman county, Nebraska, going from there to
Loup City, where he passed away. He was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also affiliated

264 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

with the G. A. R. He was a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil wars. His
political support he always gave to the democratic party. Mr. and Mrs.
Saunders have one daughter, Mrs. Amy A. Cox, who was born August 21,
1882, and with her two children is now living with her parents. Her children
are Bertha G., born January 13, 1904; and Alice C, born January 26, 1906.

Mr. Saunders' political views coincide with those of the progressive faction
of the republican party, and he served for a long period as township com-
mitteeman. For ten years he was assessor. Both he and his wife attend the
Christian church, of which Mrs. Saunders is a member. He is one of the well
known and highly regarded representatives of the pioneer families, being rec-
nized as an able business man and estimable citizen.

MISS ETHEL M. MALCOLM.

Popular prejudice is fast breaking down and popular opinion is daily be-
coming stronger in regard to the capability of women for public office. That
Poweshiek county has taken a progressive stand on this question is indicated
in the fact that Miss Ethel M. Malcolm is now filling the position of county
recorder to which she was elected in 1908 and reelected in 1910. That she is
well equipped for the duties of the position none question, and at the same
time she has the attractive womanly qualities which make her socially a favor-
ite. She was born in Deep River township, this county, November 10. 1876,
her parents being Albertis and Lydia A. (Rose) Malcolm, who are now res-
idents of Montezuma.

Her father was born near Cambridge. Henry county, Illinois, February 8.
1845, a son of Norman and Cynthia (Cady) Malcolm, the former of whom was
born in Ontario, Canada, in 1818, and the latter in Allegany county, New York,
July 19th of the same year. They were married in Michigan, and in 1840 became
residents of Henry county, Illinois, where they lived for manv years. The
death of Mrs. Cynthia Malcolm there occurred on the 13th of May, 1862, while
Norman Malcolm passed away at .\mes, Iowa, when about eighty years of age.
He had devoted his entire life to farming. After losing his first wife he was
married twice, and by his second union had two children. By his third mar-
riage there was one child.

Albertis Malcolm was fourth of the nine children born of his father's first
marriage, the others being: Mrs. Elma Waterman, now deceased: Stephen, of
Belle Plaine, Iowa, who served in the Forty-second Illinois Infantry in the
Civil war: Charles, of Cambridge. Illinois, who was born February 26, 1843,
and was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Illinois Regiment
in the Civil war : Harriet, the widow of Allen Stackhouse, of Plains, Montana ;
Brainard, deceased : Italy, who is the widow of Nathan Moore, of Tacoma,
Washington : Gene, livmg on the old homestead at Cambridge, Illinois : and
Frank, of Montezuma.

Albertis Malcolm resided on the farm with his parents until he enlisted
from Henry county on the i8th of February, 1864, as a member if Company D,

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 265

One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served
until the close of the war, being mustered out July 13, 1865. He took part in
the engagements at Town Creek and Fort Anderson, North Carolina, and
Franklin, Duck River and Nashville, Tennessee, and many others. After the
war he returned to Henry county, Illinois, and resumed farming with his par-
ents. In 1866 he was married and in 1868 removed to Missouri, .\fter two
years he came to Poweshiek county, settling on a farm in Deep River township
which he continued to cultivate until 1887, when he went to Colorado and there
spent several months, after which he returned to this county, but later was for
two years a resident of Des Moines. For twenty-one years, however, he has
resided continuously in Montezuma. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. His fraternal relations are with the Grand Army of the Re-
public and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious faith is
evidenced in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

In 1866 Albertis Malcolm was married to Lydia Ann Rose, who was born
in Sullivan county, New York. September 11, 1842. When thirteen years of
age she accompanied her parents to Jasper county, Iowa, later to Henry county,
Illinois, and just before her marriage spent two years in New York. She is
a daugher of John and Elizabeth P. (Mott) Rose, both natives of Sullivan
county. New York. Mrs. Rose, who was born July i, 1818, died January 28,
1883. Mr. Rose, who was bom March 31, 181 1, is now living in Montezuma
at the remarkable old age of one hundred years, making his home with Mr. and
Mrs. Malcolm since the death of his wife. So far as is known he is the oldest
man residing in Poweshiek county. His physical and mental condition are
good. Occasionally he walks down town alone. His eyesight is good and he
has remarkable hearing for one of his years. In the fall of 1870 he came to
this county from Illinois and was actively engaged in farming until seventy
years of age, after which he devoted a number of years to gardening. In his
young manhood he was an expert raftsman in the lumber regions of New York
and throughout his life has been a hard working man. His family numbered
seven children: Henry M., of Montana; Melissa M., the wife of G. C.
Pjanning, of Carbondale, Colorado : Mrs. Lydia A. Malcolm ; Mrs. Martha
Augusta Wallace, of Bancroft, Idaho ; William Blake, who died at the age of
three years ; Herbert Edgar, living at Malcolm, this county ; and Mrs, Elvira
Theresa O'Brian, of Cedar Rapids.

Mrs. .Mbertis Malcolm is the first cousin of John R. Mott, the distinguished
lecturer, who has been heard from the lecture platform all over the world. He
is a Christian worker, particularly prominent in the Young Men's Christian
Association, and was chairman of the World Missionary Conference "In Com-
mittee" and chairman of the continuation committee appointed at Edinburgh.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Albertis Malcolm have been born four children : James
Edgar, who was born August 5, 1870, and died March 21, 1900: Albertis Roy,
who was born Jul\ 8, 1874, and died November 3, 1877: Ethel May, of whom
mention is made below ; and Elsie Lillian, who was born March 7, 1879, and is
now the wife of T. C. Davis, of Montezuma, She is acting as deputy county
recorder under her sister.

266 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Miss Malcolm whose name introduces this review resided at the place of
her birth until about ten years of age when her parents removed to Colorado,
there spending about a year. She afterward lived with the family at Des
Moines for a few years and then came to Montezuma. During this period she
had attended school in the different places and was graduated from the high
school in the different places and was graduated from the high school of
Montezuma with the class of 1896. She afterward devoted two years to teach-
ing in the country schools and later pursued a course of study in a business
college. For a time she was employed in the law office of Judge Lewis, and
later worked for E. J. Lewis in the abstract office and also for the Poweshiek
County Abstract Company. By H. R. Bernard, then county recorder, she was
appointed to the position of deputy recorder on the ist of January, 1907, and
tilled that position for two years. In the latter part of 1908 she was elected
county recorder and was reelected in 1910, entering upon her second term on
the 1st of January, 191 1. She has proven most capable and efficient in the
office as is indicated in the fact that she was again chosen for the position by
popular suffrage. Her work is promptly, faithfully and systematically done
and her course has won her the high commendation and warm regard of the
business men and the general public. She is also well known in the social
circles of the city and is a valued member of the Rebekah Lodge, the Woman's
Auxiliary of the Odd Fellows Society, and is an active member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and a representative of its choir.

ERNEST F. SAUNDERS.

Ernest F. Saunders, who is meeting with success in stock-raising and gen-
eral farming in Union township, was born in this township on the 14th of May,
1873, being a son of Aaron .\. and Harriet E. (Dudley) Saunders.

Born and reared on a farm Ernest F. Saunders acquired his preliminary
education in the district schools of Poweshiek county, this later being supple-
mented by a year's attendance at Palmer College at Le Grand. Iowa. After
completing his education he taught for a year. He then decided that he pre-
ferred to adopt agriculture for his life vocation. He subsequently purchased
fifty acres of land, later adding to this another tract of sixty-one acres, making
the aggregate of his landed possessions one hundred and eleven acres. Mr.
Sauntlers devotes the cultivation of his fields to those cereals he deems best
adapted for the feeding of his stock, as he is making a specialty of the breed-
ing and raising of thoroughbred Poland China hogs and cattle.

Mr. Saunders was united in marriage to Miss Lillie M. Allen, a daughter
of William L. Allen, and unto them have been born three daughters: Erma N.,
who was born on the 3d of January, 1898: Letha E., whose birth occurred on
the 17th of July, 1899: and Effie T., who was born on the 18th of May, 1908.

Air. and Mrs. Saunders are earnest and helpful members of the Christian
church, of which he is one of the trustees, and fraternally he is affiliated with
the Knights of Pythias lodge of Montezuma. His political views coincide

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 267

with those of the progressive faction of the republican party, and he always
tinds time to assist in the government of his township. He is now serving
as clerk and he is also president of the school board. Mr. Saunders takes a
great interest in all educational matters and, in addition to his other duties, is
a member of the board of trustees of Palmer College. He is well known in
L'nion township, where he has spent practically his entire life, and meets to
the best of his ability the requirements of good citizenship by espousing the
adoption of every movement which he feels will in any way tend to advance
the moral or intellectual welfare of the community.

THOMAS A. HARRIS.

.\n e.xcellent farm of one hundred and si.xty acres, located in Chester town-
slii]). nays a splendid tribute to the wel] directed efforts of Thomas A. Harris,
one of the progressive and prosperous agriculturists of this part of Poweshiek
county. He is one of Iowa's foreign born citizens, his birth occurring in Stan-
ton, St. Gabriels, Dorsetshire, England, on the i8th of February, 1868, his
parents being James and Elizabeth (Slade) Harris. The former, also a native
(if the "Merrie Isle," was born on the 28th of November, 1838, and like his
father, James Harris, devoted his life to the occupation of farming. On the
maternal side, however, the family was largely connected with the army and
navy of England, and the ancestry can be traced back through seven genera-
tions. The old homestead of the Slades, located in Stanton, St. Gabriels, has
been handed down from one generation to another for more than one hundred
vears. A brother of Mrs. Harris was a veteran of the Crimean war, and her
cousin. Sir John Slade, was a general in the English army. Another repre-
sentative of the name. Sir Fred Slade, a barrister, would have been appointed
judge if he had lived another month. Sir Adolphus Slade was sent by the Eng-
lish government as ambassador to Turkey, and while serving in that country
was given the title of Muchia Pasha. James Harris passed away in 1872, and
his wife continued to reside in England until 1890, when she came to this
country with her son, with whom she has continued to make her home.

Thomas A. Harris is indebted to the public school system of his native
' country for the educational advantages which he enjoyed. He spent the period
of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with
the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. For eight years he was
employed as a farm hand and then, determining to seek the opportunities of
the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1890, and came to Pow-
eshiek county. Iowa. During the first four years of his residence in this country
he was employed at farm work by the month, and then, desiring that his efforts
should more directly benefit himself, he rented a farm in connection with his
brother. Edgar J. Harris, which they operated jointly for eleven years.

In 1905 he invested in his present farm, a fine tract of one hundred and
si.xty acres, all in one body, located on section 11, Chester township. He is
also the owner of another tract of eighty acres south of the home place, and

268 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

is extensively engaged in general farming, cultivating the cereals best adapted
to soil and climate. He also gives considerable attention to his livestock in-
terests, making a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs. Prosperity has come
to him in his undertaking for he has so managed his affairs as to bring forth
the best results possible. He has watched every detail of his business, has
employed progressive and modern methods in the conduct of his enterprises,
and has manifested those qualities which are resultant forces in the atcainment
of success along any line of activity — industry, energ}', perseverance and in-
tegrity. He also has other interests aside from his agricultural business, hav-
ing been one of the organizers of the Senora Telephone Company, of which in-
stitution he is now serving as secretary and treasurer.

In January, 1896, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Katharine M.
Schmidt, a daughter of William Schmidt, a native of Germany. Mr. Schmi(h,
who followed the occupation of farming during his active career, is now living
retire.l, making his home in Tama. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Harris are
five children: Frank A., Esther R., Raymond William, Lilly M. and Harvey
Thomas.

Mr. Harris is a member of the Episcopal church of England, of which he
is a loyal supporter and of which he has served as trustee for many years. He
gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party but has never sought public
office, the only public capacity in which he has served being that of school
director. He is numbered among Chester township's valued and honored cit-
izens, for he has not only been progressive and successful in business, but has
also been a factor in the public life of the community, supporting many public
movements and taking a commendable interest in all those things which have
to do with the betterment of the district along material, political, intellectual and
moral lines.

JAMES D. BOYACK.

Eight years ago James D. Boyack came to Poweshiek county and established
himself on a farm which he purchased in Grinnell township. He is now the
possessor of one of the finest farms in the county and through his industry, per-
severance and clear judgment has attained a large measure of prosperity. He
is a native of Scotland, and was born April 4, 1850, a son of William and Jane
(Doig) Boyack, both of whom were born in Scotland. The parents came to
the United States in 1852 and lived for four years at Rockford, Illinois, the
father being employed as salesman in a lumber yard. He then removed to In-
dependence, Iowa, and entered about three hundred acres of government land,
upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in July, 1902, when he had
arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The beloved wife and mother
was called away January i, 1889, at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Boyack.
Sr., politically gave his support to the republican party. He was an active factor
in local politics and for many years an office holder. He was a man of many
sterling characteristics and exerted a strong influence for good wherever he was
known.

MR. AMI MKS. .1. D. BOYACIv

HE NEW YORK

J BLIC LIBRARY

A3T0«, LBNOX AND
■"ILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 271

James D. Boyack was brought to America with his parents in his infancy and
grew up under the favorable conditions of country life. He received his educa-
tion in the common schools and after arriving at maturity continued with his
father, assisting upon the home farm. When he was about twenty-tive years of
age he began upon his own account by buying one hundred and sixty acres of
land adjoining his father's place. He cultivated this land to such good advantage
that he later became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which produced
a handsome annual revenue. However, he was attracted to Poweshiek county
as a more favorable location, and in 1903 he sold his farm and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres in this county, which he has improved and developed on
modern lines, making it a highly desirable property.

On May 14, 1883, Mr. Boyack was united in marriage to Miss Anna M.
Williams, a daughter of William and Ann (Minard) Williams, of Herefordshire,
England. She came to America with relatives when she was ten years of age
and was reared and educated in this country. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Boyack: Breeze E., a graduate of Grinnell College; George W.,
who is in the sophomore class of the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa ;
and Grace L., who is now living at home.

Mr. Boyack is an ardent supporter of the republican party, believing that its
principles are essential to the permanency and prosperity of the country. He
has served in various offices, both in Buchanan and Poweshiek counties, and for
four years served as township trustee in this county. He and his family are mem-
bers of the Congregational church. Mrs. Boyack is a lady of unusual intellectual
attainments and before her marriage engaged, with marked success, for five
years as a school-teacher. The home over which she presides is one of the popu-
lar gathering places of the township and is the abode of genuine hospitality and
true kindliness. -.,, ^:.'-.

JAMES S. ROLLINS.

Among the old soldiers of the Civil war now living in lionored retirement is
James S. Rollins of Grinnell. He engaged successfully in farming and stock-
raising in Grinnell township for more than thirty years and for six years past
he has been a valued citizen of Grinnell. He was born in Kennebec county,
Maine, November 26, 1836, and is a son of Levi and Julia (Smart) Rollins,
who were also natives of Maine. The father, who was a farmer, spent his
entire life in the Pine Tree state. In politics he gave his support for many
years to the democratic party but later became an earnest adherent of the republi-
can party. He died in April. 1882. his beloved wife being called away thirty-
two years previously in 1850.

James S. Rollins received his education in the common schools of his native
state. In the spring of 1857 he came to Iowa and located in Cedar county,
where he engaged in farming. However, the Civil war interfered with his plans
and on the 13th of .-\ugust, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa
Infantry. The regiment participated in many important battles and lesser en-

272 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

gagements, and Private Rollins took part in the siege and battles of \'icksburg ;
in the Red River campaign ; in the Shenandoah Valley campaign ; and in the
movements around the city of Savannah. After the close of the war, on July
17, 1865, he was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Savannah
and returned to farming in Cedar county. In 1875 he came to Poweshiek county
and located on a farm in Grinnell township, a mile and one-half west of Grin-
nell. There he lived for thirty years and one month, at the end of which time
he took up his residence in Grinnell.

On January 3. i860, Mr. Rollins was united in marriage in Cedar county to
Miss Matilda J. Fuller, who was born in Ohio. She is a daughter of Spencer
S. Fuller, who came to Iowa with his family in 1853 and located on a farm in
Cedar county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rollins, namely:
John S., who is a graduate of the Grinnell high school and is now married and
engaged in farming in Grinnell township ; and Ann, also a graduate of the
high school, who is now Mrs. Buchanan, her husband being a well known
farmer and stock-raiser of Montour, Iowa.

Politically Mr. Rollins ever since reaching manhood has given his support
to the republican party. He cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln for presi-
dent of the United States, an act of which he has always been very proud. He
has served as school director and also most acceptably as assessor of Grinnell
township. Fraternally, he holds membership in Gordon Granger Post, No. 64,
of Grinnell. He is now in the seventy-fifth year of his age and the repose he
enjoys is well earned as he has bravely endeavored to perform his duty and
therefore deserves the good-will of all right-minded and liberty loving people.

ALBERT LIVEZEY.

Albert Livezey. now in a hospital at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was for many
years prominently identified with the agricultural development of Poweshiek
county. He w'as connected with farming, a vocation for which he was eminently
fitted by natural taste and training, and he was known as one of the most suc-
cessful farmers in his section of the county.

He was born at Newcastle, Henry county, Indiana, November 17, 1850, a
son of Ezekiel and Eliza ( Hughes) Livezey. both of whom were natives of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father learned the blacksmith's trade in Penn-
sylvania and removed to Indiana, where he engaged in farming. Subsequently
he came with his family to Poweshiek county and here both he and his wife
passed the remainder of their lives. In politics he was a supporter of the republi-
can party and in religious views was in hearty sympathy with the doctrines and
usages of the Society of Friends. There were three children in the family of
Mr. and Mrs. Livezey: George, deceased; Albert; and Emily, who is now the
wife of Monroe Efner, of Nebraska.

Albert Livezey was educated in the public schools of Newcastle. Indiana,
and as a boy gave evidence of many generous and noble traits of character.
He came to Poweshiek county with his parents and engaged in farming with

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY 27:5

such success that in 1883 he was enabled to purchase one hundred and twenty
acres, which became the family homestead. He improved his place by the erec-
tion of buildings and fences and by drainage and the rotation of crops, so that
it became highly productive and his labors were abundantly rewarded. He
followed general farming and stock-raising.

On the 24th of December, 1878, Mr. Livezey was married in Washington
township to Miss Mary E. Murphy, a daughter of James and Xancy (Jenkins)
Murphy, both of whom were born in Morgan county, Virginia. The father was
a blacksmith and carpenter and also engaged in farming. He took up his resi-
dence in Brown county, Indiana, where he became a man of considerable promi-
nence, continuing to reside in that county until his death. The mother subse-
quently came to Iowa and died at Lucas. Politically Mr. Murphy gave his
support to the democratic party and served as road supervisor of his township.
He was an earnest member of the Baptist church in which he filled the office
of deacon.

By a former marriage Mr. Livezey had one child. William P., now a resi-
dent of Wisconsin. There were six children born to him by his marriage to
Miss Mary E. Murphy, namely: Gertrude M., now the wife of Joseph Dexter,
of Washington township, this county ; George W. anfl James A., at home ; Aly
F., the wife of Dr. Louis .Mien; Eliza H.. wife of Glen Boget, of Sugar Creek
township ; and Mary Elizabeth, at home.

Mr. Livezey belonged to that class of men who come to the front in any
undertaking that enlists their interest. He was a man who never broke his
word and never deserted a friend. Politically he adhered to the democratic
party. He was a member of the school board and his religious belief was in-
dicated by membership in the Methodist church.

A. C. HARRIMAN.

A faithful public ofiicer and an obliging friend and neighbor, A. C. Harri-
man, city clerk of Grinnell, may be truly named as one of the leading and
popular men of the community. He is a native of Searsport, Maine, born
December 5, 1852. and is a son of James T. and Rebecca (Chase) Harriman,
both of whom were born in Bangor, Maine, .\fter their marriage they took up
their residence in Searsport, where the father became prominent as a builder
and contractor. In 1856, seeking for a wider field, he came to Grinnell and two
years later brought his family to this place, then a struggling village with good
prospects for the future. He continued as a contractor during his entire bus-
iness life and passed away in 1906 at the age of seventy-nine years. Politically
he gave his support to the republican party but he was liberal in his views and
often voted irrespective of party lines. He was a man of high character and
generous nature and had many friends in this county. Mrs. Harriman died
at the age of sixty-three in 1890. She was an earnest member of the Congrega-
tional church and a worker who never tired in advancing its interests.

274 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

A. C. Harriman came to Grinnell at the age of five years and has ever
since made his home in this city. He received his education in the public
schools, later attending the Grinnell high school and Grinnell College, being
a student in the latter institution for several years. Under his father he learned
the contracting business, in which he continued for a number of years, then
taking charge of a planing mill which he operated for si.\ years. Afterward
he entered the general mercantile business in Grinnell but after twelve years*
experience in that line he sold out and took a vacation, making an extensive
trip through the west. Upon returning home he accepted a position in the build-
ing and loan office of J. F. Wilson, formerly city clerk for a short time, and in
1907 was made city clerk succeeding his brother-in-law, Willis Davis, deceased.
At the first election following his appointment he was regularly elected to the
office which he now fills with marked ability.

In 1874 Mr. Harriman was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Davis, of
Jasper county, Iowa, and by this union five children were born, three of whom
survive, namely: Jessie H., who is the widow of David S. Schuyler and is now
living with her parents ; Raymond D.. a graduate of Grinnell College and now a
teacher in the Muscatine high school : and Rebecca P., a student in the high
school.

Mr. Harriman politically is independent, preferring to vote for the man
rather than the party. He served for six years as member of the school board
and for three years in the town council. He has ever since arriving at manhood
been industrious and persevering in everything he has undertaken, and his
acknowledged honesty and reliability have given him an established standing in
the city. He is efficiently filling his present office and well deserves the confidence
and respect of the people.

OLIVER W. PARK.

A well known retired farmer of Chester township is Oliver W. Park, who
continues to live on the homestead in the cultivation of which he was for so
many years engaged. He was born in Searsport, Maine, on the 7th of June,
1849, being a son of Captain Oliver C. and Catherine E. ( Park) Park, natives of
the same place. They are descended from Richard Parke of England, who was
born in 1602. The first member of the family to take up his residence in .America
was the Rev. Joseph Park, who was a missionary to the Indians in Rhode
Island. The majority of them were agriculturists and the land where Harvard
University is now located was cultivated by some of the ancestors of Oliver W.
Park. Other members of the family followed the sea, and among those who
engaged in the latter vocation was Captain Oliver C. Park, who died when he
was forty-five years of age.

After completing his elementary education, which was acquired in the com-
mon schools of his native town. Oliver W. Park entered the Bucksport Academy
of Bucksport, Maine. At the age of fourteen years he went to sea with his
father, where he remained for three years, following which he attended school

HISTORY OF I'OWESIIIEK COUNTY 275

for another three terms. In June, 1872, just after passing his twenty-third
birthday, he came to Grinnell to visit some relatives. He decided to remain
here and for five years worked on a farm. At the expiration of that time he
went to Nebraska, where he remained for a similar period, returning to Grin-
nell in 1882. Mr. Park is now living retired on his homestead, which contains
one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Chester township.

In January, 1878, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Carrie R.
Beaton, a daughter of William and Loretta M. (Hubbard) Beaton. Mrs. Park
was born in Grinnell on the 27th of September, 1857, and has spent the greater
part of her life in Poweshiek county. After graduating from the high school
in the class of 1875, she attended Iowa College. She also received a musical
education and taught music for a time. She officiated as organist in the church
in Hokah, Minnesota, where she resided for two years.

William Beaton, the father of Mrs. Park, was of Scotch parentage, and was
born on the loth of February, 1829, in St. Andrews, Canada. At the age of
nine years he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and five years later he took a
position in an organ factory. In 1849 he went to Hudson, Ohio, where he
entered Western Reserve University, from which he was graduated six years
later, having worked his way through. From his earliest youth he had given
evidence of possessing unusual musical ability and had always studied music
when it was possible for him to do so. While in college he trained a glee club
of one hundred and thirty-two voices, was director of the music in the Con-
gregational and Episcopal churches and was also conductor of the Handel So-
ciety. A fellow student, Henry Hamilton, urged him to come to Grinnell
which he did on his wedding journey in 1855. Having decided to remain here
he established a singing school, which was the first ever held in the town. Dur-
ing the early years of his residence he followed the carpenter trade and he was
also at one time principal of the public schools. When the call came for vol-
unteers he responded and went to the front with the Fourth Iowa Infantry,
where he remained for three years. Mr. Beaton was also a teacher of the violin
as well as of voice.

On the 2ist of June, 1855, occurred the marriage of Mr. Beaton and Miss
Loretta M. Hubbard, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and the following children
were born of this union : Carrie R., now Mrs. Park ; Isabella, of Cleveland ;
and William H. and Henry Adam, who died in infancy. Mrs. Beaton died on
the K^t of January, 1887, and he subsequently was imited to Mrs. Maggie
Tichnor. who only survived a few years. In 1893 he married Miss Ella M.
Asay of Philadelphia, who is still living. He passed away in Grinnell on the
i6th of January. 1907.

The younger daughter born of the union of Mr. Beaton and his first wife,
Isabella Beaton, is a musician of uncommon ability. She was born in 1870 at
the family home in Grinnell, and at the age of four years began the study of
music. When she was nine years old, having studied for five years, she was
admitted to the conservatory of Iowa College. She studied there under Prof.
Willard Kimball for ten years, and Prof. L. A. Phelps, early recognizing her
ability, devoted his summer vacations to perfecting her technic and interpreta-
tion. She gave her first public recital when she was twelve, her repertoire at

276 HISTORY OI' POWESHIEK COUNTY

that time containing many of the best compositions of the leatUng masters, which
were interpreted with remarkable skill for one of her years. Soon thereafter
she was afflicted with eye trouble and for a year and a half she was unable to
see, but nothing daunted this ambitious girl, and despite her handicap she
managed to pass her examinations at school. She spent five years in Europe,
being in Berlin three years and in Paris two, during which time she played
for some of the members of royalty. She was graduated from Western
Reserve University with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and at the present
time she has the chair of musical history and theory in the Cleveland School of
Music, where she is also giving a series of recitals. That she is a performer of
unusual skill and ability is fully attested by the fact that Moritz Mozkowski,
her teacher for five years, gave her unstinted praise. She has recently incor-
porated the Beaton School of Music of Cleveland, of which Mrs. Park is one
of the trustees.

To Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born two daughters and a son, the order
of their birth being as follows : Louise P., who was graduated from Iowa Col-
lege with the class of 1902, and is now the wife of J. L. Carpenter, a farmer of
Malcom ; Hubbard Beaton, who is ranching near Tacoma, Washington, grad-
uate of Grinnell high school, class of 1903 ; and Ada C, wdio graduated from
high school and Grinnell College, and also resides in Grinnell.

The family all affiliate with the Congregational church. His political sup-
port Mr. Park accords to the republican party. He has never taken a prominent
part in politics and the only official position he ever held was that of treasurer
of the school board while residing in Nebraska. Mr. Park is one of the sub-
stantial citizens of Chester township and both he and his family are held in
high esteem by all who know them.

GEORGE SAMPSON.

The possibilities under the favoring influences of the republic for ambitious
and deserving young men from foreign lands are clearly illustrated in the career
of George Sampson, now a leading contractor of Grinnell. He was born in Nor-
way, November 5, 1849, the son of Sigard and Anna Sampson, both of whom
were natives of Norway. The father was a miner and died when the subject
of this review was a child of four years. The mother came to America in 1867
and settled at Spring Valley, Minnesota, where she lived until her death, which
occurred on the 4th of March, 1876.

George Sampson possessed limited opportunities of education in the common
schools of his native land and was early set to work herding cattle. At twelve
years of age he secured employment on a stage route in Norway and continued
for four years, after which he worked upon a farm. In iSfx) he crossed the ocean
to the new world and for two years applied himself to farming in Spring Valley,
Minnesota. Having decided to take up government land he went west for that
purpose, but not being able to find a desirable location he returned to Minne-
sota, in 1871, and went to Mankato, where he worked for wages on a farm

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 277

and attended school for three months. At Mankato he became acquainted with
William Roberts, a mason, and under Mr. Roberts he learned the mason's trade.
In 1873 lie began as a contractor at Spring \'alley and three years later, on
July 7, 1876, arrived at Grinnell, Iowa, where he readily secured work at his
trade. He went to Omaha for a short time, but believing Grinnell to be a more
favorable location he returned to this city and on Se]:)tember i, 1877, began as
contractor in stone and brick work. Since that time he has extended his opera-
lions, and he now does general contracting in the city and surrounding towns.
He has applied himself to such good purpose that he is now at the head of a
large anfl growing concern and one which has erected many of the substantial
buildings in this part of the county.

On the 15th day of November, 1876, Mr. Sampson was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Jane Stowe of Grinnell, daughter of Luther Watson and Phebe
R. (Allen) Stowe, the father being a native of Massachusetts and the mother
of New York. They came west in 1856 and located at Oak Grove, Iowa, where
they lived for twenty years. In 1876 the family moved to Grinnell. The father
was born in 1819 and is now living in this city, having reached the age of ninety-
two years. The mother is deceased. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Sampson, namely: Cora B., wife of Samuel M. Pegram, of Lincoln, Illinois,
who is engaged in the dry goods business at Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Louis J.,
who is married and is engaged in the mason's trade at Rockford, Illinois.

Mr. Sampson gives his support to the republican party and holds member-
ship in the Methodist church of Grinnell. He is identified prominently with
the Masonic order, being a member of Grinnell Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M.,
of Grinnell, Palestine Chapter, No. loi, R. A. M. of Grinnell. and of the com-
mandery and shrine, being also connected with the Odd Fellows.

Coming to this country as a young man he started at the very foundation by
learning the language and gradually forged his way through obstacles until he
became established in a permanent and lucrative business. It required pluck,
zeal and unswerving perseverance, but he was liberally endowed with all of
these necessary qualities and he is today one of the substantial and progressive
citizens of Poweshiek county. His life may truly be designated as active and
useful, and in all his business transactions he has been entirely honorable and
trustworthy, and he possesses the esteem and confidence of all with whom his
relations, socially or in business, have brought him in contact.

OMMUND PEDERSEN.

Ommund Pedersen, who lives in Chester township, came to Poweshiek
county. Iowa, from Norway twenty-nine years ago and has ever since applied
himself to farming. He was born at Stavanger, January 13, 1858. and is a son
of Peder and Olena (Olson) Pedersen, both of whom were born in Norway.
The father was a sailor and fisherman. He came to America with his wife
in 1891 and they made their home with Ommund Pedersen, the son, and sub-

278 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ject of this review. The father died in July, 1910, the mother having passed
away in December, 1905.

Ommund Pedersen possessed but limited advantages of education in his
native land and early began assisting his father in fishing, continuing in that
occupation until after he arrived at his majority. In 1882 he arrived in the
new world and took up his residence in Poweshiek county, Iowa. For a num-
ber of years he worked for wages and later rented land, which he cultivated
industriously and with good judgment, thus acquiring capital with which he
purchased land on his own account. In 1897 h^ acquired one hundred and
sixty acres, and he also rents eighty acres. He raises the cereals, but devotes
his attention principally to raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs for
the market.

In July, 1890, Mr. Pedersen was maried to Miss Lena Olson, of Roland,
Story county, Iowa, a daughter of Ole Olson, a farmer of Norway. He passed
his entire life in the old country. Mrs. Lena Pedersen died in September, 1892,
and Mr. Pedersen was again married August, 1894, his second union being with
Miss Bertha Tokle, a daughter of Ole Tokle, of Norway. Seven children have
blessed this union : Paran, who is now attending the high school ; and Orville,
Leonard, Edwin, Lawrence, Anna and William. Mr. Pedersen is not connected
with any of the old political parties, preferring to cast his ballot in behalf of
the prohibition cause. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at
Grinnell and has aimed, in his life, to follow the teachings of the great book on
which the church is founded. He represents the class of stalwart and brave-
hearted men who do not hesitate to make personal sacrifices if necessary in order
to provide for the welfare of their families or friends. As a young man he
sought to establish a home among strangers and he succeeded, being now one
of the flourishing farmers of Poweshiek county. He fully deserves the respect
in which he is held as a good citizen and head of one of the promising families
of Chester township.

JACOB TERABERRY.

One of the most highly improved and valuable farms of Sheridan township
stands as a monument to the splendid business ability and the spirit of enter-
prise and progress of Jacob Teraberry. a retired agriculturist now making his
home in Malcom. He was born near Clinton, in Clinton township, Hunterdon
county, New Jersey, on the 27th of October, 1S44. a son of Frederick and Eliza-
beth fLindaberry) Teraberry, both natives of New Jersey. In the spring of
1867 they removed to Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1872 brought their family
to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating on a farm three miles west of Malcom.
where the mother's death occurred. Later the father retired from business and
moved to Grinnell, where he spent his remaining days. His entire life had been
devoted to farming. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Teraberry were
eight children, as follows: Nathan S., of High Bridge, New Jersey; John, re-
siding in Montezuma; Jacob, of this review; Sarah E., who married J. S. Hul-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 281

sizer, of Trenton, New Jersey ; Rachel, the widow of John S. Temple, of Grin-
nell : -Mary I., who wedded Austin Cramer and resides near Annandale, New
lersev : Dr. f. F.. a physician of New York city; and Carrie V., the wife of C. ^
W. Lee, of Clinton, New Jersey.

No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Jacob
Teraberry during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was' spent in his
eastern home, and there he remained until the removal of the family to Illinois
in \Sf)j. I'l^on his arrival in Poweshiek county, in 1872, he purchased a farm
five and a half miles north of Malcom in Sheridan township. For more than a
third of a century he devoted his energies and attention to the cultivation
of that property and then, in March, 1908, he purchased his present home in
Malcom, where he is now living retired. He still retains possession of his farm,
however, which consists of two hundred and forty acres located on section 36,
and which is now operated by his son. It is a highly improved property and the
dwelling erected upon it by Mr. Teraberry is one of the finest country homes
in the township. The beautiful shade trees upon the place were all set out by
]^lr. Teraberr}-, who also introduced all of the modern conveniences and acces-
sories of a model farm of the twentieth century. No better evidences of a life
of industry, enterprise and thrift on the part of the owner can be given than the
excellent condition of this property. In his agricultural pursuits he followed
[iractical methods and the spirit of progress was one of his most salient charac-
teristics. Substantial and well merited was the success which came to him as
the result of his well directed efTorts, and which today enables him to enjoy in
retirement all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Teraberry was married, on the 30th of November, 1870, to Miss Le-
nora Judd, whose birth occurred on the 19th of March, 1850, in Alden, Erie
county. New York, while her parents were on a visit to the Empire state, the
family home being located in Illinois at that time. She is a daughter of E. P. and
Sarah (Rearick) Judd, the former born in Vermont on the 25th of June, 1813;
and the latter in New York, on the 5th of June, 1819. They were married in
Erie county. New York, October 31, 1837, immediately after which they re-
moved to Bureau county, Illinois, arriving at their new home on the 1st of De-
cember. There Mr. Judd entered two hundred and forty acres of land two and
a half miles east of Princeton, to the improvement and development of which
he devoted a number of years. Later he sold that property and in 1875 came
to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating on a farm here which he had entered in
1835. He entered and purchased land in Poweshiek county, including the farm
which his son-in-law, Mr. Teraberry, now owns. He was one of the largest
lanrlowners in this district, owning at one time three thousand, two hundred and
twenty acres in Poweshiek county and six hundred and forty acres in Illinois.
He was engaged in general farming and was also an extensive feeder of cattle
and hogs. He passed away on the 9th of May, 1894, in Chicago, while on his
way home after spending a winter in Florida. His widow, however, still sur-
vives and is now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Teraberry. She
has passed the ninety-second milestone on life's journey and is enjoying ex-
cellent health, her mental and physical vigor being remarkable and unusual in
one of her advanced age. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Judd were eight chil-

282 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

dren, namely : Laura, the wife of Asher Shifflett, of Grinnell ; Mar\', who passetl
away in infancy ; Carrie, who married Dr. J. W. McDowell, of Eustis, Florida ;
Emma, the wife of Charles Bossier, of Sheridan township: Minerva, who wedded
J. D. Carpenter, of Malcom township; Lenora, now Mrs. Teraberry ; D. E., of
Brooklyn ; and Mark L., also of Brooklyn.

Mr. and Mrs. Teraberry were the parents of two children, of whom the
eldest, Frederick J., was killed by the cars while a student at high school. He
was born on the 6th of October, 1879, and his death occurred February 26,
1896. The surviving son. Glen E. Teraberry, was born January 3, 1886, and
spent two years at Grinnell .Acatlemy in the acquirement of an education, lie
has since engaged in farming and is now operating his father's farm in Sheridan
township.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Teraberry the right of franchise he has given
stalwart support to the republican party and has been called upon at times to
fill various township offices. For thirty years he served as school treasurer, the
cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion, while many other pro-
jects having for their object the ultimate growth and <levelopment of the com-
munity have received his hearty indorsement. For several years he served as
director of Malcom Agricultural Society and has been actively interested in
various fairs. He has constantly and earnestly labored to stimulate the interests
of his fellowmen in all that tends to promote progress in agricultural and other
lines. The success which he himself attained in that direction is most credit-
able and Poweshiek county numbers him among her progressive, prominent and
desirable citizens.

BALEY A. ALLEX.

Baley A. Allen, whose time and attention are devoted to the further develop-
ment and improvement of his farm in Union township, was born in Mahaska
county, Iowa, on the 8th of February, 1863. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah
J. (Barnes) Allen, natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a farmer, mi-
grated from his native state to Indiana, where he resided until about 1832, when
he removed to Mahaska county, Iowa. He subsequently came to Union town-
ship, Poweshiek county, where he was living at the time of his demise, which
occurred on the 12th of December. 1904. The mother still survives and con-
tinues to make her home in Union township. He affiliated with the Christian
church, of which Mrs. Allen is a member, and was for many years a deacon in
same, while fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order. He voted the
democratic ticket and always took a great deal of interest in all educational
matters and for many years served as a school director, during a large portion
of which time he was treasurer of the board. In the order of birth their chil-
dren were as follows : William L. : and Mary A. and Martha J., both of whom
are deceased ; Isam T., who is a resident of Union township ; Joseph R., de-
ceased ; Baley A., our subject ; and Irvin C, who is living in Union township.

THh > .--v -rORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOH, LS.NOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 285

The boyliooil and youth of Baley A. Allen were very similar to those of
other farm lads, who early become familiar with the lighter duties and labors
of the agriculturist, during which time he was also pursuing his education in the
tlistrict schools. He remained upon the old homestead until he was thirty-two
years of age, during the latter [)ortion of which time he was associated with his
father in the cultivation of the fields. Later he rented the property continuing
its operation until he located upon one hundred and sixty acres which he had
inherited and upon which he has ever since resided. He has made all of the
improvements ujjon his place, which is now one of the best improved and cul-
tivated farms in Union township.

Mr. Allen was married on the ist of January, 1892, to Miss Clara Adams, a
daughter of Clark and Mary Frances (Gates) .'Kdams, who were pioneer resi-
dents of Iowa but natives of Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state on
the i8th of January, 1846, removing from there to Iowa, where Mr. Adams
engaged in farming and stock-raising. He later went to New Sharon, Mahaska
county, where he conducted a restaurant. After his retirement he settled in
Lorenz, this state, and there he passed away on the ist of January, 1908. Mrs.
Adams had preceded him many years, her demise occurring in August, 1867.
Mr. Adams was a man of liberal views and helpful spirit, a member of the Uni-
versalist church and of the socialist party. He was also a Mason and a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Allen was born in New Sharon,
.Mahaska county, this state, on the 25th of June, 1866, and by her marriage she
has become the mother of one child, Celoa Belle, whose birth occurred on the
nth of January, 1893.

