HISTORY
OF
Washington County
Iowa
From the First White Settlements to 1 908
By HOWARD A. BURRELL
Also Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County
ILLUSTRATED
VOL. iL
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1909
T::E IlEV/ YORK
' PUBuC LIBRARY
! ASTOR. LEN«X AND
, V1.-DEN FOUHBATXpWS
I R 1926 L
BIOGRAPHICAL
MARSH W. BAILEY.
While Marsh W. Bailey is primarily a lawyer — and by the consensus of
public opinion a most able one — he is also recognized as one of the prominent
republican leaders of southeastern Iowa and has left and is leavmg the im-
press of his individuality upon the political history of this section of the
state. He was born in Richmond, Iowa, March 9, 1870, and represents one
of the old families of Washington county. The Baileys are of Scotch-Irish
lineage.
.\braham Bailey, the grandfather of Marsh W. Bailey, was a native of
Ohio and a farmer by occupation. He wedded Miss Mary Kirkpatrick and in
an early day they came to Iowa, where Mr. Bailev entered two hundred acres
of government land adjoining the village of Richmond. He was then identi-
fied with agricultural interests until his death, which occurred just prior to the
Civil war. His widow survived him until about 1868.
They reared a large family including James Bailey who was born on the
land his father had entered from the government, the place of his nativity
being in English River township, Washington county. There he was reared
to manhood on a farm and the occupation with which he became familiar
during his boyhood he determined to make his life work. At different times
lie has bought and sold a number of farms in this county and for sometime
was actively engaged in the work of the fields, but for the past twenty years
has been a resident of Washington. At the time of the Civil war he espoused
the L'nion cause, enlisting in the Thirteenth Iowa Regiment, while later he
became a member of Company D, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, serving for nearly
four vears in all. He was a non-commissioned officer, holding the rank of
sergeant. He participated in the siege of \'icksburg, in the battles of Look-
out Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain. Resaca and the .Atlantic campaign, in-
cluding the siege and capture of .A.tlanta. He also went with Sherman on the
march to the sea and when the victorious northern troops marched through
the streets of Washington in the grand review he was of the number, thus
taking part in the closing pageant of the war. When hostilities were over he
returned to his home in W^ashington county, Iowa, and again engaged in
farming in English River township, being identified with agricultural pur-
5
6 llls^()R^• 1)1- w asiii.\(;to.\ county
suits in that and Jackson townships until he cstabhshed his home in tlie city
of Washington.
lames Hailey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Marsh, a daughter
of Adam Marsh, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent.
He, too, followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He married a
Miss Austin and they established their home in Washington county among
the early settlers. Roth passed away in Jackson tow'nship when well advanced
in years, having reared a family of foin- sons and two daughters: William
E. : James F. : Charles H. : Hannibal H. : Margaret, now Mrs. Bailey; and
X'ictoria, who became the wife of Marion O'Laughlin. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
James Bailey have been born two daughters: May, who died in infancy; and
Ida M. '
Marsh W. Hailey, the only son and the eldest of the family, was born on
the same farm on which his father was born. He was reared upon the farm
and attended the country schools at Pilotsburg, after which he continued his
studies in Iowa City Academy, and later, at the Washington Academy, from
which he was graduated with honors on the completion of the classical course
in 1890. While in the academy he was a member of the Aurora Literary So-
ciety, and in connection with Charles W. McCIeary, who has since died as a
missionary in Africa, edited and published the Acamedian, a monthly literary
magazine. He next entered the State University of Iowa at Iowa City and
was graduated from the College of Liberal Arts in 1893. While a student
in the university he was a member of the well known Zetagathian Literary
Society, as well as one of the charter members of the !\IcClain Chapter of the
Phi Delta Phi fraternity. He was literary editor of the Hawkeye, the junior
annual of the class of '93 ; and managing editor of the S. U. I. Quill, the liter-
ary magazine of the university. He also pursued the law course there and
spent a year in the law libraries and courts of Des Moines. Well qualified
for the practice of his profession he opened an ofifice in Washington in the
winter of 1894-5 'i""^! ^^^ ^or fifteen years been continuously engaged in
practice, meeting with gratifying and well earned success. The liberal client-
age accorded him is indicative of his ability which has placed him in the ranks
of the foremost lawyers of this part of the state. He is strong and forceful
in argument, clear and logical in his deductions and presents his cause co-
gently and convincingly.
Mr. Bailey has filled the office of city attorney of Washington for three
terms and was county attorney for two terms. He was elected on the re-
publican ticket, having been a stanch supporter of the party since age con-
ferred upon him the right of franchise. While still in the university he was a
member of the American Republican College League which had for its object
the overcoming of the free-trade teachings then so strong in so many colleges
and universities. During the Harrison campaign he was vice president of the
National League and had charge of its western headquarters, while the suc-
ceeding year he presided over the national convention at Louisville, Ken-
tucky. He has been a delegate to the conventions of the party from township
to national and has presided over all except the state and national. He
was also a member of the executive committee of the Iowa League of the
1IIS■|■()R^■ ()1' W ASIIIXCTt )X IDl'XTV 7
Republican C lubs and acted as its secretary for a time, lie was ward com-
mitteeman for years, was chairman of the county central committee and
was a member of the sixth judicial district committee, while later .he became
coni;ressional committeeman from this countw In 1904 he was a delegate to
the republican national convention which nominated Theodore Roosevelt,
and as a presidential elector I'roni the first district of Iowa in 1908 he cast his
ballot for William II. Taft. Perhaps no man in the district of his age has
done more for the success of the republican party than Mr. ^>aile^■ and he has
made many effective campaiL(n addresses, presenting his arguments clearly
and forcibly while the logic of his utterances appeals strongly to the thinking
inililic.
On the loth of A])ril, lyoo, Mr. Uailey was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Hrown, a daughter of Henry A. and Anna ( liarhydt ) I'.mwn. Mrs.
Bailey was born in Burlington, this state, her parents coming from New
York to Iowa and settling in that city in the '50s. Her paternal grandfather
was a native of Xew York, where his wife, who bore the maiden name of
Eunice .\bel, was also born. They became residents of I'urlington. where
both passed away in advanced years. Their only .son was Henr\ A. lirown
who, following his removal to Burlington, became a manufacturer of and
dealer in shoes. He is still connected with the shoe trade in Burlington and
is regarded as one of the valued and representative business men of that
city. He married Miss Anna Barhydt, also a native of Xew York, as were
her parents. Her father was of Holland-Dutch descent. She was a sister
of Theodore Wells Barhydt and traced her lineage back to the first Dutch
schoolmaster of New Amsterdam. There were two daughters and a son in
the family: Eleanor, the wife of A. F. Holmes, of Chicago; .Mar\ V... now
Mrs. Bailey ; and Theodore Wells, who has just attained his majority. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born four children: Eleanor Eouise. Henry
Brown, Theodore Barhydt and Josephine Marsh. Mrs. Bailey is a member
of the Presbyterian church and presides with gracious hos]iitalit\- over her
pleasant home.
Mr. Bailev is president of the Washington County Historical ."Society and
chairman of the book committee of the Jane A. Chilcote free city library.
He also belongs to the Iowa State Historical Society and tt) the .American
Historical .Association. He is deeply interested in matters relating to history
and to the public welfare and as a man of influence is contributing in no small
measure to shaping the annals of this part of the state..
Mr. Bailey is ver\- strongl_\- attacheil to his profession : and few lawyers
hew closer to the litie of its ideals and ethics. He is a member of the Wash-
ington Comity. Iowa, and American Bar .\ssociations, being a member of
the executive committee of the Iowa association.
Progressive by impulse. \et conservative in advice and action, lie has the
trait of judicial temperament very higly developed. Few men can disarm
their prejudices and weigh matters at arm's length without Ijias ; but the
lawyers recognize a marked ability in Air. Bailey to do that very thing. In
1906 the \\'ashington bar made him their candidate for judge of the district.
He seemed to be the favorite candidate of the profession throughout the
8 HISTORY OF WASHTXCTOX COUNTY
district, but political considerations gave the prize to another. But whether
it is along the line of judicial career his ability is sure to lead him along paths
of the public service quite as much of the time as he will consent to take away
from his profession.
Alert, enterprising and energetic he keeps abreast with the best thinking
men of the age and with the movements of the times which are of vital im-
portance to state and nation and his worth to the community is widely ac-
knowledgfed.
ALEXANDER R. MILLER.
Alexander R. Miller, who according to the consensus of public opinion
has measured up to the full standard of manhood in all of life's relations, is
now editor of the Washington Democrat. He is well known in this part of
the state where he has spent his entire life, being numbered among the native
sons of Washington county, his birth having occurred in Marion township,
February 6, 1865.
His parents, Peter P. and Piarbara (Sommer) Miller, were both natives of
Holmes county. Ohio, where they were reared. The former was a son of
Moses P. Miller who was born in Pennsylvania. He became a farmer and
was also prominent in the Mennonite church, becoming one of its clergymen
and also a bishop of that denomination. He gave his services to the cause of
Christianity without pay. and rode horseback over Indiana, organizing many
churches. Who can measure the influence of such a life, characterized by
self-sacrifice and by the utmost devotion to the work of promoting the moral
and religious progress of the race? He died in Holmes county. Ohio, at
the age of seventy-five years, while his wife. Mrs. Catharine (Miller) Miller,
was about seventy years of age at the time of her demise. They were the
parents of seven children who reached years of maturity : Sarah, who died
unmarried: Jonathan; Maria, who died single: John; Mrs, Catharine Kauff-
man ; Moses, living in Tuscarawas county. Ohio ; and Peter P. The last
named, the father of our subject, was reared on the home farm in his native
county until fifteen years of age. when he became a stock drover and was
thus employed for ten or twelve years. He came west with a partner, Philip
Yoder, with five thousand head of sheep and located in Marion township,
Washington countx', Iowa, where he engaged in farming in i86^. He was
married in this county in January of that year, the lady of his choice being
Miss Barbara Sommer, a daughter of Joseph Sonnner. who was a native of
Pennsylvania and one of the early settlers of Holmes county. Ohio, where he
accumulated considerable property. He came to Iowa with his family in
1853. driving across the country to Van Piuren county, and located soon
afterward in Washington county, his home being a refuge in pioneer times
for all new-comers. He. too. was a Mennonite and was one of the founders
of a church of that denomination in this county. He lived an active, useful
and honorable life and was called to his reward in 1888 at the age of eighty
IIISTURV Ul" WASHINGTON COUNTY 9
years His wife', Mrs. Martha (Miller) Sommer, died in 1875 at the age
of sixty-five years. They had a large family, namely: Catharme the wife
of Daniel Winter; Susan, the wife of Samuel Hagie ; Lydia, who wedded
Rev Benjamin Eicher ; Eve, the wife of Peter Goldsmith; Barbara, the
wife of Peter P. Miller; Lucinda, who married John A. Rumble ; Henry
residing at Wheatland, Wyoming; and Martha, the wife of G. W. Neff, ot
Wavland, Iowa. . , . t tO^-,
\s stated Mr and Mrs. Peter P. Miller were married m January, 1863,
and' at that time Mr. Miller purchased a small tract of land of twelve acres
whereon he resided for five years, during which time he engaged m teammg
and in gardening. Later he rented land for some years and eventually became
the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres, his industry and economy
bringing him to a position of comfort. He died February 5, i899> at the age
of sixty years, while his wife survived until March 7. 1905. ami passed
away at the age of sixty-three years. Both were members of the Mennomte
church an.l were laid to rest in Eicher cemetery in Manon township. Their
family numbered five sons and two daughters: Alexander R.. of t^.s review ;
Caroline, who died at the age of forty years; Agnes; Joseph, of Wayland.
Iowa: Stanley, editor of the Free Press, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; John M.,
deceased ; and Charles R., of W^ayland, Iowa.
In taking up the personal history of Alexander R. Miller we present to
our readers the life record of one who is widely known in Washington
county, having spent his entire life within its borders. He was reared on
the home farm, pursued his early education in the district schools and later
attended the Eastern Iowa Normal School, at Columbus Junction, and the
Washington Academy. He Hved at home until twenty-five years of age,
givino- his attention to the work of the farm and also to school teaching,
which profession he followed for ten years in the district and village schools
-always in Washington county. He then read law with Dewey & Eicher,
well known attorneys of Washington, and was admitted to the bar in 1892
but he did not follow the profession, and in 1893 became connected with
journalism, purchasing a half interest from George G. Rodman m the Wash-
ington Democrat, thus becoming a partner of William N. Hood with whom
he\yas thus associated for five years. Mr. Hood was killed by the cars Sep-
tember 14. 1898, and that year Mr. Miller by purchase acquired the entire
plant and has since conducted the paper alone. The Democrat was estab-
lished in 1878 and its name indicates its political complexion. Mr. Miller
has a fine plant, most modern in all of its equipment, and in addition to the
publication of his paper, which is an attractive sheet and has a large circula-
tion, he also conducts an extensive job-printing business.
On the 28th of May, 1895. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miller to
Miss Ola Rabcock, a daughter of Nathan L. and Ophelia (Smith) Bab-
cock Mrs. Miller was born in this county while her father was a native ot
New York and her mother of Ohio. The former was a son of Stanton
Babcock, a native of New York, and one of the honored pioneer residents of
Washington county, Iowa. He married Thurza Babcock, whose surname
was therefore not changed at the time of her marriage. Both lived to an
30 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON LOLNTY
advanced age and their remains were interred in a cemeterj' of this county
when they were called to their final rest. They had three children who
reached mature years. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Miller was a
farmer by occupation. He married a Miss Rogers and they were early
residents of Iowa where Mrs. Smith died at the age of thirty-three years, her
grave being made in Richmond. Mr. Smith afterward married again and
died at an advanced age. By his first wife he had five daughters: Harriet,
the wife of Adam Page : Ophelia, the wife of N. L. Babcock : Cora, the
wife of Nial Van Sickle : Emina, the wife of Anthony \"an Sickle of Wash-
ington ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Canier, a widow.
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Babcock became residents of Washington county
at an early day and the father engaged in farming here. Espousing the cause
of the Union at the time of the Civil war, he did active duty for two years
in the Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. For the past thirty years he
and his wife have lived in Washington where he has been engaged in deal-
ing in live stock. They were the parents of seven children, but only three
are now living, Ola, John and Josephine. Of these the first named became
Mrs. Miller, and by her marriage three children have been born, Joseph,
Ophelia and Barbara, but the first named died in infancy.
In his fraternal relations Mr. ^filler is a Mason, prominent in the order
as a member of Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. : Cyrus Chapter
No. 13, R. A. M.; and Bethlehem Commandery, No. 45, K. T. He is also
affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife is a member of
the Methodist church. His political allegiance is given to the democracy
and that he is one of the prominent workers and foremost representatives of
the party in this section of the state is indicated in the fact that he is now serv-
ing as a member of the state central committee from the first district. He
also uses the columns of his paper to further the political interests in which
he believes but is not bitterly aggressive in his attacks upon those holding
opposing views. In fact his salient qualities are those which characterize
progressive and honorable American manhood and throughout the state
wherever known, he is regarded as a dynamic force in furthering the best
interests of his native county.
DANIEL A. FESLER.
Honored and respected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position
in the commercial and financial circles of Riverside than does Daniel .\.
Feslcr, who is the president and was one of the organizers of the Riverside
Savings Bank. He is also one of the leading merchants of the town, where he
is engaged in the conduct of a hardware store and farming implement busi-
ness. His birth occurred in Johnson county, Iowa, April 27, 1850, his parents
being Jacob and Mary (Slife) Fesler, the fonner a native of Ohio, and the
latter of \'irginia. They came to Johnson county, Iowa, with-their respective
parents and in this state attained their majority and were afterward married.
THE NSW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY I
ITItJ>EK rOUNDATldlil
HISTORY OF \VAS1I1\(;T0\ COIXTV 13
Jacob Feslcr served throughout the Civil war as a member of the Twenty-
second Iowa \'okinteer Infantry, and following; his return to the north, at
the cessation of hostilities, he purchased a farm in Washington county about
two miles north of Riverside. His attention was then given to general agri-
cultural ]nirsuits until about 1880 or 1882 when he took up his abode in the
town and became connected with the grain trade, being prominently identified
therewith for twelve years. He then put aside active business cares to live
retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest,
passing away in March, iyo8, when in his eighty-first year. He had for
sometime survived his wife who died in igo2 at the age of seventy-four
years. He was a democrat in his political views, was a member of the old
county board of supervisors, acting in that capacity at the time the new
law was passed, reducing the number of the board from fifteen to three. He
served in later years in the various township offices and was one of the in-
fluential men of this section.
Daniel A. Fesler was reared at home, acquiring his education in the com-
mon schools and in the Iowa State University at Iowa City, where he pur-
sued a two years" course. He then took up teaching as a profession and
followed that calling from 1871 until 1874, at which time he determined to
adopt a mercantile career. Therefore, in 1874, he established a hardware and
farm implement business and that he made wise choice of a field of labor is in-
dicated in the success which has continuously been his up to the present time.
He is today one of the best known merchants of northern part of Washington
county and in point of y-ears and continuous connection with business he
is the pioneer merchant of Riverside, having been located here longer than
any other man who is still associated with the commercial interests of the
town. He has ever carried a well selected line of goods, his prices have
been reasonable and his dealings fair and honorable and thus he has enjoyed
from year to year a constantly increasing trade. In iS8<S he became one of
the leading factors in the organization of the Riverside Savings Bank, was
made one of its directors and two years later w^as elected its president, in
which capacity he continued until 1894 when on the death of Jesse Boyd, the
cashier of the bank, Mr. Fesler was called on to succeed him in that capacity.
He thus served until 1897 when he was again called to the presidency of the
hank, in wliich position he has continued to act to the present time. As the
chief executive officer he displays keen insight and a knowledge of when and
where and how to best exercise his activities with the result that the bank has
enjoyed continuous growth and is now numbered among the strong financial
institutions of this part of the state.
In 1876 Mr. Fesler was married to Aliss Mary Boyd, a daughter of Jesse
Boyd, now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fesler have been born six children :
Zella, the wife of Linus Hirt, of Muscatine. Iowa; Ray A., who is associated
with his father in his business enterprises : Jesse Guy, who is connected
with them in business : Zetta E., who is in the music store which belongs to
her father and her brother-in-law. Linus Hirt : and Ida \'. and Lyle J., both at
home. Mr. Fesler is a member of Riverside Lodge, No. 274. K. P.. his
political allegiance is given to the democracy and he has served as mayor of
]4 HISTORY OF WASHIXCiTOX COLXTY
Riverside for two years, while for several years he filled the office of township
clerk. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship nor of the obligations
which devolve upon him in any official or semi-official relation, while the
record he has made in business places him in a prominent position in commer-
cial and financial circles.
JAMES M. WILSOX.
James M. Wilson is widely known as a breeder and raiser of Shorthorn
cattle, being a prominent representative of the live stock interests of this
section of the state. His landed possessions are also valuable, his home
farm comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land. He
has now traveled life's journey for seventy-six years, his birth having oc-
curred in Licking county, Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1833. His parents were
Robert and Elizabeth (Crawford) Wilson, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania and the latter of County Down, Ireland. In her childhood days Eliza-
beth Crawford came to the new world with her parents, the year 1810 wit-
nessing the emigration of the family, who chose Coshocton county, Ohio,
as a place of residence. The parents of Robert Wilson removed from Penn-
sylvania to Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1817 and it was there that Robert
Wilson and Elizabeth Crawford became acquainted and were married. They
began their domestic life in Muskingum county, where thev lived for eight
years and then removed to Licking county, Ohio, where they resided until
i860. In that year they took up their abode upon a farm which Mr. Wilson
owned in Knox county, Ohio, and to its further development and improve-
ment he devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in 1874 when
he was seventy-three years of age. His wife died in 1889 at the age of
eighty-one years, having survived him for fifteen years. In his political
views Robert Wilson was a stalwart democrat in early life but as the ques-
tion of slavery became a paramount one he espoused the cause of freedom
and in 1844 became affiliated with the abolitionists. Subsequentlv when the
republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he
joined its ranks and was ever afterward an ardent advocate of its principles.
He served as township trustee and was also justice of the peace for a number
of years, in which position his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, win-
ning him golden opinions from all sorts of people. He was one
of the most influential men in his section, leaving the impress of his in-
dividuality for good upon the public life of the community. Both he and
his wife were consistent and faithful members of the United Presbyterian
church, displaying in their lives the force of those doctrines which promul-
gate kindliness, charity and helpfulness.
James M. Wilson, whose name introduces this review, was reared under
the parental roof, accompanying his parents on their various removals in
Ohio. He acquired his education in the common schools and in the Martins-
burg College at Martinsburg, Ohio. Subsequently he engaged in teaching
lIlSToRN ol- WASHINGTON COL'NTV 15
school through eight or ten winter terms, while the siiininer months were
devoted to work on the farm. Carefully saving his earnings, Mr. Wilson
eventually was enabled to purchase property, investing in one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Licking county, Ohio, in 1859. He then settled on
that farm and with characteristic energy began to till the fields and improve
the property. He made it his home until 1865, when he sold out and re-
moved to Champaign county, Illinois, where he lived for three years. In
1868 he arrived in Washington county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred
and Mxtv acres of his present farm, lying in Seventy-Six township. Upon
this property he has since made his home with the e.xception of a short
period of three years spent in Keota. In 1895 he purchased eighty acres
adjoining his home farm, having in all two hundred and forty acres of
rich and productive land which responds readily to the care and labor he
bestows upi>n it. Hero he breeds and raises shorthorn cattle and since 1901
has been feeding all of his ,t;rain. In his stock-raising interests he has been
quite successful and is now numbered among the substantial farmers ot
the County.
In 1858 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Saunders,
of Licking county, Ohio, and unto them were born five children, of whom
two are living: Jennie .V., who is assistant principal of the Keota (Iowa)
schools; and Robert O., living on the home farm. The wife and mother
passed away in 1888 and in 1895 Mr. Wilson was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Randolph, who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary
Reed, of \\'ebster, Iowa.
Mr. Wilson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions
and issues of the day, so that he is ever able to support his position by intelli-
gent argument. He served for twelve years as township trustee and his
frequent re-election to that office is proof positive of the capability which
he displayed in discharging his duties. He and his wife are devoted and
faithful members of the Cnited Presbyterian church, doing all in their power
to prom<ite its growth and .Mr. Wil.-^on has been an elder in the church for
more than a quarter of a century. His integrity is above question and if
there are mi.stakes in his life it is not a matter of intention. He has always
endeavored to live peaceably with his fellowmen and to do right on all oc-
casions and his record mav well serve as an example for others.
HORACE STEEL.
Horace Steel is now living retired in Riverside, having won a handsome
competence through the careful conduct of his farming and stock-raising
interests in former years. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana, on
the i8th of December, 1835, his parents being Justin and Eliza A. (Pugs-
ley) Steel, who were natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively. In
1828 thev took up their abode in Indiana, the mother passing away in that
16 HISToKV ()!• WASIIIXCTOX COLWTY
state in 1838. Justin Steel came to Washington county, Iowa, in 1856, and
entered a tract of land in Highland township, where he continued to reside
until called to his final rest in 1891, at the age of ninety-one years. He had
long been numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of the
community and his demise was the occasion of deep regret to all who knew
him. Unto him and his wife were born five children, but the subject of this
review is now the only surviving member of the family.
Horace Steel received only meager educational advantages in youth,
his attendance at school being limited to nine months, but through reading,
observation and experience he has learned many lessons of practical value and
is a well informed man. He remained under 'the parental roof until he had
attained the age of twenty-two years and then began learning the miller's
trade, working at that occupation for eighteen months. At the end of that
time, on account of failing health, he abandoned the trade and secured em-
ployment as a farm hand, being thus engaged until 1861. Having carefully
saved his earnings, he then purchased a farm in Highland township, in the
cultivation and improvement of which he was busily engaged until the time
of his retirement from active business life in 1904. In addition to raising
the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he also fed and shipped stock
on an extensive scale, both branches of his business returning to him a grati-
fying annual income. He is now the owner of eight hundred and eighty
acres of rich and productive land in Highland township and likewise has a
tract of (jne lumdred and fourteen acres in Iowa township. On putting aside
the active work of the fields he purchased a commodious and attractive
residence in Riverside, where he is now living retired in the enjoyment of
the fruits of his well directed and profitable labor in former years. He was
the organizer and is now the president of the Union Dale Telephone Com-
pany and is widely recognized as a most prosperous, enterprising and repre-
sentative citizen.
On the 1st of June, 1862, Mr. Steel was united in marriage to Miss
Elmira Green, whose birth occurred in Ohio, in 1841, her parents being
Wilson and Emily (Frazy) Green, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1845 they
removed to Jefferson county. Iowa, where the father bought a tract of land
and built a log cabin. It was a primitive structure and characteristic of those
pioneer times, having a clapboard roof, stick chimney and sod floor. Wilson
Green was called to his final rest in 1856 and his wife, surviving him for more
than four decades, passed away in 1898. Their family numbered seven chil-
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Steel have also become the parents of seven children,
the record of whom is as follows: Alonzo J., a resident of Mexico, Missouri;
Fannie E.. the wife of George Grecian, of Highland township, Washington
county: Tra C. and Milo M.. who make their home in this county: Charles
B.. who is deceased: Henry F.. likewise a resident of Washington county;
and Grace E., the wife of Alex McCreedy, of this county.
In his political views Mr. Steel is an unfaltering republican hut the hon-
ors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. His wife is a de-
voted member of the United Brethren church. His influence is ever on the
side of right and improvement. Having resided in this countv for more than
HISTORY OF WASIIlXt.TOX COUNTY 17
a half century, lie is most widely and favorably known within its borders,
while his many excellent traits of character have gained him the warm re-
gard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
W ILLIAM PORTER GARDNER, M. D.
Dr. William Porter Gardner is now living retired but his investments
include bank stock and farm lands which are valuable and return to him a
gratifying animal income. He is a man of resolute purpose, successfully
accomplishing what he undertakes and as the years have gone by his intelli-
gent appreciation and utilization of opportunity have brought him to the
enviable position which he now fills in the life of Wellman and the county.
One of the native sons of Washington county he was born in Seventy-
Six township, October 30, 1858. His father, Abel M. Gardner, was a native
of Madison county, Ohio, his life covering the intervening days between
the 24th of July, 1830, and the 30th of April, 1903. He was of German
lineage and a farmer by occupation. Coming to Iowa in 1853 he located in
Washington comity and entered a tract of land in Seventy-Six tow nsliip. W'ith
characteristic energy he began to develop the place wdiich he converted into
rich fields, remaining thereon until 1863 when he traded that property for
a farm adjoining Lexington on the north. There he lived until 1891 when
he retired from active business life and removed to the city of Washington,
where he spent his remaining days, being called to the home beyond on the
30th of April, 1903. He was eminently successful as a farmer and stock-
raiser, and when he retired, was in possession of a handsome competence.
At the time of his death he owned over three hundred acres of Iowa's best
farming land and derived therefrom a substantial annual income. He
built a beautiful residence in Washington, where he spent the evening of his
days in quiet and contentment for he could look back over the past without
regret as he had made good use of his opportunities and in seeking his
own success had wronged no man. He was a lifelong Methodist and for
years was a steward and trustee of the church. In politics he was a staunch
republican, but had no aspiration for office. A firm believer in the worth
and advocacy of education, he gave all of his children ample opportunity to
secure good mental development through the medium of schools and thus
become equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. He was very
charitable and a great lover of children, finding in their innocent prattle and
sports a constant source of delight and interest. He was very firm in his
convictions, his position ever being an unequivocable one and though men
might differ from him in opinion they never questioned his honesty and ever
respected his fidelity to his belief. He stood high in the esteem of his neigh-
bors and friends and on the whole was a man of many admirable qualities
of heart and mind. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Martin,
was born in Madison county. Ohio, July 15, 1829. and is now living with her
son William. She is a lady of marked physical strength and vigor. Her
18 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
girlhood days were spent in the home of her fatlier, Wilham Martin, who
w-as a farmer by occupation and in September, 1853, she gave her hand in
marriage to Abel M. Gardner, coming to Iowa in a wagon on her wedding
trip. She has been a Hfelong member of the Methodist church and her
Christian faith has been a dominating influence in her life. In the tamilv
were five children : Charles C, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume :
William P.; Alary Ellen, deceased: John, who died in infancy: and Frank
P., a shoe merchant of Newton, Iowa.
Dr. Gardner, whose name introduces this record, was reared to farm life
and in the country schools acquired his early education which was supple-
mented by study in the Washington Academy and State University of Iowa.
He was graduated from the medical department of the latter institution on the
3d of March, 1886, and at once located for practice in Lexington. After a
year's practice there, he removed to Wellman and enjoyed a growing patron-
age that made him one of the most successful physicians of the county through
the years of his active connection with the profession there up to the time
of his retirement, which occurred in August, 1906. He lives in a beautiful
home in Wellman, enjoying the fruits of his years of honorable activity.
He has valuable invested interests, owning farm lands in this county, a busi-
ness block in Wellman and stock in the Wellman Savings Bank, of which
he is a director, having thus been officially connected with the institution
from the time of the organization of the bank.
On the 9th of September. 1886, Dr. Gardner was married to Miss Nettie
Josephine Gassner, who was born in Birmingham, Iowa. December 21, 1861,
a daughter of Joseph Gassner, who was a minister of the Methodist Episco-
pal church and died in 1889 ^t the age of seventy-seven years. He occupied
pulpits in connection with the Iowa Conference for a long period and was
well known in connection with the moral development of this section of the
state. He married Harriet Housel, who was born in Pennsylvania and died
in 1876 at the age of fifty-four years. They were the parents of eight chil-
dren of whom Mrs. Gardner is the youngest. She was graduated from the
Mount Pleasant high school in 1880 and the Iowa Wesleyan University, at
Mount Pleasant in 1884. Dr. and Mrs. Gardner had three daughters:
Susan Harriet, the eldest, born June 17, 1887, is a member of the junior class
at Iowa Wesleyan University. She had graduated from the Wellman high
school with the class of 1904 and from the Musical Conservatory of Iowa
Wesleyan University in 1906 and is now pursuing a classical course there.
Lavanda, born February 10, 1889, graduated from the Wellman high school
with the class of 1905, and is a junior in Iowa Wesleyan University, and both
daughters are members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority with which their mother
became connected when she was a student in the same institution. Ellen,
the youngest daughter, born September 15, 1898, is now attending the
home schools. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Gardner belongs to the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife are
members of the Eastern Star. He is also connected with the Knights of
Pythias and other fraternal organizations. He was at one time president of
the Washington County Medical Society and occupied an honored place
llIS•^()R^" oi" WASiiixcTox corxTV v.)
in the ranks of the profession. In politics he has lonjj been a stanch re-
pubUcan and has served as county coroner, as a member of the school board
and of the town council. In these connections his work has been gratifying
as an effective force in the advancement of the best interests of the commun-
ity. While he stands today as a splendid representative of the prominent
and successful business man and physician, his business interests were ever
hut one phase of life to him and have never excluded his active participation
in and support of the other vital interests which go to make up human ex-
istence.
HIRAM WALLINGFORD. JR.
Hiram \\ allingford, jr., who is energetically and successfully engaged
in farming and stock-raising on his farm of eighty acres in Jackson town-
ship, was born in Washington county, Iowa, on the 23d of December, 1859.
His parents, Hiram and Eveline Wallingford, who were natives of Ken-
tucky, came to Washington county in 1849, locating first in the city of
Washington, where the father worked at the tailor's trade. Subsequently
he conducted a general store and also served as sheriff of this county for one
term, being elected on the whig ticket. In 1865 he enlisted for service in
the Union army as a member of Company I, Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer
Infantr\-, serving until honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, at
the close of hostilities. (_)n returning to this county he became identified
with agricultural pursuits in Jackson township, where he continued to
reside until called to his final rest on the 20th of June, 1894. His wife
passed away on the 8th of January, 1905, and thus the community lost two of
its most respected and esteemed early residents. Their family numbered
nine children, namely: Susan J., who has followed the profession of teach-
ing for thirty-two \ears and makes her home with her brother Hiram ; DuUa
A., deceased: Mary E., the wife of Joseph A. Hetherington, of Colorado;
David H., who is a resident of Washington, lov^'a ; James, who has also
passed away; Hiram, of this review; Sarah E., the wife of J. E. Glasgow,
of Nebraska; one who died in infancy; and Clara O., the wife of C. K.
Warren, of Henry county, Iowa.
Hiram Wallmgford obtained his education in the common schools and
remained under the parental roof until he had reached adult age. He then
took charge of the old homestead farm of eighty acres in Jackson town-
ship and has since been engaged in its cultivation and improvement, also
making a specialty of raising horses, cattle and hogs. He owns this place
in association with his sister, Susan J., who lives with him and they are
well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, while Mr. Wal-
lingford is numbered among its progressive, prosperous and enterprising
citizens.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Wallingford
has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy.
20 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON' COLXTY
and is now serving his fellow townsmen in the capacity of school director,
the cause of education finding in hiin a stalwart champion. Both he and
his sister belong to the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take
an active and helpful interest. During the half century of his residence in
Washington county, covering his entire life, he has so lived as to win the
regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated, having
ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and
clime awaken admiration and respect.
COLONEL DA\ ID JAMES PAL.MER.
Colonel David James Palmer, whose long years of capable public service
well entitle him to the high regard in which he is uniformly held, is now serv-
ing as state railway commissioner with residence in Washington, Iowa, but
with office in Des Moines. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
November 15, 1839, and is of Irish lineage in both the paternal and maternal
lines. His grandfather, James Palmer, was a native of the Emerald isle and
was prominent in public life there. Coming to America he established his
home in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and his last years were passed in
Carroll county, Ohio, where he died when about seventy-five years of age.
His wife, Mrs. Betty Palmer, also lived to an advanced age.
They were the parents of five children including Samuel Robert Palmer,
who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and in his youth was brought by
his parents to the new world. He was a wagonmaker by trade, yet devoted
the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits. About 1843 h^ removed
from Pennsylvania to Ohio and in 1856 became a resident of Iowa, settling
in Washington township, Washington county, where he purchased eighty
acres of land, to which he afterward added a tract of forty acres. As a com-
panion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Margaret JMunce, who
was born in Washington county, l^ennsylvania, and was a daughter of Joseph
Munce. Her father was born in Ireland, but in early life became a resident
of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of
farming. He married a Miss Bradford, who died in middle life, while he
reached his one hundred and first year. They were the parents of seven
children, two sons and five daughters, including Margaret Munce. who, as
stated, became the wife of Samuel Robert Palmer. From the time of their
arrival in Washington county, Iowa, in 1856, they remained residents of this
locality until called to their final rest, Mr. Palmer passing away in 1886
when about seventy-five years of age, while his wife survived until i8gi and
was in her eightieth year at the time of her death. They were members of
the United Presbyterian church and were earnest and consistent Christian
people.
Their only child. Colonel David James Palmer, was reared in (_)hio to the
age of sixteen years, his youthful days being spent on the home farm there
while in one of the log schoolhouses of the locality he pursued his education.
c^'^lZ^ U CCX^^i^tyi^^^^'^
TTTSTdRV oi" WASHINGTON' COUNTY 23
He then came with his parents to this county and continued his studies in the
Washington United Presbyterian College. When not occupied with the
duties of the school-room his time was largely given to the development and
cultivation of the home farm until, in response to the country's call for aid,
he enlisted in July, i86r. becoming a member of Company C, Eighth Iowa
X'olunteer Infantry. Although he joined the army as a private in a month he
was made a corporal. He served through the battle of Shiloh on the 6th of
April. 1862, on which occasion he sustained a very severe wound and was
taken to the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained until the middle of
June, when he was granted a furlough and returned home although yet unable
to walk. He became convalescent in July and began recruiting a company in
response to the call for three hundred thousand troops that came in that
month. He then returned to the front as captain of Company A, Twenty-fifth
Iowa Volunteer Infantry on the 1st of September, 1862. They reported
first at Helena, Arkansas, and were in Grant's first expedition up the Yazoo
in Sherman's Fifteenth .Army Corps. Captain Palmer with his command also
participated in the siege of Vicksburg until its surrender, was at the capture
of Arkansas Post and in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
Resaca and Dallas. As the Union troops advanced toward Atlanta he also
participated in the engagement at Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain and
Marietta and in the final investment of Atlanta and its capture, .\fter the
march to the sea Captain Palmer also participated in the campaign in the
Carolinas and was with the First Brigade, First Division (Stone's Iowa
Brigade) with the Fifteenth Army Corps at Columbia, South Carolina.
From that point they turned northward toward Raleigh, where Johnston and
Sherman negotiated peace terms, and then marched on to W' ashington by way
of Petersburg and Richmond, passing the grave of George Washington at
Mount Vernon, and participated in the grand review at the national capital.
There Colonel Palmer and his men were mustered out. returning to Iowa to
receive their pay. In the meantime he had been promoted on the gth of
June, 1863, to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was ever a brave and fear-
less officer, his own loyalty inspiring his men to deeds of valor. On the
nth of January, 1863, he was wounded in the left foot at Arkansas Post, and
was also slightly wounded in the left knee at Ringgold Station or Taylor's
Ridge.
When the war was over Colonel Palmer resumed agricultural pursuits on
his father's old home farm in \^'ashington county, giving several years to
that work, but in 1876 was called to public office, having been elected county
auditor, which position he creditably filled for four vears. In i8q2 he was
once more called to serve in an official capacity, representing the tenth sena-
torial district composed of Henry and Washington counties in the general
assembly from 1892 until 1808. During that period hi- record was at all
times an embndiment of prompt, faithful and commendable service, in which
he labored for the interests of his constituents and for the welfare of the state
at large. He was connected with considerable constructive legislation and
served on a number of important committees. In 1898 he received the ap-
pointni^nt of railroad commissioner from Governor Leslie M. Shaw, and
24 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUXTY
three times since has been chosen to the office. He is a stalwart republican,
supporting the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of
the Civil war, and has always been the party of practical reform and sub-
stantial progress.
On the 2Sth of October, 1866, Air. Palmer was married to Aliis Letitia
Helen Young, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of James Harvey and
Margaret M. (Henry) Young. Colonel Palmer and his wife are members of
the Second United Presbyterian church and he belongs also to I. G. White
Post, No. 108, G. A. R. He is one of the past department commanders of Iowa
and also belongs to the Iowa Commandery of the Loyal Legion. A resident of
the county since 1856, in the years which have come and gone since his arrival,
he has proven ever a loyal citizen devoted to general progress and cooperat-
ing in many tangible and substantial ways to those things which relate to local
advancement and national welfare. He is a broad-minded, public-spirited
man, who has long wielded a wide influence.
GEORGE MOOTHART.
George Moothart was for some time identified with industrial mterests,
although for a considerable period he has concentrated his energies upon
general agricultural pursuits. He is now engaged in farming in Cedar town-
ship, having eighty acres of land on section 8. He was born in Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1848, and is a son of Solomon and Esther
(Moore) Moothart, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. In
the year 1865 they came to Iowa and in 1868 took up their abode upon the
farm where the subject of this review now lives. The father then devoted his
time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, giving his attention
throughout the remainder of his life to the further development and improve-
ment of this place. He died in the year 1890, having for a few years survived
his wife, who passed away in 1886. They were the parents of thirteen chil-
dren, but only four are now living : Edwin, a resident of O'Brien coi'.nty,
Iowa ; George, of this review ; Lydia, who makes her home with her i?rother
George; and Sarah, the wife of John V. Hoeford, of English River town-
ship.
George Moothart was reared in the usual manner of 'sni, lads and re-
mained at home until twenty-five years of age. His father trained him in
the work of the fields, while his intellectual training was received in the
common schools. At length, however, he believed he would find other pur-
suits more congenial and profitable than farming, and took up the painter's
trade, which he followed for three years in Washington. On the expiration
of that period he learned carpentering and was employed in that way fcr
about twelve years. After his father's death he purchased the home farm,
whereon he now resides and is today the owner of eighty acres on section
8, Cedar township. This is a good property, the soil of which is carefully
tilled, as he produces the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here.
I lISTl )RV ( )!•■ W \SI 1 1 XGTON COUNTY 25
Year by year he labors earnestly and persistently in the further develop-
ment of the place and is now one of the substantial agriculturist? of the
community. His political views are an endorsement of the republican prin-
ciples and he has served as school director for several years, but otherwise
has never sought nor desired office, for his business affairs make full claim
upon his time and attention and in the conduct of his interests he is nearing
the goal of prosperity.
CONRAD LINS.
From the fatherland have conic many thrifty and enterprismy agricul-
turists to this state, among them being Conrad Lins, whose birth occurred in
Corhessen, Germany, now Prussia, August i6, 1833, a son of John and
Elizabeth (Andreas) Lins. His father remained in his native land, where he
followed farming until his death in 1886, and his mother also stayed within
the borders of her own country, where she entered into rest. They reared
a family of three children : Conrad ; Gertrude, who departed this life in her
seventh year; and Margaret Elizabeth, who resides in Germany.
On the farm operated by his father, Conrad Lins was reared, acquiring
his education in the government schools during his boyhood, and with his
parents he lived until he was twenty years of age. Hearing of the opportuni-
ties afforded in the United States along all lines, he then embarked for this
country, and after a voyage of forty-six days arrived in New York city.
He proceeded at once to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he stayed
for a short time and then went to Butler county. Pennsylvania. There he
engaged in farming for eleven years and, deciding to come west, he reached
Washington county, Iowa, April 6, 1865, and located in Washington towir-
ship, where he purchased the land upon whicli he now resides. It contains
one hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which is highly improved, and his
premises being provided with substantial buildings and his grounds being
well kept and in fine condition, his farm is one of the most desirable in the
county. In Iiis early life Mr. Lins dealt in live stock on a large scale and
acquired quite a reputation as a breeder of blooded cattle and Percheron
horses, but for several years past he has devoted his attention exclusively
to producing general crops.
In 185S .\lr. Lins wedded .Miss .Mary .\. -Scheidemantel, a native of
Germany, born May 19, 1838, who came to the United States in 1848 with
her parents, locating in Butler county, Pennsylvania. To this marriage
were born ten children, namely : Edward N., who died at the age of seventeen
years ; Margaret E., wife of Frank Shanefelt, of Estherville, Iowa : Caroline
L., who dieu .at the age of seven years ; Lucy, wife of D. C. Wells, a painter
and paper-hanger of Estherville, Iowa : Mary, who is a trained nurse resid-
ing at home; George J., at home; C. W. and Edwin R., both of whom are
engaged in farming in Washington township; I^eta, wife of Dr. Cadwalla-
der, a general practitioner of Millersburg, Iowa ; and Lavina. at home.
26 HISTORY OF WASHIXCTON COUNTY
Mr. Lins gives his support to the republican party, and during bis active
career, having taken considerable interest in local affairs, he has served as
school director and has also held the office of township treasurer of school
funds since 1878. He is a charter member of the Iowa Legion of Honor,
meeting with the lodge at the town of Washington. At the age of fourteen
years he united with the German Reformed church in Germany, and Mrs.
Lins united with the German Lutheran church while residing in Pennsylvania,
at the age of sixteen, but they now attend the Baptist church, to which he
is a liberal contributor. His conduct has always been such as to command
the respect and confidence of his neighbors, and in every particular he
deserves mention as a substantial farmer and representative citizen of the
township.
JOHN CHRISTIAN BAUER.
John Christian Bauer, who is turning his energies to cultivating the soil
in Franklin tov^nship, Washington county, is a native of Germany, and is
possessed of all the admirable quality of industry together with all the char-
acteristics common to his race and these have enabled him throughout his
career here to surround himself with prosperity and establish himself on an
excellent farm which, on account of the attention he has given to it, is one
of the most desirable tracts of land in the county.
His birth occurred April 19, 1867, and he is a son of John J. and Mary
(Genkinger) Bauer, both of whom are natives of Germany and came to
the new world about the year 1888, locating in Franklin township, this
county, where the father still resides, enjoying a high measure of health
and vigor. Here he has devoted his entire time and attention to the pur-
suit of agriculture although, while he was still a resident of his native land,
being a shoemaker by trade, he followed that occupation. Upon coming to
this country, he gave up shoemaking, engaging in it only to the extent of
supplying the needs of his immediate family. His wife departed this life
here in 1899. To them were born six children, namely: Carolina, the wife
of George Hartman, residing in Jefferson county ; John Christian ; Carl,
deceased; Ernest Fred, a prosperous agriculturist of Franklin township;
Lou, who operates a large farm in Cedar townshij) ; and Mary, the wife of
F. H. Ross, who is engaged in farming in Franklin township.
In his native land John Christian Bauer acquired his education and when
eighteen years of age, upon learning of the greater opportunities offered
in the new world for ambitious young men, he came to the United States in
1885, locating in Washington township, this county, where he remained for
a brief period and then went to Franklin township, where he was engaged
in farming on monthly wages, in the meantime completing a commercial
course in a business college. Having finished his education, he commenced
farming in Franklin township in 1892, and has since met with success, now
owning one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he has erected a fine
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 27
dwelling house. His farm is provided with all conveniences with which to
carry on his occupation to the best advantage. Desiring to pursue agri-
cultural upon modern methods he pays much attention to his soil, making a
study of crops and their rotation and as a consequence his harvests are all
that could be desired. Aside from engaging in general farming he makes
a specialty of stock-feeding, which has become the most lucrative depart-
ment of his business.
In 1892 the marriage of Mr. Bauer and Miss Ada Victorine Davis was
celebrated. She is a native of Franklin township, and has become the
mother of five children : Bessie, whose birth occurred December 10, 1892 ;
Ralph, born April 20, 1895; Margaret, born September 14, 1898; Roy. born
July 25, 1900; and Carlton, whose birth occurred on January 13, 1907.
While Mr. Bauer is not an aspirant for public office he takes a deep in-
terest in political issues and is a loyal supporter of the republican party.
Interested in local affairs, he has served four years as township assessor and
for two years as township trustee and is a member of the school board.
His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias meeting at West
Chester, and in his lodge he is the keeper of the record and seal. He and his
family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an estimable citizen,
an industrious and enterprising farmer and is accounted among the worthy
men of his township.
ISAIAH OLDFIELD.
Isaiah Oldfield is numbered among the native sons of Washington
county and his record is one which reflects credit upon the community in
which he has long lived. He has never sought to figure prominently in public
life, but in business affairs has been reliable and has manifested the spirit of
advancement in all things. He was born on the 22d of November, 1858,
and is a son of Paul and Rebecca Oldfield. His youthful days were spent
in his parents' home, his time being divided between the work of the school-
room, the pleasures of the playground and the duties of the fields. He
acquired a common school education and after he had attained his inajority
started out in life on his own account by renting land. He thus carried on
farming for himself for five years, on the expiration of which period he pur-
chased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and pro-
ductive land on section 5, Cedar township. This he has greatly improved,
equipping it with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. He
makes a specialty of raising stock and has good grades of horses, cattle and
hogs upon his place.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Oldfield was married in 1887
to Miss Irena Rickey, a daughter of Reuben and Ruth (Ayers) Rickey.
This union has been blessed with two children : L. E., who is a graduate of the
Wellman high school and is now at home ; and C. R., who is a pupil in the
Wellman high school. The parents are faithful members of the Methodist
28 HISTORY OF \AASHINGTON COUNTY
Episcopal church and cooperate actively in its work and contribute gener-
ously to its support. Mr. Oldfield votes with the republican party, thus
manifesting his interest in the political questions and issues of the day. He
has served as township trustee and as school director for seven or eight years
and is interested in all that pertains to public progress. Socially he is con-
nected with the Odd I'ellows Lndge. Xo. ij2. at W'ellman, and his support is
given to the various movements that contribute to the material, intellectual,'
social and moral welfare of the community. He is now one of the sub-
stantial farmers of Cedar township and the salient features in his life are
such as commend him to the confidence, trust and good will of his fellowmen.
ORVILLE ELDER.
Orville Elder is the publisher of the Evening Journal of Washington.
He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, October 13, 1866, and is a son of
David Clark and Saniantha Jane (Curry) Elder, natives of Ohio and Iowa
respectively. The former was a son of David Elder who was born in Penn-
s_\lvania and was of Scotch and Swiss descent. He devoted his life to
the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family. He married
Isabel Ray, and died in Alexis, Illinois, at the age of eighty-six years. The
children of this family were John J., William, Rebecca, Margaret, David
Clark, Alonzo and James.
Reared to the occupation of farming David Clark Elder chose that pur-
suit as a life work. At an early day he removed westward to Warren county.
Illinois, and in the early '60s came to Washington, Iowa, and attended the
college here. He was married in Washington to Miss Samatha Jane Curry,
whose father died in early manhood. Her mother bore the maiden name of
Jane Mitchell and by her marriage became the mother of three daughters,
the sisters of Mrs. Elder being Margaret and Mary Curry. At the rime of
the Civil war David Clark Elder attempted to enlist in an Iowa regiment,
but being rejected went to Illinois where he joined Company B, Eighty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for three
years. During much of the time he was at Fort Donelson, being a prisoner
of war a part of that time. When hostilities had ceased he returned to War-
ren county, Illinois, where he resided until 1884 and then established his
permanent residence in Washington, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1900
when he was sixty-four years of age. His widow still survives and makes
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Harry McCall. She is a member of the
Presbyterian church to which Mr. Elder also belonged. Unto them were
born two sons and four daughters: Helen, the wife of Albert Peterson, of
Govan, Saskatchewan; Orville; Arthur A., of Ogden, Utah; Leanna, the
wife of Harry McCall, of Washington, Iowa; Grace, who wedded C. C.
Lewis of Carlsbad, New Mexico; and Pearl, the wife of John W. Lewis, also
of Carlsbad.
HISTORY OF WASlliXC/roX COUNTY 29
Orville Elder acquired his education in Illinois and remained a resident
of that state until about eighteen years of age, when he came to Washington
where he remained for three years. He next spent a similar period
in Denver, Colorado, after which he returned to this city and for six years
was engaged in the grocery business. Retiring from commercial lines ne
purchased the Evening Journal which he has continuously published to the
present time. It is an independent daily paper, having a large local circula-
tion. He has a well equipped plant, and in connection with the publication
of the paper conducts a general job printing business, employing twelve
people. He is likewise one of the directors of the Washington Telephone
Company.
On the 4th of April, 1907, Mr. Elder was married to Miss Carolyn L.
Rail, a daughter of Rev. Otto and Anna (Steiner) Rail. Her father was a
native of Gennany. and her mother of Andeer, Switzerland. On coming
to America they settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and many years ago
arrived in Iowa, where Mr. Rail served pastorates in various Iowa towns.
The Rev. Mr. Rail met his death through accident, being struck by a loco-
motive when in middle life. He was a minister of the German Evangelical
Association and his influence was of no restricted order, his labors proving
a potent force in the upbuilding of his denomination. His wife survived him
for several years. They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters:
Rev. Frank Rail, of Baltimore, Maryland ; Fred, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ;
William A., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Charles R., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania;
Anna, the wife of William Nuhn, residing in Cedar Falls ; Dr. George Rail,
of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Professor Edward E. Rail, of Austin, Texas;
Carolyn, the wife of Orville Elder ; and Robert, of Pittsburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Elder are widely and prominently known socially and are
valued members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Elder belongs to Washing-
ton Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Cyrus Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M. ; and the
Orion Lodge, K. P. Politically he is a republican.
JOHN HORNING.
A good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Seventy-Six
township, pays tribute to the care and labor of Mr. Horning, who is num-
bered among the representative practical and progressive farmers of this
county. He was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, August 30, 1858, and is a
son of Martin and Mary (Blatmer) Horning. The mother was a native of
Germany, but in early life became a resident of Iowa. The father, a native
of Penn.sylvania, removed westward to this state and is still living in Keo-
kuk county, Iowa, but his wife passed away November 16, 1902. They were
the parents of seven children : Louisa, the wife of A. M. Clingan, a resident of
Keokuk county, Iowa : John, of this review ; William, who makes his home in
Seventy-Six township ; Henry, who carries on general farming in Cerlar
township: Christ, also a resident of Washington county: Marv, the wife
30 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of Harman Brining, living in Jackson township ; and George, who is de-
ceased.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for John Horning in his boyhood and youth. He worked at home until he had
attained his majority, and in the meantime he acquired his education through
the improvement of such opportunities as the public schools afforded. He
started out in life on his own account as a farm hand and worked in that
way for fourteen years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings
and then joined his brother William in the purchase of one hundred and
sixty acres of good land in Seventy-Six township. They carried on farming
in partnership upon that tract until 1895, when John Horning sold his in-
terest to his brother and purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred
and sixty acres on section 15, of the same township. His fields are well
tilled and bring forth rich harvests. The farm presents a most neat and
attractive appearance. He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding
hogs and sells a large number annually, so that his yearly income is greatly
augmented thereby. He is recognized as a business man of keen discernment
and unfaltering energy whose success has come as the direct reward of
earnest and persistent labor.
On the 13th of March, 1907. Mr. Horning was united in marriage to
Miss Nellie De Long, a native of Cedar township, this county. The marriage
has been blessed with an interesting little daughter, Mabel Marie. The
parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Horn-
ing gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has never
aspired to or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs. He forms his plans readily, is determined in their executinn
and as the years have passed he has won that prosperity which is the direct
and merited reward of earnest, persistent labor.
HON. JOHN ALENANDER YOUNG.
Hon. John Alexander Young, who since 1843 'i^s resided in Washing-
ton county, has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and banking, having
for the past thirty years acted as cashier of the Washington National Bank.
He has, moreover, been active in public affairs shaping the political history
of the state, representing his district in the upper house of the general assem-
bly. His salient characteristics are those of honorable manhood and pro-
gressive citizenship, combined with an unfaltering allegiance to the duties
and obligations which each day brings. He was born in Rush countv. In-
diana, July 29, 1838.
His grandfather, Alexander Young, was a native of Pennsylvania and
one of the early settlers of Flemingsburg. Kentucky, where he was married.
Later he removed to Indiana and in 1848 came to Iowa, his last davs being
spent near Lexingeon, in Washington county, where he died when about
seventy-five years of age. On the day of his death he rode on horseback from
.HE NliW YORK
PUBLIC UBRARY
AETOR. LENOX
TILDKN FOUNDA-TiaN
HIST()R^• ol- W'ASHIXtiTuX COUNTY 33
his home to the polHng place and voted for Abraham Lincoln, passing away
on the succeeding- evening. He had served his country as a soldier in the
war of 1812 and was also a progressive citizen, giving practical aid in the
work of general improvement and progress as this county was converted
from a frontier district into one of the splendidly developed counties of the
commonwealth. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Ricketts,
passed away when about eighty-two years of age.
Their son, James N. Young, was born in Fleiningsburg, Kentucky, and
during boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to Rush county.
Indiana. In earl\- manhood he engaged in clerking and in teaching in the
public schools. The remainder of his life was devoted to farming. In Rush
county. Indiana, he wedded .Sallic Eyestone, a daughter of John Eyestone,
who was a native of Ohio and removed to Indiana during the pioneer epoch
in its history. In that state he followed merchandising for a number of years
and eveiiuially took up his abode in Washington county, Iowa, where he
engaged in farming. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Alice (Armstrong) Eye-
stone, lived to an advanced age and reared a large family, including their
daughter Sallie, who became the wife of James N. Young. She was a native
of Ohio and went to Indiana in her girlhood with her parents and was there
married. They became the parents of two children, the younger being James
Harvey Young, who was killed in the battle of Shiloh. The wife and mother
died in October, 1840, when less than twenty years of age. She was a con-
sistent member of the Methodist church and her many excellent traits of
heart and mind endeared her to all who knew her. Mr. Young also held
membership in the Methodist church. Following the death of his first wife
he wedded Martha J. Combs, and there were fifteen children born of that
union, of whom nine are yet living: Elizabeth, the wife of H. H. Beaty of
I'.Ik county, Kansas; Samuel P., of Eureka, Kansas; Edward A., of Car-
tha ,e, Missouri ; Fletcher, of Elk county, Kansas ; Jennie, the wife of Wil-
liam Burt, also of Elk county, Kansas ; Riley and Robert, both of Elk county,
Kansas ; George, of Idaho ; and Flournoy, residing in Elk county, Kansas.
Ida. deceased, became the wife of a Mr. Haines. The others died in early
life.
hollowing his second marriage James N. Young came with his family to
Washington county. Iowa, casting in his lot among the pioneer settlers. He
located in Cedar township and secin-ed two hunrlred and sixtv-seven acres of
government land, of which two huiidrcfl acres were prairie on which not a
furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He built a hewed losjf
house, in which the family were soon comfortably installed, although there
were many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life to be met. Their
home was the farthest nut on the i>rairie from the timber. It was not
deemed wise at that time to take up prairie land as the value of it was not
known, but the years proved the wisdom of the settlers who did so, for in all
the country there is no richer soil than the Iowa prairies and no state in a
similar area produces as large crops of some of our chief cereals. As time
passed and Mr. Young prospered in his undertakings he erected new build-
ings, made substantial improvements upon his farm and developed one of the
34 MISTURV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
fine properties of the locality, making his home thereon for a little more
than thirty year^. nr until 1873, when he lost heavily by going security for
friends. He then removed to Elk county, Kansas, and started anew on the
wild prairies, again meeting all of the conditions of pioneer life in the eflfort
to retrieve his lost position. In this he was successful, accumulating a com-
petency for old age, and his last years were spent in Howard, Kansas, where
he reached the age of eighty-two years, lacking one month. His second
wife died a week later. Air. Young is well remembered by many of the
citizens of Washington county as a man who in all of life's relations enjoyed
and merited the respect and good will of his fellow citizens. He held various
township ofifices and in the winter of 1854-55 was representative from Wash-
ington and Louisa counties in the Iowa legislature, the capital being then
at Iowa City. Washington county owes him much for his efi'orts in hei
behalf, which were always far-reaching and beneficial.
John A. Young, whose name introduces this record, was reared on his
father's farm in Washington county, arriving here in 1843 when a little lad
of five years. His early education was obtained in the subscription and dis-
trict schools, while later he enjoyed the benefit of three years' instruction in
the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant. He made good use of his
opportunities and when nineteen years of age began teaching school, which
profession he followed for four years. He then married and located on a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township, which he improved
and made his home until the winter of 1871. As the years passed he brought
his fields under a high state of cultivation, using the latest improved machin-
ery to facilitate his work, and the value of his labor was manifest in the
excellent crops which he produced.
Leaving the farm to take up other lines of business activity, Air. Young
removed to Washington on the ist of December, 1871, having been elected
county auditor, in which position he served for two years. On retiring from
that office he became assistant cashier of the Washington National Bank on
the 27th of January, 1874, and on the ist of July, 1878, he became cashier,
which position he has filled for more than thirty years. He stands as one of
the foremost representatives of financial interests in this part of the state,
thoroughly acquainted with banking in every particular, ever watchful of the
interests of his patrons and at the same time winning success for the institu-
tion through his capable management and keen business discernment. His
life work has at all times been creditable and in no business transaction has
he ever been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen.
In fact, he sustains an unassailable reputation for business integritv and is
honored and respected wherever known and most of all where best known.
That his fellow citizens have faith in him is indicated by the fact that he
was elected to represent the tenth district in the state senate where he served
through three sessions, giving to each question which came up for settlement
thoughtful and earnest consideration. He was one of the active working
members of the upper house and was actuated in all that he did by a sincere
desire to promote the interests of the commonwealth. He was also the
chairman of the Chattanooga-Iowa monument commission for seven years.
HISTURV ur W ASillXGTUX CuLW'TV 35
Long before this Mr. Young had given substantial proof of his loyalty to
his country, the only interruption to an active business career occurring in
1862 when, on the 19th of August, he responded to the country's call for
military aid and enlisted as a private of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Vol-
unteer Infantry. With this command he served until honorably discharged
on the 6th of June, 1865, the regiment disbanding on the 15th of the same
month. On the organization of the company he was elected .second lieu-
tenant and in June, 1863, was promoted to first lieutenant, while a year later
he was made captain of his company. He was slightly wounded at Arkansas
Post in January, 1863, and again sustained slight injuries at Ringgold, Geor-
gia, in the same year. At Resaca, on the 15th of May, 1864, he was seriously
wounded in the head. During his connection with the army he participated
in a number of hotly contested battles, including the engagement at Chick-
asaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, the entire siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Moun-
tain. Missionary Ridge, Ringgold and the engagements of the Atlanta cam-
paign, followed by the celebrated march under Sherman to the sea and then
northward from Savannah, Georgia, through the Carolinas. At Columbia
in February, 1865, his company, under his orders, saved the hospital build-
ings (the Columbia College buildings which were then used for hospital
buildings) from destruction by fire, while the city was burning. The build-
ings at the time contained about one hundred and eighty ill and wounded
soldiers, most of whom were Confederates. His broad humanitarianism,
however, prompted him to do this work, knowing that the inmates were
unable to make their escape because of illness or wounds. Captain Young
likewise participated in the battle of Bentonville in March, 1865, after which
the Union troops followed Johnston's army to a point near Raleigh and
there remained until peace was declared, word reaching them at Goldsboro
of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Captain Young was also with the vic-
torious army that marched through the streets of the capital city, cheered
by countless thousands who thus welcomed the northern troops, while over
Pennsylvania avenue was suspended a broad banner, bearing the words:
"The only debt which the country owes that she cannot pay is the debt that
she owes to her soldiers." When the war was over Captain Young resumed
the duties of civil life, although he was not able to engage actively in the work
of the farm for but a few years, owing to the serious consequences of his
wounds.
At the close of hostilities he gladly returned to his family. He had been
married on the 4th of October, i860, to Miss Elizabeth A. Runyan, a daugh-
ter of Micajah D. and Elizabeth (Argo) Runyan, who were early settlers
of Jefferson county, Ohio, where the birth of Mrs. Young occurred. By her
marriage she became the mother of three children. Ella Annette became the
wife of A. W. Hall, of Colfax, Iowa, and the mother of five children, Fred
Y., James N.. Harvey W.. Dorothy E. and Marjorie. John Wilbur, tJie
first born son, died in infancy. Harvey S., now cashier of the Winfield
State Bank at Winfield, Iowa, married Louise E. Parmalee, and they have
three children, Hoyt R., Helen and Ruth.
86 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Captain and Mrs. Young hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church and occupy a prominent position in social circles where intelligence
and true worth are regarded as essential attributes to congeniality. Mr.
Young belongs to I. G. White Post, No. 108, G. A. R., and thus maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades. In his political views he has
always been a republican since the organization of the party, never failing to
support its candidates at the polls. He served as mayor of Washington in
1879 and 1880. In a review of his life it will be seen that his salient charac-
teristics which have led him to prominence are such as any might cultivate,
consisting of activity and reliability in business, loyalty in military and polit-
ical service and the just recognition at all times of the rights of others. Such
a man cannot fail to enjoy the confidence, good will and honor of his
fellowmen.
R. H. CARR.
R. H. Carr, successfully conducting a livery stable in Wellman, is one
of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Lime Creek township on
the 17th of February, 1868. His father, I. N. Carr, a native of New York,
is a veteran of the Civil war and is now living retired after many years of
active connection with the business interests of Iowa. At the early age of
fourteen years he was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood, but
through unfaltering energy and indefatigable preseverance he worked his
way upward in the business world to a place of distinction among the repre-
sentative citizens of Washington county. He first became connected with
a nail factory, where he was employed for two years, and then, at the age
of sixteen, he came to Iowa where he secured employment as a farm hand,
continuing thus until twenty years of age. He then purchased a farm in
Lime Creek township, where he continued to reside until 1898, in which year
he retired from active business life and removed to Wellman, where he now
resides. He owns two hundred and eighty-three acres of land in Lime
Creek township and also five residences in the village of Wellman, while he
is well known in financial circles of this city as a director of the Wellman
Savings Bank, and a stockholder in the Bank of Keota, Iowa. In 1865
he married Miss Margaret Taylor, a native of Iowa and a daughter of
Henry and Eleanor (Squires) Taylor, and in their family were eleven
children, namely : David A., a resident of Manitoba, Canada ; R. H., of this
review ; Nora I., the wife of Rev. W. A. Schwimley, pastor of a church
at Sibley, Iowa; Sylvia E., the wife of Dr. J. E. Green, of Grand Junction,
Colorado; Ezra D., deceased; Harriet E., the wife of Rev. W. De Yoe, the
pastor of a church in Chicago, Illinois ; Mary Isabelle, the wife of Ralph B.
Hull, of Washington county; Maud B., the wife of Otto Klockenteger, a
blacksmith of Wellman. Iowa ; Nellie G., who wedded W. Palmer, a resi-
dent of Oklahoma ; Victor C, employed in the Wellman Savings Bank ; and
Leslie L., now attending the State University at Iowa City. Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 37
I. N. Carr both survive and are active members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and are highly respected throughout the community.
R. H. Carr, whose name introduces this revi-ew, was reared upon his
father's farm and attended the district schools of the neighborhood in the
acquirement of his education. After laying aside his text-books he entered
the broader school of experience where he learned practical lessons concern-
ing the value of diligence, preservance and industry. In 1894 he purchased
eighty acres of farni land on section 27, Lime Creek township, which he
operated continuously until 1907 in connection with his father's farm, which
he cultivated from 1809 until 1907. In the latter year he came to Wellman,
where he purchased the stock and livery business of G. I. King, to the con-
duct of which he is now directing his time and energies. He has already
attained a gratifying measure of success, while he is constantly seeking to en-
large the scope of his business. His equipment of horses and vehicles is both
extensive and of a high order and his number of satisfied patrons is con-
stantly increasing. He also owns considerable farming property, being the
owner of one hundred and forty acres of land in Stevens county. Kansas,
together with his original farm of eighty acres in Lime Creek township.
On the 4th of February, 1893, Mr. Carr was united in marriage to Miss
Rachel Cora England, who was born on the 25th of January, 1873, and is a
daughter of Joel and Katherine England. Her father passed awav in 1908.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Carr has been blessed with two children: Lillian
Hazel, born November 5, 1897: and Joel Arden, born March 6, 1902. In his
fraternal relations Mr. Carr is a member of Dayton Lodge, No. 128, A. F.
& A. M. : Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M.. of Washington ; and Bethlehem Com-
mandery, K. T.. of Washington, while he and his wife both hold membership
in the Eastern Star. Politically he is independent, preferring to give his
support at the polls to the men and measures which in his opinion are best
adapted to conserve the general welfare and promote prosperity. He is
interested in all matters of general moment, readily lending his influence to
all measures which have for their object the upbuilding and progress of the
community. A man of sterling integrity and high moral worth, his salient
characteristics are such as have gained for him the respect, confidence and
good will of all with whom he has been associated.
MISS ALMA G. OTT.
Miss Alma G. Ott, who since 1899 has capably served in the office of post-
mistress at Riverside, was born in Washington county, Iowa, her parents
being Dr. William and Rhoda (Glasgow) Ott, both of whom were natives of
Ohio. The year 1854 witnessed their arrival in this state and for thirty-five
years the father was a successful medical practitioner of Riverside. Prior
to his graduation as a physician he followed the profession of civil engineer-
ing. He passed away in 1899. having for a number of years survived his
wife, who was called to her final rest in 1886. LTnto this worthy couple
38 HISTORY OF \\'A.SlilN( ITOX COUNTY
were born three children, namely : Alma G., of this review ; William D.,
a civil engineer by profession, who lives at the family home with his sister
Alma : and Mildred J., the wife of John L. Stevens, of Iowa City.
Miss Alma G. Ott completed her education by a course of study in
Mount Vernon, Iowa. In 1899, under the administration of William McKin-
ley, she was appointed postmistress of the office at Riverside and has since
been the capable incumbent in the position, receiving a salary of twelve
hundred dollars a year. Her brother now resides with her in a handsome
and attractive residence which they own in Riverside, and with the excep-
tion of five years which she spent with friends at San Diego, California,
she has always made her home in that town. She is a valued member of
Floral Lodge, No. 197, O. E. S., and has filled some of its chairs. Her
many e.xcellent traits of heart and mind have endeared her to many with
whom she has come in contact and she has an extensive circle of friends
throughout the community.
W. E. BROWN.
W. E. Brown, owning and operating a valuable and well improved farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Jackson township, was bom
in New Jersey on the 24th of August, 1847, his parents being Jesse B. and
Matilda (Cooper) Brown, likewise natives of New Jersey. In 1854 they re-
moved to Marshall county, Illinois, where they remained for thirteen years,
on the expiration of which period they came to Washington county, Iowa,
in 1867. Here they resided until called to their final rest, the father passing
away in 1877, while the mother of our subject died on the 23d of February,
1893. Their family numbered twelve children, namely: Isabelle, the wife
of Elijah Camery, of Henry, Illinois : Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Clyde,
of Washington, Iowa ; W. E., of this review : and nine who are deceased.
W. E. Brown acquired his education in the common schools and remained
under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. During the next
five years he rented the farm on which he now resides and then purchased
eighty acres of the old homestead place, to which he subsequently added
another tract of eighty acres, his holdings now embracing one hundred and
sixty acres on section 21, Jackson township. Here he has erected an at-
tractive and commodious residence and all necessary outbuildings and in his
farming operations has met with a commendable and gratifying measure of
success, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for
the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
On the 13th of February, 1868. Mr. Brown was united in marriac;e to
Miss Martha C. Booth, whose birth occurred in Bureau county. Illinois,
December 11, 1846, her parents being Joseph and Hannah (Cooper) Booth.
Both her father and mother were natives of England, emigrating to the
United States in 1843 '"i*^ taking up their abode in Bureau county, Illinois,
where they resided until death claimed them. Joseph Booth passed away
IIIS'IURV Ul' W ASlilXGTUX COLXTV 39
on the 6th of May. 18S3. while the demise of liis wife occurred Feliruary 3,
1892. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, as follows: Susan,
the wife of G. F. Walbridge, of Los Angeles, California; Elizabeth, born
May 20, 1835, who is now the widow of C. J. Rhodes and makes her home in
Bureau county, Illinois; Squire, who was born October 19, 1838, and is now
a resident of Oberlin, Ohio; Collin N., who was born October 11, 1841, and
resides in Henry county, Illinois ; Walter, whose birth occurred September
24, 1844, and who is now living in Princeton, Illinois; Mrs. Brown; Hannah
M., bom November 25, 1849, who is deceased; Melissa T., who has also
passed away ; and David, who was born October 28, 1855, ^"d is a resident
of Bureau county, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three
children: Effie May, whose birth occurred November 30, 1868, and who is
now the wife of J. E. Wright, of Jackson township ; Charles E., born August
24, 1871, who is also a resident of Jackson township; and Walter Scott,
who was born July 22, 1878, and lives on the home farm. He wedded Miss
Maud E. Chaffee, whose birth occurred in Greene county, Ohio, in 1881,
and who came to Washington county, Iowa, with her parents when a maiden
of thirteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Walter S. Brown have a daughter, Cora
B., born March 10, 1907.
In his political affiliation Mr. Brown is a stanch democrat and has been
an active worker in the local ranks of the party, serving both as trustee and
clerk, wliile for twelve years he was school director and for twentv-two years
capably discharged his official duties in the position of treasurer. Both
he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Thev are
highly esteemed in the community, their good qualities of heart and mind
bringing to them the warm friendship of many with whom they have come in
contact.
L. M. DOWNING, M. D.
Dr. L. M. Downing, who for the past six years has been a successful
medical practitioner of Wellman. was born in Daytonsville, Iowa, on the
2ist of February, 1879, his parents being J. R. and Martha (Long) Down-
ing. He continued to reside at home until he became enrolled as a student
at the State L'niversity, from which institution he was graduated in 1903.
Subsequently he located for practice in Wellman. where he has remained to
the present time and that he has attained proficiency and skill is indicated by
the large patronage which is accorded him and which has made him one of
the representative members of the medical fraternity of his native county.
In 1904, Dr. Downing was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Stewart,
whose birth occurred at Keota, Iowa, in 1879. her father being Archibald
Stewart, who is mentioned on another page of this volume. Mrs. Downing,
who is a high school graduate, has become the mother of one daughter,
Helen, bom October 15, 1906.
40 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
Dr. Downing exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the repubhcan party, while fraternally he is connected with
Daytonville Lodge, No. 149, A. F. & A. M., at Wellman. His wife is a
devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal chuich.
JOSIAH MORROW,
Josiah Morrow had the distinction of having been tiie first white man to
settle on Deer creek. He was also during his life one of the most influential
men in this part of the county and the memory of his life remains as one of
the most notable monuments of the best use of manv vears of which the com-
munity can boast. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, May 28, 1819,
the son of John and Jane (Garvin) Morrow. The parents after their mar-
riage in South Carolina, their native state, went to Parke county, Indiana, and
later to Peoria, Illinois. There John Morrow died, and the mother made her
home with a daughter. Mrs. Daniel Prince, in Fort Scott, Kansas, where she
died.
Josiah Morrow came to Iowa in 1840 and was the first white man to seek
to make a home on Deer creek in Johnson county. Travelers and strangers
came but infrequently to the region, and women almost not at all. for it is
said that Mrs. Morrow had been three months at their place before she saw
another white woman. It was a difiicult life in the new country, with very
little alleviation of any kind. The Indians were the only other humans, and
of necessity a bond of friendship sprang up between them and the white
settlers. Mr. Morrow seemed to know how to get on with them : he learned
to speak their language and won their confidence. In October, 1848, Mr.
Morrow forsook that section for Washington county, still in the first stages
of development but closer to the world of men than was the little home on
Deer creek. In Washingon county he took up a government claim of one
hundred and sixty acres near Wellman, upon which his son Edwin still lives.
Among the treasured possessions of the family are two deeds, one signed by
Franklin Pierce, the other bv Zachary Taylor, confirming Mr. Morrow's
ownership of this piece of land. Both the farm and the deeds have remained
in the family and form the nucleus about which a healthy tradition has already
begun to gather.
Mr. Morrow was three times married. His fir'^t wife was Miss Sarah
Ann Bouton. who bore him seven children. When he married the second
time he chose Miss Sarah Ann Blandin for his helpmeet, who became the
mother of four children. Her sister. Miss Susan M. P.Iandin, became Mr. ]\Ior-
row's third wife and is the mother of the two sons, Dewitt T. and ^'aughn G..
who cultivate the home farm of one hundred and forty acres. Mrs. Morrow,
the widow, was born in Steuben county. New York, the daughter of John
and Parthenia ("Fisher) Blandin. The parents came to Iowa in t86o. locating
in Lime Creek towmship, Washington county, where they made their home
until their death. Mrs. i\Iorrow is a high-school graduate and for some
'f J/rf// ■ I i r //'f tr
1 PUBLIC LIBRARY'
IIJSTom ol- WASIIIXGTON COUNTY 43
years before her marriage devoted her talents to instructing the young. She
is an accompHshcd woman, endowed with a nature that in its cheerful sunni-
ness is like a tonic to her friends.
During his life Mr. Morrow was an active. meml>er of the Methodist Epis-
copal church and was most diligent in furthering its work and interests. The
local IMasonic lodge also included him upon their roll-call, and his brothers
in the society found him a staunch friend upon whom they might depend
in time of need. When occasion required he gave his support to the re-
publican candidate as the representative of the political party whose platform
most nearly coincided with his views. But his influence was ever thrown on
the side of right and justice, and the weight of his opinion was not im-on-
siderable, for his was a strong personality, and he was a man of breadth and
depth beyond the ordinary. The community was the better for his having
lived in its midst, and the friends to whom his cheerfulness, courage and
general lovableness endeared him were often refreshed and given new
heart for the life that was before them by his sunny smile or his laugh of
good comradeshi]3.
WILLIAM S. PARKS, M. D.
Dr. William S. Parks is a practicing physician and surgeon of Brighton.
Iowa, whose career thus far in his profession has been one of eminent use-
fulness and the means of acquiring him a liberal patronage, inasmuch as his
knowledge of materia medica and his skill in surgery have won him an ex-
cellent reputation throughout the city and adjoining country.
His birth occurred in Sigourney, Keokuk county, this state, January g,
1859, ''"d he is a son of Arad and Emeline Parks. His father, a native of
Vermont, came to this state about the year 1856 and located in Sigourney,
where, with the exception of the time he spent in the army, he lived until
he departed this life. He was a physician and surgeon who followed his
profession with great success and was known throughout the county as one
of the most efficient practitioners of the medical fraternity. His wife is
a native of Maryland, but they were married in Brownsville, Indiana. She
still survives and resides in Brighton, Iowa. In their family were two chil-
dren: Emerson A., who passed away in 1908; and William S.
Dr. William S. Parks early developed the desire to enter the medical
profession and every advantage was given to him by his mother to gratify
his longing. His preliminary education was acquired in the common and
high schools of his native county, and after his graduation from the latter,
desiring to see some of the world, he spent two years in Wyoming and New
Mexico as a government surveyor, at the expiration of which time, in the
fall of 1881, he entered upon the study of medicine under Drs. Cook and
McWilliams, of Sigourney. After spending a year or more under their
instruction, he became a student at the State University of Iowa, from which
institution he was graduated March 4, 1885. He immediately began the
44 HISTORY OF WASHlXriTON COUNTY
practice of his profession in Sigourney but in 1886 came to Brighton, where
he has since built up an excellent practice.
On September 19, 1889, occurred the marriage of Dr. Parks and Miss
Emma Nora Peterson, and to them have been born three children : Estella,
whose birth occurred September 29, 1890, and who is a student at the State
University; Eugene William, who was born February 20, 1894; and Arthur,
whose birth occurred October 14, 1899.
Politically, the Doctor is a republican, and while he does not desire
public office he keeps abreast of the times regarding the paramount issues
of the day and is a loyal supporter of the candidates of his favorite party
during campaigns. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is
affiliated are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a
mernber for twenty years, during which time he has filled all the chairs,
and the Modern Woodmen of America, meeting in Brighton. He belongs to
that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ, being a
strong supporter of the organization, and is a member of the state and
countv medical associations, being at the present writing the president of
the latter. Dr. Parks has made an excellent career in his chosen profession,
his practice throughout the community gradually growing on account of the
studious attention he gives to all the sciences pertaining to the work of the
physician and surgeon, and he may justly be numbered among the finest and
foremost medical practitioners in the county.
CHARLES K. NEEDHAM.
Charles K. Needham, whose success is due to ready adaptability and
thorough understanding of the business in which he embarked as a young
tradesman, is now editor and proprietor of the Washington County Press,
published in the city of Washington. His birth occurred in Oskaloosa;
Iowa, January 13. 1868, his parents being William H. and Olive Ann
(Knowlton) Needham, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The paternal
grandfather, David Needham, was a native of Pennsylvania and became
an early settler of Guernsey county, C^hio. Subsequently he cast in his lot
with the pioneer settlers of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and built the first hotel there,
while with the work of general progress and improvement he was closely
associated for many years. While in Ohio he at one time served as sheriff
of Guernsey county. He lived to be eighty-eight years of age, while his
wife died at the age of fifty-five years. They '-"re the parents of seven or
eight children, including William H. Needham, well known throughout
Iowa as a prominent representative of journalism. He has been a printer
and newspaper man for over a half century. Coming from Ohio to Iowa
in 1852 he located in Oskaloosa, where he lived for several years and pub-
lished the Oskaloosa Herald. He was also postmaster there for seven years
under the administration of President Grant. In 1878 he came to Sigourney,
where he still makes his home and he and his sons now publish the Keokuk
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 45
County News at that place. He has also been postmaster there for the past
ten years, giving a prompt and efficient administration, but whether in office
or out of it he is always loyal to the best interests of the community at large,
local jjrogress and national advancement both being causes dear to his heart.
At the time of the Civil war he gave substantial proof of his patriotism in
active service at the front, becoming iirst lieutenant of Company D, Twenty-
second Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served for four and a half years, took
part in the entire siege of Vicksburg and was the first man to plant the
Union flag on the fort there. He likewise participated in the battle of Cedar
Creek and in other important engagements which contributed to the final
victor}-, which crowned the Union arms. Both he and his wife are consistent
members of the Methodist church. In early manhood he wedded Olive
Ann Knowlton, a daughter of Samuel Knowlton, a native of Maine, who
lived for many years in Cincinnati. He devoted much of his life to farming
and on leaving Ohio became one of the early settlers of Mahaska county,
Iowa, where he owned an extensive tract of land of six hundred acres. He
died in New Sharon, Iowa, at the age of seventy-eight years while his first
wife, Mrs. JuHa (Hadley) Knowlton, the grandmother of our subject, passed
away at the age of fifty-five years. For his second wife he chose Mrs. Har-
riet Ellis. By the first marriage there were twelve children including Mrs.
Olive A. Needham, who by her marriage became the mother of nine children,
seven of whom are yet living, namely : Charles K. ; John R., publisher of the
Centerville lowegian ; Edna P., the wife of J. M. Beck, of Centerville, Iowa;
Emma J., the wife of William Minteer, of Sigourney, Iowa; Sherman W.,
editor of the News of Sigourney ; Anna Belle, and William H., also resi-
dents of Sigourney.
Charles K. Needham remained in his native city to the age of ten years
when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Sigourney, where
they remained for twenty-six years. He attended the public schools there
until he became a high-school student and was afterward a pupil in Penn
College, a Quaker institution at Oskaloosa. When sixteen years of age he
began learning the printer's trade and has followed it practically throughout
his entire life. In July, 1906, he arrived in Washington and purchased the
Washington County Press, the oldest paper of the county and the only one
published in magazine form in the state. It is republican in politics and is a
well edited journal devoted to the dissemination of local and general news
and at all times championing those measures and movements which are calcu-
lated to promote the best interests of the city and of the county at large. He
also conducts a profitable job printing business, and both departments are
meeting with a gratifying patronage. He is also interested in the Sigourney
News, Montezuma Republican and the Centerville lowegian.
On the 15th of September, 1900, Mr. Needham was married to Miss
Nell D. Lafifer, a daughter of Henry and Georgia (Crist) Laflfer. Mrs.
Needham was born on a farm near Sigourney and is a lady of culture and
broad education, possessing as well good business qualities, and for the past
seven years has served as court reporter in the sixth judicial district of
Iowa.
46 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
Mr. Needham belongfs to Webb Lodge, No. 281, A. F. & A. M., of
Sigourney; Joppa Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M. ; Bethlehem Commandery,
K. T. of Washington ; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Daven-
port. He also holds membership with the Sigourney Lodge of Odd Fellows
and with the encampment at Washington and with the Knights of Pythias
at Washington. His business ability, enterprise and laudable ambition in
the line of his chosen life have carried him into important relations with
the journalistic interests of the state and he holds a high place in the regard
of his fellow members of the newspaper craft.
SOLOMON WEEKLY.
Solomon Weekly is numbered among the representatives of farming in-
terests in Seventy-Six township, making his home since 1890 upon his
present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of Iowa's rich
soil. He was born in Doddridge county, Virginia, now West Virginia, and
attended the common schools in his home neighborhood. At twenty-two
years of age he was married and, thinking to find better opportunities in the
middle west, made his way to Richland county, Illinois, where he remained
for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Doddridge
county, where he continued for ten years and in 1882 arrived in Washing-
ton county, Iowa. Here he began farming upon rented land and continued
to thus engage m the tilling of the soil until his industry and careful expendi-
ture had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm.
It was in 1889 that he purchased eighty acres of his present place, on which
he took up his abode in the spring in 1890. Two years later he bought an
eighty acres adjoining, thus extending the boundaries of his property until
it now includes one hundred and sixty acres. Here he carries on general
farming and has been very successful in his chosen life work. Year by
year he carefully tills the fields and the planting of early spring and the
cultivation of the summer months are rewarded by generous harvests in
the autumn.
Mr. Weekly was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Coleman, a native of
Allegany county, Maryland, and unto them have been born five children:
Lewis, a resident of Floyd county, Iowa; Virgil, living in Henry county,
Iowa; Blanche, the wife of O. T. King, of Seventy-Six township, Washing-
ton county; Frederick, who makes his home in Cedar township, this county;
and Eflfie, the wife of Frederick Fisher, who operates his father-in-law's
farm. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, taking an active interest in its work and doing all in their
power to extend its influence. Mr. Weekly votes with the republican party.
He does not seek to figure prominently in public afl^airs but is justly accounted
one of the representative farmers of Seventy-Six township and belongs to
the class of self-made men of whom the county has just reason to be proud.
Starting out in life empty-handed, he placed his dependence upon the sub-
illSToRV ()!■■ W ASIIIXCTt i\ r( )L'XTY 47
stantial qualities of energy and industry and thus he has steadily worked his
way upward, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent
and honorable effort. His record proves what may be attained in this way
and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement
to others.
JAMES C. NELSON.
James C. Nelson, a prosperous and substantial farmer of this county,
the character of whose citizenship has been of great benefit to the community,
is a native of Way»e county, Ohio, who was born February 5, 1834, a son of
Mathew and Mary (Dawson) Nelson. His father was a native of Penn-
sylvania, but migrated to Ohio at an early date and in the fall of 1841 came
by wagon to Washington county, Iowa, locating in what is now Washington
township. The land was in a primitive condition and he was among the-
pioneers of the county. He engaged in farming until his death, which oc-
curred here March 6, 1885, his remains being interred in the old Washington
cemetery. He was a republican politically, always loyal to the candidates
of his party, a lover of home life and a man who put forth every effort to
make his domestic environment conducive to the highest degree of happiness.
His wife, to whom he was married in Ohio, was born in Pennsylvania. March
15, 1810, and entered into rest in this county, September 25, 1873. her re-
mains being interred beside those of her husband.
To them were born the following children : Barbara Jane, who passed
awa)- in infancy ; James C. : Joseph, living on the old homestead ; Ixobort, who
served during the Civil war in the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and
met death in a railroad collision near Lafayette, Indiana, October 13. 1864;
William, born March 23, 1843, who was a member of the Twenty-fifth Iowa
Volunteer Infantry and now pursues agriculture on a farm near Keota,
this state; Alexander, born January 2, 1846, a resident of this county; and
M. H., born November i, 1848, a real-estate dealer of Spokane. Washington.
James C. Nelson, after acquiring his education in the public schools,
remained upon the home farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company H,
Seventh Imva \'olunteer Infantrv for three years' service and during the
conflict participated in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. He
was subsequently detached and assigned to the hospital corps, serving as a
nurse until he received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He
then returned to this county and became a clerk in a grocery store, the
duties of which position he performed for one year, when, in company with
an uncle and others, he bought out the business and conducted it success-
fully for two years. He then disposed of his interest and turned his attention
to farming in Washington township, where he has since resided with the
exception of two years spent in travel through Nebraska, Kansas and
California. He owns eighty acres of highly improved and productive land,
upon which he engages in general fanning, making a specialty of fruit grow-
ing, being particularly successful in raising peacHPs.
48 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
On May ii, 1875, Mr. Nelson wedded Jennie Neal, a native of New
York state, born November i, 1850, her people having come to this county
when she was one year of age. Her father, Wilhana Neal, was born in Ire-
land, of Scotch extraction, and came to the United States after he was
married, locating in Herkimer county, New York. In 1850 he came to this
county by the river route, settling five miles south of the town of Washing-
ton, where he lived for a few years, later removing to a farm north of that
place. He lived there until five years before his death, and for a time lived
within the town corporation. His life was terminated in 1900, his remains
being interred in Elm Grove cemetery. His wife, a native of the Emerald
isle, where they were united in marriage, still survives. To them were
born eleven children, namely: Charles, deceased; Jennie; Ellen, a trained
nurse residing in Davenport, this state ; Mrs. Emma George, who lives near
Superior, Nebraska : Mrs. Becky George, who makes her home on a farm
near Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Stephenson, who is in the general mer-
chandise business in Blackwell, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Margaret Donaldson, who
resides on a farm in Brookings, South Dakota; Mrs. Nettie Alger, of
Frankfort, South Dakota; Samuel, an agriculturist of Washington town-
ship; Mrs. Howton, who resides with her mother; and Mrs. D. M. Palmer,
who lives on a farm in this county. Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Nelson, namely: Mrs. Robert Maxwell, of this county: and George, at
home.
Politically, Mr. Nelson supports the republican party, having always been
loyal to its candidates. He attends divine services at the Associate Presby-
terian church and his upright walk together with his industry and enterprise
have merited him the reputation which he has won as an honored representa-
tive of his community.
JOHN HECK.
John Heck, now owning and operating a well improved farm of ninety-
seven and a half acres in Iowa township, was born in Johnson
county, Iowa, on the 15th of May, 1865, his parents being John
and Catherine (Miller) Heck. The father, a native of Bohemia, was
a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their
emigration to the United States. They first resided for a short period
in Chicago and then journeyed further westward, establishing their home
on a farm near Solon in Johnson county, Iowa. Subsequent to his marriage
John Heck, Sr., followed teaming for three years in Iowa City and then
came to Washington county, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Iowa
township. He was successfully engaged in its cultivation until the time of
his death at the age of fifty-five years. His wife passed away when but
thirty-five years of age. On the outbreak of hostilities between the north
and the south he enlisted as a soldier of the northern army and loyally
fought for the interests of the Union until its supremacy had been estab-
lished.
HISTORY ()!•■ WASHINGTON COUNTY 49
John Heck was reared on the home farm and obtained his education
in the district schools. When seventeen years of age he secured employ-
ment as a farm hand, being thus busily engaged in the work of the fields
for nine years, when he rented a tract of land which he operated success-
fully until 1902. Having accumulated sufficient capital through his untir-
ing labor and careful expenditure, he then purchased his present farm of
ninety-seven and a half acres in Iowa township and at once began its im-
provement and development. As the years have gone by he has transformed
the place into a highly cultivated and valuable farming property and is a
most energetic and enterprising agriculturist, his efforts being annually
rewarded by bounte<^)US harvests. He deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished, for he started out in business life empty-handed and the suc-
cess which has come to him is entirely the result of his unremitting energy,
indefatigable industry and capable management.
In February, 1892, Mr. Heck was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Yansky, of Washington county, by whom he has four children, namely:
Bessie. Alva, Jesse and Mabel, all at liomc. Politically Mr. Heck is a stanch
advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles contain the
best elements of good government. He has resided in this county throughout
practically his entire life and is a man whose marked strength of character,
genial disposition and genuine worth have gained him the unqualified re-
spect and good will of his fellowmen.
ALBERT R. SHAW.
Albert R. Shaw, who is devoting his attention to the pursuits of farming
and stock-raising in Jackson township, was born in Knox county, Illinois,
on the 28th of June, 1848, his parents being Samuel and Susan D. (Max-
field) Shaw, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of E. M. Shaw,
a brother of our subject, which appears on another page of this volume.
Albert R. Shaw attended the common schools in the acquirement of an
education and remained at home until sixteen years of age, when with pat-
riotic zeal he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Com-
pany F. Eighth Illinois Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Mobile
and also participated in a number of skirmishes, loyally fighting for the
interests of the Union until the close of hostilities. He was honorably dis-
charged at Springfield, Illinois, on the i6th of February, 1866, and returning
to Washington county, Iowa, has here since continued to reside. He now
operates one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 35, Jackson town-
ship, and also makes a specialty of raising, feeding and shipping stock,
meeting with a commendable and gratifying measure of prosperity in his
undertakings.
In June, 1876, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Minerva A.
Davis, whose birth occurred in Licking county, Ohio, October 4, 1848, her
parents being Lewis F. and Sarah (Hannahs) Davis, the former a native
50 JIISTURY ()l- WASlilXGTuX LOLWTY
of West N'irginia and the latter of Licking county, Oliio. In 1865 Mr. and
Mrs. Davis removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, where they remained
for two years and in 1867 came to Washington county, Iowa, locating in
Jackson township and here remaining until called to their final rest. Lewis
F. Davis passed away in December, 1882, while his wife's demise occurred
in February, 1893. Their family numbered six children, namely: Melville,
deceased; Airs. Shaw; Russell, who is a resident of Washington county:
Virginia and Milford, who have likew'ise passed away; and Harley, of Den-
ver, Colorado. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have been born six children, as
follows: \'irginia, who is deceased: Grace E., who is a graduate of the
academy at Washington, Iowa, and has taught school for eight years ; Fred,
likewise a graduate of that institution, who resides at home : Gertrude M.,
who is also a graduate of the academy at Washington and is now engaged
in teaching ; Floyd, who was graduated from the same school in 1909 ; and
Alvin, at home.
In his political views Mr. Shaw is a stanch republican and has served in
the position of township trustee, while at the present time he is president of
the school board. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army
comrades through his membership in G. A. R. Post, No. 108. His w-ife
was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of
which she exemplifies in her daily life. In all relations Mr. Shaw has proven
himself worthv the confidence and good will which are so uniformly ac-
corded him and has won an extensive circle of friends in this county during
the long period of his residence here.
C. A. MEYER.
C. A. Meyer, deceased, whose industry and enterprise have left their value
upon the agricultural interests of Franklin township, this county, will long
be remembered for his excellent qualities of character and the benefits which
have accrued to the community from his straightforward and upright life.
His birth occurred in Mason county, Illinois, June 17, 1869, a son of Herman
and Hannah (Rimerman) Meyer. His father was a native of Germany
and located in Illinois at an early date. In i88g he removed to Logan county,
that state, where he entered into rest.
In the common schools of Logan county, C. A. Meyer acquired his edu-
cation, and upon completing his studies launched out in the world for himself,
his initial step being that of the farmer. He remained in Logan county,
dealing extensively in stock until 1901, when he came to Washington county,
Iowa, locating on a farm which he occupied for four years, or until 1904. He
then removed to the property upon which his widow now lives. The farm
contains two hundred and thirty-six acres, which is provided with an excel-
lent residence built by Mr. Meyer, together with all other conveniences req-
uisite to the occupation of farming, and aside from this excellent tract of
land he also left one hundred and sixty acres located in Cedar township. Mr.
r^'_^/^e^/^r.
. , W YORK
i: LIBRARY
A.ITOR, LENOX
, nLOEN FOUNDATION
lllS^()K^■ ()!• w ASiiixc'i'ox t( )l■.\'l'^■ 53
Meyer met death December 26, 1904, while, in company with his wife, he was
driving over a railroad crossing when his team was struck by a train, receiv-
ing injuries which caused his death a few hours later. His wife, however,
escaped serious hurt.
.Mr. .Meyer's marriage to .Miss L'hristine Leesman (jccurred in Logan
countv. Illinois. January 15, 1890, and they became the parents of three
children, namely: Herman, whose birth occurred January 15. 1891 ; Francis,
who was born September 8, 1893; and Clara, who was born September 8,
1895. Since the death of her hnsliand .Mrs. Meyer has been managing the
farm interests and has added to the property a tract of eighty acres in Cedar
township. Mr. Meyer was a republican in j^olitics and although he never
aspired to hold public office he was interested in the issues before the country,
and his influence in behalf of its candidates was widely felt. His fraternal
affiliations were with the Modern Woodmen of America, and from the age of
fourteen years he was a member of the Reformed Lutheran church Being
a man of high moral aspirations, who possessed excellent qualities of char-
acter, he commanded the respect of the entire neighborhood, and in his death
the community lost one of its most progressive and representative citizens.
FRANK M. FLEMING.
Frank AL Fleming, who for forty years has. resided in Washington
county, has been a witness of much of its growth and progress and at all
times has been interested in its upbuilding and development. Throughout
the entire period of his residence here he has been associated with agricultural
interests and is now farming sixty acres of finely improved land in Cedar
township, which he purchased many years ago. He was born in Madison
county, Ohio, January 23. 1845, ^nd is a son of John and Sarah (Chappell)
Fleming, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. In
an early day they arrived in Madison county, Ohio, settling on a tract of
land in the midst of the dense forest. There the father built a log cabin which
the family occupied for several years but as time passed by he was enabled
to replace the pioneer improvements with those of a more modern character.
He died in Ohio, while his wife passed away in Washington county, Iowa.
Their familv numbered eight children, of whom four are stili living:
Lewelen, a resident of Kansas ; A. J., who makes his home near Bushnell,
Illinois; John, of Cedar township, \\"ashington comity; and Frank M., of
this review.
Frank M. Fleming passed his youthful days under the parental roof
until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he offered his services to
the government, becoming a member of Company ?>, Tenth Missouri N'olun-
teer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He participated in the
battles of luka, Corinth, Mississippi, Rawson, Jackson, Champion Hill and
the siege of Vicksburg, the last named continuing for forty-seven days. He
was also in the battle of Mission Ridge and in several skirmishes. He was
5i HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
likewise with Sherman during part of the Atlanta campaign, after which
he returned to St. Louis and was honorably discharged. He made a credit-
able military record by reason of his unfaltering loyalty to the cause which he
espoused. He had followed the old flag on many a hotlv contested battlefield
and on many of the long hard marches which constitute a feature of military
experience.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Fleming went to Macomb, Illinois, and
was employed as a farm hand in that locality for two years. He then came
to Washington count\- and engaged in cultivating a rented farm for five
years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, so that he was at
lengtli enabled to purchase si.xty acres, constituting his present farm. This
is a highly improved property and presents a most attractive appearance
owing to the care and labor which Mr. Fleming has bestowed upon it. He
has led a life of usefulness and activity, his industry constituting the foun-
dation upon which he has builded his success.
On the -th of April, 1872, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss
Zerilda E. Gardner, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, July 10, 1846,
a daughter of James and Eliza Gardner. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Fleming has been blessed with five children: Cora G., the wife of D. H.
Tipton, of Ottumwa, Iowa ; Loren and Laura, twins, the latter being the
wife of Louis Longwell, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Mabel, the wife of Clarence
Timmons, of Washington county ; and Clara E., the wife of Walter Patter-
son, who operates his father-in-law's farm. The wife and mother died
October 9, 1890, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who
had learned to love her by reason of her many attractive qualities and her
kindly spirit. She was moreover a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which Mr. Fleming also belongs. In his political views
he is an earnest republican and has served as school director for several
years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He be-
longs to the Grand Army post at Wellman and thus maintains pleasant
relations with his old army comrades. Few men of his years can boast of so
strenuous a military record in the Civil war as Mr. Fleming, who was but a
boy when he entered the service but the strenuous experiences of war-
fare made him a man in all Init years.
A. L. BRADEN, M. D.
Dr. A. L. Braden is meeting with success as a follower of the medical
profession in Wellman, where he has been located since 1903. He was born
in Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 8th of August, 1870, a son of J. R. and
Carrie (Austin) Braden, both of whom were natives of Ross county, Ohio.
It was in the year 1851 that the father came to Iowa, turning his attention
to farming. He was busily employed in the work of the fields until more
than a decade had passed, when he responded to the country's call for
troops, joining the boys in blue of Company K, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 55
Infantr}-. With this regiment he served throughout the entire war and par-
ticipated in several hotly contested battles but never flinched when facing
the enemy's bullets, actuated always by the high and earnest resolve of pro-
tecting the interests of the Union. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
His political allegiance was unswervingly given to the republican party and
he took an active interest in promoting its welfare and success. The family
numbered but two children, the elder being Mary Louisa Braden, now the
wife of Grant Gregory, of Texas.
Dr. Braden, the only son, supplemented his public school education by a
course in Kossuth Academy, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1890. He largely pursued his medical course in Iowa City, where he
spent four years in college. He also spent two years in the Bellevue Hos-
pital in New York city and for a time was in the Mills Training School of
the eastern metropolis. His thorough preparation well qualified him for
the onerous duties of the profession and in 1903 he came to Wellman, where
he purchased the practice of Dr. Smith and later bought out Dr. W. P.
Gardner. He has been very successful in his professional career, his skill
and ability gaining him a wide reputation and extensive practice throughout
the surrounding country. He is always most careful in the diagnosis of his
cases and his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of suc-
cess. In addition to his private practice he is now physician for the Fra-
ternal Aid at Wellman and examiner for several insurance companies.
On the 23d of September, 1903, Dr. Braden was married to Miss Carrie
V. Heizer, who was born in Des Moines county, Iowa. They have become
the parents of two children: Louisa, who was born November 8, 1904 ; and
Cordelle, whose birth occurred June 15, 1907. The parents are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Braden is a member of the
Woodmen Lodge, No. 1828, of which he is also examining physician. He is
actuated by high ideals in his professional service and is recognized else-
where as a man of attractive social qualities, whose interest in his fellowmen
is deep and sincere, while his efiforts for public progress are actuated bv an
earnest desire for the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which
he makes his home.
DAVID R. RITCHEY.
David R. Ritchey has devoted his life to general farming in Washington
township, this county, where he was born January 29, 1848, being one of the
oldest living native sons. His rigid application to business together with his
aggressiveness and straightforward transactions have always commended
him to the respect and confidence of all those with whom he has come in con-
tact. His parents were John C. and Margaret K. (Anderson) Ritchey. His
father, who was a native of Indiana, removed to Illinois, and settled near
Nauvoo, where he pursued agriculture for several years. He came to this
county about 1840 and located in what is now Washington township, in
56 HISTORY OF WASMIXGTOX COUNTY
company with a brother Adam and his daughter. Here he followed his
chosen occupation until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C. Nineteenth
Iowa \'olunleer Infantry and during the battle at Morganza Plantation, he
lost his life, his remains being interred upon the battlefield. All of his regfi-
ment were taken prisoners at that time except a few who escaped. The
mother of our subject was a native of South Hanover, Indiana, born October
19, 1817, and when about six years of age removed to Green county, Ohio,
with her parents, remaining there about ten years. She next lived in
Laporte, Indiana, until 1842, when she came to this county, where she was
married and here she lived until she departed this life August 8. 1908, her
remains being interred in the old Washington cemetery. She reared three
children : David R. : Florence, who passed away on November 10, 1889 : and
Luther, who died in infancy. By a former marriage on December 2, 1840,
to Rhoda Houston, who passed away on February 18, six years later. John C.
Ritchey had four children : Erastus, deceased ; Leander. who served three
years in Company H, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and was wounded
at Belmont and who now resides in Illinois ; Mary E., deceased : and Wil-
liam, deceased.
The common schools afforded David R. Ritchey his preliminary educa-
tion but he subsequently pursued a course of study in an academy of this
county. When his father entered the Union army he took charge of the
family and although but fourteen years of age he assumed management of
the farm, pursuing agriculture on the home place until he was united in
marriage. He has since followed that occupation independently here with
the exception of five years spent in Reno county, Kansas. He owns an
excellent farm containing forty acres on section i, where with great success
he engages in general agriculture, gfiving some attention to raising stock.
On September 10, 1879, Mr. Ritchey wedded Aliss Arabella Logan, who
was born in Brighton township, April 2"/. 1853. To them have been born
three children : Winnifred, deceased ; Bessie L., the wife of Arthur Wead,
a neighboring farmer: and Helen M., deceased. ?*Ir. Ritchey has always
voted the republican ticket and has never found cause justifying him in for-
saking his party. He is a faithful adherent of the U^nited Presbyterian church,
as is also his wife, and throughout the township he enjoys an excellent repu-
tation as an upright man and industrious farmer.
JOHN B. DEY.
John B. Dey, a salient factor in the financial interests of Brighton, is pro-
prietor of an extensive real-estate business which, through his excellent man-
agement and commercial ability, is one of the most important concerns of the
kind in this part of the state. He was born here, November 30, 1845. ^ son
of Richard S. and Eliza Anne (Shearer) Dey. The father, a native of New
Jersey, located in Ohio in the early days and in the year 1845 removed to
Brighton Springs, Iowa, settling in Brighton township about two miles and
HISTORY Ol" WASIIIXCTOX COUXTV 57
a half southeast of the village, where he remained until 1876. During
that year he took up his abode in the villas^e of Brighton, where he spent his
remaining days, entering into rest in 1901, his remains being interred here.
Throughout his entire life he followed agricultural pursuits and was con-
sidered one of the most progressive farmers in the county, his excellent
qualities at the same time gaining for him the respect of all who knew him.
His wife, whose birth occurred in Ohio, where they were married, passed
away in the village of Brighton in 1872. To them were born nine children,
namely : John B. ; Mary E., the widow of William Neal ; Lyddie, widow of
William Madden; Sarah M., wife of John R. Pensyl, residing in Stockton,
California : C\rus Frank, a gardener of Houston Heights. Texas ; Lcnora S..
deceased ; Henrietta A., the wife of Jeffries Harney, a stock-dealer, of
Welton, Iowa ; Lucy J., deceased ; and Clark P., a railroad agent, living in
the state of Washington.
John B. Dey acquired his rudimentary education in the common schools,
later pursuing a higher course of study in Wesley University, and after grad-
uating from that institution he equipped himself for the commercial world
by a course in a commercial college at Burlington, this state. About the
time he was ready to enter the business world his patriotism being aroused
he entered the Union army, enlisting March 30, 1864, in Company C, Second
Iowa Volunteer Infantry to serve three years but was discharged at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, July 12, 1865, as the war had ended. Although his martial
experience was brief he participated in a number of hotly contested engage-
ments ; was present at the first battle of Buzzards Roost ; participated in
battles at Dalton and Resaca, Georgia ; was with General Sherman through-
out the Atlantic campaign and the march to the sea, thence to the city of
Washington, where, with his companions in arms, he was honorably mustered
out. While in the service near Petersburg he had sunstroke, the result of
which has since caused him much acute suffering.
Following the war Mr. Dey returned to Washington county, where he
engaged in farming for several years, presently giving it up on account of
his health and taking up school teaching as an occupation. Finally he rented
a mill, which he operated for some time but, this pursuit not being to his
liking, he went to Libertyville, this state, where for over a year he was
engaged as a clerk in a store, at the expiration of which time he again had
recourse to school teaching for a livelihood. After following this vocation
for about two years he came to the village of Brighton in 1877, where his
father was interested in a grocery and hardware enterprise and he took stock
in the same business, in which he was actively interested for about two years..
Presently he severed his connections with the store and then engaged in
carpenter work, having during his early days perfected himself at the car-
penter's trade. He plied his craft until 1890, when he became affiliated
with the State Bank as assistant cashier, the duties of which position he per-
formed for thirteen years, and upon his resignation he entered the real-estate
business on his own account in Brighton, under the firm title of Dev &
Mullen, the firm doing a large and lucrative business and being one of the
largest financial enterprises in the city. Mr. Dey is also a notary public and
58 JIISTORV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
his business transactions have been so important as to make him a factor in
the financial life of the vicinity. He owns an elegant residence at the corner
of Fountain and Jefferson streets and also one other residence property
which are considered among the most valuable in the city. The Dey &
Mullen Real Estate Company, which is also known as the Brighton Land
Company, does a comprehensive business in realty lines, handling farm lands
and city property and at the same time conducting a lucrative business in
money loaning and insurance. Everything pertaining to the realty business
is transacted by them and they furnish and write contracts, draw up agree-
ments, draft deeds, enter mortgages, write leases and wills and in fact engage
in the full round of business transacted by a firm of this nature.
In 1866 Mr. Dey wedded Miss Sarah J. Knerr, a resident of Brighton
and their home is one of culture and refinement, being surrounded with
everything with which to make life enjoyable. Politically Mr. Dey is a
republican, having always taken considerable interest in local affairs, and
has served as justice of the peace and clerk, treasurer and assessor of the
village and in fact has filled all important local offices. The patriotism which
led him to join the Union ranks years ago still predominates and he evidences
his love for country and for military life by his membership in the Grand
Army of the Republic, in which order he is prominent, having served his
post as quartermaster and now as commander. Enterprise and industry
together with patience and perseverance are qualities which have enabled
Mr. Dey to attain to his present prosperous position in the commercial world
and, his transactions having always been conducted in accord with a high
standard of morals, he has been honored by the highest respect of the people
and is justly numbered among the representative citizens of the county.
HUGH L. KENDALL.
Hugh L. Kendall was brought to Washington county when two years
of age and though he afterward resided elsewhere for a period he was later
long identified with industrial interests until his election to the office of
county recorder, in which capacity he is now serving. He was born in War-
ren county, Illinois, March 13, 1844, and on the paternal side is of English
descent, the Kendalls having come to this country from England at an early
day and settled in Virginia, whence succeeding generations migrated to
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. Margaret Kendall, who
died in the middle of the seventeenth century, was the first white settler who
died a natural death in the cove erected by a great-grandson of James Ken-
dall in Fulton county, Pennsylvania. Our subject's grandfather, Robert
Kendall, was a native of that state and an early settler of Ohio. About 1830
he removed to Warren county, Illinois, and became quite prominent in the
early history of that locality. His entire life was devoted to farming and he
died in Illinois when in middle life. His wife was about sixty years of age
at the time of her demise.
IIISTHRV O]- WAS1I!\"(;T0.\' COL'XTY 59
Their son, William W. Kendall, was born in Ohio and accompanied his
parents on their removal to Illinois. He enlisted in the Black Hawk war
but it is not known whether hu took part in any engagements. In early
life he learned the carpenter's trade but subsequently became a pioneer drug-
gi.st of Washington, Iowa, arriving in this city in 1846 when it was a little
village on the western prairie. Later he removed to Rock Island, Illinois,
but in the fall of 1862 returned to Washington and soon afterward offered
his services to his country, enlisting as a member of Company C, Nineteenth
Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, with which he served for nearly three years. He
then returned tf> Washington, retaining his residence here throughout his re-
maining days. In early manhood he wedded Martha .McFarland, a native
of Ohio, while her father was a native of I'enn.sylvania. whence he removed
to Kentucky and later went to the Buckeye state. His last years, however/,
were spent in Illinois. For some time he conducted a woolen mill. His
family numbered three daughters and two sons, including Mrs. Martha Ken-
dall, who died in 1905 at the age of eighty-three years, having long sur-
vived her husband. They were both consistent and faithful members of the
United Presbyterian church. Their children were : Anna J., the wife of
James Latta ; Arthur R. ; Hugh L. ; Rebecca, the wife of Fred Cramer ; Wil-
liam Henry ; Ross L. ; Clark M. ; Ida L., the wife of Ira Simonds ; and Sarah
E., a teacher in Chicago. Of this family Arthur R. Kendall was a soldier of
the Civil war, enlisting from Rock Island as a member of Company C,
Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He veteranized and served for
more than four years.
Hugh L. Kendall, brought to Washington when two years of age, here
lived to the age of fifteen years and then accompanied his parents on their
removal to Rock Island. He was but a youth of seventeen when he joined
the boys in blue in defense of the Union cause. Hardly had the smoke from
Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when on the 19th of April, 1861, he en-
listed as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
with which he served for three years and two months. h<.>l(ling the rank of
corporal. He was wounded at Ringgold Gap, Georgia, and was in the battles
of Chickasaw Bayou. Arkansas Post, Jackson, Mississippi, the siege of
Mcksburg, Tuscumbia, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold,
thus participating in many of the most hotly contested engagements of the
war. After being wounded he went to New Orleans and was clerk in the
quartermaster'^ department, his duties concerning water transportation.
When mustered out Mr. Kendall returned to Washington, Iowa, and in
1867 took up the business of house and sign painting, which he followed
continuously until 1908, being accorded a liberal patronage because of his
good workmanship. He has also been somewhat active in local affairs, serv-
ing as chief of the fire department for three years, while in November, 1908.
he was elected county recorder and took the oath of office January 4, 1909.
He was chosen to this position on the republican ticket, having always been
a stalwart advocate of the republican party which was the defense of the
Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party
of reform and progress.
60 lliSTORY OF \\'ASI 1 I\(;T0X COl'XTV
In December, 1869, Mr. Kendall was married to Miss Lucinda Moore,
who was born in Ireland and in childhood was brought to America by her
parents, who were also natives of the Emerald isle. Unto this marriage
have been born two daughters, Effie D. and IJelle. The former is the wife
of Hubert Nicola, a resident of North English. Iowa, and thev have one
son, Leigh. Relle is the wife of W. A. Sutton, of low^a City and they have
a daughter, Dorothy.
Mr. Kendall is a member of Covenant Lodge, No. loi, I. O. O. P., and
also of I. G. White Post. No. 145, G. .\. R. ?Iis wife holds membership
with the First United Presbyterian church. They occupy a good residence
on North avenue B, which Mr. Kendall erected about 1888. They are well
known in Washington, where they have long resided, and their many good
traits have won for them the friendship and kindly regard of those with
whom they have been brought in contact.
ROBERT C. RISK.
Robert C. Risk was one of the earliest-r.esid€«ts.-of Washington county
and a man whose honesty was never questldn'ed, notvvithstanding the fact he
controlled extensive business interests. His success was gained entirely
through his own labor and his enterprise, cUligence, perseverance and in-
tegrity were the salient points in his career. 'No history of the county would
be complete without extended mention of him, for he was one of the best
known citizens here for many years, casting his lot with the early settlers
at a time when the Indians still frequciUly visited this part of the state.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Risk was born in 181 4, and when a lad of five
summers was brought by his parents to the L'nited States, the family home
being established in Pennsylvania, where he was reared. In earl\- manhood
he made his way westward to Illinois, settling in Tazewell county, where he
remained for three or four years. This was about the time or soon after the
Black Hawk war. wlierein the white men contested with the red over the
supremacy of these great prairies of the Mississippi Valley. He was one
entire week crossing the Black .Swamp on his way westward.
In 1836 Mr. Risk arrived in Washington county, traveling by wagon in
company with his family, and upon arriving at what is known at the present
time as the .Slough bridge north of Skunk river, the wagon broke down, and,
as it was almost sund<nvn, Mrs. Risk, brave as was ahyays her nature, taking
their only child Sarah, on in front on one of the horses, followed the Indian
trail as directed by her husband, as this was her first trip to the cabin. Dark-
ness overtook her before reaching there, and upon arriving she was greeted
by two Indian braves leaning against the cabin. They remained there until
Mr. Risk came and told them to Puckachee, or go. They went peacefully.
The Indians though numerous on this side of the Mississippi, usually main-
tained peaceful relations with the settlers. They would frequently be seen
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lilSTORV Ol' WASlllXGTUX CuLXTV 65
in lar^e miinbers visitinsr the village. After living here some time, on one
occasion, Mr. Risk was told that an Indian had stolen his white horse and
wa.s taking it away. Mr. Risk followed and overtaking the supposed thief,
demanded his propert\ . whereupon the Indian informed him the horse was
his own. luich protested in his respective language that the ownership of
the animal was his. Mr. Risk in looking the horse over saw he was mis-
taken and the Indian to show his good feeling dismounted and embraced Mr.
Risk, and told him as best he could to go home and look in the stable for his
horse saying Nischaschinee man, Nischaschinee horse, (good man, good
horse). .Another incident with the red men shows in part their friendly
feeling toward the white men. One day the family were going visiting
when a lot of Indians came and left a drunken one in the stack yard, where-
uix)n Mr. Risk decided to stay at home. In the afternoon, when the Indian
awoke, he took after Mr. Risk, who ran as best he could, but the Indian
overtook and simply threw his arms around Mr. Risk and laughed good
naturedly. Another time one cold, stormy winter day an Indian brave
pushed the coverlid to the door aside, walked in, threw himself down on the
hearth in fronth of the fireplace, and pulled from his blanket a butcher knife.
Mrs. Risk thought her time for scalping had come, but instead the Indian
cut a chew from a plug of tobacco. Presently some squaws came and Mrs.
Risk ceased to be uneasy, but had to endure and let them lay by the fire
until her husband came, who spoke in their native tongue, Puckachee (or
go). They left at once.
It was some years before Iowa vyas adnlittedio tlie Union, and the district
bordering .'^kunk river was mosth- an unsettled region, giving little promise
of the development which was soon to transform this district into one of
the thickly settled and prosperous counties of the state. He located in
Brighton township and entered land from the government, securing a tract
which his daughter Ella owned until her death.
With characteristic energy, economy and perseverance, he began the
development of the farm, gaining foothold slowly as prices were menial in
those days compared to prices of the present day. In 1843 ^'^^- ^^^^ drove
hogs on foot to P>urlington, receiving the average price of one dollar and a
half per hundred pounds. He then turned his attention to merchandising,
establishing a general store in Brighton, but not finding the occupation con-
genial, he sold the stock, but still remained in Brighton and again engaged
in farming for the ne.xt three years. On the expiration of that period he
went to Chicago and bought another stock of merchandise and in the spring
of 1859 started in business again in Brighton and after four years gave his
son C. C. Risk a half interest in the stock. It was at this time he assisted
in organizing The National Bank, the first hank of Brighton, now known as
the State Bank of Brighton. He was chosen its first president and estab-
lished it upon a safe and conservative basis. He owned and operated the
Merrimac mills for some time, also purchased the Manhattan mills in Keo-
kuk county, and in 1867 he sold his son, C. C. Risk, a half interest. They
then run the store, carding machine and gristmills together. In 1868 he sold
the balance of liis interests to C. .A.. Bryan. After disposing of the mills he
66 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
turned his attention to the cultivation of a tract of land for some time and
subsequently retired.
In all of his business affairs he was very successful, gaining the greater
part of his prosperity after locating in Brighton. He regarded real estate
as the safest of all investments, and from time to time purchased property
until he became the owner of a large tract and from his property interests
derived a substantial income.
He possessed unqualified business honor, to which he held with the great-
est tenacity, never sacrificing the truth in the slightest degree in any busi-
ness transaction. He was thoroughly just and expected the same treatment
of others. As the years went by great changes occurred and in the work of
general improvement Mr. Risk always bore his full share. As the country
became more thickly settled and the red people went to reservations in the
west, the white men transformed this into a district the advantages, oppor-
tunities and improvements of which are equal in every respect to those found
in the older settled states of the east.
In his political views Mr. Risk was formerly a democrat, but hi> father-
in-law, George Roberts, a stanch republican on the tariff question, convinced
Mr. Risk that the republicans were on the right side, and from that time on
Mr. Risk was a stanch republican until his death.
He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, giving liberally to
the support of the cause of Christianity, at one time paying off the last
pavment of the mortgage on the Methodist Episcopal church of Brighton,
of which his wife was a member. He withheld his endorsement from no
movement which he believed would prove of benefit to the community, his
efforts being attended with effective results, not only because he possessed
th€ determination that enabled him to carry forward to successful comple-
tion whatever he undertook, but also because his name was an influencing
factor in public affairs.
When he passed away November 12, 1900, his death was the occasion
of deep and widespread regret. The words of the Philosopher "An honest
man is the noblest work of God," is a well merited encomium of his life.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan H. Roberts, was born in
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1814. They were married in Muncy.
Pennsvlvania, in 1837, and for more than six decades they traveled life's
journey happily together, being separated by the death of Mr. Ri^k. The
mother survived for about four years and passed away December 9, 1904.