Mr. Allen holds membership"in the Christian church, while his wife belongs
to the Methodist church, and Ite is also affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.
He generally votes for the candidates of the democratic party but in local afTairs
is independent. He is not an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of
office, and, therefore, devotes his energies to his personal interests.

DANIEL F. HAYS.

A tried and true soldier in times of danger and an industrious and progres-
sive citizen in times of peace, Daniel F. Hays, now living at Grinnell, deserves
mention in a history treating of the substantial citizens of Poweshiek county.
He is a native of Frederick county, Maryland, and was born August i, 1834, a
son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fuss) Hays, both of whom were born in Mary-
land. The mother died in 1846, when the subject of this review was a boy of
twelve years. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed this line in
the east for thirty-five years. In October, 1856. he came to Grinnell, Iowa,
where he spent eighteen months, removing on April 19, 1858, to a farm in
Chester township. Having once established himself as an agriculturist he set
vigorously to work to develop his property, and for forty-one years he was
identified with agriculture and stock-raising in this county, his demise occurring
in 1899.

286 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY

Daniel F. Hays received his preliminary education in the common schools
of Maryland, and in his young manhood learned the blacksmith's trade. He
came to Iowa with his father and was just fairly settling down in life when his
plans were interfered with by the Civil war. On September 22, 1862, he en-
listed in Company E, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and participated with the regiment
in many important battles and movements. He was present at the \'icksburg
campaign and was with the regiment at the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, which
was one of the hardest fought battles in which the regiment took part during the
entire war. The Fourth Iowa assisted in covering the retreat of the army for
si.xty miles and private Hays witnessed terrific scenes of slaughter during this
memorable period, the recollection of which are as vivid in his memory as if
they were enacted but yesterday. He also served in the campaign of General
Wilson in Alabama and Georgia in 1865. He was honorably mustered out
June 17, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to Poweshiek county. He
conducted a blacksmith shop at Grinnell and later engaged in farming, also main-
taining a blacksmith shop upon his place. In 1904 he moved to Grinnell, where
he has since lived.

On the 1 2th of December, 1867, Mr. Hays was united in marriage at Me-
chanicstown, Maryland, to Miss Susan Weller, a daughter of Thomas Weller.
of Maryland, who died when his daughter Susan was four years old. Six chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hays, five of whom grew to maturity, namely :
Joseph Weller, a graduate of Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, who is
married and now resides at Chicago, Illinois ; Harvey G. A., also a graduate of
Cornell College, who is married and lives on a farm at Hereford, Texas ; Rosa
D., at home; Charles W., who is married and lives in Chicago; and Grace S.,
also at home.

Mr. Hays and his wife are now living in a beautiful residence in Grinnell
with well kept lawn and fine shade trees, making it one of the most attractive
homes in the city. They are earnest friends of education, as is shown by the
unusual facilities enjoyed by their children, all of whom were given the ad-
vantages of a college training. Mr. Hays voted for Abraham Lincoln as presi-
dent and he has generally supported the repuljlican party since, but he has pro-
hibition tendencies in local affairs. He was one of the founders of Chester
lownship and has held many of the offices of the township from its earliest
days. He is a valued member of the Methodist church and of the Grand Army
Post at Grinnell. Having now arrived at his seventy-seventh year he is practically
retired from active labor and enjoys a peace and prosperity which he has richly
earned bv manv vears of earnest effort.

THOMAS S. APPLEGATE.

Thomas S. Applegate, who for twenty years has filled the office of justice
of the peace in Montezuma, his decisions being a clear exposition of the law
and the equity in the case, was born in Ray township, Morgan county, Indiana,
December 3, 1834, a son of Joseph and Lavina (Blunk) Applegate. The father

HISTORY OF I'OWF.SHIF.K COUNTY 287

was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1808, and was reared in Bullitt county, that
state. The mother was born in Harrison county, Indiana, in 1814, and was
a daughter of George and Rebecca (Davis) Blunk, the former a native of Ger-
many and the latter of Virginia. Mrs. Blunk died at the age of one hundred and
six years, while her mother reached the remarkable age of one hundred and
fifteen and David Blunk, a brother of Airs. Lavina Applegate, passed away at the
age of one hundred and three.

The marriage of Joseph and Lavina (Blunk) Applegate was celebrated in
Indiana and in 1854 they came with their family to Iowa, driving across the
country. Settling in Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county, the father en-
tered land from the government and upon the claim which he secured and de-
veloped he made his home until his death, which occurred about 1880. His wife
survived him for some years, passing away in the same township in 1887. He
had made farming his life work and in early manhood had engaged in teaching
school through the winter months. For a number of years he filled the office
of justice of the peace during his residence in Indiana. His political allegiance
was originally given the whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks
of the new republican party. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church.
Unto him and his wife were born nine children, of whom four sons and one
daughter are yet living, while three of the family died in infancy, and Mrs.
Eliza Hakes passed away January 3, 191 1. Those who still survive are: Mrs.
Zerelda Watson, a widow living in Touchet, Washington; Thomas S. ; Ira, of
Norton county, Kansas ; Peter N., whose home is in Carroll county, Arkansas ;
and William J., of Springfield, Kansas. The second son, Ira, enlisted at Monte-
zuma for service in Company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on
the nth of August, 1862. At the same time Thomas S. Applegate joined the
army and they went to the front under Captain J. W. Carr, who is mentioned
elsewhere in this volume. They took part in all of the engagements of the
regiment until Thomas S. Applegate was wounded in the last fight at Cedar
Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, a fragment of a shell striking him in the
ankle. He was honorably discharged in January, 1865, but his brother Ira
remained at the front until the cessation of hostilities.

After he had recovered from his injuries Thomas S. Applegate resumed
farming and was continuously and successfully connected with agricultural pur-
suits in this county until 1884, when he sold his farm in Sugar Creek town-
ship and established a hardware and implement business in Searsboro. There
he was engaged in the conduct of his store until 1898, when he came to Monte-
zuma, where he has since resided.

During much of the period of his residence here Mr. Applegate has filled
public offices. He is a stalwart republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the
party and its principles. He filled the position of county supervisor from 1884
until 1889, was justice of the peace in Sugar Creek township for two terms and
afterward served as deputy sheriflF for one term. In 19CX3 he was chosen justice
of the peace of Montezuma and entered upon a new term in the office on the
1st of January, 191 1. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial and the
record he has made in presiding over the justice court commends him to the con-
fidence of all law-abiding citizens.

288 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

On the i6th of July. 1854, Mr. Applegate was united in marriage, in Sugar
Creek township, to Miss Sarah Rivers, who was born in Morgan county, In-
diana, in 183 1, and about 1848 came to this county with her parents, Richard
and Mary (Watson) Rivers, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter
of North Carolina, although both spent their last days in Poweshiek county.
Of the children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Applegate three died in infancy or early
life, Joseph Richard passing away in infancy, Mary Lavina when four years
of age and John at the age of eight years. Those still living are : William, of
Tama. Iowa ; and George T.. of Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Applegate is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant rela-
tions with his old army comrades. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons
and his religious belief is that of the Church of Christ, in which he is serving
as elder. His life has ever been upright and honorable and his many manly and
sterling qualities have gained for him the warm and enduring regard of all with
whom he has come in contact.

JOHN T. CESSNA.

John T. Cessna, of Grinnell, is a native of Scott county, Iowa, born October
25, 1862, and is a son of Thomas R. Cessna, who for more than fifty years was
a citizen of Iowa. The Cessnas are of Huguenot ancestry and are direct de-
scendants of Count John De Cessna. In 1690, owing to persecution of the
Huguenots, about twelve hundred of the nobility of France, together with about
half a million of the Protestant faith fled to England, Holland, Switzerland and
Denmark, an official proclamation having been made by those countries proffer-
ing refuse to the oppressed. Many of the refugees entered military service and
among these was Count John De Cessna, who in 1690 distinguished himself
as an officer under Duke De Schomberg at the battle of the Boyne in Ireland.
He remained in Ireland until 1718 and then crossed the ocean to America, set-
tling in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1751. One of his sons, John De Cessna,
located in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the family became very prominent.
He was a member of the provincial assembly and also of the constitutional
convention of 1775. He joined with all his heart in the patriotic cause and
served as colonel in the Revolutionary war. The Hon. John Cessna, member
of the forty-first and forty-third congresses of the United States, belonged to
this family and was a brother of Thomas R. Ces.sna. both of them being great-
grandsons of Colonel John De Cessna.

Thomas R. Cessna was a son of William and Rachel (Morgaret) Cessna.
He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1827. and possessed
limited opportunities of education in the schools but became a man 01 strong
character and great integrity, gaining the confidence and respect of all with
whom he associated. He was married, in 1848, to Sarah A. Koerner, who was
also a native of Bedford county, and in 1858 with his wife and three children
came to Scott county, Iowa, and located upon a farm which he purchased near
Davenport. He and his wife reared a family of seven children, all of whom

TTISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 289

are now living. He was very successful in business and took an active part in
public affairs, discharging his duties as a public officer with the same interest
that he evinced in his i)rivate business. In 1885, desiring to be near his children
who had settled at Grinnell, he disposed of his farm in Scott county and came
to this city. However, he was not yet prepared for a life of inactivity, and he
engaged for ten years in a profitable real-estate business. He was a stanch
believer in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and served for many
years as an officer of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died on March 26,
i<;ii, having arrived at the venerable age of eighty-four years.

John T. Cessna, of this review, was reared in the parental home and at-
tended the district schools, later becoming a student of Cornell College, at
.Mount \'ernon, Iowa, and Grinnell College. In 1886 he purchased a farm ad-
joining the southeast limits of Grinnell, upon which he later took up his resi-
dence, cultivating it with increasing prosperity for seven years. He was for
some time associated with A. A. Foster in the agricLdtural implement business
at Grinnell and also in buying and selling livestock, but since 1907 has not
been actively engaged in business. He owns two farms, one of which is in
Jasper county, Iowa, and the other near Wichita, Kansas. He also owns an
interest in a business block in Kansas City, Missouri, and is a stockholder in
the Merchants National Bank of Grinnell.

On the 22d of March, 1888, Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to Miss Elsie
Brown, of Mason City, Iowa, and four children have come to brighten their
home, namely : E. Gladys, now a student in the sophomore class of Grinnell
College ; Fannie Blythe, a student in the same class with her sister ; Thomas R.,
Jr., who is a member of the senior class of the high school ; and Mildred Koer-
ner, who is now attending the public schools. The two older daughters are
both graduates of the Grinnell high school.

Mr. Cessna inherited from worthy parents many of the characteristics that
have assisted materially in his business career. He has through life stood for
what seemed to him to be right and just and, therefore, occupies a prominent
place in the estimation of his fellowmen. He and his wife are valued members of
the Methodist church and politically he is a progressive republican, believing that
the party has within itself the honesty and ability necessary in the perpetuation
of a popular government. He has not sought public office but as a friend of
education became a member of the city school board and is now president of
that body. Fraternally he is identified with Grinnell Lodge, No. 175. K. P.

J. C. GOODRICH.

I. C. Goodrich of the Grinnell Manufacturing Company, is a leading resi-
<lent of Grinnell and is associated with H. W. Spaulding in the conduct of a
retail buggy business. His birth occurred in Williamstown, Vermont, on the
7th of .^pril, 1863, his parents being .\bram and Harriet (Cass) Goodrich, who
were natives of Vermont and New Hampshire respectively. Following their
marriage they located on a farm near Williamstown, Vermont, the father being

290 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

actively engaged in its operation until 1865. In that year they came west to
Iowa, locating on a farm a mile and a half east of Grinnell, where Abram Good-
rich made his home until called to his final rest in 1881. His widow then took
up her abode in Grinnell, where her demise occurred the followmg year. Both
were Universalists in religious faith.

J. C. Goodrich was reared at home and supplemented his preliminary educa-
tion, obtained in the common schools, by a course of study at Grinnell Acad-
emy. After his mother's death he returned to the home farm and was engaged
in its operation until i8gi or 1892, when he came to Grinnell and embarked in
the agricultural implement business as a member of the Foster, Bailey, Good-
rich Company. In 1900 Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Bailey sold their interests to
Mr. Foster and engaged in the hardware business under the firm style of Bailey
& Goodrich, the partnership being maintained for one year. Mr. Goodrich then
withdrew from the concern and took charge of the city water works, managing
them for four years. On the expiration of that period he became one of the
organizers of the Grinnell Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of power
hammers and blacksmith tools, being made manager of the new concern. In the
spring of 1908 the Grinnell Manufacturing Company discontinued its former line
of work and engaged in the retail buggy business under the old firm name, the
proprietors of the establishment being H. W. Spaulding and J. C. Goodrich. The
business of the company covers the southwestern states and is conducted on what
is known as the trailing system. Mr. Goodrich is a stockholder and a member of
the board of directors of the Merchants National Bank of Grinnell and is also
a stockholder and director in the Grinnell Washing Machine Company. He has
earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in
his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won
him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.

In 1885 Mr. Goodrich was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Kingdon.
of Grinnell, Iowa, by whom he has one child, Mae J., who is now in her senior
year at Grinnell College. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belong-
ing to Grinnell Lodge, No. 358. Mrs. Goodrich is a member of the Episcopal
church and also belongs to the Priscillas, a ladies' social club of Grinnell. ^Ir.
Goodrich has spent practically his entire life in Poweshiek county and enjoys a
wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.

JOHN W. WILLSON.

John W. Willson, who for many years figured as one of the leading and
prosperous business men of Montezuma, is now living retired upon an excellent
farm of seventy acres, his home being within the corporation limits of the
county seat. He has ever been a man of excellent purpose, carrying forward
to successful completion what he has undertaken, and his sound judgment in
business affairs has been one of the strong elements in his prosperity.

JOHN W. WILLSOX

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, ttNOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATION!.

IILSTORV OF POWESHIEK COL'NTY 293

He was born December 9, 1839, in Hendricks county, Indiana, in a dis-
trict about ten miles from Indianapolis, known as the Shiloh Church neigh-
borhood, that church being situated upon his father's land. His parents were
Gideon and Catharine (Wilson) VVillson. They were first cousins and were
natives of Virginia, born both in 1801. They were married at White River,
Indiana, on the 3d of October, 1819. Gideon Willson was the first of the
family to spell his name with the double L, doing this because the other spell-
ing was so common. He lost his father when eleven years of age and was
reared by an uncle. Catharine Wilson lost her mother in early girlhood and
was reared by a stepmother. Her father was the owner of slaves, to whom'
he gave their liberty.

Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Willson were without capital when they were mar-
ried and it was through strenuous labor that he managed to secure enough
money to pay for the marriage license. Soon after their marriage they took
up their abode in Indianapolis, which at that time contained only two or three
cabins, and he secured one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a part of the
present site of the city. He became a prominent and influential resident of that
district and served as judge of the court. General Lew Wallace practicing be-
fore him. He had opportunity to attend school for only three months in his
life but through private reading and study he became a well informed man.
After living in the city for a few years he removed to a farm near Shiloh
Church, about ten miles from Indianapolis, and there carried on general agri-
cultural pursuits until J848, when he came to Montezuma, arriving in October
after driving across the country with.t^ams. There was only one cabin in the
town at the time. Mr. VV'^ilTsoA established the first store in the county in 1850,
carrying a general line "of-*'go>3d's. At first his stock consisted only of a few
staple articles but as thfc country developed and became more thickly settled he
added to his line of goods, 'tlj.e 'store building being a double hewed log house.
Subsequently he erected a good frame store building on the east side of the
square but it was destroyed by fire on the 31st of December, 1854. He after-
ward erected what is known as the Union block on the west side of the square
and continued in merchandising until June, 1870, when he sold out to his son
John W. and retired from active business, spending his remaining days in the
enjoyment of well earned rest. His death occurred in 1879, while his wife
passed away in 1886. He was a stanch democrat throughout his entire life but
never held office in this county, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs that he might provide a comfortable living for his family, which
numbered eleven children, namely: Mrs. Sarah Benjamin, Isaac G., Nancy,
Mrs. Mary Ann Walker and Elizabeth, all now deceased ; Mrs. Catharine Mc-
Intire, a widow living in Montezuma; John W.; Mrs. Emily Rogers, of Monte-
zuma ; and three who died in infancy.

John W. Willson came to Poweshiek county with his parents when nine
years of age and has since resided within its borders. He has witnessed its
growth from the period of its early development and as the years have gone
on has taken active and helpful part in the work of general progress and im-
provement. He assisted his father in the store for one year and afterward
devoted his attention to farming until he enlisted under the stars and stripes

294 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

in August. 1862, becoming a member of Company C. Twenty-eighth Iowa \'ol-
unteer Infantry, under Captain J. W. Carr. He served for three years and
was mustered out at the close of the war, having participated in all of the
engagements of his regiment except that of Jackson, Mississippi, which occurred
when he was in the convalescent camp. After the battle of Cedar Creek he
secured a furlough of thirty-six days, spending two weeks of that time at
home. He then made his way to Baltimore, which was the nearest place at
which he could join his regiment. There he reported to General Lew Wallace,
who gave him a pass to New York city with a letter to the commander of the
department there. Mr. Willson had a pleasant interview with General Wallace
after telling him that he was the son of Judge Gideon Willson, before whom
General Wallace had jsreviously practiced law. On the organization of the
company Mr. Willson hatl been elected sergeant. He had many narrow escapes
from injury and death. At Champion Hill a ball passed through his hat and
cut off a lock of his hair. His comrade, Thomas Applegate, picked up the hat
with the remark : "You will never see home if you have a closer call." When
the war was over Mr. Willson resumed farming, which he followed until the
spring of 1870, when he purchased his father's store. He increased his stock
and the business developed along substantial lines. He also began buying live
stock and became one of the foremost representatives of that business in this
section of Iowa. He handled two hundred and eighty cars of stock one year,
shipping the only full train of stock ever sent from Montezuma. His success
as a live stock dealer caused him to concentrate his energies upon that business
and he disposed of his store in the fall of 1875, giving his entire attention to
live stock until 1885, when he returned to the farm whereon he now resides.
Here he owns seventy acres of valuable land, splendidly improved, and he has
refused three hundred dollars per acre for the place.

On the nth of December. 1858, Mr. Willson was married in Montezuma
to Miss Sarah Head, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 27,
1840, and in 1855 was brought to Poweshiek county by her ])arents, William
M. and Margaret (Ferneau) Head, the former a native of England and the
latter of Germany. The mother died in Montezuma, while Mr. Head passed
away in Jefiferson, Iowa. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of
whom reached adult age, while two of that number served as soldiers of the
Civil war — Captain Albert Head and Lieutenant Mahlon Head. They enlisted
from Montezuma and are now engaged in the banking business in Jefferson.
^Ir. and Mrs. Willson became the parents of a daughter, Margaret K., now the
wife of Robert Le Gore, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and unto them was born a
daughter, Lila Marie, who is the wife of Charles Richey, county attorney
of McCook, Nebraska.

Mr. Willson was the only one of his father's family to support the republi-
can party. His position in this regard indicates his independent spirit and his
loyalty to his honest convictions. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his
worth, elected him a member of the council, in which he served for eleven years,
years, and he was also township trustee of Jackson township for nineteen vears.
His long continuance in office is proof of his ability and his record was at
all times creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. Mr. Will-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 295

son is a valued and popular member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
No history of this county would be complete without a record of him not alone
because he is one of the successful men of the county but also owing to sev-
eral others facts. The length of his residence in Montezuma exceeds that of
any other citizen here. He was in Grinnell the day that town was named,
going there on horseback to join in the celebration. He wanted to buy some
land but his father did not indorse the idea, for he did not believe a town would
ever be built way out there. Mr. Willson has lived to see remarkable changes
in the county as the work of growth and development has been carried on and
it is well known that at all times he has borne an active and iielpful part in
bringing about the transformation that has made Poweshiek one of the popu-
lous ami prosperous counties of tlie state.

LOUIS PULS.

.\o country has given to the United States better citizens than Germany, and
sons of the fatherland are always welcomed here, for all have those homely
virtues of honesty, sincerity, energy and frugality which, when combined, are
certain to be productive of good citizenship and prosperous results.

Louis Puis is one of Germany's contributions to the citizenship of Iowa, his
birth having occurred in Mecklenburg-.Schwerin, Germany, September 27. 1846,
his parents being Fred and Annie (Miller) Puis. The mother passed away in
the fatherland, an<l later the father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to
the United States, locating in Princeton, Illinois. In his family were the follow-
ing children : Christina and Freda, both deceased ; Mary, a resident of Germany ;
Charles, of Princeton. Illinois ; John, also residing in Germany ; Hannah, who
passed away in the fatherland ; Louis, of this review ; and Sophie, who married
John Tiedemann, of Malcom township.

Louis Puis spent the first nineteen years of his life in his native country,
acquiring his education in the common schools of the fatherland, and through
the assistance which he gave his father on the home farm became thoroughly
familiar with agricultural pursuits. Opportunities for advancement in the old
world, however, were limited, and the rumors concerning the advantages offered
in the United States early aroused his determination to seek a home on this side
of the -Atlantic. Consequently, in 1865, he came alone to this country, making
his wav to Princeton, Illinois, where for one year he was employed by the month
as a farm hand. In the spring of 1866 he arrived in Iowa, locating in Powe-
shiek county, and for two and a half years worked for Charles .Schultz, and
was then employed for a similar period by Fred Schultz. For the following two
years he rented a farm, and then, in the spring of 1877 was married. Imme-
diately afterward he purchased the farm which is now his home, and has since
been continuously engaged in its development. It consists of two hundred acres
located on section 4, Malcom township, and at the time that it came into his
possession it was unbroken prairie land without a single improvement upon it.

296 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

With characteristic energy he at once began breaking the sod, divided the land
into fields of convenient size, and by undaunted energy and unceasing persever-
ance converted it into a productive farm. He has made excellent improvements
upon the place, erecting substantial buildings and inclosing his fields with good
fences, and it is today one of the valuable and desirable properties of the town-
ship. He also owns thirteen acres of timberland about two miles east of his
home farm, and at one time was the owner of eighty acres which he has since
sold to his son. He gives his attention to general farming, practices rotation
of crops, makes a close study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and,
withal, has attained a most gratifying degree of prosperity.

Mr. Puis was married on the 2d of March, 1877, to Miss Minnie Schultz,
who was born in Princeton, Illinois, on the 22d of April, 1855, and came to
Poweshiek county in the fall of 1864 with her parents. She is a daughter of
Joachim and Marie (Peek) Schultz, who were natives of Prussia, Germany.
Both were born in the year 1820, the father on the 19th of March and the
mother on the 2d of February. They were married in the fatherland and came
to the United States in 1854, arriving in Princeton, Illinois, in the fall of that
year. They passed away in Malcom township, the father on the 25th of Octo-
ber, 1884, and the mother on the nth of April, 1891. In their family were
six children : Charles, whose death occurred in Malcom ; Lena, who passed
away in the spring of 1855 at the age of eighteen years ; Fredericka, who mar-
ried Lawrence Lidtka, of Malcom; Minnie, the wife of Louis Puis; Jacob, of
Malcom township ; and Fred, also of this township. The home of Mr. and
Mrs. Puis has been blessed with ten children, namely : Fred, a resident of Ches-
ter township; Josephine, the wife of Herman Mithelman, of Malcom township;
John, of Malcom township; Ida, who married Orin Ferguson, of this township;
Louis, who died at the age of seventeen years ; Marie, at home ; Charles, whose
death occurred at the age of two months ; and Theodore, Elmer and Evelyn,
all at home.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Puis gives his
support to the republican party. He has held several road and school offices and
is deeply interested in all matters concerning the material, political, intellectual
and moral development of the community. He has ever been public-spirited in
his citizenship, loyal to the best interests of his adopted country, and the prin-
ciples which govern his private and business life are such as have gained for him
the unqualified regard, respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in
contact.

TOHN T. GORSUCH.

Agricultural pursuits in Poweshiek county are abiy represented by John
T. Gorsuch, whose activities along this line are meeting with gratifying and sub-
stantial results. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Mahaska county,
about a mile west of Barnes City, on the 12th of December, 1856. He is a
representative of an old pioneer family of Iowa, his grandparents, Joshua and

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 297

Mary (Bosley) Gorsuch, liaviiig come to tliis state from Maryland as early
as 1844. locating in Mahaska county.

His parents were Thomas B. and Margaret (Murrow) Gorsuch, natives of
Maryland and Indiana respectively, who came to Iowa with their parents at
an early day, the father arriving in 1844 and the mother in 1850. They were
married in Mahaska county on the nth of March, 1852, and for lour years
thereafter continued their residence in that county, after which they removed
to Jackson county, Kansas, which remained their home for three years. On
returning to Iowa in i860 they took up their abode in Poweshiek county, locating
on a farm near Montezuma, where their remaining days were spent. The
father was a lifelong farmer, in which line of activity he proved very success-
ful, being the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of rich land at the
time of his death. He had an interesting military record, enlisting in August,
1862, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served throughout the remainder of the war, or for a term of three
years. He passed away on the 30th of December, 1884, and was survived
by his wife lor a number of years. Her birth occurred in Parke county, In-
diana, on the 15th of August, 1835, her parents being Benjamin and Sally (Blue)
Murrow. She was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, who daily exemplified in her life the teachings of the Golden Rule.
Her death occurred on the 26th of February, 1910, at the age of seventy-four
years. She passed away in the Montezuma home, to which she had removed
with her two daughters, Laura and Edith, in 1902.

In early childhood John J. Gorsuch accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to Kansas and was but four years of age when brought by them to Pow-
eshiek county, within whose borders he has since made his home. He passed
the period of his boyhood and youth upon the homestead near Montezuma, ac-
quiring his education in the country schools of that locality, and he remained
with his parents until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-four
he embarked in agricultural pursuits with his brother, D. T. Gorsuch, under
the style of Gorsuch Brothers, this relationship continumg for nineteen years.
They began as renters, carrying on general farming in that capacity until they
had acquired sufficient money to enable them to invest in property of their own,
when they purchased a farm, to the cultivation and development of which they
gave their attention for a number of years. They became recognized throughout
the community as progressive, practical farmers, and upon severing their part-
nership relations were the owners of an excellent tract of six hundred acres.
Since that time John J. Gorsuch has engaged in farming and stock-raising
independently and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres located
on sections 11 and 12. Jackson township, which is equipped with two sets of
buildings, all in good condition, and has all of the accessories and conveniences
of a model farm. His energy, perseverance and integrity are salient elements
in his career and have proved potent forces in the acquirement of a success
which now ranks him among the substantial and representative agriculturists
of this section.

Mr. Gorsuch was married, in 1880, to Miss Lucy Webber, who was born in
Pennsylvania on the 4th of July, i860, and was brought to Iowa in early life

298 HISTORY Ol- i'OWESHIEK COUNTY

by her parents, Air. and Mrs. G. .\. Webber. Unto Mr. and Mr>. Gorsuch have
been born four children, Guy W., Nellie. Madge and Louis.

Mr. Gorsuch is democratic in politics and has held several school and road
offices although he has never sought nor desired public position as a reward
for party fealty. He is a progressive and wide-awake farmer, always on the
alert for and ready to incorporate in his business modern methods, and his in-
dustry an<l enterprise have not only enabled him to attain prosperity but have
won him a high place in the respect and confidence of his neighbors.

W. R. JOHNSTON.

A record of service covering twenty-nine consecutive years as township trus-
tee is one of which any man might be proud, for it indicates clearly the confidence
and trust of his fellowmen. This is the record of W. R. Johnston, who is also
a prominent farmer of Scott township, owning three hundred and twenty acres
on section 22, this land having been in possession of the family since 1867.

Mr. Johnston comes of a long line of Irish ancestry and his birth occurred
in County Fermanagh, Ireland, April 5, 1842. He was a lad of six years when his
parents, John R and Jane (Jordan) Johnston, emigrated to the United States.
The mother was born in Ireland, April 16, 1816, and they were married in that
country, Alay 5, 1840. Five children were born to them ere their emigration to
the United States in 1848. They established their home in Rock Island county,
Illinois, and there eight more children were born. The father engaged in general
farming in Illinois and was identified with the interests of Rock Island county
for two decades, when, in 1868, he removed with his family to Poweshiek county,
Iowa, but had purchased his land here the year previously. This tract constitutes
the one now owned by our subject and is located on section 22, Scott township.
As Mr. Johnston expressed it, there was nothing but a "wolf and an Indian" on
the land when he took possession, indicating the unsettled condition of the coun-
try and the task that lay before the pioneer settlers. He at once set to work to
improve and develop his land and in due course of time had a good property, im-
proved with substantial buildings. He died here, November 17, 1881, at the age
of sixty-six years, and his wife, surviving for many years, departed this life. De-
cember 31, 1904, when in her eighty-ninth year.

The record of their children is as follows: John R., a resident of Rugley,
North Dakota : W. R., of this review ; Mrs. Bessie Jane Lipton, now deceased ;
Joshua and James R., who have also departed this life ; Anna, a resident of
Brooklyn ; Margaret, deceased ; Laura, the wife of John W. Brannian, of Deep
River township ; Mary, the wife of Thomas Orr, of Brooklyn; Samuel and Rob-
ert, who reside in South Dakota : T. R., a resident of Scott township : and Henry,
who makes his home in Delaware county, Iowa.

W. R. Johnston was reared and educated in Rock Island county, Illinois, and
was a young man of twenty-five years when he came with the family to Powe-
shiek county. He assisted in the arduous task of establishing a home on the
frontier and the lessons which he learned in early life have proved of value to him

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUXTV 299

in his later years of labor. He now owns the homestead property of three hun-
dred and twenty acres and his time is fully occu]Me(l in its management and culti-
vation.

Mr. Johnston was married in 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah
Jane McDonald, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, June i, 1852, a
daughter of James and Jane (Clarke) McDonald, the former born in Nebraska
and the latter in Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born twelve
children, namely: Mary, who died at the age of one year; Sarah Jane, who died
when a month old : Joshua, who makes his home in Scott township : Maude, the
wife of J. E. Gilmore, a resident of Montana; Nettie, who departed this life
Tune 30, 1902, when twenty-four years of age; Elmer, at home; William, also at
home; Sadie, the wife of Frank Hutchinson, also of Scott township; Margaret.
the wife of Elza Hall, also of Scott township; and Clara, Laura and Clinton, all
still under the parental roof.

Mr. Johnston's study of the political issues of the day has led hnn to give
stalwart support to the republican party. He has for twenty-nine consecutive
years filled the office of township trustee, his loyalty and faithfulness being proven
m the fact of his long service. He has also served as a member of the school
board. Mr. Johnston was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church but as
there is no church of that denomination in his home locality he attends and sup-
ports the Methodist Episcopal and the United Presbyterian churches. His fra-
ternal relations are with the Orangemen. Possessing the indominable persever-
ance of his race and endowed by nature with a good constitution, he early de-
veloped all the attributes that make the successful man. .Although he has led a
busv and useful life in the conduct of his private business affairs, he has yet
found time to become interested in affairs of a public nature, lending his aid and
influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the pro-
gress and advancement of his community.

FRANK KELM.

A large percentage of the citizenship of Iowa are either of German birth or
parentage, and among those who claim the fatherland as the place of their nativity
IS numbered Frank Kelm. He was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 5th of Feb-
ruary, 1847, ^ son of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Pohl) Kelm, whose entire lives
were spent on a farm in that country. In their family were five children, as fol-
lows : William, operating the home place in Germany ; Henrietta, who passed
away in the fatherland ; August ; Frederick ; and Frank, of this review.

Frank Kelm spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native country
and there resided until he was about twenty-four years of age, when the reports
which he heard concerning the opportunities offered in the new world proved
irresistible and he determined to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic.
.Accordingly, in 1871, he made the long tri]) to the United States. On the 17th
of July he arrived in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Reared to farm life he wisely
sought employment along that line, and for eight months worked on a farm as a

300 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

farm hancl. He then rented land in Sheridan and Alalcom townships for eleven
years, but during that period he was actuated by the desire to one day become the
owner of a farm in order that his efforts might more directly benefit himself.
Consequently he practiced the utmost economy and labored earnestly and dili-
gently and, in 1S82, he was able to purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres located on section 16, Malconi township, upon which he has since made his
home. When the place came into his possession it was an undeveloped tract, but
with characteristic energy and perseverance Mr. Kelm set about its improvement,
erecting new buildings, introducing modern and up-to-date machinery, and even-
tually converting it into a highly cultivated and valuable property. He is engaged
in general farming and stock-raising and his efforts are meeting with well mer-
ited success.

Before leaving the fatherland Mr. Kelm was united in marriage, in 1866, to
Miss Julia Poleske, who was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 28th of March,
1849, and unto them have been born five children, as follows : Emma, who is
now the wife of Henry Rix, of Grinnell township ; Mary, who married Herman
Evoldt, of Washington township; Gustav, a resident of Malcom township; Otto,
at home ; and Julia, now Mrs. Fred Bingham.

Prior to coming to the United States Mr. Kelm served for two years and
eight months in the Prussian army as an infantry soldier, and during that period
received an injury which destroyed the sight of his right eye. He has never
regretted his determination to come to this country, for here he has gained a most
creditable degree of prosperity. The country has at the same time gained a val-
ued citizen, for during his connection with American interests and institutions he
has been as loyal in citizenship as any native born resident. He gives stalwart
support to the republican party and holds membership in the Lutheran church,
and the sterling worth of his character has won for him the respect, confidence
and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

EUGENE W. FISHER.

A native of Poweshiek county and from his earliest recollection identified
with agricultural interests, Eugene W. Fisher, whose name stands at the head of
this sketch, has continued in this county all his life and is now one of its pros-
perous farmers. He was born in Chester township, July 9, 1865, and is a son of
Edward and Mary Ellen (Davis) Fisher, both of whom were born in Vermont
and were married in that state. The father, as a young man, came to Iowa in
i860 and located in Poweshiek county. At the breaking out of the Civil war he
enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and served for sixteen months. After re-
ceiving his honorable discharge he went to his old home in Vermont and was mar-
ried February 16, 1863. soon afterward bringing his bride to this county. He
died April 30, 1875, having attained a position as one of the prosperous farmers of
the county. He served for several years as town clerk of Chester and was one
of the original sixteen members of the Congregational church at that place. Mrs.
Fisher is now living at Grinnell. In their family were five children, three of

m;;. am> -mks. k. \v. fisiiku

TTISTORV OF mWESHTEK COUNTY 303

whom survive: Eugene VV., of this review; Ehzabeth A., who is now a teacher
in tlie Grinnell high school ; and Fannie O., a teacher in Grinnell Academy.

Eugene W. Fisher attended the (hstrict schools and Grinnell Academy, thus
laying a foundation for an education which he has greatly broadened by reading
and contact with the world. After leaving school he devoted his attention to
the cultivation of the home farm of two hundred and thirty acres, of which he
is now the owner. 1 le has succeeded through industry, unfaltering determination
and indefatigable energy, applying to his business a practical judgment which has
made him one of the substantial citizens of the county and a worthy successor
of his father.

In 1903, in Chester township, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Dempster, a daughter of John E. Dempster, a well known farmer, a record
of whom is found elsewhere in this work. Three children have been born to this
union : Esther E., who is now attending school : Ruth M., also a pupil in school ;
and Dorothy E.

Politically Mr. Fisher is a supporter of the principles of the republican party
and in religious belief he is a consistent adherent of the Congregational church,
being a member of the church at Chester Center. All his life he has adhered to
what he believed to be right and true and thus he gained the confidence and re-
spect which is freely accorded him by his fellow men.

EPHRAIM E. LAMB.

Agricultural pursuits of MalcoiM township are well represented by Ephraim
E. Lamb, whose entire life has been given to that vocation. He was born in Keo-
kuk county, Iowa, on the nth .of December, 1S70, a son of Tobias R. and Ra-
chel ( Humes) Lamb. The father, who. wag born iri Greene county, Ohio, in 1841,
went with his parents in early childhood to Bureau county, Illinois, and resided
there until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to Iowa, locating m Keo-
kuk county. He was a farmer by occupation and was well known in political
circles, being a member and one of the organizers of the greenback party in this
locality. Later, however, he supported the democratic party. He was married,
in Keokuk county, to Miss Rachel Humes, who was born in Tippecanoe county,
Indiana, in 1845. and when a little maiden of three years went to Keokuk county,
Iowa, with her parents. She now makes her home in Brooklyn, Poweshiek
county, her husband having passed away in Malcom township on the 29th of No-
vember, 1899. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Linas E.,
of Poweshiek county : Jeremiah, who passed away at the age of thirteen years :
James H., who passed away at the age of eleven years ; Ephraim E., of this re-
view ; William Lewis, operating the home farm in Malcom township ; Ralph F.,
of Grinnell township ; Myrtle, who married Herman Jantzen, of Grinnell : Sylvia,
ih.e wife of William Bolen, of Madison township: Addie, who married Theo.
Mehlin, of Sheridan township ; Hattie, residing with her mother in Brooklyn :
Sadie, who married Friend Kensinger, of Bear Creek township; and Harrison,

of Brooklyn.

Vol. n— 15

304 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Ephraim E. Lamb, whose name introduces this review, spent the early period
of his life in his native county, where he acquired his education, and was four-
teen years of age when he came with his parents, in 1884, to Malcom township
which, with the exception of one year, has since remained the place of his resi-
dence. Reared to farm life, he has continued to engage in that pursuit, and for
about five years after the death of his father he operated the home farm. He
then rented a farm in Madison township, upon which he remained for one year,
when he removed to his present home, where he has resided for the past live
years. The place, known as the Charles Hatcher farm, which he is operating in
the capacity of renter, consists of three hundred and twenty acres, located on sec-
tion 15. Mr. Lamb gives his attention mostly to his stock-raising interests, which
are extensive and carefully conducted, according to the most practical, progres-
sive methods, and which are proving a most gratifying source of revenue.

Air. Lamb was married, on the 21st of February, 1905, to Miss Viola Eisele,
a native of Malcom township, born on the 13th of May, 1884. She is a daughter
of J. E. Eisele, of whom extended mention is made in another part of this vol-
ume. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb have one son. Earl F., who was born on the 14th of
June, 1906, and who is the life and light of the household.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Malcom, in
the work of which they take a deep and helpful interest, and fraternally Mr.
Lamb belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has held all
of the chairs. Early in life he became interested in the politics of the country
and, forming his own opinions and rules of conduct, has given his support to the
democratic party. He is now serving his second term as township assessor and
has ever been a loyal worker for the best interests of Malcom township, where
he is widely known as a man of high principles and noble manhood.

ROBERT G. COUTTS.

Prominent among the building contractors of Iowa, Robert G. Coutts, of
Grinnell, has attained a wide reputation for the excellence of his work and his
straightforward business methods. He owes his success to indefatigable perse-
verance and industry — traits inherited from a long line of worthy ancestry. He
was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, June 25, 1856, a son of Adam and Helen (An-
derson) Coutts, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The parents came to
Poweshiek county, Iowa, in 1875 and settled near Ewart, where the father died
less than eight weeks after his arrival. The mother is still living and makes her
home with a daughter who lives three miles south of Grinnell. She celebrated
her ninetieth birthday on December 23, 1910, and notwithstanding her advanced
age still retains in a remarkable degree her mental and physical faculties.

Robert G. Coutts received limited opportunities of education in his native
land, as he attended school only in his early boyhood, being obliged to assist in
the support of the family after reaching his ninth year. .A.t the age of eighteen,
in 1874, having decided to seek his fortune on the opposite shore of the Atlantic,
he crossed the ocean to Quebec, Canada, and on June 25— his birthday— arrived

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 305

at I'liit lliuiJii, Michigan, lie traveled westward to Poweshiek county, Iowa,
and went to work at the stone-mason's trade. After completing his apprentice-
ship he worked as a journeyman until 1884, when he began as a contractor, a line
of business with which he has ever since been prominently connected. He has
erected more stone and brick buildings in Grinnell than any other contractor,
among which may be named the Grinnell high school building, the Stewart Li-
brary building, the Methodist Episcopal church and many of the handsomest pri-
vate residences in the city. He is president of the Grinnell Brick & Tile Com-
pany and a member of the Grinnell Stone Manufacturing Company, both of
which enterprises are highly successful financially. He is also a member of the
Iowa Association of Cement Users and was the first president of that organ-
ization.