They were the parents of nine children ; Sarah C, who is the widow of Wil-
liam Brier, deceased, and resides near Bloomfield, Iowa; C. C, who has
been engaged in the mercantile, milling and stock business in Fairfield, Iowa ;
George, who died at the age of twelve years; Jennie, the wife of Gilbert
Lowe, a retired farmer living in Webster, Iowa ; Rosetta, who died when two
and one half years of age ; Clara, deceased wife of Oscar De Long of Wriglu,
Iowa , Cora R., wife of Joseph W. Stapleton, of Dubuque, who is division
superintendent for the Milwaukee Railroad Company; Ella, to whom we
are indebted for the material concerning her honored parents ; and Minnie
R., the deceased wife of Lewis R. Johnson.
HISTORY Ol' WASMIXGTOX COUNTY 67
After the death of the husband Mrs. Risk and her daughter Ella made
their home in Brighton in the family residence. It is a fine and massive
brick structure, one of the best homes in Brighton, standing in the midst of
four lots constituting a well kept lawn beautifully adorned with tree> and
flowers.
Since the above sketch was written and order given for portraits by Miss
Risk in honor of her father and mother she has answered to the Master's
call. While Miss Risk was never a figure in public work she did her min-
istry in a quiet and unassuming manner, always more thoughtful of others
than of herself. She was born near Brighton, September 3, 1851, and died
July 12, 1909, in Brighton. She was educated in the public schools of
Brighton and after her school days still remained with her parents, and at
the death of her father, cared for her aged mother and looked after the busi-
ness interests for different members of the family as well as her own, which
she continued to do until the time of her death. The deceased was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church of Brighton. She was an enthusiastic
worker as one of the trustees of the Ladies' Cemetery Association of Brighton
when it was organized. Although of a quiet nature, she always had a pleas-
ant word for her friends. She died suddenly while apparently in good
health and she will be greatly missed in the community.
WILLIAM VINCENT.
William Vincent, who devotes his time and energies to general farming,
having a rich and productive tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres
in Seventv-Six township, is numbered among the native sons of this county.
His birth occurred in Washington township on the 22d of June. 1846, his
parents being John and Jane (McCullough) Vincent, who were natives of
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and Green county, Ohio, respectively. The
father, a son of James and Charity Vincent, was born April 8, 1796, while
the mother's birth occurred March 4, 1810. Arriving in Iowa in April, 1842,
he rented land for two years and then entered the old homestead of two
hundred acres, upon which he continued to reside until called to his final rest.
He was not only penniless when he reached this state but had incurred an
indebtedness of forty-eight dollars and it was only his lack of funds that
prevented him from returning to the east for he felt homesick and was dis-
couraged bv the outlook presented here in the conditions of pioneer life.
However, he faced the situation, began developing his farm and as the years
passed invested more and more largely in lan<l until he was eventually able
to give to each of his children eighty acres, while at his death the old home-
stead property of two hundred acres was divided among them. All of this
land he had entered from the government for one dollar and a quarter per
acre. His labors were an important and effective force in promoting the
agricultural progress and development of this part of the state. He exer-
cised the right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub-
68 HISTURY UF WASHINGTON COUNTY
lican party and he and his wife held membership in the United Presbyterian
church. While returning from a visit to their children in October, 1876,
they were struck by a passing railroad train and both were killed.
William Vincent spent his youthful days in his parents' home and the
public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He was early trained
to the work of the farm and became familiar with the best methods of tilling
the soil and caring for the crops so that he was well qualified to carry on
farming on his own account when he started in business life for himself
subsequent to his marriage. He chose as a companion and helpmate for
life's journey Miss Melvina M. Cherry, a native of Ohio. Her parents
came to this county in i860. Her father, who was born in 1818, died in
1895, having long survived her mother, who was born in 1817 and passed
away October 6, 1876. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vincent were born six children,
of whom three are yet living : Frank and Robert, both at home ; and Melda,
the wife of John Weekley. who resides upon her father's farm and assists
him in its operation.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vincent began their domestic
life on their present farm, which then belonged to his father and later became
his property on the division of the estate. Here they have lived continuously
since, Mr. Vincent giving his undivided time and attention to the further
development and cultivation of .the place, which comprises one hundred and
sixty acres of land. The soil is very rich and good harvests are annually
gathered for Mr. Vincent is practical in his methods of tilling the soil. He
does not hesitate to adopt any new measure or method which he believes will
be of real value in his work and his well directed labors and energies have
brought him substantial success. He endorses the republican party by his
ballot at the polls and has served for several years as a member of the school
board. He has also acted as supervisor and his official record has been char-
acterized by unfaltering loyalty to duty. Both he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and are numbered among the county's w-ell
known and highly respected citizens.
WARREN L. BISHOP.
Warren L. Bishop, who is conducting a feed yard in Wellman, was born
in Cedar township, this county, on the 4th of April. 1868, and is a son of
Sanders E. and Mary E. (Livingston) Bishop. His youthful days were
spent under the parental roof. He remained at home until twenty-one years
of age and acquired his early education in the public schools. He early be-
came familiar with the duties and labors of the farm from the time of early
spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn and when he
attained his majority he rented tlie old homestead, which he continued to
cultivate and improve until 1908. In i()00. with the money which he had
carefully saved from his earnings he purchased eighty acres on section 8,
Cedar township, and with characteristic energy began to develop his own
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 69
property, cultivating it successfully until December, 1908. At that date he
built a feed yard in VVellman, one hundred and twenty feet square, and re-
moved to the city, where he has since conducted business, having a gratifying
and growing patronage at this point.
Mr. Uishop was married m 1901 to Miss Anna L. Armacost, who was
born in Ohio in 1877. Her parents are still living and make their home in
Appanoose county, Iowa. They had a family of four children, including
Mrs. Bishop, who by her marriage has become the mother of three children :
Hilma, born November 24, 1903 ; Florence, who first opened her eyes to the
light of day on the 21st of October, 1905 ; and Hugh A., whose birth occurred
March 1, 1909. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are consistent and faithful mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political support is given to
the democraicy. He has served as road supervisor and was a member of the
school board for two terms. He is always interested in matters relative to the
public welfare and especially in anything which relates to the progress and
upbuilding of his native county, within whose borders he has spent his entire
life. Industry and perseverance have ever been numbered among his salient
characteristics and have brought him whatever measure of success he has
enjoyed in his business career.
L. E. NAGLEY.
The fanning interests of this state have always been in the hands of ener-
getic and enterprising men and the soil has graciously responded to their
efforts, surrounding those who have trusted to it with a measure of pros-
perity which enables them to enjoy the comforts of life with no fear for the
future. Among those who have been successful in tilling the soil here is
L. E. Nagley, who operates a valuable farm in Washington township. He
is a native of Madison county, Ohio, born May 11, 1862, and a son of Wil-
liam and Mary (Bradley) Nagley. His father, who is also a native of that
county, removed to Kirksville, Missouri, in 1865, and there he engaged in
general agriculture until he departed this life three years later. He was a
distant relative of General Nagley, who lives in Moberly, Missouri, at the
advanced age of ninety-seven years. The mother of our subject was also
born in Madison county, Ohio, where she was married, and she passed away
at Piqua, that state, in 1900, her remains being there interred. She had
three children, namely: L. E. ; William Harley, a restaurant keeper of Ar-
kansas ; and F. I., and agriculturist of that state. Upon the death of her hus-
band, Mrs. Nagley wedded G. W. Looney, by whom she had four children :
George, an agriculturist of Miami county, Ohio ; L. W., who follows farming
in Piqua, that state ; William, a telegraph operator residing in Indiana ; and
Earl, a veterinary surgeon of Piqua, Ohio.
In his native town L. E. Nagley was accorded the advantage of an educa-
tion jn the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he
was twenty-five years of age. At that period of his life he commenced farm-
70 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUXTY
ing, which occupation he has since pursued with the exception of six months
spent as a clerk in a general merchandise store. To this county he came in
1888, locating on one hundred acres of land in section i, Washington town-
ship, upon which he has made all of the present improvements, his farm re-
ceiving excellent attention and indicating that its owner is thrifty and pro-
gressive. He follows general farming, raising various crops and also engag-
ing in stock-breeding, raising cattle and hogs in particular. He also carries
on a lucrative shipping business.
In 1888 Mr. Nagley was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Phillips and
they have one daughter, Mary Ethel, who lives with her parents. Mr. Nag-
ley's political views are with the republican party and he is loyal to its can-
didates particularly at national and state elections, and, taking quite an
interest in local affairs, he has served the township as trustee for the past
seven years. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and also to
the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife and daughter are also
members, and he deserves mention among Washington township's represen-
tative men.
JACKSON ROBERTS.
On the honor roll of Washington county appears the name of Jackson
Roberts, who for many years was a leading lawyer of the city of Washing-
ton and also one of the prominent and influential representatives of the
republican party in this portion of the state, his qualities as a man and citizen
gaining him warm friendships and kindly regard, and there were many who
received with deep regret the news of his demise, feeling that fate should
have rendered him many more years.
Mr. Roberts was a native of Groton, Vermont, born May 9, 1836. He
was a direct descendant of Governor Thomas Roberts, the last colonial gov-
ernor of New Hampshire, whose ancestors came to this country on the
vessel Ann in 1623. He was reared at the Vermont home in the association
of a family of brothers and sisters, the surviving members of which are:
Mrs. John Plummer, of Lenox, Iowa ; Mrs. John Whitcher, of Passumpsic,
Vermont; J. H. Roberts, of Hastings, Nebraska; and Dr. T. G. Roberts, of
Chicago. His home was amid the V'ermont hills and one of his earliest
teachers was D. N. Richardson, afterward editor of the Davenport Democrat,
who in writing of Mr. Roberts many years afterward said: "I best remem-
ber him as a boy of fourteen when he came to my school forty-seven years
ago — remember him best at the blackboard, where he never seemed to lose
his head or become confused but was always cool and self-possessed ; never
assuming to know anything unless he was quite sure that he knew it and
could explain it in chalk. He was not a boisterous, egotistical youth and I
always liked him for methods and manners in school ; have respected him
always and hoped that he would somehow arrive at the farthest allowable
milestone post on the road to the far off beyond."
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 71
He supplemented his early educational advantages by study in Peacham
Academy and in Bath Academy, at Bath, New Hampshire. Thus Jackson
Roberts passed from youth to early manhood but long ere he had attained
his majority he had become an active factor in the world's work in his home
locality. He was but sixteen years of age when he began teaching and his
wife's first two terms of school were under his instruction. He taught for
six winters before he was twenty-one years of age, his work covering the
range from the district school to the academies. In the fall of 1855 he
went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he engaged in teaching and saved a
portion of his earnings. On his return to New England he engaged in
clerking in a store but in 1857 accompanied his brother Daniel to California.
They made the trip by way of the isthmus route, setting sail in September,
and for eight years thereafter Jackson Roberts was engaged in mining and
other pursuits in California and Nevada. He became an influential factor
in those mining communities and was called to public office, serving as justice
of the peace and as judge of the court of sessions. In later years he filleid
the offices of mayor, alderman and coroner in Iowa, and at no time was the
trust reposed in him ever betrayed. He was always loyal in his citizenship
and whether in office or out of it sought the best interests of the community.
It was on New Year's day of 1867 that Mr. Roberts was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margaret J. Gibson, who was born in Ryegate, Vermont. Her
paternal ancestors came to this country with a Scotch colony in 1774. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were born three children: Ida C, Frank W., and
Carl J. The last named wedded Maud A. Hoover, of Ypsilanti, Michigan,
and they have one child, Mary, who is with them in their pleasant home in
Washington.
For thirty years Jackson Roberts was a resident of Washington. After
coming to this city he engaged in the grocery business for some time and
during that time utilized his leisure hours in reading law until he was quali-
fied for and secured admission to the bar in 1876. He then entered upon the
practice of the profession and for a long period was recognized as an able
and successful lawyer, preparing his cases with great thoroughness and care
and presenting them with clearness and precision. He also handled consid-
erable real estate. While engaged in the grocery business he began buying
furs and the success which he won in both lines enabled him from time to
time to invest in town property. Later he began buying farms and eventually
became the owner of twenty-two hundred acres of land lying in Washington,
Louisa and Kossuth counties, of Iowa. He also had one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Nebraska and his holdings of this character returned to him
a very substantial annual income and made his real estate a valuable one.
At all times, from the organization of the party, Jackson Roberts was a
stalwart advocate of republican principles, believing firmly in the party plat-
form. He was confident that it contained the best elements of good govern-
ment and he never failed to give it his stalwart support. He was intensely
interested in the currency campaign of 1896 when Bryan promulgated his
doctrine of bi-metalism and the free coinage of silver at a ratio of sixteen to
one. In that campaign he made frequent addresses throughout the county
72 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and his logic was strong and convincing. He was a genial companion, luini-
orous, witty and entertaining, and could tell and appreciate a good story.
Out of business hours, when he gave himself up to frolic he was full of a
hearty boy's love of fun and turned an humorous eye on every incident. His
continuous good nature made him a valued companion in all circles. He was
also a man of wide information, ever finding time for reading and study, and
it has been said that he was the best read man in Washington county. Al-
though reared in the faith of the Universalist church he afterward expressed
his belief in the evangelical doctrines. Death came to him May 24, 1897,
after an illness of about six months. From the beginning of his sickness
he seemed to feel that the end was near and faced the situation with the same
spirit of courage and determination that characterized him in every depart-
ment of life. He had a strong personality and marked individuality and a
splendidly developed mind. The language of Shakespeare was as familiar
to him as was the discourse of the present day and the classic quotations of
the master bard of Avon continually enriched his conversation. He was a
prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity, having been made a
Master Mason at North San Juan, Nevada county, California, in the early
'60s, when he was initiated into Manzanita Lodge, No. 104. He advanced
to the Knight Templar degree in Bethlehem Commandery, No. 45, K. T.,
and was its prelate for about twelve years. He also held a number of other
offices in the order and was in hearty .sympathy with the beneficent spirit of
the craft. The earthly pilgrimage of Jackson Roberts was ended when he
had reached the age of sixty-one years but his memory will be cherished for
long years to come, while his influence will remain as a factor in the lives
of those with whom he was brought in contact. Mrs. Roberts and her family
make their home in Colorado Springs.
GEORGE H. PAUL.
George H. Paul, capable of managing afifairs of great breadth, is now
president of the George H. Paul Company. He is yet a young man, having
not yet completed a third of a century, but a strong purpose, clear insight
and initiative spirit have carried him into important relations until he is
today at the head of the most extensive emigration business in the United
States. He has been and is distinctively a man of aiTairs and one who wields
a wide influence.
Washington county has reason to be proud to number him among her
native sons. He was bom on a farm in Oregon township, May 6, 1877, a
son of James and Sarah E. (Stewart) Paul, the former a native of Ireland
and the latter of Iowa. His paternal grandparents spent their entire lives
on the Emerald isle but in 1836 James Paul crossed the Atlantic to the
United States, establishing his home in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where he lived for a number of years. On the nth of April, 1859, he came
to Washington county, Iowa, being at that time twenty-three years of age.
/9, /^^u^
OK J
HISTORY <-)l'' W ASIIIXCTOX C'oL'XTV 75
He took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Oregon
townshi]) which he immediately placed under the plow and as the years went
by he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, continuing the
management ot" iiis farm until i8yi, when he retired from active life and
took up his abode in Washington, where he died May 13, 1895, when eighty
years of age. He had long survived his wife who died in 1881. Both were
mcmliers nf the L'nited Presbyterian church and were consistent Christian
people. Their family of four children included three sons and one daughter,
namely: William K., of Ainsworth, Iowa; Samuel S., also residing near
Ainswtirth ; Mary F.velyn, the wife nf Charles Anderson, residing near
Washington ; and George H.
George H. Paul was reared in Washington county on the home farm to
the age of fifteen vears and attended the district schools. Later he was em-
ployed at farm labor by the month for seven years and it has been charac-
teristic of him throughout his entire life that he has never failed in the per-
formance of any duty devolving upon him hut has displayed marked in-
dustry and enterprise in all of his undertakings, whether working for him-
self or in the employ of another. After seven years spent as a farm hand
he was married and established his home in Washington, where he con-
ducted a dairy business for about eighteen months. He afterward engaged
in clerking in a grocery store for a year and spent the succeeding year in
agricultural pursuits. At the end of that time he turned his attention to the
emigration business and has-gradually reached out in this line, constantly ex-
panding his interests, until today the George H. Paul Company is controlling
the most extensive business of the kind in the entire country. He has agents
all over the United States, his force of representatives numbering about
seven hundred. He owns one thousand acres of land in Washington county
and has land in all of the central and some of the southern states. He con-
ducts excursions twice each month to the gulf coast of Texas and is doing
a most important work in promoting the settlement and improvement of
the west. On the 5th of January, 1909, he took to Texas the largest emigra-
tion train that was ever moved under one management. On that occasion
twelve coaches — ten Pullmans and two hotel cars — beside a dining car and
baggage car, altogether making a solid vestibule train of fourteen cars, pro-
ceeded to the Lone Star state with four hundred home-seekers aboard,
nearly all of whom came from points outside of Texas. There was one car
each from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania : Chicago, Illinois ; Muscatine and Des
Moines, Iowa; Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska: and four from Kansas City,
Missouri. On that occasion Mr. Paul's sale of land amounted to nearly five
hundred thousand dollars. He handles only property the value of which
he himself knows, and. realizing the advantages and natural resources of the
great west, he is doing a most important work in advancing the settlement of
regions west of the Mississippi and is playing a most prominent part in
shaping the history of this great section of the country. In connection with
the excursion which he took south on the 5th of January, 1909, the Corpus
Christi Caller said : "During the last two days the people of Corpus Christ!
have had an opportunity to observe and feel the tremendous influence a great
76 HISTORY UF WASHINGTON COL'XTY
organization can exert for the development of a section of country upon
which it concentrates its efforts. The land agent in these days is second only
to the railroad as a promoter of progress. When the railroad has made ac-
cessible a desirable section of country the land agent brings in people and
makes it to blossom as a rose. What the George H. Paul Company has
done and is now doing for this section constitutes a splended example of the
land agent as a developing factor. It also shows what can be accomplished
by means of highly perfected organization. The George H. Paul Company
is unquestionably the most perfect and powerful organization of its kind in
the United States and the people of this section, and particularly of Corpus
Christi, may count themselves as exceedingly fortunate that this locality
is the scene of its activity. No individual, organization or institution is doing
so much for the development of this section and the growth of Corpus
Christi as is the George H. Paul Company. It is deserving not only of the
hearty cooperation, but of the gratitude as well of every citizen of Corpus
Christi."
On the 24th of July, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Paul to
Miss Eva J. Hunter, a daughter of Albert and Sarah E. (Ingersoll) Hunter.
They now have two interesting children, ]\Iaurice Hunter and Dwight Har-
vey. The parents are members of the First United Presbyterian church, in
which Mr. Paul is serving as a trustee. They are also prominent socially, the
hospitality of the best homes of W'ashington being most freely acorded
them, while their home is the center of a cultured society circle. In politics
Mr. Paul is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have no
attraction for him, even if his business left him leisure for participation in
political activity. In all persona! relations he is modest and unassuming
but in business life is most progressive and enterprising. A man of well
balanced activities and powers, he inspires confidence in others and is cap-
able of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circum-
stances that make up his life, contacts and experiences. He is eminently a
man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that
come to those w^ho are liable to erratic movements, resulting in unwarranted
risk and failure. Viewing the record of the country in a day when scien-
tific investigation has made known the wonderful possibilities of the great
west, one is thrilled by the story of an individual who has taken so active,
prominent and helpful a part in promoting, developing and shaping the
history of this great country.
JAMES JONES.
James Jones is engaged in business as a dealer in lumber and building
materials in the village of Brighton, which enterprise his industry and good
management have so extended until the volume of trade he handles makes
the concern one of the largest and most prosperous of the kind in this part
of the state. He was born in Clay township, this county, January 2, 1862,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 77
a son of John Wesley and Melissa Jane (Davidson) Jones. His father, a
native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, came here about 1856, locating
in Clay township, where he resided until 1885, and then removed to Linn
county. Missouri, where he pursued general agriculture until death called
him, Julv _'7, 190S, being laid to rest in that place. The family came orig-
inally from Wales and he belonged to the third generation in this country.
Politically he was a republican, having voted for Abraham Lincoln, and after
marking his first ballot was always loyal to the candidates of his party and
an ardent admirer and supporter of Theodore Roosevelt for the chief execu-
tive office of the land. His wife, who was born in Hardin county, Ohio, near
Bellefontaine, where they were united in marriage, still survives, residing at
Tarkio. Atchison county, Missouri. In their family were twelve children,
namely : Margaret, deceased, who was the wife of George Hyde and the
mother of eight children ; Arabella, the widow of A. H. Waterhouse, whose
farm lies five miles west of Brighton ; Mary Ella, the wife of D. H. Hosick, of
Jennings, Oklahoma: James; John C.. who departed this life in 1901 ; Anna
Matilda, the wife of William Neal, residing in Linn county, Missouri ; Wil-
liam Elmer, who passed away in infancy ; Emma, deceased ; Helen, who
married E. W. Wise, of Tarkio, Missouri, and died April 9, 1909, leaving a
son two years old who now makes his home with our subject ; Eddie, who
passed away in infancy ; Hester Agnes, the wife of Ralph McCormick, resid-
ing on a farm in Linn county, Missouri ; and Isaac Wilfred, who died in his
fourteenth year.
James Jones was reared to agricultural pursuits, acquiring his education
during his boyhood days in the district schools. He resided upon the home
farm, assisting in its various duties, until he was married, at which time his
capital consisted of but two dollars. He rented a farm for about four years
and during that time his incessant application and enterprise won him the
success that enabled him to lay by sufficient means with which to buy eighty
acres of land in Penn township. Jefferson county. This he still owns and
was actively engaged in its operation until six years ago, when he removed
to the village of Brighton, where he purchased the lumberyard formerly
owned by R. H. Pringle. At once he turned his energies toward developing
the business and his trade grew so rapidly that he was compelled to seek
larger quarters. He purchased his present location in 1907, to which he
moved his entire stock of lumber, having razed the sheds and other buildings
which were originally on the property and constructed new ones, at the same
time erecting for himself an elegant residence in which he lives. His business
has proved very profitable, and since commencing the enterprise his accumu-
lations have gradually increased until now he owns two fine dwelling houses,
the property upon which he conducts his business and a number of valuable
building lots. Moreover, he possesses a half interest in the old homestead
in Missouri and owns a farm of eighty acres in Penn towiuship, Jefferson
county, Iowa. He conducts his business under the firm title of the Jones
Lumber Company, which is the only enterprise of the kind here, and he car-
ries a full line of building materials for inside and outside work and various
kinds of roofing and fencing materials.
78 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
In 1885 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Baldersen, a
native of Lincolnshire, England, who came to Washington county with her
parents when she was five years of age. To them have been born two chil-
dren, Linna Rha, the wife of Albert C. Saunders ; and Bertha, deceased.
Mr. Jones has been a life-long supporter of the republican party, finding
in its principles those policies which he deems fully adequate to enhance and
promote the business interests of the country, and since casting his first vote
has always been a loyal supporter of its candidates. He belongs to the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, in which he is a leading member, serving on the board
of trustees, and as a business man he is entitled to honorable mention as a
representative citizen of the community.
ALBERT HUNTER.
Albert Hunter is now living retired in Washington in the enjoyment of
well earned rest but for many years was closely associated with farming
interests and contributed in large measure to the agricultural development of
this county. He started upon life's journey in Knox county, Ohio, Septem-
ber 5, 1845, being one of the eight children of John and Elizabeth Ann
(Paul) Hunter, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The
paternal grandfather, George Hunter, was a native of Scotland but the
opportunities of the new world attracted him and he became one of the early
settlers of Ohio, where he was long associated with farming. He married
Martha Conner and they reared several children. George Hunter died when
past middle life while his wife reached an advanced age. Their son, John
Hunter, also chose agricultural pursuits as his life work and, feeling that
the new and growing state of Iowa offered attractive opportunities, he ar-
rived within its borders about 1850, locating at Danville, where he remained
for a number of years. His last days, however, were passed in New London.
For several years he survived his wife who died at the age of thirty-nine
years. She was a daughter of William and Jane (Locke) Paul, both of
whom lived to a ripe old age. Her father was a native of Virginia, served
as a soldier of the war of 1812 and followed the occupation of farming as
a life work. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Hunter were consistent members of
the Methodist church and their many good qualities won for them the esteem
and high regard of all with whom they came in contact. Their children were
as follows : Martha, the deceased wife of David McDonald ; William, who
has also passed away ; Mary, who died unmarried ; Albert, of this review ;
Adeline, the deceased wife of Absalom Kite; Margaret, the wife of A. C.
White, of Battle Creek, Michigan : Maria, the wife of Hiram Kinkle, of
Woodland, California ; and Harriet, deceased.
Albert Hunter was a little lad of five years when he came with his parents
to Iowa, being reared on the home farm in Des Moines county, during which
time he attended the district schools after arriving at the usual age. He was
HISTORY (Jl- WASHINGTON COUNTY 79
but nine years of age at the time of his mother's death and he then went to
Hve with his grandfather with whom he continued until the fall of 1861,
when he enhsted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company E,
Fifteenth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years
and nine months. He was a youthful patriot of but sixteen years at the
time of his enlistment. On one accasion lie was struck by a spent ball but
was not seriously injured. He served with the rank of sergeant and par-
ticipated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, luka, Vicksburg, the entire Atlanta
campaign, the memorable march to the sea under Sherman and many skir-
mishes. He was in the grand review in Washington, the most celebrated
military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. Though young in
years no veteran of twice his age was more loyal to the interests of the Union.
When the war was over Mr. Hunter returned to Des Moines county,
Iowa, where he engaged in farming, but later resided for a short time in
Page county, Iowa, and then removed to New London, Henry county. He
continued his residence there for a few years and subsequently removed to
Louisa county, where he purchased eight acres of land. That place was
his home for about twenty-two years, during which time he added eighty
acres to the original tract while in his farming operations he met with grati-
fying success, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation. In 1896
he removed to Keokuk county, and in 1899 came to Washington county,
living near Ainsworth. where he owned a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. Since 1901, however, he has maintained his residence in the city of
Washington, for his activity in fonner years brought to him a substantial
competence releasing him from the necessity of fonner business activity
save the care which he gives his investments.
In October, 1869, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Josephine Kling-
man, a daughter of Cyrus and Emma (West) Klingman. They became
parents of a son and a daughter: Tennis W., a resident farmer of Washing-
ton township, who married Ella Glaze and has four children: Geneva, Clif-
ford, Willard and Mary : and Jessie E., the wife of Samuel Baird, living on
a farm near Ainsworth. by whom she has one son, Homer. The wife and
mother, Mrs. Josephine Hunter, passed away in the '70s, and on the 19th of
April. 1879, Mr. Hunter was again married, his second union being with
Miss Sarah E. Ingersoll, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, a daugh-
ter of William and Nancy (Cooper) Ingersoll, who were also natives of
the Buckeye state and came to Iowa in 1847, settling near Burlington, where
her father died in 1880 at the age of seventy-one years, while her mother
passed away in 1876 at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents
of eleven children, who reached adult age: Mary, the deceased wife of
Isaiah Groves; Keziah, the wife of William Blair; Louisa, the deceased
wife of William Sharp ; Edward ; William ; Sarah E. ; Clara, the wife of
Jasper Matlock ; Philena, the wife of Augustus Eggleston ; Ella, the
wife of Ransom Gore ; Eugenia, the deceased wife of Frank Smith ; and
Peter. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Sarah E. Hunter were John and
Christina (Hill) Ingersoll, the former a native of Ohio and a farmer by
occupation. The maternal grandfather, John Cooper, was also born in
80 HISTORY' Ol- WASHINGTOxN COUNTY
Ohio and followed agricultural pursuits. He married a Miss S)mmes, who
died in early womanhood.
The marriage of Albert Hunter and Sarah E. Ingersoll has been blessed
with three children. Eva, the eldest, is the wife of George H. Paul, of Wash-
ington and they have two sons, Maurice and Dwight. Mary is a teacher in
the Kalona public schools, and Grace is a stenographer. In his political
views Mr. Hunter is a stalwart republican and has served as road super-
visor and was township trustee and township clerk in Louisa county. Iowa. He
has always been loyal in his citizenship, proving as faithful to his country
in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battle fields.
He belongs to I. G. White Post, G. A. R. and thus maintains pleasant rela-
tions with his old army comrades. He is a member of the church board and
a class leader in the Methodist church, of which both he and his wife are mem-
bers. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are both widely known in this county and have an
extensive circle of warm friends while the hospitality of the best homes is
freely accorded them.
HENRY FRANCIS GRIFFIN.
Henry Francis Griffin, cashier of the Riverside Savings Bank, although
a young man, is recogiiized as a forceful and valued factor in the business
life of the community. He was born in Wright county, Iowa. April 27,
1886. and is a son of John R. and Sarah M. (Crosby) Grififin, both of whom
were natives of the state of New York where they were reared and married.
In 1883 they came to Iowa, settling in Wright county. Henry Griftiii. the
paternal grandfather of our subject, had acquired extensive land in Wright
county in an early day, having purchased it from the government at a dollar
and a quarter per acre. For sometime after coming to the middle west, John
R. Griffin taught school but later located on the farm where he resided for
twelve years. He then removed to Goldfield, where he has in later years
been engaged in the grain business. Both he and his wife now reside in
Goldfield at the ages of fifty-one and fifty years respectively. Mr. Griffin
is a democrat in politics, active in the local ranks of the party, and has cap-
ably served as mayor of Goldfield for some years. He has always taken an
active interest in educational work and for years served as a member of the
school board, hip labors in that direction being verv effective in furthering
the interests of public instruction. He is a member of the Odd Fellows
lodge and is one of Goldfield's most prominent, valued and homired citizens.
He has two other children besides our subject, namely: Harold W.. who is
engaged in the lumber business ; and Edna L.. attending high school.
Henrv Francis Griffin was reared at home and was educated in the public
schools and at Capital City College in Des Moines. In 1904, when eighteen
years of age, he went to Milford, Iowa, where he entered the Milford Sav-
ings Bank, but three months later the bank changed hands and Mr. Griffin
returned to Goldfield, there accepting a position in the Citizens State Bank.
HISTORY OF \\.\SI1I.\(;T0N COUNTY 81
He remained in that capacity until September 21, 1908, when he resigned to
become cashier of the Riverside Savings Bank, in which important position
he has since served. He is thoroughly acquainted with the banking business
in principle and detail, and his progressive and enterprising spirit are conf-
stituting an important element in the successful conduct of the institution
with which he is connected.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Griffin is a Mason and in his political views
is a democrat. He was holding the office of town treasurer of Goldfield at
the time he decided to remove to Riverside, resigning his position in order
to carry out his contract with the Riverside bank. He is a representative
of the younger generation of financiers in Washington county, imbued with
the spirit of modern progress and activity, and it requires no prophetic visiort
to see that the future holds in store for him still wider opportunities.
CHARLES A. TRUMRAUER.
Charles A. Trumbauer, junior partner of the firm of Smith & Trumbauer,
hardware merchants, who are conducting business at Keota and at WcUman,
Iowa, Mr. Trumbauer being in charge of the store at the latter place, was
born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1870. His parents were
A. F. and Mary E. (Romig) Trumbauer, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, where they resided continuously until 1884, and then came to
Iowa, locating first in Buchanan county, where the father purchased, culti-
vated and improved a tract of land. He is now living in Waterloo, this
state, but his wife died on the 28th of October, 1896. They were the parents
of ten children, namely: Joseph O., of Waterloo, Iowa; Ellen R., the wife
of L. A. Megow, a resident of Oehvein, this state ; Magdaline, of Lisbon,
North Dakota; Charles A., of this review; Clara V.. the wife of John P.
Clue, of this state ; Anna L., the wife of R. Nesbit, making their home in
Blackhawk county, Iowa; Katie, the wife of J. D. Martin, residing in
Lisbon, North Dakota ; James E., also of Waterloo, Iowa, and two died in
infancy.
Charles A. Trumbauer was reared under the parental roof, remaining at
home until eighteen years of age, when, desirous of providing for his own
support, he .secured a position at the insane asylum in Independence, Iowa.
He worked there as kitchen boy for six months when, realizing the need of
further education as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of
life, he entered Central LTniversity at Pella, Iowa, and spent three years in
study. Thus with broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation for
professional learning, he took up the study of medicine at Keokuk, Iowa,
and was graduated from the Keokuk Medical College of that city with the
class of 1897.
Mr. Trumbauer located for practice in Harper, Iowa, where he remained
for four "and a half years and then removed to Keota, where he continued
in practice for six and a half years. He then disposed of his practice and
82 HISTORY OF ^^'ASHIXGTOX COL'XTY
turned his attention to the hardware and implement business in partnership
with L. H. Smith, under the firm style of Smith & Trumbauer. They are
owners of one large and well appointed store at Keota. also possessing
another more extensive store at Wellman. The business is carefully con-
ducted along legitimate lines of trade and their patronage is constcnntly in-
creasing. Mr. Trumbauer has ever based his principles upon the rules which
govern strict and unswerving industry and integrity and by reason thereof
he has won substantial and gratifying success. He is not only interested
in the two commercial establishments but is also the owner of a large farm of
three hundred and fifty-five acres on sections 5 and 6. Lime Creek township,
from which he derives a substantial annual income.
On the 25th of March, 1897, Mr. Trumbauer was married to Miss Laura
L. Rryson, who was born in this county, December 8. 1870. and is a daughter
of John K. and Harriet (Bonner) Bryson, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania. The parents are now living in Keota, Iowa. Their family
numbered six children, including Mrs. Trumbauer, who by her marriage
has become the mother of two daughters and one son: Esther L., Oliver
M. and Louellen M. The parents are members of the Baptist church and
are held in high esteem here by all who know them by reason of their sterling
personal worth. Mr. Trumbauer votes with the democracy to which he has
given his support since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but
is not an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with Keota Lodge, No.
353, A. F. & A. M. He is a man of energetic and persistent action, swift
in his decisions, quick in perception and stable in purpose.
TRUMAN D. BOOTH.
Truman D. Booth, who is remembered for the strong traits of his char-
acter as well as by the fact that he lived continuously for thirty odd years
on the old Booth homestead, was born in Fredonia. Licking county, Ohio.
December 13, 1839, the son of Isaac and Mary Booth. He was still an infant
when his mother died and his father removed to Springfield, Illinois, and was
but twelve years old when his remaining parent was taken from him. leaving
him to the care of his older brother Jacob. About 1852 the two brothers re-
moved to Iowa county, Iowa, where they made a valiant struggle against the
obstacles opposing them, which were the greater partly because of their own
youth and partly because of the newness of the country, for it was still in
the first stages of its development.
In that county Truman Booth was married. May 19, 1863, to Miss Lucy
A. Piersal, who bore him four children. The first two died in infancy, but
two daughters, Mrs. Daniel Scalf and Mrs. John Ronan, still survive. Mrs.
Booth died in March, 1870, leaving her husband with the two daughters who
were little more than babes, and on the 17th of the following November he
married Miss Emma A. Hartsock. She was born in Johnson county, Iowa, the
daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Nelson) Hartsock. The father was a native
^
THE mSW y^M.
PUBLIC UBRARV
ASTOR, LENOX
TILVEU FOUNOAYIOM
HISTORY t)l' WASHINGTON COUNTY 85
of ['emisylvania. the mother of Virginia; they were married about 1840 and
came to Iowa, where in Johnson county Mr. Hartsock took up one hundred
and sixty acres of gfovernment land. On this he lived for some thirty odd
years and contributed his share to the transformation of the conditions
and manner of life that has taken place in the interval between that time
and this. About 1872 he removed to Washington county, where he bought a
small place near Wellman, on which he lived in retirement the remaining years
of his life. Seventy-six was the span of years allotted to him.
Of Mr. Rooth's second marriage eight children were born. The two old-
est boys died before they had compassed the period of youth, but six sons
and daughters are still living useful lives. They are: Nettie, the wife of
Wesley Lane, of South English, Keokuk county, Iowa ; Jasper C, of Dayton,
Iowa ; Fred, who lives in Chicago ; \"ernon, who works the home farm ;
Warren, a carpenter, living at home; and Erma, a graduate of the Wellman
high school, who is preparing herself for teaching. Mrs. Booth is a member
of the liaptist cliurch and is active in its work. She lives on the home farm of
two hundred and forty acres.
Air. Booth was in his usual health up to October 7, 1901, when he had
the misfortune to be kicked in the head by a horse, his face being fright-
fully crushed. For three months the most intelligent medical and surgical
care and the devoted nursing of loving hands did all in their power to relieve
his severe pain and save him to many years of usefulness, but it was not so
ordered by Divine Providence and on the 23d of January, 1902, he was re-
leased from his bed of pain.
At the time of his death Mr. Booth was one of the oldest residents of
Lime Creek township, for he had settled on the present Booth homestead in
1869 and had made it his fireside until his death. He was a careful, con-
servative man, a man who looked life squarely in the face, meeting its prob-
lems unfalteringly and honorably, and never turning aside from a duty. He
had been a devout Christian for more than thirty years, having been united
at first with the Christian church, and affiliated later with the Baptists. In
politics he was a staunch republican, but though he never evinced anv desire
to hold office, he always demonstrated a keen interest in matters of public
concern and in good government. In short he was a man whose influence,
extended as it was, over a broad period of years, can only have been the very
best, and must have left its impress upon the community and the age in the
midst of which he lived.
CHARLES E. BROWN.
Charles E. Brown, who is successfully and energetically carrying on
farming and stock-raising on his well improved and attractive farm of eighty
acres on section 24, Jackson township, was born in Washington county,
Iowa, on the 24th of August, 1871, his parents being W. E. and Martha
Brown. He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education
86 HISTORY OF WASHIX(7r()X COLXTV
and remained at home with his parents until he had attained his majority.
Subsequently he operated a rented farm for six years, at the end of which
time, by careful expenditure and close economy, he had accumulated suffi-
cient capital to enable him to purchase his present place of eighty acres on
section 24, Jackson township. As the years have gone by he has brought the
property under a high state of cultivation and improvement and in addition
to growing the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he makes a specialty
of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business proving a good
source of remuneration to him.
On the 25th of March, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown
and Miss Anna B. Pearson, whose birth occurred in Washington county,
December 25, 1869, her parents being Abrani and Julia Pearson. A sketch
of her father is given on another page of this volume. Mrs. Brown is a
graduate of Washington Academy and prior to her marriage taught school
for several years. She is now the mother of three children, namely : Lloyd
P., who was born December 21, 1897; Donald E., whose birth occurred
October 27, 1901 ; and Lois Hazel, whose natal day was March 10, 1903.
Mr. Brown gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is novs'
serving as school treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with lodge No. 868,
M. W. A., at Washington, Iowa. His religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Washington, with which
his wife is also identified. They are widely and favorably known through-
out the county in which they have spent their entire lives and are numbered
among its substantial, representative and worthy residents.
HON. B. F. TIPTON.
No history of Washington county would be complete without extended
reference to Hon. B. F. Tipton, one of the venerable citizens of Cedar town-
ship who has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey. He has
lived in this county for almost six decades, during which period he has not onlv
been a witness to the changes which have ocurred and events which have
shaped its history, but has borne his full share in the work of general im-
provement and upbuilding. Loyalty to duty has ever been one of his marked
characteristics and as the years have gone by he has left the impress of his
individuality for good upon the material, intellectual and political progress
of this part of the state. He was born in Franklin county, (^hio, June 27,
1828, a son of Jonathan and Malinda (Denison) Tipton, natives of Ohio and
Kentucky, respectively. In the year 1838 Jonathan Tipton removed to Fulton
county, Illinois, where he resided until 1851, and then came tt) Washington
county, Iowa. He entered land from the government in Cedar township
and for seven years made his home thereon, giving his time and energies to
its cultivation and improvement. In 1858 he bought another farm and made
it his place of residence up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883
when he was seventy-nine years of age. His wife long survived him. passin-^-
HISTORY OF WASlllXC.'l'OX COLXTV 87
away in 1901 at the very venerable age uf ninety-five years. They were
worthy and respected pioneer residents of the county and the efforts of Mr.
Tipton constituted a vaUiable force in promoting the agricultural progress of
the community. Unto him and his wife five children were born : Jane, who
is now the wife of C. A. Timmons and is living in Cedar township ; B. F. ;
John, now residing in Oklahoma ; Mary, the wife of R. C. R. Young, a resi-
dent of Idaho; and Martha, the wife of William Mason, of Ottumwa, Iowa.
B. F. Tipton accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois when a
lad of ten years and there continued with his parents until after he attained
his majority, and the public schools of Illinois afforded him his educational
privileges. He was twenty-one years of age when he was united in marriage
to Miss Lucinda Jackson, who was born in Ohio in 1827, a daughter of John
and Asenath Jackson. Both of her parents died in Illinois and were laid
to rest at Knoxville.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tipton began their domestic
life in Illinois where they lived for a year and then came to this county where
Mr. Tipton has since made his home. At one time he owned four hundred
and fifty-seven and a half acres of land and was extensively engaged in
farming, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation and carrying
on agricultural pursuits in a most progressive, systematic and prosperous
manner. However he has since sold some of his property and has given some
of it to his children, so that his holdings now comprise one hundred and
thirty acres on section 17, Cedar township. He also made a specialtv of rais-
ing and feeding stock and found this a profitable source of income, for he
handled good breeds of horses, cattle and hogs, and therefore found a ready
market when he desired to make a sale. The rich soil of Iowa responded
readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it as he tilled his fields
in the cultivation of his crops. Year by year he gathered abundant harvests
and his labor eventually brought to him substantial financial returns. His
present condition of prosperity is in marked contrast to his condition at the
time of his arrival here. When he entered his land from the government
his financial resources were very limited and his first home in the countv was a
log cabin, covered with a clapboard roof. Years passed and his success
enabled him to provide an attractive home for his family supplied with all the
comforts that go to make life worth living.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tipton were born seven children: Israel, now living
in Oklahoma: John and Alfonso, who are likewise residents of that state;
Florence, the wife of C. C. Gardner, of Wellman ; David, living in Wapello,
Iowa ; Myrtle, the wife of Joseph A. Simerman, a resident farmer of Cedar
township ; and Hazard, deceased. The wife and mother departed this life
March 21, 1900, and was laid to rest in the Lexington cemetery, leaving her
husband and six children to mourn her loss. She was a consistent and faith-
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her earnest. Christian life
gained for her the love and admiration of all who knew her.
Mr. Tipton is also a member of the same church to which he has long
been most faithful. He was one of the trustees and at all times he has con-
tributed generously to its support and done all in his power to promote it?
88 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
growth and extend its influence. He is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic Post at Wellman, Iowa, being entitled to membership through his
three years' service as a soldier in the Civil war. In the early days of the
long conflict between the north and the south in the attempt on the one hand
to overthrow the Union and on the other to preserve it intact, he joined the
boys in blue of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry. He participated
in several hard fought battles, was with Sherman on the celebrated march
from Atlanta to the sea and yet was never wounded. He delights in meeting
with his old army comrades and thus maintains his membership in Wellman
Post. In politics he has ever been a stalwart republican from the organization
of the party which was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery
and which has ever been recognized as the party of progress. He has taken
an active interest in its work as a local leader and was honored with election
to the state legislature, in which he served during the twenty-first and
twenty-second assemblies, being the first man in Washington county that was
elected for a second term up to that time. He took an active interest in
promoting legislation for the benefit of the general public, supporting various
measures which are now found on the statute books of the state. He also
served on the school board for several years and the cause of education
found in him a stalwart champion. He has made a splendid record in his
military and political service and in his business career. In fact, in every re-
lation of life he has displayed the traits of honorable and upright manhood
and now, when he has passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey,
he receives the veneration and respect which are ever accorded those who
have lived worthily and well.
T. W. HUNTER.
T. W. Hunter is numbered among the enterprising, industrious agricul-
turists of Washington county, who has devoted his energies to tilling the
soil to great advantage and during the brief period in which he has been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits has met with a full measure of prosperity.
His birth occurred in Des Moines county, Iowa, September 24, 1870, and
he is a son of A. Hunter, also a native lowan. His brother-in-law, George
H. Paul, is a wealthy and influential real-estate dealer in this locality whose
biography appears in another part of this volume.
T. W. Hunter was taken to Louisa county, Iowa, by his parents when
he was five years of age and there he attended the district schools where
he acquired his education. Being reared upon his father's farm, he early
became familiar with the various departments of agriculture. When he was
twenty years of age he removed with his parents to this county, where he
completed his education by pursuing a course of study in the academy, and
he remained upon the home farm assisting in agricultural duties until he
was married. He then rented land, which he cultivated for five years, and
on the expiration of that time, in 1902, he located on section i, Washington
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 89
township, where he now resides, owning one hunth-ed and twenty acres of
land, all of which is highly iniiiroved and in excellent condition. He has
erected an elegant dwelling house and, his premises, being provided with
modem conveniences requisite to pursuing the occupation of farming, it is
considered as tine a place as there is in his part of the county. (leneral
agriculture demands his attention and, having made a study of soils, he is an
expert at the adaptation of his crops and succeeds from year to year, in draw-
ing from the soil the maximum yield per acre. In addition he takes an in-
terest in stock-raising, keeping on hand only thoroughbred specimens and the
shipment of cattle is one of the remunerative departments of his business.
In 1896 Mr. Hunter was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Glaze, and to
them have been born five children : Geneva, Clifford, Willard, Mary and
an infant daughter, all of whom reside with their parents. Politically Mr.
Hunter is a supporter of the republican party, believing in the feasibility of
its policies to establish the premanent prosperity of the nation and place its
financial system on a firm and solid foundation and consequently he is a loyal
supporter of its principles, always casting his vote for its candidates. He
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a mem-
ber and, being a man who always endeavors to conduct his life in harmony
with the teachings of his Christian faith he entertains the respect of his
neighbors and merits enumeration among the representative citizens of the
township.
SETH HART.
Seth Hart, a retired farmer of Brighton township, this county, now re-
siding in the village of Brighton, has met with splendid success in the pur-
suit of his chosen occupation, his untiring energy- and excellent business
judgment having enabled him to acquire a competence that now enables
him to live in the enjoyment of well earned rest and at the same time figure
prominently in the financial circles of the community as a money broker.
His birth occurred in Trumbull county, Ohio, November 9, 1830, and he is
a son of Amos and Sophia (Bushnell) Hart. His father, who was a native
of Connecticut, removed to Ohio with his parents in the early days and in
the fall of 1840 came to Brighton, Iowa. He resided on a farm situated
one mile west of the village until death terminated his career. His wife,
also a native of Connecticut, whom he married in Ohio, died in Brighton.
To them were born seven children : Dennis, deceased ; Louisa, widow of
William Pringle, a resident of Brighton ; Ambrose, deceased ; William, a
retired agriculturist of Lamoni, Iowa ; Seth ; Austa, deceased ; and Hulda,
the widow of George Draper, of Alberson, Washington.
When Seth Hart came to this locality the village of Brighton contained
but two residences, the occupant of one of which was a school teacher who
conducted a course of instruction at his residence and it was there that Mr.
Hart received his education. Under the parental roof he remained, assist-
90 HISTORY' ()]•■ \\'ASinX(7r().\ COLWTV
ing in the duties of tlie farm until he attained the age of twentv-one vears,
when he commenced agricultural pursuits on his own account in Clay town-
ship, where he won the reputation of being one of the most progressive
farmers in the vicinity. Upon that farm he contiinied until twelve years ago,
in the meantime having acquired a very large tract of land. Owing to the
ill health of his wife, he then removed to Richland, where he resided with his
son for a period of two years, and after the lapse of that time he settled in
the village of Brighton, where he has since been living with his niece. Dur-
ing his business career he accumulated a great deal of valuable real estate, all
of which he has disposed of and, being one of the most affluent men in his
part of the county, he is conducting a monev loaning business. Although he
has attained the age of seventy-eight years Mr. Hart possesses much of the
vigor of his youthful days and is able to transact his business affairs in a
shrewd and profitable manner. He has never been compelled to use eye-
glasses. He is an interesting conversationalist, his memory being clear, and
he can relate the incidents of early pioneer life in this region witli uncommon
acccuracy, delighting to review the events of those days when the Indians
roamed throughout this section of the state.
In 1878 Mr. Hart wedded Miss Sarah A. Johnson, and two children have
resulted from this union, namely: Lizzie, the wife of Frank Moyer, by
whom she has one daughter, Maybell, and a son, Ralph, who is an agricul-
turist, his farm being located six miles north of Fairfield, Iowa ; and Dennis,
who wedded Martha Miller, and has two children. Jay, deceased ; and Seth
Wesley. Dennis Hart is one of the most jirogressive farmers in Clay town-
ship, where he owns above two hundred acres of highly improved land,
which he keeps continually under cultivation. In 1898 Mr. Hart lost his
wife and her remains were interred in the cemetery in Clay townshi]). Early
in life he was affiliated with that jjolitical party known as the whigs, upon
the dissolution of which he became a republican, and while he has never
desired office he has always been a stanch and able advocate of republican
principles and a loyal supporter of his party candidates. A member of the
Congregational church in Clay township, he is interested in religious affairs,
and both as a citizen and business man is worthy of honorable mention for
the benefit wliich has accrued to the commimity thnnigh his energies.
CHAUNCEY E. MYERS.
On the list of officials who have filled the political offices in Washington
county appears the name of Chauncey E. i\lyers and it is associated in the
minds of those who know him with creditable service, characterized by
promptness and unfaltering fidelity to the interests which he represents. He
is now filling the position of county auditor, having been elected to the office
in i(|()() and reelected in 1908. Highland l(iwnslii|^ Washington county,
numbers him among its native sons, his birth having there occurred August
23, 1872.
HISTORY' ol' WASIIIXC.TOX O )L■^■T^■ 91
Plis |)aictits were William 11. an<l Julia (Davidson) Myers, natives of
Polk comity, Iowa, and \'oiiani;o county, Pennsxlvaiiia, respectively. The
fonner was a son of Joseph Myers, who was also born in the Keystone state
and in an active business life engaged in stock-raising, trading and farming.
He arrived in Polk county, Iowa, in 1848 and the following year came to
Washington county, living on Davis creek. He was an important factor
in the public development of that locality and served as the first postmaster
of the Davis Creek postoffice. Making his home in Iowa township, he there
tilled the soil, brought his land under a high state of cultivation and became
recognized as a thrifty and progressive farmer. He was three times mar-
ried, his second wife being Miss Cregg, by whom he had two sons, who were
soldiers in the Civil war. One of these lost his life in defending the interests
of his country. For his third wife he married Esther Bennett, who belonged
to the Crawfordsville family of Bennetts. She died when past middle age
and her husband departed this life in 1875 ''■^ ''^^ venerable age of eighty-
three years. To them was born a son, William B., and a daughter, who died
in infancy. One son by the first marriage, John G. Myers, figured for a
considerable period as the largest and most successful breeder of shorthorn
cattle in Washington county and was also an extensive land owner, his hold-
ings aggregating about one thousand acres. He was the first man to import
shorthorns into this county and in this way did much to improve the grade
of stock.
The maternal grandfather of Chauncey E. Myers was John Davidson, a
native nf Pennsylvania, who followed the occupation of farming as a lite
work. He came to Iowa in 1861 and settled in Jackson township, living in
this county for about twenty-five years, after which he removed to Taylor
county, where he passed away in March, 1909, at the age of eighty-six years.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Hamilton, died when sixty-
five years of age. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Hamil-
ton, deceased : Julia, the mother of our subject ; Jennie, the wife of Russell
Davis of \\'ashington ; Joseph W. ; Flora, the wife of Edgar Hoover ; Frank-
lin : .\rchibald; William; Lillian, the wife of Charles Alcott of Salt Lake
City, Utah : Charles, who died when a child : and \'erne.
William B. Myers, the father of Chauncey E. Myers, was brought to
Washington county by his parents when only a year old. He was born in
Polk county. Iowa. June 0. 1848, at which time the present capital city was
known as Fort Des Moines, there being little there save the fort which had
been built for protection from the Indians. He has lived continuously in
Washington county since 1849, making his home now in Cedar township
where lie has a farm of eighty acres which he improved. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist church and their many good qualities have
won them the high regard and esteem of those with whom thev have been
associated. Their family numbers three .sons and a daughter : Chauncev E. ;
Esther G. ; J. Wilmot ; and Harold.
Chauncey E. Myers, living all his life in Wasliington county, was reared
on the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and
labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He pursued his earlv education
92 HISTORY OF \\ASHI.\(;T().\ Col'XTY
in the district schools and Hved at home until he had attained his majority,
when he began working by the month, being employed in that way for five
years. Desiring to engage in business for himself, he then rented land and
for eight or ten years cultivated a farm. In 1906 he was called from private
life to public office, being elected county auditor, which position he has filled
so satisfactorily that he was reelected in 1908 for a second term. He owns
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township and from this
property derives a substantial annual income.
Mr. Myers had previously held public office, acting as clerk of Cedar
township for four years, during which period his duties were discharged
with promptness and fidelity, his services recommending him to the later
political honors conferred upon him. He has always been a stalwart advo-
cate of the republican party, thoroughly in sympathy with its principles and
polic}-. Fraternally he is connected with Washington Lodge. Xo. 26. A. F.
& A. M., Cyrus Lodge, No. 13. R. .\. M.. and Bethlehem Commandery,
K. T., and he likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is
well known in Washington county where he has alwavs made his home and
where many salient and commendable characteristics have brought him polit-
ical prominence and also gained for him the trust and good will of those with
whom he has been associated.
I. N. CARR.
I. N. Carr, a well known citizen of Washington county, is numbered
among the veterans of the Civil war and in his local relations is connected
with agricultural and banking interests. He was born in the state of New
York on the 28th of May. 1836, a son of Isaac and Harriet M. (Pinkerton)
Carr, both of whom were also natives of the Empire state, the father born
in 1809 and the mother in 1812. In the year 1843 ^'^^y removed westward to
Iowa but after two years spent in this state returned to Ohio, where the
mother died in 1851. Following her death the father started westward and
was never heard from again. Their family numbered four children, namely:
Samuel B. is deceased ; Delos is a resident of Mexico ; Amanda, who died
May 28, 1909. was the wife of E. Bradford, who is serving as postmaster of
Wellman ; and I. N., of this review, completes the family.
I. N. Carr, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education
in the common schools and at the age of fourteen years started out in life
on his own account, since which time he has been dependent entirely upon his
own resources. Whatever success he has achieved and enjoyed — and he is
now one of the prosperous retired farmers of Lime Creek township — is
attributable entirely to his own labors. He was first employed in a nail
factory, where he worked for two years and at the age of sixteen he came
to Iowa, where he was employed on a farm until he was twenty years of age.
He then purchased a farm in Lime Creek township and made it his home
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
AETOR. LENOX
•nCDEN FOVINDATION
lllSroKV ol' WASlllXCTOX COUXTY 95
continuously until 1898, when he retired from active business cares and re-
moved to Wellman, where he has since resided.
The only interruption to Mr. Carr's active business career came when he
offered his services to the government at the time of the Civil war. In the
year which witnessed the opening of hostilities between the north and the
south he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company
F, Eleventh Iowa Regiment of X'oluntcer Infantry. He served throughout
the war. participating in many hotly contested engagements, taking part in
the long hard marches and in all of the military movements which constituted
the campaigns in wliicli his regiment was engaged. .At the close of the war
he was honoralily discharged at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to Washing-
ton county, where he resumed farming, continuing in active connection with
the work of the fields for more than three decades thereafter. During that
time he brought his land under a high stale of cultivation, annually harvest-
ing rich crops of the grains best adapted to the soil and climate. While he
is not engaged in business at the present time but is enjoying a well earned
rest, he derives substantial income from valuable investments, for he is now
the owner of two hundred and eighty-three acres of land in Lime Creek
township and also five residences in the village of Wellman. He is likewise
cne of the directors of the Wellman Savings Bank and is a stockholder in the
Bank of Keota, Iowa.
It was soon after his return from the war that Mr. Carr was married
on the 2ist of September. 1865. to Miss Margaret Taylor, wdio was born
in Lime Creek township, this county, April 18, 1847, a daughter of Harry
and Eleanor (Squires) Taylor, who were natives of Tioga county. New
York. Her father was born September 10, 1804, while her mother's birth
occurred in 1809. They came to Washington county, Iowa, in 1847, Mr.
Taylor here entering land from the government. He transformed the wild
tract into well improved fields and both he and his wife continued to make
their home upon the farm until they were called to their final rest, Mrs.
Taylor passing away December 15, 1861, while he died May t, 1881. In
their family were eleven children, of whom five are yet living. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Carr were also born eleven children: David A., a resident of Mani-
toba, Canada ; Roy H., a liveryman of Wellman ; Nora Iowa, the wife of Rev.
W. A. Schwimley, pastor of a church at Sibley, Iowa; Sylvia E.. the wife of
Dr. J. E. Green, of Grand Junction. Colorado ; Ezra D., deceased : Harriet
E., the wife of Rev. W. Deyo, the pastor of a church in Chicago; Mary Isa-
belle, the wife of Ralph B. Hull, of Wasliington county; Maud B., the wife
of Otto Klockenteger, a blacksmith of Wellman, Iowa; Nellie G.. who is the
wife of W. Palmer and resides in Oklahoma ; Victor C. who is employed
in the Wellman Savings Bank; and Leslie L., now attending the State Uni-
versity at Iowa City. There are also nine grandchildren.
In his political views Mr. Carr has ever been a stalwart republican and
for twenty years has been a member of the school board, doing all in his
power to uphold the standard of education. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as one of the
trustees. They take an active interest in the church work and contribute
96 HISTORY OF WASHIXt ITOX" COL'XTY
generously to its support. Their lives have always beeu in harmony with its
teachings and they are people of the highest respectability, honored and
esteemed by all who know them. From pioneer times both have been resi-
dents of the county and have witnessed much of its growth and development,
while in many works of public improvement they have actively co-operated.
Mr. Carr well merits the rest which has now come to him as the reward of
his persistent and honorable labor in former years.
H. T. D. HENDERSON.
iMiergetic, industrious and determined, H. T. D. Henderson is classed
with the representative farmers of Seventy-Six township, n(jw cultivating
two hundred and thirty acres of land. He was born in Madison county,
Ohio, October 8, 1855, and is a son of William W. and Priscilla M. (Becks)
Henderson, natives of Virginia and Xorth Carolina respectively. They
were married in Ohio and began their domestic life upon a farm in Madison
county, that state. The mother died there in 1870 and two years later the
father came to Iowa.
Mr. Henderson of this review, however, remained in Ohio for six years
after his motlier's death, working there as a farm hand. He had acquired
his education in the public schools and has always lived a life of industr\', his
persistent purpose and indefatigable labor winning for him steady progress
along business lines. In April, 1878, he arrived in Iowa and for four years
worked by the month as a farm hand, but desiring that his labors should more
directly benefit himself, he rented land which he cultivated in 1883 and 1884.
In the following year he worked on the railroad but in 1886 again took up
general agricultural pursuits and has carried on farming continuously since.
For the past seventeen years he has resided on what is known as the Lois
Likens farm in Seventy-Six township. This embraces one hundred and sixty
acres of land which he has carefully cultivated, deriving therefrom large
crops as the reward for the work he bestows upon the fields. He also rents
and farms other land, having now two hundred and thirty acres under culti-
vation, while in other years he has farmed still more. He has never, during
this time, given a note or other security for his rental, as his business integ-
rity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. The owner of this prop-
erty lives in Canon City, Colorado, and Mr. Henderson pays the taxes and
makes the necessary improveinents. He has built a modern barn and after
making these changes he sends the remainder of the rental to the owner, who
has implicit confidence in his honesty — a trust that has never been betrayed
in the slightest degree. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to
the soil and climate, he also raises some of the best shorthorn cattle in this
section and his hogs are of the Chester White breed. He is an intelligent
and progressive farmer who employs modern methods in carrying on his
business affairs and is meeting with substantial success in his undertaking.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 97
In 1882 Mr. Henderson was married to Miss Mary A. Knox, a native
of this county. Their children are ten in number, namely : Alma, the wife
of Harry E. Huber, of this township ; Waldon, at home ; Blanche, the wife
of W. A. Rominc, also of Seventy-Six township; Elsie, Eury. Samuel, John,
Velvie, Cora and Warren, all at home. Mr. Henderson exercises his right
of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and
for years has served as a member of the school board but otherwise has never
consented to hold office. He and his family are active and faithful members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is nt)w one of its lioard of trustees.
He is a man of sterling worth and upright character — a representative citizen
of the county, whose honesty and well directed energy have gained for him
a place among the prosperous and valued citizens of the communit\ .
MRS. IDA M. DESING.
Mrs. Ida M. Desing, one of the well known and highly esteemed residents
of Wellman, is ihe widow of Henry O. Desing, who was born in Washington
county, December 25, 1866, and was a son of Henry and Adeline (Walters)
Desing. The parents were both natives of Germany and came to America,
locating in Iowa, in early life. Here they resided until called to their final
rest and in this state reared their family of seven children.
Henry O. Desing never enjoyed the educational privileges offered by the
common schools but was self-educated and when not busy with his text-books
he worked on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods
of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. On attaining his majority he
resolved to make the occupation to which he was reared his life work and
therefore carried on general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under
a high state of cultivation, his energy and industry enabling him to annually
harvest good crops as a reward for his strength and enterprise. In his
political views he was a stalwart democrat but was never an office seeker,
preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs
which were capably managed and brought to him a gratifying measure of
success. In all of his business dealings he was honorable and upright, so that
he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name as well as a com-
fortable competence. His death was the occasion of deep regret throughout
the entire ccimmunity. for all who knew him entertained for him warm regard!
It was in 1804 that Mr. Desing was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Fet-
row. who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1871, a daughter of
Abel and Mary J. (Pennybaker) Fetrow. Her parents were both natives of
Pennsylvania who, removing westward in 1881, became residents of Iowa.
In the year 1897 they removed to Washington county, settling in Wellman
where the death of the father occurred in 1902, his remains being interred in
the Ida Grove cemetery. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fetrow were six
children : Anna, now deceased ; Harry J., who is living in Wright county,
Iowa: Emma, who has departed this life; Mrs. Desing; and Charles and
98 HISTOR^" < )!■ WASHINGTON COUNTY
Jennie, who have likewise passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Desing were
born two children. Mable O.. who was born August 25, 1895, is now attend-
ing hisjh school and Fred F., who was born March 14. 1897, is also in school.
Mr. Desing was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
was true and loyal to its beneficient teachings and its spirit of brotherly kind-
ness. He died Februan,- 28, 1909, leaving a widow and two children to
mourn his loss, while many friends shared in their sorrow. Mrs. Desing and
her children now make their home in the village of Wellman. She is the
owner of one hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Lime Creek township
and six acres within the village limits. She also has a store building in Well-
man and two fine residences, one of which she occupies, while the other re-
turns to her a good annual rental. She is a lady of many attractive social
qualities and has an extensive circle of warm friends.
SAMUEL H. BEAR.
Samuel H. Bear, who carries on farming and stock-raising on his place
of one hundred and sixty-six acres on section 11, Cedar township, was born
in Washington county, Iowa, on the loth of August, 1848, his parents being
Gideon and Marv (Guinn) Bear. The father, who was a native of Feim-
sylvania, came to Iowa in 1837, being the third white man in Washington
county. He entered the farm on which his son, Samuel H.. now resides and
remained one of the substantial and respected citizens of this county until
called to his final rest in 1884. The demise of his wife occurred in 1893.
Unto this worthy couple were born thirteen children, eight of whom still
survive.
Samuel H. Bear remained under the parental roof until he had attained
the age of twenty-one vears, when he started out in life on his own account
as an agriculturist, which line of activity has since claimed his time and
energies. For the past twenty-four years he has owned his present farm of
one hundred and sixty-six acres on section 11, Cedar township, and in addi-
tion to tilling the soil he has made a specialty of raising and feeding stock
to some extent. In all of his undertakings he displays good management
and practical methods and has long been numbered among the prosperous,
progressive and representative agriculturists of his native county.
In December, 1868, Mr. Bear was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Bowersox, who was born in LTnion county, Pennsylvania, and accompanied
her parents on their removal to Stephenson county. Illinois, where the family
remained for ten years. In 1865 they went to Keokuk county, Iowa, where
Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox continued to reside until called to their final rest, the
former passing away May 18, 1896. while the latter died March 14. 1899,
Their family numbered twelve children, six sons and six daughters, seven
of whom are yet living, L^nto Mr. and Mrs. Bear have been born eight chil-
dren, namely : Bertha D., whose birth occurred December 12, 1869, and who
passed away May 3, 1881 ; Charles H.. born December 10, 1871, who follows
HISTORY Ol' WASHINGTON COUNTY 99
farming in Cedar township; Mary P.. who was born April y, 1874, and
died March 1, 1889; Clara A., born March 17, 1876, who passed away Octo-
ber 3, 1878; Anna E., who was horn Jnne 8, 1878, and is now the wife oif
T. C. Reeyes, of Cedar township ; Myrtle E., whose birth occnrred April 4,
1880, and who is now the wife of M. E. Booth, of Washington county ; one
who died in infancy ; and Tessie L., born January 31, 1891, who is at home.
In his political views Mr. Bear is a republican, while his relitjious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which the different
members of his family also belong. A resident of the county throughout his
entire life, he has seen the raw prairie converted into rich farms, in the midst
of which towns and cities have sprung up, bringing industrial and commer-
cial development. All through the years he has been an exemplary citizen
and wherever known he is honored and esteemed.
CHARLES A. DEWEY.
Charles A. Dewey, capably and satisfactorily filling the office of county
attorney, was born September 11, 1877, in Washington, Iowa, where he yet
makes his home. Comparatively little is known about the remote ancestry
of the Dewey family. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation and died
in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, when past middle life. He married a Miss Baldwin
and her death occurred in 1908 when she was eighty-eight years of age.
They reared a large family, the living representatives being: Oliver, a resi-
dent of Ohio ; Hulda, the wife of Dr. Jenkins, of San Diego, California ;
Luna, who married and lives in San Diego; and Mrs. Cassie Joris, also of
San Diego.
To this family also belonged Judge Almon R. Dewey, father of Charles
A. Dewey. He was a native of Ohio and served in the Civil war as a private
in two enlistments. Following the cessation of hostilities he came to Wash-
ington, Iowa, and for a time lived with his uncle, Ralph Dewey, who was
one of the pioneer residents of this city and a very prominent and influential
man, serving at one time as mayor of Washington and again as county clerk.
He studied law in the office of Colonel Hiram Scofield until he had sufficiently
mastered the principles of jurisprudence to pass the required examination for
admission to the bar. Entering upon active practice in Washington he made
continual progress in his professional career until his ability won him the
honor of an election to the district bench. He served as judge for twelve
years, his course on the bench being characterized by a masterful grasp of
every problem presented for solution. His decisions were strictly fair and
impartial, winning him the respect and approval of the members of the bar
and of the general public. He was one of the distinguished representatives
of the Masonic fraternity, becoming one of the early members of the lodge
in Washington and an organizer of the other branches of Masonry here. He
was honored with state offices, becoming a past grand master, a past grand
high priest and past grand commander. His death occurred April 15, 1905,
oAv^a A"^^ ^
100 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
when he was sixty 3ears of age and Washington county thereby lost one of
its most vahied and honored citizens, who was ever fearless in conduct and
stainless in reputation. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the
Methodist church. Mrs. Dewey bore the maiden name of Sarah Rousseau
and was a native of Iowa. Her father, Dr. W. H. Rousseau, was born in.
Kentuclcy and became an early resident of Washington, Iowa, where he
practiced medicine for many years. He was twice married, his first wife
being the mother of Mrs. Dewey. His death occurred about 1883 when he
had reached an advanced age. Judge and Mrs. Dewey had but two children,
the elder being Mrs. Mabel Brooking, the wife of J. C. Brooking, of Pueblo
county, Colorado.
Charles A. Dewey was reared in Washington and acquired his education
in the public schools of this city and in Oberlin (Ohio) Academy, from
which he was graduated. He afterward pursued a two years" course in the
law department of the University of Iowa, at Iowa City and was admitted to
the bar in the spring of 1901, since which time he has continuouslv prac-
ticed his profession. He has been accorded a liberal clientage, connecting
him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district. For
four years he filled the office of city attorney and in November, lyoS, was
elected county attorney, which position he is now filling in most acceptable
manner.
At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Dewey offered his services
to the government and was made corporal of his company. His political
allegiance has always been given to the republican part^ which finds in him
a stalwart champion. He is a member of the Metiioclist Episcopal church
and is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Washington Lodge. No. 26, A. F.
& A. M. ; Cyrus Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M. ; Bethlehem Commandery, No.
45, K. T. ; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His entire life having
here been passed he has many friends and enjoys the warm regard of all
who know him.
COLONEL S. W. BROOKHART.
Colonel S. W. lirookhart, the senior partner of the old firm of S. W. &
J. L. Brookhart and prominent as a representative of the ^^'ashington bar,
was born in .Scotland county, Missouri, February 2, 1869, his parents being
Abram C. and Cynthia (Wildman) Brookhart, who were natives of Ohio
and Indiana, respectively. The former was a son of Abram Brookhart, whose
birth occurred in the BnckcAe state. He came of German-Swiss ancestry and
devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandfather, lames
Wildman, was also a farmer and for a short time served as a soldier of the
Civil war in response to the first call. Abram C. Brookhart also made farm-
ing his life work and, on leaving his native state, removed westward, living
for a time in Missouri and afterward one season in Minnesota prior to com-
ing to Iowa in 1879. On reaching this state he settled in Jefferson county for
HIST()R\' ()!■■ W ASIIlXl.Ti )X CoTXTV UU
five years, whence he removed Id N'aii liuren county, where he hvcd for
twenty-two vears. In i()o6 he arrived in Wasliinston county and purchased
a farm of ninety acres in Washin^^lon tnwuship. where lie now resides. F'or
a httle more tlian three years he was a soldier of the Seventh Missouri Cav-
alry, serving- amono others under General Steele. L'nto him and his wife
were born ten children, six sons and four daughters: Smith W.. .Xcwton D. ;
James L. ; Odes E. : Delia E. : George W. ; Myrtle, the wife of ( ieorge Poole ;
Mav, now Mrs. James Quinn ; Thompson E. ; and Eillian.
In taking up the present history of Colonel S. W. P.rookharl we present
to our readers the record of one who occupies a prominent place in the
public regard bv reason of his ability in his chosen profession and his loyalty
to the interests which best conserve the general welfare. Tie lived in Mis-
souri until nine years of a.ge and afterward spent one summer in Minnesota,
coming thence to Iowa with his parents, the remainder of his minority being
passed on the home farm in this state. His early education, acquired in the
country schools, was supplemented ]>y stud\' in the Bloomfield high school
and by a scientific course in the Southern [owa Xormal. He was graduated
from the last two and made a wide study of nmdcrn languages out of school.
This together with broad literary knowledge to serve as a foundation upon
which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the
studv of law, reading for a year at Bloomfield and later at Keosauqua. In
October, 1892, he was admitted to the bar upon successfully passing an exam-
ination before the supreme court and the same year began practice in Wash-
ington, wdiere he has since continued. In 1898 he admitted his brother J. L.
Rrookhart to a partnershiji and the firm is connected with much nf the im-
portant litigation tried in the courts of the district. Colonel I'.rookhart is
verv tliorough. careful and ]3ainstaking in the preparation of cases. His
knowledge of the law is accurate and cnmprchensive and his trial of a case
is characterized by a strong and forceful logic, while he never loses sight of
the common sense that appeals to all men. .\side from his jirofession he is
a director in the Farmers & Merchants Hank and is the owner of consider-
able stock in the (jeorge H. Paul Land Company.
Pleasantlv situated in his home life Colonel Rrookhart was married on
the 22d of June. 1897, to Miss Jennie Hearne, a daughter of Samuel Hearne.
Thev have four .sons and one daughter, Charles Edward, John Roberts, Sam-
uel CDlar, Smith W., and Florence Hearne. Mrs. Rrookhart is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Colonel Rrookhart belongs tu the Knights of Pythias fraternity and in
politics is a progressive republican, interested in the success and growth of
right principles. He was elected to serve as county attorney for six years
save for a period of six months when he resigned and enlisted in the Spanish-
American war, becoming second lieutenant of Company D.. Fiftieth Iowa
Regiment. After the war he reorganized that company as captain and con-
tinued in command for tliree or four years. He was afterward appointed
by ( iovernor Cummins as colonel and general inspector of small arms prac-
tice for the state and later was reappointed to the same position by Governor
Carroll and is still at the head of tliis department. He was one of the pro-
102 HISTORY ()]■ ^^■ASHIXGTUX COUNTY
moters and is a director in the Washington Commercial Club and is a factor
in many of the movements as well as business interests which have had to do
with shaping the policy and molding the destiny of the county in recent years.
In all he does he is actuated by a desire for the public good and his labors
have been effective in attaining desired results. He is, however, preeminently
a lawyer with deep interest in the science of jurisprudence, familiar with the
law and with precedent and standing as a strong conservator of the liberties
and rights of the people through the medium of his profession. At the same
time he is not blind to the faults and technicalities of the law and one can
not be found who is more alert for reform and progress. His chief diversion
is military affairs and he takes great interest in the improvement of rifle
practice in the Iowa National Guard by the most scientific and practical in-
struction. He has developed a state rifle team that now holds a place in the
first division of the national rifle matches and is looking to greater advance-
ment in the future.
THOMAS SIl!jGMASTER.
••V. "'^■' '^- ^'^
There is probably no cpunt-ry" totlge^-in Iowa that surpasses the palatial
residence of Thomas Singmast'er — built-in the old colonial style and sup-
plied with every modern improvement Snd equipment. A capitalist, Mr.
Singmaster is nevertheless, an active factor in the business interests of the
state, standing as a most prominent representative of the stock-breeding
interests of Iowa. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of
his innate talents and powers. He is well known as a man stable in pur-
pose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic and persistent in
action, and his labors have had direct result upon the prosperity of the com-
monwealth in that his business has been an element in improving the grade
of horses raised in this state, classes being materially advanced in conse-
quence thereof.
The life record of Mr. Singmaster began in Perry county, Pennsylvania,
on the 20th of September, 1840, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Sues-
holtz) Singmaster, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, born
in Lehigh and Berks county, respectively. The father's birth occurred
April n, 1807, and in his native county he was reared, there making his
home until 1836, when he came to Iowa on a prospecting tour. This state
was then under territorial rule and the work of progress and improvement
had scarcely been begun save for the settlements that had been made along
the river. On that trip he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of
land in Keokuk county, but after a short time he left the west and returned
to his Pennsylvania home. The memory of this district, however, came to
him, proving irresistibly attractive, and two years later — in 1839 — '^^ returned
to Iowa and made permanent location upon the property which he had
previously purchased in Keokuk county. The land was wild and unculti-
vated, but with characteristic energy he took up the task of transforming
PHD? ri!^^ yORK
P^BUC LIBRARY 1
THOMAS SINGMASTER
MRS. THOMAS SING MASTER
iUST()K^ ()|- WASIIINGTON COUNTY 107
the virgin prairie into productive liclds. Mis means at tiiat time were limited
and he endured all of the hardships and privations common to pioneer life.
At times he met with the success that usually attends untiring energy and
perseverance, and a^ain he suffered the disap|)ointments that seem inevitable
in establishing a home in a new country, far removed from the comforts
and conveniences of the older east. A few years after he had come to
Iowa his home w-as destroyed in a hurricane and in i860 his barn and all
of his machinery were totally lost in a disastrous fire. He did not allow these
things to discourage him, however, his losses proving rather as an impetus
to renewed effort and, placing his dependence upon honest labor, close
econom)- and indefatigable energy he not only acquired a handsome compe-
tence but was fortunate in securing a large share of this world's goods as the
years passed by. I'Vom time to time, as his financial resources permitted, he
made investments in land, until he was the owner of over two thousand
acres of valuable property, most of which was well improved. In his later
years he made a specialty of importing Clydesdale and Norman horses and in
that branch of his business he was very successful. He was one of the first
men in Iowa to import and introduce thoroughbreds and he deserved much
credit for advancing the high standard of the Iowa horses. His life record
stands as a splendid example of what may. b.e- accomplished through per-
sistent, unfaltering effort, and his' history proves conclusively that success
and an honest name may be won simultaneously. He gave his political alle-
giance to the republican party,, but did not seek nor desire the emoluments
of office. He died in April, 1898, and Iowa thereby lost one of her repre-
sentative men, one who had been'a most prominent factor in promoting the
agricultural progress and consequent prosperity of the state.
Thomas Singmaster was brought to Iowa by his parents during his first
year and was reared in Keokuk county, acquiring his education in its public
schools. From early manhood he was closely associated with his father in
his extensive farming and horse-breeding operations, and during the later
years of the father's life he retired somewhat from active business so that
much of the management of his afifairs devolved upon his son Thomas, who in
this way became closely connected with his father's success. Although he is
today numbered among the wealthy men of this portion of the state he by
no means relegates the care of his affairs to others, but gives general
supervision to all his manifold interests, his plans and his judgment constitut-
ing the guiding forces in their control.
Following his father's death, Mr. Singmaster was inarried, December 6,
1900, to Miss Catherine Kaufman and for two years they remained on the
old homestead. In March, 1903, they removed to Keota, where Mr. Sing-
master purchased a residence, and in 1905 he began the erection of his
present home, which without exception is the finest residence in either Wash-
ington or Keokuk counties. It is of palatial dimensions, built in the old
colonial style, is finished throughout with hard wood and supplied with all
of the modern improvements, accessories and conveniences. Its furnishings
are all that wealth guided by cultured taste can suggest. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Singmaster has been blessed with two daughters and a son,
lilSToKN' I )!■■ \VASlIIXe;TO\' COUNTY 107
the virgin prairie into productive fields. His means at that time were limited
and he endured all of the hardships and privations common to pioneer life.
.At times he met with the success that usually attends untiring energy and
perseverance, and again he suffered the disappointments that seem inevitable
in establishing a home in a new country, far removed from the comforts
and conveniences of the older east. A few years after he had come to
Iowa his home was destroyed in a hurricane and in i860 his barn and all
of his machinery were totally lost in a disastrous fire. He did not allow these
things to discourage him, however, his losses proving rather as an impetus
to renewed etlfort and, placing his dependence upon honest labor, close
economy and indefatigable energy he not only acquired a handsome compe-
tence but was fortunate in securing a large share of this world's goods as the
years passed by. From time to time, as his financial resources permitted, he
made investments in land, until he was the owner of over two thousand
acres of valuable property, most of which was well improved. In his later
years he made a specialty of importing Clydesdale and Norman horses and in
that branch of his business he was very successful. He was one of the first
men in Iowa to import and introduce thoroughbreds and he deserved much
credit for advancing the high standard of the Iowa horses. His life record
stands as a splendid example of what may. be accomplished through per-
sistent, unfaltering effort, and his" liistory proves conclusively that success
and an honest name may be won simultaneously. He gave his political alle-
giance to the republican party,- but did not seek nor desire the emoluments
of office. He died in April, 1898, and Iowa therebv, lost one of her repre-
sentative men. one vv'ho had been'a. most prortiinent factor in promoting the
agricultural progress and consequent prosperity of the state.
Thomas Singmaster was brought to Iowa by his parents during his first
year and was reared in Keokuk county, acquiring his education in its public
schools. From early manhood he was closely associated with his father in
his extensive farming and horse-breeding operations, and during the later
years of the father's life he retired somewhat from active business so that
much of the management of his affairs devolved upon his son Thomas, who in
this way became closely connected with his father's success. Although he is
today numbered among the wealthy men of this portion of the state he by
no means relegates the care of his affairs to others, but gives general
supervision to all his manifold interests, his plans and his judgment constitut-
ing the guiding forces in their control.
Following his father's death. Mr. Singmaster was married, December 6,
igoo, to J\liss Catherine Kaufman and for two years they remained on the
old homestead. In Alarch, 1903, they removed to Keota, where Mr. Sing-
master purchased a residence, and in 1905 he began the erection of his
present home, which without exception is the finest residence in either Wash-
ington or Keokuk counties. It is of palatial dimensions, built in the old
colonial style, is finished throughout with hard wood and supplied with all
of the modern improvements, accessories and conveniences. Its furnishings
are all that wealth guided by cultured taste can suggest. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Singmaster has been blessed with two daughters and a son,
108 HISTORY Ol' WASHINGTON COL'NTY
Mary Eva, Margaret Lillian and Thomas Clarence. Not only by reason of
its commodioiisness, its rich furnishings and attractive surroundings, but
also owing to its warm-hearted and generous hospitality is the Singmaster
home a notable one in this part of the state, a cordial welcome being extended
to all their many friends.
Since his father's death Mr. Singmaster has continued the breeding of
thoroughbred Percheron, French draft and Shire horses, all registered
stock. On his farm he now has one hundred and forty head of the best
animals that have been bred in the state and he is also feeding one hundred
head of cattle. In the spring of 1909 he sold five mares to one man for four
thousand dollars, and he owns the stallion that took the first premium at the
Iowa state fair in 1908. He has recently received an importation of forty
Percheron mares from France. He owns more than three thousand acres
of land and with the exception of the tract of two hundred and forty acres
in' Nebraska the entire amount lies in the richest agricultural section of
Iowa — and Iowa stands first among the agricultural states of the Union.
Aside from his farming and stock-raising interests he is a director in the
State Bank of Keota, a director in the First National Bank of Richland,
Iowa, and a stockholder in the Harper National Bank, of Harper, Iowa. His
name has ever been an honored one on commercial paper and his business
policy is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
In his political view's Mr. Singmaster is a republican and m religious
faith his wife is a Catholic. He attributes much of his success to the aid
and encouragement of his estimable wife, who is a lady of refinement and
culture, occupying a prominent position in social circles. Although his
business interests have been so extensive Mr. Singmaster has never had a
lawsuit and has never foreclosed a mortgage on a poor man. He is not only
entitled to a prominent mention in this volume from the fact that his career
has been attended with a notable measure of success, but also because of
the fact that his labors have constituted an important element in the state's
progress in stock-breeding interests. He is also an advocate of improvement
and advancement along many other lines, giving hearty cooperation to
measures for the best interests of the commonwealth. He stands today as a
high type of American manhood and citizenship, alert, energetic and de-
termined, so utilizing his opportunities that public progress as well as in-
dividual interests have been greatly conserved thereby.
A. L. HAMILTON.
A. L. Hamilton needs no introduction to the readers of tliis volume for
he is widelv known throughout the middle west and, in fact, in other sections
of the country as a breeder of thoroughbred horses, making a specialty of
heavy draft stock. He has been aptly termed a man of purpose and the
story of his life is the story of thrift and enterprise, intelligently directed.
He is a resident of .Seventy-Six towiiNhi]! and it was there that his birth
SAMUEL SIN.G MASTER
''^^^^C LIBRARY,
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC UBRARY,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 113
occurred September 6, 1883. His father, R. M. Hamilton, who was his
predecessor in business and a man of wide renown in that connection, was
born in Clinton county, Indiana, February 29, 1840. He was a son of John
and Susan (Bennett) Hamilton, the former born in North Carolina in 1804.
As a young man he removed to Ohio and following his marriage he and his
wife began their domestic life in Preble county, that state. About 1830 they
removed to Indiana and were residents of Clinton county until 1855, when
they went to Mercer county, Illinois, and afterward to Warren county, in
the same state, the death of John Hamilton there occurring in 1878.
R. M. Hamilton was reared in his father's home and acquired a common-
school education. He was just twenty-one years of age at the time of the
outbreak of the Civil war and in the opening year of hostilities between the
north and the south he offered his services to the government and on the
i6th of August was enrolled as a member of Company A, Thirtieth Illinois
Infantry, to serve for three years. After the expiration of that term he
returned to the north and spent one winter at home, but in the spring of 1865
re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company K, Forty-third Illinois Regi-
ment. He was with that command until the close of the war and was hon
orably discharged in November, 1865.
When the country no longer needed his military aid R. M. Hamilton
returned to Mercer county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. On the
4th of January, 1870, he married Miss Josephine Cabeen, and in that spring
they removed to Iowa, taking up their abode in Seventy-Six township, Wash-
ington county. Here Mr. Hamilton first purchased forty acres of land on
which stood a small, frame house, containing only two rooms. In 1874 he
sold that property and bought sixty acres to which he afterward added
another sixty acre tract, living upon that farm until 1890, when he purchased
and removed to his present home place that contains two hundred and sixty
acres and is one of the best improved farms in Washington county. He has
gained a wide reputation as a breeder of horses, having raised some of the
finest draft horses in the state. He has likewise been extensively engaged
in the raising of Aberdeen Angus cattle and it has been through his live-
stock interests that he has largely won the success which is today his and
which now enables him to practically live retired. Handling stock of the
highest grades he has become widely known in this connection, his business
interests being of the most important character. He has done not a little
to improve the grade of stock raised in this part of the state and has there-
by materially advanced prices.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Hamilton were born nine children: Ralph, who
is a druggist of Keota ; Clara, the wife of Dr. A. J. Droz, of Keota ; John,
who is conducting a drug business in Keota ; Margaret, at home ; EfHe, the
wife of William Holmes, of Keota ; Arthur L., of this review ; Nora, the
wife of James O'Laughlin, of Seventy-Six township; Merle, at home; and
Frank, living in Knoxville, Iowa. The parents are both members of the
United Presbyterian church and Mr. Hamilton is a stalwart republican in
politics. Moreover, he is numbered among the substantial and valued farm-
ers and citizens of Washington county — a man of splendid business ability.
lU HISTORY UV WASHINGTON COUNTY
whose activity has won him success in which the community has indirectly
shared.
A. L. Hamihon pursued his hterary ethication in the pubhc schools and
his business training under the able guidance and direction of his father, who
instructed him concerning the breeding of thoroughbred horses. At the
age of twenty-one years he began the breeding of thoroughbred heavy draft
horses and his judgment in business matters of this connection proved so
sound that in 1906 his father made him his successor in business. He is
well known as a breeder and raiser of fine horses and has handled some of
the best stock in Iowa. He sold draft horses as high as fifteen hundred dol-
lars for a pair and he likewise handles fancy driving horses, manifesting
his keen judgment and discrimination in his selection of good animals. His
valuation of the horses is regarded as authority on the subject and he stands
as one of the foremost representatives of this line of business in his native
county.
Mr. Hamilton is also well known and popular in social circles and is a
valued member of West Chester Lodge, K. of P. He also belongs to the
United Presbyterian church and gives his political support to the republican
party. Those who know him find him a genial, courteous gentleman, and
one whose good qualities are widely recognized by his many friends.
J. H. ROMINE.
J. H. Romine is ranked among the self-made men of Washington county
who, through their indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance, have
without any special favoring advantages at the start made their way to posi-
tions of comparative affluence and prosperity. He is engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Seventy-Six township, this county and has become recognized
as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community in
which he resides. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, August 30, 1844,
a son of L. B. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Romine, natives of Ohio and Indiana
respectively. The parents removed to Illinois in the '30s and thence to Iowa,
arriving in Washington county in 1856. Here he purchased property upon
which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1888. The mother still
survives and resides in Seventy-Six township at the age of eighty-six years.
In their family were twelve children, namely: Harriet, the wife of J. V.
Housel, residing in Nebraska ; Catharine, deceased ; Malinda E., the widow of
Henry Desing; J. H., of this review; Eliza J., the deceased wife of George
Y. Dnsenberry ; Charles L., residing in Seventy-Si.x township ; Joseph P.,
living retired in Keota, Iowa; Rachel A., the wife of Alfred Dusenberry, of
Washington county; William E., a resident of Lime Creek township, this
county; Mary, deceased; N. E., of this township; and Mahala F., the wife
of C. E. Beatty, of Washington, Iowa.
The youthful days of J. H. Romine were passed in the acquirement of
an education as a pupil in the common schools of the neighborhood in which
HISTORY UV WASHINGTON COL'xXTY 115
he lived. He remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age,
when, in response to his country's call for aid, he enlisted as a member of
Company H, Second Iowa Infantry, and served for two and a half years as
a loyal defender of the Union cause. He saw much active service and
although he participated in several hotly contested battles was never wounded.
He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and at the close of
his term of enlistment was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa.
Returning to Washington county, Iowa, Mr. Romine became identified
with farming- pursuits. For a few years he rented a farm and then purchased
eighty acres of land, which tract constitutes a part of his present farm. He
carefully cultivated that tract, saved his earnings and from time to time
added to his holdings until today he is the owner of five hundred and si.xty
acres of as good farm land as can be found anywhere in the state of Iowa.
A fine grove surrounds the substantial buildings which he has erected upon
the farm and everything about the place indicates thrift and progress upon
the part of the owner. Aside from his agricultural pursuits he has made a
specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs, and in this branch of activity
is meeting with substantial success. As he has prospered he has extended
his business interests and is today well known in financial circles of Well-
man as the president of the Wellman Savings Bank, which office he has held
for nine years.
Mr. Romine has been twice married, his first union being with Miss
Martha A. Frits, a native of Dubuque county, Iowa. Her birth occurred
in 1844 and she was one of a family of eight children whose parents are
now deceased. The wedding was celebrated in 1866 and unto this union
were born two children : William L., identified with mercantile business in
Wellman, Iowa ; and Kinney N., deceased. The wife and mother passed
away in 1869 and in 1877 Mr. Romine was again married, the lady of his
choice being Miss Nancy- C. Cochran. She was a native of Ohio. Her
parents, who are yet living, now reside in Norton county, Kansas. In their
family were eight children. By her marriage Mrs. Romine became the
mother of six children, as follows: Leonora A., the wife of C. W. Taylor,
of Murray, Iowa: E. F., residing in Seventy-Si.x township: Morris E., also
of that township; Essa Iris, a graduate of the Quincy College; Opal R. ;
and Jessie H., deceased.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take
an active interest in the work of the church. They are well known in the
social circles of the community and the hospitality of the best homes in the
township is freely accorded them. Mr. Romine has retained pleasant rela-
tions with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army
Post, No. 112, at Wellman, Iowa, and takes great delight in the camp fires
of that organization. For thirty-five years he has served as a member of
the school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart
champion. He has always been a staunch advocate of the republican party
and although the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction
for him. he is never unmindful of the duties and obligations, as well as the
privileges of true citizenship and takes an active interest in all matters per-
116 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
taining to the material, financial, intellectual and moral growth of the com-
munity. His has been a life of continuous activity in which he has been
accorded due recognition of honest labor. He has utilized the opportunities
that were his to the best of his ability and his success has come to him not
through speculation or through any fortunate combination of circumstances
but has resulted from his perseverance, his wise investments and his habit
of carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
WILLIAM STEINER.
William Steiner is numbered among the valued citizens of this county
that Germany has furnished to Iowa and in his life he exemplifies many of
the sterling traits of the Teutonic race, being a man of persistency of pur-
pose and of well known reliability. He was born September 26, 1833, in
the fatherland and his parents, Peter and Emma (Henn) Steiner, were also
natives of that country. In 1850 they came to America, first locating in the
state of New York where they continued to reside until called to their final
rest. Their family numbered eight children: William; Phillipina, now
Mrs. Itermiller, a widow living in Lime Creek township ; Jacob, Charles and
Henry, who are yet residents of the state of New York ; and three who have
passed away.
William Steiner came to America when but seventeen \ ears of age. He
had acquired a good education in the schools of his native country and.
attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic,
hoping to benefit by the advantages here offered in business lines. He first
secured employment as a farm hand in the Empire state, where he remained
for eight years, when in 1858 he came to Iowa, settlino in Lee county.
There he was employed for three years and in 1861 he came to Washington
county, Iowa. .After Ijeing employed for four years as a farm hand in
this county, during which time he carefully saved his earnings until his
economy and industry had brought him a substantial little sum of money,
he then invested in a farm on which he now lives. It has been his home
continuously since 1865 and comprises one hundred and fifty-seven acres of
land in Lime Creek township. Today it is a well improved property and its
attractive appearance is due entirely to the care he has bestowed upon it
He has erected commodious and substantial buildings, has planted trees and
now has a beautiful farm, his broad acres spreading out around him and
annually bringing forth rich crops. He has also made a specialty of raising
and feeding hogs and his unremitting industry and unfaltering perseverance
have constituted the salient features in his prosperity.
Mr. Steiner has been married twice. In Lee county he wedded Miss
Mary Rupp, who was born in Germany. They became the parents of four
children: Mary, now deceased: William, at home; Jacob, who is living in
the state of Washington: and Katie, now in California. The wife and
mother passed away September 20, 1874, and Mr. Steiner afterward werlded
111ST()R^' ( )!•■ \\ASIIIX(i'J"().\' COL'XTY 117
Miss Marv Scliniitt, vvhu \\a^ born in Ckrnianv in 1852 and was brought to
America by her parents in i8C)o. Unto this marriage there were born seven
children : Henry and John, who are residents of this county ; Anna, wife of
Melvin Whetstine. living in Lime Creek township; Daniel, at home; Emma,
who resides with her parents and is engaged in teaching school ; and Martha
and Charles, who are pupils in the high school at Wellman.
Mr. Steiner votes with the democracy and is a stalwart advocate of the
principles of the party. Tlie cause of education finds in him an earnest
champion and through sixteen years' service on the school board he did
effective work for the interests of public education. He holds membership
in the Mennonite church while his wife is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. They are both highly esteemed and their many good traits
of heart and mind have given them firm hold on the affection and regard of
those with whom they have been brought in contact.
ELIAS A. APPLEGATE.
Elias A. Applegate, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Jack-
son township, was born in Washington county, Iowa, November 4, 1869,
his parents being William and Elizabeth Ann (Unangst) Applegate, both
of whom were natives of New Jersey. They made their way to Mercer
county. Illinois, at an early day and subsequently came to Washington
county, Iowa, in 1864, locating in Jackson township, where the father pur-
chased a tract of land, ^^'illiam /\pplegate passed away on the 3d of May,
1007, but his wife still survives and yet makes her home in this county,
having now attained the age of si.xty-eight years. Unto this worthy couple
were born five children, namely : John H., a resident of Oklahoma ; Etta
May, the wife of Frank .McCreedy. of Little Falls. Minnesota; Anna M.
and Cora C, botli of whom are deceased ; and Elias A., of this review.
The last named attended the common schools in the acquirement of an
education and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five
years of age. He was then married and rented his father's farm, in the
operation of which he was engaged for three years. On the e.xpiration of
that period, in 1898, he took up his abode on his present place in Jackson
township, where he has since carried on his agricultural interests with such
diligence and industry that his labors have been rewarded by bounteous
harvests annually. Lie has placed many modern improvements on his prop-
erty and is recognized throughout the community as a most substantial,
enterprising and progressive citizen.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Applegate chose
Miss Mary Korous, whose birth occurred in Jackson township, Washington
county, August 25, 1875. Her parents, Albert and Josephine Korous, who
were natives of Bohemia, came to Washington county, Iowa, at an early
day. The father still survives, residing in this county, but the mother died
on the 25th of July, 1884. Their family numbered five children, as follows:
118 HISTURV Ol' WASlUXijTOX COUXTY
Mrs. Applegate ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Frances, who is head nurse in a hos-
pital at Salt Lake City ; Rose Marie, a resident of Utah ; and Anna, who has
also passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Applegate were born five children:
Howard E., whose birth occurred February 21, 1896; Edna P., born March
14, 1897; Elizabeth M., whose natal day was March 10, 1900; Gladys L.,
born October 13, 1904; and Ora May, who first opened her eyes to the light
of day on the i6th of Febraury, 1906.
Mr. Applegate exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party and has served as school director, the
cause of education ever finding in him a staunch champion. Both he and
his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and are well
known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent
their entire lives.
CHARLES T. JOHNSON.
Charles T. Johnson is a prosperous farmer of Lime Creek township who
has continuously resided at his present place of residence since 1865, at
which time he came to this farm with his parents, Eleazer and Eunice (Fer-
nald) Johnson. His birth had nccurred in Maine on the 28th of December,
1857. The Johnson family is of English lineagre and was founded in .\merica
in 1630. Most of the male members of the family were shipbuilders and they
had a place of business at the mouth of the Merrimac river, known as the
Johnson wharf. The grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the
war of 1812.
Eleazer Johnson, the father of our subject, was born April 26, 1813, and
when fourteen years of age left home, shipping as cabin boy on a vessel which
sailed from New England ports. Gradually he worked his way upward
through successive promotions until he became captain, sailing on the seas
until thirty years of age. At that time he purchased a farm in Maine, on
which he resided until 1865, when he came to the middle west with his
family, settling in Washington county, Iowa. Here he purchased the farm
whereon his son Charles now resides and to the cultivation and development
of this property he gave his attention throughout his remaining days. His
wife was born January 7, 1 821, and they became the parents of nine children,
of whom Sarah F. and William P., the two eldest, are now deceased. Har-
riet is now Mrs. Xewcomb, a resident of Kansas. Edward T. is also a resi-
dent of Kansas. Fannie T. and Marie L. reside together on a farm of one
hundred and eighty-five acres in Lime Creek township, which they own, and
in her younger years Miss Fannie engaged in teaching school. Clara T., the
next of the household, is deceased. Charles T. is the eighth in order of
birth. Margaret A., who completed the family, has also passed away. The
mother died January 6, i86g, and the father's death occurred November 27,
1881, their remains being interred in the Lexington cemetery.
Charles T. Johnson is far separated from the place of his birth, A native
of New England, he spent the first seven years of his life in the Pine Tree
ELEAZER uOHNSON
THE NdW YORK
[fUBLIC LIBRARY,
JlL.Dh.ti FOUNDATION
HISTDRV UF W ASIIIXGTON COUNTY 121
state and then accompanied his parents on their journey to Iowa. Since
that time lie has resided continuously on the farm which is now his home.
He was trained in the active work of the fields and was therefore well quali-
fied to take charge of the place when he began farming on his own account.
He now owns two hundred and forty acres of land on section 31, Lime Creek
township, and in addition to tilling the soil he has always made a specialty
of raising and feeding stock, handling at all times good grades so that his
stock finds a ready sale on the market.
It was on the 30th of November, 1896, that the marriage of Charles T.
Johnson and Miss Eliza Sigler was celebrated. The lady was born in this
county, February 2, 1858, and was one of the nine children whose parents
were John and Goldie (Fasenbaker) Sigler. Her father died in 1882, but
her mother is still living in this county at the advanced age of eighty-five
years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become parents of two sons : Thomas
R., born August 29, 1899; and Charles T., born December 5, 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, are interested in its work, contribute generously to its support and
cooperate in its varioiis^^a.ctiY.ities M.r-..r J«hnson votes with the re])ublican
party and in all matters oi'eitizeHslii'j^ fs- progressive and public spirited. The
Johnson family is one weH known in this county, having a wide acquaintance
since Eleazer and Eimice Johnson first, canie in 1865. The members of their
household have ever been held in highest'e'^m, manifesting substantial quali-
ties of character which have" gained for them warm regard.
REV. BERNARD JACOBSMEIER.
Rev. Bernard Jacobsmeier, who since the ist of January, 1905, has been
pastor of St. Mary's Catholic parish in Riverside, was born in St. l.ouis,
Missouri, on the 17th of September, 1865, a son of William and Theresa
Jacobsmeier, who were natives of Germany. When two years of age his
parents, who had come to the United States, removed to Lee county,
Iowa, where he attended the parochial schools. In 1882 he went
to Atchison, Kansas, entering St. Benedict's College, where he re-
mained as a student for two years. Going to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on
the expiration of that period, he there attended St. Francis Seminary for
seven years, at the end of which time, in 1891, he was ordained to the priest-
hood by Bishop Katzer. He was then appointed parish priest at Audubon,
Iowa, where he built a parsonage and remained for two years. His next
charge was in Washington, where he continued for a period of eleven and a
lialf years, erecting the parochial school and remodeling the interior of the
church. At the same time he conducted a mission at Pleasant Plain, where
he built a church in 1902 — the year following the erection of the school in
Washington. On the ist of January, 1905, he was installed as pastor of St.
Mary's parish in Riverside and has since devoted himself to its upbuilding
and development with consecrated zeal. Here he has erected a church at
122 HISTURV UF WASHINGTOxN COUNTY
a cost of forty thousand dollars, together with a rectory valued at eight
thousand dollars. The schools are presided over by the Sisters of Charity
and have an attendance of about one hundred and fifty pupils. Father
Jacobsmeier is one of the popular and prominent representatives of the
priesthood in this section of the state and his efforts have proven an im-
portant factor in the spread and development of Catholicism in the communi-
ties where he has labored.
CLIFFORD THORN E.
Cliiiford Thorne, attorney-at-law of Washington, was born in Brooklyn,
Iowa, January 20, 1878, a son of William G. and Rachel AL (Young)
Thorne, who were natives of Ohio and Iowa, respectively. The father was
a minister of the Methodist church, who took up the work of preaching at
the Eureka church, Washington county, Iowa. Among his charges he spent
five years as pastor of the church in Washington. He acted as presiding
elder in the Muscatine district for six years, making Washington his place
of residence during that time. He is now living at Keosauqua, being pastor
of the Methodist church of that place. Unto him and his wife were born
but two children, the elder being Rose, now the wife of the Rev. W. L.
Clapp, of Brooklyn, Iowa.
Having qualified for the bar, Clifford Thorne has engaged in the practice
of law in Washington since 1901 and has made substantial progress in his
calling.
JAMES A. WALKER.
James A. Walker is well known in his home locality as a stalwart cham-
pion of the cause of education, having served on the school board for thirty
years. He is moreover known among his acquaintances and friends as a self-
made man whose success is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for when
he arrived in this county he had a cash capital of but fifteen dollars. As
the years have gone by, however, his unfaltering labor, intelligently directed,
has brought to him substantial success and for a long period he has been
classed among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Cedar township
where he now owns two hundred acres of valuable land. He was born in
Jefferson county, Ohio, October 10, 1852, and is a son of John J. and Hannah
R. (McConnell) Walker. The father's birth occurred in Brook county,
West Virginia, and now at the age of eighty-five years he is still living
on the same farm which has been in possession of the family for three
generations and which comprises four hundred acres of land. The family
is an old one in the south, having been founded in America by the great-
grandfather of our subject, who arrived in the western world in 1753. He
lived in Baltimore, Maryland, for eleven years and then secured the four
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 123
hundred-acre farm which is now owned and occupied by John J. Walker.
This has proven a valuable property for nine oil wells have been opened
upon the land. It was on the old homestead that John J. Walker reared his
family which numbered four sons and one daughter: Joseph M., a resident
of West \'irginia ; James A., of this review; William P., also living in his
native state ; John W., still on the old homestead in West Virginia ; and
Jane R., now the wife of A. E. Carter of that state.
The boyhood days of James A. Walker passed quietly and uneventfully
in the attainment of his education and in the work of the home farm. He
there remained until twenty-three years of age, when, thinking to find better
business opportunities in the west, he left his native state and came to Iowa.
His destination was Washington county where he arrived on the 2d of
November, 1875. He worked for a year as a farm hand at twenty dollars
per month in the employ of W. A. Moore and afterward rented a farm for
live years. He next purchased forty acres on section 19, Cedar township,
where he now resides, and as the years have gone by he has greatly im-
proved the property, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation
and adding all of the modern equipments and accessories of a model farm
of the twentieth century. He was in limited financial circumstances at the
time of his arrival here, having but fifteen dollars as his entire cash capital,
but his diligence and energy has brought him success of a most substantial
character and he now owns two hundred acres in Cedar township, from
which he derives a most gratifying annual income. He has made a specialty
of raising and feeding stock, keeping on hand high grades, and his lands
have also demonstrated the fact that no fields in all America can bring forth
finer crops of grain than those of Washington county.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, James A. Walker
chose Miss Martha J. Dayton, whom he wedded on the 12th of September,
1876. She was born in this county December 6, 1855, a daughter of David
and Mary (Long) Dayton, natives of Maryland and Illinois respectively.
Their last days, however, were passed in Iowa and when they were called
to their final rest it was with deep regret that their maiiv friends received
the news of their demise. In their family were eight children : Josiah, who
is still living in this county ; Francis, deceased ; Cordelia, the wife of George
Davidson, a resident of Waterloo. Iowa; Albert, living at Hedrick, Iowa;
Lettie, the wife of George Hutton of Oskaloosa; Elizabeth A. and William
both of whom are deceased ; and Mrs. Walker. The last named by her mar-
riage has become the mother of two daughters and a son: Belle, the oldest,
born February 3, 1877, is now the wife of Cash Crossett of Keokuk county,
Iowa, nd unto them were born four children; Jennie, born November 13,
1882, is the wife of Carl Herring and they have one child ; and Joseph, born
January 8, 1884, is living in West Chester, Iowa, and has one son. Mr. and
Mrs. Walker also now have six living grandchildren.
In his political views Mr. Walker is a democrat, staunchly advocating
the principles of the party and doing all in his power to further its growth
and to secure its success. He has been a member of the school board for
thirty years and is connected with West Chester Lodge, No. 396. Knights of
124 HISTORY OF WASHIXCiTON COUNTY
Pythias, in which he has filled all of the chairs and has five times been a dele-
gate to the Grand Lodge. His wife is a valued member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. They are both highly esteemed in the community where
they reside, enjoying the warm regard of many friends. A life of diligence
and well directed labor has brought Mr. Walker substantial success and his
record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others,
showing what may be accomplished when one is enterprising and determined.
JOHN H. SQUIRE.
John H. Squire, who has large land interests here and is numbered among
the substantial farmers of the community, was born in Scioto county, Ohio,
March 17, 1857. a son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Mead) Squire. His
father was also a native of that county, where he was reared until he was
twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he took up the occupation
of freight boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, going as far as New
Orleans. After following that pursuit for about three years he came to Iowa,
locating in Lime Creek township, Washington county, about a half mile east
of Wellman. In 1844 he entered land on the present site of the town of
Wellman, and remained upon his farm for about four years when, owing to
the illness of his father and mother, he returned to Ohio, where he was
married. In the fall of 1857 he drove back to Iowa in a prairie schooner
drawn by a span of mules, bringing with him his wife and their six months
old child. He located in Davis county, where he lived for several years, and
then removed to Van Buren county, farming there until 1865, during which
year he again returned to his native county, where for one year he engaged
in the general merchandise business. He next operated a farm, but in 1882
he again came to this state. He settled on a farm about ten miles north of
Washington, pursuing agriculture there and on another farm five miles
northwest of Washington for several years, when he retired from active
life and removed to the town of Washington. There he resided until the
time of his death in 1904, his remains Ijeing interred in the Elm Grove
cemetery. His wife, who entered into rest in 1906, was also interred in the
same lot.
They had eleven children : Chloe, who died at the age of two years ;
John H. ; Sarah Ellen, wife of J. W. White, an agriculturist of Washington
township ; Mary Adeline, the wife of L. A. CruU, a Methodist Episcopal
clergyman of Malcolm, this state; Julia Abigail, the wife of Harry A.
Brindley, of .Soutli Dakota, a horse and cattle dealer ; Eunice Lucetta, wlio
became the wife of J. S. Adams, an agriculturist of Aitkin, Minnesota;
Lydia Jessie, the wife of E. S. Bishop, who operates a farm and cattle ranch
in Cedar township ; William Melvin, deceased ; Grace Frances, the wife of
J. W. Bishop, a thresher and machinist of Washington ; Elizabeth Jane, the
wife of L. H. Brindley, a stock-dealer of this county ; and Nathaniel Green,
a local carpenter.
HIS'RJRV OF W ASJIl.\(iT(JX L'OL'XTV 125
On his father's farm J. H. Squire spent his boyhood days, acquiring a
knowledge of the various departments of agriculture, and receiving his edu-
cation in the neighboring schools. He remained at home until he was
twenty-two years of age, when he went to Indiana, where he followed farm-
ing as a wage earner for about two years, subsequently returning home and
working with his father for about one year. He next went to Ohio, where
he was married, and upon returning to Iowa with his wife he engaged in
farming rented land in Keokuk county. After residing there for about five
years he removed to Washington county, where he rented land and carried
on agriculture for four years, and then purchased a farm in Cedar township,
which he sold eighteen years later. He then purchased his present farm,
which contains eighty acres located on section 13. His place is highly im-
proved and here he engages in general farming, paying some attention to
the raising of cattle, horses and hogs.
In 1883 Mr. Squire wedded Miss Sarah Catherine White, a native of
Scioto county, Ohio, by whom he has five children : J. R., born March 19,
1884, a clerk and bookkeeper of a general mercantile establishment in Jack-
son county, Ohio ; C. L., born May 4, 1885, who resides at home ; Mabel B.,
born June 16, 1888, who wedded H. Kilgore in 1906, the couple living on a
farm near Ainsworth, this county ; Grace B., born November 30, 1889, a
local .school teacher; and Helen G., born March 24, 1895, who lives with her
parents.
Mr. Squire gives his political allegiance to the republican party and,
being a public-spirited man, he takes considerable interest in local affairs.
He has been township assessor for the past four years, the duties of which
office he performed for the same period of time in Cedar township. He
belongs to the Court of Honor and to the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which his wife is also a member, and he is numbered among the honored citi-
zens and substantial agriculturists of his localitv.
W. B. KERR.
W. B. Kerr, who is devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and
improvement of his farm of eighty acres on section 27, Jackson township,
was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1856, his parents
being Jonathan and Jane (Scott) Kerr, who were likewise natives of the
Keystone state. In i860 they made their way to Henry county, Illinois,
where they resided for seven years and then came to Washington county,
Iowa, in 1867, taking up their abode in Washington township. Here they
remained until called to their final rest, the father passing away on the 13th
of January, 1889, while the mother's death occurred April 20, 1908. Their
family numbered seven children, namely: W. B., of this review: Plummer
S., who is deceased: David S., a resident of Audrain county, Missouri;
Margaret J., who is the wife of R. W. Cook, of Missouri ; Mary E., residing
126 HISTORY OF WASHTXGTOX COUNTY
in Washington county; Laura B., the wife of R. P. Alintier, of this county;
and Eliza A., who has also passed away.
W. B. Kerr attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu-
cation that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life
and remained at home until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he
was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for seven years, on the ex-
piration of which period he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty
acres, on which he resided for nine years, when he sold the property and
made his home in Washington for a year. He then purchased his present
farm of eighty acres on section 27, Jackson township, in the cultivation
of which he has since been successfully engaged and it is now a desirable
property, from which he annually derives a good income. He is practical
in his methods and as the result of his work in the fields he yearly harvests
good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.
On the 7th of November, 1883, Mr. Kerr was united in marriage to Miss
Mattie E. McFarlane, whose birth occurred in Mahoning county, Ohio,
February 5, 1863. her parents being R. D. and Anna M. (Dickson) McFar-
lane, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In 1868
Mr. and Mrs. McFarlane came to Washington county, Iowa, and are still
living in the city of Washington. In their family were nine children, as
follows: Etta, who is deceased; Mrs. Kerr; L. E., a resident of South
Dakota ; R. F., who is living in West Chester, Washington county ; Mary E.,
who has passed away; Nettie J., the wife of William Mayhew, of Marion
township, this county ; James D., who is likewise deceased ; and Cora B. and
May G., who are at home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have been born three
children: Elsie, whose birth occurred September 2~. 1884, and who died July
30, 1894; Cloyce B., who was born July 19, 1889, and is now attending
the academy at Washington, Iowa; and Beulah, born November 15, 1895,
who is at home.
In his political views Mr. Kerr is a staunch republican and for fourteen
years has capably served as a member of the school board. Both he and his
wife belong to the Second United Presbyterian church at Washington and
are widely and favorably known throughout the entire community, having
ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime
command admiration and regard.
HENRY CLAY HULL.
On the list of Washington county's honored dead appears the name of
Dr. Henry Clay Hull, a man whom to know was to esteem and honor, and
who was most respected where best known. He was born in Knox county,
Ohio, February 3, 1826, and was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( \'an Winkle)
Hull. His father was a native of Virginia and at an early day removed west-
ward to Ohio, where he spent the greater part of his life. After reaching
an advanced age, however, he came to Iowa and passed his remaining years
jOa-mJ-^.
THE vr.v; 'i^^'l^^
I FUB Lie LIBRARY I
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 129
at the home of his son, Dr. Hull. His birth occurred March 2, 1798, and
he died on the 17th of September, 1873, his remains being interred in the
Crawfordsville cemetery. His wife, who was also a native of Virginia, had
died in Ohio. They were the parents of eight children: Henry Clay; John,
who was bom June 14, 1827, and engaged in general practice of medicine
until his death; Isaac, who was born April 11, 1830, and has departed this
life; Thaddeus, who was born in 1832 and is now living near Wellington,
Kansas ; Margaret, who was born March 13, 1834, and is the wife of Friendly
Lewis, of Gambler, Knox county, Ohio; Hester, who was born August 13,
1836, and has passed away; Joseph E., who was born July 5, 1838, and is
living in Gillespie, Illinois ; and Moses, whose birth occurred August 20,
1840, and who now lives retired in Crawfordsville.
Dr. Hull spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his
nativity and acquired his education in the public schools, after which he
qualified for practice of medicine in the Cincinnati Medical College, from
which he was graduated June 5, 1852. He opened an office in Crawfords-
ville and at once gained a reputation as an able and successful physician
who was conscientious and painstaking in his efforts. Twelve years ago he
decided to give up the active work of his profession but the people would
not have it so and kept going to his house for medicine and for professional
service. He was rated as the best therapeutist who has ever lived in this
county. He was ever a deep and discriminating student of his profession,
seemed to have almost intuitive perception as to the value of any idea or
method of practice promulgated by the medical fraternity and in diagnosis
his judgment was seldom, if ever, at fault. He was accorded a very large
practice and. carefully husbanding his resources, he at length became recog-
nized as one of the substantial citizens of the coirmiunity. He had no ex-
pensive habits, and, making judicious investments from time to time, he
left at his death a large estate, owning more than four hundred acres of
valuable land, while he was also an extensive stockholder in the Ainsworth
and Columbus Junction Banks. For many years he also did a kind of private
banking business, loaning money and cashing sales notes, and his business
integrity was ever regarded as above question.
Dr. Hull was married twice. Soon after his arrival in this county he
wedded Mrs. Jane Nabb in 1854 and they traveled life's journey happily
together until her death in 1880. In the following year he wedded Miss
Margaret Van Horn, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, near Pickaway,
and is a daughter of John and Jane (Mathers) Van Horn. She survives
him, together with their daughter, Nellie, who is now the wife of Rev. W. G
Roberston, a United Presbyterian minister of Crawfordsville.. They have
one child, Margaret Louise, born April 9, 1909. Dr. J. H. Hull, a son of Dr.
H. C. Hull by his first marriage, is now actively engaged in the practice of
medicine in Washington. He has two children: H. C, a physician, practicing
with his father in Washington ; and Daisy, the wife of Charles Startsman,
an electrical engineer, living at North Orange, New Jersey.
Dr. Hull was long a member of the Presbyterian church, with which
he united in 1854. and for more than fifty years he contributed over one
130 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX LOrXTY
hundred dollars per year for the maintenance of the church. He was a
charter member of the Masonic fraternity and was a believer in its spirit
of humanitarianism, recognizing the brotherhood of the race. He died
November 17, 1907, and his death was the occasion of deep regret to all who
knew him, for his honorable manhood, his consideration for others, his loyalty
to friendship and devotion to home ties won him the kindly regard and re-
spect of all with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Hull still resides in Craw-
fordsville and owns and occupies the finest residence in the town.
ELI BEEN.
Eli Deen is now a retired farmer of Wellman but is still the owner of
valuable property in Lime Creek township, having two hundred and sixty-
two acres on sections 6 and 7. He also owns a beautiful home m the midst
of nine and one-half acres of land which adjoins the corporation limits of
the village. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and
exemplifies in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which have ever
been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of this section of the country.
His birth occurred in McLean county, Illinois, May 17, 1846, his parents
being Enos and Lucy (Fordice) Deen, who were natives of West Virginia
and of Ohio respectively. The paternal grandfather of our subject served
in the Revolutionary war, seeking to win independence for the colonies, while
the maternal grandfather took up arms for American rights against English
invasion in the war of 1812.
It was in 1832, the year in which the Black Hawk war occurred, that
Enos Deen came to the middle west, settling in McLean county, Illinois. He
purchased land there and made his home thereon for twenty years. He
wedded Miss Lucy Fordice and after the birth of all of their children they
removed to Iowa in 1852, taking up their abode in Lime Creek township,
Washington county, where they remained until called to the home bevond.
The father died in 1855 and the mother, long surviving him, reached an
advanced age, passing away on the 17th of February, 1893. In their family
were ten children, among whom were: James M.. deceased : Susannah, who
became the wife of George Phillips and has departed this life: John !<"., who
has also passed away ; Lucinda O., the deceased wife of R. J. Jones ; Amanda
M., the wife of A. J. Treadwell, deceased ; Eli, of this review : and Enos and
Lucy, both of whom have passed away. The father was twice married. I'v
his first union there were seven children, but of the entire family of seven-
teen Eli Deen is now the only one living.
Reared to farm life, Mr. Deen of this review remained at home until
twenty-four years of age, when he made arrangements for having a home of
his own by his marriage to Miss Caroline C. Boehme, who was born in \^er-
mont, October 12, 1851, and is a daughter of William and Mary Ann
(Devlin) Boehme, natives of Germany and England respectively. Her
parents were married in Canada, where they located on coming to the new
?nST(.)R\' Ol' WASHINGTON COUNTY 131
world, but at the end of two years they removed to Brandon, Vermont,
and seven years later came to Washington county, Iowa, taking up their
abode in Lime Creek township where they continued until the time of their
demise, in their family were ten children, eight of whom yet survive. This
number includes Mrs. Deen. At the time of the marriage of our subject and
his wife they began their domestic life upon the old home farm and he con-
tinued to cultivate its fields for several years, or until his economy and
industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land
for himself. He invested in property in I^ime Creek township and is now
the owner, as previously stated, of two hundred and sixty-two acres on sec-
tions 6 and 7. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a long
period and also made a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs
while on his farm. At length he retired from active business life in 1907
and removed to his home adjoining the village of Wellman. Here he has
nine and one-half acres of land in the midst of which stands a beautiful
residence, supplied with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries that
go to make life worth living. His success is the direct outcome of his per-
sistency of purpose and indefatigable energy. In the management of his
business affairs he displayed sound judgment, was most careful in making
investments, and as the years went by and one by one were added to the
cycle of the centuries he gained for himself a place among Washington
county's substantial farmers and men of affluence.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Deen were born three children: Clara E., born
December 17, 1871, is the wife of U. E. Thomas, a resident of Washington,
Iowa. George I'.., born January 24, 1874, is married and resides in Well-
man. Elsie A., born November 5, 1875, is the wife of E. E. Norman and now
makes her home with her father and mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Deen attend the Baptist church and are people of genuine
personal worth whose influence is always given to the side of justice, truth
and progress. Mr. Deen votes with the republican party and for many years
served on the school board but has never been a politician in the sense of
office seeking. He has stood, however, as a champion of progressive public
measures and in all of his business affairs has maintained an unassailable
reputation for reliability, as well as for enterprise.