On the 15th of September, 1881, Mr. Coutts was united in marriage to Miss
Alvaretta Farley, who came to Poweshiek county with her parents, from New
York state, in 1880. Eight children blessed this union, seven of whom are now
living: Ross V., a graduate of the engineering department of the Iowa State Col-
lege at Ames, and now in the employ of the Union Pacific Railway at Omaha,
Nebraska; Harry G., also a graduate of the engineering department of the Iowa
State College and now in the employ of the United States Steel Corporation at
Chicago, Illinois ; Dwight R., of Omaha ; and Hazel R., Helen J., Grace D. and
Ray C, all of whom are at home.

In politics Mr. Coutts is identified with the republican party. He was a mem-
ber of the city council when the water-works and sewer systems were under con-
struction and in 1905 was elected mayor of the city, serving for two years. As a
public official he was highly efficient and he succeeded in a marked degree in ad-
vancing the cause of honest government. Fraternally he is connected with Her-
man Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and Grinnell Lodge, No. 358, I. O. O. F.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is
serving as trustee. He has spent many of the best years of his life at Grinnell
and the high place he occupies in the estimation of the people is due to his un-
sullied character and a worthy ambition to accomplish to the best of his ability
everything that his hands find to do.

EDWARD L. GARING.

An energetic and progressive farmer of Union township, the appearance of
whose homestead bespeaks capable supervision, is Edward L. Garing, who was
born in that township on the 7th of September, 1870. His father, John Garing,
was a native of Germany, and the mother, who prior to her marriage was Mary
M. Johnson, was born in Ohio. The former emigrated to the United States in
his early manhood, locating in Ohio, where he was later married. When the
Civil war broke out he enlisted in the Union army, going to the front where he
remained for three years. After receiving his discharge he came to Iowa, buy-
ing a farm in Union township, Poweshiek county, which he operated until his
retirement to Montezuma, where he died on the 14th of November, 1893, at the

306 HISTORY OF POWESHIICK COUNTY

age of fifty-five years, his birth having occurred in Wittenberg on the 23d of Feb-
ruary, 1838. The mother still survives and continues to make her home in Mon-
tezuma. In politics Mr. Garing was a republican and he was a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic. In the family were five children, as follows : Viola
Geneva, the wife of Elzie Meeker, of San Diego, California; Clara Caroline, who
passed away on the 28th of May, 1890: Edward L., our subject; John Henry, of
Barnes City, Iowa; and Gertrude, who died in 1902.

Edward L. Garing was reared on the homestead where he was born, acquir-
ing his education in the district schools of that vicinity. Ambitious and energetic,
he was impatient to assume the heavier responsibilities of life and laying aside
his text-books at an early age began fitting himself for an agriculturist. At the
age of nineteen years he felt he had sufficient knowledge of farming to begin for
himself, so he rented his present farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres.
He later purchased the property and has ever since continued its cultivation, in
addition to which he runs a threshing outfit and sinks wells. Success has at-
tended the various enterprises undertaken by Mr. Garing, and he has accordingly
improved his farm, having erected a nice residence and various outbuildings.

Mr. Garing was married on the 24th of November, 1889, to Miss Rosie T.
Mackie, a daughter of Jesse S. and Wealthy J. (Skeels) Mackie of L'nion town-
ship. The father was a native of North Carolina and the mother of Ohio. When
a lad of sixteen years Mr. Mackie came to Poweshiek county, where he later pur-
chased a farm, being identified with agricultural pursuits until his retirement.
He and Mrs. Mackie continue to live upon their homestead, although he is no
longer actively engaged in its operation. They are members of the Christian
church, and he votes the democratic ticket. Mrs. Garing, who is also a native of
Union township, was born on the 27th of November, 1870. To Mr. and Mrs.
Garing have been born the following children: Lela, who was born on the 15th
of June, 1890, and died on the 24th of September, 1897; Edward Leland, born
on the 2d of February, 1899; Adrian Ward, who was born on the 22d of Decem-
ber, 1902; and Wilbur Mackie and Willard, who were born on the 14th of June,
1905, but the latter died on the i6th of the same month.

His political support Mr. Garing always gives to the republican party, and
for the past eight vears he has been constable and he is also a school director.
Such success as has fallen to his lot has been the result of his own industry and
capably directed efforts, as he started out practically empty-handed in his youth.

ELBERT WARREN CLARK, M. D.

There are in every community men who stand in the forefront as political
leaders and guide the machinery of government, men who are foremost in busi-
ness circles and control the arteries of trade and commerce. There are still
others none the less capable in a chosen line of work who have as a dominating
characteristic a recognition of the obligations of man to his fellowmen that is
manifest in a broad humanitarianism and a helpful spirit that reaches out to

E. W. CLARK

.:T

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUXTY a09

all his humankind. Of the latter class Dr. Elbert Warren Clark was a repre-
sentative, lie was recognized as a learned and skillful physician and had
among his patrons many of the most prominent and prosperous residents of
Grinnell and the surrounding country, but he responded as quickly to a call for
professional service from the poor as from the rich, ministering as conscien-
tiously to the needy as to the prosperous, and in fact gave to them even greater
inspiration and aid as he felt that their need was greater. He might well
have made the request "Write me as one who loves his fellowmen," and in doing
thip, as the old legend runs, "proving his love of God."

Dr. Clark came to Grinnell a young man in the '60s. He was born in Glover,
Orleans county, Vermont, February 22, 1842, of Scotch-American parentage,
and after spending twelve years in New England accompanied the family on
their removal to Bureau county, Illinois, where he was reared amid rural sur-
roundings, spending the period of his minority upon the home farm. He was a
pupil in the public schools and completed a course in the high school at Kewanee,
Illinois. Xo financial resources awaited him when he started out in life for
himself, leaving the farm in 1865 at the age of twenty-three years. Jn fact
he knew that if further educational advancement was his it must be obtained
through his own efforts, and his labors therefore provided the means that
enabled him to become a student in Rush Medical College in 1866. He con-
tinued his course in Chicago as opportunity offered until graduated from that
institution in February, 1871.

Dr. Clark arrived in Grinnell in May of the same year and almost from the
beginning a liberal practice vvag;^accorded him. He soon proved his ability,
gave evidence of his wide knowledge and in a professional capacity was called
to many households not only, in Grinnell but also throughout the surrounding
district. He entered upon his prxvfession with the determination to serve the
people who needed him and he never hesitated, whether his patients were near
at hand or far out on the prairie. No night was too dark, no storm too fierce,
no cold too penetrating for hiin to face. With the growth of the city and the
settlement of the county his practice continuously grew and he became particu-
larly brilliant in surgical work. He was made one of the staff of surgeons for
the Rock Island and Iowa Central Railroads and he was frequently called in
consultation or asked to assist in some difficult surgical or medical case.

Dr. Clark had been a resident of Grinnell for only three years, when, in
1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Brainerd of this city, a daugh-
ter of the Rev. Timothy and Harriett Poor (Cilley) Brainerd. Her father was
a Yale graduate of the class of 1830 and of the Andover Theological Seminary
of 1839. He was also at one time a law student of the New Haven Law School
and on leaving college found himself in poor health. Soon afterward he was
offered and accepted the principalship of the Randolph Academy, which posi-
tion he occupied for some time and then turned his attention to ministerial work.
For many years he filled the pulpit in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and
later in Halifax, Massachusetts, but after coming to the west retired from the
ministry. His wife was a direct descendant of General Enoch Poor, of Exeter,
New Hampshire, and General Joseph Cilley, of Nottingham, New Hampshire,
both of Revolutionary war fame. The death of the Rev. Timothy G. Brainerd

310 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

occurred in 1894. His daughter Martha, as previously stated, had become the
wife of Dr. Clark and unto them was born a son, E. W. Clark, Jr.

Throughout the period of his residence in Grinnell Dr. Clark was a prominent
man is the public life of the community, not because he sought distinction or
desired public honors but because his fellow townsmen recognized his aptness
for positions of public trust. He was very deeply interested in the cause of
education, served as a member of the school board of Grinnell and was elected
a trustee of Iowa College in 1898, after which he gave much time to the trouble-
some questions which came to the local trustees and especially to the executive
committee for settlement. He desired that the college should give to the pupils
the best possible instruction, should surround them with the best influences and
hold them to loyalty and to the high moral ideals which had been before the
college from the beginning. He also served as a trustee of the Stewart Public
Library and in 1893 was chosen mayor of Grinnell, filling the position for four
years. Many substantial public improvements were incorporated during that
period, sewers were laid, water-works were installed and much other practical
work was done.

His political allegiance was always given to the republican party from the
time when he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He was an
active and influential worker in party ranks and he was twice sent to the gen-
eral assembly, becoming representative of Poweshiek county in the thirty-first
session of the state legislature, while in 1906 he went to the state senate from
the twelfth district, composed of Poweshiek and Keokuk counties. His ser-
vice in the legislature was marked by untiring devotion to duty. He rarely
missed a session and even during the winter of 1908-9, when his physical con-
dition was causing him much suffering, he was always in his place. High pro-
fessional honors had come to Dr. Clark for the State Medical Society in 1907
had elected him as their president.

One of the local papers at the time of his death said: "Of late years Dr.
Clark"s friends have noted that the efforts of long years of arduous practice were
beginning to tell upon him. He had never spared himself. Time and again
when the condition of his own health should have forced him to be in bed he
had gone out at night to answer the call of some one in distress. In July, 1907,
he made a trip to Carneyville, Wyoming, where he had property interests, and
while there suffered a heavy fall, striking his side and fracturing a rib. The
injury was not in itself serious but the shock was great and soon after his
return to Grinnell his condition became such as to cause great alarm. He was
taken to California for the winter and when he returned to Grinnell in the
spring he was apparently much improved. Declining to retire entirely from the
work to which his life had been devoted, he persisted in his general practice
during the summer but in September he was forced to put aside all such and on
February 16, 1910. passed away." Something of the high respect entertained
for him throughout the community is indicated by the fact that at the time
of the burial services all business houses of the city were closed as a silent
tribute to the good man who was gone.

We quote again from the Grinnell Herald, which said : "A whole city paid
homage to a man who has exemplified to so great a degree the possibilities of

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 311

a life of service.. He practiced with a devotion and a self-sacrifice that few
realized, it was considered so much as a matter of course. No difference wliat
his own ailment, no matter how wearied he might be from previous calls, he was
always ready to answer the summons of those who needed him. He kept
abreast of his profession, possessed an unerring sense of diagnosis and went
to the seat of the trouble with a sound judgment rarely mistaken. No better
parallel can be found to the light in which he was considered by the people of
Grinnell than that of Dr. McClure, the loved physician of Drumtochty."

Iowa College closed a memorial resolution with the words : "He passed
from us, from the work in which he delighted, from the community he loved,
from the institutions which had profited much by his advice and his benevolence,
on the i6th day of February. 1910, having lived nobly and served his genera-
tion with sacrificial and Christly whole-heartedness in Grinnell for thirty-nine
years."

FRANCIS !\I. OHMART.

A good soldier when the life of the republic was assailed and an energetic
and progressive citizen in times of peace Francis M. Ohmart, of Washington
township, is recognized as one of the highly respected men of Poweshiek county.
He was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 12, 1842, and is a son of Christian
and Mary (Snyder) Ohmart. The father was born in Clark county March 8,
1819, and the mother in Westmoreland county, \'irginia, March 24, 1824. In his
early manhood Mr. Ohmart, Sr., engaged in the milling business, but later took
up farming in Jefferson county, Iowa, subsequently engaging in the hotel busi-
ness at Trenton, Missouri. He dfed at Gait, Missouri, March 6, 1909, the mother
having been called away two years previously on December 25, 1907. Politically
he gave his support to the republican party, and although he took no active part
in politics he served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife were
members of the Christian church. In their family were sixteen children : Francis
M., of this review : Newton J., deceased ; George W., of Oklahoma ; Mary E.,
Martha E., John W., Alice C, Virginia B. and Samuel, all of whom are deceased ;
Flora, the wife of Melvin Bingham, of Gait, Missouri ; Charles O., Grant and
Winifred, all of whom are deceased ; and three who died in infancy.

Francis M. Ohmart came to Iowa with his parents and was educated in the
schools of Jefferson county. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was nineteen
years of age and in response to his country's call enlisted as a private in Company
K, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, September 28, 1861. For three years
he faithfully performed his duty as a soldier, being advanced to the position of
corporal. He participated in many of the important battles and movements of
the war and was honorably discharged from the service at Chattanooga, Tennes-
see, November 2, 1864. Returning home, he assisted his father in the farm
work and later rented a place in \'an Ruren county, Iowa, for seven years. He
came to Poweshiek county in March. 1875, and purchased eighty acres in Wash-
ington township where he now lives. He has added one hundred and twenty acres
to his original fariu and by the application of systematic modern methods has at-

312 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

lained gratifying results from his labors. He specializes in raising hogs for the
market and is highly successful in raising cereals.

On the 4th of July, 1865, Mr. Ohmart was married to Miss Martha M.
Charles, a daughter of Abraham and Ruth (Bufkin) Charles, of Jefferson county'
Iowa, and to this union two children were born : Charles O., who is living at
hpme and Bertha M., who is deceased. The mother of these children died .Au-
gust 23, 1878, and Mr. Ohmart was again married on the 6th of November, 1882
to Miss Mary E. Bechtel, who was born in Van Buren county November 10,
1851, a daughter of Stephen and Martha (Mizner) Bechtel. The father was
born at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1816, and the mother at Ithaca.
New York, May 12, 1819. They were married in Ohio and arrived in \'an Buren
county, Iowa, in 1840, where they continued during the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Bechtel served as a member of the Home Guards at the time of the Civil
war. He gave his support to the republican party and filled the office of town-
ship clerk, also serving as township trustee for ten years. He was steward and
class leader of the Methodist church antl an active worker in religious causes.

Francis M. Ohmart, of this review, cast his first ballot when a soldier of the
Union army, voting the republican ticket, and he has discovered no reason potent
enough to cause him to transfer his political allegiance to any other party. He
has always discharged his duties as a citizen or in business affairs with prompt-
ness and fidelity, according to his best judgment, and he is greatly respected in a
section where he has been known for more than a third of a century. It is much
to his credit that those who have known him the longest are his closest friends.
The prosperity which he enjoys is the result of his own well directed enterprise,
as he has indeed been the architect and the builder of his own fortune.

ISAAC H. SAUNDERS.

Isaac H. Saunders is the owner of an excellent farm of ninety-seven acres
m Union township, and while giving his attention to agricultural pursuits he also
fills the position of county supervisor. He was born at Forest Home, Iowa,
March 20, 1859, his parents being .\aron A. and Harriet E. (Dudley) Saunders,
both of whom were natives of Greene county, Ohio, the former born May 13,
1820, and the latter on the i6th of April, 1830. Their youthful days were passed
in their native county and there their marriage was celebrated. In the spring of
185 1 they came to Poweshiek county and settled on section 21, Union township,
where Mr. Saunders entered an eighty acre claim. With characteristic energy he
l)egan to break the sod and develop his fields, and as the years passed on he ex-
tended the boundaries of his place, eventually becoming the owner of an excel-
lent property of two hundred and seventy acres.

On the journey westward from Greene county, Ohio, he and his family had
traveled by boat from Cincinnati down the Ohio river and up the Mississii)pi.
The boat was wrecked at the Keokuk rapids and they lost everything that they
had. They were landed on the Illinois side and had to wait for a boat to get them
across. It cost more to get passage over the river to Burlington than they had

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 313

])ai(l for the trip from Cincinnati. The mother wa!ke<I from Burlington to Keo-
kuk county, as did all of the children who were old enough to do so. Their lot
here in the early days was that which usually fell to the pioneers. Hardships
and difficulties were to be borne in reclaiming the wild land, but in time their
labor was rewarded by bounteous harvests and their property became valuable,
owing to the care and cultivation which they bestowed upon the place.

The death of .Karon A. Saunders occurred November 19, 1880, while his wife
survived him until the 4th of February, 1899. They were both active members
of the Christian church and guided their lives by its teachings. In politics he
was a republican and took a helpful interest in political affairs, yet never sought
nor desired office. L^nto this worthy couple were born fifteen children, six of
whom died in early life, while nine are now living: Samantha, the wife of Pleas-
ant Hayes, of Montezuma; I. S., a merchant living in Searsboro : fames M., a re-
tired farmer residing in Searsboro: Nancy S., the wife of J. N. Marsh, of Monte-
zuma; Robert A., of Union township; Isaac H., of this review; Harry S., of
Searsboro; Richard A., a merchant of Lorimor, Union county, Iowa; and E. P'.,
who is living in Union township upon the land which his father entered from the
government. He has in his possession the old patent signed by Franklin Pierce.

Isaac H. Saunders, born and reared on the old homestead, early became fa-
miliar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. As soon
as old enough to handle the plow he began working in the fields, alternating his
labors with attendance at the country schixils. .\fter his marriage he left Imnie
and began farming on his own account, cultivating rented land for a number of
years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was suf-
ficient to enable him to purchase his present home place on section 21, Union
township. This is a tract of ninety-seven acres of land, naturally rich and arable,
and the improvements he has placed upon it make it a valuable and desirable
farm. It presents a neat and thrifty appearance and gives every mdication of
^areful and progressive management on the part of the owner.

On the i6th of February, 1882, Mr. Saunders was married to Miss Ida Ter-
rell, who was born in Union township, April 19, 1861, a daughter of Dr. C. C.
and Martha A. (McCoy) Terrell, who came from Clinton county, Ohio, to Powe-
shiek county in 1856. Here the father practiced medicine, living at Forest Home
up to the time of his death, which occurred February 28, 1897, when he was about
seventy-eight years of age, his birth having occurred May 30, 1819. He was a
graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College and was well equipped for the onerous
duties of his profession. His wife, who was born in 1822, had passed away May
2^. 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders became the parents of two children but Mur-
rell, the elder, died in infancy. The daughter, Neola, is the wife of L. O. Miller,
of Sugar Creek township, and they have two children : Grace, who was born Sep-
tember 10, 1907; and Mabel, born February 8, 1910.

In his political views Mr. Saunders has always been an earnest republican
and is recognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He served as town-
ship trustee in Union township for twelve consecutive years, was also school
treasurer for twelve years, and in 1906 was elected to the office of county super-
visor, in which position he has been continued by reelection, his third term to
begin on the 1st of January. 191 2. His first term was for two years and his next

314 • HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

for three years. His reelections have come as an endorsement of his worth and
abihty in office and his loyalty to the trusts reposed in him. Fraternally he is
connected with the Knights of Pythias of Montezuma. In every relation of life
he is found reliable and straightforward and his success in business has come as
the legitimate and well merited reward of his energy and industry.

FREDERICK V. BEELER.

Frederick V. Beeler. a prominent farmer of Washington township, is a
native of the township in which he now lives. He was born June 27, 1858, a
son of George M. and Nancy (Carpenter) Beeler. The father was born in
Morgan county, Indiana, and the mother in Kentucky. George M. Beeler came
to Poweshiek county in 1849 ''"'l purchased a farm of one hundred and si.xty
acres in Washington township, following general farming and stock-raising with
such success that he eventually acquired eight hundred acres of good land. He
died May 3, 1886, the beloved wife and mother having been called away Janu-
ary 12, 1885. Both he and his wife were prominent in the good works of the
community and were valued members of the Society of Friends. In politics he
gave his support to the democratic party and served for several terms as town-
ship trustee.

To Mr. and Mrs. Beeler were born nine children: Susan, now the widow of
Simon Watson, of Washington township; Mary Ann, the wife of William Gar-
rett, also of Washington township ; Ellen C, who married John S. Beeler, of
Washington township, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Jane,
the wife of H. E. Vanderveer, of Texas; Levi, deceased; Frederick V.; Rob-
ert and Sarah Dorcas, both of whom are deceased ; and Clement, who is now
living at Grinnell. The grandparents on the maternal side were Levi and Susan
(Moore) Carpenter, the former of whom was born October 14, 1797, and the
latter June 14, 1798.

Frederick V. Beeler, of this review, was educated in the district schools of
Washington township, and as he grew up assisted his father upon the home
farm. At the age of twenty-two years he rented land upon his own account and
two years later purchased one hundred and sixty acres, having previously in-
herited eighty acres from the family estate. He is now the owner of a farm
of three hundred and eight acres, which is highly valuable on account of its fer-
tility and productiveness. He and his family live in a comfortable house and he
has erected substantial outbuildings and made numerous other improvements.
The neat and thrifty appearance of everything about the place indicates the
thoughtful care and practical ideas of its owner.

On the 28th of December, 1881, Mr. Beeler was united in marriage to Miss
Isabel Jenkins, who was born in Grinnell township, October 17, 18(12, a daugh-
ter of Nehemiah and Angeline (Hibbs) Jenkins. The father was born at
Morgantown, Virginia, December 14, 1828, and the mother at Williamsburg,
Indiana, September 4, 1837. He removed to Indiana with his parents who
located near Williamsburg. In 1849, after his marriage to Angeline Hibbs, he

MK. AMI .MRS. FKKDKKICK V. I'.KKLKU

RARY I

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 317

came to Poweshiek county. Two years later, yielding to the gold excitement,
he went to California, but returned to this county in 1853 ^"d became one of
the well known farmers of Grinnell township. He died March 11, 191 1, but his
wife is still living at Vinton, Iowa. Politically he gave his support to the
democratic party and served as township trustee and school director. He was a
valued member of the Masonic order. There were seven children in the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins: Ambrose, now living in Grinnell; Eldora, who is the
wife of Walter Vanderveer, of Ames, Colorado; Isabel, now Mrs. Frederick V.
Beeler; Mary, deceased: Edna, the wife of Clement Beeler ; McClellan, also de-
ceased ; and Nellie, the wife of Harry Pitman, of Vinton, Iowa. Two chil-
dren have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Beeler: Nellie D., who is the wife
of Floyd Breeden, of Colfax, Iowa, and who has one child ; Lyle A. ; and Mary
A., the wife of George Manor, of Carrollton, Michigan, and the mother of one
child, Mildred L.

In politics Mr. Beeler adheres to the democratic party as the one whicli, in his
opinion, can best preserve the liberties of the people. He takes the interest of a
wide-awake citizen in public affairs and has served several terms as town-
ship trustee. Since his boyhood he has been actively engaged in farming in
Poweshiek county, and few have possessed more favorable opportunities for the
acquiring of practical knowledge and the best methods than he. His personal
worth has gained him the good will of his fellowmen and he has an extensive
circle of friends, who have the greatest confidence in his integrity and ability.

NEWTON TYSON.

Newton Tyson, who is engaged in the carpenter business at Grinnell and is
also the owner of valuable farming property, is a native of Ohio. He was born
in October, 1862, a son of Hagerman and Matilda (Thompson) Tyson, the former
of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Ireland. The father was reared
as a farmer and came west to Illinois where he lived for twenty-two years, later
taking up his residence in Fillmore county, near Lincoln, Nebraska. He died
March 22, 1909, his wife having been called away five years previously.

Newton Tyson possessed advantages of education in the common schools and
assisted his father in farm work, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
various details of agriculture and stock-raising. After leaving Illinois he lived
at Stuart, Iowa, for fifteen months and then, in 1877, having become acquainted
with the advantages of Poweshiek county, located on a farm in Grinnell town-
ship, which he cultivated to good advantage for twelve years. He has made his
home in Grinnell since 1899, and is engaged in the carpenter business. He owns
one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land in Grinnell township and
also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska, having managed his
affairs so ably that he now enjoys a handsome annual income.

In February. 1887, Mr. Tyson was united in marriage to Miss Delia Fox, a
daughter of .^aron Fox, who was born in Ohio and later lived in Illinois and
Iowa. One child, Matilda, who died in infancy, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ty-

318 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

son. A niece, Aletha Grinn, of \'an Meter, Iowa, is a valued member of the
family.

Mr. Tyson is liberal in his political views. He is in sympathy with the prin-
ciples of the republican party, but in voting is not bound by party lines, especially
in local elections. Socially he is well known and is an active member of the
lodge of Knights of Pythias at Grinnell. He is a strong thinker and reasoner, a
fine conversationalist, and is well informed upon all topics that interest a wide-
awake and progressive man.

W. L. POWELL.

W. L. Powell is today the oldest merchant of Montezuma in years of con-
tinuous connection with the trade circles of the city. He has a well appointed
grocery establishment and his success has come to him by reason of his close
application, watchfulness of trade conditions and honorable dealing. Mr. Powell
is a native of \'irginia, his birth having occurred in Charlottesville, on the 23d of
May. 1841. His parents were Pienjamin L. and Mary ( \'andegrift) Powell, both
of whom were natives of Albemarle county, \'irginia, and there spent their en-
tire lives, passing away in Charlottesville. The father was a merchant tailor.

W. L. Powell was the eldest in a family of si.x children, five sons and one
daughter. He remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war. when,
in 1861, in response to the call of the Confederacy, he enlisted in defense of his
loved southland, joining Company F, of the Nineteenth \'irginia Regiment, which
was assigned to General George E. Pickett's division. He served for four years,
from May, 1861, until May, 1865, and took part in many hotly contested engage-
ments, where his valor and loyalty never faltered. He was wounded in the battle
of Fraziers Farm and again in the seven days' fight around Richmond, a minie
ball injuring his left arm and hand. He was taken prisoner at Farmville, \'ir-
ginia, tw'O days before the surrender at Appomattox. He was made first ser-
geant on joining the army and on the reorganization of his company was elected
lieutenant. For two years after the war Mr. Powell continued in the south and
in 1867 made his way to Ohio, settling at Groveport, near Columbus, where he
engaged in the saddlery and harness business from 1869 until 1879. In the lat-
ter vear he removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he conducted a grocery store un-
til 1881. In that year he came to Montezuma, where he has since been engaged
in the grocery business, and is now the oldest merchant in this city. He owns his
store building and also his place of residence. His business block is a two-story
brick structure, in part fifty by twenty-two feet, while the remainder is eighty-
two by twenty-two feet. His property and his store are the visible evidence of
his well directed thrift and industry, for his success is attributable entirely to
his own labors.

In 1870 Mr. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Lydia L. Weaver, who
was born in Franklin county, Ohio, May 26, 1845, and there resided until her
marriage, a daughter of Giles Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Powell became the parents
of four children who died in infancy and four who are still living, namely; I!en

HISTORY eJF J'UWliSlIIEK COUiNTY 319

L., who is acting as clerk in his father's store: Holmes L., of Oklahoma; Ger-
trude, the wife of E. D. Rayhurn, cashier of the First National Bank of i\Ionte-
zuma: and Catharine V.. the wife of John W. liryan, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
On the 6th of November, 1907, the wife and mother died and on the 24th of Feb-
ruary, 1909, Mr. Powell was again married, his second union being with Mrs.
X'irginia I'armer. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the
Masonic lodge and to the Eastern Star and is in thorough sympathy wth the prin-
ciples and purposes of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and
brotherly kindness. His fellow townsmen recognize in him a reliable merchant
and a worthy citizen and his success is proof of what may be accomplished when
determination and energy lead the way.

SAMUEL OSBORN.

-Samuel Osborn, who has been a resident of Poweshiek county since 1873 and
during the greater portion of which time he has been engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, was born in Worcestershire, England, on the 9th of February, 1857, and is
,x son of Samuel and Elizabeth Osborn. The father was a farmer and continued
to be identified with that vocation until his death, which was caused by an acci-
dent in 1859. The mother, who was born in the vicinity of Birmingham on the
20th of December. 1820, resided in England until 1873 at which time, accompa-
nied by her daughter and son, Samuel, she joined her elder son, Frederick, who
had located upon a farm in Poweshiek county two years previously. They ar-
rived in Grinnell on the 24th of ^ilay, after spending six weeks on the boat, hav-
ing come by way of New Orleans, and Mrs. Osborn immediately went to live on
the farm of her son, with whom she continued to reside until his marriage.
She subsequently made her home with her younger son until her death, in 1901,
on the eighty-first anniversary of her birth.

Samuel Osborn, who was only an infant when his father died, was reared by
his mother on the old homestead, acquiring his elementary education in the com-
mon schools of the village, and following which he was sent to a boarding school
in Somersetshire for a time. Coming to America with his mother at the age of
sixteen he located on his brother's farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted
for six years. In 1880 he bought eighty acres of land upon which he removed
the following year, engaging in its operation for nine years. At the expiration
of that period he went to Pleasant township, where he resided for a year and
then returned to the old homestead in Malcom township, where he remained for
two years. He then removed to a place west of Grinnell. remaining there until
1895, when he came to Grinnell and where he lived for three years. In 1898 he
again returned to the old homestead, on account of his sons, continuing to re-
side there until 191 1, at which time he came back to Grinnell, where he is now
living.

On the 20th of June, 1879, Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to Miss Cath-
erine A. Gross, the ceremony occurring in Malcom township. Mrs. Osborn is a
daughter of .Andrew J. and Margaret (Starrett) Gross, the father a native of

320 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Pennsylvania and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Gross was also a farmer. Five chil-
dren have been born of this union: Maggie E., who was the eldest, and who is
deceased ; Maude J., who married Clarence S. Warne, a farmer of Villisca,
Montgomery county, and has three children, Ray S., Keith L. and Esther, who
is a baby; Amy, the wife of Henry Eriksen, a farmer of Grinnell township, and
who has one child, Maria H. ; John S., a farmer, and also is married and lives
on the old homestead ; and William Jackson, unmarried, who lives with his
brother, John, and assists in the cultivation of the home farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are members of the Congregational church and his
political allegiance is accorded to the republican party. He has filled various
minor offices in the townships where he has resided and is now serving as a
school director in Grinnell township. General farming and stock-raising for
many years engrossed the attention of Mr. Osborn, who is now living retired,
having rented his farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of land, to
his son. He is well known throughout the county in which he has resided for
thirty-eight years and where he and Mrs. Osborn have many friends.

JOHN J. MINCER.

Beginning in his boyhood John J. Mincer, of Grinnell, acquired habits of
application and self-reliance. He worked for a number of years for others, but
since 1900 has been managing a business of his own and has shown an aptitude
ivhich has produced gratifying financial returns. He was born in Mahaska county,
Iowa, February 19, 1863, a son of Jacob and Martha (Marsh) Mincer. The
father was a native of Richmond, Virginia, and the mother of Cincinnati, Ohio.
About 1845 they started west, having decided to make their home in Iowa. There
was no bridge across the Mississippi river at Burlington at that time and they
were obliged to cross the river by boat. After a short stop in Monroe county
they took up their permanent abode in Mahaska county, where Mr. Mincer lo-
cated on government land. His death occurred February 12, 1873, the beloved
wife and mother having died three years earlier.

John J. Mincer was reared on the home farm and acquired his early educa-
tion in the district schools of the neighborhood. In January, 1874, being then
less than twelve years of age, he came to Grinnell and since that time has made
his own way in the world. For several years he worked at whatsoever he could
find to do, but after arriving at the age of sixteen years he entered the employ
of A. W. Thayer, who was in the restaurant business, and continued with him
for two years. He then transferred his allegiance to George M. Christian, of the
Chapin House, then the principal hostelry of the town. After three years' expe-
rience at the hotel he worked for a year in the factory of Craver & Steele. About
this time H. W. Spaulding began in the buggy manufacturing business and Mr.
Mincer secured employment in the shops of this concern, continuing there for
ten years. He then bought a restaurant in Grinnell and for the first time entered
business upon his own account, being very successful and giving employment to
eleven persons. However, on February 13, 1903, he opened a pool and billiard hall

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 321

on Fourtli avenue, but on account of the difficulty in securing employes at the
restaurant he closed out that branch of his business and opened up a pool hall
in a building at No. 827 Main street. On July 17, 1905, he removed his business
from Fourth avenue to No. 922 Main street where he has one of the most modern
and best conducted halls in central Iowa. At one time he had a hall at Monte-
zuma, but has sold out there, and for some time was in charge of the similar es-
tablishment at Malcom. He never drinks, smokes or chews and has endeavored
to maintain a pool and billiard business along strictly business lines, and in the
opinion of his friends he has succeeded admirably in doing so.

On the 14th day of October, 1884, Mr. Mincer was united in marriage to Miss
Flora Baird, of Grinnell. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the
Episcopal church, and he is an active supporter of all movements designed to
promote the prosperity of the city. Politically Mr. Mincer is in sympathy with
the democratic party, but is liberal in his views, and in local afifairs is not re-
stricted by party lines in voting. No man has a wider acquaintance in this sec-
tion of the state and by his genial and pleasing address he has made a host of
friends.

OSCAR MILTON McNEAL.

The late Oscar Milton McNeal, who was one of the well known and success-
ful agriculturists of Union township, was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on the lOth
of November, 1852, a son of Thomas and Minerva (Kreitzswitzer) McNeal, na-
tives of Ohio. The father, who came to Iowa in his early manhood, located on
a farm in the vicinity of Oskaloosa, which he improved and cultivated until the
opening of the Civil war, when, responding to his country's call for volunteers,
he enlisted and went to the front where he was killed. The mother, who still
survives, is living in New Sharon, Iowa. They were both members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and the father voted the republican ticket. Five children
were born to them in the following order: George W., who is a resident of Union
township ; Oscar Milton, our subject ; Leona, the wife of W. F. McVey, of New-
Sharon, Iowa; Etta E., the wife of W. W. Garner, of Des Moines, Iowa; and
Emma, the wife of John Seal, of Wichita, Kansas.

One of the older members of the family and the son of a widow, Oscar Mil-
ton McNeal early had to assist in the cultivation of the farm, acquiring his edu-
cation in the district schools, at such times as his services were not required at
home. After laying aside his text-books he worked for his mother until he was
able to buy a farm in Union township, this county. This contained one hundred
and sixty acres, in the cultivation of which he met with such success that he
was later able to buy the eighty acres upon which his widow is now residing,
making the aggregate of his holdings two hundred and forty acres.

On the 9th of March, 1879, ^^^- McNeal was united in marriage to Miss Mary
A. Johnson, a daughter of Virgil H. and Mary V. (Wilson) Johnson, of Union
township. Her parents were both natives of Greene county, Ohio, where they
were married and began their domestic life. They were among the pioneer set-
tlers of Poweshiek county, filing on one hundred and sixty acres of government

322 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

land in Union township. This the father cleared and improved, continuing its
cultivation for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, both of whom have now
passed away, were members of the Baptist church, and in politics he was a re-
publican. Of the five children born to them Mrs. McNeal is the youngest, her
birth having occurred in Union township on the 15th of September, 1858. The
others are as follows : Lorenzo D., who is also a resident of Union township ;
Harvey P., who is living in Montezuma ; Joseph A., who is residing in Maryland ;
and William P., of Union township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McXeal were born
nine children: William T.. who is a resident of Jackson township; Walter W.,
at home ; Jessie M., the wife of Fred Whitaker, of Canada ; Lela, who died on the
28th of February, 1895, at the age of eight years, one month and twenty-seven
days; Mary V., the wife of Lewis Stanford, of Montezuma; Benjamin H., who
lives in Canada ; and John M., Roy R. and Herman C, all of whom are at home.
Mr. McNeal, who passed away on the 17th of September, 1909, was one of the
public-spirited and progressive citizens of his township. His ballot he always cast
in support of the candidates of the republican party. His widow continues to
cultivate the home farm and has by her capable supervision fully attested her
ability not only as an agriculturist but as a business woman.

JACOB B. NISWANDER.

[acob B. Niswander, one ei the best known and most highly respected citizens
of Poweshiek county, is now living retired on his farm of one hundred and fifty-
six acres on section 19, Warren township, on which he has made his home for
the past thirty-six years. His' birth occurred in Rockingham county, \'irginia,
on the loth of November, 1838, his parents being Samuel and Barbara (Burner)
Niswander, who, though born in this country, came of good old German stock.
In 1875 they established their home in Iowa, locating in Warren township,
Poweshiek county. Samuel Niswander here passed away in 1901, at the age
of eighty-three years, while his wife died in 1906, her demise occurring at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Lincoln, of Brooklyn, this state.

.\t the time of the Civil war Jacob B. Niswander went to the front in de-
fense of his loved southland, serving for four years as a member of Company
A, First \'irginia Infantry. He was wounded in Morgan county. West \'irginia,
and subsequently reenlisted. serving with the Home Guards during the Shen-
andoah \'alley camiiaign. Mr. Niswander was at Piedmont, West Virginia,
where he was wnunded when General Hunter led his men through the Shen-
andoah valley. .\t the time of Lee's surrender he was at home recovering from
a wound. In 1872 he came west, locating in Jefferson township, Poweshiek
county, Iowa, where he devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land
for four years. On the expiration of that period he purchased and located on
a tract of forty acres in Warren township, later adding a quarter section oi
land to his holdings. At the present time he owns a fine farm of one hundred
and fifty-six acres but leases the property, having put aside the active work of
the fields in order that he may enjoy the evening of life in well earned ease.

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LERARY

J. i:. xis\\AMu;i;

.MRS. .1. 1!. MSWANDKR

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 327

He spends a part of each year in the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Grietch,
whose husband is an agriculturist of Warren township.

In 1869, in \'irginia, Mr. Niswander was united in marriage to Miss Catharine
Miller, her father being John J. Miller, a well known farmer of Rockingham
county, Virginia. Unto them were born seven children, two of whom died in
infancy. Rebecca is the wife of Quinter Connell, an agriculturist of Warren
township, by whom she has five children, namely : Earl, Ivan, Guy, Ross and
Ada. All attend district school No. 9 in Warren township.- John S., a farmer
of Warren township, wedded Miss Ida Adams, a daughter of Warren Adams.
Their union has been blessed with four children : Nina, Freemtii, Katie and
Roy. Bettie is the wife of John Grietch, who follows farming in Warren town-
ship and by whom she has four children : Marvin, Celia, John and Howard.
The parents of John Grietch were Joseph and Celia Grietch. natives of Germany,
who emigrated to the United States and spent the remainder of their lives in
Warren township, this county. Walter, an agriculturist of Warren township,
married Miss Eda Adams, a sister of Mrs. John Niswander. Their children
are two in number, .Audrey and Thelma. Benjamin Niswander, who follows
farming near Prairie City, Iowa, wedded Miss Susan Kagey, a daughter of
Samuel Kagey of Virginia. Unto them were born two children, as follows :
Walter; and Owen, who was killed in 1910, when a little lad of six years, being
run over by a wagon. Mrs. Catharine Niswander died on the 2d of February,
1910, passing away on the old homestead in Warren township, this county.

Mr. Niswander is a democrat in his political views and held the office of
road supervisor for six years. For a similar period he also served as a mem-
ber of the school board in district' -KV. 6,- Warteu_Iawnship. He is a devoted
and exemplary member of the ChiU;cn, of , fhe/B^Mireii in Warren township,
to which his wife also belonged, a! typic'^l^Cmthern gentlemen of the old school,
Mr. Niswander has won and retained many friends. He has now passed the
seventy-second milestone on this earthly pilgi-jmage and enjoys the veneration
and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on
life's journey and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

JOHN M. CHAMBERLAIN.

Jiihii M. Chamberlain has been a resident of Poweshiek county for more than
sixty years, ha\'ing arrived in this county with his parents in his infancy, and
few men can claim better acquaintance with this part of the state. He may
be designated as a pioneer, having witnessed the development from the crude
forest and prairie to the wonderful improvements of the twentieth century, in
the course of which a complete change has been wrought in the methods of farm-
ing as well as in marketing the products of the farm.