BENJAMIN F. DIXON.
A spirit of enterprise, of keen discrimination and of unfaltering purpose
at all times characterizes the efiforts of Benjamin F. Dixon, the senior part-
ner of the firm of B. F. Dixon & Company, largely engaged in handling farm
property and other classes of realty. A native of Illinois, Mr. Dixon was
born in Logan county, near Lincoln, April 24, 1853, and represents an old
American family. His grandfather, Jesse Dixon, was a native of Penn-
sylvania and removed westward to Illinois when the Indians were numerous
in that state. He lived to see the red men replaced by white settlers and all
]32 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of the advantages and improvements of a modern civilization introduced,
his death occurring in Illinois when he had reached an advanced age. Hel
had married Katie Reed, who died when more than sixty-five years of age.
They were the parents of eight children who enjoyed remarkable health, a
physician never being called for any of them. They were Daniel, David,
Joseph, Solomon, Jerry, Mary, Nancy and Betsy. Of this family Solomon
Dixon became the father of Benjamin F. Dixon. He was a native of Penn-
sylvania, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Farris was
born in Kentucky. She was the daughter of "Buck" Farris, a native of
Kentucky, who was a farmer and trader and became one of the early settlers
of Dewitt county, Illinois, locating at Clinton. Both lived to an advanced
age. They were the parents of three daughters and a son: Jane, Elizabeth,
Caroline and James.
When Illinois was largely an unimproved district inhabited mostly by
red men, Solomon Dixon and Jane Farris removed to that state in company
with their parents and were among the early settlers of Logan county. The
father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in order to pro-
vide a comfortable living for his children. He lived most of his life near
Lincoln, Illinois, but died at Wellsville, Kansas, at the age of seventy-six
years. His wife survived him about fifteen months and died at the same
place at the age of seventy-eight. Both were members of the Christian church
and their many good qualities won for them the esteem and confidence of all.
They were the parents of two sons and two daughters : Mary C, the widow
of William Woolley, of Ottawa, Kansas ; Charles Henry, also of Ottawa ;
Sarah, 'who died at the age of fifteen years ; and Benjamin F.
The last named was reared on his father's farm in Logan county, Illinois,
on Sugar creek, about six miles north of Lincoln. He attended the district
schools and when not busy with his text-books gave his attention to the work
of the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were har-
vested in the late autumn. At the age of twenty-four years he left home and
removed to Hartsburg, cultivating a farm adjoining that town. He also en-
gaged in the grain and livestock business for a number of years and in
1893 came to Washington, Iowa, where he took up immigration work for
Washington county and also for the southwestern country along the Rock
Island Railroad. In this he has continued to the present time. On the ist
of January, 1898, he admitted J. T. Matthews to a partnership and in 1905
A. J. Dawson, who had been in the employ of the firm for five years, was
admitted, these three now constituting the well known and successful real-
estate firm of B. F. Dixon & Company. Through this agency sixty-five fam-
ilies came here from Logan, Tazewell, Dewitt and McLean counties, Illi-
nois, and have met with success in Washington county.
Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Sarah Minsker, a daughter of Daniel
and Ann Allen Minsker, of Logan county, Illinois, but formerly of Pennsyl-
vania. They were natives of the Keystone state but became residents of
Illinois during an epoch in its early development. The father was a soldier
of the Civil war, enlisting in the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry,
and while in the army died in the hospital, leaving a widow and daughter.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 133
Mrs. Dixon being the only cliild. By lier marriage she has become tlie
mother of two children. The daughter, (lllie E., is the wife of Dr. Frank
Siberts, of Geneva, Franklin county, Iowa, and they have one daughter,
Esther. Charles B., the son, is a clerk in a clothing store in Washington.
In his political views Mr. Dixon has always been a republican since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise, and on the 29th of March, 1909,
he was elected mayor of Washington by a majority of one hundred and
ninety votes, being the present incumbent in that office. His fraternal rela-
tions are with the Ancient Order of United W^jrkmen. the Modern Wood-
men of America and the Court of Honor. I'.oth he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Christian church and enjoy the high esteem of all who know
them, while their home is most attractive by reason of its warm-hearted and
cordial hospitality. In a history of the representative business men of this
section it is imperative that mention be made of Mr. Dixon, for his un-
daunted enterprise has carried him into important relations and his labors
have been a valuable element in promoting public progress.
JOHN C. MAYER.
When the pioneer settlers made their way westward to the broad prairies
of Iowa their attention was naturally, as is always the case, directed to the
work of reclaiming the wild prairie for the purposes of cultivation and the
sod was broken, the land plowed and harrowed and the seeds planted. In course
of time good crops were garnered and acre after acre was thus improved
Then the farmers began the work of raising stock, for the broad prairies
furnished excellent pasture land and also produced the crops necessary to
maintain the stock through the winter months. Today Iowa is in the front
rank among the states of the Union producing cereals and live stock. It is
to this branch of work that John C. Mayer devotes his attention with excel-
lent success, being now the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land
on which he breeds, raises and feeds shorthorn cattle. He likewise has other
farm property in the county and in all of his undertakings is meeting with
substantial and well merited success.
Mr. Mayer is a native of Hardin county, Ohio, his birth having there
occurred on the 29th of March, 1845. His parents, Adam and Dorothy
(Remge) Mayer, were both natives of Germany, who came to the United
States in childhood days with their respective parents. The Mayer home was
established in Pennsylvania but subsequently a removal was made to Ohio
in which state the parents of Mrs. Dorothy Mayer had previously located.
It was there that Adam Mayer and Dorothy Remge became acquainted and
were married. They began their domestic life upon a farm in Hardin county
where they resided until 1846, when they removed westward to Iowa, settling
in Dutch Creek township, Washington county. Two brothers, Henry and
John Mayer, also came with Adam Mayer and the three secured a large
tract of government land in Dutch Creek township. Henry Maver. however,
134 HISTORY ()F WASIIIXf iTON COUNTY
remained for only a short time after which he returned to Ohio, Adam
Mayer purchasing his share of the land. As the years passed the last
named became known as one of the representative farmers and honored agri-
culturists of the community. He resided here up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1892. when he was seventy-six years of age. He was then
the owner of three hundred and forty-eight acres of land which had been
acquired through his well directed labor and judicious investment. He was
a democrat in his political views, stalwart in his supjxirt of the principles of
the party and he served in various township offices to which he was hon-
ored by the vote of his fellow citizens, yet he was never a politician in the
sense of office seeking, having no ambition for honors of tliat character.
Both he and his wife were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.
Mrs. Mayer passed away about eight years prior to the death of her husband,
her demise occurring in 1884 when she was sixty-six years of age. Thev
were both people of genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who knew
them, and as their circle of acquaintance increased their circle of friends
also grew.
Washington county was a pioneer district when the Alaycr home was
established within its liorders and John C. Mayer, then Ijut one vear old,
was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life. He
obtained his education in one of the old time log .schoolhouses common in
a newly developed district, and when not busy with his te.xt-books his atten-
tion was given to the active work of the farm as he assisted his father in
the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. They were associated in
business until 1872 when John C. Mayer and his brother Henry purchased
a farm of four hundred acres in Seventy-Si.x township, which they cultivated
in partnersliip until 1883. In the spring of that year John C. Mayer removed
til his present farm which the brothers had previously purchased. They
then divided their interests, each becoming the owner of a fine tract of land
of four luindred acres. In earlier years they were known as extensive cattle
feeders hut in recent years John C. Mayer has fed only the stock which he
has raised himself. He breeds and raises shorthorn cattle, having some
fine stock for which he finds a ready sale on the market, this liranch of his
business constituting an important source of revenue, in addition to his
home place of foiu' hundred acres he owns a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres two miles northwest of the homestead and he is a stockholder in the
Union State Bank of Keota. He was also one of the organizers and is the
vice president of tin- Farmers Savings Rank of Keota. His home place
is splendidly improved with all modern equipments, the builflings being
substantial and commodious, the machinery is of the latest improved pattern
and everything about the farm is indicative of the spirit of thrift and enter-
prise which characterizes the owner.
It was in 1881 that Mr. Mayer was married to Miss Jane Carkuff of
Dutch Ureek township, and unto them has been born one child, Winifred, at
home. The parents are church members, Mr. Mayer belonging to tjie Evan-
gelical Lutheran church while his wife is connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church. In politics he is a democrat and has served as trustee of
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 135
his township. The honors and emoluments of office, however, have little
attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his busi-
ness afifairs, which capably conducted have brought to him substantial suc-
cess. What he accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate
powers and talents. He is a man of resolute spirit, overcoming the diffi-
culties and obstacles in his path by determined and honorable effort, knowing
that success is not a matter of genius or of fortunate circumstances, as held
by some, but is rather the outcome of clear perception and experience, of
persistent labor and sound judgment. It has been along those lines that
he has worked his way steadily upward until he is now numbered among
the men of affluence in Seventy-Six township.
GEORGE WASHINGTON ALEXANDER.
George Washington Alexander, well known by reason of his business
activity, enterprise and progressive citizenship, makes his home in Washing-
ton. He was for some years identified with agricultural interests in this
county and since putting aside the work of the fields has given jiis attention
to real-estate dealing. He was born in Blount county, Tennessee, January 3,
1846. His father, Samuel Ale.xander, was likewise a native of that state and
throughout his life followed the occupation of farming, thus providing for
his family. He married Ann Morelock, who was born in Tennessee, as
were the paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject. The More-
lock family is of Dutch descent. It was in the year 1861 that Samuel
Alexander arrived with his family in Washington county, Iowa, settling
near the town of Crawfordsville in Crawford township, where he purchased
forty acres of land. With characteristic energy he began to develop and
improve this and as he prospered in his undertakings he added eighty acres.
T^ater he sold his farm and removed to Missouri where he lived for two
and a half years, after which he returned to Crawford township where his
remaining days were passed, his death occurring January 22, 1879, when
he was sixty-eight years of age. His wife died in 1894 at the age of eighty-
three. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church and their
influence was a factor for good in the community. Their family numbered
three sons and three daughters, but only two are now living, the elder being
Mary E., the wife of John F. Nicholson, of Yorktown, Canada.
The younger is George W. Alexander, whose name introduces this
record. He was a youth of fifteen when he came to Washington county,
Iowa, and here he assisted in the labors of the farm, having previously
acquired his education in the district schools of Tennessee. He aided in the
arduous task of developing new land and when he had attained his majority
started out in life on his own account, purchasing twenty acres in Crawford
township. He cultivated that tract and also the forty acres, belonging to
his father, for several years. Later he bought thirteen acres in Crawfordsville,
a part of which he laid off in town lots and for fourteen vears he main-
136 HISTORY i )l- \VASlll.\(.rr(.)\ COfXTV
tained his residence in that village. On the 12th of February, 1907, he
became a resident of Washington and purchased a nice home at No. 1109
South Iowa avenue.
On the 28th of April, 1904, Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Jennie
L. Bare, who was born in Augusta county, Virginia, near Staunton and is a
daughter of Samuel V. and Deminer (Phillips) Bare, the former a native
of Augusta county and the latter of Nelson county, Virginia. His parents
were Valentine and Annie Bare. The latter died at the age of forty years
and the former afterward married again and reached the advanced age of
ninety-three years, two months and twenty-five days. The maternal grand-
father of Mrs. Alexander was William Phillips who spent the greater part
of his life in Rockbridge county, A'irginia. Both he and his wife, Mrs.
Polly Phillips, lived to old age and they reared four sons and four daughters:
Deminer, Susan, Jacob, Joseph, Nancy, Jesse, James and Mary. Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel Bare spent the greater part of their lives in the south, but
about 1888 came to Iowa. Mr. Bare was a soldier of the Civil war, serving
for four years. He died in May. 1907, at the age of eighty-six years, seven
months and three days and is still survived by his widow who is now living
near Lexington in this county. They were the parents of two sons and six
daughters: Mary E., the wife of B. I. Jones; Martha Jane; William Henry:
Mrs. Alexander ; Sarah Frances, the deceased wife of Charles F. Adams ;
Alice Agnes, the wife of C. P. Rosen, of Staunton, A'irginia ; Jesse V. ; and
Ella, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are widely known in Washington and through-
out the county and thie hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
They hold membership in the Second United Presbyterian church and while
living in Crawfordsville Mr. Alexander served as one of the elders of the
church. His aid and influence are always given to movements that tend to
uplift humanity and promote moral progress. His staunch advocacy of tem-
perance has led him to give his political allegiance to the prohibition party.
His genuine worth is widely acknowledged and his many substantial and
admirable qualities have gained him the respect and good will of all with
whom he has been brought in contact.
ABSALOM ANDERSON.
The name of Absalom Anderson is so closely, prominently and honorably
interwoven with the history of Washington county that no record would
be complete without extended mention of him and what he has accom-
plished. For more than a half century he has lived in this county. LTn-
familiar with the experiences of farm life when he arrived here at the age of
sixteen, he was long associated with general agricultural interests and his
ready adaptability enabled him to soon place himself in a jiosition where
success followed his labors as a legitimate and logical sequence.
THE i^LV/ YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATION
lilSToRN' I M' W ASIIIXtiTOX e'OL'X'l ^' V.i9
He was born near Steubenville, Ohio, January 9, 1841, his parents being
John T. and Sarah (Baxter) Anderson. In the paternal hne he comes
of Scotch descent. His grandfather, a native of Pennsylvania, was a river
trader on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, building boats which he floated
down the rivers to New Orleans, trading with the planters along the way.
After disposing of his goods he would then return on foot to the north. On
one of these trips he lost his life through accident and his remains were
interred at Natchez, Mississippi. He had married a Miss Craig, who was of
Scotch-Irish lineage and both died in middle life. They were the parents
of a son and two daughters : John Thompson : Eliza, the wife of Ezekiel Gar-
rett; and one who died in infancy.
John T. .Anderson was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and
a cabinetmaker by trade. He also gave his attention to the undertaking busi-
ness in earlv manhood in Washington county, Pennsylvania. With the
exception of two years spent in Ohio he remained a resident of the Key-
stone state until 1855, when he removed to Sauk City, Wisconsin, where
he lived for a year and a half. In the spring of 1857 he came to Washington
county, Iowa, settling on a piece of land eleven miles northeast of the city
of Washington in Highland township. There he lived for twenty-nine
years, after which he took up his abode in the county seat, spending his re-
maining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He died in 1888 when
nearly eighty-three years of age. His wife survived him for only five
months and died in February, 1889, at the age of seventy-eight vears. His
people were all of the Presbyterian faith, while Mrs. Anderson belonged
to the old-school Baptist church. Her birth occurred in Brooke county. West
Virginia, and she was a daughter of Greenbury Baxter, a native of Mary-
land, who was of English descent. He followed farming as a life work and
removed from the vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland, to Brooke county. West
Virginia, where he engaged in farming. He, too. was a river trader and
made seven trips down the Mississippi river. His death occurred at Natchez
on his seventh trip. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Butler and
was also of English lineage. The birth of Mr. Baxter occurred November
16, 1780, and his death on the ist of April, 1823, so that he was but forty-
two years of age at the time of his demise. His wife, who was born Decem-
ber 30, 1784, died in April, 1829. They were the parents of eleven children:
Absalom ; Samuel ; Susanna, the wife of Samuel Thorley ; Sarah, who be-
came Mrs. Anderson and the mother of our subject ; Anne, the wife of Berry
Haney ; Charles O. ; Mary, the wife of Dr. S. Gregory ; William ; Ruth, who
died in childhood : Rachel and John, also both deceased.
Unto the marriage of John T. Anderson and Sarah Baxter there were
born seven children, five sons and two daughters : Marion B., who was a
member of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the Civil
war and lost his health in the army, his military experiences eventually term-
inating his Hfe; Anna E.. the widow of Bazil Wells, of Washington, Iowa;
Sarah M., the widow of Thomas Craig and a resident of Washington ; Absa-
lom, Samuel and John Thompson, who are all living in Washington ; and
Charles O., who died in 1897.
1-iO HIST(.)R\' i.)\- \VASllI\iiT( )X COUNTY
In Washington county, Pennsylvania, Absalom Anderson spent the first
fourteen years of his Hfe and then accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to Wisconsin. In his sixteenth year he came to Washington county,
Iowa. While in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin he had lived in towns, but on
the removal to this state the family home was etablished on a farm, where
he continued until twenty-two years of age. The surroundings were new
and the experiences interesting. He became a factor in the early development
of the locality in which the family lived, for from the outset he aided in the
cultivation of the home place. He also engaged in teaching school for two or
three terms in early manhood and after leaving the farm located in Ains-
vvorth, Iowa, where he purchased and sold live-stock and grain. Subsequently
he built a store there and carried on general merchandising in partnership
with Samuel A. White for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he
removed to Washington, where he continued to deal in live-stock for a few
months, after which he turned his attention to financial enterprises, becoming
cashier of the Washington County Savings Bank, which position he filled for
twenty-three and one-half years, when he resigned. He is now vice presi-
dent, but leaves the active management of the bank to others, while he gives
his attention merely to the supervision of his farms and other properties.
He is the owner of a tract of valuable land of two hundred acres in Washing-
ton township, has realty in Ainsworth and is likewise the owner of a fine
home in the city of Washington. In all of his business affairs he showed
keen discrimination and closely studied the possibilities and improved the
opportunities of every situation. As the years passed he thus reached a
prominent position in the community and now in well earned retirement is
enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
On the 31st of July, 1869, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss
Martha J. Stretch, of Muscatine county, a daughter of Andrew and Melinda
(Purcell) Stretch. They became the parents of two sons, Marion Thompson
and (ienrge Jay. The former, now well known as a dealer in coal and ice
in Washington, married Lucy, daughter of Dr. Burroughs, and they have
two children, Charles B. and Marion. Mrs. Martha J. Anderson died July
28, 1896, at the age of fifty-eight years. She was a member of the Methodist
church, to which Mr. Anderson also belongs. Her Iiirth occurred near
Urbana, Ohio, and during her girlhood days she was brought to Iowa by
her parents, who were natives of Kentucky, while her grandparents were
natives of Virginia.
On the 29th of May, 1900, Mr. Anderson was married to Airs. Emma C.
Ink. the widow of Parker P. Ink and the oldest daughter of Harrison Arnold
Ball and Mary Ann (Ihrig) Ball. Mrs. Anderson was born near Wooster,
Ohio, and in 1856, at the age of four months, was brought by her parents to
Washington, where they settled, the father still living in the house which
he built that year and in which the large family of nine children was reared.
He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and is of English descent, his parents
being Virginians and her mother was born in \\'ayne county, Ohio, of German
descent.
HISTORY ()1> W'ASIITNGTDX COLXTV 141
Politically, -Mr. Anderson is a republican, having supported the party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Without invidious dis-
tinction he may be termed one of the foremost citizens of Washington, inas-
much as his activity in various lines has contributed largely to the material
intellectual, social, political and moral progress of the community. In all his
connections he has been actuated by high and honorable purposes and
throughout his entire life it has been his habit to look beyond the exigencies
of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future so that his
labors have been fraught with great good. He has never regarded any
position as final but rather as a starting point toward further accomplish-
ment, and it has been his intelligent appreciation of the possibilities of a
situation that has constituted the foundation for his inost gratifying and
continuously increasing success.
WILLIAM N. HYDE.
When one visits the enterprising little city of Brighton with all of its
business interests, its pretty homes and its institutions for intellectual and
moral instruction, it seems almost impossible to realize that it is within the
memory of a living man when Indians were encamped through the district
or were frequent visitors to the little village that had here been established.
Yet William N. Hyde has seen as many as five hundred Indians at one time
in this locality. This fact alone indicates that he is one of the pioneer settlers,
and those who are at all familiar with the history of the county know that
he has been an important factor in its growth and progress as the years have
gone by. He was born on a farm in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 15,
1834. The Hyde family came from England and was founded in America
in colonial days by the grandfather of our subject and his two brothers. The
grandfather served as a soldier throughout the Revolutionary war, rendering
valiant aid to the colonists in their struggle for independence. West Hyde,
the father of our subject, was born in Huntington county. New Jersey, in
1793 and was there reared. Later he removed to Virginia, settling on the
south branch of the Potomac but subsequently went to Coshocton county,
Ohio, where he lived until 1837 or 1838. At that time he continued his
westward way and established his home near Peoria, Illinois, where he hved
for a few years, when in 1842 he again traveled westward and became a resi-
dent of Brighton, where he made his home until his death, which occurred
in 1861, his remains being interred in a cemetery in that place. In early life
he engaged in boring wells when such work was done by hand, but during
much of his life he followed agricultural pursuits and was an active factor
in reclaiming the wild land of this county for the purpose of civilization. In
his boyhood days he served as a soldier in the war of 181 2 and at all times
was most loyal to the interests of the country, local progress and national
advancement both being causes dear to his heart. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Rebecca Hines, was born in Maryland in 1706. Thev were
142 HISTORY OF WASMJXGTOX COUNTY
married in Virginia and she accompanied her husband on his various re-
movals as he traveled toward the setting sun. Her death occurred in Wash-
ington county in 1884, and her remains were also interred in the Brighton
cemetery. In the family of this worthy couple were ten children ; John L.,
who for fourteen years served as county treasurer of Lincoln county, Oregon,
and is now deceased ; William N. ; Thomas W., who is engaged in the real-
estate business in Des Moines ; Margaret, Mary and Hannah, all deceased ;
Elizabeth, who is living with her daughter, Mrs. Roy Johnston, in Clay
township; Rebecca, who is the wife of Robert McCarty ; Sarah Ann, de-
ceased; and Catherine, who is living with her daughter, Mrs. Smith, in Des
Moines.
The birthplace of William N. Hyde was about three miles southwest of
Coshocton, Ohio, and he was only three or four years old when the family
left for Illinois. He has been a resident of Washington county from the age
of eight years and his education was acquired in the schools of Brighton.
He remained at home with his parents until twenty-four years of age and
assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He then started out
in life on his own account, giving his attention to general agricultural pur-
suits in Clay township, until 1869, when he came to his present location on
section 8, Brighton township. Here he owns two hundred and forty acres of
rich land and the buildings and improvements upon the place stand as monu-
ments to his thrift and enterprise. As the years passed he prospered in his
undertakings and at one time owned six hundred and forty acres, but sold
much of this property, not wishing in his later years to be burdened with the
care of so large a farm. In 1872 he began dealing in stock and continued
in that line of business until a few years ago and he still owns some good
horses of the Norman draft variety. A few years ago, however, Mr. Hyde
discontinued his stock-raising interests and now devotes his attention simply
to the supervision and the cultivation of his fields. His life has been char-
acterized by diligence, thrift and perseverance and through these qualities
he has attained the success which is now his, making him one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the community.
It was in 1858 that Mr. Hyde was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Pollock, who was born in Claysville, Guernsey county, Ohio, March 18,
1838, and is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wilson) Pollock. In the
year 1844 her father removed westward with his family to Iowa, settling in
Mount Pleasant, where he remained until 1849, when he came to Brighton,
making his home here until a few years prior to his death, when he went to
Redwillow county, Nebraska. There his demise occurred in 1870 and he
was laid to rest in a nearby cemetery. By trade he was a tailor although
other pursuits also claimed a part of his time. Following his demise his
widow returned to Brighton where she passed away in 1888. In their
family were six children : Samuel, who is living with Mr. and Mrs. Hyde ;
Mrs. Jennie Wilson, a resident of Los Angeles, California; Thomas, of
Portland, Oregon, who for many years practiced medicine but is now re-
tired ; John, a railroad man of Minneapolis ; Harris, a railroad man living
in Alabama ; and Mrs. Hvde.
HlSiXJRV OV WASIIIXGTOX COUNTY 143
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hyde hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
cliurch and arc people of genuine personal worth. Mr. Hyde also belongs to
tlie Masonic fraternity of Brighton. His political support is given to the
republican party which he has supported since voting for John Fremont in
1856. He was township clerk at one time but has never sought nor desired
office, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. When
Mr. Hyde was seventy-one years of age he saw the ocean for the first time,
he and his wife going to the coast to visit his brother John in Lincoln
county, Oregon. They also visited San Francisco, Los Angeles and other
points along the Pacific, having a most enjoyable trip in the far west. Mr.
Hyde has the deepest attachment for his adopted county and state, for almost
his entire life has here been passed ; here he grew to manhood and here he
has seen the remarkable changes which have been wrought, transforming
the county from a wild district inhabited by Indians to one of the populous
and prosperous counties of the commonwealth. He has ever enjoyed in large
measure the confidence, good will and friendship of those with whom he has
come in contact and is a worthy citizen whose labors have not only been a
source of individual profit but have also constituted an element in the coun-
try's substantial growth.
WILLIAM H. BLUMENSTEIN.
The life history of the majority of people is not fraught with exciting
incidents nor does it contain many thrilling chapters, but it is the men of
the community who day by day faithfully perform their duties and uphold
the legal and political status who are of genuine value to the state. To the
latter class belongs William H. Blumenstein, one of the prosperous farmers
of Lime Creek township who makes a specialty of raising Galloway cattle.
He was born March 18, 1859, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Eck-
hardt) Blumenstein, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father
died about six years ago and the mother now resides at Wellman. \\^hen they
came to the United States they settled in Ohio and were there married.
Subsequently they removed to Indiana where they remained for two years,
after which they came to Iowa and established their home in Iowa county.
About thirty years ago they removed to a farm in Lime Creek township,
Washington county, which contained more than three hundred acres of
land. With characteristic energy the father began to till the soil and
develop this place, leading the life of a prosperous and progressive agri-
culturist. Unto him and his wife were born six children, namely: Charles
H , of Wellman. Iowa ; George D., residing in Waterloo, this State : William
H., of this review; Frank, of Lime Creek township: Andrew D.. a resi-
dent of Iowa county : and Emma, deceased.
William H. Blumenstein, who was the third in order of birth, spent the
days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. In fact he remained
at home until thirty-six years of age. After acquiring his education in the
144 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
public schools he devoted his entire attention to the task of cultivating his
father's fields and when twenty-four years of age he rented the home farm,
continuing its further development and improvement until thirty-six years of
age. He still makes his home in Lime Creek township and has a good prop-
erty of one hundred and eighty-six acres. Not only does he till the soil
but also successfully raises Galloway cattle, having some of the finest speci-
mens of this breed in the county. He has done not a little to improve the
grade of stock raised and is recognized as an authority upon fine stock.
On the 6th of February, 1892, Mr. Blumenstein was married to Miss
Ellen Singleman, a daughter of William and Sophia (Bruer) Singlemaii, in
whose family were twelve children. The father died April 3, 1890, at the
age of sixty years, while the mother still survives and makes her home in
Wellman. Both were natives of Germany and were numbered among the
prominent representatives of the fatherland in this part of the state. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Blumenstein has been blessed with five children :
May Frances and Glen Harrison, at home ; Fred, deceased ; and Cecil William
and Geneva Alta, also at home.
In his political views Mr. Blumenstein is a democrat and always keeps-
well informed on the questions and issues of the day. At present he is a
director and also the president of the school board of district Nn. 2. in Lime
Creek township, with which he has been ofiicially connected for many years.
He served as school treasurer for about fifteen years and is much interested
in the cause of education, advocating good schools and the employment of
competent teachers. He withholds his cooperation from no movement whicli
he believes will prove of substantial value in the upbuilding and progress of
the county and is a man whose progressive citizenship and sterling worth'
causes him to be classed with the leading residents of Lime Creek town-
ship.
GEORGE MARESH, M. D.
George Maresh, a pliysician and surgeon of Riverside, was born in
Iowa City, Iowa, on the 26th of October, 1880, and is a son of William and
Antoinette (Miller) Maresh. The father was a native of Prussia and the
mother of Bohemia. In her girlhood days she came to America with her
parents who located in Iowa City. Iowa. William Maresh left home very
young, going to St. Petersburg when about eleven years of age and was one
of twenty-five foreigners who were appointed by the czar to lighi the palace,
and in this capacity he became well acquainted with the reigning sovereign
of the empire. He served an apprenticeship at cornice-making and when
but fifteen or sixteen years of age came to the United States. Subsequently
he located in Iowa City, being one of the early settlers of this part of the
country. He is now living retired there at the age of sixty-nine years, while
his wife has reached the age of sixty-seven. After taking up his abode
in Iowa City he was for many years identified with cornice-making there
HISTURV (Jl- WASHINGTON COUNTY 145
and was classed as one of the leading- representatives of industrial interests
in that part of the state.
Reared under the parental roof. Ur. Maresh acquired his early education
in the puhlic schools and in the fall of 1898 he entered the medical depart-
ment of the Iowa State L'niversity at Iowa City, completing his course
there with the class of 1902. Four months later he settled in Riverside,
Iowa, and in the intervening years he has built up an extensive and important
practice for he has proven his ability to cope with the intricate problems
which continually confront the ])hysician and at the same time he keeps in
close touch with the advance of the profession as experiment, investigation
and research are continual]}- bringing to light valuable points of knowledge
bearing upon his chosen life work. He is a member of the Iowa State
Medical Society and the Washington County Medical Society.
Dr. Maresh was married on the 13th of July, 1904, to Miss Boynton,
of Strawberr\- Point, Iowa, and they have two children: Lillian May and
Marian Mildred. Mrs. Maresh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and is well known socially, presiding with gracious hospitality over
their pleasant home. The Doctor belongs to Victoria Lodge, No. 576, A. F.
& A. M. ; to Riverside Camp, No. 3762, ;\I. W. A. ; and to Iowa City Lodge,
No. 590, B. P. O. E. His political support is given to the democracy but,
while he manifests a citizen's interest in the political situation of the day,
he does not seek or desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon
his professional duties whicli are of an important character. His practice
makes more and more demand upon his time and energies and the ability that
he has displayed therein has gained him a place of distinction in the ranks
of the medical fraternity of this count\-.
LIZZA BOTTENFIELD.
Miss Lizza Dottenfield is well knuwn in Lime Creek township and this
part of Washington county, whither she was brought by her parents during
her infancy. She is a daughter of I. M. and Ellen Bottenfield, the former
a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of West \'irginia.
The father was born October 17, 1818, and maintained his residence in the
county of his nativity for about forty-six years, removing westward to this
county in 1864. On reaching his destination he purchased the farm upon
which his daughter Lizza now resides. He became the owner of one hundred
and twenty acres and lived upon this place until his death. In his earty
manhood he had engaged in school teaching but subseciuently concentrated
his energies upon general agricultural pursuits and a.s the years went by
he won a measure of prosperity that was most creditable owing to the honor-
able business methods he ever followed. His political allegiance was ever
given to the republican party and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth
and ability. fre(|uently called him to office. He served in nearh all of the
14fi HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
township positions and his record was at all times creditable and commend-
able.
Mr. Bottenfield was married three times and by the first union had seven
children, but Miss Lizza Bottenfield, of this review, is the only one living.
There were no children born of the second and third marriages. The father
died May 4, 1904. His third wife still survives and is now in her eightieth
year. Before her last marriage she was Mrs. Ellen Hunter, a native of Har-
rison county, West Virginia, born in 1829.
Miss Lizza Bottenfield still lives with her father's third wife. She was
born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1862 and was liberally educated,
supplementing her early school training by study in the Normal School at
Columbus Junction, Iowa, from which she was graduated. Subsequently she
engaged in teaching school for twelve years and her work in that connection
was most acceptable, for she imparted readily and clearly to others the
knowledge which she had acquired. She is now giving her attention to the
management of the farm which she owns, and displays excellent business
ability and keen discrimination in the control of her affairs. She adopted a
baby boy, Alvin Smith, when he was but four months old and he is stil' with
her and her mother.
JOHN WOMBACHER.
John W'ombacher is now living retired in Washington, but for many
years he was a factor in the agricultural development of the county and his
work was so successfully conducted that in the course of years he became
possessed of a handsome competence. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in
the village of Alsenau in Gunsenbach, February 22, 1827, a son of John
and Catharine (Hoffman) Wombacher, who were also natives of Bavaria,
and of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. He was a
little lad of six years when in October, 1833, the family started for the new
world, reaching Baltimore harbor in March, 1834. He was reared in Cum-
berland, Maryland, and worked with his father on the construction of the
Chesapeake & Ohio canal, and also on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He
was likewise employed at the Mount Savage Iron Works and in the coal
mines. He had lived for about fourteen years in Maryland, when in 1847
he and his brother Adam left Frostburg, that stat*, and made their way to
St. Louis, where he was employed until 1849. The cholera was epidemic
there that year and because of this the brothers left the city for a time, but
John Wombacher afterward returned to St. Louis and was again employed
in the mines until 1850, when he went to the east. In April, 1850. he visited
Iowa, but again made his way to St. Louis, and there purchased a ticket
enabling him to cross the plains in a wagon and hack train to California.
They crossed the Missouri river at St. Joseph on the ist day of May, and
struck out from the bluiifs by way of .\rkansas and Fort Kearney to the
forks of the North Platte river, thence proceeded to Sweetwater, on to
(^--^-^ '^^^^^^.^^
■'"^"clUZ
HISTORY' Ol' WASHINGTON COUNTY 149
South Pass and to Salt Lake. Before reaching that point the supply of pro-
visions of the party was exhausted and they had nothing to eat. Mr. Wom-
bacher, on reaching the Mormon settlement, began work in the harvest
fields in order to earn money with which to buy food. Supplies were pur-
chased at Salt Lake and the flour and other provisions were loaded on a
wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen and driven by a negro. While crossing the
Weber river the negro became excited at the depth of the water and instead
of coolly managing his team called out a command so suddenly that the oxen,
swerving to the left, upset the wagon and dumped the flour and provisions
into the river. They saved the flour, but it was water-soaked. No unusual
incidents occurred from that time on until the end of the trip. At length
the iiartv reached their destination and Mr. Wombacher at once went to
work in the foothills mining gold. For six years he remained in California,
the last three years being spent at Michigan Blufif, on the middle fork of the
American river.
On his return from the far west, in 1856, Mr. Wombacher purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of land; in' Cedar .township, Washington county,
and thus became closely associated with "the agricultural interests of this
portion of the state. For forty-seven years he continued to carry on general
fanning and took an important part in reclairtiiBg wild prairie land for the
uses of civilization. His energy and diligence brought the fields under a
high state of cultivation, and year by year he continued the task of plowing,
planting and harvesting in association with his brother Adam until 1903,
when he removed to Washington with his brother and lived with him until
the latter's death. He now makes his home with his niece, Miss Louisa
Wombacher, at No. 608 West Main street.
In religious faith Mr. Wombacher is a Catholic, while his political views
accord with the teachings of the Jacksonian democracy. He attributes his
long life and the good health he has enjoyed to the fact that he has always
abstained from the use of narcotics and stimulants. His life of unfaltering
industry has been crowned with success. There have been several interesting
chapters in his history, not the least of which have been his California ex-
periences, incidents of his western trip being related by him in a most enter-
taining manner.
FRANK L. WILSON.
Among the prominent representatives of commercial lines in Washington
is numbered Frank L. Wilson, a dealer in shoes who was born in this city,
February 20, 1863. He is a son of Charles H. and Lucy (Gray) Wilson, the
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of West Virginia. The
paternal grandfather, William Wilson, was also born in the Keystone state
and in early life was a hatter who afterward became closely connected
with financial interests as a banker. His was an active and progressive busi-
ness career and he lived to the advanced age of eighty-one or eighty-two
years. His wife died in early womanhood.
150 HISTORY i)V \\'ASIII.\(.T().\ COTXTY
Charles H. Wilson learned the printer's trade in early manhood and
in 1850 came to the west, settling in Muscatine, Iowa, where he established a
paper and lived for a short time. He then came to Washington where he
has since made his home and for several years was proprietor of a grocery
store here. Later he established a hardware store but eventually returned
to the grocery line in which he continued for a long period. Later he took
up the plumbing and heating business, in which he still continues and thus
for more than half a century he has been connected with business interests
of this city. He wedded Aliss Lucy Gray, whose parents were natives of
West Virginia. Her father died in middle life while her mother passed away
when about seventy-five years of age. She was one of nine children and
her death occurred July 3, 1869, when she was only thirty-four years of
age. After losing his first wife Charles H. Wilson wedded Miss Alice
Beard and their only child is Laura, now the widow of W. R. Maxwell.
By the father's first marriage there were three sons and a daughter, namely :
Ella, the wife of N. Corbin, of Washington ; Charles G., of Chicago : Frank
L. ; and Bert, deceased. The father reared his family in Wa.shington, where
for many years he has been known as an honored and representative citizen
and leading business man. He has also figured somewhat prominently in
public life, acting as a member of the state legislature for two terms, during
which period his support of vital public measures made him a tactor m pro-
moting the substantial development of the commonwealth.
Throughout his entire life Frank L. Wilson has remained in Washington
and at the usual age he entered the public schools, passmg through con-
secutive grades. When he had put aside his text-books he engaged m clerk-
ing in a grocery store for about five years. He then began clerking in a shoe
store after conducting the grocery business for a time m partnership with
his father. Entering the shoe trade he was employed by J. Albert Williams
and soon purchased an interest in the business which was conducted under
the firm style of J. Albert Williams & Company. The senior partner died
January 25, 1890, but the business was continued under the old name until
January i, 1904, when the name was changed to Frank L. Wilson & Com-
pany. The store is well appointed and a large and attractive line of goods is
carried for which a ready sale is found, Mr. Wilson having from the begin-
ning enjoyed a liberal and constantly increasing patronage.
On the 7th of October, 1884, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Hattie
Williams, who was born in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, an only daughter
of J. Albert and Cornelia L (Bidwell) Williams. Her father was a native
of Connecticut and on the 9th of February, 1864, arrived in Washington,
Iowa, where he established a boot and shoe business, in which he continued
until his death. His widow still survives him and now lives with her daugh-
ter. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been bom three children : Lucy Gray,
Nena Frances and Ruth Harriet. The parents are members of the Methodist
church and Mr. Wilson is serving on the official board. In various activities
of the church they are interested and are generous contributors to its sup-
port. Mr. Wilson is also a member of Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. &
A. M.; Cyrus Chapter. R. A. M. : and Orion Lodge, No. 75, K. P. Polit-
HISTORY < )1' W ASIIl.\(i'r( ).\ t'()r\TV 151
icallv he is a repul)lican who, as every true American citizen should do, keeps
well informed on tiie questions and issues of the day but has no aspirations
for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs,
which are well managed and bring to him a substantial return. He is
thoroughly reilable in all of his undertakings and has never been known to
overreach a fellowman in any business transaction, his success being due to
close application, well directed energy and the employment of progressive
modern business methods.
THOMAS SIMPSON, JR.
Thomas Simpson, Jr., who was born in Aberdeenshire. Scotland. April
15, 1850, is engaged in general agriculture in this county, where he makes
a specialty of raising potatoes, which vegetable he has brought to :i high state
of perfection. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth (Kerr) Simpson.
both of whom spent their lives in Scotland, where they reared a family of
six children : Elizabeth and Isabel, still residents of Scotland : I'.arbara and
James, deceased ; Thomas : and John, the whereabouts of the latter being
unknown.
The common schools of his native land afforded Thomas Simpson his
educational advantages, and. leaving school at the age of thirteen years, he
became employed on a neighboring farm. His first work was that of watch-
ing the fields to keep the birds from destroying the budding crops. Upon
this farm he remained for six years and at the age of nineteen years, being
ambitious to come to the United States, the opportunities of which had
inspired him to make every effort to reach its shores, he finally embarked and
landed in Xew York city. He first located in ( )n()ndaga county, near Syra-
cuse. There he remained for about one year and in 1868 removed to Wash-
ington county. Iowa, where he made his home with an uncle about four and
one-half miles from Washington. He at once hired out on the neighboring
farms, saving his scant earnings until finally he had sufficient means with
which to purchase forty acres of land in Washington township, where he
remained for twelve years engaging in general agriculture. At the end of
that time he settled upon an adjoming farm, cultivating it for one year,
and then removing upon his present tract of land, which consists of eighty
acres. He made every improvement upon the place, which is now provided
with a fine dwelling house, a substantial barn, and all conveniences with
which to carry on the occupation of farming. It is as productive a plot of
land as exists in the township, and the attention which it has received evi-
dences in every particular the thrift of its owner. While he produces general
crops and is interested in stock-breeding he makes a specialty of raising
potatoes, in which commodity he carries on an extensive busines- and is
known in the domestic markets for the high state of perfection to which,
he has developed that vegetable.
152 HISTORY Ol" WASHINGTON COUNTY
January i, 1877. ^Ir. Simpson wedded Miss Martha Elma Eckles, a
native of this county, and to them have been born: Emma Elizabeth; Mary
Ella; Irena Bell; and one child who died in infancy. Mr. Simpson is a man
of high moral character, always dutiful in the performance of his religious
obligations, and belongs to the Free church of Scotland. He is a man of
great energy and industry who has done much toward developing the natural
resources of the community, in which he is justly held in high respect as a
leading agriculturist.
HENRY MARTIN EICHER.
Henrv Martin Eicher, to whom public opinion accords a foremost place
at the Washington bar, is practicing as senior partner of the firm of Eicher
& Livingston, with a clientage commensurate with the skill and ability
which he displays in the solution of intricate legal problems. He was born
in Marion township, Washington county, Iowa, May 29, 1858, and comes of
an old German family. His grandfather, Joseph Eicher, lived and died in
Alsace, where he followed the occupation of farming until his life's labors
were ended by death. He married Elizabeth Conrad, who died when about
sixty-five years of age. They were the parents of eight sons and two or
three daughters, the family including Joseph. Peter, Christian, John, Daniel,
Martin, Benjamin, Mrs. Witmer and Mrs. Sommer.
Benjamin Eicher, the father of Henry M. Eicher, was born in P'rance
and came to America in 1848 when seventeen years of age. He established
his home in \\ uoster. Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, lint the
opportunities of the country west of the Mississippi attracted him and in
1852 he came to Washington county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of forty
acres in Marion township, to which he added from time to time. Here he
improved his farm and reared his family. He was married in Marion town-
ship to Miss Lydia Sommer, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph
Sommer, who was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He
married Elizabeth Miller and made farming his life work. In 1851 he
arrived in Iowa, settling in Marion township, Washington county, where
he purchased and improved land, bringing his farm under a high state of
cultivation. Both he and his wife died in this county, Mrs. Sommer having
passed middle life when called to her final rest, while Mr. Sommer reached
the age of eighty-two years, his death occurring in 1888. Their children
were as follows: Susanna, the wife of Samuel Hage ; Catharine, the wife of
Daniel Winter; Lydia, the wife of Benjamin Eicher; Eve, the wife of Peter
Goldsmith; Barbara, the wife of Peter Miller; Henry; Lou, who wedded
John A. Rumble ; and Martha, the wife of G. W. Neff.
Following the marriage of Benjamin Eicher and Lydia Sommer, they
established their home upon a farm in Marion township and year by year
Mr. Eicher tilled the fields and cultivated his crops. His death occurred
upon the place where he first settled, although in the meantime its boundaries
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 153
had been greatly extended, the farm ctmiprising one hundred and sixty
acres. He passed away in 1893 at the age of sixty-one years, while his
widow survived him until 1905 and was sixty-six years of age at the time
of her death. He held various township offices, the duties of which
he discharged with promptness and fidelity, and with the moral interests of
the community he was closely associated. He was greatly interested in
building up the Mennonite church in his community and acted as its preacher
for a number of years. Early in the development of this part of the state the
Mennonites established a strong colony and for some years the people wor-
shipped in private houses. This was the custom among the Amish brethren
at that time. The first church building was erected near Noble in 1868 at
an actual cost of six hundred dollars. All of the labor and a great part of
the material was furnished by the members, for in those days time and wood
were more plentiful mediums of exchange than silver and gold. In 1895
this old ciiurch was replaced by the present modern structure. Not long
after the organization of the church Benjamin Eicher was ordained to the
ministry. The congregation affiliated with the Amish conference until 1874
and in that year withdrew and remained an independent Mennonite congre-
gation until 1892 when they joined the middle district Mennonite conference.
By the year 1893 it had become strongly established with a membership of
about one hundred and thirty and a large number of adherants. During this
time Rev. Eicher had continued as pastor until his work was ended in death,
December 7, 1893.
The home of Rev. Benjamin and Mrs. Eicher was blessed with thirteen
children, nine sons and four daughters: EHzabeth, the wife of G. C. Noble,
residing in Crete, Nebraska ; Henry M., the subject of this review ; Franklin
P., deceased ; Joseph D., of Packwood, Iowa ; John H., of Springdale, Arkan-
sas ; Ezra J., residing in Wayland, Iowa ; Noah J., whose home is in Win-
field, Iowa; William B., residing in Peoria, Illinois; David E., of Johnson,
Arkansas ; Salina J., the wife of John Swartzendruber, of Pulaski, Iowa ;
Clara J., the wife of Harvey Allebach, residing in Wayland, Iowa; Cora,
who died at the age of two and a half years ; and Edward C, of Chicago.
In taking up the personal history of Henry Martin Eicher, we present
the record of one who needs no introduction to the readers of this volume
for he has lived all his life in Washington county and has so directed his
energies and utilized his innate talents and powers as to win for himself a
prominent place in professional circles, at the same time enjoying the
respect and honor of all with whom he has come in contact. He was reared
on the home farm and pursued his early education in the district schools,
after which he entered the Eastern Iowa Normal School at Graridview.
Subsequently he engaged in teaching for ten terms in the district schools but
regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, it being
his desire to become a member of the bar. To this end he began reading
law in March, 1880, in the office of Judge A. R. Dewey, and while teaching
school his leisure hours were devoted to further law study until he was
admitted to the bar in September, 1883, and entered upon the active prac-
tice of law. From the beginning his progress has been uniform and rapid.
j-,4 HISTORY el- WASlllXGTON COUXTY
for he possesses a keen, logical mind, plus the business sense and in argu-
ment is strong and forceful. He presents his case cogently and convincmgly
and is ready at all times to meet every possible point of attack. On the ist
of March, 1907, he admitted S. W. Livingston to a partnership under the
firm style' of Eicher & Livingston and the most liberal clientage is now
accorded them.
On the 26th of June, 1888, Mr. Eicher was married to Miss Frances
Celia McKee, who was born in Washington and who spent her entire life
here. Her parents are Samuel E. and Hannah (Harris) McKee, natives
of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They became early residents of
Washington and her mother died in 1887, while the father now lives in
.Allegheny, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four children: Charles
C, David H., Paul N. and Frances Celia. The last named became the wife
of Mr. Eicher and unto them have been born two daughters and a son, Han-
nah Harris, Lydia Sommer and Heinrich Martin.
Mr. Eicher was a member of the Mennonite church until 1906 when he
transferred his membership to the Second United Presbyterian church of
which his wife was a member. His political allegiance is given to the
democratic party and he has served as city attorney, while during his teach-
ing days he was assessor of his township. He has always been interested in
progressive public measures, giving stalwart support to every movement
which is a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. Moreover he possesses'
a courteous, genial manner which makes him popular with his many friends,
while in his profession he has attained that success which is the logical
sequence of close application, thorough and discriminating study and careful
analysis.
LEE W. GORDEN.
Lee W. Gorden, the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in Cedar township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he
is now devoting his time and energies, was born in this township on the
19th of October, 1874, his parents being James and Martha (Simpson)
fiorden. who were natives of Ohio. They came to Iowa at an early day and
are still living in Washington county, being numbered among its respected
and worthy residents. Their family numbers three children, namely: Lee
W., of this review ; Andrew M., who is a resident of this county ; and Ellen
B., at home.
Lee W. Gorden obtained his education in the common schools and re-
mained under the parental roof until he reached adult age. Subsequently he
was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for five years and on the
expiration of that period purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in Cedar townshijj on which he now resides. He has placed many
substantial improvements on the property and the well tilled fields annually
produce golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows
upon them. In carrying on his farm he displays modern methods of agricul-
I1!ST()R^• Ol" W VSIII.VGTOX COrXTV 155
tunc, is practical and energetic and has gained recognition among the pros-
perous and progressive citizens of his native county.
On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Gorden was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Dittmcr, who was born in Logan county, Illinois, January 16,
1S82, and came to Iowa in iiS()5. Her father is deceased but her mother is
still living in Washington county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dittmer were born
four children : Christopher and Henry, both of whom are residents of this
county; George, at hume; and Mrs. Gorden. The last named has become
the mother of one son, Wilbur James, whose birth occurred September 17,
1906.
In politics Mr. Gorden is an unfaltering republican and is now serving
his second term as assessor. Both he and his wife are devoted and con-
sistent members of the Presbyterian church, the teachings of which they
exemplify in their daily lives. Having always lived in this county, Mr.
Gorden is well known within its borders, while his many excellent traits of
character have won him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been
associated.
JAMES LUKAVSKY.
James Lukavsky, who is capably serving his fellow townsmen as a mem-
ber of the board of trustees of Iowa township, is actively and successfully
identified with the agricultural interests of this county, owning and operat-
ing an excellent farm of two hundred and thirty- seven acres in Iowa town-
ship. His birth occurred in Bohemia on the 13th of January, 1861, his
parents being Anthony and Catherine (Zakan) Lukavsky, who were born,
reared and married in that country. In 1865 they crossed the Atlantic to
the United States with their family of four sons and four daughters, locat-
ing in Lime Creek township, Washington county, Iowa. The father there
purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he gave to his oldest son, Joseph, at
the end of five years and then removed to Highland township, where he
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. After residing thereon for a
number of years he divided the property between his sons James and Frank
and purchased a tract of land of one hundred acres in Jackson township,
there continuing to make his home until called to his final rest in 1893. ^^
the age of sixty-four years. He was widely recognized as one of the county's
substantial agriculturists and prosperous citizens and his demise was the
occasion of deep regret to his extensive circle of friends.
. James Lukavsky was reared under the parental roof and acquired his
education in the common schools. When he had attained his majority his
father gave him eighty acres of the home farm and he thus began his career
as an agriculturist. He energetically and industriously carried on the work
of the fields on his Highland township farm for five years and then disposed
of the property to his brother, purchasing a tract of on? hundred and twenty
acres in Oregon township, where he made his home for two years and then
156 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
sold the place. Subsequently he bought the Hiram Reynolds farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township, continuing its cultivation and
improvement for five years, on the expiration of which period he leased the
property and removed to Riverside. At that place he was successfully en-
gaged in the buying and shipping of stock for about five years, at the end of
which time, in 1902, he sold his Jackson township farm and bought his
present place of two hundred and thirty-seven acres in Iowa township. Sub-
sequently he purchased seventy-six acres of the C. S. Cole farm, which
property he has recently given to his son Edward. Twenty-six years ago
he started out in life on his own account with a capital of seven hundred
dollars and owing to his indomitable energy, enterprise and capable manage-
ment has prospered in his business career until he has gained recognition
as a leading agriculturist and representative citizen of Washington county.
In 1883 Mr. Lukavsky was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Sadie, a
resident of Jackson township, this county, but a native of Bohemia. By this
union there have been born eight children, as follows : Edward, who carries
on farming in Iowa township ; Elmer, at home ; Frank, who is a graduate
of Brown's Business College at Davenport and is now engaged in the life
insurance business at that place ; and James, William, John, Mary and Anna,
all of whom are still at home.
In his political views Mr. Lukavsky is a stalwart democrat and is now
serving his fourth term as a member of the board of trustees of Iowa town-
ship, proving a most efficient and reliable public official. Both he and his
wife are devoted communicants of the Catholic church and are highly
esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine pergonal worth
and upright, honorable lives. He has gained his present position of pros-
perity by methods which neither seek nor require disguise, and over the
record of his business and private life there falls no shadow of wrong or
suspicion of evil.
FRED HUGH SMITH.
Fred Hugh Smith, treasurer of the George H. Paul Company, in which
connection he sustains important relations to extensive real-estate operations,
contributing in substantial measure to the development of the west, was
born in Washington, Iowa, April 23, 1874. His parents were Andrew
Graham and Anna Josephine (Peck) Smith. The father was bom in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, which was also the birthplace of the mother, who is
now residing in Washington. They became the parents of five children,
three daughters and two sons : Jennie, now the wife of John B. McCai-tney
a traveling salesman living in Washington ; Fred Hugh, of this review : Kate,
a resident of Washington ; Edward L., who is cashier of the State Bank of
Kemmerer, Wyoming ; and Gertrude, a teacher in the Washington public
schools.
Fred Hugh Smith is indebted to the public school system of his native
city for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which qualified him
/7
^w,r°^
At
''o^,
HISTORY ol- W ASIIIXCTOX COUNTY 159
for life's practical ami responsible duties. lie left school at the age of
fifteen years, having graduated with the class of 1890, and made his initial
step in the business world in the Western Union Telegraph office in this
city, learning the business. He was with the Rock Island and also with the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as operator for five years,
at the end of which time he accepted a clerical position in the Washington
National Bank, serving in that capacity until October, 1908. In the mean-
time he had been promoted to the position of assistant cashier. In 1908 he
entered the real-estate firm <if the George H. Paul Company, incorporated,
as treasurer, and is still holding that position. As the manager of its finan-
cial interests he displays marked abilil\' and executive force and is regarded
as one of the foremost representatives of real-estate dealing in this part of the
country. He possesses strong and determined purpose, enabling him to care-
fully execute well defined plans.
In December, 1895, ^^^- Smith was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
M. Simmons, who was born in the state of New York in 1875 'i"'^ ^s a
daughter of Charles R. and jeannette (Smith) Simmons. Her father was
a railroad engineer and died in 1896, but the mother still survives and is
now living with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Two children have been born unto
this marriage: Katherine Jeannette, who was„born August 11, 1898; and
Charles Maurice, born June 30, igoC^'"!^Jie jJarents are members of the
Presbyterian church and Mr: 'J^JHth'-a'isQ. belongs to the Masonic fraternity
and to the Knights of Pythias- lodge:,- being an exemplary representative of
those organizations. His p61itical allegianCe' is ^given to the republican party
and he served as city treasurer of Washington for five years but otherwise
has nrit held office nor has he -desired political preferment. He is never
remiss in his duties of citizenship and has given substantial aid and co-
operation to many movements for the public good but rather than hold office
he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and his
ability and enterprise have carried him into important relations and gained
for him a place among the leading men of the communitv.
SCHUYLER WILSON LIVINGSTON.
Prominent among the successful attorneys-at-law in Washington is
Schuyler Wilson Livingston, junior partner of the firm of Eicher & Living-
ston. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon indi-
vidual merit and, realizing the fact that the successful lawyer must base his
rise upon thorough understanding of legal principles and a correct applica-
tion thereof to the points in litigation, Mr. Livingston has ever remained a
close and thorough student of the law. He stands as a typical representative
of the progressive western spirit. One of Iowa's native sons he was born
at Ainsworth, October 14, 1872. and is a son of William ]. and Eva E.
(McMillan) Livingston, the former a native of New York and the latter
of Iowa. The Livingstons were among the old families of the Empire state.
ir.ii (IISTORV ol' W ASIIIX'C.TOX CUL'XTV
the grandfather. William Henry Livingston, having also been born there.
He was a farmer by occupation and also acted as general adviser to his
neighbors in all matters of vital importance to them. He was a man of
unquestioned integrity, of sound judgment and of helpful spirit and his life
was in harmonv with his profession as an elder in the United Presbyterian
church. He married Miss Catharine Bain, a representative of the same
stock as Peter Bain of Revolutionary war fame. Removing westward when
Iowa was still a frontier district they settled in Washington county but
eventually took up their abode in Leslie. Sumter county, Georgia, where
both died and were buried, Mrs. Livingston reaching the very advanced age
of about ninety years. Their family numbered two sons, William J. and
Thomas and a daughter, Sarah, who became the wife of Edward Benson
The elder son, reared in Iowa, became a school teacher in early manhood
and afterward turned his attention to surveying and the practice of law.
Prior to the war he came to Iowa, settling in Washington county, near
Ainsworth, the family home being established on a farm. He, therefore,
grew to manhood on the home farm there and followed his preliminary busi-
ness experience, as a teacher, by the practice of law and surveying. At the
time of his death he was in the employ of the Duluth & Winnepeg Railroad
Company and was superintendent of the construction of the road from
Duluth to Winnepeg. He died as the result of exposure on the 22d of
November, 1882, when lie had just passed his thirty-fourth year. At one
time he served as county surveyor of Washington county and is yet remem-
bered by many of the older settlers here. His wife still survives him. She
bore the name of Eva E. McMillan and was born in Iowa, her parents being
Richard Bouten and Mary (Currie) McMillan. Her father was a native
of New York and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He came'
to Iowa with his father, Thomas McAIillaii, who entered land from the
government just east of the present site of Washington and removed into
tlie old Jonathan Wilson home, living with him that winter. Richard
McMillan was reared to manhood and married in this county. Unto him and
his wife were born a number of children: Echvard C. ; Thomas Chalmers;
William \V. ; Richard A. ; Eva E. ; Emma, the wife of Rev. J. A. Alexander,
of Craftoii, Pennsylvania; Cora F., the wife of the Rev. J. U Stotts, both
being missionaries in China; Grace, the wife of William A. Gibson, of Wash-
ington, Iowa; Frances, the wife of the Rev. John Ferguson: and Lorenzo
and Adda, who died during their infancy.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Livingston were two m num-
ber : Schuyler W. and Ralph L. The former was reared in Washington
county, Towa, and following his father's death lived on the farm of Colonel
D. J. Palmer who sent him to college, .'\fter attending the public schiools
of Washington and the academy here he pursued a classical course in Mon-
mouth (111.) College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895.
His education completed he became superintendent and treasurei of the gas
and electric light plant at Centerville. Iowa, where he remained for two years.
He was associated there with T. P. Shonts, president of the company and
D. C. Campbell. With tlicm he went to Chicago, where he remained for
iiisr()m ( )!• w ASiiixi. r< ).\ (.■()l■.\T^■ ii;i
three vears anil durini;- that period he devoted his time, outside of business
hours, to studvitis;; law, pursuing' a nijjht course until he was ailniitted to
the bar in that citv in 1898. He did considerable legal work for this firm
and thus added to his theoretical training beneficial practical experience. In
the spring of 1901 he returned to Washington, where he has practiced con-
tinuously since, remaining alone for five years and then entering into part-
nership with Henry M. Eicher.
On the 22d of April, 1897, Mr. Livingston was married to Miss Alice 1.
Samson, a daughter of H. F. and Isabel (McKenry) Samson, and a native
of Wyman. Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston have become parents of three
children : David Palmer, Alice Louise and Schuyler William. The parents
are members of the Second United Presbyterian church, of which he is presi-
dent and politically Mr. Livingston is a republican. His interest in com-
munity afifairs is that of a public-spirited citizen who withholds his coopera-
tion from no movement or measure calculated to prove of public good. His
standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability and indicates his thor-
oughness in his preparation of cases and his correctness in the application
of legal prnciples.
HON. B. F. BROWN.
When the history of Washington county and its representative citizen^
shall be written it will contain the name of no man more worthy of represen-
tation in the volume than Hon. B. F. Brown, who for fifty-two years has
resided here and throughout the entire period has been identified with its
agricultural life and its public interests. His influence has always been on
the side of progress, reform and improvement and in business circles he has
made steady advancement along honorable lines. He resides in Cedar town-
ship where he owns a good farm property. He was born in Knox county,
Ohio, on the 3d of May, 1833. His parents were Joseph and Rachel (Hood)
Brown, natives of Brooke county, West Virginia, and of Baltimore county,
Maryland, respectively. Following their marriage they established their
home in Knox county, Ohio, where they lived for a number of years and
then removed to Brooke county, West ^'irginia, where they resided until
1863. Thev removed westward to Washington county, Iowa, settling in
Marion township where the mother died in 1871. There the father lived
until his death which occurred in 1882 and in his passing the life of a good
man was ended. For over a half century he had been a devoted, faithful and
loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church and had guided his life
by its teachings. He ever endeavored to do unto others as he would have
them do unto him and as the years passed his honesty of purpose and ster-
ling worth won him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. Unto
him and his wife were born ten children, of whom nine were sons, the
daughter being Mary Ann, now the widow of David Counselman and a
resident of Howard county, Iowa.
162 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
B. F.. Brown spent his youth in Ohio and West Virginia and since coming
to Iowa has been identified with general agricultural pursuits. He is today
the owner of an excellent farm in Cedar township, comprising two hundred
and forty acres of land and the place is well developed and highly improved,
being supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories found upon the
model farm of the twentieth century. He is persistent, diligent and pro-
gressive in his work and his work has been attended by a gratifying measure
of success.
That Mr. Brown has not contined his time and energy solely to his busi-
ness affairs is well known, for he has ever found opportunity to cooperate
in the measures and movements which are put forth for the public good. He
is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and at all times keeps well
informed concerning the important issues and questions before the public
In 1874 he was elected a member of the fifteenth general assembly of Iowa,
in which he served for one term. He was chosen for the office on the anti-
monopoly ticket and was one of the men who framed and secured the passage
of the first railroad tariff law. He was also identified with other restrictive
and regulative legislation and also with progressive movements which have
been important elements in the welfare of the state since that time.
Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Sarah I. Kinkade, who was
born in Union county, Ohio, a daughter of Eleazer and Hannah (Lyons)
Kinkade. Her father was a native of Brooke county. West Virginia, and
her mother of Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born a
son and daughter: Charles R., whose birth occurred October i. 1862, is a
preacher, now located in Oakland, California. Ella M., born June 25, 1871,
is the wife of Seth Thomas, now principal of the high school at I'ort Dodge,
Iowa, and the mother of one daughter, Eleanor. Mr. and Airs. Brown are
widely known in this county, where they have now resided for many years
and their many sterling traits of character have gained them a place with
the leading citizens of the county. Mr. Brown is a man of force and enter-
prise in business, of keen discernment in public affairs and of unquestioned
loyalty and patriotic purpose. While working toward high ideals he uses
practical methods and, therefore, accomplishes substantial results.
HOR.VCE SEELEY.
Horace Seeley is the owner <if a valuable faiTn of one lumdrcd and sixty-
five acres in Brighton township and in addition he has real-estate holdings
in Texas. His home place is well improved, presenting a neat and attrac-
tive appearance. He has spent the greater part of his life in Washington
county, although his birth occurred in Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 15th
of September, 1855, his parents being Julius and Lucinda (Hagarty) Seeley.
The father, who was a native of the state of New York, removed westward
to Ohio prior to his marriage and there lived until 1865. when he came to
Iowa, locating on section 7, Clay township, Washington county. He at
HISTURV Ui' W ASUINGTON COUNTY 163
once began to develop and improve a farm and continued its cultivation until
his life's labors were ended in death in 1875. His demise was occasioned
by a gunshot wound inflicted by unknown parties, who attacked him while
he was returning home from Urighton, supposed to have been the work of
a cowardly enemy. His wife was born and reared in Ohio and, long surviv-
ing her husband, spent her last days in I'.righton, where she died in 1908.
at the home of her son, Horace, her remains being interred in the Brighton
cemetery. In their family were three children: Harriet, the wife of D. E.
Nordvke, of Brighton; Horace; and one who died in infancy.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for Horace Seeley in his boyhood and youth. He was educated in the
common schools and remained at home until the death of his father, after
which he and his mother came into possession of two-thirds of the old home-
stead and he has since continued to farm this land. His life has been char-
acterized by thrift and industry, by diligence and determination. He is now
the owner of one hundred and sixty-live acres on sections 7 and 8, Brighton
township, and the farm is well improved, giving every indication of the
careful supervision and practical methods of an owner whose progressive
spirit is shown in the well tilled fields and the substantial improvements upon
his place. He also has one hundred and sixty acres of land in Texas. From
his home farm he annually gathers rich harvests, his labors bringing to him
substantial success.
In 1884 Mr. Seeley was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Stucker and
unto them have been born five children: Ezra, at home; Myrtle, the wife
of Warren Kintz, a resident farmer of Brighton township; Vernon, Grace
and Imogene, all at home. In his political views Mr. Seeley is a stalwart
republican, thoroughly in harmony with the principles and policy of the
party and has held some minor township ofifices but prefers to give his undi-
vided attention to his business affairs, which, capably managed, are bringing
to him well merited success.
HENRY STICHTER.
As Iowa became settled by a class of progressive and enterprising men,
its broad prairies were used for general agricultural pursuits and it was
found that no state in the Union produced finer or larger crops of grain and
other cereals. Then came a period of experimentation in fruit growing and
it was proven that this soil was as productive in this direction as in the culti-
vation of grain. Henry Stichter is well known as one of the most suc-
cessful horticulturists of this part of the state. He was born in Union coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1845, his parents being Levi and Catharine
(Wingart) Stichter, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The
father was a farmer by occupation and on his removal from Pennsylvania
to Ohio settled in Miami county of the latter state, where he lived for five
years. He then removed to Stephenson county, Illinois, where he engaged
I(i4 HISTORY OI" \VASHIX(;T()X Q^UXTV
in fannino-, ojving his attention to general agricultural pursuits there until
his death in 1890. He was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, and was
married in 1855. His wife, also a native of Union county, born in 1824,
passed away in 1893. They were the parents of eleven children, six sons
and five daughters: Henry, of this review ; Elizabeth, the wife of A. Sowers,
of Abilene, Kansas ; Sarah, the deceased wife of Herman F. Hanke ; George,
of Freeport. Illinois; David and Martin, also of Freepnrt. Illinois; Catharine.
the wife of A. S. Marigold, of TUoonrington, Illinois ; Lucinda, the wife
of H. M. Wolford. of Freeport, Illinois; ]\Iary, the wife of Andrew Phillips,
also of Freeport, Illinois: Orange, of Freeport: and a child who died in
infancy.
The ancestry of the Stichter family can be traced back to a still more
remote period. In fact, authentic history gives the information that the
Stichter family belongs to a most ancient and illustrious nobility of West-
phalia and possessed some rich estates near Paderborn and f )snabrueck,
whence emigrations were made by m.embers of the family to other countries.
The first known ancestor was Woldemar Stichter who, about the year 1189
of the Christian era, was knighted and ennobled by the Duke Henry for his
many faithful services. His wife was Meta of Thornburg. Barnhart Stich-
ter, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germaany and came to
America about 1800, settling in Union county, Pennsylvania, where he
reared a family of ten children. His sons were \'alentine, Samuel, John,
Jacob and Levi. In the maternal line it is known that the grandfather of
Henr\- Stichter was a native of Union county. Pennsylvania. He married
Elizabeth Schontz, whose mother was shot through by an Indian arrow in
the \\'v<iming massacre. Mr. and Mrs. Wingart had a large family, includ-
ing Ann, Julia, Catharine, Henry and Sophia.
Until thirteen years of age Henry Stichter of this review lived in E'cnn-
s}lvania and then removed to Ohio. Three years later, when but a boy of
sixteen years, he offered his services to the government and enlisted as a
member of Comjjany E, Forty-eighth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, with which
he served for four and a half years. For si.x months he was in the rebel
prison at Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas, and suffered the hardships incident to
life in the southern prison pens. At \'icksburg. on the 22d of May. he was
slightly wounded. He participated in the following engagement^ : Shiloh,
siege of Corinth ; Chickasaw liayou ; Arkansas Post : Port (iibson : Raymond ;
Champion Hills ; Black River Bridge ; the assault on and siege of \'icksburg;
Jackson, Mississippi : Sabine Cross Roads, Louisiana : the capture of Fort
Blakely ; and in numerous skirmishes. I\Ir. Stichter never missed a day
from his regiment, was never in the hospital through illness, and was always
found at his post of duty, whether on the firing line or on the lonely picket
line. He was at the front while five birthdaxs passed and in five dift'erent
states at the time, and he served under five dift'erent captains. His was an
honorable military experience, bringing him a most creditable record.
When the war was over Mr. Stichter removed to Livingston county,
Illinois, where his parents had taken up their abode while he was at the
front. He lived there for a year and was married the next spring, after
HISTORY OV W ASIllXCTOX C'OL'XTV KiH
which he came to Washington, Iowa, in the summer of 1867. Here he
worked as a day laborer for a few years and later served as deputy sheriff
for ten years under Bunker, Sweet and O'Laughlin, who successively filled
the office of sheriff". He was likewise a member of the city council for eight
years and was marshal and constable for four years. About 1878 he bought
twelve acres of land inside the corporation limits and has since grown small
fruits, giving his attention to this business with excellent success for about
thirty years. In 1888 he built a fine home on land near the dwelling which
he had occupied since 1870. ( )n the 30th of ]\Iay, 1867. Mr. Stichter was
married to Miss Susan Yetter, who was born in Miami county, Ohio. Decem-
ber 9, 1838. She was a daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Baer) Yetter.
Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and on leaving that state removed
to Ohio, while later they settled in Hancock county. Illinois. There the
father died in 1886 at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife died in
1857. They were the parents of fifteen children, six sons and nine daughters,
of whom the following are now living: Simon. Mary, Barbara, Louis, Wil-
liam, Catharine, Christopher, John, and Henry. The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Stichter has been blessed with eight children: Minnie M., who married
Charles J. Fulton, of Fairfield, Iowa, and has three children, Charles Clark,
Catharine Eliza and Susan Elizabeth ; Eugene, a boot and shoe dealer in
Chelan, Washington, who married Laura Springer and has one daughter,
Genevieve ; Catharine, a teacher in the Washington 'public schools ; Owen,
who died in infancy ; Bernice, also deceased ; Otto B., who married Fannie
Shearer, was born in Washington, Iowa, in 1877, and enlisted in the Span-
ish-American war as a sergeant in Company D, Fiftieth Iowa Regiment:
Bessie E.. who died at the age of five years : and Royal, single, who conducts
the East Side Restaurant in Washingt<in. Mr. Stichter belongs to I. G.
White Post, No. 108, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander. His politi-
cal allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a citizen of progres-
sive public spirit, interested in all matters relating to the general welfare.
His worth as a factor in the life of the community is disputed by none. In
business he has made a creditable record, bringing him into prominent rela-
tions with commercial interests and gaining for him a substantial competence
as the vears have gone bv.
HENRY G. H AGIST.
Henry G. Hagist made purchase of his present farm in 1905, thu-; coming
into possession of one hundred and sixty acres of land which he has now
greatly improved not only through cultivation according to modern methods
but also by the erection of a number of modern buildings. Illinois places
him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Bureau county on
the 7th of April, 1863. He is a son of George and Wilhelmina (Mahlin)
Hagist, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared
and married. Subsequently they determined to try their fortune in the new
166 HISTORY UF WASHINGTON COUNTY
world and crossed the Atlantic, arriving in Bureau county, Illinois, where
they lived for a number of years. In 1867 they came to Iowa, establishing
their home in Keokuk county, where they purchased a quarter section of land
for which he gave nine hundred dollars. Thereon he continued to reside
until his death, which occurred in 1908, while his wife passed away in 1906.
He was more than eighty-two years of age at the time of his demise while
his wife died when seventy-six years of age.
Henry G. Hagist was but four years old when his parents left Illinois
and came to Iowa. His education was, therefore, acquired in the public
schools of this state and his training was such as most farm boys receive, for
when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom or occupied with the
pleasures of the playground he worked in the fields, assisting his father'
until he had attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own
account and was occupied for one yeear with the care of a farm which he
rented in Keokuk county. In 1885 he removed to Seventy-Six township.
Washington county, and rented the J. W. Tallman farm of three hundred and
twenty acres, which he cultivated continuously and successfully for seven-
teen or eighteen years. In 1905 he purchased his present farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres from the P. H. Tallman estate and has since made nota-
ble changes in its appearance through the many modern improvements he
has put upon it. He has erected good farm buildings, which are most attrac-
tive in appearance and substantial in workmanship. He is actuated in all
that he does by a spirit of progress and is justly accounted one of the lead-
ing farmers of the community.
In 1890 Mr. Hagist was married to Miss Florence Tallman. a daughter
of P. II. Tallman, nnw deceased, and unto them have been born two chil-
dren. Hazel and Gertrude, who are still at home. iNIr. Hagist is a stalwart
advocate of republican principles and fraternally he is connected with
Cretona Lodge, No. 365, K. of P., of Keota. Almost his entire life has been
passed in Iowa and he is a typical representative of the citizenship of the
middle west, manifesting that spirit of endurance, of enterprise and of
progress which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this sec-
tion of the country.
ADAM WOMBACHER.
In the history of Washington county's successful and honored citizens
none is more worthy of mention than .\dam Wonibacher, who far a half
century was identified with the farming interests of that part of the state.
Coming to Iowa when this region was largely unimproved and undeveloped,
he set himself resolutely to the task of breaking and cultivating the land,
and as he promoted his individual interests he also contributed to the gen-
eral prosperity, for every efifort along lines of improvement is an element in
the county's substantial upbuilding. Moreover, his integrity stood as an
unquestioned factor in his career, and in his life he displayed many sterling
characteristics which are worthy of emulation.
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HISTORY Ol' WASHINGTON COUNTY 169
He was born in JJavaria, Germany, March 25, 1824, and was one of
a family of two sons and a daughter, his brother being John Wombacher,
while the sister, Margaret, became the wife of Conrad Streb and has now
passed away. The parents, John and Catharine (Hoffman) Wombacher,
were both natives of Bavaria and the father followed farming in that coun-
try until about 1833, when he heard and heeded the call of the new world.
On crossing the Atlantic, he settled in Maryland, near Cumberland, and
was employed by the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Company and also by the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Again believing that better opportuni-
ties were to be found further westward he crossed the mountains in 1847 ^^d
made his way over the prairies of the middle west to Iowa, settling in Wash-
ington county. For a year or two he lived in the city of Washington, after
which hv ])urcluisi.'d land in Riverside. His death resulted from the kick of a
horse in 1865 when he was past middle life. He had lost his first wife in
Germany about 1827. To him and his second wife, Mrs. Eva Wombacher,
there were born ten children : Peter ; Andrew ; Joseph ; William ; George,
deceased ; Sylvester ; George, the second of the name ; Elizabeth, the wife of
Rocus Kneleb, of Hill Siding, Iowa ; Mrs. Mary Heitzman, of Riverside ; and
.\nn, the wife of Constantine Armbruster. .. ■ ■ ;. ■
Adam Wombacher spent the firstthirtoen years off his life in the land of
his nativity and then crossed the, broad Atlantic to the taew world. The ocean
voyage was an experience which he never forgot, and his first impressions
concerning the new land also remained vivdily in his'memory to his dying
day. He lived for one year in Baltimore; Maryland, also in Hancock, that
state, for a year and afterward removed to Cumberland, Maryland, where
he remained until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he re-
moved westward to St. Louis, where he worked in a coal mine, and while
there employed he was married.
It was in October, 1850, that Mr. Wombacher wedded Mrs. Leocada
Cayou, a daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Veain) Marshall. Mrs. Wom-
bacher was born in Carondelet, Missouri, August 4, 1828. She had an own
brother and sister, the latter being Margaret Marshall, and also had three
half-sisters and two half-brothers : Hyppolite, Antoinette, Catharine, Frank
and Amelia Tayon. The Tayons were among the oldest French families of
St. Louis and that part of Missouri. By her first marriage Mrs. Wombacher
had two children : Louis, who died when three years of age ; and Sylvester,
living at Riverton, Nebraska. He wedded Mary Morris and they had eleven
children: Elizabeth, John. Robert, James, Margaret, William, Ira. Ralph,
George, and two whose names are not known. Having lost her first hus-
band Mrs. Cayou became the wife of Adam Wombacher, as previously
stated.
In 1 85 1, the year following their marriage, they removed westward to
Washington county, Iowa, and lived in a part of Jonathan Wil.son's house,
while Mr. Wombacher rented and cultivated the Wilson farm for a year.
He had first visited the state in 1845, at which time he entered land from
the government and bought other land at one dollar and a quarter per acre,
.^fter cultivating the Wilson place for a year, he built a cabin on his own
170 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COrNTV
land in Cedar township and as the years passed added to his property, own-
ing six hundred and forty acres, of which six hundred acres Hes in Cedar
township and the remainder in Franklin township. With characteristic
energy he began to cultivate the land and transformed the wild prairie into
highly improved fields that annually brought forth rich crops. Year after
year he carefully conducted the work of the farm and transformed it into a
valuable tract, its rich harvests enabling him to provide liberally for his
family.
After living on his farm for half a century Mr. Wombacher took up his
abode in Washington, purchasing and remodeling a good residence Ijefore he
returned to the town. His home was at No. 608 West Main street, and
there his daughter. Miss Louisa C. Wombacher, still resides, while her
father's brother, John Wombacher, also makes his home there, having lived
with the family since 1856.
Mr. and Mrs. Wombacher were parents of one son and four daughters :
Mary Josephine, the eldest, became the wife of James Dautremont, now de-
deceased. She lives in Riverside, Iowa, and by her marriage she became the
mother of twelve children, but the first born, Louis, died at the age of one
year. The others were: Ellen, William, Charles V., Edward Adam. Henry.
Hannah, George, Raymond, Rose, Oscar and Richard. John Paul, the only
son of the family, died at the age of three years. Sarah Elizabeth, the second
daughter, became the wife of Henry Swift, of Riverside, and their family
numbers twelve children : Mary Louisa, who is now a Sister of Cliaritv ; Lilv
Margaret, a Franciscan sister ; Lucy ; John Loras ; Esther ; Charles V. :
Claudius ; Hubert and Clare, twins ; Francis ; and Stella Margaret and Sarah
Elizabeth, both of whom died in early childhood. Margaret Ann is the
wife of Frank Swift, a brother of Henry Swift, and they reside in Dayton,
Ohio. Their family numbers eleven sons and daughters : Mary, who died in
infancy ; and Stella, also deceased ; Edward Adam ; Isabel Elizabeth ; Louisa
Elvira ; Josephine Appolonia ; Elizabeth Catharine ; Bertha Margaret ;
Leonard; Paul; and Loretta. The other member of the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Adam Wombacher is Miss Louisa Catherine Wombacher, to whom we
are indebted for the information concerning her worthy and honored parents.
Her mother died on the home farm, January 4, iqoi, at the age of seventv-
two years and five months, while the death of Mr. Wombacher occurred
January 25, 1904, when he had reached the age of seventy-nine vears and ten
months. Both were of the Catholic faith and were highly esteemed for
their many good traits of heart and mind.
Mr. Wombacher was treasurer of the Dayton Cjrove school district for
twenty-five years. The cause of education found in him a warm and stalwart
friend. In fact he was ever interested in those things pertaining to the wel-
fare and progress of the county, cooperating in man\- measures for the
general good. He lived a life of industry and unfaltering diligence and
was a man of domestic tastes, finding his greatest happiness in providing for
the welfare and interests of his wife and children. Both he and his wife were
devoted to the interests of their daughters and received from them the ut-
most filial love and devotion. Mr. Wombacher rejoiced in his success because
lilST(jRV Ol'" W ASIIlXiri'UN CUUXTV 171
it (.Mial )!(.•( 1 him to pruvide liberally for tlu- members of his own houichold.
As the years passed he prospered, eniployint;- many men in developing" his
farms, and in the course of time he became a wealthy agriculturist, but
the most envious could not grudge him his success, so honestly was it won
and so worthily used.
GEORGE W. REED.
(jeorge W. Reed, who is successfully and energetically carrying on
agricultural pursuits on his fine farm of two hundred acres on section 22,
Jackson township, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, December 12, i866.
His parents are M. P. and Jane A. (Whittaker) Reed, the former b-orn in
Peoria, Illinois, June ly, 1840, while the latter's birth occurred in Ireland,
July 14, 1842. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of
Pennsylvania. M. P. Reed, the father of George W. Reed, faithfully served
as a soldier of the Union army during the Civil war. Both he and his wife
are now living retired in Peoria, Illinois. Their family numbered eleven
children, namely : George W., of this review ; Susan A., who was born
July II, 1868, and is now the wife of George A. Purcell, of McLean
county, Illinois ; Louise, born August 6, 1870, who is the wife of C. P.
Dunning, of Dundee, Illinois; Nettie J., born December 18, 1871, who is
now the wife of Henry A. 1 ilunda, of Peoria county, Illinois ; Lottie B.,
born September 26, 1873, ^^h" is the wife of Harry P. Davis, of Stark
county, IlHnois; Ella O., whose birth occurred June 16, 1875, and who is the
wife of Gilbert D. Allewelt, of Peoria county, Illinois; an infant, who was
born April i, 1877, and died on the 28th of August, 1877; Henry A., whose
natal day was July 13, 1878, and who is now a resident of Peoria county;
Clara E., born November 18, 1881, who is the wife of A. B. Day and is now
residing in Texas; Stella M., born May 9, 1884, who passed away January
22, 1885; and Margaret, who was born June 26, 1886, and is still at home.
George W. Reed obtained his education in the common schools and
remained at home with his parents until he had attained his majority, when
he rented a farm in Peoria county, Illinois, being successfully engaged in
its cultivation tor six years. At the end of that time he came to Washing-
ton county, Iowa, in 1896, purchasing the farm of two hundred acres on
section 22, Jackson township, where he has since resided, having brought the
place under a high state of improvement. In addition to cultivating the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising horses
and in both branches of his business is meeting with a gratifying and com-
mendable measure of prosperity, being widely recognized as one of the sub-
stantial, progressive and representative citizens of the community.
On the 13th of February, 1890, Mr. Reed was joined in wedlock to Miss
Mary M. Moore, whose birth occurred in Peoria county, Illinois. September
23, 1870, her parents being Jacob H. and Martha A. (Reed) Moore, the
former a native of Ohio and the latter of Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr.
172 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and Mrs. Moore took up their abode in Peoria county, Illinois, and are still
living there, having attained the ages of sixty-three and sixty years respec-
tively. They became the parents of five children, as follows: John D., who
was born September 5, 1868, and is now a resident of Mount Pleasant, Iowa ;
Mrs. Reed; Angus A., born October 21, 1872, who is at home; Frank W.,
whose birth occurred November 4, 1874, and who died in August, 1875 :
and Newell D., who was born May 18, 1885, and is a resident of Peoria
county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reed have been born four children : Spencer
B., whose natal day was June 28, 1891 ; Walter A., whose birth occurred
December 14, 1893; Edith M., born October 14, 1896; and Morrow P., who
first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 10th of July, 1899.
Politically Mr. Reed is a stalwart republican and is now serving as a
member of the school board, which position he has held for nine years.
Fraternally he is connected with lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M., at Washing-
ton ; chapter No. 13, R. A. M., and likewise belongs to the Modem Wood-
men of America at Washington and the Royal Neighbors. His wife is a
devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, and they are both
people of the highest respectability, whose good qualities of heart and mind
have won for them the confidence and friendlv regard of all who know them.
HENRY FRED SCHMELZER.
Since March, 1893, Henry Fred Schmelzer has occupied the farm on
which he now resides in Lime Creek township, Washington county. He was
bom in Muscatine, Iowa, September 10, 1863, and is a son of Heinrich Carl
and Elizabeth (Dering) Schmelzer, both of whom were natives of Ger-
manv. They came to America in early life, became acquainted in this
country and were married. About 1848 they sought a home in Iowa, mak-
ing their way direct to Muscatine county, where they cast in their lot with
its early settlers. At that time steamboats furnished the only means of jniblic
transportation for no railroads had been built in this part of the state. There
were still many evidences of frontier life to be seen here, much of the land
being still in possession of the government while only here and there had
a settlement been made to show that the work of civilization and improve-
ment had been begun. Heinrich Carl Schmelzer, who was born in March,
1830, was a wagon maker by trade and followed that pursuit during his
residence in Muscatine. He died on the 2d of March, 1898, while his wife,
who was born in 1839, passed away on the 12th of January, 1902. She was
a daughter of John Dering, who served as a soldier in an Iowa regiment in
the Civil war. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Schmelzer were the
following children: Anna, who married Henry Heinz, and is living in Mus-
catine with their two children, Carl and Harry ; Lizzie, wlio became the wife
of C. G. Bates, of Muscatine and died on the 30th of July, 1896, at the age
of thirty-five years ; Henry Fred, whose name introduces this review ; Wil-
liam, who resides in Muscatine with his wife and two children, George and
iiis'i'oRV oi- w Asiiixr/roN county 173
Clara: ami Charles, of Muscatine, wln) married I'lUa Miller, and has two
children, \ada and Gertrude.
At the age of twenty-one years Henry F. Schnielzer left home and has
since been dependent upon his own resources. He is, therefore, a self-niade
man, owing whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed to his persistent,
earnest and well directed lalior. He first went to northwestern \ehraska,
where he took up a government claim near Box Butte. There lie remained
for three years, cultivating his claim, after which he returned to his old
home in Muscatine. A year later he went to Washington territory, where
he remained for about three years working in the logging camps. On the
expiration of that period he came to Iowa and settled in Washington county
on the farm which he now occupies. He first rented the place in March,
1893, and when his industry and careful expenditure had brought Inm sufifi-
cient capital he purchased the property, paying twenty-five dollars per acre
for it in 181 )8. He has since made many improvements thereon and it is
now one of the finest farms of the locality, lacking in none of the equip-
ments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.
On the I5tli of March, 1893, Mr. Schmelzer was married to Miss Tilli.?
Eckhardt, a daughter of Henrv and Catherine (Semler) Eckhardt, who
were natives of Germany. They came to America early in life accompanied
by an aiuit and were for a time residents of Ohio. Two years after their
arrival in the new world they were married and subsequently removed to
Indiana, while later they established their home in Muscatine county, Iowa.
Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmelzer; Piculah Cath-
erine, who was born December 13, 1894; Joe William, born February 17,
1896; and Lee Henry, born April i, 1899. The parents are widely known
in this part of the state and occupy an enviable position in social circles.
Mr. Schmelzer is an exemplar)- member of the Masonic fraternity and also
belongs to Wellman lodge, M. W. A. He frequently votes the tlemocratic
ticket, but is somewhat independent in politics for he does not regard him-
self bound by party ties and casts his ballot as his judgment dictates. He
has won creditable success in life and is now numbered among the pros-
perous farmers of his county, his advancement in a financial way being all
due to his industry and well directed efforts. He has alwavs lived in the
middle west and displays the spirit of undaunted enterprise and advance-
ment which is characteristic of the Mississippi valley country.
FRANK STEWART.
Frank Stewart, who has been connected with manufacturing lines since
1900, is now president of the .-Vmerican Pearl Button Company, in which
connection he is developing one of the important productive industries of
Washington. Constantly watchful of opportunities, he is extending his busi-
ness along well defined lines of trade and the success which he is now enjoy-
ing is well merited. He is one of Washington's native sons and a repre-
174 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COLXTV
sentative of one of the oldest families of this part of the state. He comes
of Virginia ancestry in the paternal line, his grandfather being John Stewart,
a native of the Old Dominion, where he followed agricultural pursuits until
his life's labors were ended in death.
William G. Stewart, the fathei, was born in Virginia, was reared to
farm life and took up that pursuit as a means of providing for his own sup-
port after he attained his majorit\ . A mental review of the natural resources
of the country and the opportunities afforded in different secti(in>; led him to
the belief that he would have better advantages in Iowa than elsewhere and,
coming to this county, he purchased land in Washington township. With
characteristic energy he began the development of a farm and in course of
time placed three hundred acres of land under a high state of improvement.
The fields were richly cultivated and in due course of time brought forth
abundant harvests. He married Hannah Patterson, a native of Maryland
and the daughter of Charles Patterson, who was born in Scotland and on
crossing the Atlantic trxik up his abode in Maryland. On ariving in Iowa
during the pioneer epoch of the history of this state he lived for a time in
Burlington, after which he removed to Washington and subsequently to
Keokuk county. There he died when nearly ninety years of age His fam-
ily numbered a son and two daughters: John; Jane, the wife of William
Thomas: and Hannah, who became Mrs. Stewart. Mrs. Patterson long sur-
vived her husband. William G. Stewart died on the home farm in Wash-
ington township in 1864 at the age of forty-four years. Four decades had
passed ere his wife passed away, her death occurring in 1905. In earlv life
she was a member of the Methodist church and later she and her husband
became members of the United Brethren church. Their good qualities of
heart and mind drew to them the friendly regard of all with whom they
were associated and they are yet remembered among the valued pioneer
residents of this part of the state. Their family included six sons and two
daughters: John G. : Charles N. ; William S. : Lovina E.. the wife of Fred
Giesler. of Muscatine. Iowa; Frank; Lloyd, deceased: Hannah M.. the wife
of J. A. (juest, of W'ashington ; and George W.
Frank Stewart was reared in Washington county on the old home farm
until he had attained his majority. He early became familiar with the work
of the fields and aided more and more largely in the cultivation thereof as
his years and strength increased. He was a pupil in the district schcKils and
also in the W'ashington select school conducted by Professor Wilson, while
later he pursued a course in a commercial college at Muscatine, Iowa. He
then went into business in that city as a dealer in hats and men's furnishing
goods, in which line he continued for eight or nine years, after which he re-
turned to Washington and joined his brother George W. in the conduct of
a hardware and implement business which they carried on for twelve or thir-
teen years. In 1896. however, Mr. Stewart sold his interest to his brother
and about igoo entered the manufacturing lines, making wagon bo.xes and
shoveling boards. He is still the treasurer of the Washington Manufactur-
ing Company which turns out those products. In IQ02 he extended his efforts
into other fields, establishing a button manufacturing business at Muscatine.
lllSr<U<>- ()!■ W ASIIlXiri'OX COL'XTY 175
at the same time maintaining his wagon box manufacturing plant in Wash-
ington. In if)o8 he established the headquarters of his button manufacturing
plant in ^^■ashington and moved his principal works here. Eighty to one
hundred operators are employed in the home factory. They sell their goods
to jobbers and manufacturers and the enterprise is today one of the most im-
portant productive concerns of the city, its trade constantly increasing be-
cause of the excellence of the output and the reliability of the house.
For fifteen years Mr. Stewart has been vice president of the Citizens
Saving.-; Bank of Washington ; is a stockholder of the Wayland Savings
Bank of Wayland, Iowa ; and a member of the firm of Giesler & Company,
manufacturers of wagon hardware at Muscatine.
In October, 1877, ^^- Stewart was married in Muscatine, Iowa, to Miss
Nettie Washburne, a native of that city and the daughter of David and
Anna (Holmes") Washburne. who were natives of New York. Mr. and
Mrs. Stewart now have a daugther, Marian V. Mrs. Stewart is a membei
of the Presbyterian church and presides with gracious hospitality over their
pleasant home.
Mr. Stewart belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. His fellow towsnmen, recogniz-
ing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office and he has been
most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He was a member of the city council
for several \ears and takes a most active interest in matters of public progress.
For about six vears he served as a member of the school board and the cause
of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is justly accounted one
of the representative business men of this part of the state, recognizing
and impniving his opportunities and carefully executing well defined and
carefully formulated plans. In the legitimate lines of commerce he has
won his success and has reached a creditable position in commercial and
manufacturing circles.
MARTIN ESSLEY.
The state of Iowa has afforded large opportunities along agricultural
lines to thousands who have devoted their energies to tilling the soil, from
which they have derived such harvests as have placed them in comfortable
circumstances, and among those who are prospering in the pursuit of farm-
ing is Martin Essley, who owns and cultivates a large and excellent tract of
land in Washington township, Washington county. His birth occurred
in Marion township, this county, October 15, 1853, and his parents were
John and Jane ( Mickey) Essley. His father was twice married, his first
wife bearing him four children, all of whom are deceased. The elder Mr.
Essley was one of the early settlers of this county, where he pursued general
agriculture until he departed this life. His wife, who was a native of Penn-
sylvania hut was married in this county, still survives. After the death of
her first husband she wedded Alamander Harmon, hv whom she had three
ITti HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COL'XTY
children ; Ida, who resides here ; Henry, a retired agricuhurist of Cedar
Falls; and Ada, who lives with her mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Essley were
born : Oliver, who engages in farming in Adams county, this state ; Sarah,
wife of Collin Nickley, a retired agriculturist ; Martin ; and .Samantha Ellen,
a resident of this county.
In the common schools of Marion township Martin Essley acquired his
education, remaining at home until he was twelve years of age, at which
period of life he sought employment on neighboring farms, following hus-
bandry as a wage earner until he was twenty-two. He was then married
and settled on a farm in Cedar township. With the exception of twelve years
spent in Johnson county, this state, where he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits from 1889 until 1901, he has resided in this county, following general
farming and stock-raising. He owns one hundred and forty-four acres of
excellent land, for which he paid one hundred and forty-five dollars an acre,
and the improvements which he has put upon his property and the attention
which he has given the soil has made his farm one of the most productive of
this region.
In 1875 ^-f''- Essley wedded Miss Emma Rose, a native of Ohio, by whom
he has had four children: Stella, wife of Lester Rank, an agriculturist of
Oklahoma ; Ray, a resident of Dallas City, Illinois ; Esther, who lives with
her parents ; and Oliver.
Politically, Mr. Essley supports the republican party, firmly believing in
the fundamental character of the policies it advocates, and he has always
been loyal to its candidates, during campaigns doing all he can to secure
their election. He is a zealous church worker in the Methodist Episcopal
denomination, of which his wife is also an adherent, and his excellent quali-
ties of character, together with his industry and enterprise, merit him high
standing in the community as a worthy and substantial citizen
SAMUEL J. COCKLIN.
In this age of vast business enterprises and of intense activity, it is a
notable fact that the young men are rapidly forging to the front and con-
trolling the trade interests of the country. As secretary of the George H.
Paul Company. Samuel J. Cocklin occupies a prominent position in business
circles. This company is today controlling extensive land interests and
proving a most important factor in the colonization and upbuilding of
various sections of the southwest. Of marked energ)- and keen insight. Mr.
Cocklin is capably managing the aiTairs of the company which come in his
special department and is thereby contributing to its success.
He is one of the native .sons of Washington county, his birth having occur-
red in Marion township, April 16, 1874. His grandfather, Samuel Cocklin,
was a native of Pennsylvania, devoting his life to auctioneering and farm-
ing. He came to Washington county in 1854, and here secured a good tract
of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. In addition he
^ ^
7lm/(4// )^'
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN tOiJl^iUATlON
HISTORY U\' WAslllXCTON COUNTY 179
also cried many sales, being the first and only auctioneer here at liie tune.
His first wife died very suddenly when in middle life. They had reared
a large family, including: Jacob; David E. ; Levi; Kate, the wife of Robert
McCalman: A. L. ; Nannie, the wife of Robert Taylor; John S. : and
Samuel, who died in his youth. .After losing his first wife Samuel Cocklin
married her sister, but there were no children of that union.
David E. Cocklin, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio and came
with his parents to Iowa in his boyhood days. Here he assisted in the devel-
opment of a new farm, giving hi.s attention to general agricultural pursuits
until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he responded to the country's
call, enlisting as a member of Company I, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer In-
fantry, with wliich he served for four years. He entered the army as a
private, but his valor and meritorious conduct won him successive promotion
until he became captain of his company. He participated in the battles of
Shiloh, Vicksburg, Corinth, Atlanta and Sherman's march to the sea, being
in every battle and skirmish in which his regiment took part. He never
faltered in the performance of any military duty and his own courage and
loyalty often inspired his men to deeds of valor. When the war was over
he returned to Washington county and was here married, the lady of his
choice being Miss Hester; AU Powell' wlio was also born in the Buckeye
state and was a daughter of Jo?eph Powell, who came to Iowa from Ohio,
in 1847, casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of Washington county.
He settled in Marion towiiship, where' he purchased and improved a large
tract of land and dealt largeiy4n stock. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Martha
Powell, lived to old age. They reared a large family, but all have passed
away with the exception of Mrs. Cocklin. Following their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Cocklin took up their abode on a farm in Marion township. There
he made his home until a few years ago, when he removed to Washington,
where he and his wife now reside with their son. They are mem.bers of the
Methodist church and prominent in the community. Mr. Cocklin has held
various township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness
and fidelity. In early life he engaged in teaching in the public schools and
also taught singing school, but made farming his principal occupation after
attaining his majority. Unto him and his wife have been born three chil-
dren : Wilber Howard, who died at the age of three years ; Charles, who
passed away at the age of eighteen ; and Samuel J., of this review.
Samuel J. Cocklin was reared on his father's farm in Marion township
and after attending the district schools prepared for the onerous duties that
come in the business world by a course of study in Elliott's Business College
at Burlington. Later he engaged in teaching for a few years, and when
twenty-six years of age was elected to the office of county recorder, in which
he capably served for four years, giving a businesslike administration. Re-
tiring from that office, he conducted an abstract business under the name of
the Pollard Abstract Company, which was an incorporated concern. .After a
short time, however, he severed his connections therewith and became cashier
of the Ainsworth Savings Bank and later again became associated with the
Pollard Abstract Company. About a year later, however, he took his present
180 HISTORY ni'.\\ASlllX(;T().\" COUNTY
position as secretary of the George H. Paul Company, one of the largest
land companies operating in the United States.
On the 8th of January, 1896, Mr. Cocklin was married to Miss Adda
May Adams, a daughter of Joseph and Maggie (Gordon) Adams, a popular
young lady and acconii)lished musician. Mrs. Cocklin's father died in her
infancy, and her mother was later united in marriage with T. W. Rickey, of
Crawfordsville, Iowa, at which place they now reside. Mr. Rickey is a
large landowner and a successful business man, public-spirited and enter-
prising.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cocklin are consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward and she as pipe-organist.
He belongs to Orion Lodge, K. P., and to other lodges and organizations.
He is recognized as a young man of enterprise, carrying forward to success-
ful completion whatever he undertakes and manifesting an initiative and pro-
gressive spirit in all that he does.
P. J. BOOTH.
On a farm of eighty acres on section 23, Cedar township, resides P. j.
Booth, whose capable management in agricultural interests is widely recog-
nized. He was born in the state of New York on the 30th of January, 1839,
his parents being Joseph and Abigail (Holdridge) Booth, who were also
natives of the Empire state. The year 1870 witnessed their arrival in
Washington county, Iowa, where they continued to reside until called to
their final rest, the father passing away September 24, 1888, while the
mother's death occurred January 30, 1901. Unto this worthy couple were
born seven children, namely : P. J., of this review ; Alonzo, who is a resident
of New York; M. E., deceased: Alford J., of this county: Roy E., who has
also passed away ; Lydia A., the wife of J. W. Baker, of Washington, Iowa;
and Joseph E., who likewise makes his home in this county.
P. J. Booth obtained a good practical education in the common schools
and when but fourteen years of age started out in life for himself as a clerk
in a general store, being employed in that way for seven years. On the
expiration of that period he established himself in business as a grocery mer-
chant, continuing in that line of activity for nine years, and at the same time
also conducted a lumberyard. Disposing of his interests, he came to Wash-
ington county, Iowa, in 1867 and for a short time was engaged in the gro-
cery business in the city of Washington. After once more disposing of his
mercantile interests he followed farming as a renter for six years, at the
end of which time he ])urchased the farm of eighty acres on section 23, Cedar
township, where he has since resided. In addition to cultivating various
cereals he has also won success as a feeder of stock, buying and shipping
stock of all kinds. In all of his undertakings be has displayed sound judg-
ment and keen discrimination and at the same time has ever been straight-
rilSroRY ()!• W ASIIIXGTOX C'OL'XTV 181
forward and honorable, basing his business principles and actions upon the
rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity.
On the 4th of July, 1865, Mr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss
Nancy J. McKee. whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, June 22, 1843. '''^''
parents being Andrew and Rose Ann ( Weir) McKee, the former a native
of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Andrew McKee came to Wash-
ington county, Iowa, in 1857. He and his wife, who reared a family of four
children, are both now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Booth have been born
eight children, as follows: Ellen, born in the Keystone state in 1866, who is
at home: O. D., born in October, 1868, who is a resident of this county:
J. A., who was born in 1870 and is living in Washington county; W. D.,
born in 1872, who is likewise a resident of this county ; Bertha, who was born
in 1876 and passed away November 15, 1892: Eva N., born in 1879, who is
now the wife of O. B. Mouser, of this county; Maizie, whose birth occurred
February 17, 1882, and who died on the 12th of June of the same year ; and
Lila A., born March 29, 1883, whose demise occurred August 30, 1885.
By his ballot Mr. Booth supports the men and measures of the democracy
and has acted as assessor and school director for thirty-five years, the cause
of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. Both he and his
wife belong to the United Presbyterian church and are held in high regard
and esteem throughout the county in which they have so long made their
home. He is one of the venerable citizens of the county and receives the
respect and good will which should ever be accorded to one who has advanced
thus far on life's journey and whose career has at all times been upright and
honorable.
ARTHUR THERION.
Arthur Therion is one of the younger representatives of farming in-
terests in Washington county, being the owner of one hundred acres of well
improved land in Marion township. He was born in Washington, Iowa,
March 3. 1871, and is the only child of John and Theresa (Heiniman)
Therion, both of whom were natives of France, the latter born in Alsace.
The father emigrated to the United .States about i860 and soon after his
arrival in the new world took up his abode in Washington, Iowa, where he
remained until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was a wagonmaker
by trade and conducted business along this line in Washington. The mother,
who emigrated to this country in her girlhood, was married in this county
to Mr. Therion. She slill survives and now makes her home with her son
Arthur.
Arthur Therion was reared under the parental roof and acquired his
education in the common schools. With the exception of three years spent
in Kansas City and Chicago, he has always lived in Washington county,
where he is now operating a farm of one hundred acres, which he owns.
This tract is located on section 5, Marion township, and is devoted to gen-
eral farming. Me has made many improvements on the place since taking
182 iliSTURV Ol' WASHINGTON COUNTY
possession and now has a comfortable residence and substantial outbuildings
which furnish shelter for grain and stock. In addition to his farming interests,
Mr. Therion has operated a threshing machine for the past nine years and
in this connection has become well known in various sections of the county.
Mr. Therion chose as a companion for the journey of life Miss Mollie
Putman, whom he wedded in 1899, and this union has been blessed with two
daughters and a son, but the eldest, Bertha, is now deceased, the other mem-
bers being John and Mildred, both under the parental roof.
Mr. Therion supports the men and measures of the democratic party and
served as assessor of Marion township eight years. He is identified with
the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen at Washington. Gradually
advancing year by year, Mr. Therion has gained a place among the sub-
stantial farmers of his section of the county, and, having spent almost his
entire life here, he has become widely and favorably known, meriting the
esteem in which he is universally held.
WILBER L. MILLER.
Wilber L. Miller, formerly engaged in the furniture and undertakmg
business and now devoting his energies entirely to the latter line in Wash-
ington, was bom in this city April 5, 1868. His parents, Charles S. and
Eliza A. (Worthen) Miller, are numbered among the early residents of
Iowa, having first come to the city in 1854 while in 1858 they took up their
permanent abode in Washington. The Millers are of an old New England
family. The great-grandfather, Jacob Miller, was born in 1760 and removed
from Chesterfield, New Hampshire, to Northfield, Massachusetts. He
served his country as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding
in the struggle for independence and again was a soldier in the war of 181 2.
He married Phebe Grover. The paternal grandfather, Cyrus Miller, was a
native of Massachusetts, born on the 22d of October, 1794, and his life
record covered the intervening years until the 8th of April, 1882, when he
was called to his final rest. He served his country as a soldier in the war
of 1812, manifesting the spirit of loyalty for which the family has always
been noted. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza M. Leach, was
also a native of the old Bay state.
Charles S. Miller, father of Wilber L. Miller, was born in Northfield,
Massachusetts, April 12, 1830, and having arrived at years of maturity was
married at Enfield, Connecticut, on the 23d of September, 1849, to Miss Eliza
A. Worthen, who was born October 17, 1830, at Chicopee Falls, Massa-
chusetts, and was a daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Wason) Worthen. Fol-
lowing their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Miller came to Iowa in 1854
and entered land near Keota. Two years later, however, they removed to St.
Louis and Mr. Miller secured employment in the car shops at St. Charles,
having previously been engaged in car building in the east. In the spring
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 183
of 1858 they arrived in Washington, Iowa, and Mr. Miller entered commer-
cial circles here in the wagon-making business while later he turned his
attention to the sale of sewing machines. Gradually he made progress
in a financial way and in 1875 embarked in the furniture and undertaking
business, which he conducted successfully for twenty-eight years, enjoying
not only a large trade but also the confidence and good will of the general
public. In fact he was well known and highly esteemed throughout the
county, being a man of sterling business integrity and of genuine personal
worth. He was outspoken and positive in his convictions yet he believed
in giving others the right of their opinions. Honesty was one of his most
salient characteristics and moreover he endeavored throughout his entire life
to follow the Golden Rule, doing unto others as he would have them do unto
him. In politics he was a silver democrat and a strong admirer of William
Jennings Bryan. He died July i, 1903, at the age of seventy-three years,
two months and nineteen days, while his wife passed away March 28, 1904,
at the age of seventy-three years, five months and eleven days. On the 23d
of September, 1899, they celebrated their golden wedding, having completed
a half century of happy married life. Mr. Miller was reared a Unitarian and
his wife held membership in the Methodist church. They were the parents
of five children: Frank, who died at the age of twenty-one years from
injuries sustained in a tornado at Burlington, Iowa, in 1873 ; Theresa, the
wife of William Gentzler, of Waterloo, Iowa ; G. Edgar, who died in in-
fancy ; Fred, living in Webster City, Iowa ; and Wilber L., of this review.
The last named has spent his entire life in Washington and in retrospec-
tion one can see him in his boyhood days, attending the public schools where
he mastered the common branches of English learning. He lived at home
throughout the period of his minority and after completing his education
worked for his father in the store until the ist of August, 1889, when he
was admitted to a partnership in the furniture and undertaking business.
Thus throughout his entire career he has been connected with commercial
interests in Washington. On the ist of January, 1903, however, he sold
out but on the ist of September, 1904, reentered trade circles as proprietor
of an undertaking establishment which he still successfully conducts. He
has a large share of the public patronage in his line for he carries a fine line
of undertaking goods and moreover is known to be thoroughly reliable and
trustworthy in all of his dealings.
On the loth of July, 1895, Mr. Miller was married in Fort Madison, Iowa,
to Miss Emma Arnold, a daughter of Emerson and Eliza (Cramner) Arnold.
Mrs. Miller was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, near Danville, September
16, 1873. Her maternal grandmother still survives at the age of nearly
ninetv years. She is Mrs. Sophia Woodmansee, having married again since
the death of her first husband, Mr. Cramner. All of the other grandparents
of Mrs. Miller have passed away. Her parents, however, now reside in
Denmark, Lee county, Iowa. Her father was born in Indiana and her
mother in Des Moines county, Iowa, and he was a soldier of the Civil war.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born three children: Murrel Arnold,
Maude Vaile and Charles Emerson.
IS-i HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Mr. .Milk'r is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in
Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Cyrus Chapter, No. 13. R. A.
M. ; Bethlehem Commandery, No. 45, K. T. and Kaaba Temple of the
Mystic Shrine. In his political views he is an earnest democrat, iiis ~tudy
of the questions and issues of the day leading him to the opinion that the
principles of the party are best calculated to conserve the public gi^od. He
was a member of the city council for two terms and exercised hi^ ofificial
prerogatives in support of various movements and measures which he be-
lieved would prove beneficial to the community. In fact his cooperation
can always be counted upon to further progressive public measures and
his labors are an element in the general improvement of city and county. He
has a wide acquaintance and his uniform courtesy and genial spirit have made
him popular with a large circle of friends.
ROBERT MARSHALL.
Robert Marshall, who is now living retired on his valuable and well
improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 14. Jackson
township, was formerly for many years identified with the agricultural and
live stock interests of Washington county. He was born in County Down,
Ireland, February 2^, 1832, his parents being John and Mary (Brown)
Marshall, who were also natives of the Emerald isle. In 1870 they crossed
the Atlantic to the Lhiited States and continued to make their home with
their son Robert until called to their final rest. Their family numbered
nine children, namely : ^lichael, who is a resident of Ireland ; Robert, of this
review ; William, who lives in Smith county, Kansas ; Mary A., who is the
wife of James McConnell and also lives in Ireland ; and five who are de-
ceased.
Robert Marshall obtained a good practical education in the common
schools of his native land and remained under the parental roof until twenty-
two years of age. when in 1854 he emigrated to the United States, first
locating in Philadelphia, where he resided for three months. On the expira-
tion of that period he went to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where he
was married in 1858 and subsequently made his home in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, until 186^. In that year he came to Washington county,
Iowa, and for two years was engaged in the operation of a rented farm,
after which he took up his abode in the city of Washington and conducted
a bakery for five years. At the end of that time he sold out and purchased
a farm of eighty acres in Cedar township, which he disposed of after a time
and then operated a larger farm as a renter for two years. He then bought
the farm where he now resides on section 14, Jackson township, comprising
three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. His daughter
an:! son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Levi N. Shuman, also live on the place, which
is now being conducted by Mr. Shuman, as Mr. Marshall has put aside the
active work of the fields in order to enjoy his remaining days in well merited
lllSliUvV Ml- W ASIIIXi. rn.\" COL'.XTV 185
rc.-t. Duniii;- ihu past iwfiity years, however, he was extensively engaged
in feeding and shipping stoek and in l)oth his agricultural and live stock
interests met with that measure of prosperity which is ever the reward of
earne-t and untiring effort when directed b\" sound judgment and keen
diseriniinatii.in.
In 1858 Mr. .Marshall was united in marriage to Miss Jane Ferguson,
whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 11,
1825. her parents being William and Margaret (McCoy) Ferguson, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Cumberland county, Pennsyl-
vania. Mr. and ?*Irs. Ferguson, who reared a family of nine children, both
passed away in Baltimore, Maryland. Cnto Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were
born two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Margaret K.,
whose natal day was September 14, 1861, completed her education in the
academy at Washington, Iowa, and is now the wife of Levi N. Sluiman, by
whom she has three children, as follows: John W., born July 2-j . 1885. who
is now attending medical college at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Ralph M.,
born lanuary 4, 1889, who is at home; and Margaret J., born January 6,
1893, who is now attending thg high school at Washington, Iowa. Mrs.
Marshall passed away October 16, 1898, in the faith of the Reformed
Presbyterian church, her remains being interred in Elm Grove cemetery.
Mr. Marshall likewise belongs to the Reformed Presbyterian church and is
well known and highly esteemed throughout this county, where he has now
resided for more than four decades. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to come to America, for in this country he has found
the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked
his way upward, his life indicating what may be accomplished by determina-
tion and well directed energy.
E. W. GODLOVE.
E. W. Godlove, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits on his
well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acies in Iowa
townr-hip, was born in that townshij) on the 4th of October, 1867, his
parents being Benjamin J. and Eliza (Webster) Godlove, both of whom
were natives of Ohio. In childhood days they accompanied their respective
parents on the removal to Washington county, Iowa, and after attaining
years of maturity were married. They located on a farm in Iowa township,
where Benjamin J. Godlove engaged in general agricultural pursuits until
about 1900, when he put aside the active work of the fields and has since
lived retired in Riverside, being well known and highly esteemed as a most
substantial and respected citizen of the community.
E. W. Godlove was reared under the parental roof and supplemented
his preliminary education, obtained in the common schools, by a course in
the Iowa City Business College, from which institution he was graduated
m 1891. Subsequently he served for about six months as a clerk in the
186 HIST()R\ UF WAS III XC.TOX COUNTY
State Bank at Iowa City and then returned home, taking charge of his
father's farm. In the year 1899 he purchased the place from his father, who
went to Hve in Riverside. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres
of rich and productive land and in its cultivation and improvement Mr
Godlove has met with a creditable measure of prosperity, being practical
and progressive in the conduct of his agricultural interests.
On the 26th of December, 1895, Mr. Godlove was united in marriage to
Miss Laura Brown, of Iowa township, Washington county, by whom he
has one child, Marion W., who is at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Godlove has
given his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a
member of the school board for about fourteen years, acting as treasurer of
the board at the present time. He is widely and favorably known through-
out the county in which he has spent practically his entire life and has
gained recognition as a leading and representative citizen.
WILLIAM W. WELLS.
V\'illiaiii W. Wells, a pruiiiinent and influential citizen of Washington
County, was born in Connecticut, ( )ctober 26, 1820, and was a son of Curtis
and Wealthy (Warner) Wells. His mother died when he was but two or
three weeks old and about 1824 his father married Harriet Russell, also a
native of Connecticut. There were nine children of that marriage: Curtis,
Franklin, Russell, Jared, Donnell, Harriet, Wealthy, Henr^- and Maria. In
the spring of 1831) William W. Wells came alone to Iowa, reaching Mount
Pleasant, Henry county, with but nine dollars in his possession. He was a very
homesick lad as he looked about him ami saw only the faces of strangers and
knew that he was separated by many days' travel from old friends. He would
have returned home but did not have enough money for the trip and though
this seemed a direful condition of aft'airs at the thne it afterward proved fortu-
nate for in this state he found good business opportunities which eventually
led him to success. Necessity rendered it imjierative that he obtain immediate
emijloyment and he began working for Dr. Payne for fifteen dollars per
month. Fie was afterward employed for two years at a hotel as a man of all
work and later engaged in blacksmithing and farming in the employ of David
Brown near Fairfield, Iowa. Ambitious, however, to engage in business for
himself he rented a mill on the south fork of Skunk river and operated it
for a year, after which he invested his earnings in horses and cattle. In
1843 he came to Washington county and entered forty acres of land near
Paris in Dutch Creek township, where he began to make a home for himself.
From this time on prosperity attended his efforts and to his original purchase
he added from time to time until he became one of the most extensive land-
owners in the state, his possessions aggregating twenty-four hundred and
fifty acres.
On the 24th of October, 1844 Mr. Wells wedded Rebecca Jackson, a
native of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel Jackson. Unto this marriage were
I /
-^^E NSW-
<X.'(v
T'oiv,
][lST()k\ Ol' W ASILlNC/ruX LOL'XTV 189
born ei.i;lit chililrcii. five ><] whnm lived to mature \ears : Marie W.. the wife
of W'cslev SiiiiUi; Curtis i\. : lulgar, who died at the age of nineteen years;
William T. : and Inez Adell, the wife of Seymour Martin.
Mr. Wells died on the 14th of August, 1908, when almost eighty-
eight years of age and his wife passed away at the early age of thirty-
six years. He was for n long period one of the representative citizens,
leading farmers and progressive business men of Washington county. In
addition to carrying on extensive agricultural interests he became a stock-
holder in the Washington National Bank at its organization and remained
financially interested therein, acting as its president at the time of his death.
He was honored and respected not only for what he accomplished, but for the
straightforward business methods by which he attained his prosperity. His
pclitical allegiance was always given to the democracy.
WILLIAM R. HAMILTON.
William R. Hamilton, who is now devoting his energies to stock-raising
in Washington township, this county, has met with splendid success in his
business ventures and has surrounded himselt with that measure of pros-
perity which makes him worthy of hdnoiljble mentitDn as a substantial and
worthv citizen of this county. He was born in' Menard county. Illinois,
March 11, 1849, ^ son of William and Margaret (Berry) Hamilton. The
father was a native of Augusta county, Virginiaj and located in Morgan
county, Illinois, in 1833, where he'purchased one hundred and twenty acres
of land lor which he paid one dollar and a quarter an acre. He remained
upon the farm but a few years when he disposed of his possessions and
went to Menard county, Illinois, where he invested in land, which he sold
in 1853 owing to the ill health of the family. During that year they started
for this state in a wagon, coming by way of Columbus City, where they
spent the winter, in the following spring resuming their journey. Upon
arriving in \\'ashington county Mr. Hamilton settled upon the farm where
the subject of this review resides and here remained, pursuing the occupa-
tion of farming until his death in 1881, when he was laid to rest in the
old city cemetery. Politically he was a wdiig and upon the dissolution of
that party became a republican and was always loyal to its candidates. His
wife, whom he married in Indiana, was also a native of .A.ugusta county,
Virginia, and departed this life in 1881, the same year in which occurred
the death of her husband and beside whom her remains were laid. She
gave birth to five children: John C, who is living in retirement in Pasadena,
California; James B., deceased; Mary J., deceased; and Sarah M., who re-
sides with her brother William R., of this review\
The district schools and an academy aflforded William R. Hamilton
his educational advantages and he remained on the home farm pursuing
agriculture until 1883, when he removed to Indianola, Iowa, where he en-
gaged in the general merchandise business for three years. At the expira-
190 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
tion of that time he disposed of his interests in the enterprise and returned
to the home farm, where he has since devoted his energies to husbandry.
His farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres of land located two
and one-half miles from the square in Washington and is highly improved,
being provided with a modern residence and substantial outbuildings. Every-
thing about the premises being kept in excellent repair, the farm presents d
fine appearance and is indicative of the aggressiveness of its owner. General
farming commands his attention and he also raises a great deal of stock,
particularly cattle and hogs for which he always finds a ready market. His
sister Sarah M. acts as his housekeeper and they have always lived together
since their parents' death and to her he attributes much of his success, for
she has encouraged and aided him in every way.
Mr. Hamilton is a stanch republican, early in life becoming convinced
that the principles of the party were wisely framed to promote the commer-
cial, industrial and financial interests of the nation and during his long years
of experience under many administrations he has never found cause to change
his views. He has never permitted his business affairs to usurp the time
and attention which should be given to the performance of his religious
obligations and, as a member of the Presbyterian church, he has always
been a faithful attendant upon its services. His life being in accord with
the faith he holds, his citizenship is of the highest type and he has done
much toward the moral and spiritual betterment of the community and. as well
toward its financial worth by his untiring energy and enterprise.
JOHN D. BYERS.
John D. E^.yers is numbered among the survivors of the Civil war who are
now livmg in Washington county, and for a long period he has been closely
associated with agricultural interests in this part of the state. He was born
in Pennsylvania, December 9. 1843, and is a son of Jacob and Martha
(Hiney) Byers, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and died there.
In their family were eleven children, but only five are now living: Elizabeth,
the wife of A. Sawyer, a resident of Pennsylvania; Barbara, the wife of
Ben Warfel. also living in the Keystone state; Martha, the wife of John
Minnck. of \\'ashington county, Iowa; Jacob, living in Nebraska ; and John
D., of this review. The parents passed away many years ago.