He was born in Ohio, September 25, 1848, and is a son of John and Rosanna
(Mitchell) Chamberlain. The father was a farmer and, seeking larger oppor-
tunities, came to Poweshiek county in 1849 ^^'^ located in Jackson township,
where he entered three hundred acres of government land. He followed his

328 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

vocation successfully until he retired a few years before his death, which oc-
curred March i, 1900. The beloved wife and mother died July 23, 1880. In
politics Mr. Chamberlain gave his adherence to the democratic party. He was
reared in the Society of Friends and continued in that faith until some time
after his arrival in Iowa, when he became a member of the Presbyterian church.
He was a man of excellent character, who always exercised an influence for
good upon those with whom he was associated, and was known as one of the
highly useful members of the community. There were nine children in his
family, namely : William and James, who are deceased ; Margaret, the wife of
Joseph Saults, of Gregory, Nebraska ; John M., of this review ; Anna, Mary and
Sarah, all of whom are deceased ; Alexander M., who is now living in Kansas
City, Missouri ; and Martha J., the widow of Thomas Wiley, of Des Moines.

John M. Chamberlain received his early education in the schools of Monte-
zuma. As he grew up he assisted his father upon the home farm and continued
on the home place until February, 1902, when he moved to Washington town-
ship, Poweshiek county, having acquired a valuable farm of one hundred and
sixty acres. He follows general farming and stock-raising and has been an active
factor in the work of developing this region into one of great fertility and
productiveness.

On the 28th of December, 1882, Mr. Chamberlain was married to Miss Sarah
E. Bryan, who was born on a farm near Montezuma, in this county, February 21,
1856, being a daughter of Bedy and Margaret A. (Victor) Bryan, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this volume. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Chamberlain: Sylvia Ann, who is the wife of Frank I. Temple, of Provo, Utah:
Charles L., now in California, but who makes his home with his parents; W'il-
liam L., of Valley Junction, Iowa ; and Lawrence and Clarence, twins, both of
whom are at home.

Politically Mr. Chamberlain supports the democratic party, whose principles
he has indorsed ever since he reached his majority. He is not identified with
any religious denomination, but his wife is a valued member of the Methodist
church. On account of their genial social characteristics and their long residence
in the county they can claim a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr.
Chamberlain is an intelligent, liberal-minded and patriotic citizen, and is rightly
classed among the representative men of the great state of Iowa.

C. W. HARTZELL.

Agricultural pursuits have always engaged the attention of C. W. Hartzell,
who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a very attractive farm of
eighty acres in Grinnell township. He was born on the 5th of December, 1863,
in Hancock county, Illinois, his parents being Nath and Mary (Coontz) Hart-
zell, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was born in Westmoreland
county on the 28th of July, 1834, migrated to Illinois, locating in Hancock county
in 1852, where eight years later he was married. Being an agriculturist, he cul-
tivated his farm in Illinois for seventeen years and then, with his wife and family.

HISTORY OV 1'()\\1':S11II':K COL'NTV 329

removed to Iowa, settling on a farm in CJrinnell township, Poweshiek county, in
March, 1877. Here the mother passed away in iQOi, but the father survived her
for six years, his demise occurring on the 7th of August, 1907. He was a quiet,
unassuming citizen, but a man of sterling worth and high principles, who was
ever striving to inculcate in his children an appreciation of all that is noble and
upright in thought and action, which qualities he exemplified in his daily life.

Being but a lad of thirteen years when his parents located in Poweshiek
county, C. W. Hartzell obtained much of his education in the district schools of
Iowa. When he had acquired such knowledge as he deemed essential to enable
him to begin his business career he laid aside his text-books and engaged with
his father in the cultivation of the farm, having decided that he, too, would be
an agriculturist. He now owns eighty acres of fertile land which is given the
careful cultivation and capable supervision that yields abundant harvests, and
which is netting him gratifying financial returns. In addition to his farming Mr.
Hartzell makes a si)ecialty of raising Poland China hogs, and he is meeting with
good success.

On the 28th of December, 1887, Mr. Hartzell married Miss Sarah E. Barnes,
a daughter of Ira J. and Eliza ( Higby) Barnes. The father was a native of Ohio
and the mother of Pennsylvania, but they were married in Montezuma. Two
children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell: Pearl E., who is a graduate
of the high school, and Jessie C, who is attending the district school.

The religious views of the family are evidenced through their identification
with the Baptist church of Grinnell, while politically Mr. Hartzell affiliates with
the republican party. The family are well known and highly regarded in the com-
munity where they have lived for so many years and have hosts of friends, to
whom the hospitality of their home is ever extended.

CHARLES F. ROHR.

Charles F. Rohr, one of the most prominent and progressive farmers and
stock-raisers of Malcom township, has spent his entire life within the boundaries
of Poweshiek county, his birth having occurred in Sheridan township on the 19th
of March, 1877. His parents, Henry and Wilhelmina (Schroeder) Rohr, were
both natives of Holstein, Germany, where the father's birth occurred on the
5th of January, 1842, and the mother's on April 14, 1852. The father, who was a
farmer by occupation, came to the United States at an early day and took up his
abode in Iowa, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Scott county for about a
year. Later he came to Poweshiek county, where he worked for about three
years as a farm hand, after which he was married, on the 15th of November,
1874. He then purchased a farm of his own and continued to engage in general
farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was a very industrious, enter-
prising man, and that success came to him in substantial measure with the passing
of the years is indicated by the fact that, although he came to this country with-
out any capital, at the time of his demise, which occurred near Grinnell, Iowa, on
the 2d of .August, 1009, he was the owner of two hundred acres located on sec-

330 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

tion 20, Malcom township : one hundred and seventy-seven acres in Grinnell
township ; one hundred and sixty acres in Saskatchewan, Canada : and a five-
acre tract in Grinnell township, upon which his last years were spent. His wife
still survives him and makes her home on her farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, a part of the original homestead. In their family were eight children,
as follows : Lena, the wife of William Bastian, of Newbury : Charles F., of this
review ; Henry W., who passed away at the age of eight months ; Lizzie, a
trained nurse ; Sophia, the wife of William Bost, of Malcom township ; Christ
H., of Pleasant township; John H., residing with Charles F., on the home farm;
and Ella A., who makes her home with her mother.

Charles F. Rohr was but eight years of age when his parents came to Malcom
township, and consequently almost his entire life has been spent on the old home-
stearl farm. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he assisted in the work of plowing,
planting and harvesting through the spring and summer months, while a short
period each winter was devoted to study in the district schools, wherein he mas-
tered a fair knowledge of the common branches of learning. He has always
made farming the source of his livelihood and in this direction his efforts have
been most successful. He owns eighty acres of the old homestead farm, and in
addition to its cultivation also operates his mother's farm of one hundred and
twenty acres. The place is a well improved one, the father having erected good
buildings and introduced many modern improvements which greatly enhanced its
value. Mr. Rohr engages in general farming and also is an extensive raiser and
feeder of stock, fattening for the market about two carloads of hogs and from
two to three carloads of cattle annually. He is a man of energv* and persever-
ance, possessing sound business ability and keen discrimination, and his interests
are so widely conducted that he now ranks among the enterprising and pros-
perous agriculturists of this district.

On the 26th of February, u)o8. Mr. Rohr was united in marriage to Miss
Rosie S. Beck, a native of Germany, born in Brettbach, Weinsburg, Wurtem-
burg, on the nth of December, 1886. In March, 1905, she came to Pow-
eshiek county, Iowa, with her parents, Louis and Katharine (Heinle) Beck,
wno now reside in Chester township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rohr have been
born two children : Henrietta Louise and Erwin Karl.

A resident of Poweshiek county throughout his entire lifetime, Mr. Rohr
has become widely known in the community in which he has so long made
his home, and that he has ever proved himself a worthy citizen is indicated
by the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him from
his boyhood.

LOUIS H. RINEFORT.

The clothing business of Grinnell finds an able representative in Louis
H. Rinefort, who is at the head of one of the best appointed clothing establish-
ments in this part of the state. He has had a large acquaintance with the
business and, being a man of good taste and excellent judgment, he has the
ability to meet the wants of his patrons. He is a native of Poweshiek county,

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 331

and was born April 17, 1876, a son of Christian and Liicinda (Stromer) Rine-
fort, record of whom appears in the sketch of Andrew C. Rinefort, which is
presented elsewhere in this work.

Louis H. Rinefort was reared on the home farm and attended the district
schools, later becoming a student of the Grinnell high school, from which he
was graduated in 1895. After leaving school he became a clerk in the cloth-
ing store of G. H. McMurray, continuing as such for four years, when he
purchased a half interest in the business, the style of the firm becoming McMur-
ray & Rinefort. In 1907 he sold his interest to his partner, but continued under
him as a salesman. In F"ebruary, 191 1, having decided to devote his life to a
vocation for which he seemed eminently adapted, he purchased Mr. McMurray's
interest and is now sole proprietor of the store. He has been connected with
the business for more than fifteen years and is one of the best known men
in this line in Poweshiek county.

In October, 1905, Mr. Rinefort was united in marriage at Grinnell to Miss
Mable Wetmore, a daughter of George E. and Ella (Milliman) Wetmore.
The father was for many years engaged in the hardware business in this city
and is now deceased, but the mother is still living and makes her home with
the subject of this review. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Rinefort has been
blessed by the birth of one child : Harry Edwin.

Mr. Rinefort politically gives liis adherence to the republican party, but in
local afifairs pays little attention to party lines. He has never been an office
seeker, as his energies have been concentrated upon his business. Socially he
is well known and highly popular. He is a valued member of Marshalltown
Lodge, No. 312, B. P. O. E., and in his life he practices the principles of broth-
erhood so beautifully inculcated by that order. He was early actuated by a
laudable ambition to acquire a responsible position among his fellowmen, and
this ambition has been realized. His good fortune is due to his energy, ability
and integrity — three elements that are almost certain to lead to happiness and
financial prosperity.

BENJAMIN B. GRIFFITH.

Benjamin B. Griffith, a pioneer of 1845, has now for sixty-six years been
a witness of the development of the county and in substantial measure has
aided in its progress and improvement. Success has come to him as the years
have passed by, enabling him now to live retired. He was born in Jamestown,
Ohio, September i, 1837, and is a son of Isaac N. and Paulina P. (Johnson)
Griffith. The father was born in Virginia, March 3, 1813. The mother was
born in Ohio, August 10, 181 5, of English parentage, while the father of
Isaac N. Griffith was a native of Wales and his mother was of Pennsylvania
German birth. In the year 1845 Isaac N. Griffith and his wife came to Iowa,
settling in Henry county, and throughout his remaining days he was a resi-
dent of this state, his death occurring in Carroll county, August 10, 1890. He
had entered land in Henry county, where he lived for two years, and later

332 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

entered land in Mahaska, Poweshiek and Marshall counties. After living in
Henry county for two years the family in 1847 settled on the boundary line
between Mahaska and Poweshiek counties and here Benjamin B. Griffith has
since made his home.

Benjamin B. Griffith was but ten years of age when the family took up
their abode on the Poweshiek county farm. He rode horseback from here to
Iowa City, remaining in the saddle from sunrise to sunset in order to enter
a piece of land which his father had staked out, wishing to secure the claim
before it could be entered by another man who desired the same property. The
entire distance covered by Mr. Griffith in his ride was sixty miles. At the
family home were six children born of the father's first marriage : Hannah
Ann, now the deceased wife of Rev. John Hestwood ; Benjamin B. ; John, liv-
ing in Chicago ; James E., a resident of Carroll, Iowa ; Eli P., of Fort Dodge ;
and Helen, the wife of Louis Barger, of Carroll. The mother of these children
passed away in Henry county, December 30, 1850, and the father afterward
married again. By this second marriage he had two children : Isaac Newton,
now living in Kansas City; and Mrs. Ella Aiken, of Glidden, Iowa.

The boyhood experiences of Benjamin B. Griffith were those which usually
fall to the lot of farm lads. He aided in the arduous task of developing a new
farm, the difficult work of breaking the sod and preparing the fields for cul-
tivation early falling to his lot. At sixteen years of age he began working
his way through school, desirous to enjoy a better education than had been
accorded him m the public schools. He attended the state normal at Oskaloosa
for a time and later spent two years in Western College at Tama, Iowa. His
broadening knowledge better equipped him for life's practical duties and for six
or seven years he engaged in teaching in the country schools of Poweshiek
and Mahaska counties for a part of the time, devoting other portions of the
year to farming.

On the 14th of April, 1858, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Ferneau, who was born in Ohio, September 15, 1841, and in 1856
came to Iowa with her father, Levi William Ferneau. The children of this
marriage were ten in number: Mrs. Ada L. Mullen, who is now living with her
father and had two children, of whom one is yet living, Hugh E., who is
engaged on the construction of the Panama canal : Frank E., of Des Moines ;
Maude N., who became the wife of Charles Brooks and died, leaving three
sons, Ross, William and Mark, who are living with their grandfather; Blanche
Paulina, the wife of C. L. Harris, of Montezuma, and the mother of two chil-
dren, Elizabeth and Larid ; Ralph H., who is principal of the schools at Thorn-
ton. Iowa, and has three children, Lihl, Louise and David ; Kate Anna, the wife
of C. W. Manatt, of Carroll, and the mother of two children, Naomi and Kath-
ryn; Dick Carl, living in Montezuma; Hugh Bush, who has one son, Gerald,
and makes his home in Montezuma ; and two children who died in infancy.

Mr. Griffith engaged in farming for two years after his marriage. He put
aside all business cares and considerations, however, at the time of the Civil
war and from the schoolhouse where he was teaching he enlisted on the 14th of
August, 1862, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
He was on active duty for fourteen months and was then honorably discharged

HISTORY U]' POWESHIEK COUNTY 333

on account of disability. He has since resided in Montezuma, where he has
followed merchandising most of the time. After the war, however, he estab-
lished a barber shop and his two sons living in Montezuma are now engaged
in the same business. In his political views Mr. Griffith is a democrat but has
never sought nor desired office. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and to the Grand Army of the Republic and his brethren of those
fraternities entertain for him warm and kindly regard. During his long resi-
dence here he has become very widely known and his many good qualities have
gained him the friendship and esteem of all. The story of Poweshiek county's
development is a famiHar one to him. He came here when Montezuma had no
existence, when only here and there had a settlement been made, much of the
land being still in possession of the government. The broad prairies were
starred with a million wild flowers in June and in winter were covered with
an unbroken, dazzling sheet of snow. One could ride a long distance without
coming to a fence or house to impede progress and the most farsighted would
scarcely have dreamed of the wonderful development which was to take place,
making this one of the prosperous and popular counties of the state.

JOHN WESLEY COCHRAN.

John Wesley Cochran, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Union
township, where he owns a farm of sixty-eight acres, was born in Jackson
township, Poweshiek county, on the 4th of November, i860. He is the eldest
son of Hiram and Mary Jane (Saunders) Cochran, the father a native of
Indiana, having been born in the vicinity of Fort Wayne, and the mother of
Ohio. Hiram Cochran was reared and educated in his native state, where for
a time he engaged in farming. In his early manhood he removed to Iowa, lo-
cating upon a farm in Jackson township, Poweshiek county, and here he met
and subsequently married Miss Saunders. He later disposed of his land in this
county and bought a farm in Union township, Mahaska county, where he
passed away on the 24th of August, 1874. Mrs. Cochran survived him until
1882, continuing to reside upon the homestead in Union township. Five chil-
dren were born of their marriage, those beside our subject being: Frances
Elmira, deceased ; Selkirk Saunders, who is a resident of Jackson township ;
William A., who is living in Union township: and Mary Alfretta, the wife of
Elliott Bryant, of Montezuma. The father voted the republican ticket and
served one or two terms as school director. His wife was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.

The education of John Wesley Cochran was begun in the district schools of
Poweshiek county and completed in those of Alahaska county. Although he
was only a lad of fourteen years when his father died he was assisting in the
cultivation of the home farm, and being the eldest of the family naturally his
duties became quite heavy during the early widowhood of the mother. After
leaving home he worked for an uncle for a time, but being desirous to engage
in farming for himself he later rented land in Jackson township, which he cul-

334 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

tivated for years, and also ran a threshing machine. In 1891 he bought his
present place in Union township and has ever since continuously resided there.
He has remodeled and built additions to many of the buildings and effected
various other improvements, all of which have added greatly to the appearance
as well as value of the property.

Mr. Cochran established a home by his marriage on the 24th of January,
1882, to Miss Fannie Howard, a daughter of James and Martha (Barber)
Howard, of Mahaska county. Her parents were both natives of England, who
emigrated to the United States and located south of Oskaloosa. There the
father, who was a traveling man, passed away, but the demise of the mother
occurred in Union township, Mahaska county. In politics Mr. Howard was a
republican. Mrs. Cochran is also a native of England, her natal day being the
2d of May, 1862. By her marriage she became the mother of six children:
William E., who is a resident of Colorado; Vergie Jane, the wife of Calvin
Cutler, also of Colorado ; James Hiram, who is living in Colorado ; Charles
Edwin, who is at home ; Frederick, deceased ; and Ernest La Verne, at home.
They also have one grandchild, Theron John, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Calvin Cutler.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Cochran
is a member, and fraternally Mr. Cochran is affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, being identified with the lodges
of Montezuma. His right of franchise he exercises in support of the candi-
dates of the republican party and for the past four terms has been township
trustee. He as well as his wife, is favorably known in Union township among
whose citizens they have many friends.

JOHN T. ROUDABUSH.

John T. Roudabush. a well known and successful agriculturist of Bear Creek
township, owns and cultivates a highly improved farm of one hundred and
sixtv acres on section 11. His birth occurred in Rockingham county, \'irginia,
on the 14th of September, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Malinda (Andes)
Roudabush, who were likewise natives of that county. The father, who was
a farmer by. occupation, there spent his entire life, passing away about 1872.
At the time of the Civil war he went to the front in defense of his beloved
southland. His wife was called to her final rest about 1871.

John T. Roudabush remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years
of age and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the operation
of the home farm. On attaining his majority he was employed by the month
as a farm hand by an uncle, Noah Beery, for whom he worked for a year and
a half. On the 26th of February, 1870, he took up his abode in Warren county,
Illinois, there working on a farm by the month for five and a half years. On
the expiration of that period he came to Iowa, locating in Bear Creek township,
Poweshiek county, where he resided for eighteen months and then returned
to his native state and was married. After returning to this county with his

.iMiix r. i:i)riiAr.rsii anh family

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 337

young bride he rented a farm in Bear Creek township, one mile east of Brooklyn,
being busily engaged in its operation for six years. At the end of that time
he purchased eighty acres of the farm on which he has resided continuously
since and which now embraces a quarter section of land. He likewise owns
another tract of one hundred and sixty acres one mile north, in Bear Creek
township, which is the home of his son, Gordie G. In addition to raising the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Roudabush also feeds hogs to
some extent. He likewise has good orchards and there is no waste land in his
farm, all of it being well improved and tiled. In the conduct of his agricultural
interests he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity, being numbered among
the substantial and representative citizens of the community.

On the r>th of February, 1876, Mr. Roudabush was united in marriage to
Miss Sophia Rhoades, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and a daughter
of Jacob C. and Sallie (Berry) Rhoades. The father, who was also born and
reared in that county, was a carpenter by trade and spent his entire life in the
Old Dominion. During the period of hostilities between the north and south
he was a member of the same regiment to which Jacob Roudabush belonged.
His demise occurred in 1884, while his wife was called to her final rest in
1867. Mr. and Mrs. Roudabush are the parents of two children. G. G., who
lives on a farm on section i, Bear Creek township, wedded Miss Gertrude Doty,
a daughter of Abel Doty of Madison township, and has one child, Johnnie E.,
a little lad of three years. Mamie E. Roudabush is still under the parental roof.

Mr. Roudabush is a democrat in politics and for two years has served as
director of school district No. i. Bear Creek township. Both he and his wife
are devoted and consistent members ^pf _ the Methodist Episcopal church at
Brooklyn. The period of his resid^oc^ in Poweshiek county covers more than
a third of a century and he is well and favorably known within its borders.

PETER SCHNEEKLOTH.

Among the residents of Malcom township who are now living retired, their
present comfortable financial position being the direct result of former activity
and enterprise along agricultural lines, is numbered Peter Schneekloth. As the
name indicates he is of German descent, his birth occurring in Holstein, Ger-
many, on the 19th of January, 1841. His parents, Clause and Mary (Gotschj
Schneekloth, spent their entire lives in the fatherland, where the lather fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. Peter Schneekloth, their only child, was
reared and educated in his native land. After attaining manhood he decided to
seek the opportunities of the new world. Consequently the year 1864 witnessed
his arrival in the United States and, making his way direct to Iowa, he located
first in Davenport, where he was employed in a malt house for about three
years. He next engaged as a teamster for one year, after which six years
were devoted to agricultural pursuits in Scott county.

In 1873 he came to Alalcom township, where he purchased a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres on section 27, and to the operation of which he gave

3^8 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

his close attention until fifteen years ago, when he sold it to his elder son,
who still makes it his home. He then invested in one hundred and sixty acres
in Pleasant township, five miles south of Malcom, and there he resided for four
vears, when he sold that farm to his younger son and again came to Malcom
township. He did not again take up agricultural pursuits, however, but with-
drew from the active work of the farm and is now living retired, enjoying a
well merited rest after a life of industry, perseverance and close application
lo business affairs. Preferring the scenes and environment of rural life to
those of the town, he erected his present home on the old homestead and he
and his son each have a most comfortable and attractive dwelling on that place.
He is also the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Wilkm county, Minnesota.

In 1863, in Holstein, Germany, Mr. Schneekloth was united in marriage to
Miss Thriena Schneekloth who, although of the same name, was no relative.
Her birth occurred on the 17th of January, 1844. and ere their removal to the
L'nited States Mr. and Airs. Schneekloth became the parents of a son, John
N., now owning and operating the home farm. Two others have since been
added to the household, however, namely: Louis, who passed away at the age
of five years : and Henry T., of Montezuma, Iowa.

Mr. Schneekloth was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, although
he is not at present a member of that denomination, and fraternally he is iden-
tified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is an in-
dependent democrat, supporting the democratic party where national questions
are at issue, but at local elections voting for the best man and most desirable
measures. In his life he has exemplified many of the sturdy traits of the
Teutonic race and some of the best qualities of his adopted country, a combina-
tion which has won him a place among the substantial and representative cit-
izens of Poweshiek county.

LAMBERT L. WOODS.

.\ highly improved and carefully cultivated farm of sixty acres in Grinnell
township pays tribute to the agricultural skill of Lambert L. Woods, who was
born in Chester township, Poweshiek county, in August, 1867. His parents,
Abner and Maria (Lightner) Woods, were natives of Pennsylvania, the father
horn in Mercer county and the mother in Huntingdon. Mr. Woods, who was
always identified with general farming and stock breeding, removed to Powe-
shiek county in 1864, locating upon a quarter section of land in Chester town-
ship. He continued to reside there until 1877, at which time he removed to
Grinnell township, where he passed away in 1893, his wife surviving him for
a year. They were among the early settlers of the county and had been com-
pelled to endure many of the hardships and privations which ever fall to the
lot of those who undertake to settle in a new country. Mr. Woods was a man
of sterling worth and integrity and possessed many friends who accorded him
the esteem he well merited.

liiSTUKV Oi' I'UWliSlilEK CUUXTV 339

The boyhood ami youth of Lambert L. Woods were spent under the [)aternal
roof, his time being largely devoted to the acquirement of an education. I-'ol-
lowing his graduation from the Grinnell high school in 1884 he decided to
become a chemist, so he entered the Iowa College, being awarded his degree in
1890. He subsequently entered tlie employ of the Illinois Steel Company,
serving as chemist in both their Chicago and Joliet plants for two years. From
there he went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he accepted a position with the Col-
orado Fuel & Iron Company, which he relinquished in order to return to Iowa
and engage in farming. Air. Woods enjoys country life and is meeting with
most gratifying success in his ventures. Although he is doing general farming
the greater part of his time and attention is devoted to the breeding of Duroc-
[ersey hogs and buflf Plymouth Rock chickens, both of which he has found to
be most lucrative. His is one of the model farms of the township : the im-
provements are all good and kept in excellent repair, the lawn carefully mowed,
the trees and hedge well trimmed and, in fact, everything about the place be-
speaks that careful regard for details which invariably indicates the capable
supervision of the competent and successful agriculturist. The property is
located just outside of the city limits and the residence is large, comfortable and
homelike in appearance and thoroughly modern in all of its appointments.

Mr. Woods is a progressive, public-spirited, but thoroughly practical man,
and although he takes much interest in the commercial and political advance-
ment of the community his energies are very largely concentrated upon the
development of his personal interests.

MRS. TALITHA HARNER.

Mrs. Talitha Harner is a representative of one of the old and honored
pioneer families of Poweshiek county and has lived in this part of the state
since a little maiden of eight summers, having for sixty-two years been a wit-
ness of all the changes that have occurred in transforming the wild prairie
land into productive and fertile farms dotted here and there with thriving
tdwns and prosperous villages. She was born in Greene country, Ohio, No-
vember 22, 1841, a daughter of Alanson and Easter ( Mendenliall) Bryan, of
whom extended mention is made in connection with the history of Bedy Bryan
on another page of this volume.

The fani'ly arrived in Iowa in 1849, settling about three miles northeast
of Clskaloosa, and upon the home farm there Mrs. Harner residetl until her
marriage. She was carefully trained in the duties of the household and was,
therefore, well qualified to take charge of a home of her own when in March,
1857. she became the wife of Samuel S. Roberts, who was born in Indiana
in 1834 and in early manhood came to Iowa with his brother, settling in Ma-
haska county. They began their domestic life in Poweshiek county, settling
on a farm which her father had entered and gave to her. It was a tract of one
hundred and twenty acres in Pleasant township, seven miles northwest of
Montezuma. Mr. Roberts continued the cultivation of that place until Decem-

340 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ber, 1863, when he felt that his first duty was to his country and enHsted from
Montezuma under Captain Campbell in Company B, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry. He was wounded at Okolona, Arkansas, April 3, 1864, and was taken
prisoner. Later he was recaptured by his own company, but was again taken
prisoner at Camden, Arkansas, all this occurring within twenty-four hours.
As he was unable to ride horseback he could not get away and his brother
was obliged to leave him. The lack of attention and the treatment which he
received in prison as well as his wounds caused his death on the 29th of June,
1864. His comrade, Conrad Blewer, who was also a prisoner at the same time,
reported to his widow the circumstances and details of his demise. They were
the parents of four children: Andrew M., now of Oregon; Dennis M., of Pleas-
ant township ; Pertzell E., who died at the age of one and one-half years ; and
Ruth A. J., the wife of John E. Gregson, of Grinnell. Mrs. Harner has eleven
grandchildren living and six great-grandchildren.

After the death of her first husband she left the farm in Pleasant township
in March, 1864, and removed to Montezuma where she spent one year. She
then went to her father's farm in Oskaloosa and resided there until 1869. In
that year she returned to Poweshiek county and in 1877 again took up her abode
upon the old home farm in Pleasant township. In December, 1879. she was
again married, becoming the wife of Andrew Harner, who was born in Vir-
ginia, June 16, 1814, and when three years of age was taken by his parents
to Ohio where he was reared and educated and began farming. In the spring
of 1837 he went to Indiana where he also carried on agricultural pursuits, and
m 1855 he arrived in Poweshiek county, Iowa. By a previous marriage he
had si.x children. After he married Mrs. Roberts they lived upon his farm,
which was situated two and one-half miles from Montezuma. He died Decem-
ber 26, 1883.

After being again left a widow Mrs. Harner returned to her old home in
Pleasant township, and for twenty-one years she made her home with her
children and friends. Seven years ago, however, in February, 1904, she pur-
chased her present home in Montezuma and sold her farm to her daughter.
She is comfortably situated in life and not only has a sufficient amount of this
world's goods to supply her with the necessities but also with the luxuries of
life, and, moreover, has a large circle of warm friends who regard her most
kindly.

WILLIAM P. JOHNSON.

William P. Johnson, who is engaged in the cultivation of eighty acres of
the homestead farm upon which he was born on the i8th of April, 1854, is also
devoting his attention to the real-estate business. His parents, the late \'irgil
Harrison and Mary (Wilson) Johnson, were natives of Ohio, the father's birth
occurring in Highland county on the i6th of September, 1813, and that of the
mother in Greene county, her natal day being the 8th of May, 1816. They were
reared, educated and married in the Buckeye state, where Mr. Johnson engaged
in farming until his thirty-sixth year. In 1849 he and his family migrated to

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 341

Iowa, locating in Poweshiek county. Upon his arrival here he filed upon one
hundred and sixty acres of government land in Union township, which he im-
proved and placed under cultivation. He continued to operate this until he
passed away on the 5th of April, 1893. His wife survived him for five years,
her demise occurring on the 9th of June, 1898. He had met with more than
average success in his work and in addition to his homestead, upon which he had
made very good improvements, he owned thirty acres of timber land. Both
parents were active members of the Baptist church, Mr. Johnson being one of the
trustees, and he was also an ardent republican. He always took an active in-
terest in all township politics and served in both the capacity of school director
and road supervisor.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. \'irgil H. Johnson were born the following children:
Lorenzo D., who was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 4th of February, 1842,
and is now a resident of Union township ; Carey A., whose birth occurred on the
20th of November, 1845, in Greene county, Ohio, and is now deceased; Harvey
P., also a native of the Buckeye state, his birth occurring in February, 1849, and
now a resident of Montezuma; Joseph A., who was born on the 15th of April,
1851. and is living in Maryland; William P., our subject; Merritt U., who was
born on the 20th of June, 1856, and is deceased; and Mary Angeline, the widow
of O. M. McNeal, of Union township.

The life of William P. Johnson has thus far been spent in Union township,
in whose schools he obtained his education. He remained at home with his
parents, assisting in the cultivation of the farm, until after the demise of his
father. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of the homestead, where he
has ever since continuously resided, engaging in general farming, and also in
the real-estate business.

On the loth of October, 1888, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss
Georgiana Mackie, a daughter of Jesse Stanford and Wealthy Jane (Skeels)
Mackie, residents of Union township, and of this union there has been born
one child, Lettie Mae, whose birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1895.

Ever since age conferred upon him the full rights of citizenship Mr. Johnson
has supported the republican ticket, but he does not actively participate in
politics. He is well and favorably known to the citizens of Union township,
numbering among his friends many of the comrades of his boyhood, which
fact is a tribute to his character.

MORTON MONROE GREGSON.

Although Poweshiek county owes much to settlers from other parts of the
state and country for its high reputation as one of the richest agricultural sec-
tions of the Union, there are many young men assisting in its advancement who
are natives of this county. Growing up under favorable conditions, they be-
came highly efficient, and the effect of their application is to be seen in farms
whose appearance to the traveler as he rides through the county is evidence
of a high degree of prosperity.

342 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Mr. Gregson of this review is a native son of Poweshiek county, and was
born on a farm in Union township, February 23. 1871, his parents being Martin
and Eliza (Carpenter) Gregson. The father was born in Morgan county, In-
diana, July II, 1832, and the mother in the same county April 11, 1841. He
engaged in farming and also became a minister of the Baptist church. Arriving
in Poweshiek county, Iowa, he located in Union township, where he purchased
eighty acres of land, to which he made additions as his resources permitted
until he became the owner of two hundred and thirty-four acres. After many
years of effective labor on the farm and also in the pulpit he sold his place
and moved to Searsboro. He is now living retired at Marshalltown. Mrs.
Gregson was called from earthly scenes May 28, 1898. The father gives his
support politically to the democratic party and served several terms as member
of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. There
were fourteen children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Gregson, namely: America
J., Theodore, Commodore and Florida Jane, all of whom are deceased; Mabel,
who is the wife of William Pilgrim, of Grinnell : Dayton P., of Searsboro;
Amos B., of Sugar Creek township; Morton M., the subject of this review;
Eli M., who is living at Oskaloosa. Iowa; Leon L., of Marshalltown, Iowa;
Nellie, the wife of Ray Butler, of Marshalltown ; Sarah .Mma, who married
Frank Faulkenburg, of Montezuma; Clarence A., of Ames, Iowa, and George
T., of Cedar Rapids.

Morton Monroe Gregson received his preliminary education in the district
schools of Union township. He assisted upon the home farm until he arrived
at the age of twenty-one years and then for seven years rented land on his
own account in Washington township. In 1901 he purchased eighty acres and
later acquired forty acres more, which he has developed into a beautiful [)!ace.
having made many improvements, greatly enhancing its value. He is highlv
successful as a farmer, especially in raising and feeding stock for the market.

On the 24th of November, 1892, Mr. Gregson was married to Miss Dolly
Viola Evans, who was born in Washington township, October 22. 1872, a
daughter of James Daniel and Anna Eliza ( Farmer) Evans. The parents were
both born near Jamestown, Ohio, but were married in Poweshiek county, Iowa.
Mr. Evans located in Washington township, where he engaged in farming for
many years. He is now living retired with his wife upon the home place.
He served faithfully for the Union in the Civil war for a period of four years
as a private in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In politics he ad-
heres to the republican party and has served as township trustee. He holds
membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and is also a consistent mem-
ber of the Christian church.

Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gregson, namely:
Velma Pearl, who was born September 20, 1893; Bertha Grace, born July 16,
1897, and who died December 30, 1909; Agnes Irene, born September 9, 1901 :
Ada Bernice, born January 16, 1904; and Helen Mabel, born August 19, 1906.

In politics Mr. Gregson supports the candidates and principles of the dem-
ocratic party, but has never sought the honors of public office, save that of school
director. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Searsboro. He early
made a choice of farming as his life work and gives his best thoughts and

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COLWTV 343

energy to his calling, thereby meeting with the reward which always attends
wisely directed application. As the head of a promising and happy family and
engaged in a prosperous and successful business he may be designated as one
of the fortunate citizens of Poweshiek county.

ALANSON BRYAN.

Six decades have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Alanson
Bryan became a resident of Montezuma. Great have been the changes that
occurred within that period and with the work of progress and improvement
he has been associated. A native of Ohio, he was born in Greene county, April
27, 1843, his parents being Xeri and Sarah (Mendenhall) Bryan, who were also
.natives of the same county, the father having been born there March 11, 1820,
while the mother was born November 18, 1822. They were married May 21,
1840. and lived for several years in the Buckeye state, but in 1846 became res-
idents of Jefterson county, Iowa. On the 25th of January. 1850, they arrived
in Montezuma, where their remaining days were passed. The father's fleath
occurred December 2, 1903, while the mother died on the 27th of March, 1868.
He had followed farming during much of his life but also worked at the car-
penter's trade and engaged in the manufacture of brick, continuing in that
business from i860 until his retirement a few years before his death. He made
the first brick in the county. His farm w-as a tract of eighty acres a mile
north of Montezuma, in Scott township, and this he entered from the govern-
ment.

The children of his first marriage were : Silas, who enlisted in Company F,
Tenth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, in 1861, and was killed at the battle of
Champion's Hill. Mississippi, May 16, 1863: Alanson; John M., who enlisted
from this county. January i, 1864, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Iowa
Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at Fort Smith, .\rkansas, his death re-
sulting from his injuries; William A., a retired farmer of Montezuma: and
Mrs. Elma I. McCoy, now deceased. After losing his first wife Neri Bryan
married Margaret Kirk and they had three children : Charles D., of Union
township ; Mrs. Lucy R. Dalbey, of Mason City, Iowa ; and Mrs. Mary E.
Fleanor, of Reasnor, Iowa.

Alanson Bryan, whose name introduces this review, came with his parents
to this state almost two-thirds of a century ago and in January, 1850, arrived in
Montezuma, where he has since lived. Like his father he has engaged in
agricultural pursuits, in the manufacture of brick and in carpentry and has
led a busy and useful life. But his labors were interrupted at the time of the
Civil war for with patriotic ardor he responded to the country's call for troops,
enlisting on the 22d of August, 1862, as a member of Company B, Fortieth
Iowa Infantry. He was mustered out at Fort Gibson, in the Cherokee Nation,
Indian territory, .August 16, 1865, having taken part in all the engagements of
his regiment, which was assigned to duty with the Army of the West.

341 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

It was not long after his return from the war that Mr. Bryan was married,
the wedding being celebrated February 15, 1866. when Sarah P. Ewing became
his wife. She was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1844, and
was brought to Poweshiek county by her parents, Samuel and Prudence Ewing,
in the '50s. She died March 3, 1873, leaving a daughter, Florence L., now
the wife of A. U. Dalbey, of Barnes City, Iowa, by whom she had seven chil-
dren, four of whom are living.

After his return from the war Mr. Bryan carried on business pursuits
until about ten years ago when he retired and is now enjoying a well earned
rest made possible by the fruits of his former toil. He is a republican but has
never sought or desired office. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand
Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army
comrades. He has always been true and loyal in matters of citizenship, display-
ing the same fidelity in times of peace that he manifested when he followed the
stars and stripes on southern battlefields.

JOHN H. PATTON.

John H. Patten, one of the most prominent lawyers of Poweshiek county,
whose connection with the bar is characterized not only by marked ability in
the preparation and presentation of his cause, but also in fidelity to a high
standard of commercial ethics, was born in Curwensville, Clearfield county,
Pennsylvania, February 8, 1856, a son of Edward B. and Esther A. (Mason)
Patton, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. Following their
marriage they located in Curwensville. The Patton family for generations have
been prominent in the public life of Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather, John
Patton, was a member of Washington's staff in the Revolutionary war and
an uncle. John Patton, brother of Edward B. Patton, was a member of congress
from his district and his son. Jack, was United States senator from Michigan
by appointment of Governor Trowbridge. At the expiration of that term he
refused to become a candidate for the regular election, although it was con-
ceded that he could have the position for the asking. Other members have
been prominent in public life. Edward B. Patton, the father, was a contractor
and builder, who remained always a resident of Curwensville, Pennsylvania,
where he died in 1908, at the venerable age of eighty-one years. His wife
passed away on the morning of July 4. 1861, and so greatly was she esteemed
and beloved in her town that all patriotic demonstrations were suspended and
not an unnecessary sound was heard there during the day through respect to
her memory.

John H. Patton was reared under the parental roof. He was only five years
of age at the time of his mother's death and he is largely a self-educated as
well as self-made man. He naturally enjoyed the advantages of the district
schools and, as the Pattons were a family of affluence in Pennsylvania, he
could have had a course in Yale, but he chose the independent plan and has

J. II. I'ATrOX— MAYOR OF GRIXXELL

HISTORY UF POWESHIEK COUNTY 347

depended upon life's experiences and his own exertions for a higher echication.
At the early age of nineteen years he was a newspaper editor and pubhsher,
editing the Curwensville Times. While thus engaged during the Hayes and
Tilden camjjaign of 1876 he ])ublished a criticism of J. Blake Walters, which
was taken up and copied broadly by the Philadelphia papers and resulted in
the defeat of Walters, who started a suit against Mr. Patton for libel, but the
latter's statement was readily proven.

The following year Mr. Patton sought a home in the west, coming to Grin-
iiell, Iowa, and during the succeeding three years was connected, a part of the
time, with the Grinnell Herald and a part of the time with the Citizens' Bank.
In 1880 he took charge of the Grinnell Independent, publishing this as a semi-
weekly republican newspaper. During the period of his connection with the
paper as its editor he brought forth an editorial on the Tilden and Hayes cam-
paign, giving his reasons for his belief that Samuel J. Tilden was at that time
elected president. This editorial came to the attention of Charles A. Dana,
of the New York Sun, and was copied in his paper — rather an unusual occur-
rence for a distinguished editor of a metropolitan journal to copy from a rural
newspaper. Mr. Patton continued to dictate the policy of the Grinnell In-
dependent until 1887. He was a forceful writer, clear and cogent in the state-
ment of his opinions and in the defense of his position, and his editorials at-
tracted wide attention.