John D. Byers spent the days of his childhood and youth in the state
of his nativity and pursued his education in the public schools. He was
but sixteen years of age when he offered his services to his country in defense
of the Union, enlisting as a member of the One Hundred and Thirt\-fifth
Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he served for nine months. During that
time he participated in one hard fought battle. He afterward reenlisted
as a member of Company I, Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and partici-
pated in several skirmishes. With that command he continued for six
months and later he again offered his services to the government and was as-
HfSTOKV Ol' W \SIII\(i'l( )\ C'()l■.\■•|'^• I'Jl
signed to duty with Company ' '•. Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, for
three years. He marched with (irant from City Point to Petersburg and
was there for some time when he suffered a sun stroke and was taken to the
hospital, where he remained for two months. He then returned home on
a thirty days' furlough, after which he rejoined his company with which ho
continued until the close of the war in 1865. He was still but a boy in years
when the long and sanguinary struggle was ended, but he was a man in his
experiences of the hardships and privations which are meted out to the
soldier upon the tenting field.
Returning to his old home in Pcnn.sylvania, Mr. Byers there remained
until the spring of 1866, when he came to this county and w-orked as a farm
hand for three years. On the expiration of that period he was united in
marriage to Miss Henrietta Bartholomew, who was born September 25,
1852, and was a native of New York. She came to this county at an early day
in ciinipany with her parents, Jeremiah and .\ltha (Rancy ) Hartholomew. Her
niDther is now deceased, but the father is still living, making his home in Well-
man, Iowa, at the age of eighty-six years. He was born in the state of Xew
York and on hi> removal westward first located in Illinois, while fifty-fou""
years ago he came to Washington county and entered one hundred and sixty
acres of land from the government in Cedar township. Later he purchased
another tract of one hundred and twenty acres, and improving the same, he
lived thereon for a number of years, after which he removed to Richmond,
where he residerl for a few years. He next took up his abode in Wellman
whcri he nnw makes his home, being one of the most valued :niil highly
respected citizens and pioneer residents of the county. In his familv were
five cb.ildren, namely: Mary, now the widow of (_\ Durst, a resident of
Iowa: Mrs. Ryers : Cornelius, deceased: Jane, livins;- in Kansas City. Mis-
souri : and Frederick, of this county.
Following his marriage Mr. livers rented a farm for two or three years,
and when he had saved from his earnings a sufficient capital to enable him to
purchase property, he invested in forty acres on the English river, wdiere
he lived for five years. He then traded that pro])erty for the farm on which
he now resides and has lived upon it ever since. His place is located on sec-
tion 3, Cedar township, and is equipped with all of the conveniences and
accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century. It was on the 14th
of August. 1870, that I\Ir. and Mrs. Byers were married and as the years
have gone by nine children have been added ti: their family: Martha L.,
born March 15, 1872, is the wife of Charles Myers, now of Wilson countv,
Kansas, who for several years was a school teacher of this county: \"inion.
born January 15, 1873, is now in Jefiferson county, Iowa: .'\ltha L., horn
October 15. 1874, is the wife of Michael Burner, of Wellman, Iowa: Orville
D., born June 23, 1876, died on the 6th of September of the same vear :
Clara J., born March 27, 1878, is now living in Wellman with her grand-
father: Frederick E., born February 3, 1881, is in this countv: Tohn D.,
born May 25, 1883, is now professor in Chanute College at Chanute, Kansas;
Grace F., born August 14, 1885, '^ the wife of Mead Sigman, of this county;
and Bessie Fern, born July 22, 1887, is a dressmaker and --till resides at
192 111STUR^• ()!■ WASllIXGTOX COUNTY
home. Mrs. Byers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Byers belongs to the Grand .\rmv of the Republic Post at Wellman and
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served as a school
director for several years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart
champion. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
community and to its progress along material, intellectual, social, moral and
political lines. He has lived in this county for forty-three years and is there-
fore one of its old settlers, having not only witnessed its growth and progress
throughout this period but also assisted materially in its upbuilding. He is
today as true and loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the
old flag upon southern battletields.
E. W. H. ASHBY.
E. W. H. Ashby is an e.xtensive landowner, having seven hundred acres
in this county. In all of his business affairs he manifests a spirit of keen,
discrimination and undaunted enterprise which has led him into important
relations with agricultural interests. From time to time he has increased his
holdings by judicious investment until toda\- he derives a very substantial
and gratifying income from his property.
His birth occurred in West Virginia, December i, 1834, and he was one
of the seven children born unto Jesse and Elizabeth Ashby, who were like-
wise natives of the same state. They came to Iowa in 1839 when it was still
a territory and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Washington
county. This region was then largely wild and unimproved, much of its
land being still in possession of the government, while over the broad
prairies grew the native grasses, giving little indication that the district would
soon be transformed into fine farms bringing forth rich crops of marketable
products. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ashby continued residents of this
county until called to their final home.
The subject of this review was but four years of age when brouglit by his
parents to Iowa. He started out in life for himself at the age of sixteen
years. He had previously shared with the family in all of the hardships,
privations and trials incident to frontier life and later he entered upon the
arduous task of providing for his own support when he was still but a boy.
He commenced dealing in stock and as soon as he had accumulated a little
money he purchased a tract of land, becoming owner of eighty acres near
the city of Washington. He further completed his arrangements for having
a home of his own by his marriage when twenty-six years of age. The lady
of his choice was Miss Elizabeth A. Ihrig, who was born in Wayne county,
Ohio, August 21, 1840, and was a daughter of Peter and Christina (Rillman)
Ihrig. Her mother was a native of Penn.sylvania. while her father was born
in Germany. He came to America in his boyhood days and established his
home in Ohio, where he continued to reside until his death. Unto him and
his wife were born six children.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 193
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ashby began their domestic
life upon a farm of eighty acres in Washington township, where they lived
until 1861, when he sold that property and invested in a farm on which
they are now residing in Lime Creek township. Mr. Ashby now owns seven
hundred acres of land in Lime Creek and Cedar townships, constituting a
splendidly improved property. As his financial resources increased he kept
adding to his holdings until he became one of the extensive landowners of
the county, deriving a most gratifying annual income from his farms. He
has always made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, handling good
grades, so that they bring high prices on the market.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were born seven children, five of whom are
still living: Viola M., the wife of Ezra Gardner, who is mentioned elsewhere
in this volume; Jessie J., the wife of Don Brimley, living in Cedar town-
ship ; Ralph M., who resides in Lime Creek township : Eleanor and Esther,
who spent two years at the Iowa State University and are members of the
Delta Gamma Society, while Esther was also a member of the Iowa Lane
Society. Eleanor is also a professional nurse and for a time was a visiting
nurse in Chicago. These two sisters are now at home and are operating the
home farm of two hundred and seventy acres, known as the Pilot Grove
farm. They conduct business under the firm name of E. & E. Ashby
and deserve great credit for the manner in which they are carrying on the
business, displaying excellent management and keen discernment in the
conduct of their interests. They are now making a specialty of raising and
breeding the Red Bacon Tanworth hogs, which are today considered the
finest on sale.
Mr. Ashby gives his political support to the republican party but has
never desired office. He is now in the seventy-fifth year of his age and
largely leaves business cares to others while he is enjoying well earned rest.
He has ever been a man of resolute spirit, swift in decision, energetic and
persistent in action, quick in perception and stable in purpose. His is the
record of a strong individuality and a strenuous life which has gained and
merited its own just reward.
DANIEL ARTHAUD, D. O.
There has been no more important discovery concerning health and its
restoration in recent years than that brought forth by the osteopathic school
— the worth of this discovery being manifest in the large number of its
practitioners at the present time and of those who employ their services.
With thorough understanding of the scientific principles that underlie this
school of healing Dr. Arthaud is now enjoying a gratifying and constantly
growing patronage in Washington. He was born in Jeflferson county,
Iowa, January 6, 1853, and is a son of Emile and Susanna (Ebersol) Arthaud,
who were natives of France, the father having been born about seventy-five
miles from the city of Paris, while the mother's birth occurred in Alsace.
1<)4 HISTORY' Ol' W ASIII\(.T().\ COUNTY
When a boy Etiiile Arthaud learned the cutlery trade and in early manhood
he crossed the Atlantic to America attracted by the enticing reports which he
heard concerning business opportunities and advantages on this side the
Atlantic. He first made his way to Canada where he lived for about six
years and then established his home in Indiana where he also spent a £ew
years. In the fall of 1852 he arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, and in the
spring of 1853 came to Washington county, which was still a frontier district
largely undeveloped. There were yet many evidences of pioneer life here
but the county was being settled by a class of substantial and progressive
citizens who were bringing all of the wisdom and experience of the east
to the promoting and upbuilding of the western states. Mr. Arthaud located
in Marion township where he purchased land, clearing and improving a
tract of forty acres. He afterward sold that property and went to Henry
county, Iowa, his last days being spent about a quarter of a mile south of
Olds, where his death occurred in 1888 when he lacked but two weeks of
being eighty-one years of age. His wife survived him for about eighteen
years and was nearly eighty-three years of age at the time of her demise.
They were both consistent members of the Alennonite church and their many
good qualities of heart and mind won them the esteem and confidence of all
who knew them. In their family were fifteen children, twelve sons and
three daughters including the following: Christian, a resident of Taloga,
Oklahoma ; John B., living in Chillicothe, Missouri ; Leo, who is located in
Dallas county, Iowa; Lena, the wife of Egbert Van Scoy, of Stewart, Iowa;
Enos, of Olds, Iowa; Daniel, of this review; Benjamin, living in O'Brien
county, Iowa; Frank L., who is a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri; Mary,
the wife of Alof Anderson, of Olds, Iowa ; and Joseph, also of Chillicothe,
.Missouri.
Dr. Arthaud was brought by his parents to this county when but a few
months old and lived in Marion township until he reached the age of seven
years when the family removed to Henry county, Iowa. There his boyhood
and youth were passed on the home farm and he early became familiar with
all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He at-
tended the district schools and when not busy with his text-books gave his
attention to general farming. He remained imder the parental roof until
he had reached his majority when he made his way westward to Taylor
county, Iowa, where he carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account.
having one hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land. In 1896
he retired from active farm life, sold his property and in 1898 took up the
study of osteopathy, being graduated from the Kirksville (Mo.) College
in January, 1900. He located for practice in Burlington, where he remained
for two years and in 1902 came to Washington, where he has remained con-
tinuously since, enjoying a constantly growing practice as he demonstrates
the worth of his school of healing and his capability in following its methods
of practice.
In December, 1881, Daniel Arthaud was married to Miss Mary A. Henry,
of Lee county, Iowa, a daughter of Robert and Mary Henry. They are the
parents of two children : Bessie E. and Lee K. Mrs. Arthaud is a member
HISTORY OF WASlllXGTOX COUNTS' 19o
of the Methodist church. She presides with gracious hospitality over her
pleasant home and entertainment there is always a source of delight to their
many friends. Dr. Arthaud belongs to Orion Lodge, K. P., while in pro-
fessional lines he is connected with the Southeastern Iowa Osteopathic As-
sociation. Politically he is an earnest republican, thoroughly conversant
with the questions and issues of the day and has filled some local offices,
serving as school director in Taylor county and also as township trustee
and assessor. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest
degree and he is most loyal in his official service. He represents one of
the old families of this part of the state and has himself been an interested
witness of the progress and development of Iowa for more than a half cen-
tury. He can well remember when much of the land in this district wafe
wild and unimproved and when the homes were widely scattered. He has
lived to see a notable transformation and the Arthaud family has not been
negligent while the work of general improvement has been carried forward
but on the contrary its members have ever borne their full share in promoting
the general improvement and upbuilding.
J. J. AYERS.
Among the venerable citizens of this county is numbered J. J. Ayers, who
has now reached the age of eighty-five years. His has been an honorable
and useful life and one which has gained for him the well merited regard
and confidence of those with whom he has come in contact. He was born in
Baltimore county, Maryland, February 8, 1824, and was the third in order
of birth in a family of seven children whose parents were John and Rachel
(Dunek) Ayers, both of whom were natives of Maryland, where they re-
sided until 183 1, when they left that state and removed to Ohio. After a
residence of twenty years there they came to Washington county, Iowa,
in 1851, settling in Lime Creek township, where they remained until called
to their final rest, both passing away in 1875. In their family were seven
children, as follows : Elizabeth and John T., both of whom are deceased ;
J. J., of this review ; Rachel A. and Benjamin, who have also passed away ;
Ruth, the wife of Reuben Rickey, who is mentioned on another page of this
work ; and Darcus S., a resident of Oklahoma.
J. J. Ayers spent his youthful days in his father's home, accompanying
his parents on their removal to Ohio when a lad of seven years. He also
came with them to Iowa fifty-eight years ago and continued to assist his
father in the operation of the home farm in Lime Creek township until
thirty-four vears of age, when he was married and Ijegan farming on his own
account. He wedded Miss Louisa Baker, who was born in Pickaway county,
Ohio, in 1838 and was a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Davis) Baker. The
father was born in Delaware and the mother was a native of Maryland. The
former died in Ohio in i860, while the mother passed awav in 1 8' 18 while
visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ayers. In the family of that
196 HISTORY OF \\"ASHINGTO.\ CULXTY
worthy couple were nine children: Minerva, Treasie, Catharine, James D,
Louisa. Warren, Harriet, Tricilla and one who died in infancy.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Avers began their domestic life
on the farm where they now reside, Mr. Ayers owning here a tract of land
of eightv acres in Lime (>eek township. His time and energies are given to
its continuous cultivation and development and his industry and enterprise
are manifest in the well improved appearance of the place. He is reliable
in all of his business dealings, active and energetic, and his well directed
labors have brought him his success.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ayers has been blessed with three children-.
Dora, who was born December 23, 1858, and died on the 6th of August,
1881 : Perry L., living in English River township; and Eva E., who is the
wife of J. C. Rowe. The parents are well known in this part of the county,
where they have an extensive circle of warm friends. Mr. Ayers votes with
the democracy and is in sympathy with its purposes but does not seek nor
desire office. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, hojvever, but in a
quiet way supports whatever measure or movement he deems will prove
of benefit to the community.
EDWARD L. JONES.
An accident of the past year which brought poignantl}- home tu the
people of Wellman the uncertainty of man's life, was that which was the
occasion of the death of Edward L. Jones. He and his son were driving a
friend to the train, when the team took fright at some stumps by the road-
side and started to run at such a speed that the occupants of the carriage were
thrown from the vehicle, as it turned a corner. Mr. Jones had three ribs
broken, one of them piercing his lungs, and experienced other internal in-
juries, all of which combined resulted in his death, despite the best medical
attention and constant efficient nursing. His last two days were filled with
pain and suffering, which he sustained with the courage and fortitude that
had distinguished him in his assumption of life's burdens.
Mr. Jones was born in Washington county, September 11, 1855, the son
of J. C. and Maria ( L'arris ) Jones. The father was a native of Ohio and the
mother of New York, and they came to Washington county, Iowa, after their
marriage. This was in 1854, before the days of adequate railway transpor-
tation, and the little party, which numbered thirteen, including an adopted
son, traversed the distance in a canvas-covered wagon. It was an experience
replete with stirring reminiscences, of the kind which have now passed into
history. The family were among the pioneers of Washington county and
did their share in the development of its resources. The mother, it would
seem, has had more than her share of hardships and sorrow, for in the past
few years those who were dearest to her have been taken suddenly. Her
first trial was in witnessing the death of her eldest son : this was followed,
after only a short interval, by the death of Dan Jack, the adopted son pre-
■HE NEW YORK
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ASTOK, LENOX
HISTORY ( >1' W ASIII\(.'r().\ (OrXTV 10!)
viously referred to. The death of her husband made an even greater demand
upon her faith and fortitude, and now her son's death crowns her measure
of sorrow.
Edward L. Jones was the second son in a family of live children, of whom
Mrs. Henry Foster and Mrs. T. J. Moon, both of Wellman, alone survive;
Frank C, the eldest, having died some years ago, and Mary Georgiana, not
living- through the period of infancy. Mr. Jones spent all of his life in the
ncighb<jrhood of his birth-place, where his hard toil and careful manage-
ment enaljlcd him to secure two good farms, one of four hundred acres in
this county and another of two hundred acres in Missouri. During the later
years of his life he devoted more and more time to the stock business, and
had established a name for himself as the breeder of full-blood hogs aud
cattle.
(Jn the 29th of November, 1877, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to
Miss C'arrie Darling, who bore him six children: Mrs. liertha I'.ower, Spring-
field. Illinois; Giles, of Wellman; Glyn, of Kalona ; Edward Forest, Omer
and Lester L., at home. Mrs. Jones died April 8, 1901, and on the 30th of
December, 1903, Mr. Jones married Miss Georgiana Folger, of Washing-
ton, Iowa. Of this union there have been born three children, Mary Mar-
garet. Frank Folger and Edward L.
Mr. Jones was a man well thought of in the community. In his business
dealings he was always found to be honest and ujjright, a man whose word
was as good as his note. To Hi's* wTTe.Iiih was -ew.er aikind and loving husband,
and to his children, an afTfectionate-father.; [The; large company of friends
who on June 24, 1908, accompanied his remains tq) their last resting-place,
was but one token of the love and esteem Iiis nobl^ qualities as a man had
won for him in the hearts of those who had opportunity to know him best.
D. S. COLE.
D. S. Cule, a photograplier of Washington, who has here been engaged
in business since 1865, has done much notable work in the line of his pro-
fession as representative of diliferent railroad companies and also in con-
nection with militar)- movements in the Philippines. He had but recently
attained his majority when he located his studio in W^ashington, his birth
having occurred in Franklin county, Ohio, November 22, 1843. His father,
David P. Cole, was lx)rn in New Jersey in 1813 and in early life learned and
followed the blacksmith's trade. When a young man he removed to Ohio
and later became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church but did not
abandon the trade which he had learned. In 1855 he came to Iowa and for
many years carried on blacksmithing in Washington. His business activity
was interrupted, however, by his service in the Union army in the Civil war.
In September, 1861, he offered his services to the government and at the
same time his son, D. S. Cole, joined the army. The father, however, was
rejected on account of his age. He later enlisted in the Thirtv-seventh
200 HISTORY OF W ASIIIXGTOX COUNTY
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, known as the Graybeard Regiment, serving his
full time doing garrison duty at Columbus, Ohio, and at Rock Island, Illi-
nois. He died in the soldiers" home in Marshalltown, Iowa, at the venerable
age of eighty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha
Wright, was born in New Jersey in 1812 and they were married in Ohio.
Her death occurred in Washington when she had reached the age of
eighty-seven years. Their family numbered eight children: Emma C,
deceased ; Owen, Lucy and Benjamin, all of whom died in childhood ; Mrs.
Sarah J. Beaty, living in Washington, Iowa ; D. S. ; William K., a resident
of Michigan ; and C. O., now deceased, who for seventeen years was a
machinist on Government Island at Rock Island, Illinois.
D. S. Cole was only twelve years of age when brought to Washington
and in the common schools here he continued his education and also assisted
his father in the shop, learning blacksmithing when quite 3'oung. His
taste, however, was along more artistic lines and he took up the study of
photography, establishing his studio in Washington in 1865. He has done
much notable work in the line of his profession, spending five years in mak-
ing views for the Northwestern Railway and the Chicago, Burlington and
Quincy Railroad Company in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. In
1903 he was appointed by Secretary Root as official photographer for the
Thirteenth Cavalry and spent a year and a half in the Philippines. He
is an expert in his chosen line, thoroughly conversant with the most modern
processes of the art and with clear understanding of the value of light, shade,
form and color. He has in his possession many interesting views of the
places he has visited and his mind is stored with pleasing, amusing and
instructive recollections of his trips.
There is another chapter in the life history of Mr. Cole that is worthy
of more than passing notice. In September, 1861, when he was yet a youth
of seventeen years, he offered his services to the government, enlisting as
a member of Company K, Thirteenth Iowa \^olunteer Infantry. He was
with that regiment in all of the engagements up to and including the battle
of Atlanta, in which he was captured on the 22d of July, 1864. He was then
sent to Andersonville prison, where he remained until April 28, 1S65, when
he was released fourteen days after the assassination of President Lincoln.
Mr. Cole was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and then returned to
Washington, where he has since made his home. On the 2d of Xovember,
1867, he wedded Miss M. C. Auld, who was born in Brighton, this county,
in 1848 and is a daughter of J. H. and Hannah Auld, who settled in Wash-
ington county in the early '40s. The death of yirs. Cole occurred December
27, 1882. Three children had been born of that marriage: Henry, who died
in infancy; Ivy I., the wife of F. V. Boyce, of St. Louis: and M. C, a
photographer of Alliance, Nebraska.
Mr. Cole cast his first presidential ballot for .Abraham Lincoln and has
never wavered in his allegiance to the republican party since that time, for
he regards its policy as most conductive to bring ab<iut needed reform and
improvement and to secure the passage of necessary regulative and con-
structive legislation. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and with
H1ST()R\' Ol' WASIllXiri'DX CULW'TV 201
the (iraiul Army Post at Columbus Junction. Iowa, and finds pleasure in the
camp fires of that organization. His chosen life work has been one of in-
tense interest to him. appealing strongly as it does to the artistic side ol
his nature, at the same time giving opportunity for the attainment of that
success which follows as a logical sequence of laudable ambition and per-
sistent effort.
N. L. DORRANCE.
N. L. Dorrance has spent almost his entire life in this county where he
arrived in 1854. Great changes have since occurred and his memory forms
a connectmg link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
At the time of his arrival much of the country was wild prairie district cov-
ered witli the native grasses, amid which bloomed thousands of wild flowers
in the spring and summer months while in the winter seasons the district
was covered with one unbroken expanse of snow. The labors of man have
wrought a wonderful change, even seeming to have an influence on climatic
conditions. Air. Dorrance relates many interesting incidents of the early
days, and as the years have passed he has borne his full share in the arduous
labor that has wrought the transfomiation.
A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Huron county on the 25tli of
September. 1837. his parents being William and Naomi (Robinson) Dor-
rance, the former a native of Vermont while the latter was born in the state
of New York. They were numbered among the early residents of Ohio,
the father there purchasing a tract of timber land whereon he at once began
the work of development and improvement. In order to shelter the family
a little log cabin w^ts built and then the arduous task of clearing away the
trees was begun. As acre after acre was cleared it was put under the plow and
in due course of time substantial harvests were garnered. Mr. Dorrance
there lived and laboretl until 1854. when he started for the great district
west of the Mississippi river. In June he arrived in Washington county,
Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Linie
Creek township. On the tract was a little log cabin sixteen by sixteen
feet, in which the family lived for some time but later the energy and
enterprise of the family enabled them to supplant the frontier dwelling by a
more commodious and substantial residence. The father, however, did not
long enjoy his new home for he died the fall following his arrival in Iowa.
His wife long survived him and passed away in 1896 at the ripe old age of
eighty-eight years. She was a most worthy woman whose many good
qualities endeared her to those with whom she came in contact. In the
family were seven children, but only two are now living : X. L. and Tamer.
now the wife of Thomas P. McReynolds.
N. L. Dorrance was but a youth of sixteen years when the family bade
adieu to their Ohio home and started for Iowa, settHng on the farm which
is now his place of residence. He at once became an active factor in the
development and improvement of the farm. Owing to the death of the
202 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
father the task of making this a productive property devolved upon the
children, and N. L. Dorrance was foremost in the work. He remained at
home until 1856 when he removed to Madison county, Iowa, where he re-
mained for two years, and then returned to Washington county, where he
has since continued.
As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Dorrance chose
Miss Chloe Dodge, whom he wedded on the 22d of December, 1870. She
was a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, born on the 23d of September,
1853, and was a daughter of Edward and Mary E. (Wilson) Dodge, who
were natives of Virginia. In their family were ten children. The parents
both lived to reach an advanced age, the father passing away in 1902 while
the mother's death occurred on the 20th of March, 1909. The home of Mr.
and Mrs. Dorrance was blessed with five children. Dora Ann, who was
born October 4, 1872, became the wife of Charles F. Mayer, of this county,
and died [une 6, 1906, leaving a husband and one son, Paul F., to mourn
her loss. William H. is now a resident of Keokuk county, Iowa. Nellie E.
is at home. Ralph G. is a resident of Missouri and Sylvia X. is now a
student in the high school at Wellman.
Mr. Dorrance received only a common-school education but has given
his children good opportunities in that direction. He has reared his family
on the old homestead farm which comprises ninety-two acres of rich and
arable land in Lime Creek township. Here he carefully tilled the fields year
after year, working earnestly for the success which has come to him. He
has never taljen advantage of the necessities of another in a business trans-
action, but has sought his prosperity in the legitimate lines of labor. Both
he and his wife attend the United Brethren church and in politics he is a
republican with firm belief in the principles of the party. He served as con-
stable for six years and has been a member of the school board but does
not seek nor desire political preference although always interested in every-
thing pertaining to general progress. While he has now passed the age of
seventy-one years he still gives active supervision to his farm in a com-
munity where for more than half a century he has been numbered among
its agriculturists, placing his dependence in the attainment of success upon
the substantial qualities of energy, endurance and determination.
HARRY DYE.
Harry Dye, devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, owns
a tract of land of one hundred and fifty-eight acres in Highland township,
which is generally conceded to be one of the best improved and most pro-
ductive farms in the entire county. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio,
on the 5th of October, 1875, a son of Joseph and Nancy (McFarland) Dye,
who are natives of Muskingum county and Morgan county, Ohio, respec-
tively. The great-grandfather on the paternal side was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war and participated in the battle of Monmouth under Wash-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 203
ington. The marriage of Joseph Dye and Nancy McFarland was celebrated
in Ohio and they continued to reside in Morgan county until 1882, when
they journeyed westward, locating in Oregon township, Washington county,
Iowa. Here they have since made their home, being well known and highly
esteemed residents of the community.
Harry Dye was reared under the parental roof and after completing
the course of study in the common schools he entered the Ainsworth high
school, from which institution he was graduated in 1896. After returning
home he gave his father the benefit of his services in the work of the fields,
being thus actively engaged until 1902, when he left the farm to attend the
Pan American Exposition. While on this trip he was united in marriage
to Miss Carrie Elizabeth Parmiter, of McConnelsville, Morgan county, Ohio,
to whom he had plighted his troth sometime previously. On returning to
this count\- he made his home on his aunt's farm for a year and then spent
two years on the farm of his father. The death of his aunt, Mrs. Eleanor
Boden. occurred about that time and her property reverted to the Dye family,
our subject receiving an eighty-acre tract of land, together with bank stock,
etc. Mrs. Boden was a sister of the mother of Harry Dye and the widow of
Nathaniel Boden, who came to Washington county in 1856. Mr. Dye sold
the eight \-acre farm which he had inherited and in 1905 bought his present
place of one hundred and fifty-eight acres in Highland township, to the
cultivation and improvement of which he has since given his attention. He
is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of farming and in his agricul-
tural interests has won a measure of success that entitles him to recognition
among the leading and prosperous citizens of the county.
Politically Mr. Dye gives unfaltering allegiance to the democracy and
is at present serving as a member of the board of township trustees. Both
he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Bethel Presbyterian
church, in which he is acting as an elder. In all life's relations, whether in
public office, in business or in social circles he has gained the good will and
regard of those with whom he has been associated and his friends speak of
him in terms of high praise and kindlv esteem.
GEORGE WHETSTINE.
George Whetstine has been aptly termed a man of purpose and the story
of his life is a story of honesty, industry and thrift. He is numbered among
this county's native sons and the day of his birth was March 18. 1857. His
parents were John and Mary J. (Norman) Whetstine, natives of Indiana
and of Tennessee respectively. The father came to this county in 1852 when
it was still a pioneer district and from the government entered land in Lime
Creek township, whereon he built a log cabin, covering the same with clap-
board roof. The little dwelling had a puncheon floor and a door on which
was fastened the old-fashioned wooden latch with a string which hung out
in the daytime and was drawn in at night so that the door could not he opened
204 HISTORY' (»!• W ASI 1 1 \( ;i'( )X COl'XTV
from the outside. For a few years that pioneer home remained the abode
of the family. The efforts required to Hve in tliose ungenerous surround-
ings, the necessity of making every blow tell and to exercise every inventive
faculty developed powers of mind and habit which have established honored
names on the Iowa prairies. The Whetstine family have liorne their full
part in the work of general progress and improvement here and the father
continued his residence in Lime Creek township until called to his final rest,
on the 24th of March. 1905. His widow still survives and yet live> in this
county at the age of seventy-three years. In their family were eleven chil-
dren: Henry, a resident of Kansas; George, of this review: Robert, now
in Idaho; Joseph, deceased; Ida, the wife of Jack Goodwin, of this county;
William, also a resident of Idaho; Newton and Alelvin, who make tiieir
home in this county ; and the three youngest, who have passed awa\-.
George Whetstine during the period of his youth spent upon his father's
farm, attended the common schools in order to acquire an education and by
his father was trained in the work of the fields, his experiences in that flirec-
tion being bv no means meager. The practical knowledge of farm work
which he gained has since proven of immense value to him and well quali-
fied him for carrying on the work of the farm when he started out in life
on his own account. On attaining his majority be and his father leased a
tract of timber land from T. J. Allen and cleared it, receiving as a compensa-
tion the use of the land rent free for three years. At the end of that time
George Whetstine rented another farm which he cultivated for two years,
and carefully saving his earnings in the meantime he was then able to pur-
chase forty acres of the farm upon which he now resides. .-Xs his financial
resources have increased he has added to the property from time to time,
extending the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises one hundred and
twentv acres on section 36, Lime Creek township. All of the improvements
upon it are the work of his hands and the buildings stand as monuments to
his labor and enterprise, while the fields reward his energy and activity by
good harvests. He has lived a very busy and useful life, winning that suc-
cess which comes as the direct result of close application and unfaltering
perseverance.
On the i8th of January. 1883, Mr. Whetstine was married to Miss Ida
L. Poland, who was born in this county, July 22, i860, and is a daughter
of Simeon and Mary M. (Sigler) Poland, both of whom were natives of
Maryland, whence they came to Iowa in 1853. locating in Lime Creek town-
ship. The father enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of
Company I, Thirteenth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was
wounded in the battle of Shiloh and died from the effect of his injuries on
the 22d of April, 1862. The mother still survives and resides with her
daughter, Mrs. Whetstine, in her seventy-second year. One daughter,
Georgia E., has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Whetstine, her natal day
being May 7. 1891. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and
are interested in those causes which work for righteousness, truth and justice.
Air. Whetstine votes w'ith the democracy. He does not seek jiolitical pre-
ferment but has served as a member of the school board for twentv vears
IIISTOKN' ()!■ W .\SII1\(.I()X (,'()l•.\"l'^■ 205
and the cause of educatiun finds in him a stalwart trieml. lie belongs tu the
Masonic lodge at Wellinan and has filled all of its chairs, his fellow members
recognizing in him a faithful and exemplary representative of the craft.
Carlyle has said, "The story of any man's life would have interest and value
if truly told," and the record of Air, Whetstine is one which contains a num-
ber of valuable lessons as it indicates what may be accomplished by persistent,
earnest and honorable effort. He has been a life-long resident of Washing-
ton county, having for more than a half century witnessed its progress and
development anil throughout the period of manhood he has displayed the
elements of public-spirited citizenship.
F. E. SKOLA.
F. E. Skola, the cashier of the I'"armers Savings Bank, of Kalona. Iowa,
was born in Richmond, this state, on the 24th of February, 1876, his parents
being Joseph and Lidmila Skola, both of w-hom were natives of Bohemia. In
that land they were reared and married and in 1866 crossed the Atlantic to
the United States, establishing their home in Richmond, Iowa. The father,
a cari)enter by trade, was successfully identified with that occupation in
Richmond until the time of his demise in 1882. The mother, who still sur-
vives, making her home with her son, F. E., is numbered among the well
known and highly esteemed residents of the community.
F. E. Skola was but six years of age at the time of his father's death
and was therefore reared by his mother, attending the public schools of his
native town in the acquirement of an education. His opportunities in that
direction, however, were somew-hat limited, for at the age of thirteen years
he put aside hi^ text-books to assist in the support of the family. When a
vouth of fifteen he secured a position as clerk in a mercantile establishment
of Richmond, where he continued for four years and then clerked in a
Riverside store for one year. On the expiration of that period he removed
to \\'ashington and for six years held a position as clerk with Bowman
Brothers, proving a capable and reliable employe. Subsequently he returned
home, owing to his mother's illness, and in July, 1902, was appointed post-
master of Richmond. In Alarch, 1903, he came to Kalona to accept a posi-
tion as bookkeeper in the Farmers Savings Bank of this place and three
months later was made assistant cashier of the institution. That his effi-
ciency, trustworthiness and fidelit)- were quickly recognized is indicated by
the fact that in December of the same year he was made cashier of the bank,
in which position he has since served to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned. He is likewise acting as president of the Kalona Independent Tele-
phone Company and is widely recognized as one of the representative sub-
stantial and respected citizens of his native county.
In 1902 Mr. Skola was united in marriage to Aliss Hattie .A. llrnwn. of
Washington, Iowa, by whom he has one child, Doris N.
206 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Politically Mr. Skola is a stanch republican, believing the principles of
that party to contain the best elements of good government. He has served
as city clerk of Kalona for one term, his personal popularity and the confi-
dence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen being evidenced in
the fact that he was the only republican candidate elected on the ticket. Fra-
ternally he is identified with Richmond Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & .\. M., and
Kalona Lodge, No. 508, I. O. O. F. Although yet a young man, he has
already attained a creditable position in business circles, while the salient
characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm re-
gard of those with whom he has come in contact.
WESLEY SMITH.
Wesley Smith is a retired farmer residmg in Washington. His intense
and well directed activity in former years constituted the basis of a gratifying
success which now enables him W fesT Fi'wml'a.boi- aiul enjoy all of the comforts
and some of the luxuries of h^,^' f^is numbered among the worthy citizens
that Ohio has furnished to thfs' state, his birth h^ing occurred about nine
miles nordieast of ColumbuS in Franklin county, .Ohio, October 25, 1844.
In the paternal line he represents an ijl<l family erf German descent, repre-
sented in this country through many generations. His grandfather. George
P. Smith, was a native of New Jersey and became one of the early settlers
of Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. His wife had the
same surname before as after her marriage. Both passed away in the Buck-
eye state, Mrs. Smith reaching a very advanced age. They were the parents
of five children, including Benjamin Smith, who was born in Ohio
Throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming and, wish-
ing to enjov the opportunities offered on the broad prairies of Iowa, he
came to this state in 1856 and settled in Dutch Creek township, Washing-
ton county, where he purchased eighty acres of land. This he improved,
bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and as the years passed
and his financial resources increased he added to the jjroperty from time
to time. Upon that farm lie remained until his demise, which occurred
April 23, 1893, when he was in his seventy-third year, his birth having oc-
curred September 29, 1820. In early manhood Benjamin Smith wedded
Hettie Holland, who was born on the Delaware, February 4. 1822, and was
an only child. Her father died in early manhood, after which her mother
married again and there was one son by that union. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin Smith were consistent Christian people, holding membership in
early life in the Methodist church, while later they became members of the
Baptist church. In their family were seven children, of whom four survive:
Wesley ; Marion, of Story county, Iowa ; Frank, living on the old home farm
in Dutch Creek township ; and Ck-orgc, whose home is in .\tlantic, Iowa.
The mother died September 24. 1898.
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11IS'R)RV ()!■■ W ASIllXC.TOX COL'X'J'V 211
Wesley Smith spent the first twelve years of his life in the state of his
nativity and then came with his parents to Iowa, being reared here amid the
wild scenes and envinmnients of pioneer life. Xo event <if special impor-
tance occurred to vary the routine of the farm and through the fall and
winter months he attended the district schools, while at the time of the early
spring planting he took his place in the fields and assisted in the cultiva-
tion and harvesting of the crops as the seasons passed. When a young man
he thought to find other pursuits more congenial than agriculture and at the
age of nineteen he began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
for a few years. In this way he made a little capital and, in connection with
his brother Marion, he purchased a farm of two hundred and twenty acres
in Dutch Creek township. About three years later he purchased his broth-
er's interest and remained the sole owner of the property for about five
or six years, when he disposed of it. His own investment brought him one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township, to which at dififerent
times he added two eighty acre tracts. This place he still owns and also
another farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres in the same township. He
continued to reside with his family in Franklin township until 1907, when
he removed to the county seat, purchasing a beautiful home at No. 606
West Washington street. As the yeans had.goneby he had persistently
and energetically pursued the farm work, bringing his fields under a high
state of cultivation and using all of the latest improved machinery to facili-
tate his labors. His farm ever presented a neat and thrifty apearance and in
spring gave good promise of golden harvests, to be garnered in the autumn.
His unfaltering industry, his careful management and his judicious sales at
length brought him affluence and in possession of a substantial competence he
is now living retired.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Smith was married on the 27th
of December, 1869, to Miss Marie W. Wells, a native of this county and
a daughter of William W. and Rebecca (Jackson) Wells. The marriage
of Mr. and ^[rs. Smith has been blessed with one son, Sidney S., who wedded
Viola McCaleb and is operating the home farm. Mr. Smith is an
earnest democrat with faith in the principles of the party and has served for
several terms as township trustee and as school director. Both he and his
wife occupy a prominent position in social circles, enjoying the warm regard
of all with whom thev have come in contact.
CHARLES SCHULTY
Charles Schulty, a prosperous, progressive and representative agricul-
turist of Cedar township, was bom in Washington county, Iowa, on the 30th
of lune, 1863, a son of Henry Schulty, whose sketch appears on another
page of this volume. In his youthful days he enjoyed the educational priv-
ileges afforded by the common schools and when eighteen years of age
went to Nebraska, where he worked as a farm hand for a year. On the
212 HISTORY" ol- \\.VSlllX<,'rn.\ CoTXTV
expiration of that period, liowever, he returned to this county and has since
been identified with agricultural interests here, havinsj lived on his present
farm in Cedar townshi]) tor the past nineteen years. In a<ldition in tilling
the soil he makes a specialty of stock-raising and in both branches of his
business is meeting with success because of his capable management an(1
untiring energy.
On the 30th of June, 1886. Mr. Schulty was united in marriarge to
Miss ^laggie A. Oldfield. a dau.ghter of Paul and Rebecca ( liidding) CJld-
field. whose family numbered eleven cliildren. Mr. Oldfield is now deceased
but his wife is :-till living, making her home in Cedar township. I'nto Mr.
and Mrs. Schulty have been born two sons: Orville P.. who is married and
lives in r.ime Creek township ; and J. I... at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Schulty has
given his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as a school
director for nine years, being a stanch champion of the cause of education.
Having spent practically his entire life in this county, his record is welt
known and at all times it has been characterized by a purposeful spirit and
ready determination that have enabled him to overcome difirtculties and
obstacles and make steady advancement on the highroad to ]M-ospevity. More-
over his career has always been characterized by a recognition of comnumity
interests for the public good and by active cooperation therein.
L. P. JACKSON.
L. P. Jackson is cashier of the West Chester Savings liank. bavmg
worked his way to this responsible position by his own efforts and in the
position in which he is serving he is one of the most efficient men in the
county. In Franklin township he was born December 8. 1863, a son of
James and Mary C. (Clemons) Jackson, his father having been a native of
Ohio, who came to Washington county dnring the '50s and here he led a use-
ful life as an agriculturist until he entered into re>t in icjoi, his remains being
interred in New Haven cemetery. His mother was also a native Ohioan l)ut
was married in this county, her people, who were originallv from the cast,
having been among the early settlers of Iowa. She still survives in the
enjoyment of good health and vigor and resides in the village of West
Chester. She has been twice married, her first union having been with
Zedekiah Butts, by whom she had si.x children, namely: Helen and l'',dward,
twMns : .'\letha and Adelia, twins ; (ieorge W. : and Mary, who is tiie only sur-
viving member and the widow of Albert Miller, now residing in Greene
county, Iowa.
P)y the second marriage there was one son, L. P. Jackson, who left
home about 1884 and became employed on the Chicago, Rock Island &
Pacific Railroad, his first position being that of operator at Fairfield, at which
post he served for some time. He then worked in various capacities for
the same company until 1886, when he located in West Chester as station
iiisi()RV (>!■ w Asiiixi, r( )\ t()r\'r\" 213
agent, the duties of which office he perfonuetl until 1902, when he became
affihated with the liankins; business as cashier of the West Chester Savings
F')ank, of wliich 1). A. Beyer is president; J. I!. Croyne, vice president, L.
r. Jacl<Min. cashier, while D. A. lioyer, J. I'., (royne, L. P. Jackson, David
Fisher and W . J. Ma\er are directors. In 1888 Mr. Jackson was united
in marriage to Miss Minnie \'olk|uardsen, who is of German Uneage and
they now have three children : .\Iabcl, and Edward and Emma, twins, all
residing with their parents.
W. T. TROTTER.
W. T. Trotter, actively engaged in business lines leading to success, is
now dealing in buggies in Ainsworth, where he also conducts a blacksmith
and wagon shop. Labor and not idleness is the rule of his life and his
indefatigable industry has made him tine of the substantial citizens of his
adopted town. His birth occurred in Talleyrand, Keokuk county. Iowa,
June 18. i860, his parents being .Alexander and .Amanda J. (Crawford)
Trotter. The father was probably a native of Steubenville, Ohio, and, com-
ing direct to Iowa at an early day. located in Talleyrand, where he died
during the early childhood of the subject of this review. He was a college
graduate and afterward became a school teacher. At the time of the Civil
war he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of
Company K, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, in which he was the fifth ranking duty
sergeant. His wife was probably a native of Keokuk count}-, where they
were married. She is now the wife of Benjamin Mikesell and they reside
in F"airfield, Iowa. By her first marriage she had three children : W. T. ;
Sylvania May. the wife of Robert Waters, a commission merchant of Chi-
cago; and Frank E., deceased.
Although he lost his father when quite young, W. T. Trotter continued
In make his home with his mother and grandparents during the period of
boyhood and youth. His education was acquiretl in the common schools
but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited, for it early
became necessary for him to provide for his own support. He worked in
various ways until seventeen years of age and then began learning the black-
smith's trade in Ainsworth on the site where his present shop now stands.
He completed the regular term of apprenticeship, after which he continued
with his employer for eleven months and then bought the shop. He now
engages in the sale of buggies and also conducts a general blacksmithing
and wagon work business. He owns his plant and also a good residence in
Ainsworth and is now conducting a growing and profitable business.
In 1 881 Mr. Trotter was married to Miss Isabelle Stewart, a daughter
of James M. Stewart, of Ainsworth, where she resided until her marriage.
She was born a mile and a half west of town. January 14. 1861. Mr. and
Mrs. Trotter have become the parents of nine children. Carmeletta .S. is the
wife of F. D. Harding, of Ainsworth. and they have one son. William T.
214 HISTCJRV Ul' WASUIXGTUN COUNTY
The second child died in infancy. Leonard E. is an electrical engineer of
Schenectady, New York. James A., who is engaged in the furniture and
hardware business in liennett. Iowa, married Shirley E. Dawson. Willis T.
is a partner with his father in business. Carinda May is the wife of H. V.
Stickley, a telegraph operator at Alilano, Texas. George F., Susanna A.
and Lawrence J. are all at home.
In his political views Mr. Trotter is a stalwart republican and has been
postmaster of Ainsworth for the last twelve years, and is still serving in that
capacity. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church
and he holds membership in Ainsworth Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he
is a past master. He has served as a member of the town council and has
ever discharged his public duties in prompt and capable manner. His life
record has at all times been a creditable one, characterized by fidelity to
duty and honesty of purpose in every relation.
WILLIAM A. FOSTER.
William A. Foster, owning and operating a valuable and well improved
farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres on section 34, Lime Creek township,
was born in Ohio on the 13th of November, 1848, his parents being A. D.
and Martha (Lucas) Foster, the former a native of V'ermont and the latter
of Connecticut. Removing to Ohio, the father purchased a tract of timber
land which lie cleared and on which he erected a log house, continuing a
resident of the Buckeye state until i860, when he came to Washington
county, Iowa. He took up his abode on a farm which he had purchased in
Lime Creek township and remained a worthy and respected resident of the
community until called to his final rest in September, 1889. His wife, sur-
viving him for several years, passed away on the 8th of February, 1897.
Their family numbered ten children, as follows : E. N., a resident of Okla-
homa ; William A., of this review: Marian, living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
Henry, of Lime Creek townshi].) : and six who are deceased.
William A. Foster acquired his education in the common schools and
remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subse-
quently he rented a portion of the old homestead farm, being successfully
engaged in its cultivation and improvement for seven years. He then bought
one hundred acres of the farm where he now resides and afterward ex-
tended the boundaries of the place until it now includes one hundred and
fifty-two acres of rich and productive land on section 34, Lime Creek town-
ship. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and
labor which he bestows upon them and he also makes a specialty of raising
and feeding hogs, in which line of activity he has won a gratifying measure
of prosperity.
In 1872 Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Farley, whose
birth occurred in Franklin county, Massachusetts, July 18. 1854, her parents
being Frank and Mary E. (Harding) Farley, who were natives of Franklin
I1IS•^(>K^■ <>|- WASHINGTON COL' XT Y 215
county, Alassachusclls, and New York respectively. After residing for some
time in the state of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Farley came to Washington
county, Iowa, in 1854, continuing to make their home here until they passed
awa\-. Frank Farley, who was called to the home beyond in 1889. survived
his wife for three decades, her demise having occurred in 1859. Mrs. Foster,
who is the onlv surviving member of her father's family, has become the
mother of five children, namely: Harriet M., born November 8. 1873, who
is the wife of C. P. Bradford, of Lime Creek township: George E., who was
born December 6, 1878, and is likewise a resident of Lime Creek township;
Frank E.. born September 12, 1880, who makes his home in this county:
Ralph L. whose birth occurred November 30, 1884, and who is likewise
living in this county : and Ethel L, at home, who first opened her eyes to the
light of day on the 2d of May, 1888.
Politicallv Mr. Faster is a stalwart republican ami has served his fellow
townsmen in varif>us positions of public trust and responsibility. He is now
acting as trustee and also as school treasurer, having held the latter position
for thirtv-two vears. His religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his w'ife is also identified.
He is well known in this county, having been a resident here for ahnost a
half century, during which time his genuine worth, his active life and his
high ])rinciples have commended him to the good will, trust and respect of
all witli whom he has been associated.
SAMUEL ANDERSON.
Samuel Anderson is now living retired in Washington but for fifty-one
years was a resident of Highland township and for a long period was counted
one of the foremost and representative farmers of this county. His careful
management of business affairs and his wise expenditure at length brought
to him a substantial competence so that he is now enabled to enjoy life with-
out further recourse to labor, his investments bringing him suflicient income
for all of the needs and some of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Anderson was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 30,
1845, a son of John T. and Sarah (Baxter) Anderson, natives of Pennsyl-
vania and \'irginia respectively. The paternal grandfather was a miller and
followed that pursuit in the Keystone state. He died in middle life and his
wife afterward became the wife of Craig Taylor. The maternal grand-
father of Mr. Anderson, was Absalom Baxter, a native of Maryland, who
made many surveys in that state. He married a Miss Butler and l>ith died
when past middle age, having reared a family of several sons and daughters.
John T. Anderson, the father of Samuel Anderson, was a cabinet-maker,
learning his trade in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and following it until his re-
moval to the west. In 1855 he arrived in Wisconsin, settling in Sauk City,
but in 1857 he removed to Washington county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of
two hundred and fortv acres in Highland township, which he operated until
216 I1IST()I<\ ( )|- \\ ASIIIXGTUX COLXTV
his death. He was long one of the representative and valued farmers of the
comnnniity and passed away at the age of eighty-three years. He held meni-
bershij) in the Presbyterian churcli, while his wife, who survived him for
about a vear, was a member of the old school Baptist church. They were
the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom five are
now living: Marion 11. , ilcceased ; .Anna, the widow of Bazil Wells; Sarah
M., the widow of Thomas L'raii; ; .Vhsalom ; .Samuel; John T. ; and Charles
O., deceased.
Samuel .Anderson was reared in Highland township from the age of
twelve and there lived for fifty-one years. He remained under the parental
roof until he had attained his majority and during that period pursued his
early education in the district schools, while later he attended a school in
Ainsworth, Iowa, taught by Professor Doig and his daughter. .\t the time
of his marriage Mr. Anderson had forty acres of land, which he at once
began to till and improve and to which he added from time to time until he
owned three hundred and thirty-five acres, constituting a valuable property.
He continued the cultivation of his fields until January. igo8, when he
removed to the county seat and erected a beautiful home at the end of East
Washington street. He still derives a substantial income from farming
projierty, owning two hundred and forty acres in Spink county. South
Dakota.
On the 31st of December, 1868, Mr. .\nderson was married to Miss
Mary Davidson, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Majors) Davidson.
Mrs. Anderson was born in N'enango county, Pennsylvania, and her parents
were also natives of that state and were of Scotch descent. Her grandfather
in the paternal line was Archibald Davidson, a native of Pennsylvania, who
made farming his life work. He died in N'enango county, Pennsylvania,
when about seventy-five years of age, having for a long time survived his
wife. There were three children of that marriage: Patrick; Thomas; and
Jane, who became the wife of a Mr. McElfatric. After losing his first wife
Mr. Davidson married again and by the .second union had four children,
Martha, Mary, Margaret and John. The maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Anderson was also a Pennsylvania fanner and his children were : Sarah,
who became the wife of Peter W alter; Mary, the wife of Mathias McGarbey ;
Jane, who married John Elder; Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Davidson;
Nancy, the wife of Joseph McWright ; Richard ; and William.
Thomas Davidson was reared to the occupation of farming m his native
state, where he resided until the fall of 1864, when he came westward to
Washington county, Iowa, purchasing two hundred acres of laml in High-
land towiKhi]). Year by year he carefully tilled the .soil and developed one
of the fine farms of the localit)-. He died at the age of seventy-nine years
and his wife, who .survived him for two years, also reached the age of seventy-
nine. Thcv were the parents of the following children: .Archibald, Eliza-
beth. Jane, Major, Sarah, Mary, Matilda and Frank P.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. .Anderson has been blessed with nine
children : Charles, wh.) met his death by accident when fourteen years of
age; .Mvrtle \'., the wife of ( irorge !•'. I'oster, a resident of Washington
IllSlnm' Ol- \\ASIII\(.I( >.\ COLWrV 217
to\vn>liip ; Frank E., a farmer, who married Myrtle Cjood and has three
chiUhen, Lloyd S., Marguerite and Walter; George F., a carpenter of Wash-
ington, who married Effie Belle Crosby and has three children, Verne, Glen
and Malicl: John T., who married Myrtle La Motte and is engaged in farm-
ing w itli h\> hrother. Samuel B., who is the next younger ; Harry L., a farmer
who married Lulu La Motte: Grace E., at home; and Elsie Maude, who died
in infancy.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Anderson
is a republican in politics, loyal to the party and thoroughly conversant with
the vital questions and issues of the day. He served for seven years as a
member of the board of supervisors and is a man of fine character who, in
political life and in business relations, has proven worthy of the trust and
confidence reposed in him and of the high regard in which he is uniformly
held. His salient qualities are those of upright, honorable manhood and
progressive citizenship and his life record constitutes a valuable asset in the
agricultural jirogress of the county.
W. A. CLl^RL.
W. A. Curl, who ow-ns, occupies and operates a good farm in Lime Creek
township, where he is also well known as a successful dealer in live stock,
was born in Peoria county, Illinois, March ii, i860. His parents were R. H.
and Emeline (Anderson) Curl, both of whom were natives of Greene county,
Pennsylvania. In early life they became residents of Illinois and R. H. Curl
purchased a tract of land in Peoria county, where he followed general agri-
cultural pursuits for a long period. In 1880, however, he sold his property
in that county and removed to Washington county, Iowa. Here he invested
in land which he cultivated and improved until 189 1 when he again sold out
and removed to Clarke county, Iowa. There his death occurred August 3,
IQOO, while his widow still survives at the age of eighty-nine years. She
now makes her home with her daughter Mrs. Rachel Frits, in Lime Creek
township.
W. A. Curl, who was one of a family of eleven children, spent the first
two decades of his life in the county of his nativity, working with his father
on the home farm and pursuing his education in the common schools. In
1880 he accompanied his parents to Iowa and remained at home until twenty-
nine years of age when he started out upon an independent business career
and rented land which he cultivated for twelve years. He then bought the
farm whereon he now resides in Lime Creek townsliip, having saved the
money from his earnings with which to invest in this property. To its fur-
ther cultivation and improvement he has since given his attention and his
practical and progressive labors are manifest in the fine appearance of his
place. He has always made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and keeps
on his place good grades of cattle and hogs. He pays close attention to the
conditions existing on his farm that his stock mav ever be healthy and in
218 HISTORY OF WA^IIIXGTOX COUXTY
good condition when shipped to the market. He practices the rotation of
crops in tilhng the fields and gathers harvests as a reward ior the care and
labor which he bestows upon his land.
In February, 1889, .Mr. Curl was united in marriage to Miss Allie M.
Dodds, who was born December 17, 1869. She is a daughter of James M.
and Katherine (Tatman) Dodds, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They
arrived in Iowa in 1869 and first located in Highlaand township, Washington
county, where for a considerable period the father engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits. At length, however, he put aside active work on the fann
and retired to private life. He is now living in the village of Wellman in the
enjoyment of well earned rest. His family numbered four children. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Curl have been born six children: J. Everett, who was born
July 15, 1892 : Hugh M., deceased ; W. Irvin, born September 15. 1895 ; Clif-
ford R., born November 29, 1901 : Myrtle J., born July 25, 190(1: and Rachel
Bessie, whose birth occurred February 16. 1909. The parents are consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active and helpful
interest in its work. Air. Curl is a republican in his political vews. He be-
lieves in well kept highways and advocates substantial improvements of this
character. For six rears he has served as school director, the cause of edu-
cation finding in him a stalwart champion. His entire life record is a com-
mendable one, winning for him the unqualified regard of all who know him.
Industry and integrity stand as salient features in his record and he is widely
known as a citizen whose influence and aid have always been given in behalf
of material, political, social, intellectual and moral progress.
CURTIS R. WELLS.
In a history of the successful men of Washington county mention should
be made of Curtis R. Wells, whose earnest effort and carefully managed busi-
ness affairs have made him one of the substantial citizens of this part of the
state, for he now owns five hundred acres of valuable land in Dutch Creek
township and is extensively engaged in breeding fine stock. He was born
in Dutch Creek township on the 12th of March, 1850, anil is a son of Wil-
liam W. and Becky Ann (Jackson) Wells. The father was a native of Ohio
and on coming to Iowa first located in Mount Pleasant, while later he re-
moved to Washington county, taking up his abode here sixty-five years ago.
He died in the city of Washington in 1908 and thus closed a life of intense
and well directed activity. He was one of the foremost farmers and stock-
raisers of this portion of the state, belonging to that class of agriculturists
whose business ability and enterprise equal that manifested by the merchant
or the man in commercial lines in the cities. His estate was estimated at a
half million dollars and it was acquired through his own persistent labor and
capable control of his business affairs. His political allegiance was given to
the democracy but he never .sought nor desired public office, preferring to
concentrate his energies upon his business interests. His wife was a native
v,^
^{Ol^lf-
U^
■^^^^
illSr(>m ()!■■ W AS III. \(, '!'(_). \ (Ml-X-IY 221
of Pennsylvania but they were married in this state, where Mrs. Wells died
when her son Curtis was fifteen years of age. In their family were the fol-
lowing children: Marie, now the wife of Wesley Smith, a retired farmer
living in the city of Washington; Curtis R. ; Williaui 1', also retired in
Washington ; Inez A., the wife of Seymour Martin, a resident farmer of
Franklin township ; Edgar Eugene, who died at the age of nineteen years ;
and two others who have passed away.
In the common schools near his father's farm Curtis R. Wells pursued
his education, walking two and a half miles to the little schcxilhouse wherein
the common branches of learning were taught. His training at farm labor
was not meager, for he was early instructed in the best methods of tilling
the soil from the time of the early spring planting until crops were harvested
in the late autumn. He remained at home until he was married and then
began farming on the place whereon he now resides. He started out in life
empty-handed but has gradually worked his way upward until his success
makes him one of the prosperous farmers of the county, his possessions com-
prising five hundred acres of rich and valuable land in Dutch Creek township.
His fields respond readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon them
and he is equally successful in the breeding and raising of fine stock, keeping
only those of the highest grades. Everything about his place is thoroughly
modern in its equipment and in addition to his farm property he owns con-
siderable real estate elsewhere and also bank stock.
In 1873 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Missouri Shaffer and
unto them have been born six children, of whom three are yet living, James
Edgar, Marion and Roy, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Wells is a democrat and has filled some of the
township offices. His wife is a member of the Methodist- Episcopal church
and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. They are both people
of sterling worth and enjoy in large measure the confidence and respect of
those with whom they have been brought in contact. For fifty-eight years
Mr. Wells has been a witness of the growth and progress of the county and
has been connected with its evolutionary activities, promoting its growth in
various lines through his co-operation and influence. In business affairs he
displays marked discernment and keen sagacity and his capable management
is manifest in his substantial success.
FRED L. STEWART.
Among the substantial business enterprises of Washington is the plumb-
ing and heating establishment of Fred L. Stewart, who along modern and
progressive lines is conducting his interests, meeting with well merited suc-
cess which has come as the legitimate sequence of his indefatigable and in-
telligently directed effort. Washington numbers him among her native
sons, for his birth here occurred January 6. 1873.
222 lllSTnRN ol- W A^l 1 1\( ;T()\ COL'XTV
The Stewart family, as the name indicates, is of Scotch Hneage and the
American ancestors, coming from Edinburgh, Scotland, settled in diflferent
parts of the state of \'irginia. There were six brothers, James. Benjamin,
Perry, Thomas, Jeremiah and Richard, and they were said to have had one
sister, Ann Stewart. William George Stewart, the grandfather of I^red L.
Stewart, was lx>rn in \irginia, December 5, 18 19, and on the 28th of July,
1841, he married Hannah Patterson, of Allegany county, Maryland, wlio
was born October 30. 1822. They became the parents of eight children:
John Gilpin, born December 28, 1842: Charles Nelson, April 22, 1845:
William Sylvester. December 11, 1847; Louvinia Elizabeth, Julv 24, 1850:
Franklin Stewart. August 5, 1853: Lloyd Stewart, September 13. 1855;
George Whitefield, Alarch 20, 1857: and Hannah Martha, July 3, 1858. '^
The father, William G. Stewart, died July 16, 1864. His brother, John
Gilpin Stewart, Sr., of Washington, Iowa, wrote a historv of the Stewart
family in January, ujoo, while in his eighty-seventh vear and the record
covers a period of one hundred and twenty years. John Gilpin Stewart was
born in Hampshire county, Viriginia, May 18, 1818, and was a minister in
the United Brethren church, preaching at dififerent times in X'irginia, Mary-
land and Iowa, his ministry covering a period of twenty-five years. He came
to Washington county in October, 1853, or about nine years after the arrival
of William G. Stewart, who came in Xovember, 1844. Since that time the
family has figured prominently in connection with the material progress and
substantial upbuilding of this part of the state.
William Sylvester Stewart, father of Fred L. Stewart, was born in this
county, was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life
and took up farming as a means of livelihood. In addition to tilHng the
soil he also engaged in feeding and shipping stock, in which he met with ex-
cellent success. He died in Washington, April 14, 1901, and is still survived
by his widow. He belonged to the I/nited Brethren church, with which
the family have long been connected, and his life was at all times honorable
and upright, winning him the esteem and confidence of the entire com-
nuuiity. He met with creditable success in business and was regarded as
one of the most thorough and best posted stockmen ever connected with
live-stock interests in Washington. He married Henrietta Clinton, also a
native of this county and a daughter of George Clinton, who wa^ of Scotch-
Irisli descent and .settled in thi^ county at a very early day. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were Fred L.. of this review ; Belle F.. the wife
of H. A. Mont.gomery: W. G. and Helen L., at home.