In the general election of 1886 Mr. Patton was elected district clerk and
entered upon the duties of the office in January, 1887, removing to Montezuma,
where he continued to fill the position for three terms, his reelections being in-
controvertible proof of the recognition-. (Jf^'Ris' ability and trustworthiness on the

, - _- - _.. .__ fearly manhood Mr. Patton had formed

the habit of night study and for years there was not an evening passed that
he did not read until twelve o'clocki TW?._lJ3.bit became so fixed with him that
it seemed as necessary as his daily meals. --"111.1877 lie determined to learn some-
thing about law and he took up as his evening course of reading a number of
text-books on law, not, however, with the intention of practicing. By the year
1880, however, he had progressed sufficiently in his studies to pass an examina-
tion and was admitted to the bar. Even then he did not intend to become a
practitioner, but after serving for three terms in the district clerk's office he
resolved to enter upon the practice of law and, in 1893, passed the required
examination before the supreme court and was admitted to the bar. On his
return to Grinnell he received a letter from C. T. Jones, clerk of the supreme
court, telling him that he had passed with the high grade of ninety-two per
cent and that very few applicants for admission, possibly not more than a
half-dozen, had ever received so high a grade before the supreme court on
examination. Yet Mr. Patton had never attended a law school and his prepara-
tion was made entirely independently through his night study.

Opening an office in Grinnell in January, 1893, Mr. Patton has since been
continuously connected with the Poweshiek county bar, and through the inter-
vening period of eighteen years has made marked progress in his practice,
being today regarded as one of the most capable and prominent lawyers of
this part of the state. His reading has covered a wide range and not only does

348 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

he possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, but
also the ability to accurately apply its principles.

On the 15th of January, 1879, Air. Patton was married to Miss Mary J.
Worcester, of Grinnell, a daughter of Justice Worcester, who came to Iowa
in an early day, settling in Marshall county, whence he afterward removed to
Grinnell. He was a cousin of the compiler of Worcester's dictionary. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Patton have been born six children: John H., Jr., a traveling
salesman representing the Grinnell Glove Factory; Homer E., manager of the
Postal Telegraph Cable Company, of Des Moines, and president of the Iowa
Corporation of that company; Edward C, a graduate of the Grinnell high
school; Mary E., a graduate of the high school class of 191 1; Esther Ann. a
freshman in the Grinnell high school ; and Paul W., who has not yet completed
the work of the grades.

In politics Mr. Patton is a stalwart republican, has served as city attorney,
and was elected mayor of Grinnell in the city election of March, 191 1. He
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. Nature endowed him with
strong mentality, but beyond this he has had no assistance in life and his
progress represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and the recognition
of his opportunities. His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial ;
yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases as well as the earnest-
ness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right, as he under-
stands it, challenges the highest admiration of his associates. He invariably
seeks to present his argument in the strong clear light of common reason and
sound logical principles.

F. L. ABEL.

Some men are well adapted for business life and from the start give evi-
dence of an interest in their work and a judgment in affairs which are clear
prophecies of success. F. L. Abel, who is at the head of a flourishing vehicle
establishment at Grinnell, early showed the zeal and persistence so necessary to
success in this age of strong competition and for ten years past he has been
carrying on business on his own account with excellent results. He was born
in Pleasant township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, November 2, 1874, a son of
Frank and Anna (Rainey) Abel. The parents were natives of New York
slate and were reared and married there. In 1866 they came to Iowa, locating
in Pleasant township, Poweshiek county, where Mr. Abel bought a farm and
engaged in agriculture and stock-raising for ten years. He then sold his place
and removed to Grinnell, where he has since lived retired.

F. L. Abel received his jireliminary education in the public schools anci later
matriculated at Grinnell College, in which he cntinueil for two years, .\fter
leaving college lie entered the eni;iloy of the H. W. Spaulding Manufacturing
Company and was employed in the factory of the company for two years.
Having acquired a good general knowledge of the business he was sent out

HISTORY OF I'OWESIIIEK COUNTY 349

upon the road and represented the firm in various parts of the country for
live years. In U)Oi, liav.ng decided to engage in business for himself, he became
a member of the firm of Mason & Abel. They sold buggies and carriages in the
western states, employing the system of trailing- — taking vehicles through the
country to the doors of their prospective customers. In 1906 the firm was dis-
solved and Mr. Abel became associated with his brother B. A. under the style
of F. L. Abel & Company, the senior member looking after the office business
and the junior covering the field. They have developed a lucrative patronage,
which under capable management is steadily growing. F. L. Abel is also identi-
fied with other enterprises and is a director of the Grinnell Savings Bank.

In 1900 he was happily united in marriage to Miss Violet Naysmith Blow,
a daughter of Mahlan Blow, a farmer of Poweshiek county, now deceased.
By this union one child, Maxine Anna, has been born. Socially, Mr. Abel
is identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and is a sincere
believer in the beneficent teachings of the order. He is an adherent of the re-
publican party, whose principles he heartily espouses, but he has never sought
the honors of political office, preferring to devote his abilities to his private
affairs. As a result of his diligence and good judgment he has prospered and is
recognized as one of the substantial business men of Grinnell.

HARRY THOMPSON.

By means of diligence and application Harry Thompson, who is engaged in
stock-raising, has become one of the extensive landowners of Union township.
His birth occurred in Jersey county, Illinois, on the 13th of August, 1865, his
parents being Charles N. and Martha (Chapman) Thompson, natives of Lick-
ing county, Ohio, where they were married. The father, who was born on
the 9th of January, 1837, migrated with his wife, in the early years of their
married life, to Illinois. He there engaged in farming until 1880, when he
again started westward, Iowa being his destination. They first located in Jasper
county, where a little later he purchased a small farm, which he cultivated until
1910, when he removed to Union township, Poweshiek county, where he is now
residing. He has always been an ardent reiniblican, and his wife was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. She passed away in Jasper county,
in September, 1881. Unto them were born the following children: Minnie,
the wife of C. S. Wall, of Newton, Iowa; Harry, our subject; Emma, deceased;
Leonard, who is a resident of Estherville, Iowa; Charles Nathan, who is living
in the state of Washington; Hattie, the wife of George Jacobs, of West Bend,
Iowa; and Thomas, who is living in Colfax, Iowa.

Harry Thompson, who was a youth of fifteen years when the family settled
in Iowa, acquired his education in the district schools of his native state. He
remained a member of the parental household until he was nineteen, assisting
his father in operating the farm. He subsequently worked as a farm hand
until he had accumulated sufficient money to enable him to begin farming for
himself, when he rented land in Jasper county. Perseverance, combined with

350 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTY

diligence and the intelligent direction of his affairs, enabled him to make a
success of his ventures, and in 1908 he bought his present farm, which con-
tains three hundred and twenty-eight acres of land. Here he engages in breed-
ing and raising shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, both of which, under
his capable supervision, are proving to be very lucrative.

In February, 1888, Mr. Thompson and Miss Estella Rayi were united in
marriage. Mrs. Thompson is a daughter of Himelus and Sarah Jane (Macy)
Ravi, residents of Sugar Creek township. Eight children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the order of their birth being as follows : Don, How-
ard, Delima, Luvilla, Chalmer, Dwight, Vough and Colyne.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are both ardent members of the Baptist church,
of which he is a deacon and clerk, and he is also affiliated with the Brotherhood
of American Yeomen. In politics he is a republican but never takes an active
part in public affairs. He has always worked persistently and unfalteringly,
so judiciously administering his affairs that he has became recognized as one
of the successful and prosperous stockmen and agriculturists of Union township.

FREDERICK F. LEE.

Frederick F. Lee has lived for thirty years in Poweshiek county and is
now retired from active labor, having turned over the work of the farm to his
sons. His memory carries him back many years, as he has now reached the
advanced age of eighty-eight years and in the course of a long and useful life
has passed through many interesting experiences. He was born in Rutland
county, Vermont, November 6, 1823, and is a son of Thomas and Phoebe
(Eastman) Lee, both of whom were natives of the same place. The father
learned the cooper's trade, but devoted his attention to farming, in 1836 he
moved with his family to Canada and he and his wife spent the remainder of
their lives in that country. They were people of sterling characteristics and
devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Frederick F. Lee was the eldest child in a family consisting of three sons
and two daughters. He received his early education in the district schools and
went with his parents to Canada, continuing at home until he was si.xteen years
of age. He then became clerk in a store and retained that position for seven
years, at the end of which time he began farming in Canada, remaining there
until 1881. Believing that conditions were more favorable west of the Mississ-
ippi river, he removed with his family to this state and rented land in Pow-
eshiek county. Later he purchased eighty acres in Grinnell township and en-
gaged in general farming, specializing in the raising of fine horses, cattle and
hogs, in which he attained a goodly measure of success.

On the ^d of March, 1845, Mr. Lee was married, in Canada, to Miss Clara
Mallory a daughter of David and Hulda (Keeler) Mallory, and there were
three children born to this union: Lucy, who was married and became the
mother of four children: John, Fred, Clara and Anna, and is now deceased:
Sarah who married lames Austin, of Knapp. Wisconsin: and Wdham F.. also

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 351

deceased. The mother of these children died in 1853 and Air. Lee was married
later to Miss Delilah Adams, a daughter of Orrin B. and Elizabeth (Mallor)-)
Adams, of Canada. Two children have blessed this union : Herman F. and
Malcomn C, both of whom are living at home.

Mr. Lee, as a farmer, has aided in the work which has iiroduccd so wnn-
derful a transformation throughout the country and made life vastly more
agreeable to the millions living in the agricultural regions. l!y his prompt and
honorable methods in business he has won the deserved confidence of his
neighbors and set an example well worthy of imitation. He served as post-
master at Mallorytown. Canada, but has never sought the honors or emolu-
ments of public office in Iowa, preferring to devote his energy to his farm.
Politically he has given his support to the republican party. In religious faith
he has been for manv vears identified with the Methodist church.

JAMES S. McKEE,

Agricultural pursuits have characterized the efforts of James S. McKee
throughout his entire active career, and in the cultivation of a good farm in
Malcom township he is meeting with creditable success.

He is one of Iowa"s native sons, his birth having occurred in Muscatine
county on the 15th of December, 1866. His parents, William J. and Sarah
(Corrough) McKee, were both natives of County Down, Ireland, where they
were reared and married. They came to Iowa in 1854, residing in Scott county
about two or three years, after which they removed to Muscatine county. Later
they came to Poweshiek county and established the family home on the farm
which is now the property of our subject. Mrs. McKee passed away in Mal-
com township in 1891, at the age of fifty-six years, being survived for almost
twenty years by her husband. His life record covered more than the Psalmist's
allotted span of three score years and ten, extending from the loth of May,
1832, until his death, at Grinnell, on the 5th of January, 1910. Their family
consisted of seven children, namely : Margaret, the wife of Thomas McKee,
of Grinnell ; Mary, also of Grinnell ; John, of Pomona, California ; Agnes, of
Grinnell ; Sarah, the wife of G. H. Pyle, of Malcom township ; Elizabeth, who
married Gordon Duflfus, of Canada ; and James S., of this review.

Spending the period of his boyhood in the county of his nativity, James S.
McKee came to Poweshiek county with his parents in 1880, and he has since
continued to reside on the old home farm in Malcom township. He now gives
his attention to the operation of this tract, consisting of one hundred and sixty
acres located on section 34, and also cultivates another farm of one hundred
and sixty acres for his sister. He is the owner of another farm of forty acres
located on section 3, Grinnell township, about a mile northeast of the college.
The home farm is well improved and equipped with a good house and sub-
stantial barns and outbuildings, which were erected by the father of Mr. McKee.
He has also made some changes about the place which have served to enhance

352 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

its value. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising,
and is also a stockholder in the Malcolm garage at Malcolm.

In 1899 Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Marie Antoinette Royce,
who was born in Pleasant township on the 2d of January, 1869. a daughter of
Horace B. and Mary A. (Okey) Royce. The parents were natives of Vermont
and England respectively, the father being born in 1832 and the mother in 1843.
They were married in Bureau county, Illinois, and in 1866 came to Poweshiek
county, Iowa, where both passed away, the former in 1896 and the latter in
1903. In their family were seven children, as follows : Sydney L., of Malcom ;
Marie Antoinette, who became the wife of Mr. McKee ; Ada F.. who wedded
A. M. Gross, of Creston, Iowa; Horace J., of Malcom township; Edna O., the
wife of George Cooper, of Long Beach, California ; May B., who married the
Rev. Victor West, of Adele, Iowa: and Carrie, who passed away in 1880 at the
age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. McKee became the parents of three sons,
Kenneth D., James Paul and Donald Royce.

The religious faith of Mr. McKee is that of the Presbyterian church, while
fraternally he holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Politically he gives his support to the republican party, but the honors and
emoluments of office have no attraction for him, preferring to give his entire
time and attention to the conduct of his personal affairs which, carefully man-
aged, are proving a source of gratifying annual returns.

JACOB HASLEY.

One of the energetic sons of Germany who have been successfully identified
with the agricultural development of Poweshiek county is Jacob Hasley, who
is now living retired but for many years was engaged in the cultivation of his
farm in Sugar Creek township. He was born in the province of W'urteniberg,
Germany, on the 4th of February, 1834, a son of John and Elizabeth Hasley.
His parents spent their entire lives in the old country, where the father was
a gardener. Five children were born to them, of whom Jacob is the third in
the order of birth.

The education of Jacob Hasley was obtained in the common schools of his
native land, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life. In 1852 he took
passage for America to seek his fortune and put to the test the marvelous tales
he had heard regarding the wealth and opportunities afforded ambitious young
men in the United States. Upon his arrival in this country he first located in
Philadelphia, where he followed the trade of wagonmaking for a time. From
there he went to New Jersey, where he remained for thirteen years. In 1865
he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating in Sugar Creek township, where
he bought a farm, which he cultivated for many years. He is now retired and
living with a daughter, Mrs. rfenry Barnhart. Unusual success attended the
efforts of Mr. Hasley and at one time he owned a thousand acres of farm land
in Poweshiek county.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'N'TV 355

Mr. Hasley first married Elizabeth Garrison, who passed away in December,
1870. They became the parents of seven children: James, who is a resident
nf Sii^^ar Creek township; W'ilbcrt, who li\es in Aljingdon, Illinois: Martha Ann,
the wife of Henry Barnhart, of Sugar Creek township; George D., who is
deceased; Frank, a resident of .Searsboro, Iowa; Henry, who is Hvin^ in Sugar
Creek township; and Elizabeth, who is deceased. In 1875 Mr. Hasley married
Mrs. Wymer, who died in March, 1907.

In politics Mr. Hasley is a democrat and has served both as a school di-
rector and township trustee. He now affiliates, with the Society of Friends
but while living in the old country he belonged to the Lutheran church. He is
one of those whose success in life is all the more commendable because of the
fact that it was achieved amid the handicaps and obstacles which always con-
front the foreigner, whose only asset is energ\-, perseverance and determina-
tion. He is the only survivor of the charter members of the Searsboro lodge
of Odd Fellows.

Henry Barnhart, who is engaged in farming in Sugar Creek township, was
born ill Indiana on the 9th of April, 1857, and when a lad of eight years he
came to Poweshiek county with his parents, completing his education in the
common schools of this county. After laying aside his studies he engaged in
general farming and stock-raising, with which activities he continues to be
identified. He is a democrat in politics and is serving in the capacity of school
ilirector and road supervisor. Fraternally he is a charter member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified with the lodge at Searsboro,
and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Barnhart was married' o^,,^^ 17th of December, 1888, to Miss Martha
Ann Hasley, and they have t«C|)f|i^ ■ the -parents of one son, Philip, who is at
home. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart affiliate with the Society of Friends, and she
is also a member of the Ladies Ai4i'£ociety as Well as of the Rebekah lodge.

HENRY B. STORM.

It is doubtful whether a more active, energetic or progressive representative
of the business interests of Grinnell could be named than Henry B. Storm,
who is proprietor of one of the most complete drug stores in this part of the
state. He has shown remarkable enterprise and judgment and as a result is on
the high road to well established prosperity. Born in Poweshiek county, No-
vember 17, 1873. he is the son of James and Caroline Storm.

In his infanc}' the subject of this review became a member of the family
of a kind-hearted uncle, I. B. Baldwin, one of the prominent farmers of Pow-
eshiek county, and was reared to manhood in his household. He gained his
l^reHniinary education in the district schools and later attended Grinnell high
school, graduating in the class of 1892. He then matriculated in Iowa College,
which he attended, however, but one year. After leaving college he became a
professional bicyclist and in this, as in other vocations in which he has engaged,
attained an enviable reputation, becoming known as one of the best developed

356 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

athletes in the state. In 1897 he retired from the bicycle track and gained
his first acquaintance with the drug business as clerk in a store at Kearney,
Nebraska.

In the meantime the Spanish-American war was threatened and like thou-
sands of patriotic young men, he offered his services to the country and was
accepted as a member of the Second Nebraska Regiment and served as hos-
pital steward in one of the division hospitals at Chickamauga Park, Georgia.
Less than a year after its establishment the hospital was abandoned and Mr.
Storm returned to his regiment, which was afterward mustered out of service
at Fort Omaha, Nebraska. After leaving the army he resumed the drug bus-
iness and worked for three years in a store at Omaha, when he resigned to accept
a position in the Omaha offices of Armour & Company. At the close of three
years he gave up that place and was associated in the drug business at Omaha
with L. E. Peyton, but two years later the firm was dissolved and he again
spent two years in the employ of Armour & Company. Subsequently he be-
came connected with the American Druggists Syndicate of New York city,
being engaged in organization work for this company in various parts of the
country. The drug business of R. R. Rust & Company at Grinnell was of-
fered for sale, the firm having gone into insolvency, and Mr. Storm took
advantage of the opportunity and acquired the store, reorganizing the business
and developing it until the concern over which he presides is the largest of the
kind in the city.

In 1901 Mr Storm was united in marriage at Grinnell to Miss Grace F.
Harrison, a daughter of William Harrison now living retired in this city. She is
a graduate of the Grinnell high school of the class of 1896 and is a lady of refine-
ment and culture who has proved an important factor in the business success of
her husband. She assists him in the store and has a host of friends in this city.

Mr. Storm fraternally is identified with Grinnell Lodge, No. 175, K. P.,
and Norfolk Lodge, No. 653, B. P. O. E-.,- of Norfolk, Nebraska. He was one
of the original stockholders in the American Druggists Syndicate and in his
business he displays a lively personal interest in meeting the wants of patrons
that has greatly contributed to his success. He is a good judge of human
nature and possesses a genial manner which attracts and holds friends. As to
his future, there is no doubt that he will figure prominently in the commercial
development of Grinnell.

JOSEPH WOODWARD RODGERS.

Industry, intelligently directed, ultimately brings a sure reward — a fact
which again finds proof in the life record of Joseph Woodward Rodgers,
whose well earned success now enables him to live retired, his home being in
Montezuma. He was born near New Garden. Columbiana county, Ohio, Sep-
tember 17, 1836. His parents were John K. and Levina (Woodward) Rodgers,
the former born in Westchester, Pennsylvania. February 20, 1814. and the latter
in Westchester county, Pennsylvania, .August 6, 1814. She was a birthright

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 357

member of the Society of Friends but, marrying out of the church, forfeited
her membership. They were reared in the Keystone state and on the 24th of
December, 1834, were married. The following year they removed to Colum-
biana county, Ohio, where they resided until they came to Poweshiek county.
Iowa, after the war. The father was a miller and began learning the trade
when fourteen years of age, serving seven years as apprentice. His entire life
was devoted to that business. Both he and his wife were faithful members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. The latter died November 11, i8<So, and Mrs.
Rodgers passed away January 4, 1896. In their family were six children, of
whom Joseph Woodward, of this review, is the eldest. The others are as fol-
lows: Meribah F., now deceased; James L., who is represented elsewhere in this
volume; Martha A., the wife of George A. Webber, of Montezuma: John J., a
produce merchant of this city, mention of whom is also made on another page
of this work; and Elwood, who passed away at the age of eight years.

Joseph W'. Rodgers spent the first nine years of his life in the county of his
nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Jefferson county,
Ohio, where he resided until 1853, when he returned to Columbiana county.
Two years later he went to Canal Dover, Ohio, but in April, 1856, arrived in
Marshall county, Iowa. The following year he came to Poweshiek county and
has resided in this locality continuously since. He followed farming until 1863,
and in the interval embraced the opportunity of promoting his education by a
three months' term of study in Grinnell College in the fall of 1861. He has
always been an attentive observer of men and measures and in the school of
experience he has learned many valuable lessons, making him a practical and
well informed business man. In February, 1863, he located in Montezuma,
where he has since resided. He was engaged with his father-in-law in general
merchandising from 1863 until 1870, and subsequently engaged in clerking
for the firm of Wilson & Griffin at Malcom, being thus connected with the
lumber and grain business for four years. He then turned his attention to the
grocery business in Montezuma in partnership with B. B. Griffith, but after
a year sold out and joined his brother James in the conduct of a grocery store
under the firm style of Rodgers Brothers. They conducted a well appointed
establishment and their energy, capable management and close application
brought them a substantial measure of success. Joseph W. Rodgers was also
engaged in the fire insurance business for fifteen years and at intervals now
assists his son in the conduct of a restaurant, but is practically living retired.

On the 29th of October, 1865, Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage to Miss
Emily Willson, who was born September 3, 1842, near Indianapolis, Indiana,
but in 1848 came to Iowa with her parents. Her father, Gideon Willson, who
was 'he first merchant in Montezuma, is mentioned in connection with the
sketch of his son, John Willson, appearing elsewhere in this volume. I'nto
Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers were born five children. The eldest, Willson Gideon,
who was born October 17, 1866, in Montezuma, passed away on the 19th of
February, 1910, in Chicago, where he had resided for twenty years. He is
survived by his widow. Mabel, the only daughter, is now the wife of Enoch
Judd, of Colorado. Eugene K. is the proprietor of a restaurant in Montezuma.
Roy Otto is connected with the military interests of the United States as first

358 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

sergeant, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Coast Artillery Company, now sta-
tioned at Honolulu. Altogether he has served with the regular army for ten
years and is credited with three years' experience in foreign service, during
which time he was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Clyde Cecil, the young-
est member of the family, is engaged as a baker and cook in Chicago.

In his political affiliations Mr. Rodgers has always been a democrat and for
four years, from 1885 to 1889, filled the office of mayor, in which connection
he gave to the city a public-spirited and beneficial administration that wrought
many needed improvements and reforms. He has also been treasurer and
assessor of the town and is well known as a public official who can be trusted
under any and all circumstances to discharge his duties faithfully and capably.
For more than forty-one years he has been a loyal advocate of the ideas of
Masonry, his membership being in Lafayette Lodge, No. 52, F. & A. M., of
Montezuma, and Hyssop Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., of Malcom. He also
belongs to the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. His fellow townsmen have come to know him as a man who
is reliable under all circumstances and he is today numbered among the valued
and honored residents of Montezuma.

DAVID A. LAROS.

David A. Laros, a prominent representative of industrial interests in Grin-
nell. is conducting an extensive business in the manufacture of carriages, spring
wagons and buggies under the firm style of D. A. Laros & Sons. His birth
occurred in Kutztown, Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of February. 1847,
his parents being Robert and Rebecca (Wink) Laros, the former a native of
Millerstown, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Kutztown, that state. They were
married at Kutztown and there spent the remainder of their lives. The father
worked at the hatter's trade in early manhood but subsequently was employed
as a day laborer.

Owing to the straitened financial circumstances of the family, David .\.
Laros obtained only a common school education but his knowledge has been
constantly augmented by reading, experience and observation. On the i8th
of February, 1865, when but eighteen years of age, he enlisted for service in
tlie Union Army, joining Company G, Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania \'olunteer
Infantry, and remaining with that command until the close of hostilities. After
being mustered out he returned to his native town and became an apprentice
at the carriage trimmer's trade. In 1877 he came west to Iowa, locating at
Lisbon, where he continued work at his trade and for about ten years operated
a farm in connection with his carriage work. In 1889 he came to Grinnell and
found emiiloyment in the shops of Craver, Steele & .-\ustin, remaining with that
concern for but one year. He next entered the service of the H. W. Spaulding
Manufacturing Company, continuing with that firm until 1897, when he re-
signed his position and organized his present business, which has since become
one of the important industrial enterprises of Grinnell. His business record

IX A. LAROS

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 361

is one of which he has every reason to be proud. Starting, out in life empty
handed, he labored as a journeyman workman for thirty-two years, thus gain-
ing the capital and experience which enabled him to embark in business on his
own account in 1897. From comparative obscurity and poverty he has worked
his way steadily upward to a position of prominence and affluence, being now
one of the leading manufacturers of Grinnell.

In 1869 Mr. Laros was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Snyder, of Kutz-
town, Pennsylvania, by whom he had fourteen children, the record of whom
is as follows: Mary, the wife of Kirk Gibbs, of Grinnell, Iowa; Charles, who
is a member of the firm of D. A. Laros & Sons; Harry and William, both of
whom are deceased ; John and Fred, who are associated with their father in
business; Bessie, the wife of Ellsworth Gruver, of Allentown, Pennsylvania;
Sadie, the wife of Fred Lorish, of Allentown, Pennsylvania ; Augustus, who is
likewise a member of the firm of D. A. Laros & Sons; and Ruth, Naomi, Roberta,
Helen and Gerald, all at home.

In politics Mr. Laros is a democrat, while his religious faith is indicated
by his membership in the Congregational church. Fraternally he is identified
with the Masons, belonging to Herman Lodge. No. 273. In everything he is
eminently practical and this has been manifest not only in his business under-
takings but also in social and private life, and he and his estimable wife enjoy
the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.

ANDREWv ,^t INTOSH.

More than forty }-ears have pjftlM''^)ce, Ancfrew Mcintosh became iden-
tified in an humble capacity with mercantile business at Grinnell. Today he
is a leading merchant of the city. b^lTfef.at. tji^ head of one of the most flour-
ishing concerns in this part of the--*tate'. ■■^Gtytlrage. zeal and unwearied per-
sistence are the keys that have enabled him to unlock the portals of fortune.
He is a native of Scotland, and was born October 18, 1854, a son of Robert
and Margaret (McCarty) Mcintosh, who were both natives of Scotland. They
were married in the old country and in 1855 crossed the ocean to America in
search of a permanent home. After a short stay in Ohio they came to Mon-
tezuma, Pow-eshiek county, Iowa, where the father was in the employ for a
number of years of F. A. Kilborn. He died in 1871 at the age of thirty-nine
years. The beloved mother's death occurred in 1863, when she had arrived at
the age of thirty-three years.

Andrew Mcintosh was reared at Montezuma, but received limited advan-
tages of education, as his parents were poor and his assistance was needed in
the support of the family. At the age of thirteen years he became a clerk in
the store of Mr. Kilborn and continued there for four years, acquiring the
foundation of a training that proved of great value to him in later life. In
January, 1873, he arrived at Grinnell and went to work in the store of S. S.
Preston, with which he continued for four years. Having determined to em-
bark in business for himself he formed a partnership with F. O. Proctor, under

362 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the title of Mclntosli & I'roctor, and opened a mercantile establishment in Jan-
nary, 1877. They continued for two and one-half years together and he then
sold his interest to his partner, but shortly afterward he and \\'alter F. Ham-
mond purchased the business from Mr. Proctor and conducted it under the
title of Mcintosh & Hammond. In 1882 Mr. Mcintosh withdrew from the
firm and the same year associated with D. S. Morrison in the manufacture of
gloves. This work however, did not prove as satisfactory to Mr. Mcintosh as
general mercantile business, and, although he retained his interest in the con-
cern, he organized in 1883 the dry goods firm of A. Mcintosh & Company,
which has continued in uninterrupted existence up to the present time. There
have been several changes in partners but no change has been made in the
style of the firm, which is one of the oldest mercantile institutions in the city
and has a reputation extending throughout central Iowa. On January i, 1908,
Mr. Mcintosh severed his connection with the glove manufacturing business and
has since devoted his entire attention to mercantile affairs.

In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss .Addie C. Ricker of Grinnell, a
daughter of Edward Ricker, who came to this city from Scott county, Iowa.
Eight children have been born to this union, six of whom are now living,
namely : Robert, who is a mechanical engineer and is identified with mining
interests at Calumet, Michigan; Mary, now the wife of John W. Gannaway of
Grinnell: Fannie, wife of R. H. Lyman of Berlin, Germany: .\ndrew, Jr.,
Edith and Edna, all of whom are at home. The two younger children are
attending Grinnell College and the others are all graduates of that institution
with the exception of Andrew, who was compelled to discontinue his studies
on account of his health.

Mr. Mcintosh gives his support to the republican party but has never
aspired to political honors, as his attention' has been mainly devoted to private
affairs. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Grinnell and takes an active
interest in its work. He has for years been an ardent advocate for closing
the stores at A o'clock in the evening, anil through his agitation and persistence
the consent of the business men was finally secured and the stores of Grinnell
now close their doors promptly at that hour. Mr. Mcintosh has been remark-
ably successful in business and has many friends in Grinnell and Poweshiek
county, who do not hesitate to declare that he is one of the most capable,
trustworthy and progressive business men in their entire circle of acquaintances.

G. F. HYDE.

Twenty years ago G. F. Hyde arrived with his family in Poweshiek county
and he has no reason to regret having taken up his jiermanent abode in this
county, as he has been successful financially, being the owner of a well improved
farm of eighty acres in section 34, Grinnell township. He has brought the fields
under a state of rich fertility and made a number of substantial improvements,
adding not only to the value, but to the appearance of the place as well.

HISTORY OF POWRSIIIF.K COUNTY 363

He was born on a farm in Pleasant N'alley township, Scott county, Iowa,
March 15, 1849. and is a son of George J. and Julia (Rowe) Hyde, both of
whom were natives of New York state. The father came to Scott county in 1837
and settled on government land. He was married in Scott county to Miss |ulia
Rowe and became the owner of a farm of three hundred and sixty acres. He
died on the old homestead in 1905, the mother having been called away two years
previously. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, six
of whom are now living.

G. F. Hyde accjuired his early education in the common schools of Scott
county and as he grew up assisted in the work upon the home farm, remaining
upon the home place for a number of years after reaching his majority. He
came with his family to Poweshiek county March 5, 1891, and has ever since
made his home in this county. He raises hay and grain, but devotes his atten-
tion especially to raising milch cows, for which he finds a ready market.

On the 25th of December, 1876, Mr. Hyde was married, in Scott county, to
Miss Nannie Smith, a daughter of Amos Smith, of Pennsylvania. The father
came to Iowa in 1864 and settled in Scott county. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, namely: Lottie, who married George Evans and lives in
Grinnell township, being the mother of three children ; Helen, who married C. L.
Pilgrim, also of Grinnell township; Howard, who is now attending Grinnell Col-
lege ; and George, a student of the Grinnell high school.

Mr. Hyde takes the interest of an intelligent citizen in local, state and national
politics and casts his vote in support of the democratic party. In religious belief
he is a Baptist and holds membership in the church at Grinnell. He is a friend
of education and a supporter of all measures seeking to make easier the burdens
of the unfortunate and to spread the principles of truth and justice. In the con-
duct of his business he has met with a goodly measure of success and on account
of his high character and genial qualities is greatly esteemed by all with whom
he comes into contact, either in a business or social w^ay.

FREDERICK OSBORN.

Frederick Osborn, engaged in agricultural pursuits on a good farm in Mal-
com townshi]). is one of Poweshiek count\'s foreign born residents, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Worcestershire, England, about twelve miles north of the city of
Worcester, on the 26th of January, 1848, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth
(Fallows) Osborn. The father, who was a lifelong farmer, passed away in
England, and the mother later came to America, her death occurring at the home
of her son, Samuel. In their family were three children, of whom our subject
was the eldest. The others were: Amy, who died in 1878, in Poweshiek county:
and Sanuiel. a retired farmer of Grinnell.

Frederick Osborn spent his early life in the land of his nativity and in the
English schools acf|uired his education. He was the first member of the family
to seek a home in the new world, arriving in Poweshiek county in 1871. since
which time he has continued to reside within its borders. For about a year after

364 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

liis arrival he was employed as a farm hand, and later he rented a farm, but his
industry and economy soon made it possible for him to purchase a place of his
own and thus engage independently in agricultural pursuits. He became the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 29 and 30, Malcom township,
which is still his home, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising,
his efforts in both directions bringing to him a goodly measure of success.

In October, 1900, Mr. Osborn was married to Miss Mildred Jane Biddle, also
a native of Worcestershire, England. She was born on the 13th of October, 1872,
and in 1900 came alone to the United States. By her marriage she became the
mother of three children : Noel, Neal and Gordon.

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn attend the Episcopal church at Grinnell, in which they
hold membership, and are highly esteemed throughout the community in which
they reside. Mr. Osborn has always led the quiet but industrious life of the
farm, concentrating his entire attention upon the conduct of his private affairs,
and to his close application and wise management is due in large measure the
degree of prosperity which he today enjoys.

WILLL\M GARRETT.

County Down, Ireland, has been for a century or more a center from which
thousands of brave-hearted young men and women have come to America, trust-
ing that under the stars and stripes they might possess the advantages denied
them on the Emerald isle. To many the change to new surroundings has proven
of inestimable advantage and they live but to rejoice in the recollection of the
day when first their feet trod the shores of the new world. William Garrett, a
prosperous farmer of Poweshiek county, Iowa, is one of the fortunate natives
of County Down who enjoys richly deserved prosperity. He was born fourteen
miles from Belfast, March 7, 1843, ^ son of William and Mary (McKeag) Gar-
rett, both of whom were natives of County Down. The father was a farmer,
and he and his wife spent their entire lives in Ireland. They were stanch mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church. In their family were eight children : David,
Thomas and James, all of whom are deceased ; Robert, who is now living in
County Down ; William, of this review ; Isabella, who is also deceased ; Mary,
the wife of Nathaniel Ferguson of County Down ; and Henry, also of County
Down.

William Garrett received his early education in the common and high schools
of Ireland. After his education was completed he went to Belfast and for four
years was in the employ of a wholesale dry-goods house. He then took up Irs
residence at Glasgow, Scotland, where he was connected with the commission
business for one year. In the spring of 1864 he crossed the ocean and came
west to Rock Island, Illinois, securing employment by the month for three sum-
mers and teaching school in the winter seasons. In 1867 he arrived in Powe-
shiek county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. After
improving his property he sold eighty acres and a year later disposed of the re-
mainder of the land. He then bought one hundred and seventy-two acres in

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 365

Pleasant tcnvnship, which he cultivated for two years, and, having disposed of it,
])urchased eighty acres in the same township, which he sold. He subsequently
bought several tracts of land in Washington township, all of which he disposed
of. In 1881 he acquired eighty acres in Washington township, upon which he
has since lived, the farm being increased to one hundred and sixty acres by the
addition of eighty acres which was inherited by his wife. He has greatly im-
proved the farm and is now well established as an agriculturist and stock-raiser.
On the 29th of June, 1869, Mr. Garrett was married to Miss Mary Ann Heeler,
a daughter of George M. and Nancy (Carpenter) Beeler. To this union four
children have been born: Austin Clement, who is living at home; Milton H., of
Jasper county; and Emmanuel F. and Clarence R., twins, the former of whom
is living at home and the latter in Grinnell township. Mr. Garrett has taken an
active interest in political affairs and is affiliated with the democratic party. I Ic
is a man of clear and sound judgment, as is attested by the fact that his neigh-
bors elected him assessor of the township for nine years, and he is now a mem-
ber of the school board. Genial and companionable, he makes friends readily
and, being a man of high character and well known diligence, he enjoys the con-
fidence and esteem which is accorded only in acknowledgment of true merit.

SAMUEL GRAHAM.

For forty-two years Samuel Graham was identified with mercantile interests
in Montezuma but is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned
and richly deserves for his life has been one of industry and honesty. He was
born in Rathfryland, County Down, Ireland, August 4, 1848, his parents being
James and Margaret (Grady) Graham. The father was a native of Ayrshire,
Scotland, but when he was but eighteen months old his parents removed to Ire-
land and his remaining days were spent on the Emerald isle. He was severely-
injured by a horse when forty-five years of age, the injury causing his death.
His widow long survived him and died in Ireland in 1906, at the age of eight_\-
eight years. For a long period James Graham had followed the profession of
school teaching and also engaged in farming. In their family were five children ;
Alexander, who is living on the old home farm in Ireland ; Robert, a resident of
Western, Nebraska; Andrew, living near Gibson, Iowa; William, of Ireland; and
Samuel, of this review.

The last named was only about fifteen months old at the time of his father's
death and at an early age he started out in life on his own account, for when a
vouth of twelve he began earning his own living by clerking in a general store
in Ireland. He afterwards spent three years as a clerk in Liverpool, England,
and in March, 1869, he came to Poweshiek county and joined his brother An-
drew, who was farming near Barnes City, Iowa. He remained from March un-
til September with his brother and in the latter month came to Montezuma, where
he secured a clerkship in the employ of F. H. Kilburn, with whom he continued
for eight years, a fact indicative of his faithfulness, capability and the confidence
imposed in him by his employer. He also spent a period of equal length willi

366 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

the firm of Jordan & Stone, and in 1886 began business on his own account, con-
(kicting his store for nearly a quarter of a century, or until February, 1910. His
own earnings brought him the capital which enabled him to start in business on
his own account, and as the years passed he carefully and systematically managed
his interests, increasing his stock to meet the growing demands of his trade, and
throughout the years enjoying a liberal patronage. His previous experience as a
clerk well qualified him for the conduct of the business and the success to which
he attained enabled him in 1910 to retire with a substantial competence that sup-
plies him with the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Thus was termin-
ated forty-two years of close, active and honorable connection with mercantile
interests in Montezuma. He derives a good income from a farm of eighty acres
which he owns about three miles southeast of Montezuma in Jackson township.

In 1871 Mr. Graham was married to Miss Maggie A. Green, who was born
ill Butler county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1845, and when eighteen years of age
came to Iowa with her parents, the family settling first at Keokuk county and
later in Mahaska county, where she was married. Her father was the Rev. James
Green, a minister of the Presbyterian church who came to Iowa as a synodical
missionarv and died in 1863. He was a native of Ireland but was educated in
Scotland, in which country his father was born. Immediately after his gradua-
tion the Rev. James Green sailed for America and established his home in Penn-
sylvania, where he married Margaret E. McNair. Mrs. Green spent her last
days in the home of her slaughter, Mrs. Graham. The Graham household is a
hospitable one and their m^ it}''. 'friends are always sure of a cordial and sincere
welcome there. ■ • .

Mr. Graham has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since he attained
his majority, holding membership in the Lafayette Lodge, No. 52, F. & A. M.,
of which he has been treasurer for a c|uarter of a century. He also belongs
to the chapter and in his life exemplifies not only the beneficent and fraternal
si)irit of the craft but also the teachings of the Presbyterian church of which
he ha= been a devoteil member from the age of fifteen years. His life has in-
deed been well spent and all who know him entertain for him the warm regard
that is instinctively given in recognition of sterling worth.

GEORGE EDWIN TINKER.

Few occupy a more prominent position among the agriculturists and stock-
raiser'^ of Bear Creek township than does George Edwin Tinker, an extensive
landowner and a representative of a well known family of this locality. One of
Poweshiek county's native sons, he was born on a farm south of Brooklyn, in
Scott township, on the ist of .\pril. 1862, a son of Edwin and Arabella f Thomp-
son) Tinker. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father's birth
there occurring on the nth of March, 1812, on a farm which wa< located on the
present site of Pittsburg. His education was acquired in one of the oldtime sub-
scription schools, held in a log schoolhouse. His wife, who was born on the
22d of April. 1821, was also reared in the Keystone state and there they were

ORK

ARY

ASTOr,, L.E.\0>. AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

MK. ANI> .MKS. KDWIX I'lNKKK

MR. AND MRS. JAMKS 1.. I ItAXCIS

o^^

^nB^K^^

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 371

married, in Butler county, on the 26th of November, 1840. They came to Powe-
shiek county, Iowa, in 1856, locating on a tract of forty acres southeast of Brook-
lyn, where they resided until the fall of 1865, when they sold that property and
purchased three hundred acres of the present homestead. That continued to be
their home until their retirement from active life, a few years prior to their de-
mise, when they took up their abode in Brooklyn and there spent their remaining
days. Mr. Tinker was a farmer throughout the period of his active career, and
at the time of his death was the owner of three hundred and fifty-five acres, all
in a good state of cultivation. He became very well known throughout the
locality in which he made his home, and among his fellow citizens was accorded
the highest respect and esteem because of his many excellent qualities. He gave
his support to the democracy but never sought nor desired public office. He was
actively and helpfully interested in the work of the Protestant Episcopal church
of Brooklyn, in which both he and his wife held membership, and Mrs. Tinker
was described as being a woman of the highest character, who, in addition to
raising an extensive family of her own, adopted into her home and reared three
orphan children. She passed away on the 12th of January, 1899, her husband's
death having occurred in 1895. I" their family were twelve children, as follows:
Charlotte, the widow of a Mr. Hazelwood, of Oklahoma ; Wainwright, who died
while serving in the Civil war, having enlisted from Poweshiek county ; Wesley,
also a veteran of the Civil war, who served in the same company as his brother
Wainwright, and who is now living at the Soldiers Home ; Martha, the deceased
wife of Paris Finipel, of South Dakota: William Hilton, of Pennsylvania; Mrs.
Matilda Sterling, of ISrooklyn : Sarah, -wiii^married D. C. Sleggel, of Bear Creek
township: Joshua, residing in Dexter, 'fbwa; James^ who passed aw-ay when
twenty-two years of age: Arabella, who 'tli^TJed' CIvarles Jewell, of Lake City,
Iowa: George Edwin, of this review: and Mrs. Haniiah Allen, deceased.

George Edwin Tinker was but four years. of age when he came with his ])ar-
ents to Bear Creek township, and he has therefore passed almost his entire life
upon the farm which is still his home. He received, his education in the coun-
try schools of the neighborhood and when not engaged with his text-books as-
sisted his father in the work of the farm, largely becoming familiar with the
tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. Upon attaining liis majority he
wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and for
eighteen years rented the old homestead from his father. At the end of that
time he purchased the property, which then consisted of three hundred and fifty-
five acres, and to its cultivation and further development he has since devoted
his titne and attention. That his efforts have been attended by most excellent
results is indicated by the fact that he has added to his original holdings until
his farm now consists of five hundred and twenty acres, located in one body on
sections 5, 7, 8 and 18. There are two good dwellings on the place and Mr.
Tinker has remodeled all of the old buildings, has erected new barns and out-
buildings and has introduced many modern improvements, making this one of
the valuable and desirable properties of this part of Poweshiek county. Aside
from general farming he engages extensively in the raising and feeding of stock
and is a large shipper, sending from five to eight carloads of stock annually to
the Chicago market. He also has other interests, being a stockholder in the

372 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Farmers" Cooperative Creamery Company of Brooklyn, and also a stockholder
in the Brooklyn Opera House Company.

It was on the 19th of October, 1882, that Mr. Tinker was united in marriage
to Miss Keturah Francis, a native of La Salle county, Illinois, where she was
born on the 9th of September, 1861. On the 7th of February, 1867, she came
to Poweshiek county with her parents, James L. and Margaret (Cochran) Fran-
cis, both natives of Ohio, who passed away on a farm in Bear Creek township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tinker have been born five children, namely : Nola May,
who married Forest Doty, of Bear Creek township, and has one daughter, Mar-
tha ; Lowery Edwin, residing on the home farm, who is married and has a
daughter, Margaret : Harry Elmer, at home ; Eva Lena, who wedded Herbert
Brannian, of Brooklyn ; and Martha Etta, also still under the parental roof.

Having passed his entire life within the borders of Poweshiek county, Mr.
Tinker's interests have ever been closely identified with those of the district in
which he has so long resided, and he has ever been most loyal and public-spirited
in his citizenship. Although deeply interested in the public welfare, he has never
sought to figure prominently in politics, preferring to give his undivided attention
to his private affairs, in the conduct of which he has met with most gratifying
results. He is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment and the
success which he today enjoys has come to him as the result of his own labor,
economy and indomitable energy.

GRANT RAMSEY.

Among the young business men of Grinneli none stands higher in the estima-
tion of the people than Grant Ramsey, who is at the head of one of the most
flourishing commercial enterprises in the city. He was born in Gilman, Marshal!
county, Iowa, October 28. 1878, a son of John and Fannie (Rice) Ramsey, the
former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ohio. The mother
removed to Franklin Grove, Illinois, with her parents, and Mr. Ramsey came
to the same place in his young manhood. They were married there and he en-
gaged in farming until 1865, when he removed to Iowa by wagon and located
upon one hundred and si.xty acres of government land near Gilman. in Tama
county. He proceeded to improve his property and later purchased eighty acres
adjoining, making a farm of two hundred and forty acres which became highly
productive. In 1898 he removed to Grinneli. The mother was called away in
1903, and in the spring of 1910 Mr. Ramsey was married to Mrs. Hausen, widow
of Henry Hausen. Mrs. Ramsey was a schoolmate of her husband in the early
days. She was residing at Franklin Grove, Illinois, at the time of her second
marriage and Mr. Ramsey has since made his home there. He is a member of
the Congregational church and in business affairs has been highly successful,
having attained a position of comparative financial independence.

Grant Ramsey was reared under the parental roof and received his early edu-
cation in the district schools. Later he attended the Grinneli high school. Hav-
ing decided upon a mercantile career, he began as a clerk in the hardware and

HISTORY OI-' I'CnVESIIIEK COUXTY 373

grocery store of liailey & Rinefort, continuing therein for three years. He then
spent one summer in the west with Mr. Bailey in the buggy-trailing business.
Upon returning to Grinnell he went to work in the grocery department of Proc-
tor, Cady & Company and on June i, 1903, purchased the business from his em-
ployers. By the application of up-to-date methods he has built up a large pat-
ronage and is now at the head of the largest grocery, bakery and market business
in this section of the state. He is also a stockholder and a member of the board
of directors of the Grinnell Savings Bank and the Grinnell Brick & Tile Com-
pany.

On June i, 1904, Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage to Miss Mamie IVdc-
tor, a daughter of F. O. Proctor, formerly a prominent business man of Grinnell,
but now deceased. Of this union two children have been born : Frederick P. and
John P. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are valued members of the Congregationalist
church. Politically he gives his support to the republican party and fraternally
he is identified with Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M., and ( irinnell Lodge,
No. 175, K. P. He is also identified with the Commercial Club and the Powe-
shieks of (irinnell. He has been remarkably enterprising and his energy has met
with well merited reward. His business methods are straightforward and his
substantial (|ualities have won for him a general and lasting regard.

JASPER N. MARSH.

One of Poweshiek county's retired agriculturists who spent three and one-half
years of his early manhood on the battlefields of the south in defense of his coun-
try, is Jasper N. Marsh. He was born in Lee county, Iowa, on the lOth of
March. 1844, his parents being Isaac L. and Martha /\. (Williams) Marsh, both
natives of Darke county, Ohio, where they were reared and married. In 1839
they migrated to Lee county, Iowa, where the father enteied government land,
which he improved and cultivated, continuing its cultivation for many years. The
mother has now passed away, but the father still survives at a venerable age and
continues to reside in Lee county. In their family were eleven children, as fol-
lows: Rebecca J., who is the widow of Amos Sniff, of Lee county. Iowa; Jasper
N., our subject; Emeline. who is deceased; Martha, the wife of William Liddle,
of Argyle, Iowa ; Wesley, who is residing in Lee county, Iowa ; Ransom, who
lives in Kansas ; Louisa, deceased ; Edward, Monroe and Joseph, all of whom are
residing in Lee county ; and Belle, deceased. The father always casts an inde-
pendent ballot in politics, and both he and his wife affiliated with the Disciples
church, holding membership in the first church of that denomination organized
in Iowa.

Jasper N. Marsh, having been reared on a farm, early became familiar with
the work of the fields, as while yet jmrsuing his education in the district schools
he was assigned the lighter duties about the home. His responsibilities increased
with the passing years, as his strength as well as judgment (levelo])ed, so that
when old enough to begin for himself he decided to follow agricultural pursuits
as a life \ncation. In February, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F,

374 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Sixteenth Iowa \olunteer Infantry, and went to the front in defense of his coun-
try. He saw much active service and participated in the battles of Pittsburg
Landing and Kenesaw Mountain, both battles of Corinth and the siege of Vicks-
burg and Atlanta. He was captured in the latter and consigned to Anderson-
ville prison on the 22(1 of July, 1864, and there he was held until the 28th of
April, 1865. After receiving his discharge he returned home, where he remained
until the following year. In 1866 he came to Poweshiek county and purchased
a farm in Union township, which he cultivated until 1900, when he withdrew
from agricultural pursuits and removed to Montezuma, where he is now living
retired.

The 7th of January, 1869, Mr. Marsh married Miss Nancy S. Saunders, a
daughter of Aaron A. and Harriet E. (Dudley) Saunders, of Union township.
Her parents were natives of Ohio, having been born and reared in the vicinity
of Jamestown. They removed to Poweshiek county in 1851, where the father
was for many years engaged in farming. Both parents are now deceased. Of
their union was born nine children, in the following order: Saraantha, the wife
of Pleasant Hayes, who is a resident of Montezuma ; Irwin S., who is living at
Searsboro, Iowa ; Nancy, now Mrs. Marsh., who was born in the vicinity of For-
est Home, Union township, on the 22d of August, 185 1 ; James M., also a resi-
dent of Searsboro ; and Robert A. and Isaac H., both living in Union township ;
Richard A., a resident of Lorimor, Iowa; Harry S., of Searsboro; and Ernest
F., who is living in Union township. The parents both affiliated with the Chris-
tian church, and Mr. Saunders was a republican in politics.

Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are the parents of three children : Martha, the widow
of Christopher Rempp, of Montezuma ; Ethel Elizabeth, the \vife of Burton
Saunders, of Union township : and Lewis A., also a resident of Union township,
who married Anna Allen and lives on his father's farm.

Fraternally Mr. Marsh is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, while he maintains relations with his army comrades through his member-
ship in the Grand Army of the Repulilic. His political rights have always been
exercised in support of the candidates of the republican party, although he has
never been an aspirant to official honors, and the religious affiliation of himself
and wife is with the Christian church. Mr. Marsh is one of the old residents of
the county, in the development antl advancement of which he has contributed his
quota as a good business man, successful agriculturist and desirable citizen.

ORISON C. HOLDEN.

During the entire period of his active career Orison C. Holden has been as-
sociated with the agricultural development of Poweshiek county, continuing to
be engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Grinnell township. He was
born in Jasper county in September, 1867, and is a son of Elias W. and Eliza-
beth (McKay) Holden, both natives of the state of New York, but the father of
German and the mother of Scotch extraction. The father, who was also a
farmer, removed to Minnesota in 1854, following his vocation in that state for

HISTORY ()!•• I'OWKSIIIEK COUNTY 376

thirteen years. At the end of that time he removed to Jasper county, Iowa,
where he owned a farm, and where he remained until 1889. In the latter year
lie located in Poweshiek county, where he purchased a farm, but he has been a
resident of Webster county, Missouri, since 1892.

It was in the common schools of Poweshiek and Jasper counties that Orison
C. Holden obtained his preliminary education, following the completion of which
he entered business college at Shenandoah, where he pursued a commercial
course. Subsequently he taught school for two terms in Missouri and then en-
gaged in farming. Returning to Poweshiek county he rented a farm for six
years, in the cultivation of which he engaged until 1902, when he purchased a
place in Grinnell township, upon which he lived until the ist of March, 191 1,
when he removed to his present location, which he rents, adjacent to the city of
Grinnell. Here Mr. Holden is engaging in general farming, but his attention is
largely given to the breeding of Angus cattle, of which he is making a specialty.
His is one of the valuable farms of the township. The land is thoroughly culti-
vated and in good condition, while the buildings are substantially constructed
and well repaired. Mr. Holden has met with most gratifying success in his vari-
ous undertakings and owns one hundred and sixty acres of e.xcellent land in
Mitchell county, Iowa.

Mr. Holden was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Spooner, a daughter of
Luke P. Spooner, a farmer, in August, 1896. Three children have been born unto
Mr. antl Mrs. Holden: Glenwood Miles, Grace Olive and Winifred Irene. The
religious faith of the family is manifested in their affiliation with the I'lajitist
church of Grinnell.

Mr. Holden has always been a stanch adherent of the republican party, but
as he has never aspired to public honors or the emoluments of office does not ac-
tively participate in local politics. It is generally known, however, that his sup-
port is always given to all measures which will tend to promote the mental, moral
or commercial welfare of the community.

JOHN J. RODGERS.

John J. Rodgers, manager of the Rodgers Produce Company, arrived in Mon-
tezuma on his eighteenth birthday and has since been a resident of Poweshiek
county. There are no esoteric chapters in his life history and the fact that many
of his stanchest friends are among those who have known him from his boyhood
indicates that his record has at all times been worthy of regard and admiration.
He was born in Jefiferson county, Ohio, March 20, 1852, and is a son of John K.
and Levina ( Woodward ) Rodgers. He was next to the youngest in their family
nf eight children of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of Jo-
sei)h W. Rodgers on another page of this work. His youthful days were spent
in the i'.uckeye state and its public schools afforded him his educational privi-
leges. As previously stated, he reached Montezuma on his eighteenth birthday
in company with his parents and sisters, his brothers James and Joseph having
preceded him. Here John J. Rodgers has made his home continuously since

376 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

1870 and in the intervening period of forty-one years has been an advocate of all
that is progressive in citizenship and in business. After coming to this county
he attended school for three months and then put aside his text-books to enter
business life. He clerked for about four years, most of the time in the employ
of F. A. Kilburn, the pioneer merchant iiere. He afterward engaged in farming
for five years about four miles southeast of Montezuma, and for twenty-three
years was connected with the lumber and grain business in the employ of Moler
& Clark. Since that time he has been managing the Rodgers Produce Company,
a business founded by his brothers but now owned by Muscatine parties. John
J. Rodgers is the owner of a comfortable residence here and his wife owns a
farm near the city.

It was in the year 1879 that Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah K. Searight, who was born in June, 1856, near Zanesville, Ohio, and in
1863 came to Iowa with her parents. She is a daughter of John F. and Harriet
C. (Stevens) Searight, natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively, both, how-
ever, passing away in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers
have been born two children, Elwood J. and Lola V. The son married Dorothy
Evans and is erriployed by the Union Pacific Railroad at Omaha. Nebraska.

In his political views Mr. Rodgers is an earnest republican, having continu-
ously supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise
He is now serving on the school board and was its president in 1910. His fra-
ternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious
faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Rodgers family has long
been well known in this county and like the others of the name John J. Rodgers
commands the good will, confidence and kindly regard of his fellow townsmen.

FREDERIC MORRISON.

A native of Grinnell, Frederic Morrison has become one of its successful
business men and well merits the high regard in which he is held by many who
have known him from his early boyhood. He was born June 9, 1879, a son of
David S. and Fannie (Ricker) Morrison, a record of whom appears elsewhere in
this work.

Frederic Morrison was reared under the parental roof and possessed rare ad-
vantages of education and home training. He attended the public schools and
the Grinnell high school, later matriculating at Grinnell College, from which he
was graduated in 1901 with a degree of .A. B. Almost from his earliest recollec-
tion he has been acquainted with the glove manufacturing business, in his boy-
hood learning every detail of this important industry. After leaving college he
went to Europe, combining business with pleasure, and purchased skins for the
factory. He also visited England, Belgium, Germany and France and made
many observations of great interest. In F"ebruary, 1902, he became connected
with Morrison, Mcintosh & Company, he and Mr. Ricker buying out the interest
of E. A. Wadsworth, the title since being the Morrison & Ricker Manufacturing

HISTORY O!' PnWF.SIIIEK COUNTY 377

Company. This is one of the important concerns of the kind in the west and it
now enjoys a large and growing patronage.

On April 25, 1906, Air. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Fay Cline,
of Belle Plaine, Iowa, a daughter of Milton and Alice ( Alshire) Cline, who died
when Mrs. Morrison was a child. She was reared by an uncle, Dr. James Mc-
Morris, and educated at the Belle Plaine high school, graduating in 1896. Later
she entered Grinnell College, from which she was graduated with a degree of
A. I!, in 1905. She is a lady of many estimable traits of character. Two chil-
ilren have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, namely : David Cline and
James Robert.

Mr. Morrison and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Con-
gregational church, in which they take an active interest. Ever since reaching
manhood he has given his support to the republican party, and fraternally he
holds membership in Herman Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M. He is recognized
as a representative citizen of unusual enterprise and marked ability. He belongs
to the class known as progressive men and by his integrity, energy and industry
lie has won the confidence and esteem of his associates and of all with whom he
has come in contact.

OLE FIGLAND.

Ill a history of Poweshiek county mention should be made of Ole Figland,
now deceased, whose efforts along agricultural lines earned for him the proud
American title of a self-made man. He was one of Norway's contributions to
the citizenship of Iowa, and throughout his lifetime e.xemplified many of the ster-
ling traits for which the people of that country have ever been noted.

In early manhood he left his native country to seek a home amid the strange
environment of a strange land. Crossing the -Atlantic to America, he made his
wav direct to Chicago, and thence went to Wisconsin, arriving in that state in
1 86 1. There he worked as a laborer for a few years, after which he went to
Michigan and was there employed as a chopper of cordwood for three winters.
He then returned to Wisconsin for a short time, after which he came to Powe-
shiek county, locating in Searsboro in 1866. In 1871 he came to Malcom town-
shij) and purchased a tract of unbroken prairie located on section 31. With char-
acteristic energy he at once began its improvement and as the years passed suc-
ceeded in developing it into a highly cultivated tract. This farm, consisting of
ninety-six acres, became the homestead, and subsequently he added other prop-
erty, becoming the owner of two hundred and twenty acres lying across the road
in Grinnell township. Later he traded eighty acres of that property for land in
South Dakota, and also sold forty acres. He improved the home place with a
good dwelling and substantial outbuildings, and continued to carry on agricul-
tural pursuits there for a number of years. Later, however, he rented it and
went to South Dakota, spending his last years on his property in that state.

Something of the prosperity which attended his efforts is indicated by the
fact that he reached Chicago with a cash capital of but twenty-five cents, with

378 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

no knowledge whatever of the language or customs of the American people, aiul
at the time of his death he not only owned two hundred and sixteen acres in the
home farm in Poweshiek county, but also six quarter sections of land in San-
born county, South Dakota, all well improved, which stand as a monument to
his life of undaunted energy, unfaltering industry and a perseverance that never
flagged. When death claimed him, at the comparatively early age of fiftv-six
years, he was able to leave to his family a most comfortable competence.

Mr. Figland was united in marriage, in 1863, near Aladison, Wisconsin, to
Miss Annie Sandmark, who was born in Norway on the 24th of April, 1840.
After the death of her mother she came with a sister to the United States to join
her father in Wisconsin, arriving in that state in 1861. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fig-
land were born nine children, as follows : Charles, of Grinnell township ; Belle,
the wife of Ed Larson, of Minneapolis; Christina, who married M. C. Bean, of
Wheelock, North Dakota ; Anna, the wife of Christ Olson, of Malta, Illinois :
Lily, who married Theodore Olson, of Grinnell : Lena, who passed awav at the
age of one year, seven months; Lewis Johann, who died when two years, nine
months old ; Clara Josephine, who passed away when eleven months old ; and
Louis J., renting the home place in Poweshiek county, who married Miss Nora
Tysdal and has one child, Le Roy. The mother still survives and makes her
home on the old homestead farm with her youngest son.

Mr. Figland passed away on the 12th of October, 1892, his death resulting
from the kick of a horse. He was a strong, powerful man physically, and still
in the prime of life. The story of his success is short and simple. It contains
no exciting chapters, but is a record of w-ell directed efl:ort, guided by a sturdy
common sense and persistency of purpose. He came to this country with no
capital save brains, energ}', integrity and rugged health, but he was not afraid to
work, and accepted any honorable employment which came to his hand, and as
time passed he attained a position of independence which was well won and
justly merited.

HENRY HILL.

A resident of Grinnell for fifty-seven years, Henry Hill has watched the
little hamlet with its scattered log cabins develop into a thriving town with
beautiful homes and an institution of learning, which causes it to be recognized
as one of the educational centers of the state of Iowa. Mr. Mill was born in
Norfolk, England, on the 12th of November, 1831, and is a son of Warner
Chevalier and Georgiana (Fanner) Hill, also natives of Norfolk. The father,
who was a lawyer, assessor and postmaster of Walsingham, England, passed
away at the age of forty years and the mother survived him but a short time.
They were the parents of seven children. One of their sons, who was a mem-
ber of the Third Dragoons during the Crimean war, returned to England aufl
was killed in a mob in London.

Henry Hill was reared in the paternal home, acquiring his education in the
common and high schools of his native town, and later he delivered mail be-

HKXUV HILL

TILOeN FOUNOATi;

TTTSTORV OF I'OWESIIIEK COrXTV 381

tween Fakenham and Walsingham, walking the distance, which was five miles,
twice a day. When he was eighteen years of age an uncle of his, who was a
farmer in the vicinity of Niles, Michigan, wrote to the father and asked if his
eldest son could come to the United States and work for him. As the brother
did not care to accept the offer Henry asked permission to come, which was
granted, whereupon he took passage for America, arriving in Niles in 1848.
He resided there until June, 1854, when he came to Latimer's Grove, Iowa,
going by stage to Iowa City. From there he walked north until he came to
Sugar creek, Poweshiek county, where he found the log cabin of J. B. Grinnell,
for whom the town was later named. The country, which was very sparsely
settled at that time, was full of wild game, and there were deer as well as
wolves. Mr. Hill liked the country and decided to settle here, immediately en-
gaging in cutting logs for cabins. To him was given the distinction of felling
the trees for the first cabin built in Grinnell. Much discomfort and untold
hardships were endured by the early settlers, who were so remote from all resi-
dence and trading centers as to be compelled to live in the most primitive fash-
ion. The nearest trading point, of any size, was Iowa City and owing to the
distance, poor roads and slow gait of the oxen — horses being almost unknown
in this section at that time — a week was consumed in the journey, which was
not made often. In order to facilitate matters somewhat the neighbors took
turns in going to town, whoever made the trip discharging the errands of the
entire community in which he lived. Mr. Hill helped to lay out the city of
Grinnell by carrying a chain for.^he .sur.vey_o.ia. who platted the town. After a
settlement was established he and Ev'S; Bartlett opened a meat market, which
they conducted for thirteen years.' At tfee- expiration of that period, however,
Mr. Hill disposed of his interest to Mr. Bartlett and thereafter devoted his
attention to his public duties. Having" ts^iired-a'thief who stole some money in
the vicinity of Des Moines, Mr. Hill was recognized as one well qualified to
discharge the duties of constable, of which office he is still the incumbent. He
was also marshal for many years as well as street commissioner and a mem-
ber of the city council, but having reached the age of eighty years he is now
living rather a retired life.

Mr. Hill has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Susan Nesbor
Harris, and their marriage, which was solemnized in 1855, ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ P^^'
formed in Grinnell. Mrs. Hill, who was a daughter of James Harris, and a
native of Pennsylvania, passed away in 1890. By this marriage five children
were born, as follows : Harry E., who is married and living in Hutchinson,
Kansas, where he is engaged in the meat business ; Qara E., who became the
wife of F. J. McCumber; Albert, a graduate of the Grinnell high school and
college, who is a barber in Peoria. Illinois ; William E., who is conducting a
barber shop in Grinnell ; and Charles, who is employed by the Armour Pack-
ing Company, of Kansas City. For his second wife Mr. Hill chose Miss Rosa
Turner, a daughter of Walter and Martha (Hilsabeck) Turner, the father a
native of England and the mother of Germany.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Congregational church, and in politics
he is a republican. Many are the interesting reminiscences he relates of the
pioneer days, some of which are humorous as well as pathetic. Particularly

382 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

viviil is the story which he relates of his experience in killing a wolf, of which
there were many when he first came to Grinnell. Although he has passed the
eightieth milestone on life's journey Mr. Hill is still quite active and takes an
interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the town which he helped found
over fifty years ago.

JOHN McDonald.

At the present writing ( 191 1 ) John McDonald is not actively engaged in busi-
ness in Montezuma but for many years was closely associated with commercial in-
terests here and is still connected with the grain trade in other parts of the state.
He has ever placed a correct valuation upon life and its opportunities and as the
years have gone by has made such wise use of his advantages that a very desirable
measure of success has crowned his industry and perseverance.

He was born in Godridge, Ontario, Canada, June 10, 1837, his parents being
lohn and Hannah (McMillan) McDonald, both of whom were natives of Nova
Scotia. The former was the son of Angus McDonald, who was born in Scotland
and on coming to the new world settled in Nova Scotia but afterward engaged in
farming near London. Ontario. Hannah McMillan's father was also a native of
Scotland. In fact both of the grandfathers of our subject were from the High-
lands and became residents of Nova Scotia, where John McDonald and Hannah
McMillan were born. They were married, however, in London, Ontario, and in
1866 became residents of Iowa. Two or three years later they took up their
abode in Montezuma, where Mr. McDonald passed away in his seventy-fifth
year. His widow afterward made her home with her daughters and reached the
very advanced age of ninety- four years.

The second in order of birth in a family of eight children, John McDonald
remained at the place of his natixity until he came to Iowa in 1862. The follow-
ing year he established his home in Montezuma and after the great Chicago tiie
of 1871 went to that city, where he remained for three years. In early life he
entered the carpenter's trade with his father and for a long period followed that
pursuit, being engaged in the rebuilding of Chicago after much of the city had
been destroyed. He also worked at his trade in Montezuma for about four
years. In 1879, however, he went to Colorado, where he resided until the fall of
1884. He owned a ranch upon which he made his home and also engagetl in
the hay and feed business there. In 1884. however, he again came to Monte-
zuma, where he established a lumber and grain business, in which he continued
with gratifying .success until July, 1910. He then disposed of his interests in
the city but is still part owner of an elevator at Barnes City and another at Cla-
rion, being associated at the latter place with T. Harris under the firm style of
T. Harris & Company. Mr. T. Harris, Sr., was Mr. McDonald's partner in the
lumber and grain business in Montezuma and following his death his son be-
came a partner in the business. In ad.lition to his other interests Mr. McDonald
owns a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres a mile and a half west of

HISTORY OF I'OWKSHIEK COUNTY 383

Montezuma and an attractive residence in this city which he has occupied con-
tinuously since 1885.

Mr. McDonald first married Miss Mary P.. N'est, who iHed in 1875. She was
a daughter of Dr. J. W. H. \'est, one of the pioneers of this county and quite
a proniinent man. In 1880 Mr. McDonald was again married, his second wife
being Miss Sarah Elizabeth Harris, who was born in Massachusetts in 1856 and
came to Iowa with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harris, both of whom are
now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald has been blessed with five
children, as follows : Professor Thomas H.. a graduate of Iowa State University at
Ames, Iowa, who is now an engineer in the employ of the state, being located at
Ames and having charge of improved road work in Iowa ; Ross, who was a stu-
dent for three years in the Iowa College at Grinnell and is now operating his
father's farm : Charles M.. an employe of the Southern Pacific Railroad located
at Tuscon, Arizona, who attended the engineering department of the University at
.\mes for three years: Jean, at home; and Florence, a student in the Monte-
zuma high school.

Mr. McDonald has never been an office seeker but has served as a member
of the city council and also as a member of the school board. He belongs to the
Presbyterian church and is interested in all that pertains to the material, social,
intellectual and moral progress of the community. In fact his influence is al-
ways on the side of right, justice and truth, and his friends recognize in him
a man who is depentlable under all circumstances.

JOIIX FDWIN X'AiN EVERA.

Among the lionored citizens of Poweshiek county who have passed to their
reward may be named John Edwin \'an Evera, who for many years was well
known as one of the most prosperous farmers of the county. He was born at
Canajoharie, Montgomery county. New York, June 3, 1849, a son of Rynier and
Katharine ( Stowitts) \'an Evera. The family traces its ancestry to an enter-
prising Hollander who established his home in New York at an early date in the
history of the colonies and whose descendants may now be found in various
states of the Union. Rynier \'an Evera was married in New York state to Miss
Katharine Stowitts and they began their wedded life on a farm in Montgomery
county. In 1855 he came to Scott county, Iowa, where our subject's grand-
father, John \'an Evera had previously settled. Rynier Van Evera was a farmer
and devoted the remainder of his life to agriculture and stock-raising. There
were four children in his family, the subject of this review being the youngest.

John Edwin \'an Evera was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and
received his education in the district schools and at Hopkinton, Iowa. He con-
tinued in Scott county until 1884, when he removed to Poweshiek county and
purchased one hundred and sixty acres near Grinnell, cultivating his farm to
such good advantage that he became the owner of four hundred acres, which
he developed into one of the most valuable properties in the county. He raised

384 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

stock upon an extensive scale and also fed stock for the market, in 1902 he
took tip his residence in Grinnell. About two years previous to this time he had
become identified with the loan and insurance business, in which he was very
successful, and after removing to the city he devoted his attention largely to
those lines. His health, however, had become impaired and he and his wife
spent a year traveling in the west in the hope that a change of scene and climate
would restore him to his usual vigor. He was unusually active and elificient in
business affairs and was treasurer of the Poweshiek County Mutual Insurance
Company and also of the Poweshiek County Agricultural Society.

In January, 1873, Mr. \'an Evera was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Cessna, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Thomas
R. Cessna, a record of whom is given in the sketch of \^ W. Cessna which appears
elsewhere in this work. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Van Evera, namely: Ray, now engaged in the stock business at VVessington
Springs, South Dakota; Rynier, manager of the Kansas Milling & Export Com-
pany of Kansas ; Jay, a member of the firm of Crow & \'an Evera. who are en-
gaged in the real-estate and loan business at Kansas City, and Gertrude, now
Mrs. H. L. Viets, of Grinnell.

Mr. Van Evera died July. 1904. and the general expression of regret which
followed the announcement of his death gave evidence of the high esteem in
which he was held by the community. Religiously he affiliated with the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which he was an earnest supporter. F'olitically he
gave his adherence to the democratic party. He was essentially a man of busi-
ness and his judgment was usually so correct that his neighbors regarded him as
an authority on subjects pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. He was a
man of kindly and genial temperament who attracted friends wherever he was
known. Mrs. Van Evera still resides at the family home. She is well known
and has many warm personal friends in Grinnell and Poweshiek county.

JOSEPH MORRIS.

Joseph Morris has the distinction of having served in the Civil war for a
longer period than any other of the enlisted men of Poweshiek county, and his
military record is one of which he has every reason to be proud, for at no time
was his valor or his loyalty ever questioned. He was born in Greene county,
Penn.sylvania, on the i8th of March, 1844. The family is of Irish lineage. His
paternal grandparents were Samuel and Sarah (Girard) Morris. They were
probably born in Pennsylvania and spent their entire lives there, the former dy-
ing at the age of ninety-eight and the latter when eighty-nine years of age.
Samuel Morris was a son of Jonathan Morris, a native of New Jersey, and a
relative of Gouverneur Morris, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence and a most active factor in support of the continental government at
the time of the Revolutionary war. The parents of Joseph Morris were Justin
and Rebecca (Goulden) Morris, natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania, born
March 25. 1809, and the year 1814 respectively. Their last days were passed

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 385

in Clark county, Missouri, where Mrs. Morris died in 1851. her liushand having
survived her for a half century, his death occurring in 1901. He had Ijeen a life-
long farmer and thus provideil for the support of his family of ten children, six
sons and four daughters, of whom Joseph Morris was the fifth in order of birth.
After losing his first wife Justin Morris married again and there were two chil-
dren hy that union. John P. and (ieorge Morris, brothers of our subject, were
both soldiers of the Civil war. The latter died soon after enlisting and John P.,
in tlie fall of 1863, joined the same company and regiment of which Joseph Mor-
ris was a member.

The spirit of enterprise and progress which has long dominated the middle
west has been exemplified in the life of Joseph Morris, who was reared west
of the Mississippi, having been only eighteen months old when his parents re-
moved to Clark county, Missouri. There he resided until after the outbreak of
the Civil war, when he enlisted on the 15th of June, 1861, as a member of Com-
pany G, Twenty-first Missouri Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under Captain
Thomas Rose and Colonel David Moore. He was mustered out April 19, 1866,
having been connected with the army for four years, ten months and four days.
His enhstment was in response to the first call for three years' men and he re-
mained at the front until after the proclamation of peace had been issued by the
president. He was first under fire at the battle of Athens, Missouri, August 5,
1861. He took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862: Corinth, October
3-4, 1862; Tupelo, Tennessee, July 14, 1864; Blue Spring, Missouri, in the fall
of 1864: and was afterward allowed a veteran furlough which he spent at home.
He took part in the battle of Nashville on the 15th and i6th of December, 1864,
and at Fort P>lakeley, Alabama, April g, 1865. He was also in many lesser en-
gagements but never did he falter in the performance of duty, whether on the
firing line or stationed on the lonely picket line. After the battle of Shiloh he
became ill and was forced to remain in the hospital for two months. During
most of the service he was a corporal. After receiving his discharge he went
to Oskaloosa and there resided until the spring of 1874, when he removed to
Poweshiek county and for two years engaged in farming. Since 1876 he has
made his home in Montezuma and was engaged in the painting business until
1885, when he joined his son, Edward K. Morris, under the firm name of Mor-
ns & Son, for the conduct of a harness business. They were associated in the
enterprise for twenty-two years or until 1907, since which time Joseph Morris
has practically lived retired, although occasionally he does work at his old trade
of painter, for indolence and idleness are foreign to his nature so that he fre-
quently busies himself with that line of work.

Mr. Morris was married, on the 21st of June, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Golden,
who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of November, 1849,
and in 1856 removed with her parents to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where she was mar-
ried. Her parents were William and Catharine Mary (Truxsal) Golden, na-
tives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and both passed away in Oska-
loosa. On the paternal side Mrs. Morris comes of Irish lineage and on the ma-
ternal side from German ancestry. By her marriage with Joseph Morris she
became the mother of five children, as follows : Edward K., of Montezuma :
Charles E., residing in Rapid City, South Dakota ; Frank, of Castle, .\lberta.

386 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Canada; Justin J., a resident of Marion, Iowa; and Ida Louise, the wife of C. C.
McDonald, of Grafton, Nebraska. Of these Frank and Justin enHsted for serv-
ice in the Spanish-American war, the former becoming a member of Company
D, Fifty-second Iowa Infantry, while the latter w-as a member of Company L,
Fiftieth low-a. It will thus be seen that the military spirit is strongly developed
in the family and that loyalty to their country is one of their marked character-
istics. Mr. Morris is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and his life
in all of his relations with his fellowmen and in business has been actuated by
his belief in the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church of w'hich he has
long been a member. His record is a creditable one and all who know liim en-
tertain for him the warm regard which is everywhere a recognition of noble
traits of manhood.

HERMAN EWOLDT.

Many thousands of ambitious young men have come to America from Eu-
rope in quest of home and fortune and it may lie said to their credit and to the
credit of the American republic that the majority of them were not disappointed.
Here they found opportunities that long settled and older countries could not
offer, and many of the most respected citizens of the L'nite<l States are of Eu-
ropean birth. In this number may be mentioned Herman Ewoldt, who now owns
a valuable farm of two hundred acres in Grinnell township. He was born in
Holstein, Germany, December 25, 1864, a son of Henry and Bertha (Koch)
Ewoldt, both of whom were natives of the same place. The father engaged in
teaming and is now deceased, but the mother is still living in the old country.
There were five children in their family : Anna, deceased ; Herman ; Amelia,
who came to America and married William Edens, of Davenport, Iowa ; VVil-
helm, who is living in Germany ; and Antonie, who is the wife of Bernhardt
Schrader, and who also resides in Germany.

Mr. Ewoldt, of this review, possessed good advantages of education in his
native country and continued at home until eighteen years of age. In March,
1882, he landed in America and in Butler township, Scott county, Iowa, he found
employment on a farm where he continued for seven vears. He then came to
Grinnell township, Poweshiek county, and later to Washington township, where
he purchased eighty acres of land and upon which he established his home.
As his resources increased he bouglit more land and now owns a fine farm of
two hundred acres. He has erected the buildings which are to be seen upon
his place and has put in many modern improvements, making it one of the most
desirable farms in the township. He raises the cereals, but pays special atten-
tion to feeding cattle and hogs for the market, in which line he has acquired
an enviable reputation. He is a stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator Company
at Grinnell and the Farmers' Cooperative Creamery at Jacobs, being also treas-
urer of the latter organization.

On the I2th of March. 1895, Mr. Ewoldt was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Kelm, a daughter of Frank and Julia ( Polaska ) Kelm, of Malcom town-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 387

ship. Mr. and Mrs. Ewoldt were the parents of one son, Henry, who was
born August 5, 1907, and is now deceased.

Politically Mr. Ewoldt is identified with the democratic party, but uot in the
hope of acquiring office, as he has never aspired to the emoluments of any
public position, being more than satisfied to attend quietly to his own affairs.
He was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran church to which he has
ever since adhered, being also a valued member of the Knights of Pythias
lodge of Grinnell. He is a man of excellent traits and one who readily makes
friends wherever he is known. As a farmer he takes great interest in every-
thing pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising, and for several years ser\c<l
as a member of the board of directors of the Malcom fair.

JOHN H. PORTER.

John H. Porter is a retired merchant of ]\Iontezuma and the vice president
of the First National Bank. While he has won success in business it is his
I^ersonal characteristics that have endeared him t<i his fellowinen. Especially
is he prominent and popular in the Grand Army of the Republic, and he may
well be proud of the fact that for thirty years he has been chosen the color
bearer of his post.

He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, .April 29, 1841, and was therefore but
a lad of thirteen years when, in November, 1854, he arrived in Montezuma
with his parents, Alexander and Catharine ( Ralston ) Porter. The father was
born in Ireland in 1807 and the mother in \'irginia. Alexander Porter came
to the United States with his parents when seven years of age and located in
that portion of Virginia which is now the Panhandle of West Virginia. There
he was reared and married and later he became a pioneer in the forests of
Ohio, entering land from the government and residing in that state until he
came to Iowa. For a few years he lived in Montezuma and then took up his
abode in Pleasant township, where for a long period he carried on general
agricultural pursuits. In later years, however, he retired from business and
again became a resident of Montezuma, where he died January 14, 1899,
when eighty-two years of age. His wife died February 14, 1879. In their family
were eleven children, of whom one died in infancy. The others were : Hen-
rietta, of Montezuma; Scott T., deceased; Eliza J., who passed away in 1838;
James L., of Ohio, who served for three years in the Civil war as a soldier in
the Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Mary A., who wedded George
Burns, of Des Moines; John H., of this review: Joseph M., of Pleasant town-
ship; Johnson A., residing at Grinnell : S. J., also of that city; and C. C, of Des
Moines.

The usual experiences of farm life came to John H. Porter in his boyhood
and youth, and his educational advantages were those afforded by the public
schools of his native and his adopted state. He remained with his father until
his enlistment for service in the Civil war on the 2d of .August, 1862, as a
member of Company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa \^olunteer Infantry. He served

388 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

for three years, or until the close of the war, and was mustered out with his
regiment at Savannah, Georgia, July 31, 1865, having in the meantime par-
ticipated in a number of hotly contested engagements in which his bravery and
his determination were many times proven.

Following the cessation of hostilities Mr. Porter engaged in farming in
Pleasant township from 1865 until 1872, and following his removal to Monte-
zuma in the latter year was engaged in the hardware business with A. F. Ray-
burn under the firm style of Rayburn & Porter for a quarter of a century.
He made for himself a creditable place among merchants in this city as the
methods he pursued were always straightforward and honorable, and he put
forth earnest efforts to please his patrons. While now living retired from
close connection with active business affairs he is the vice president of the First
National Bank of Montezuma, in which he owns considerable stock, and his
property holdings include ninety acres of valuable land in Jackson township
adjoining the corporation limits of Montezuma on the north, together with an
attractive residence and business property in this citw

In 1869 Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Rayburn, who
was born in Highland cotmty, Ohio, and in 1879, at the age of forty-one years,
was called to her final rest. She was a daughter of John K. Rayburn, and by
her marriage became the mother of five children, as follows: Gertrude, the wife
of W. L. Meredith, of Montezuma ; Mary, who passed away in infancy ; Ray-
mond A., of Idaho : Alice, who also died in infancy : and Albert L. operating
his father's farm. After the death of his first wife, in 1887, Mr. Porter w-as
again married, his second union being with Mrs. Alicia McMillien. She was
born HI Harnedsville, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of Septem-
ber, 1850, and in 1865, when a maiden of fifteen summers, came with her par-
ents to Iowa. She is a daughter of John Harned and a granddaughter of Sam-
uel Harned, in honor of whom the town of Harnedsville was named.

In his political views Mr. Porter has long been a stalwart republican, giving
to the party unfailing support. For twelve years he served as a member of the
citv council and did effective work in behalf of public progress an<l improve-
ment. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand
Armv of the Republic, and since the organization of the local post has served
as its color bearer. He has strong and deep attachment for the starry banner
and is as true and loyal to his country in days of peace as when he followed
the old flag upon the battlefields of the south.

I. W. FOWLER.

J. W. Fowler, proprietor of the Grinnell Creamery, Ice & Cold Storage Plant,
is one of the most respected citizens of Poweshiek county — an honor which he
has gained wholly through application of sound principles of business in affairs
in which the city and surrounding country are deeply interested. He was born
near Sullivan, Indiana, October 31, 1859, a son of James D. and Caroline ( Houg-
land ) Fowler, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and the latter of Indi-

Ml;. AND MKS. .1. \V. lOWLKIt

L^^^°^^--... /

HISTORY OI' FOWnSHIEK COUNTY 891

ana. They were married in Indiana and located on a farm near Sullivan. The
mother died in 1864, and tlie father subsequently married Miss Martha Merrill,
ill i8()S h.e removed with his family to Mu.scatinc county, Iowa, and later spent
t\\ci or three years in Arkan.sas, but returned to Iowa and took u]) his home in
(Iriunell, where he now lives.

1. W. Fowler came to Iowa at the age of nine years and received his early
education in the common schools. He started as a wage-earner at seventeen,
working as a farm hand in the suiumer and attending school in the winter. He
taught school for two years but determined to devote his attention to farming.
Accordingly he rented land for three years and then bought one hundred and
sixty acres, the northwest quarter of section 36, Grinnell township, on which he
lived until 1900. For ten years of this time he operated a creamery on his farm,
milking from twenty-five to thirty-five cows. He also made a specialty of breed-
ing thoroughbred Holstein cattle and used such good judgment that he attained
a national reputation as a breeder. He left his farm and removed to Council
Bluffs, Iowa, in 1900, but secured the services of E. W. Bortell to continue in
the breeding business and they stocked the farm with thoroughbred Hereford
cattle. Mr. Bortell managed affairs very successfully, but at the end of three years
Mr. Fowler, having other use for his money, sold the place. While living at
Coiuicil lUufifs he built a creamery at Corley, Shelby county, Iowa, which he ope-
rated to excellent advantage for one year and then disposed of to farmers of that
section. Returning to Grinnell. he fitted out the old wire factory as a creaiuery
and entered upon a business which has developed to remarkable proportions. His
patronage increased to such an extent that after one year he erected a modern
brick structure, which is now part of his present plant. At first he confined his
operations exclusively to the creamery business but later he began the manufac-
ture of ice cream, and the demand has grown to such proportions that he now
manufactures from two hundred to three hundred gallons a day. the product
finding sale over a wide area in this part of the state.' He established one of the
first centralizing plants in this section and now receives cream daily from points
as far distant as one hundred miles and manufactures a carload of butter a week,
which is of such high quality that it finds sale even in the most exclusive markets
of the east. In 1906 he installed an ice manufacturing and cold storage plant,
which is one of the most modern of the kind to be found in Iowa. In addition to
his large enterprises at Grinnell he owns a farm of two hundred and seventy
acres in Audrain county, Missouri, which under his direction has become highly
productive.

On the 20th of October, 1882, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Malvina Allbee, a native of Muscatine county, Iowa, and by this union
nine children were born, five of whom are now living, namely: Theda A., now
Mrs. Orville Jordan, of Flagler. Colorado; Weaver L., who is in the electrical
l)usiness at St. Louis, Missouri ; Ruth, Raymond E., and Eunice, all of whom are
at home.

Mr. Fowler and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in which she is an active worker, being at the present time president of
the Ladies Aid Society. Politically, he is not identified with any party but
votes for the individual in preference to supporting any party organization. Fra-

392 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

ternalh', he holds menihership in Grinnell Lotlge, Xo. 175, Knights of Pythias,
and is a meniher of the Grinnell Commercial Club. He is a clear-headed busi-
ness man whose energy', persistence and zeal have readily overcome obstacles
that would have appeared insurmountable to an ordinary individual. He has built
up a great enterprise from its very foundation and is recognized as one of the
potent influences in the prosperity of a wide section in central Iowa. It is men
of this class that add stability to the community and value to interests with which
they are identified.

ITHIEL S. BAILEY, Jr.

Ithiel S. Bailey, Jr., one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of
Grinnell, is president of the Bailey Buggy Company, which have an extensive
trade in the south and western country. He is also an extensive landowner and
devotes a part of his time to general agricultural pursuits on his farm two miles
northwest of Grinnell. His birth occurred in IMoretovvn, \'ermont, on the 6th
of June, 1858, his parents being Ithiel S. and Lucy (Pattroll) Bailey, the former
a native of Acworth, New Hampshire, and the latter of Norwich, Vermont.
Following their marriage, which was celebrated in Aloretown, \'ermont, they
removed to Fitchburg, Alassachusetts, where Mr. Bailey learned the carpenter's
trade and also mastered bridge building. .\t that time bridges were largely con-
structed after the truss pattern. In connection with his duties as a building
contractor Mr. Bailey also engaged in general agricultural pursuits, operating
a farm. In the spring of 1869 he came west to Grinnell, Iowa, and turned his
entire attention to agriculture, accjuiring a farm of one hundred and eighty-
three acres two miles northwest of the town. In 1876 he disposed of the prop-
erty and removed to Sac county, Iowa, where he purchased land and resided
until called to his final rest about 1900, when eighty-two years of age. He gave
his political allegiance to the democracy and held various local offices, serving
as justice of the peace for several years. He was likewise a valued member of
the Masonic fraternity, joining the order in 1865. His wife, who passed away
in 1906, also lived to attain the age of eighty-two years.

Ithiel S. Bailey, Jr. was reared at home and obtained his education in
the Grinnell high school. When a youth of eighteen he began his career as an
agriculturist, renting a farm in the summer of 1876 and devoting his attention
to its operation until the spring of 1884. At that time he came to Grinnell and
embarked in business as a dealer in farm implements, being thus prominently
identified with mercantile interests until 1900. During the greater part of the
time he was associated with A. A. Foster, his brother-in-law, and J. C. Goodrich.
In 1900 Mr. Bailey and Mr. Goodrich sold their interests to Mr. Foster and em-
barked in business as hardware merchants. .\ year later A. C. Rinefort joined
the firm and, in association with Mr. liailey. purchased the interest of Mr. Good-
rich. Mr. Bailey and Mr. Rinefort then conducted both a hardware and grocery
establishment for about two years. On the expiration of that period Mr.
Bailey disposed of his interest in the concern and embarked in the %'ehicle

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 393

business, his market being the west and southwestern country. For the past
nine years he has been engaged in that line of business, which has assumed
extensive and i)rofitable proportions. He disposes of his goods through the
system of trailing, taking the buggies through the country and selling direct to
the farmers. Mr. Bailey is also (|uite extensively interested in farm lands, and
in addition to his place two miles northwest of Grinnell, he owns three hun-
dred and twenty acres in the Alberta district of Canada and an eighty acre farm
in Oklahoma. He cultivates his Poweshiek county land and likewise feeds
cattle to some extent. He is also a stockholder in the Grinnell Gas Company.
In 1876 Mr. llailey was united in marriage to Miss Ida Kate Houghton, of
Grinnell, Iowa, by whom he has a son, Louis Nelson P>ailey. still at home, who
is engaged with his father in the buggy business. Mr. Bailey is a stanch re-
publican in politics and served for several years as president of the Grinnell
school board. At the present time he is a member of the city council of
Grinnell. He is also a valued member of the Grinnell Commercial Club, while
fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Grinnell
Lodge, No. 175. Both he and his wife belong to the Congregational church
and take an active and helpful interest in its work. By constant exertion, as-
sociated with good judgment, Mr. Bailey has raised himself to the position
which he today occupies in business circles, having the friendship of many and
the respect of all who know him.

PAUL ESLER.

With practically no capital, but an unlimited supply of energy and determina-
tion of purpose, Paul Esler came to America in his early manhood, and by means
of his own carefully executed i>lans and well directed efTorts has achieved the
success he so thoroughly merited. He was born in Ireland in 1852 and is a son
of William and Jennie I Yetty ) Esler, both natives of the Emerald isle, where
they spent their entire lives, the father engaging in agricultural pursuits.

The common schools of his native land provided Paul Esler with his educa-
tion, following which he engaged in farming until 1879, when he determined to
become a citizen of the United States, feeling convinced that his chances of real-
izing his ambition were far better here than there so he took passage for Amer-
ica and landed in New York. Immediately making his way into the interior of
the state he obtained employment on a farm, where he remained a short time,
when he came to Iowa. Upon his arrival here he located in Jasper county, being
a resident of Hickory Grove township until he removed to Poweshiek county in
1904. By means of thrift, industry and constant and unceasing application he
acquired considerable property in Jasper county, all of which is quite valuable.
When he came here Mr. Esler bought one hundred and fifty acres of land in
Grinnell township, where he engages in general farming and stock-raising, while
he also makes a specialty of feeding stock for the market. He has a very good
farm, which is stocked with fine breeds of cattle and horses and contains sub-
stantial improvements.

394 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

At Kellogg. Iowa, on the 31st of March, 1887. Mr. Esler was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margaret liarr. a daughter of John Barr of Jasper county, who
was one of the pioneer settlers, having located upon a farm there in the early '80s.
Six children have been born of this marriage: Jennie, the wife of Harry Uacon, of
Grinnell township; and Ross, Agnes, Mary, William and Paul, all of whom are at
home. The family attend the services of the Congregational church, of which
denomination they are members.

Ever since granted the right of suffrage Mr. Esler has given his political sup-
port to the candidates of the republican party, considering its policy best adapted
to subserve the interest of the majority. He has never actively participated in
local governmental matters, however, preferring to spend such time as is not
required in the supervision and direction of his business in the company of his
family, to whom he is very much devoted. A man of high and honorable princi-
ples of life, Mr. Esler is generally accorded the regard he most justly deserves.

JOHN H. OHLAND.

Among the many successful agriculturists of Sheridan township who came
from Germany must be numbered the late John H. Ohland, who at the time of
his demise had acquired three hundred acres of I'oweshiek county's most fer-
tile land. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the i6th of Novem-
ber, 1842, and was a son of Marcus and Katharine (Todth) Ohland. The par-
ents were natives of Litzuesta and sjjent their entire lives in the fatherland.
Mr. (")hland, who was a cabinet-maker, passed away in 1867. but his wife
sur\'i\'ed him until 1872.

[dim H. Ohland was reared in his native province, in the common schools
of which he ac(|uired his education, following which he learned the carpentry
trade. He remained a resident of his native country until 1868, at which time
he and his wife emigrated to the United States, locating on a farm in Scott
county, Iowa. Mr. Ohland also followed his trade in addition to his agricul-
tural pursuits and worked as a stonemason, continuing I0 reside in Scott county
for eleven years. At the expiration of that period lie removed to Poweshiek
county, farming as a renter in Malcom township for six years, during which
time by means of constant a])plication, perseverance and thrift he acquired the
necessary capital to enable him to buy eighty acres in Sheridan township. Here
he continued to reside, engaging in general farming and stock-raising until his
demise on the 26th of June, 1899.

He met with success in his ventures and was able to add to his holdings from
time to time until he had secured the title to three hundred acres of valuable
farming land at the time of his death. His wife subsequently assumed charge
of the homestead, continuing its operation with the assistance of her sons until
two years ago, at which time three of the heirs — Clause, .Anna and Henry —
bought the interest of the others. They now have entire charge of the prop-
erty and the mother is living with them. .All but fifty-seven acres, which is
natural timber, is under cultivation, corn and oats being the heavy crops.

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COrX'TY 395

The sons now make a specialty of the breeding and raising of registered Chester
White hogs, while Miss Anna is raising silver laced Wyandotte and Columbia
Wyandotte chickens.

In 1864. in Tombettle, Germany, Mr. Ohland was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Rehader. Mrs. Ohland was a daughter of Clause and Vena (Sei-
bert) Rehader, both natives of the province of Schlcswig-IIolstein, Germany.
The parents spent their entire lives in the fatherland where Mr. Rehader, who
was a wagonmaker, followed his trade until his demise in 1864. His wife
survived him until 1888. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ohland were born the foUow-
mg children : Marcus, who married Helen Reimers, a daughter of Clause Reim-
ers, a farmer of Sheridan township, and who lives on a farm northeast of
Grinnell in Malcom township : they have six children, Ett^, John, Fred, Edith,
Florence and Mary ; Clause, the second in the order of birth, is assisting in the
cultivation of the old homestead ; John, a farmer living in Mitchell county, this
state, married Miss Anna Anderson, a daughter of P. A. Anderson, and they
had two children, Gladys and Grant ; Mrs. Ohland jiassed away on the 14th
of August, 1906, and he afterward married Miss Isabella Seibel, a daughter of
George Seibel of Marshalltown, Iowa, and they have one child, Rernhard : Rose,
the eldest daughter, married Harry Reimers, a farmer of Sheridan townshfp
and has one child, Harley ; Anna and Henry, the youngest members of the
family are living on the old homestead.

While residing in Germany Mr. and Mrs. Ohland attended the Lutheran
church. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias of Malcom. He was
a democrat but believed in the gold standard, and always took a deep interest
in all political activities, having served as justice of the peace in Sheridan town-
ship for two terms, while for many years he was a member of the board of
school directors in district No. 6, Sheridan township. Mr. Ohland came to
Poweshiek county with very limited means, but possessed an abundance of en-
ergy and determination, which qualities were very instrumental hi winning him
the fair measure of success he enjoyed.

HUGH McCLURE.

An excellent farm located in Malcom township pays tribute to the care and
industry of Hugh McClure, who is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Scott county on the 9th of June, 1856. His parents were
James and Mary ( Corrough ) McCIure. both natives of Ireland, and he is the sec-
ond in order of birth in a family of seven sons and three daughters. He spent the
period of his boyhood and youth in his native county and had already attained
man's estate ere coming with his parents to Poweshiek county in 1878. Agricul-
tural pursuits have cliaracterized his efforts throughout his active life, and he be-
came an independent farmer when, about eight years ago, he purchased a farm of
his own, consisting of two hundred and forty acres located on section 35, Malcom
township. This is a well improved property, for Mr. McClure has employed the
latest methods of tilling the soil, practices rotation of crops, and uses modern

390 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

implements for facilitating farm labor. He engages in both general farming and
stock-raising and is meeting the substantial success which his efforts well merit.

On the gth of June, 1909, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Miss Nola
Stilwell, a native of Grinnell, Iowa, where her birth occurred on the ist of April,
1887. Later she spent thirteen years at Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa, and was
graduated from the high school of that city in 1906. Her parents were Edwin and
Edith (Goodrich) Stilwell, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Scott
county, this state. Mrs. Stilwell came to Poweshiek county in early childhood with
her parents, who were among the pioneers of this district. Mr. and Mrs. McClure
are the parents of one daughter, Margaret Laila, her birth occurring on the 3d of
November, 1910.

The religious faith of Mr. McClure is that of the Presbyterian church, while in
politics he gives stanch allegiance to the republican party. He is a worthy repre-
sentative of our best type of American manhood, endowed by nature with admir-
able qualities and commands uniform respect and good will wherever he is
known.

WILLIAM H. SHOWALTER.

William H. Showalter, one of the representative, substantial and progres-
sive agriculturists of Warren township, owns a fine farm of two hundred
acres on section 22. His birth occurred in Rockingham county, Virginia, on
the 20th of March, 1846, his parents being ]\Iichael and Millie (Spicer) Show-
alter, who were likewise natives of that county. The father was of German de-
scent, while the mother came of English ancestry and belonged to one of the
first families of \'irginia. Michael Showalter, who was an agriculturist by
occupation, spent his entire life in the Old Dominion, passing away in 1904 at the
ripe old age of ninety-four years. His wife died about i8<)5, her demise oc-
curring at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Xiswandcr. in Warren town-
ship. Poweshiek county, Iowa.

William H. Showalter remained under the ]>arental rodf until lie had at-
tained the age of sixteen years and then entered the army in defense of his loved
southland, joining Com[)any C, Eleventh \'irginia Cavalry, at Edinburg. Vir-
ginia, in March, 1863. He remained at the front for two )ears and partici-
pated in the battles of Gettysburg, llrandy Station, the Wilderness and a
number of other conflicts. During one of the engagements he was severely
injured by a fall from his horse. After the surrender of Lee he returned home
and then came west, first settling in Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand
for one vear. Subsec|uently he spent a similar period in Missouri and next
made his home in Kansas for three years. On the expiration nf that period he
returned to Virginia, where he remained for two years and then removed to
Colorado, where for three years he rode the range. He then again spent three
years in Virginia and in 1878 came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, locating at Carn-
fortli. Warren township, where he purchased the farm of two hundred acres
which has since remained in his possession. In connection with the produc-
tion of cereals he also feeds hogs to some extent, both branches of his business

HISTORY Ol' roWl'.SlilMK COUNTY 397

returning to him a gratifying annual income. His farm is well improved in
every particular and in its neat and thrifty appearance gives evidence of the
supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Showalter also has a
substantial and attractive home in Carn forth and is widely recognized as one
of the prosperous and esteemed residents of the community.

On the 20th of September, 1897, Mr. Showalter was united in marriage to
Mrs. Emma Ratcliff Ringler, a native of Marengo, Iowa, and a daughter
iif Martamore and Alary Ann (Griffen) Ratcliff, who were likewise born in this
.-tatc and spent their entire lives within its borders. Mr. Ratcliff, who followed
farming throughout his active business career, passed away at Marengo in
i()02, while the demise of his wife occurred at Grinnell in 1908. Mrs. She-v-
ahcr had two sons by her first marriage, namely: Frank Ringler, who is em
pltjved 1)\- the Xorthwestern Railway as telegraph operator at South luwa
lunction, Iowa; and Harry Ringler, who lives on the home farm with his
mother and stepfather.

Mr. Showalter is a Jeftersonian democrat politically and was a great ad-
mirer of the late lamented President Cleveland. He is now serving his second
term as township trustee of Warren township and previously held the office for
six consecutive years. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the
Congregational church at Carnforth. He has won a circle of friends which is
almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and his salient char-
acteristics are such as have gained for him the untiualified respect, esteem and
good will of his fellowmen.

ABSALOM MILLER.

.\bsalom Miller, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Poweshiek county,
now deceased, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the 31st of January,
1835. He was one of a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daugh-
ters, bom imto John and Rebecca (Shaw) Miller, both natives of the Old
Dominion, where the mother passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. The
father later came to Iowa with one of his sons and here his death occurred
when he had reached his seventy-fifth year.

.\bsalom Miller spent his early life on the old \'irginia homestead, assist-
ing his father in the work of the farm until he attained his majority, when he
hccde.l the call of the west and removed to Indiana, locating in Delaware county.
Ihere he was married and remained until 1870, when he resolved to seek a home
west of the Mississippi and consec|uently came to Poweshiek county, Towa, pur-
chasing a farm in Warren township, not far from Brooklyn. There he carried
on general farming for a number of years and also engaged extensively in
stock-raising, making a specialty of high grade horses, cattle and hogs. He was
the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in his home place, all well developed
and under a high state of cultivation. He also bought and sold a number of
farms as a matter of investment and in the conduct of his various interests dis-
plavcd a keen business sagacity and wise management that found their logical

398 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

reward in the acquirement of a substantial ami enviable success. He continued
to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits until about two years
prior to his death, when he retired from the active work of the farm and sought
a home in Brooklyn. Here he resided until his demise, which occurred July
29, 1895.

On the 26th of August, 1855, ^^^- ^liHer was united in marriage to Miss
Mary D. McKimmey, who was born in Delaware county, Indiana, on the 2d
of October, 1837, and there resided until 1870, when she came to Iowa. She is
a daughter of Jesse and Anna Eliza (Tomlinson) McKimmey, natives of North
Carolina. Both passed away in Delaware county, Indiana, the mother when
Mrs. Miller was but two years of age. The father later married again and lived
to a ripe old age. Mrs. Miller was the youngest of three daughters born unto the
first union, while by the second marriage of Mr. McKimmey there were two
daughters.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born ten children, as follows : John L., of
Carlisle, South Dakota ; Sarah Ann, who married John Warner and died when
twenty-seven years of age, leaving two children ; Margaret, the wife of William
Polk, of Warren township ; William Henry, who passed away in Indiana at the
age of nine months; Rebecca C, the wife of Lon Forbes, of Hudson, Iowa:
Elizabeth, who married William Torrence, also of Warren township ; Lydia
May, the wife of A. W. Rhinehart, of that township ; Jessie, who wedded James
A. Childs, a farmer of Bear Creek township : Eliza, who married S. D. Sandy,
of Jefferson township ; and Charles, who died at the age of four months. All of
the children were born in Delaware county, Indiana, with the exception of the
three youngest, who were born in Poweshiek county, Iowa.

The religious faith of Mr. Miller was that of the German Baptist Brethren
church. He gave his political support to the Democratic party although he never
aspired to public office, and at all times was foimd to be a loyal and public-
spirited citizen. His life was an exemplary one in all respects and he enjoyed the
respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact.

ROBERT MILLER HAINES.

The consensus of public opinion ever placed Robert Aliller Haines in a fore-
.nost position as a representative of the Poweshiek county bar, and indeed of the
bar of Iowa, as a champion of education and a friend of moral progress. He
was one of the thinking men of the age. The great problems bearing upon the
sociological, political and economic conditions were to him matters of intense
interest and along those lines he thought deeply and broadly. There was noth-
ing limited, ijarrow or contracted in his nature, and while men may have dis-
agreed with him in o])inion or in matters of policy, they ever respected him for
the honesty and vigor of his convictions and his fidelity to the right as he saw
it. It is imperative, therefore, that his life record be given place in this history.
A farm near Salem, Ohio, w-as his birthplace and his natal day was December
29, 1838. His youth was passed amid rural surroundings with the usual ex-

ROBERT M. TIAIM'.S

HISTORY OF POWESllIKK COUNTY 401

periences of a country boy, his educational opportunities being those afl'orded
by the chstrict schools although after attaining his eighteenth year he spent a
brief period in a school o£ higher grade in Richmond, Indiana. But his native
intelligence sought a broader outlet and he eagerly availed himself of the oppor-
tunity of pursuing a course in Iowa College, which he entered in i860 and from
which he was graduated in 1865 with the tirst class after the removal of the
college to Grinnell. He was a very poor boy, working his way through school
by teaching in college and working during vacations, but the life, though strenu-
ous, developed in him a self-reliant spirit and strong manhood that constituted
the foundation of his later success. His college course was interrupted in 1864
when almost every member of his class joined the Union army. Mr. Haines
had been reared in the faith of the Society of Friends and as war was con-
trary to the teachings of his religion he did not enlist but gave needed aid to
the boys in blue by serving them as a nurse, and when their three months' term
of enlistment had expired he became a member of the Christian commission,
serving with that organization in St. Louis, Missouri, but returned to Grinnell
in time to graduate with his class. He then spent four years in tutoring, teach-
ing for two years in the Troy Academy of Davis county, Iowa, and afterward
for two years in Iowa College. It was his desire, however, to become a mem-
ber of the bar and, entering the law school of the State University of Iowa,
he mastered the regular course and was graduated in 1874. In the meantime
he had taught school for a period in Grinnell and had also entered upon the
practice of law. having been admitted to the bar before finishing his law course.
He began practice in partnership with Edward 'Pruyn-,. of Grinnell, the asso-
ciation being maintained until June, 1871, when he was joined by Jacob P.
Lyman in a partnership, under the naipe.'pi .Haines & Lyman, that was con-
tinued until liis tleath on the 22d of December,. -1902. In the thirty years of
his law practice, while devoted to his client's interests, he never forgot that
there were certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and above
all to justice and the righteous administration of the law which neither the
zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disregard.
The firm was connected with the most important litigation tried in the courts
of the district and Mr. Haines possessed in large measure all of the qualities
that mark a strong and able lawyer. He possessed a wonderful memory and a
great faculty for details, was an untiring worker and did thoroughly and well
everything that he undertook. .\t the time of his death one of the local papers
said: "Xo trust reposed in him, financial or otherwise, was ever betrayed. Xo
poor widow ever paid him fees and many poor men, in sickness and in poverty,
and many poor young men, struggling through college, have appreciated his
kindly help. Xo lawyer ever asked Haines to put a stipulation in writing. Xone
ever accused him of violating his word. When he was victorious in the higher
courts he was delighted, and liked to talk about it, but it was because he felt
that he had put the legal propositions in such a way that defeat was impossible.
On the other hand, in defeat, he always met his opponent with a friendly hand
and smiling face, without rancor or ill feeling. He never retaliated. Often,
when complaining of unfair advantage, it has been suggested that he might get
even, invariably he would reply: "Xo. I do not practice law that way.' The

402 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

philosophy of David Haruiii had no response in Haines' soul. During his long and
busy professional career he has had charge of many important cases, not cases
involving millions but cases involving intricate legal propositions and requiring
profound study. Cases which, if advertised and heralded and talked about,
as similar cases are that are tried in the great cities, would have made him a much
talked of lawyer.'"

Mr. Haines was in no sense a political leader and yet there have been few
men in Iowa so thoroughly versed concerning the important questions and
issues of the day. His reasoning was too deep and his research too wide in its
scope to win the following of the artificial thinker who delves little below the
surface of things. There were times, however, when his fellow townsmen gave
expression of their faith in his political insight and integrity. In the fall of
1877 he was elected to the state senate and served his district with distinction
during the sessions of 187S and 1880. He took up the study of finance, taxation
and tariff and manifested therein the same thoroughness and mastery of de-
tails that marked his work in connection with the courts. He is said to have
been one of the closest and most convincing talkers of the rostrum. He alienated
some of his political supporters by his strenuous opposition to the amendment
to the constitution prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors.
He was himself a strong temperance man in principle and practice and a life-
long prohibitionist, but maintained that the organic law of the land was no
place for a police regulation and that it was futile. As a lawyer he could not
tolerate such trifling with the constitution and as a law maker he knew that
it would be absolutely unavailing. In the memorable tariff campaigns he fol-
lowed the dictates of his conscience and judgment and was an active opponent
of protection. He believed firmly in civil service reform. He cared little him-
self for political honors but the majority of political leaders were men of too
slight mental caliljer to see the reach of his own thought and purpose.

Mr. Haines was married on the 19th of August, 1867, to Miss Joanna Hannah
Harris, who had taught with him in Troy Academy and Iowa College. They
became the parents of six children. The sons are: Dr. J. H. Haines, practicing
medicine at Stillwater, Minnesota; R. M. Haines. Jr., a lawyer of Grinnell ;
C. H. Haines, also an attorney; and A. P. Haines. The daughters are: Mrs.
F. I. Herriott, of Des Moines: and Mrs. W. G. Ray, of Grinnell. All of these
children are graduates of the college that conferred on their father his A. B.
and A. M. degrees. Mr. Haines was most devoted in his attachment to his
home and family and in relations of that character no man was happier. It has
been said: "His life was orderly and upright and clean as it falls to the lot of
man to be. He was opposed to men's clubs because they took men from home.
He enjoyed social intercourse only when he could converse. Games and inno-
cent fun that rest tired men did not appeal to him. This was his misfortune and
his comparatively few years is due to the intense way in which he lived and
worked. His early Puritan training and the necessary self-denial of his early
life made him somewhat intolerant of men whose lives were not ordered his
way. He was a strong advocate of athletics but only because he believed it de-
veloped the physical man. Outside of his home and family his great love was
for Iowa College, next the church and then the upbuilding of the town." His

IITSTORV (W rnWI'SlIIF.K COUXTV 403

faitlifulness and usefulness as a trustee of Iowa College has been exceeded by
no other. He was alumni trustee of the college from 1881 until 1887 inclu-
sive and pemianent tnistee from that time until his death. He served as chair-
man of the finance and a number of other committees of the college and was
active in the management of the institution through the last twenty years of
his life. The public schools of his home town found him an equally strong
advocate and supporter and he gave of the best of his experience to the work
of the school board of which he was a member, introducing clean, clear and
direct business methods for the benefit of the schools. College students found
in him a friend to whom they could go freely for advice, counsel or assistance
and he was ever a champion of the interests of the boys and girls. His church
relationship was with the Congregational denomination of which he and his
wife were long faithful, active and helpful members, never missing an important
church service and at all times upholding the hands of their pastor. His honesty
was proverbial and he never incurred a debt that he did not pay promptly at
maturity.

The death of Mr. Haines occurred on the 22d of December, 1902. He was
at the time President of the Iowa State Bar Association, his election thereto
being an honor which he greatly appreciated. At his demise the Poweshiek
County bar called a meeting and prepared a memorial in which many of his
professional brethren bore testimony to his life and work. Judge Lewis said :
"Life to him was a serious business — too much so. I have no doubt if he could
have gone more into lines and lanes beyond the sound and stress of business
and wandered and played until the sore spots made by life's loads were rested
numbers would have been added to the days of his life. But this seems to have
been impossible for him and whilst he had a warm social side for all his friends
and was not austere with others, not intentionally so, he was a serious man.
When he did turn aside from what he regarded as the real duties of life he was
as genial as light, indulging in pleasantries with his friends in the most delight-
ful vein. His fault was that all this had, at once, to yield to business ; even in
his more playful moods he was prone to make it his business to learn or to teach.
He had a pride in his ability to grasp, understand, make plain the problems in-
volved in living; problems of state; problems of money; and he was justified in
this. Some of the most devoted, earnest, exhausting work he ever did was in
his effort to solve some of these and to fit and furnish himself 'to make the
solution plain to others. He may not in all these have been just right, but he was
always ready to tiy to make you believe he was, not merely for the sake of the
performance but for the sake of the right. He taught nothing but what he be-
lieved. He was, again, proud that his word was as good as his bond ; that those
who had tested him so accepted it. The point in his life was not to promise
imless he could perform, but if promise he did, to perform over and against
every adversity. He always did this. He had ever so much delight in his
achievements of good and success, with his ability to discharge any duty that
came to him, to try his cause well, to hold his own in repartee and any con-
test. He was an able, learned lawyer and a good practitioner."

Paul G. Norris saifl : "We all know that he was a kind and intlulgcnt man
and an acute lawyer, but I think the qualities of his character that appeal more

404 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

strongly to us were his sincerit}' and the strength of his moral character. Even
in a casual conversation anyone would at once remark the evident sincerity of
the man in everything that he did or said. From even a casual acquaintance with
him one must feel the strength of his moral character."

From these opinions there was no dissenting voice or thought. D. \V. Xorris
said: "Mr. Haines was a man concerning whom we may say, 1 think, that it
rather dishonors any of us not to respect him. That does not mean that we
should agree with him ; far from it. But I do not know that I have ever had
dealings with a man for whose moral integrity I have had a higher regard. I
believe he meant to do absolutely right as he saw it. That he did not always
see it as some of the rest of us did is neither here nor there. He may have
been right and we may have been right ; that matter is entirely irrelevant to the
main issue which is whether a man is tme to the light that i> in him. Personally
I do not believe that I had a more loyal friend in Grinnell or on the board of
trustees of Iowa College than Mr. Haines. And this again was not because he
agreed with me ; many times he sharply differed but he 'stood by' and that's the
main thing. This is the keynote of Mr. Haines' character. He never flinched
from any duty and never for a moment turned his back to a foe."

The bar of Poweshiek county has greatly missed Mr. Haines since he was
called from this life. His was an example of high professional honor. "His
was a strong personality — physically powerful and vigorous, mentally alert, his
thought was characterized by clearness, his speech by incisiveness and forceful-
ness." Such was the tribute which J. H. Patten paid to his colleague, adding:
"He commanded respect not so much by his manner as his apparent candor and
intellectual power. Right or wrong, he was invariably credited with believing
he was right and his arguments to the court on law questions and marshaling
a formidable array of facts before a jury commanded the undivided attention of
bench and bar. Others have spoken of him as a husband, father, neighbor,
scholar and christian gentleman, and in all these capacities he has been worthily
assigned an e.xalted place." Another thus bore testimony to his generosity.
"whicli was freely extended to all who came in contact with him, for he had ac-
cumulated a vast wealth of diversified knowledge which he was ever ready and
^villing to impart to the most humble applicant. He had the faculty of present-
ing his thoughts in such a clear and forceful manner that the dullest mind could
fully comprehend them. He was continually called upon by the students of the
college in the town in which he resided to furnish them facts and information
upon different subjects, which it would be difficult or impossible for them to
obtain elsewhere, and although his life was necessarily a very busy one. yet
every appeal for assistance from these young men received the same attention
and consideration that he would have given them if they had consulted him as
clients in regard to an important case from which he could reasonably have ex-
pected to receive a large fee, and I think I am warranted in saying that many
hours of his life were devoted to this kind of benevolent work, which most men
of his marked ability and abundant resources would have given to the pursuit
of w^orldly gain. Such a man indeed is a useful citizen and rarely found in
these days where selfishness is personified on every hand, and by his death
the society in which he mingled has suffered an irreparable loss." Perhaps this

HISTORY OI-' I'OW'KSITTEK COUNTY 405

brief lii<Uir\- cannot better be closed tlian in llie words of Judge Scott: "Robert
Haines was a conscientious, tnitliful man, a conscientious, truthful, faithful at-
torney, a true father, a kind, indulgent and loving husband, a consistent Chris-
tian gentleman, and those who knew him best knew that he was ever ready to
respond to calls of charity. He came very nearly reaching the to])most roimd
of the ladder which leads to perfection, and yet to say of him that he was per-
fect would be untrue, and being untrue, he himself would resent such praise if
he were here. Perfection has never been attained in this world but by one man
and that man Mr. Haines took as his example and his standard and came nearer
following His teachings than the majority of us do. In fact he followed those
teachings so consistently that he was marked among men. It might be truly
said of him, and his epitaph might well be written in the words: 'Here lies a
truthful man : a man who always spoke the truth, a man who ever lived the
truth." ■'

FRED C. \\A rSON.

I'red C. Watson, whose ])leasant homestead in Sugar Creek township bespeaks
capable supervision and skill, was born in the township where he now resides
on the 28th of June, 1872, a son of Simon and Susan (Beeler) Watson. The
father was born in Greene count}", Indiana, on the loth of March, 1826, and
the mother in Poweshiek county, Iowa. In his early manhood Simon Watson
migrated to Iowa, locating in Sugar Creek township, Poweshiek county, where
he bought a farm which he cultivated until his demise on the 4th of April, i<)o8.
Mrs. Watson still survives and continues to make her home in Sugar Creek
townshi]!. In matters politic Mr. Watson's views accorded with those of the
democracy, for whose candidates he cast his ballot. Their family numbered
seven, the order of birth being as follows: Annie, the wife of S. P. Tish, of
Sugar Creek township; Belle, who married J. S. Rivers, of Washington town-
ship, Poweshiek county ; George, who is a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa :
Walter, who is deceased ; Fred C, our subject : Winslow, also deceased ; and
Elmer, now living in Cnion townshi)!, Poweshiek county.

The district schools in. the vicinity of his home provided Fred C. Watson with
an education, while at the same time he was becoming acquainted with the best
meth.-ids of tilling the fields by assisting his father with the work of the farm.
He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age, at
which time he niu-chased his present place containing eight}' acres of fine farm-
ing land. During the period of his occupancy Mr. Watson has wrought exten-
sive improvements in his property, having erected some fine buildings, while at
the same time he has efifected some minor changes which have greatly added to
the general ajipearance of the place. Here he follows general and. stock farm-
ing and imder his intelligent and cajiable direction both are proving very satis-
factory from a financial point of view.

On the 13th of December. i8()6, Mr. W'atson was imited in marriage to Miss
Martha Pratt, a daughter of .\lva and Mary (Fisher) Pratt, whose birth oc-
curred in Pleasant township on the 2,^d of July. 1875, Mr. Pratt is a native

406 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

of I'eacham, X'ermont, his natal day being the 14th of July, 1844, while Mrs.
I'ratt was born in New York city on the 3d of August, 1849. He removed to
Illinois with his parents during his childhood and there he was educated and
resided until 1871. In the latter year he came to Poweshiek county, purchas-
ing a farm in Pleasant township, which he cultivated until his retirement.
He is now living retired in Searsboro, having acquired the means to enable
him to spend life's evening in ease and comfort, free from the care and re-
sponsibility of earlier years. He is a member of the IModern Brotherhood of
America. Mrs. Pratt passed away June 22, 191 1.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born eight children, the ortler of their
birth being as follows: Roy, who was born on the 8th of January, 1898; Ethel,
born on the 3d of August, 1899; Leo, born on the 22d of March, 1901 ; Alvah.
born on the i8th of February, 1903 ; Lewis, born on the 28th of February,
1905; Robey, born on the 17th of August, 1906; Joseph, born on the 9th of
December, 1907; and Alice, born on the 12th of June, 1909.

Ever since attaining his majority his political support Mr. Watson has al-
ways accorded the candidates of the democratic party, but he has not been an
office seeker. Enterprising and progressive in his methods of pursuing his vo-
cation Mr. Watson is meeting with increasing success in his tmdertakings, and
is recognized as one of the prosperous agriculturists of his township.

JOHN EICHHORN.

John Eichhorn is a progressive and enterprising farmer of Pow^eshiek county,
owning three hundred and fourteen acres in Pleasant township, one hundred and
sixty acres of which are in the home place on section 12. He is a native of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was born June 26, 1862, a son of Martin and
Louise (Ploom) Eichhorn, both natives of Ciermany. They came to the L nited
States in early life, their marriage being celebrated in Philadelphia. In 1866
the father reinoved westward with his family, locating in Johnson county, Iowa,
where the mother died in 1875. Two years later, in 1877, the father came
with his family to Poweshiek county, and located north of Malcom, where he
was engaged in farming for four years. He then located near (Irinnell, where
he passed away in 1887. at the age of sixty-five years. Their family numbered
ten children but only five of the number are now living, three having died in
infancy, while the other two reached years of maturity.

John Eichhorn spent his boyhood and youth in the home of his parents,
accompanying them on their various removals until the time of his marriage.
He has worked earnestly and persistently since starting out in business on his
own account and the result of his labor is seen in the fact that he today owns
three hundred and fourteen acres of valuable Iowa land, located in Pleasant
township, this being divided into two farms. His home farm comprises one
hundred and sixty acres, located on section 12. Mr. Eichhorn in 1904 erected
a modern twelve-room house thereon, supplied with all conveniences and ac-
cessories of a city property. He also erected good farm buildings, while an

IITSTORV nv l^OWF.SiriF.K COrXTY 407

ample supply of water is conducted through pipes for farm and h(nisehold
use. He raises stock on (|uite an extensive scale, shipping four and five car-
loads annually. In addition to his farm jjroperty he is a stockholder in the
Malcom Savings Bank and is also serving as a director in that institution. Me
is also a stockholder in the Poweshiek County Central Agricultural Associati<in
and the ]\Ialcom Garage Company, and is jjresident of the latter. Tt will thus
be seen that he finds time to give to various public interests that have proved
beneficial to the community.

Mr. Eichhorn was married January i, 1884, to Miss Julia A. Goodrich, who
was born in Scott county, Iowa, February 3, 1867, a daughter of O. D. Good-
rich, who makes his home with our subject and his wife. Unto Mr. and ^Irs.
Eichhorn have been born four children: Lilly Bell, who died in infancy; H. D.,
a resident of Pleasant township ; and G. L. and G. E., at home.

Mr. Eichhorn gives his political support to the republican party and since
January i, 191 1, has served as trustee of his township. In 1888 he joined Lodge
Xo. 369, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Malcom, and is likewise a mem-
ber of the Rebekah lodge. His success in life is well merited for he has ever
followed honorable methods in carrying on his business and is as well loyal to
his obligations as a citizen.

EMANUEL A. KING.

Througli the improvement of the opportunities which Iowa otifers in agri-
cultural lines Emanuel A. King has become one of the substantial citizens of
Poweshiek county. He was born in Seneca county, Ohio, December 25, 1869,
a son of Philip and Mary (Cromwell) King. His father, who is descended
from Irish lineage, was born in county Limerick, and was but si.\ months old
when brought from Ireland to this country by his parents, who first located
in Ohio and later took up their abode in Marengo, Iowa. Upon attaining man's
estate he took up farming as a life work and was thus engaged until the time
of his death, which occurred at Marengo in the winter of 1910, when he had
reached the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, who was born in Ohio, of Eng-
lisli parentage, still survives him and makes her home with her two sons,
foseph and lohn King, extensive farmers of South Dakota, where they are
engaged in operating rented farms.

In the public schools of Marengo, Iowa, Emanuel A. King acquired a good
practical education, passing through the consecutive grades until his gradua-
tion from the high school. He remained under the parental roof until at-
taining his majority, after which he crossed the threshold of the business world
as a farm hand, being employed by the month for three years. He was then
married, immediately after which he began farming independently on a rented
farm of eighty acres three miles north of \'ictor. There he remained for one
vear, next removing to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres six miles south
of Victor, in Lincoln township, Iowa county, which he also operated for a time
as renter. He next purchased a hundred and twenty acre tract in Benton

408 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

county, Iowa, upon which he resided for three years. Disposing of this he
later bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, located on
section 20. Bear Creek township, Poweshiek county, which has remained his
home for the past seven years. This farm, consisting of rich rolling land, has
ijeen highly developed since coming into his possession, its value being greatly
enhanced by the many modern improvements which have been introduced by
.Mr. King. He is an extensive producer of grain, and annually his fields yield
abundant harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them.

On the 26th of September, 1893, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss
Ada J. Bower, a daughter of Jabez and Mary (Springer) Bower. The father
was born in Canada, of English parentage, while the mother is American born,
her birth occurring in Iowa. They now reside on a farm south of Watkins, in
P)enton county, Iowa, where Mr. Bowers is now living retired, receiving good
rental for his farm lands. Unto Mr. and Mrs. King have been born three
children, but only one is now living. William Albert, the eldest, passed away
when three months old ; Leo, the youngest, died at the age of three months :
the daughter, Florence Esther, aged sixteen years, is now attending the high
school at Malcom and makes her home with her parents.

The parents are members of the Presbyterian church of Blairstown, Iowa,
and Mr. King is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in the
Kniglits of Pythias lodge of Malcom. the Modern \\'oodmen of America, also
at Malcom, and with the Bankers' Life Association of Des Moines, Iowa.
Earlv in life he became interested in the politics of the country, and, forming
his own opinions and rules of conduct, has given his support to the republican
party. He has ever been a worker for the best interests of Bear Creek town-
shi]). Since he came to Poweshiek county his acquaintance has continually
broadened. Those who meet him in business and social relations find him a man
whose friendship is worthy to be cherished and whose business integrity and
cntenirise call for emulation.

FRANCIS ASBURY KILl'.l'RN.

Francis Asburv Kilburn was one of the most prominent and successful mer-
chants of the count\ in his time. He was born in Gilsum. New Hampshire. Feb-
ruary 21. 1820, and there received a part of his education. He was the second
son of Iddo and Abigail Kilburn. The father died in Gilsum, New Hampshire,
at the age of eightv and the mother in \'ermont at the age of ninety-two. \\'hen
nineteen years of age our subject went to \'ermont and attended school for a
time, after wliich he engaged in teaching and farming. This he continued until
October, 185 1. when he came to Montezuma, then a village of six log houses,
the frame of a house being built and a courthouse ( a frame structure I on the
southeast corner of the square, one room below and three offices above. The
court room was the only available place, so for a time that was their home. Later
a frame house was completed on the north side of the square, into which they
moved. In Febniary. 1852, Mr. Kilburn drove to Keokuk, that being the nearest

F. A. KIMUHN

J Pif'-r r.-M

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 411

railinail pdint or ])lacc where goods coultl be bought, and purchased nicrchandise.
< )ii tlie way home lie sohl a part of the load. With what was left his wife "set
up storekeeijing" in one corner of the court room, which served as a living
rodui. kitchen, bedroom and store, partitioned with curtains. He returned for
another load and sold what he could on the way home, leaving more goods at
home each trip until as the town and business increased he was needed in the
work at home. But the four or six horse wagon was a familiar sight for a good
many years or until the (irinnell & Montezuma Railroad reached here in 1875.
I'rom this beginning he and his wife built up a successful business. He was
also a landowner and bought and sold hogs and other live stock.

Mr. Kilbum was twice married. On the 14th of June, 1841, in Hartford,
\ ermont, he wedded Miss Sarah Chandler, who was an estimable w^oman, one
loved and respected by all. She was a good mother, a consistent Christian and a
splendid business woman. She was always ready to help those who needed help
and seemed to know just the best way to do those things. She died February
25, 1870, leaving three children. Mary H., whose birth occurred on the ist of
May, 1842, gave her hand in marriage to W. A. Moody and had three children:
Frank, Elmer and Charles. Abigail S., whose natal day was November 22.
1846, wedded Dr. J. C. Tribbet, by whom she hatl two children: one who died
in infancy; and Nellie F., living in Montezuma, who is the wife of Dr. D. B.
High and the mother of two children, Helen F. and Harlan T. Sarah, who was
born on the 9th of October, 1850, married. .Howr-Judge L. C. Blanchard and
passed away on the 19th of February, 1878; leaving two children. Rose and
Claude. Rose Blanchard became the wife of Dr.'^'B.'O. Jerrel, of Oskaloosa, by
whom she now has two children, Louise and Burton. On the 2d of February.
1871, Mr. Kilburn was again married,, his 'seGoncruhion being with Mrs. Mary F.
Ferry, by whom he had one child, Bilfiaiu''ftr -whose' birth occurred on the 2<1
of June, 1873.

On account of ill health -Mr. Kilburn retired from active business in 1884,
his home being yet in Montezuma. When he was well he often called Monte-
zuma the "garden spot of the world." His demise occurred on the i6th of j\Iay,
1896. He donated the ground where now stands the Methodist Episcopal church
and parsonage. For many years his home, store and warehouses occupied the
ground where the church now stands. The buildings were destroyed by fire a
few years after he moved from them.

I. W. FRIZZELL.

Bear Creek ti:)wnship, Poweshiek county, numbers among its native sons
many substantial and i)rogressive farmers and stock-raisers who through their
own efforts and industry are meeting with gratifying success.

This number includes J. W. Frizzell. whose birth occurred on the 19th of
January. i8f')5. The family whicli he represents were numbered among the
early settlers of this district, his grandparents, Absalom and Harriett ( Merri-
man) Frizzell. being pioneers of Poweshiek county. Absalom Frizzell was born,

412 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COl'XTY

reared and married in Maryland, later removing to Ohio, and thence came to
Poweshiek county, Iowa, when this was yet a frontier district. In 185 1 he
purchased school land from the state, consisting of a half of section 16 and
eighty acres of section 14, Bear Creek township, and in the fall of the following
vear took up his abode on that property, there residing throughout the remain-
der of his life. He passed away in 1885. at the venerable age of eighty-four
years, his birth having occurred in the year 1801. In his family were four
daughters and three sons, the daughters being Rachel, Ann, Elizabeth and
Martha, all of whom lived to maturity and were married, the two eldest being
now deceased. The sons are: Thomas, the father of our subject: James, of
Washington : and John, of Boone, Iowa.

Thomas Frizzell was born in Maryland on the 15th of November, 1835, and
when si.xteen years of age came with his parents to Poweshiek county, where
his remaining years were spent. He was a farmer by occupation and his ef-
forts in that direction were most successful, becoming the owner of nine hun-
dred acres of land in Poweshiek county, two hundred acres in Calhoun county,
Iowa, and tracts in Dakota and Colorado. He engaged extensively in horse-
raising, making a specialty of draft horses, and had many excellent specimens of
that variety on his place. In the early days before the advent of the railroad he
and his father had both earned their living by driving teams between Daven-
port and Omaha. He went to Rockford, Illinois, to buy his first breaking plow
and helped to move the stock for the first store in Brooklyn. He married Miss
Margaret Buchanan, who was born in Ohio in September, 1833, and came to
Poweshiek county with her parents in the latter part of the '50s. She was a
daughter of William and Isabelle Buchanan, both of whom passed away in this
county. Her father, wdio was a farmer by occupation, died in 1880 at the age
of eightv-two years. Thomas Frizzell passed away in May. 1905. having long
survived his wife, whose death occurred on the 17th of February, 1894. In
their family were four children, of whom J. \\'., of this review, is the eldest.
The others are as follows: Harriett, the wife of G. S. Maguire, of Calnoun
county, Ada, who married G. W. Murrison, of Brooklyn : and Ella, the wife of
J. W. Silcott, also of Brooklyn.

T. W. Frizzell has spent his entire life within the borders of Bear Creek
township and here acquired his education. He took up agricultural pursuits
as a life work upon attaining his majority, and the wisdom of his choice has
since been manifest in the gratifying success which has come to him. His pres-
ent farm, which consists of two hundred and forty acres of land on section
16, is a portion of the land purchased by his grandfather upon his arrival in
Poweshiek county. It lies along the river and river road, about two miles
west of Brooklyn, and is a valuable property, all of the improvements thereon
having been introduced by Mr. Frizzell. Aside from general farming pursuits
he engages in stock-raising, being a breeder of Shire horses, .shorthorn cattle
and Chester White hogs. He now has on his place about fifty head of cattle,
fifteen head of horses and one hundred head of hogs, all of high grade, and his
efforts both as a farmer and stock-raiser have been most resultant.

Mr. Frizzell was married, in 1892, to :Miss June Sleggle, who was born in
Bear Creek township on the 3d of February, 1871, a daughter of D. C. Sleggle.

HISTORY ()]• I'OWKSllIKK COl'XTV 413

L'lUu this union have been born four children, as follows: Wayne, Lee, Helen,
and Ruth. Mr. Frizzell is connected fraternally with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, having passed through all of the chairs, and in politics is a
stalwart democrat. He is now serving his second term as township trustee and
in this respect the public has had little need to regret their choice of a repre-
sentative, for he has ever been guided by the highest and most public-spirited
motives, seeking at all times the good of the community at large.

WILLIAM E. HAKEMAN.

For many years William E. Hakeman was actively engaged in farming in
Poweshiek county. His former labor has brought him the success that now
enables him to live retired in Hartwick. his income being derived from his in-
vested interests.

He was born in Cayuga county. New York, May 26, 1849, a son of Isaac and
Elizabeth (Thom])son) Hakeman, whose family numbered five children. The
parents were both natives of England and in that country the father was a truck
farmer hut in the latter '40s he emigrated to America, settling in New York,
where he engaged in general farming. He later journeyed toward the west,
settling on a farm in Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he remained until 1855,
and on the 28th of May of that year removed to Cedar county, Iowa. He re-
mained in that section of the state until 1867, when he again made a change in
his location, this time coming to Poweshiek county, which continued to be his
home until the time of his death in 1877. His wife preceded him to the grave,
her death having occurred here in 1869. Mr. Hakeman was a republican in his
jjolitical views and in religious faith was a Methodist. Three of his sons enlisted
in 1862 for service in the Civil war, becoming members of Company C, Twenty-
fourth Iowa Infantry, which they joiiied at Tipton, in Cedar county. James
was wounded in the battle of Champion's Hill and was taken to a hospital in
Memphis, Tennessee, where his death occurred. He had served three years
and three months in defense of the L'nion cause.

William E. Hakeman, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his
parents on their various removals and was a youth of eighteen years of age
at the time of the family removal to Poweshiek county. He was but twenty
vears of age when, in 1869, he began farming on his own account, operating a
tract of eighty acres, located in Jetiferson township. For many years he worked
earnestly and persistently in the hope that he might some day become a pros-
perous man, and that his hope was fully realized is indicated in the fact that by
adding to his possessions from time to time he became the owner of eight hun-
dred acres of land, all in Poweshiek county. He has since sold off much of
this, however, but still retains possession of three hundred and twenty acres,
and from this he derives an income that has enabled him to put aside acti\e
business cares, for he is now living retired in the village of Hartwick. Since
the P.ank of Hartwick was organized, in 1902, he has been a stockholder and
director of that institution, and he has likewise been interested in the Farmers

414 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

Savings Bank of X'ictor for the past twenty years. He possesses sound business
jiul£;ment and is ever alert for opportunities that tend toward advancement and
in this manner he has made his way to the front rank, being today classed among
tlie well-to-do citizens of this section of the state.

Mr. Hakeman was married October 30, 1870. to Miss Mary E. Holden. a
daughter of Sanford Holden. who was a farmer by occupation but is now de-
ceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hakeman have been born seven daughters and two
sons, namely : Oscar, who is in Hartwick : Edgar, who has been engaged in the
lumber business in Hartwick for many years : Eva. the wife of C. Warrick, a
farmer of Minnesota, by whom she has three children: Nellie, the wife of
lames O'Halloran. who operates her father's place, and by whom she has three
children : Stella, the wife of Tennie Mcllrath. a farmer of Poweshiek county,
and the mother of four children: .Amy, the wife of Charles Sherwood, who
follows farming in Minnesota, and the mother of- four children : Jennie, the
wife of B. \\'. Grier. by whom she has one child; Clara, the wife of Thomas
Barber, of Carnforth. Iowa, by whom she has one child: and .\lma. still under
the pirental roof.

Mr. Hakeman is a republican in his political views and from 1880 to 1883
served as assessor, while he has also filled the offices of township trustee and
school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Meth-
odist church. It is fitting that sketches of the distinguished citizens of the
countv should find a place in this voliune, in which connection Mr. Hakeman by
the consensus of public opinion is rated. He stands today as a high type of
American manhood, who has won success in a useful field of business and
gained the respect and honor of his fellowmen by his public service and his
private life. He and his estimable wife are living contented and happy lives
in a pleasant home in Hartwick, enjoying in retirement the accumulations of
profitable and successful careers.

JOHN KRIEGEL.

One of the highly successful agriculturists which France has contributed to
Poweshiek county is John Kriegel, who owns five hundred and sixty acres of
land in Madison township. He is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, which was a
province of France at the time of his birth, which occurred on the nth of
November. 1849. His parents were Nicholas and Mary (Coling) Kriegel.
also natives of .\lsace and of French descent. The father was a farmer, con-
tinuing to be identified with that vocation until his demise, which occurred in
1891. The mother, however, had passed away twenty-one years previously.

The education of John Kriegel was acquired in the common schools of his
native land, after which he assisted his father in the cultivation of their little
farm until he had attained his majority. He enlisted in the French army at the
age of twenty years as a substitute, for a consideration of seventeen hundred
francs, but before he was able to join his regiment the Germans had entered
the country. Not knowing what to do Mr. Kriegel appealed to the commander

IIISTURV UF ruWESIllKK COUNTY 415

of the garrison nearby for advice and was told to retnrn home and remain until
ordered to the front to join his company. This he did Init never received the
^ummons, and. not desiring to live under German rule, after the close of the
war he took passage for America, lie believed with his seventeen hundred
francs he could niaUe his fortune in the United States, where he had heard that
wondeiful opportunities awaited energetic and persevering young men.

On the 22(1 of June, 1871, Mr. Kriegel landed in New York city and after
spending two months in that state migrated to Jennings county, Indiana, where
he worked on a farm for six months. At the expiration of that period he
again set his face westward, this time locating in Champaign county, Illinois,
where he remained for six years engaged in farm work. Me subsequently came
to Poweshiek county, obtaining employment on what is now the Thompson
Miller farm in Madison townshi]). At the end of two years he decided to be-
gin for himself and so rented eighty acres, in the cultivation of which he was
engaged for a similar period. Soon after his marriage he rented a farm ot
Jacob Webber, in Madison townsliip, upon which he resided continuously for
nine years. In 1893 Mr. Kriegel had acquired sufficient capital to buy two
hundred and forty acres on sections 17 and 18 in Madison township, which
formed the nucleus of his present homestead. Later he added to his tract an-
other eighty acres located on section 17, and in the spring of lyio he purchased
the John Bard farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres on section y,
upon which his son Joseph is now residing.

Bv means of diligence and thrift Mr. Kriegel has become one of the ex-
tensive property owners of the township. He has placed good improvements
upon his land, every acre of which is fenced and under cultivation, and his
homestead has the neat and well-kept appearance which is ahvays associated
with thrift and success. Stock-raising has always engrossed a great deal of
his attention, and he is an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs, which he ships
to the Chicago market, realizing lucrative returns from this venture.

Mr. Kriegel was married on the ()th of January, 1882. to Miss Lizzie Sie-
wert, a daughter of George and Lena (Hoffman) Siewert, both natives of
(iermany. They emigrated from their native land to America locating in Will-
iamsport. New York, removing from there to Champaign county, Illinois. The
father was a farmer, but while residing in New York he worked in the grist
mills. Both he and his wife passed away on the homestead, where he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Champaign county, Illinois. Eleven chil-
dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Kriegel but only nine attained maturity:
George, a farmer in Madison township, this county, who married Miss Mary
Mayer and who have two children, Josephine and Margaret; Lizzie, who be-
came the wife of Adam Hauersperger, a farmer of Madison township at that
time but now a resident of Jennings county. Indiana, and who have three chil-
dren, Edward, Margaret and Henry; Joseph, a farmer of Madison township, who
married Miss Sadie Clark and who have one son, Leonard ; Henry, who is at
home assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm : Nicholas, living on
his father's farm on section 9, and who married Miss Josephine Roth ; the next
four, Margaret, John, Annie and Albert, are all at home. Those deceased are
as follows : Johnnie, who passed away at the age of two months ; and Catharine,

416 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

who died on the 15th of April, 1901, at the age of nine months and fifteen
days. The wife and mother succumbed to dropsy following the birth of her
youngest child, on the 4th of July, 1901.

The family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic church, in the
faith of which denomination the parents were reared. Ever since granted the
right of suffrage by naturalization Mr. Kriegel has given his political support
to the candidates of the democratic party. He never sought public office or
political honors, however, although he served as school director in district No.
4 for one term, preferring to devote his undivided attention to the develop-
ment of his personal interests. Although he met with hardship and misfortune
during the early years of his residence in the country Mr. Kriegel's tireless
energy and indomitable purpose enableil him to overcome all obstacles and at-
tain the success to which he aspired.

E. T. BENTON.

Agricultural pursuits have characterized the efforts of E. J. Benton through-
out his business career, and he is meeting with most satisfactory results in his
undertakings.

Born in Scott county, Iowa, on the i6th of December, 1859, he is a son of
William and Lavina (Moorehead) Benton, the former's birth occurring in Eng-
land in 1795 and the latter's in Pennsylvania. The parents were married in
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Scott county, Iowa, about 1856.
The father there passed away in 1865 and later, in 1866. the mother came
with her children to Poweshiek county, locating in Jackson township, where she
was residing at the time of her death, in 1892, at the age of sixty-six years.

E. J. Benton was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six sens and three
daughters, and was but a young lad when brought by his mother to
Poweshiek county, within whose borders he has since contimieil to make his
home. He took up his abode in Malcom township about twelve \ears ago on a
rented farm of eighty acres on section 14, where he carries on general farming
according to modern and up-to-date methods. He has made a close study of
agriculture and is methodical, systematic and progressive, and close a])plica-
tion. unfaltering industry and wise management are proving salient elements
in the attainment of a creditable and gratifying success.

Jn 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Benton to Miss Minnie Keysor, who
was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1861. As an infant she came to this
county with her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Keysor, natives of Ohio, both
of whom passed away in Poweshiek comity. Ten children have been born unto
Mr. and Mrs. Benton, namely : Tressie, the wife of Vernon B. Perry, of Wyom-
ing; Jay, at home; Mollie, deceased; Alma, Ada, Guy, Wilma, Delbert, Harold
and Xavie, all of whom are still at home.

Mr. Benton holds membershii) in the Brethren church and fraternalh- he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a director of school No.

lilSTUKV UF POWESHIEK COUNTY 417

('), the cause of education finding' in him a loyal champion. I'nblic-si)irited in
his citizenship, he heartily indorses all measures and movements having for their
object the public welfare and he is numbered among the county's respected and
representative adopted sons.

RICHARD M. CAIN.

Energy, perseverance and business ability were salient elements in the active
career of Richard AI. Cain, and were potent forces in the acquirement of the
substantial degree of prosperity which enabled him to retire from agricultural
pursuits and enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.

He was born near Zanesville, Ohio, August 27, 1827, a son of Daniel and
Elizabeth (McClain) Cain, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The
parents were both reared in Ohio and were there married and in that state the
father passed away. Later the mother came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and
liere her death occurred. In their family were seven children, as follows : Will-
iam, deceased ; Richard M. ; Harvey, who has also passed away ; Mrs. Elizabeth
.Ann Brague Gray, a resident of California, who has twice been a widow; M. J.
Cain, of Brooklyn, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; Isaac, deceased :
and .Sarah Jane, the widow of Louis Nisperly, now residing at Parkersburg,
West Virginia.

In Monroe and Belmont counties, Ohio, Richard M. Cain spent the early
period of his life, and when only seventeen years of age entered the business
world, engaging in the steamboat business on the Ohio, Mississippi and Mis-
souri rivers. He was thus engaged at the time of the inauguration of the Civil
war, and, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, enlisted in 1861 at the first call
for troops for three months. .Although he did not reenlist he was employed
throughout almost the entire remainder of the war on the Anglo Saxon, a large
stern-wheel river boat in the Union service. He was captured with the rest of
the crew and was held a prisoner for about eight months.

.After the close of hostilities, in 1866, he came to Poweshiek county, Iowa,
and purchased a farm of two hundred acres on section 12, Bear Creek town-
ship, about two miles northeast of Brooklyn. For more than a third of a cen-
tury that remained his home and during the ensuing years he gave his entire
time and attention to the development and improvement of his fields, bringing
them under a high state of cultivation and enhancing the value of his ])roperty
through the exercise of practical, progressive methods and good business ability.
As the years passed success attended his efforts and, in 1900, he retired from
agricultural pursuits and came to Brooklyn where he occupies a comfortable
home and is enjoying well merited rest. He still retains the ownership of his
farm, however, and since coming to Brooklyn has become the owner of four
town dwellings and a tract of five acres which is partially located within the
oorjioration limits of the town.

Mr. Cain was united in marriage, on the 7th of November, 1847, to Miss
Marv Foggin, who was born in Ohio in May, 1828, and passed awav on the

418 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

farm in 1885. Unto this union were born eight cliikh-en. as follows: Araminia.
the wife of J. AI. Snyder, of Brooklyn: Clara Hayward, deceased: Owen I'.,
of Oklahoma : Singleton B., also deceased : Samantha, who married Frank Hav-
ward, of Mount Home. Idaho : Isaac, who passed away, leaving a widow : Cas-
sie, the widow of J. H. Johnson, of South Dakota: and Elizabeth, who married
Leo L. Torey and is now deceased. On the loth of March, 1886. Mr. Cain was
again married, his second union being to Mrs. Mary .\. Hayward, who was
born in JetTerson county, Ohio, January 3, 1835, a daughter of William and
Mary (Burns) Sprague. She was reared and married in Monroe county, Ohio,
to Anthony Hayward, whose death (jcciuTed in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Hay-
ward were the parents of three children: Sevilla, deceased; Harvey M., resid-
ing with Mr. Cain : and William S., of South Dakota.

Mr. Cain belongs to the Christian church, the teachings of which have ever
formed the guiding influences of his life, and for about twenty-five years he
has held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is re-
publican in his political views and is public-spirited in his citizenship, although
the honors and emoluments of office have never held attraction for hmi. Al-
though he has long since passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years
and ten, having reached the eighty-fourth milestone on life s journey, he is still
in good health and retains a deep interest in the vital questions and issues of
the day.

GEORGE L. OSTRO.M

Forty-six years have passed since George L. Ostrom located on a farm where
Hartvvick now stands. He has witnessed a great transformation in Poweshiek
county and, as he applied himself with energy and good judgment during his
active years, he now enjoys the rewards of his labors, being the owner of two
hundred acres of land in this county from which he receives a handsome an-
nual revenue.

He was born in New York state, April 12, 1833, a .son of John A. and
Ganretta (La Moure) Ostrom, the former of whom was a native of New York
state. On the paternal side the ancestry has been traced to the early settlers of
New Amsterdam, now New York city, who came from Holland, and on the
maternal side the ancestry has been traced to France. The father was by
trade a blacksmith. He passed his entire life in his native state and died at
the age of eighty-three year?, his wife having been called away in 1847. In
politics he was a supporter of the whig party, lie was a man of many wortliy
traits and was a consistent member of the Baptist church.

George L. Ostrom received advantages of education in the common schoi^l
and under his father learned the blacksmith's trade. He worked on the farm
and in the shop until he arrived at his majority and then, yielding to an ir-
resistible desire to see the world and to establish a home on his own account,
he started toward the great and growing west. In April, 1854, he arrived at
Galesburg, Illinois, his total earthly possessions then amounting to ten dollars
and si.\ty-two cents. He soon found work at fifteen dollars a month and con-

H
O

vrt^Pj^

Si*-^

"*1g^

jH^'""' '

jbp^

PUBLIC LIBRA:

TILOeN FOUNDATIONS^

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 421

tinned steadily for two years and one-half, after which he found occupation in
various em[)loyments until 1858, when he purchased forty acres of land in
Knox county, Illinois. A little log cabin stood on the place and here he and
his family made their home for eight years. In 1865 he sold out and in the
fall of the same year came to Poweshiek county, Iowa, settling on one hun-
<lred and sixty acres of government land where the city of Hartwick is now
located. This land he purchased for six dollars an acre, which was considered
a good price at the time. He was soon established as a farmer in his new
home and prospered from year to year, becoming eventually the owner of a
thousantl acres. He sold a part of his land and gave portions to his children;
but still retains a fine farm, which is under an excellent state of culti\ation. He
is a director of the Farmers' .Savings Bank of Hartwick, being also a member
of the auditing committee of the bank.

On March 21, 1858, Mr. Ostrom was married to Miss Margaret M. Ostroni,
a daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Holmes) Ostrom. The father was a
farmer but also engaged as a plasterer and shoemaker. Seven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. George L. Ostrom: Charles, now deceased, who was
married and had two sons, Guy and Clyde ; Murray ; Grant, a farmer, who is
married and has five children, Ray, Glenn, Earl, Percy and Lysle ; Fred G.,
who is married and has ten children, Hazel, Marjory, Charles. George, Edna,
Dorothy, Nellie, Mildred, Margaret and Fred, Jr.; Arthur; Mary, who is liv-
ing at home; and Jennie, who married William Dixon, a farmer of Warren
township, and is the mother of fli'ree- children, Guy, George and Hazel.

Politically Mr. Ostrom is a cepAi'^Ucanv belonging to the standpat wing, whicli
accepts the platforms and nominees of the party and heartily supports them
without reservation. He has feerved as township trustee and also as member
of the school board, school treasureu^ftctj.'fpwriship assessor, filling the last-named
office for twelve years. He was made a Mason in 1867 and is an honored mem-
ber of Sharon Lodge, No. 367. Having arrived at the age of seventy-eight years,
he is now largely retired from active affairs and can look back on many years
of earnest work, in the course of which he earned the gratitude of his fellow-
men by innumerable acts of kindness and generosity.

JOHN RATLIFF DAVIS.

A highly regarded citizen and capable agriculturist of Sugar Creek town-
ship was the late John Ratliff Davis, who was born in Henry county, Indiana,
on the 8th of July, 1846.

He was a son of Elisha and Elizabeth (Ratlifif) Davis, the father a native of
\'irginia and the mother of Inrliana. In his early manhood Elisha Davis mi-
grated from his native state to Henry county, Indiana, where he met the lady
who subsequently became his wife. He engaged in agricultural pursuits there
until about 1856, when, together with his wife and familv. he came to Iowa,
settling on a farm in Jasper county. There the mother passed away on the lOth
of November, 1891, and the father on the 27th of November, 1894. He was a

422 JIISTORY OF POWESHIEK COL'XTV

republican ami both he and his wife belonged to the Society of Friends. Five
children were born of this marriage, three daughters and two sons, in the fol-
lowing order: Axelina and Lavinia, both of whom are deceased: John Ratlitt,
our subject : Lewis, who is a resident of Jasjier county, Iowa: and Alice, who is
deceased.

The education of John Ratliff Davis was begun in the common schools of his
native state and completed in those of Jasper county and Oskaloosa, Iowa. For
about eight years thereafter he taught, following which he operated a sawmill
in Lynnville for a time. He then purchased some land in Sugar Creek town-
ship and engaged in agricultural pursuits until about five years prior to his de-
mise, which occurred on his homestead on the 13th of May, 1909.

On the nth of June, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane
Lancaster, a daughter of James and Lucetta (Stanley) Lancaster. The par-
ents were both born in Guilford county, North Carolina, the father's natal day
being the lOth of October. 1823, and that of the mother the 29th of October,
1825. The father first migrated to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he en-
gaged in farming for several years. He subsequently removed to Iowa with hi>
wife and family, settling in Jasper county in 1847, and continuing to be identi-
fied with agricultiu-al pursuits until his demise on the 28th of June, 1861. His
wife still survives him and now makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Davis.
He was a republican and belonged to the Methodist Protestant church, of which
his wife is also a member. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, who were married in
Guilford county. North Carolina, there were born five children : Eliza Jane,
now Mrs. Davis, who was born on the 24th of Alarch, 1849, in Hamilton county,
Indiana: Sarah Ann. the wife of John P. Stallings, of Oklahoma; Benjamin
Franklin, who is a resident of Gregory, South Dakota ; Rhoda Ellen, the wife
of Melton Burton, of Palo Alto county, Iowa : and Hannah Elizabeth, who is
deceased.

LInto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born the following children: Leonora, who
was born on the 6th of April, 1871, and died on the 24th of September, 1877:
James Otis, born on the 21st of September, 1872, and now residing in .Sugar
Creek township, this county: Charles S., born on the 27th of May, 1874, now a
resident of Le Grande, Iowa; Edgar, born on the 29th of May, 1876. and liv-
ing in Sugar Creek township: John S., whose birth occurred on the 4th of Jan-
uary. 1878, also a resident of Sugar Creek township; Lucetta, born on the loth
of August, 1879, and who is the wife of Andrew ^Mitchell of Oskaloosa, Iowa :
the seventh in order of birth was born on the 25th of February, 1881, and died
two days later; Fred L.. born on the 22d of July, 1882, now a resident of Des
Moines, Iowa; Elizabeth, born on the 23d of May, 1884. and who died on May
21, 1909, the deceased wife of Joshua Main, of Sugar Creek township; Howard.
born on the 4th of December, 1885, now living in Searsboro; and Kelly, who
was born on the loth of March, 1892, and who lives at home.

The political allegiance of Mr. Davis was ever accorded to the republican
party and he served his township in both the capacity of treasurer and school
director. His religious affiliation was with the Society of Friends, the faith in
which he had been reared. He was a man of sound principles and unquestion-
able integrity, progressive in his ideas and at all times ready to indorse any

HISTURY OF I'UWMSlllEK CULXTV 4:>3

ninvenient whicli would in any way tend to elevate the intellectual or moral
standards of tiie community. Since his demise his widow has left tiie home-
steatl. having purchased a very pleasant home in Searsboro in October, 1909,
which she now occupies. A woman of tact and gracious manner she has many
friends in the village by whom she is highly esteemed.

WILLIAM W. MILLICK.

William W. Cillick is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Poweshiek
county and the success which crowns his efforts is the legitimate reward of in-
dustry and well directed effort.

ITe was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, July 26, 1870, a son of William
and Eliza (Kibbie) Billick, the former a native of New- York state and of Ger-
man descent, and the latter also of the Empire state but of Irish parentage. In
early life the father sought the opportunities of the west, first locating in Win-
nebago county, Illinois. He later located in Poweshiek county, Iowa, and in
the early '40s, when Iowa was still a territorial district, was a scout, hunter
and trapper. He followed the life of a woodsman until he reached middle life
when, in 1872, he located on a farm north of Brooklyn. In 1876 he removed
to Carroll county, Iowa, and there followed farming throughout his remaining
vears, passing away there on the 14th of March, 1907. His widow is still liv-
ing at the age of sixty-nine years and makes her home in Manning, Carroll
county.

William W. I'.illick was a little lad of three years of age when the family re-
moved from Illinois to Poweshiek county, and was but six years of age when
thev made a permanent location in Carroll county. He attended the district
schools of the latter locality and remained with his parents until he had at-
tained his majority. He then worked at farm labor by the month for three
years, at the end of which time he rented land in Carroll county, operating the
same for four years. He then returned to Poweshiek county and lived for
three years on rented land one mile west of ]\Ialcom, in Malcom township. In
.March, 1901, lie purchased eighty acres on section 19, Bear Creek township.
In addition to operating his own land, each year he rents from two to five hun-
dred acres, so that he is farming on quite an extensive scale. He raises quan-
tities of grain and hay, which he feeds to his stock, devoting much time to the
latter business. He raises mostly cattle and hogs and ships to the Chicago mar-
ket. His own land is well improved, his fields being rich and arable and his
buildings are ample for the shelter of grain and stock. He has a good orchard,
covering a half acre, which bears its fruit in season. He is progressi\e in all
his work and what he undertakes is sure to bring him success.

Mr. Billick was united in marriage to Miss Addie Goodrich, a daughter of
O. D. and Jane (Walls) Goodrich, well known and highly respected farming
people of Poweshiek county. The father was born in Wisconsin and was one
of the pioneer settlers of Iowa, first locating in Scott county and being engaged
HI freighting from Davenport to Des Moines ])rior t(i the advent of the railroads

424 HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY

in this section. He is still living anil now makes his home with a daughter,
Mrs. John Eichhorn, whose home is located south of Malcom and whose hus-
band is mentioned on another page of this work. The mother departed this life
some fourteen years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Billick have been born two chil-
dren : Xavie, who is ten years of age ; and Clio, five years old.

Mr. Billick votes for the man whom he deems best qualified to till public
office, irrespective of party affiliation. For the past nineteen years he has been
identified with the Knights of I'ythias at Malcom, while his wife is a member
of the Pythian Sisters of that place. The spirit of self-help is the source of all
genuine worth in the individual, and this truth is abundantly verified in the life
of Mr. Billick. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by the obstacles and dif-
ficulties in his path, he is achieving a prosperity of which he has every reason
to be proud.

JOHN DOR AN.

County W'e.xford, Irelancl. was the birthplace of John Doran, who is nuw
living retired on his homestead on section lo. Sheridan township, in the cultiva-
tion of which he engaged for many years.

He was born on the 25th of March, 1836, a son of John and Mary Doran.
also natives of County Wexford, who emigrated to the United States in 1850.
Eight weeks and four days were consumed in crossing the ocean from Liver-
pool to New York. The boat encountered a storm which lasted for three days
and nights, during which time three of the masts were lost and all of the family
records and belongings were washed overboard. For a time their condition was
perilous and they practically abandoned all hope of ever seeing land, but finally
reached port long overdue. The parents first located upon a farm in the vicin-
itv of Geneseo, New York, where they lived until 1864.

John Doran was fourteen years of age when his parents emigrated to the
United States, so that his education was acquired in the common schools of his
native country. He remained at home until he was twentv-eight years of age,
at which time he was married and subsecjuently migrated to Bureau county. Illi-
nois, settling in the vicinity of Princeton, where he resided until 1872. From
there he removed to Poweshiek county, locating on a farm north of Malcom
where he remained for two years and then purchased eighty acres of land on
section 10, Sheridan township, in the cultivation of which Mr. Doran engaged
until eight years ago, when he retired from active life, although he continues
to live upon his homestead.

In 1864 Mr. Doran was married to Miss Catharine McMahon in Livingston
countv, New \'()rk. .Mrs. Doran was a daughter of James and Ellen McMahon,
natives of Ireland, but she was born in Newcastle, England, on the 2d of Jan-
uarv. 1847. When a child of eight years her parents emigrated to the United
States, locating in Livingston county. New York, where she resided until her
marriage. The following children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Doran : John
F., who is an implement dealer of Tama, Iowa : Nellie, the wife of J. P. En-

HISTORY OF POWESHIEK COUNTY 42r)

right, who is engaged in the same business, and also of Tama: James S., who
is a painter and paper-hanger of Tama ; Mary, who passed away on the 22d of
]'"ebruary, 1909. the wife of John Hallisy, a farmer of Tama county, Iowa;
Charles C, a stock buyer of Grinnell ; Edward H., who is also engaged in paint-
ing and paper-hanging in Tama ; Catharine, the widow of Joseph Dulify, who
was drowned in July, U)i i : and Michael, a railroad conductor of North Dakota.
Mrs. Doran jjassed away on the 9th of September, 1902.

Mr. Doran's youngest daughter, Catharine, was united in marriage to Joseph
Duft'v on the 23d of July, 1902, and they became the parents of four children:
Paul, who is seven years of age: Bernadetta, aged four years: Ellen, who is
two and a half years of age: and a baby. Joseph Duffy was a son of John and
Anna Duffy, residents of Columbia township, Tama county, Iowa. He was born
in Kellogg, Iowa, on the 6th of March, 1878, and acquired his education in the
district schools of his native county, following which he assisted his father in
the cultivation of the homestead until he rented the farm of his father-in-law
nnniediately following his marriage to Miss Doran.

Mr. Doran and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church,
with which denomination Mrs. Doran was also afifiliated, their identification
being with the church in Tama county. Although his political views coincide
i\ith those of the Jeft'ersonian democrats Mr. Doran always casts his ballot for
the man he deems best fitted for the office, irrespective of party affiliations, and
has twice voted for republican presidential candidates : Lincoln and Roosevelt.
lie has be