Fred ] . Stewart has always remained a resident of Washington, being
reared on his father's farm, where he early became familiar w-ith the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the public
schools and, making successive progress was graduated from the higji
school with the class of 1890. He then worked for four years in the hard-
ware store of his father's brothers, Frank and George Stewart, who con-
ducted their enterprise under the firm style of Stewart Brothers. He after-
ward spent two years on the farm cultivating the home place, and in the
spring of 1896 he purchased an implement business, to which he added a
llls^()K^" ()!■ w \siii\(, r( )\ r()i;\'i'v 223
stock of lianlvvarc. In 1904 Ik- sold out and for two years gave his attention
to the land eniiiiralion business, but in 1908 opened his plumbing and heat-
ing establishment and in this connection has secured a liberal patronage,
conducting an extensive business in this line. He also looks after his farm-
ing ])roi)erty. comprising three hundred and twenty acres of rich land, of
which one hundred and sixty acres lies in Washington county and the re-
maining one Inindred and sixty acres in Louisa county. In addition to this
his landed interests comprise one hundred and sixtv acres in Canada and
one hundred and sixty acre^ in Kansas. He also owns one-third interest
in the West Chester store owned by the mercantile firm operating under the
name of the McFarland Company ; is the owner of a store at Columbus
Junction: .and is ,1 stockholder in the Washington county National Bank.
While yet a young man he is capable of managing atYairs of great breadth,
and his keen sagacity and undaunted enterprise have carried him into
important commercial and financial relations.
On the 15th of November. 1893. Mr. .Stewart was married to Miss Nellie
Paris, a native of Morning .Sun. Iowa, where her parents, Isaiah P. and
Frances Jane I IVown ) Paris, were also born. Their family numbered two
children, the younger being Roy H. Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart also have
a daughter and son. Hazel and George. The parents are members of the
Second L'nited Presbyterian church and Mr. Stewart gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. On its ticket he was elected councilman
for the fourth ward, but while he is interested in matters of public progress
he does not seek political preferment for himself. However, he is never
remiss in the duties of citizenship but on the contrary cooperates in many
movements for the general good, and his business afifairs have at all times
been of a nature that have advanced public prosperity as well as individual
success.
A A RON H. GCZEMAN.
In a liist(ir_\- of Washington's worthy and representative citizens who are
now living retired after vears of active connection with business life, mention
should be made of Aaron M. Guzeman, who has now passed the ninety-first
milestone on life's journe\ . He is one of the oldest, most veneraljle and most
honored re^idents of southeastern Iowa and there are many points in his
record which cannot fail to prove of interest to the readers of this volume.
He was born near Morgantown. West \'irginia, May 2. 1818. a son of
Abraham and .Maria Pdizabeth (Rathsnyder) Guzeman. the former a native
of Germany auil the latter of Martinsburg, Virginia. The father was both
a silver.smith and gunsmith. He served for seven years in defense of the
colonists in the Revolutionary war and was wounded three times. His birth
occurred in 17,^3 and his death in 1821. being killed on the da\ which wit-
nessed the c<Tmpletion of the mill which he was building. He was twice mar-
ried and had ten children by his first wife. Pollowing her death he wedded
Elizabeth l\athsn\(ler and unto them were born elexeii children, of whom
224 HISTORY OF W ASl iIX( '.ToX COL'XTV
two are now living, Susannah and Aaron H. The former is the widow of
Samuel Cobun and lives in Morgantown, West Virginia. She celebrated
the one hundredth anniversary of her birth February 14, 1909. The mother
of this family died in 1846 in the faith of the Lutheran church, of which she
had long been a member.
Aaron H. Guzeman was only about three years old when his father died.
Ten years later his mother became the wife of John Foster, who was also
killed in a mill at an early age. Mr. Guzeman began learning the cabinet-
maker's trade which he followed for three years and then again worked in
his step-father's mill, having previously been employed there ere he tCHjk up
cabinet-making. He was reared near Morgantown, \irginia, and pursued
his education in one of the old time subscription schools. His opportunities
were somewhat limited but through reading, observation and experience he
has learned many valuable lessons of life as the years have gone by. In 1844
he came to Iowa to look over the country and being pleased with what he
saw he returned to his old home and in 1845 brought his wife to this state,
settling in ^^'ashington, where he purchased a residence. Here he has since
lived and in the intervening years has witnessed the transformation of a
village of about a dozen houses into a thriving and prosperous city. For a
long period he was connected with carpentering and has built many dwell-
ings in and around Washington during the sixty-four years of his residence
here.
On the 2ist of January, 1840, Mr. Guzeman was married to Miss Ange-
lina Lock, a daughter of Thomas and Cynthia (Hall) Lock. She was born
in Martinsburg, Virginia, May 24, 1819, and died August 6, 1907, at the age
of eighty-eight years, two months and thirteen days. There were ten chil-
dren of that marriage : William Alpheus, who is a boss carpenter near
Colorado Springs, Colorado, married Flstaline Parker and has three children,
Leolia, Zepharine and Parker. Elza M. lives at home with his father, Joseph
C, who married Miss Aughey, is employed in a knitting factory in Iowa
City. Mary E. is the wife of James Fitzwater and they reside at West
Chester. Iowa, but lost their two children, Angeline and Charley, both of
whom died after reaching mature years. Celine V. is the wife of Thomas P.
Smith, of Providence, Rhode Island, and they have three children, Marsh.
Fern and Earl. James H., who married Anna Denter, is proprietor of a
knitting factory in Iowa City, Iowa. Flora E. is the wife of J. H. McMurray,
of Grinnell, Iowa. Emma E. is the wife of George W. Heideman. Charles
R. is at home ; and one child died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Guzeman has always been a democrat. He has
lived a life of activity and usefulness although for some time he has not
engaged in any business owing to his advanced years. He was for a long
period a valuable factor in the industrial life of the community and m all
of his business undertakings was reliable, enterprising, and energetic. A
nonagenarian, he can look back to the time when there were few records in
the country and practically none of the improvements and conveniences which
now add so much to the comforts of life. He can relate many incidents of
the early >lays when the manner of living was far different than at present
HISTORY OF W ASI 1 1 \( ;i( )X C( )L'XTY 225
and when conditions with which we are now familiar through daily usage
were regarded as almost miraculous. His reminiscences are interesting and
in the public regard he holds the position to wliicli his years and his hnnorahle
life well entitle him.
R. F. McFARLANE.
The flourishing little city of West Chester, Iowa, is numbered among
other thriving communities throughout the state whose prosperity and com-
mercial prospect is due to the energy and enterprise of a class of business
men who sacrificed everything for the good of the community to the end
that they might contribute to its upbuilding, thereby at the same time sur-
rounding themselves with such circumstances as will enable them to attain
the highest usefulness in relation to others. Among those who are instru-
mental in adding to its financial standing and commercial worth is R. F.
McFarlane, who conducts a general merchandise business under the name
of The McFarlane Company and the establishment being well stocked and
one of the largest concerns of the kind in the community constitutes a lead-
ing enterprise.
Mr. McFarlane was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, November 22, 1866,
a son of R. D. and Ann (Dixon) McFarlane. His father was born in Law-
rence county, Pennsylvania, near the county line, and came to this state in
1868, locating in Jackson township, Washington county, and later removing
to Cedar township, where he engaged in general farming until he retired
from active life in 1906. The mother of our subject is also a native of
Mahoning county, Ohio, where she was married. She still survives and
with her husband is enjoying the fruits of their many years of earnest and
honest labor. To them were born nine children, three of whom passed away
in earlv life, the others being: Mattie, the wife of W. B. Kerr, who follows
farming in Jackson township ; L. E., an agriculturist of Lake Andes, South
Dakota; R. F. ; Nettie, wife of W. C. Mayhew, Jr., a farmer who resides
near Havre, this county ; Blanch, who lives at home ; and May, who is single
and lives in Des Moines.
R. F. McFarlane's educational advantages were confined to the common
schools and upon completing his studies he remained upon the farm, engag-
ing in the labors of the fields until twenty-three years of age. He then went
to Emmet county, Iowa, where he engaged in general farming and stock-
raising for three years. He next conducted a general store in Havre for
five years. Being ambitious and energetic and desirous of a larger field of
activity Mr. McFarlane came to West Chester, where for the past ten years
he has conducted a general mercantile business. In this enterprise he has
certainly found the vocation for which he is fitted, having built up a thriv-
ing trade which has made him one of the leading financial factors of the city.
His establishment is one of the largest here and is well stocked with all
varieties of commodities and in many particulars is as well equipped as the
226 HISTOKV ( )1- W AS! 1 1 .\( .Ti )\ C( »L'.\TV
majority of cily >lorcs. He carries a full line of hardwaro and in fact every-
thing which comes under the name of general merchandise, his goods heing
displayed in an attractive manner.
In 1901 <iccurred the marriage of .Mr. .McFarlane and Miss Bessie
Crayne, of West Chester and to this union has heen horn one child. ( ilenn,
who is at home with his parents. Mr. McFarlane as a business man takes a
deep interest in the paramount political interests before the country and is
a strong supporter f)f the republican i)arty, in whuse principles he finds the
secret of the nation's prosperity, heing always loyal in the support of its
candidates. He is a representative type of the energetic and thriving busi-
ness man of the city and the enterprise he now conducts is highly beneficial
in enhancmg the financial standing of the community and as its proprietor
Mr. McFarlane is numbered among the foremost business men of the county.
MP:L\ IN' WHETSTINE.
Melvin Whetstine is one of the representative farmers of Lime Lreek
township, his birth having occiu'red on the jjlace where he now resides
December 10, 1875. His parents were John and Mary J. ( .\onnan) Whet-
stine. natives of Indiana and of Tennessee respectively. The father came
to this county in 1852 when it was still a pioneer district and from the gov-
ernment elitered land in Lime Creek township, whereon he built a log cabin,
covering the same with clapboard roof. The httle dwelling had a puncheon
floor and a door on which was fastened the did- fashioned wooden latch with
a string which hung out in the daytime and was drawn in at night, so that
the door could not be opened from the outside. For a few years that pioneer
home remained the abode of the family The efforts required to live in those
ungenerous surroundings, the necessity of making every blow tell and to
exercise every inventive faculty developed power of mind and habit which
have established honored names on the Iowa prairies. The Whetstine family
have borne their full part in the work of general progress and improvement
here and the father continued his residence in Lime Creek township until
called to his final rest on the 24th of March, 1(505. His widow still survives
and yet lives in this county. In their family were eleven children: Henry,
a resident of Kansas; George, a sketch of whom appears on .mother page of
this volume ; Robert, now in Idaho; Joseph, deceased; Ida, the wife of Jacob
Goodwin, of this county; William, also a resident of Idaho; Newton, who
makes his home in this county ; Melvin. of this review ; and the three young-
est, who have passed away.
In his youthful days Melvin Whetstine was trained to the work of the
farm and lessons of industry, perseverance and, enterprise were early im-
pressed upon his mind. He pursued his education in the public schools and
in the Centerville Commercial College and in early manhood he successfully
engaged in teaching school for eight years, proving a capable educator by
reason of the fact that he imparted clearly, readily and concisely to others
UlSl'MKN I )|- W ASI ll\(i'r( )\ (■( )r.\T\' 227
the kiunvledi^c that Ik- liml ;ni|uirc(l. I Ic afterward look up farming on his
own account, cuhivatiny rented land for three years, during which time he
carefully saved his earnings mitil his capital was sufficient to enable him to,
purchase forty-eight and a hall aero on section 2"] , Lime Creek township.
Taking up his alioik- u])on th;it projjerty, he has since made it his home and
hy additional purchase he has extended the boundaries of his farm to in-
clude another twenty-acre tract. His life has been one of diligence, of
activity and usefulness and the success that he has gained has come as the
logical and direct result of liis own labors.
( )n the (jtli of januar\, np(>, .Mr. AMietstine was married to .\ii>> .\nna
.Kleiner, who was born in Lime Creek townshi]). a daughter of William
Steiner, whose sketch appears elsewdiere in thi> volume. Airs. Wlietstine is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a lady of. many admirable
qualities, who presides with gracious hospitality over her pleasant home.
In his political \-iews .Mr. Wlietstine is a democrat, in thorough s_\nipatliy
with the principles of the ])arty but is not an office seeker. He enjovs the
warm regard of his brethren of the Masonic fraternity, his membership being-
in Dayton Lodge, Xo. 149, .\. I-". & A. .M . lie lia.s tilled some of the chairs
in this lodge and is most loyal to its teachings.
S. S. .MlLI.l'.R.
S, S. ?ililler, who is engaged in the cultivation of a farm of eighty acres
on section 28, Lime Creek township, was born in \irginia, April 12, 1863,
a son of Benjamin and Lydia (Sanger) .Miller, who were likewise natives of
the Old Dominion. They contimied residents of that state until 1880 when
they removed westward to Washington county, Iowa, living here for several
years. On the e.\i)iration of that period the)- removed to Kansas, where the
father still makes his home but the mother ])assed away in 1906. They were
the parents of twelve children, si.x: of whom are yet living, namely: Daniel
P., a resident of Keokuk county, Iowa: S. .S., of this review; John A., now
living in (ireenwood county, Kansas : William L., who makes his home in
Lyon county, Kansas; Renjamin S., also a resident of the Sunflower state;
and Lida \'.. the wife of E. L. Crumbacker. now of Tniontown, Kansas.
Si.x children of that family have passed awav.
S. S. Miller remained at home until he had attained his majority and
acquired a common-school education that fitted him for the practical duties
of life. When he had reached adult age he began farming on his own account
by cultivating a tract of rented land on which he lived for three years. He
then bought the farm upon which he now resides, comprising eighty acres
'of land on section 28, Lime Creek township. His farm work has been care-
fully conducted and his enterprise, energy and determination have been the
salient features in his succes>. making him one of the representative farmers
of the communitv.
228 iiis'r()kN OF \\asiiix(;t()x (.orxTV
In 1884 Mr. Alilk-r was married to Miss Etta IS. Miller, who thuugh of
the same name was not a relative. She was born in Keokuk county, Iowa,
October 16, 1863, and is a daughter of ;\Iichael and Sarah C. (Stoner)
Miller, who were natives of Virginia but came to Iowa in early life. Her
father is still living, being now a resident of Michigan, but her mother
passed away in 1897. They were the parents of ten children. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Miller has also been blessed with ten children : Arthur
M., Mary M., Bertha E., John W.. Lottie A., Esther C, Sylvia B., and
Charles S., all at home : and Evelyn P. and Edna M., both of whom are now
deceased.
Mr. Miller belongs to the Anti Horsethief Society. His political support
is unfalteringly given to the republican party and he is now serving as a
school director. He is ever interested in matters relative to the general
vvelfare and progress and his cooperation is given to various measures for
the public good.
DA\1D A. BOYER.
David A. Boyer is a farmer and stock-raiser of Washington, Iowa, whose
well conducted business interests are bringing bin: substantial returns. Wide-
ly and favorably known, the record of his life cannot fail to prove of interest
to many of our readers. His birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania,
August 9, 1842, and in both the paternal and maternal lines he is of German
descent.
His great-grandfather IJoyer was born and reared near Boyertown. Mont
gomery county, Pennsylvania, and later in life lived near Bronisfieldville,
Berks county, that state. By occupation he was a farmer. During the
Revolutionary war he was a soldier during the entire seven years, serving
under General Washington the greater part of the time, and he was sometimes
home long enough to help put in and raise crops. In his family were three
sons and one daughter: Peter, who removed to Dauphin countx', Pennsyl-
vania, where he reared a large family and became quite wealthy; John, who
spent his life in and around Bromsfieldville ; Jacob, the grandfather of our
subject : and Susan, who married a Mr. Geigher in Oley township. Berks
county.
Jacob Boyer, the grandfather, was a life-long resident of the Keystone
state and was a well educated man, being tlie author of a number
of German poems. Learning the stone-mason's trade when quite young, he
went to Richmond, X'irginia, and took contracts for building locks on the
James river canal. He made money in that venture and returned to his home
with several negro slaves whom he afterward freed. The greater part of
his life, however, was devoted to agricultural pursuits and for many years he
served as justice of the peace, rendering equitable decisions which were sel-
dom, if ever, reversed when appealed to the higher courts. He enlisted in the
war of 1812, as did also the maternal grandfather of our subject, but neither
1), A. I■.o^■|•:R
IB^^^"*
s.o->;fo°^.°^
,.^ ^<=^^
iiis'r()K\' » )i' w \siiix(;'r< )X ^()^^"r^■ 231
were called out of the state ami the former never left Berks county. He
married Miss Catherine Deeder and to them were born fourteen children,
of whom the oldest daughter died at the age of nineteen years, and Sarah and
Margaret died in infancy. Philip, the oldest son, married Catherine Moser ;
Frederick married Susan Shirery ; Solomon married Catherine Bortz ; Gideon
married Marv Yerkey ; Jacob married Mazzie \'an Horn; Jesse marriad
Elizabeth Budman ; Chestenia became the wife of Jacob Mose ; Hetty was
the wife of Samuel Moser: Susan was the wife of Samuel Manger: Cather-
ine was the wife of William Bower.
Solomon Boyer, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and
made farming his life work, following that pursuit near Danville in Montour
county until he left his native state in 1858 and came to Iowa. He first located
in Keokuk county, but after six months came to Washington county and
purchased a farm of eighty acres in Washington township. Subsequently,
however, he sold that property and, returned to Keokuk county, bought two
hundred and forty acres, which he finally lost. He then removed to Red
Willow county, Nebraska, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres,
which he proved up, making that place his home until his death, which oc-
curred Alarch 14, 1884, when he was more than seventy years of age, for he
was born on the 13th of June, 1^13/ --His wife bore the maiden name of
Catherine Bortz and was born in ?enusylvania, March 19, 1813. She was
a daughter of David Bortz, a native of Germany, who in early toyhood came
to America and was reared in the Keystone state. He married Hannah Ker-
lin and their children were : Daniel, who married Harriet Grumblic ; Benjamin,
who married Harriet Loraugh : David, who married Hannah Riniby : Isaac.
who liiarried Leah Francis ; William, who married Sarah Bordman : Cather-
ine, the mother of our subject ; Sarah, the wife of Solomon Erhe : Hannah, the
wife of Abraham H. Yanderslice : Mary, the wife of William Williams;
Harriet, the wife of William Mathews; and Rebecca, who died at the age of
nine years. Of this family, Mrs. Isaac Bortz, her grandson, Dr. Francis, his
wife and eighteen year old granddaughter were lost in the Boyertown fire a few
years ago. Mrs. Solomon Boyer died January 17, 1896. While living in
Pennsylvania both she and her husband were members of the German Re-
formed church and in Nebraska they joined the Christian church, hut during
the last vears of their lives were connected with the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Bover held a number of township offices, to the duties of which he was
always loyal. Both were held in high esteem wherever they were known.
Their famil)- numbered six sons and six daughters: Joseph A., of Chicago;
Sarah E., deceased, who was the wife of William Edwards; Jacob F., who
has passed away: Hannah, the deceased wife of Dr. John ^\'ertz : David A.;
Marv A., the wife of T. F. McCarty, of Richland, Iowa : Andrew S.. living
in Oklahoma; Allen F., who has departed this life; Susan C, who became
the wife of John .^dams and both are now deceased; Amanda Henrietta, who
died in early childhood ; Rebecca, the deceased wife of W. S. Shawhan ; and
Stephen C, of Denver, Colorado.
On taking up the personal history of David A. Boyer we find that at the
age of four years he accompanied his parents on their removal from Berks
232 HISTORY ()!• ^^■ASHl^"(;T()^" county
county, Pennsylvania, to Montour county, where he lived for twelve year^
and at the age of sixteen came to Iowa, where he was reared to manhood.
In both states his youthful days were passed on a farm, and the public schools
alibrded him his educational privileges. He lived at home until twenty
years of age, and then, in 1862, offered his services to his country, becoming
a member of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served until tlie end of the war. He was wounded at the battle of
Ringgold, and in addition to that engagement he participated in the battles
of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, the siege and capture of Vicksburg,
the battle of Lookout Mountain, the engagements of the Atlanta campaign,
and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. Subsequently he participated
in the grand review in Washington, the most celebrated military pageant ever
seen on the western hemisphere. He was promoted from fifth to first ser-
geant and later to second lieutenant and throughout the war remained a
valorous and loyal defender of the old flag.
When hostilities had ceased Mr. Boyer returned to Washington county,
where he engaged in dealing in cattle and later began handling horses. He
was also connected with railroad interests for awhile, working at grading
on the old Iowa Northern Central Railroad. Afterward he formed a partner-
ship with his brother-in-law, T. F. McCarty, and did contract railroad grading.
He next purchased ninety-.six acres of land in Dutch Creek township, this
county, and as he pro.'^pered in his undertakings and his financial resources
increased he added to the property until he had three hunilred and seventh -
four acres, \vhicli he continuously cultivated and improved until the fall of
1892, when he was elected a clerk of the district court, and removed to
Washington for four years. He faithfully performed the duties of that posi-
tion and then returned to the farm, where he remained for ten years. For the
past two years, however, he has again resided in Washington, owning and
occupying a good home at No, 733 South Iowa avenue.
On the 20th of October, 1869, Mr. Boyer was married to Miss Eliza J.
Harris, a daughter of Robert J. and Minerva J. (Henderson) Harris. Mrs.
Boyer was born in Wapello county, Iowa, near }*Iiddletown. Her paternal
grandfather, Moses Harris, was a native of Virginia and married Miss
Susanna Johnston, who died when past middle life. Their children were :
Robert : James ; Rebecca, who became the wife of William Abraham ; Nancy,
the wife of J. L. Henderson ; John B. ; Henderson ; Electa Ann, the wife of
Oliver E. Reed : and William. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Boyer
was Thomas Henderson, a native of Ohio, who came to Iowa in 1843 and
in 1853 went to California in search of gold, his death occurring in that state
in 1884, when he was well advanced in years. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
Hender.son, was born December 3. 1807, and died in 1886. They were mar-
ried May 10, 1825, and reared a large family. Their children were Caro-
line, the wife of James CoKvell ; Mrs. Minerva Harris; Merilla, the wife of
William C. Johnston ; George S. ; Rachel A., the wife of H. C. Gillingham ;
Priscilla E., the wife of O. J. Lundy ; John Manly; .-Mmira L., the wife of
A. C. Rutledge ; lames K. Polk; and David W.
H1ST()R^• ()|- W ASlllXCTOX C{)l■.\■T^■ 233
As previously stated, the parents of Mrs. Boyer were Robert Johnson and
Minerva J. (Henderson) Harris. They were natives of Ohio and became
early settlers in Iowa, taking up their abode in Middletown in 1847. They
died, however, of cholera, in 1850. Mrs. Boyer, their only child, was reared
by her grandfather, Moses Harris, and his daughter Rebecca. She attended
the public and select schools and the academy in Washington, and prior to
her marriage engaged in teaching school for three terms. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Boyer have been born eight children : Walter S., who married Abbie
English, is a farmer of Franklin township and is now serving as township
assessor. Howard C, a practicing physician of New Albin, Iowa, married
Alice I. Fulton and has one son, William Monroe. Emma R. is the wife of
R. S. Warfel, of Washington, and they have one son, David Walker. Frank
P. died at the age of seven and one-half years. Harry L. is at home. Mary
P". is the wife of F. V. Kerr and they live at Caldwell, Kansas. William G.
died at the age of nine years, and Ray C was graduated frmn Washington
Academy in 1909.
Mr. Boyer is still engaged in farming and stock-raising, handling both
horses and cattle, but making a specialty of the latter. He is regarded as an
excellent judge of stock and thus makes judicious purchases and profitable
sales. He also writes insurance and was the promoter and has been presi-
dent of the West Chester Savings Bank since its organization, and he is like-
wise a director of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Washington, and for
ten years has been treasurer of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. His
business interests are thus extensive and varied, bringing him a substantial
revenue, for his investments are carefully made and his affairs are wiselv con-
ducted. In all matters of citizenship, too, Mr. Boyer is intensely interested
and his influence is ever on the side of progress, justice and improvement.
He is a stalwart republican, actively interested in his party's success, but
has never been an aspirant for ofhce. The cause of education finds in him a
stalwart champion and for many years he served as school director. He
belongs to I. G. ^^'hite Post, No. 108, G. A. R., of which he is a past com-
mander, and his wife is a member of the Second United Presbyterian church.
For more than a half century he has lived in Washington county and has
witnessed its growth and development, participating actively in its transforma-
tion and at all times rejoicing in what has been accomplished. He is a man
of genuine personal worth whose good qualities make him popular with his
man\- friends.
REV. ULYSSES SIMPSON SMITH.
Rev. Ulysses Simpson Smith, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal
church at Washington, was born in Davis county, Iowa, February 2, 1869.
The family of which he is a representative was established in New England
at an early day. His grandfather, Jonathan Smith, was a native of New
Hampshire and in early life removed to Maine, where he was married. Sub-
234 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
sequently he became a resident of Pennsylvania, afterward went to West
Virginia' and about 1864 came to Iowa, settling in Davis county, where his
life's labors were ended in death in 1866, when he had reached the age of
seventy-three years. His widow, Mrs. Eliza Smith, survived him for some
months.
They were the parents of thirteen children including Samuel Smith, who
was born in Pennsylvania and was reared in West Virginia, having been
taken by his parents to that state in his boyhood days. He was nineteen
years of age when he enlisted as a member of Company D, Sixth Virginia
Volunteer Infantry, serving as a private for four years. After the war he
came to Iowa in 1865, locating in Davis countv, where he purchased a farm.
Following his father's death he bought the interest of the other heirs in the
old homestead of two hundred and forty acres and upon that place reared his
family. In 1882 he went to Oregon but after a period of five years spent
on the coast returned and again resumed farming here. In 1902, however,
he disposed of his property in Davis county and removed to Lane county,
Oregon, where both he and his wife are now living. They, too, are member?
of the Methodist church and are worthy Christian people, interested in the
growth and promotion of the denomination. The mother of the Rev. Smith
bore the maiden name of Mary K. Smith and was a native of Kentucky. Her
parents were James W. and Margaret (Orr) Smith, who came to Iowa in
1859. Her father, a native of Kentucky, died in 1885 at the age of sixty-
five years, but the mother is now living in Bloomfield, Iowa. Their daughter,
Mrs. Mary K. Smith, was one of a family of eight children and by her mar-
riage has become the mother of fourteen children, ten sons and four daugh-
ters: Charles W. ; Ulysses S. ; James W. ; Jonathan A., who died at the age
of three years ; Daisy M., the wife of Arthur G. Pirtle ; Robert A. ; Frances
J., the wife of Thomas Small; Martha, the wife of Rufus Hopkins; Samuel
W. ; Retta : Paul ; Leon and Loren, twins : and George, who died at the age
of eighteen months.
In the county of his nativity the Rev. U. S. Smith spent the first thirteen
years of his life and after attending the district schools was for two years a
student in the Southern Iowa Normal. Later he attended the Wesleyan
University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, from which he was graduated in the
year 1900. Having qualified for the ministry he began preaching in 1892,
joining the Iowa conference, after which he was assigned to the pastorate
of the church of his denomination at Montrose, Iowa. Later he labored
successively at Batavia, West Burlington, Eddyville, Pulaski, What Cheer,
Montezuma and then came to Washington in the fall of 1907. The church
here has a membership of nine hundred and fifty and Rev. Smith is a pro-
gressive minister of wide study and strong intellectuality who is leaving his
impress upon the various lines of church work through his enthusiastic,
zealous and consecrated devotion to the cause.
On the 17th of August, T892, occurred the marriage of the Rev. Mr.
Smith and Miss Eva M. Patterson who was bom in Davis county, Iowa,
November 2, 1871, and is a daughter of Zachary and Miranda (McKee)
Patterson, the former a native of Lee county, Iowa, and the latter of De-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 235
catiir county, Indiana. They are now residing near Bloomfield in Davis
county, Iowa, where Mr. Patterson follows the occupation of farming. He
was a son of Jehu and Frances (Taylor) Patterson, while his wife is a
daugliter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wallace) McKee. Mrs. Patterson was a
cousin of General Lew Wallace and a descendant of David Wallace, who
came to this country from Scotland, which was also the early home of the
McKee family. Mrs. Smith's paternal grandfather was from Tennessee,
while the Taylor family to which his wife belonged, was from Virginia. The
maternal grandfather was born in Ripley county, Indiana, and the grand-
mother in Miami county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson had four sons and
one daughter : Eva M., now Mrs. Smith ; Lewis T. ; Hugh H. ; Ernest H. ;
and Roy D. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children : Hazel,
born October ii, 1900; and Pauline, born November 8, 1907.
Mrs. Smith is of much assistance to her husband in the church work and
both are bending every energy for the upbuilding of the cause and the exten-
sion of Christian influences in the communit)-. Of studious habits he reads
widely and thinks broadly, recognizes the influences which are bearing upon
the world's work and strives untiringly to make Christianity the foremost
factor in civilization and progress.
C. F. SHAFFER.
C. F. Shaffer, the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty
acres in Lime Creek township, largely devotes his attention to the raising
and breeding of registered shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He was
born in Ohio on the 19th of February, 1867, his parents being Nicholas and
Minnie (Weiss) Shaffer, natives of New York city and Ohio respectively.
The year 1877 witnessed the arrival of the family in Lime Creek township.
Washington county. The father purchased several farms and became an
extensive landowner, at one time having more than five hundred acres.
During the Civil war he loyally fought for the interests of the Union as a
member of Company E, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, returning home
with a most creditable military record. He continued a resident of this
county until the time of his demise in September, 1891, having long been
numbered among the most prosperous, representative and respected citizens
of his community. His wife, who still survives, now makes her home in
Wellman, Iowa. Unto this worthy couple were born three children, namely;
J. P., who is engaged in the real estate business in Des Moines, Iowa; Allie,
the wife of M. C. Struble, who is the cashier of the Security Savings Bank
at Wellman, Iowa; and C. F., of this review.
The last named supplemented his primary education by a high school
course and subsequently took a course in a commercial college, thus being
well equipped by thorough mental training for the practical and responsible
duties of life. He remained under the parental roof until the lime of his
marriage, at the age of twenty-three years, and then purchased the old home-
23(; HISTORY oi' ^^^\SI iix(rr( ix corxTV
stead place of two hundred and eighty acres in Lime Creek tuwnsliip — one
of the most attractive and highly improved farms in the entire township.
His time and energies are now largely devoted to the raising and breeding
of registered shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, which he sells and
ships all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. A year ago he fed
two carloads of fat steers which were shipped to England and is widely
recognized as one of the most prominent and successful agriculturists and
stockmen of the county.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Shaffer chose Mis;
Katie Scheib, whose birth occurred in Washington county. Iowa, in June,
187 1, her parents being Charles and Mary Scheib, both of whom are now
deceased. Mrs. Shaffer was one of a family of eight children and by her
marriage has become the mother of two daughters, Clementine and Helen.
who are attending school in Iowa City.
Mr. Shaffer gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the
republican party but has no aspiration for the honors nor emoluments of
office. Fraternallv he is identified with the Knights of Pythias lodge at
Wellman, being a worthy exemplar of the craft. Tireless energy, keen per-
ception, honesty of purpose, a genius for devising the right thing at the
right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless will
power, are the chief characteristics of the man. He has a wide acquaintance
throughout the county in which he has now made his home for almost a
third of a century and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.
FRANK G. M.A.RTIXT.
The record of Frank G. Martin constitutes an important chapter in the
commercial history of Washington county. He is numbered among her en-
terprising merchants, conducting a successful business which, in its substan-
tial growth, indicates the spirit of enterprise without which no substantial
success is ever secured. Gradually he has worked his way upward and is
now in control of a large trade. He was born in Madison county, Ohio, July
9, 1849, ^ son of James W. and Mary A. (Gardner) Martin. The father
was a native of West Virginia, while the uKither's birth occurred in Ohio,
but both are now deceased, having spent their last days in Peoria, Illinois.
They were the parents of si.x children : L. B., who is now a resident of
Peoria ; E. C, living in Tacoma, Washington : Frank G., of this review ; W.
C. also of Peoria ; and J. W. and J. V., both of whom have passed away.
Frank G. Martin remained in his father's home through the period of
his boyhood and youth and on attaining his majority he started out in life
on his own account, securing a clerkship in the store of Frank Field & Com-
pany, of Peoria, Illinois, where he remained for eight years. He was am-
bitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and carefully
saving his earnings he was at length enabled to enter upon an independent
venture. He turned his attention to the wholesale leather trade, in which he-
H 1 ST( )RY ( ) !•■ WAS 1 1 1 XCTOX C( )L■XT^■ 237
continued for six years, and in i886 he came to Washington county, Iowa,
where he established a general mercantile business. His labors have since
been directed in that line of trade and he is now proprietor of a good store
in Lexington. He carries a well selected line of goods such as meets the
varied requirements of the public, and his straightforward dealing, his
earnest desire to please his patrons and his progressive business methods
have secured to him a constantly growing trade.
In i888 Mr. Martin was uniterl in marriage to Miss Cora M. Dicken, a
native of this county and a daughter of A. B. and Esther W. (Ashby) Dicken.
Her father was born in IJedford county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1823, and
went to Ohio with his parents in his childhood days. In 1841 he arrived
in Iowa, settling in Washington county. Here he entered land in Oregon
township and at once began its improvement and development, continuing
his residence here up to the time of his death. He was a carpenter by trade
and followed that pursuit until his removal to this place. He also engaged in
teaching school for several years, but after criming to Iowa gave his atten-
tion in large measure to general agricultural pursuits. His political support
was given to the republican partv and in all matters of citizenship he was
progressive, cooperating in various measures that were of benefit to the
jiublic.
( )n the 26th of December, 1851. Mr. Dicken was united in marriage to
Miss Esther W. Ashby, who was born in West Virginia, April 12, 1820,
and was a daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Wilson) Ashby, who were
natives of Maryland and came to Washington county, Iowa, in 1839, traveling
westward with teams and covered wagons. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dicken were
born four children : Julie E., who is the widow of M. C. Cavenden and is now
living at home with her mother; Milton E., a resident of Washington;
Priscilla A., who is the widow of J. I. Junkin and has one son, Ralph M.,
who is married and resides in Washington; and Cora M., now the wife of
F. G. Martin. The death of Mr. Dicken occurred March 16, 1887, when he
was sixty-two years of age, and he was hud to rest in the city cemetery. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and took a ver\- active and
helpful interest in its work, doing all in his power to promote its growth
and extend its influence. .\s the years have passed he prospered in his un-
dertakings and at his death owned three hundred and si.xty acres of land
in this count\-, three hundred and twenty acres near Hastings, Nebraska, and
four hundred and eighty acres in liarbara county, Kansas. For a year he
resided on his Kansas property and engaged in raising cattle. He built a resi-
dence in W'ashington which is now occupied b}' his widow and which was
erected in 1853.
Unto Mr. and .Mrs. Martin have been born two daughters, Mary E.,
at home, and Lura C. who is now attending high school in Washington.
The parents attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Martin gives his political allegiance to the republican party, for he deems
its principles most conducive to good government. He and his family occupy
a i^rominent position in the social circles in which they move and the hospital-
it\- of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Martin
238 HISTORY OF W AS! 1 IXliToX LOLXTY
is recognized as one of the leading business men of the city in which he
resides and as the years have gone by he has prospered, becoming the owner
of two business blocks in Lexington, in addition to his mercantile interests.
He is a man of resolute purpose, accomplishing whatever he undertakes and
allowing no obstacles to brook his path if they can he overcome by persistent
and earnest effort. His name is recognized as a synonym lor business
integrity for in all of his dealings he is thoroughly reliable, valuing his own
self-respect and the merited regard of his fellowmen as infinitely preferable
to wealth, fame or position.
ISAAC JONES.
Many important chapters of American history have been written since
Isaac Jones started upon the journey of life. He has been an interested
witness of public events through many decades, for his birth occurred in
Trumbull county, Ohio, November i, 1823. His parents were William and
Margaret (Weatherspoon) Jones, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl-
vania and, removing from that state, cast in their lot with the pioneer resi-
dents of Ohio and aided in reclaiming what was then a wild western region
for the purposes of civilization and development. They located in Trumbull
county where they spent the remainder of their lives and reared their
family of eight children. Of this number, however, Isaac Jones is the
only one now living.
In retrospect Isaac Jones goes back to the time not only when Iowa was
a frontier stqte but when Ohio was largely considered the boundary of
western civilization, for through the period of his youth in Trumbull county,
Ohio, the forests were largely uncut and many of the homes were log cabins.
He lived to see many changes there and in the fall of 1854 he came to low^a
to become closely associated with the agricultural development of this part
of the state. He first located in Keokuk county where he rented land, con-
tinuing its cultivation until 1863, when he removed to Washington county and
invested the capital that he had saved from his earnings in forty acres of
land. With characteristic energy he took up the task of developing it and
made his home thereon until 1870 when he sold that property and invested
in his present farm, becoming the owner of one hundred and two acres of
good land on which he has since made many iiuprovements. Indolence and
idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature but on the contrary
his has been a busy, useful life, bringing good results in the attainment of a
comfortable competence.
On the 9th of March, 1848, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Elizabeth
Bomer, who was born in England and came to America with her parents
when hut twelve years of age. She was one of a family of six children and
by her marriage she became the mother of eight children : Minerva, now
decea.sed; Newton, living in Oklahoma: Martin, at home; Louis, a resident
of this county; Jane, the wife of Fin Rirchfield, a resident of Dallas county.
ISAAC JONES
THE NEW YORK
iUBLIC LIBRARY!
APTOR, LENOX
•IlLDliN FOUNDATION ]
IIISTURV L)\- W ASIIIXGTUX LOLWTV 241
Iowa ; Franklin, at home ; Alice, deceased ; and Etta, who is now in Ohio.
The wife and mother passed away in 1896, and was laid to rest in th€ Bunker
Hill cemetery. She not only left a husband and six children to mourn her
loss, but also many friends who entertained for her high regard and warm
friendship. She was possessed oi many oood traits of character and her
salient (jualities of heart and mind endeared her to those who knew her.
Mr. Jones has always given his political allegiance to the republican party
since its organization, but has never been an office seeker. He has lived
the quiet and uneventful life of the farm and in this calling his worth has
become known for through his own labor he has wrought out his success.
Now at the venerable age of eighty-five years he can look back over the past
without regret for he has made good use of his time and talents and has
treated all men in a fair, just and honorable manner.
CASEY BROTHERS.
M. T. & J. W. Casey constitute a popular and successful livery firm of
Washington. They were born in this city, the former on the i8th of July,
1868. and the latter on the 28th. of June, 1870. They were sons of James
and Delia (Burk) Casey, both of whom were 'natives of Ireland, the
former born in County Tipperary and^ the latter 'in County Mayo. They
came to the L'nited States in childhood days, James Casey going to Ohio
where he joined an uncle, with whom he remained for a short time. Mrs.
James Casey, having read of the greatness of the new world and attracted by
the opportunities wliich were here offered, and in order to see for herself this
wonderful country, made her way to the home of a relative in Boston, Mas-
sachusetts, where she remained for a brief period. She then came to Wash-
ington, Iowa, to live with an aunt, with whum she remained until she had
reached womanhood. After a brief time spent in Ohio Jaiues Casey came to
Iowa and as a stage driver made his start on his regular trips from the loca-
tion now occupied by the livery barn which is conducted by his sons. The
stage Inisiness was then owned and operated by the Western Stage Com-
pany. James Casey continued in active business until after the outbreak
of the Civil war when he enlisted and served throughout the period of hos-
tilities, becoming a member of Company K, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer In-
fantry, during which period he was color bearer of his regiment. Two of
his brothers enlisted at the same time and they were in the battle of Shiloh,
his brother Patrick being killed in that engagement. James Casey served
throughout the entire war and was with Sherman on the march to the sea.
while his brother Martin was killed at the battle of Vicksburg. After the
restoration of peace James Casey returned to Washington where he learned
the stone-mason's trade and later he became one of the leading stone-mason
contractors of the city. In later years he was connected with various busi-
ness enterprises, many of which profited largely by his keen discernment and
undaunted perseverance. In 1894 the Casey brothers with their father
242 HIST(JKY ()]• \V.\SIll.\(7roX COUNTY
bought out the livery liiisiness of James Stevenson and up to the father's
death, which occurred on the i8th of April, 1891, the business was con-
ducted as Casejs' Livery. Since that time the style of the firm has been
Casey Brothers and through reliable dealing they have built up the largest
livery business in Washington county. They are both genial gentlemen,
accommodating, courteous and reliable and these qualities have done much
for the establishment of their trade. Their mother survived her husband
for some time, passing away October 15, 1907, at the age of sixty-two
years. James Casey was also of the same age when he was called to his
final rest and both were members of the Catholic church. The only daughter
of the family, Mary, became the wife of H. L. Whittaker, a farmer of Jack-
son township, and they have five children: Martin, Irene, Marguerite
Mabel and Henrietta.
Their sons were reared in this city, pursued their educatious in the
Catholic school and have always remained here. M. T. Casey was married
April 23, 1900, to Miss Bessie Singmaster, of Washington, Iowa, and unto
them have been born three children : Ernest, Bernetta and Bernard. T. W.
Casey was married on the 13th of July, 1904, to Miss Margaret Sampson, of
Washington, Iowa, and their two children are Francis and Lucy.
The Ca.sey brothers are .stanch advocates of the (leinucratic partv and
are members of the Catholic church, while M. T. Casey is connected with
the Knights of Columbus. They have a wide and valuable acquaintance
in Washington, where they have always lived, and in the capable conduct of
their bu<;iness they have found that success is ambition's answer.
ALBERT PIMME.
Albert Pimme is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of two
hundred acres in Seventy-Six township. He has lived a life of well directed
activity and his thrift and enterprise have found expression in the success
which has crowned his efforts making him one of the substantial tanners of
the community. He is, moreover, one of the respected citizens who in the
evening of life receives the esteem and regard which sin mid ever be ac-
corded to one who passes the Psalmist's allotted span of three score vears
and ten. Mr. Pimme was born in Prussia, August 17, 1830, and his parents,
J. H. and .Adaline Pimme were al.so natives of that country. They resided
there until 1854 and then sought a home in the western world, settling in
Keokuk county, Iowa. They were among the early residents of that district
and Mr. Pimme entered land from the government and began the develop-
ment of a new farm, performing all of the arduous labor incident to con-
verting wild prairie into rich and productive fields. Both he and his wife
spent their remaining days upon that place, his death occurring in 1889,
while his wife died in 1891. They were the parents of five children, of whom
four are yet living: .Albert, of this review: Mary, the wife of Louts Jones,,
a resident of Washinytim countv : and Lucv and F.lizaheth, li<ith at home.
lllS•^()R^• Ml' wAsiiixi.Ti )\ t'(ir.\T\' 243
Albert Pimme was reared on tlie old home farm in the land of his nativity
and from his youth was associated with his father in his farming enterprises
until his twenty-ninth year, lie accompanied his parents on the emigration
to the new world in his twenty-fourth year and settled with them in Iowa,
where he remained until about 1859, when he went to California, in that
state he was engaged in mining and farming for seven years, but thinking
the advantages of the middle west were superior to those offered on the
coast he returned to Iowa in 1867. Settling in Keokuk county he engaged
in farming on the old homestead until 1893, in the meantime acquiring the
title to the property. In the year mentioned, however, he sold that place and
purcliased his ])resent farm of two hundred acres in Seventy-Six township,
Washington county. With characteristic energy he began its further devel-
opment and now has a well improved farm equipped with all the accessories
and conveniences of a model farm property of the twentieth century. He
has always made a specialty of raising stock, feeding all of his grain, and his
shipments are extensive and his sales profitable.
In the year 1869 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pimme and Miss
Regina Haumert, of Keokuk county, Iowa, who was born in Pennsylvania
in 1841 and was a daughter of John and Magdalena Baumert, who came to
Iowa at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pimme were born nine children:
Andrew, living in this county ; Mary, at home ; Emma, deceased : Lucy,
Albert and Elizabeth, who are yet under the parental roof ; and three who
died in infancy. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church
and their Christian faith is the motive spirit which guides their lives. Their
home is a hospitable one, always open for the reception of their friends, who
are many. In his political views Mr. Pimme is a republican, fearless in
support of the party, and in fact his position on any vital question is never
an equivocal one. He has served as school director, and as supervisor for
several years and his public duties have ever been discharged in a most prompt
and creditable manner.
JOHX WHITE LOGUE.
Honorable and gratifying success has crowned the efforts and rewarded
the industry of John White Logue, now well known as a retired farmer and
respected citizen of Washington. All who know him — and he has a wide
acquaintance — speak of him in terms of high regard. A native of Pennsyl-
vania, he was born in Montgomery county, March 20, 1836, a son of John
and Susannah ( Davis ) Logue. The father was a son of James Logue who
came from Ireland to the new world and spent his last days in Norristown,
Pennsylvania, his grave being made at Skippack Hills. Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania. He was married twice and his family included four sons
and three daughters. The maternal grandfather of John W. Logue was a
resident of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation
of farming. Roth he and his wife died there after rearing a large family.
244 HISTORY OF \\ ASIIIXCIOX COLXTV
John Logiie, father of John White L<j,i;ue, came from Ireland to the
new world at the age of eight years and in early life engaged in draying in
Philadelphia. He was married in the east to Miss Susannah Davis, a native
of Pennsylvania, and subsequently they removed to Carroll countv, Illinois,
where they lived for ten years. Arriving in Washington county, Iowa, in
1867 the father purchased a farm near Lexington and devoted his time and
energies to the cultivation and improvement of that place until his life's
labors were ended in death when he was sevent\-three vears of age. His
wife survived him and died four or five years later at the age of seventy.
They were both consistent Christian people, holding membership in the
Lutheran church. While the family numbered seven sons and a daughter
only two are now living, the younger being Xathaniel L., of Morrison.
Illinois.
John W. Logue was reared near Xorristown, Pennsylvania, and is in-
debted to the district and public schools for the educational privileges he
enjoyed. He spent his youth in the usual manner of farm lads of the period,
working in the fields to the age of eighteen years when he began learning
the carpenter's trade. He resided in Illinois from 1855 "'H'' 1865 and in the
latter year came to Washington county where he purchased eighty acres
lying in Washington township. To that tract he added from tmie to time
until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres in the township and the
place is one of the well developed farms of the community, the fields having
been brought under a high state of cultivation owing to the continuous care
and labor Mr. Logue bestowed upon them. In addition to his Iowa property
he owns a quarter section near Minot, Ford county. North Dakota. He lived
upon his farm in this county for forty-four years and in igoo removed to
Washington, owning and occupying a beautiful home at No. 1038 North
Second avenue. He had also erected substantial buildings on his farm in-
cluding an attractive residence and ample barns and sheds for the shelter of
grain and stock. In fact all of the equipments of his place were in keeping
with the modern spirit of progressive agriculture.
On the 3d of February. 1865. in Illinois, Mr. Logue was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah Araminta Austin, who was born in Sharpsburg. Mary-
land, in 1838 and was one of the seven children of Joseph and Ann (Nourse)
Austin. The former was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth .\ustin, natives
of Delaware and the latter was a daughter of Dowdel and Sarah Xourse.
her father being a native of Kentucky and the owner of a large plantation
there. Joseph .-Vustin was born in Maryland and his wife in West Mrginia.
They were the parents of two sons and five daughters but only two are now
living, the younger being Mrs. Susan Rinedollar, the wife of Dr. Rinedollar.
of Mount Carroll, Illinois. The elder is Mrs. Logue who by her marriage
has become the mother of seven children: Charles, who married Emma
Crumb and has four children, Bernice, Flavins, Wayne and Zelta, follows
farming near Fsterville. Iowa, where he owns a half section of land. Maude
is the wife of Eugene Snyder, a resident of Seattle, Washington, and thev
have two children. Earl and Donald. Frank is a resident of San Francisco.
Mary is the wife of Harvey Wilson, a farmer of Highland township, this
IllSluRN' Ol' W ASIII\(.ri )\ CorX'I'N 245
couiitN, and they have three children, Ressa, Glenn and Donald. George
(lied in Xnrth Dakota in 1906. Louella is at home. Ida is the wife of John
Burgland, of Echo, Minnesota. Mrs. Logue holds membership in the Bap-
tist churcli and is a lady of attractive social qualities. Mr. Logue gives his
political allegiance to the republican party and has held some local offices,
serving as supervisor, school director and overseer of the poor, being the
incunibcnt in the last named at the present time. His residence in this county
covers a period of forty-four years and he has, therefore, witnessed much
of its growth and development. Throughout the greater part of this period
he has been an active factor in the agricultural progress of the county and
that his labors have been practical, enterprising and progressive, is manifest
in the handsome competence which he is now enjoying.
JOSEPH REINER.
loseph Reiner, who since 1901 has lived retired in Washington, was
formerly for many years actively identified with the agricultural interests
of this county. He was born in Austria, October 3, 1842, his parents being
Joseph A. and Anna M. (Arker) Reiner, who were also natives of that
country. Crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 185 1, they pur-
chased land in Washington county, Iowa, and here continued to reside until
called to their final rest, the father passing away January 5, 1878, while the
mother's death occurred in 1865. Joseph A. Reiner improved his farm and
became widely recognized as a substantial, enterprising and progressive citi-
zen of the community. His family numbered nine children, of whom the
subject of this review is the only survivor.
Joseph Reiner acquired a good practical education in the common schools
and remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he
enlisted for service in the L'nion army as a member of Company K. Thir-
tieth Iowa Infantry. He participated in the engagements at Haines Bluflf,
.\rkansas Post, Black River and Vicksburg and started on the march to the
sea with Sherman. At Cherokee, Alabama, he was wounded in the thigh
r.nd then taken to the hospital at Memphis, where he remained for two
months, when he was transferred to the St. Louis Marine Hospital, there
continuing for nine months. Subsequently he was placed in the Veteran
Reserve Corps and was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, in
1865, returning to Washington county with a most creditable and commend-
able record as a soldier. On once more taking up the pursuits of civil life
he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for two years, on the
expiration of which period he purchased forty acres in English River town-
ship, \\'ashington county, where he lived for fifteen years. After disposing
of that ])roperty he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jack-
son township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was success-
fully engaged for twenty years. His holdings now comprise two hundred
and fifty-five acres of rich and productive land in Jackson township but
2-46 HISTpR^■ Ol' W \slll.\(.T().\ COL'X'I'V
since lyoi he has Hved retired in hi.s handsome residence in \\ a-^hington,
Iowa, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease, surrounded
by all the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth
the living.
( )n the 2ist of April, 1867, Mr. Reiner was joined in wedlock t(i -Miss
Mary Ann Matron, whose birth occurred in Ohio, May 10, 1847, her parents
being John and Emeline (Creeber) Matron, the former a native of Germany
but of French descent. John Matron went to Ohio in 1842 and in 1857 took
up his abode in Tama county. Iowa, where he made his home until he passed
away on the 20th of Januar\ , 1881. His wife, surviving him for a number
of years, was called to her final rest on the 24th of February, 1888. Unto
this worthy couple were born twelve ciiildren, seven of whom still survive
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reiner have been born eleven children, namely:
Elizabeth, whose birth occurred June 6, 1868, and who is now the wife of
Joseph Casper, of Jackson township ; Rachel A., who was born August 29,
1869, and died July 22, 1870; Charles V., born January 6, 1871, who passed
away May 13, 1871 ; Joseph S., born October 5, 1872. who is now a resident
of Jackson township ; Rosilla, whose natal day was August 30, 1874, and
who is now the wife of Dennis Brennan, of Johnson county, Iowa : .Anton
and Antoinette, twins, who were born August 19, 1876, and are both mar-
ried, the latter being the wife of William Conning of Washington county ;
John A., born August 16, 1880, who is now living in Canada; Margaret C,
born (Jctober 18, 1883, who has completed courses in both vocal and instru-
mental music and is at home ; Bertha A., whose birth occurred June 29, 1885,
and who is now the wife of Hugh Dugle, of Washington: and .Anna M.,
born January 7, 1890, who is a graduate of the Washington Academy and
is at home.
Politically .Mr. Reiner is an unfaltering repuljlican and has served his
fellow townsmen in the position of supervisor, while for seventeen vears he
was a member of the school board, ever discharging his official duties in a
prompt and capable manner. Both he and his wife are faithful communi-
cants of the Catholic churcli and have the warm regard and esteem of many
friends throughout the conununity. Having been a resident of Washington
county for fifty-eight years, he is largely familiar with its annals from pio-
neer times down to the present and that his career has c\er been an upright
and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his \outli
are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.
HOX. SAML'EL M. McCLEERY.
Hon. Sanniel M. McCleery, whose position in the public regard is indicated
by the fact that he is now representing his district in the Iowa assembly,
is also well known as an enterprising and successful business man. being
extensively engaged in dealing in live stock. His entire life has been passed
in the middle west, his birth having occurred in .Sandwich. De Kalb county.
IIISTmRV ()!•■ WASIIIXCTOX c'orXTN' 247
Illinois, September 26, 1852. lie is of Scutch lineage, his grandfather being
John McCleery, a native of the land of hills and heather. Coming to America
he became one of the early settlers of Wayne county, Ohio, where for many
years he devoted his life to general farming and then passed away when
more than eighty years of age. I lis wife was upwards of sixty years of age at
the time of her demise.
Ihey had a family of nine children including Edward iVIcCleery, who
was born in Ohio and also made general farming his life work. He became
an early settler of De Kalb county, Illinois, and was associated with its
agricultural development for a long period, or until 1882, when he came to
Iowa. He wedded Miss Jane Bell, also a native of Ohio as were her parents,
both of whom died when well advanced in years. The death of Edward
McCleery occurred in 1896 when he was seventy-seven years of age, and his
wife passed away four months later at the age of sixty-five years. He was
a member of the Seceder church, while his wife held membership in the
United Brethren church. Their family numbered seven children, of whom
four are Odw living: Ella, the widow of Charles W'ickes, of San I'rancisco,
California; Mary, the wife of James Walker, also of that city; Sanuicl M. :
and Robert, of Cherokee, Iowa.
Samuel M. McCleery was reared on the home farm in De Kalb county,
working in the fields through the summer months, while throughout the
school years he mastered the branches of learning taught in the district
schools. Later he attended McCorkle College of Wayne county, Ohio,
and thus by a liberal education was well qualified for life's practical and
responsible duties. He remained at home until he attained his majority and
then started out in business life on his own account, working by the month
as a farm hand Anxious to engage in farming for his own benefit, he then
rented land and continued to operate property belonging to others until his
linancial resources, resulting from careful expenditure and untiring industry,
enabled him to purchase land. He came to Iowa in the winter of 1864-5
and has lived in this county continuously since, making his home in the city
of Washington during the past twelve years. Here he largely gives his
attention to dealing in live stock and the sound judgment and keen dis-
crimination which he displays have made him very successful in this under-
taking. He owns land both in this county and in Rooks county, Kansas.
( )n the 13th of December, 1878, Mr. McCleery was joined in wedlock
to Miss Mar\- E Lincoln, a native of De Kalb county, Illinois, and a daughter
of Charles and Mary Lincoln. They have one son, Howard L., who mar-
ried Blanche Nicola, and is a farmer of this county. Mr. McCleery is a
valued representative of Masonry, belonging to Washington Lodge, No.
26, !■■. iS: .\. Al.; and Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M. His wife is a member of
the Cnited Presbyterian church In his political views Mr. McCleery is a
stalwart re])ublican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the partly for he believes
that the salient elements in its platform are best calculated to conserve the
interests of good government. He was a member of the board of super-
visors for four years, was chairman of the board, and his capable services in
that connection led to his selection for higher honors and in i8q8 he was
248 HISTORY UV WAS! 1 1 X(iT( ).V COUxXTY
chosen by popular suffrage as the representative of his district in the general
assembly. Such is the life history of one who is widely and favorably
known in Washington county and throughout this part of the state. He
certainly deserves much credit for what he has achieved in that he started
out in life empty-handed and has been dependent entirely upon his own
resources. His ability and energy, however, have carried him into important
business relations, making him one of the prosperous residents of the county,
while his substantial qualities of manhood class him with its representative
citizens.
CHARLES ALFRED BROOK.
■4
Charles Alfred Brook is the owner of a fine farm em,bracing three hun-
dred and thirteen acres of land in Washington township, this county, upon
which through his industry many improvements have been made. He has
placed the entire tract under cultivation, producing general crops and also
engaging in stock-raising, particularly in beef cattle, many head of which
he ships annually to markets. He is a native of Henderson county, Illinois,
born May 8, 1875. There his grandfather came from Muskingum county,
Ohio, settled in 1833. and pursued a life of husbandry on an immense farm
containing thirty-three hundred acres. His father, J. W. Brook, was born
in Henderson county, Illinois, August 29, 1843, and was graduated at Mon-
mouth College. During the Civil war, he served as a member of the One
Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry, and at the close of
that struggle took up farming, which he has made his life work. On the
2ist of February, 1867, he was married in Berwick. W^arren county. Illinois,
where he still lives, to Miss Mary C. Pierce, who was born at Ottumwa,
Iowa, June 21, 1845, and died July 16, 1881, her remains being interred near
Olena, Illinois. Unto them were born five children, namely : Ella, who was
born December 16, 1867, and is now the wife of John N. Brush, of Lawrence,
Kansas ; William M., born February 11, 1870, a gold miner at Seattle, Wash-
ington ; Andrew R., who was born October 2, 1872, and died April 15, 1905 ;
Charles Alfred; and Iva M., who was born June 21, 1877, and died July 14,
1896.
To the district schools Charles Alfred Brook is indebted for his pre-
liminary education, and after completing a four years' course of study in
the Western Normal College he began the pursuit of agriculture on a farm
in Warren county, Illinois, following the occupation there for ten years.
In 1906 he came to this county, where he purchased three hundred and thir-
teen acres of land, and here he has since devoted his attention to general
farming, making a specialty of feeding beef cattle and breeding fancy hogs.
He does an extensive stock business, buying and feeding many head which he
ships to the markets of this and other states.
MK AM) MRS C. A. I'.KOOK
THE NBW TQRK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A.STOR, LENOX
-riLDEN FOiJNDA-rlON
IIIS'IOKN' < >l- W ASIIIXCTOX COrXTV 251
On ["(.bniary 6, 1896, Mr. Brook wedded Miss Grace Dunbar, who was
l)orn near I'.ushiiell. Illinois, August 27. 1873, and they have the following
children: Zelpha (i.. whuse birth occurred July 4, 1897; William C, who wn-i
born December 4, 1898 ; May, born bebruary 28, 1902 ; Paul D., born Febru-
ary 28, 1904; and flelen Grace, whose birth occurred October 24, 1908.
Mr. Brook has not seen his way clear to affiliate himself with any political
party. Init prefers to take an independent stand, since he deems the man run-
ning for office of more consequence than the party to which he belongs, and
he reserves the right to vote for those candidates whom in his judgment
are best qualified to serve the commonwealth as public officers. Local afifairs
command liis attention, and while a resident of Franklin township he served
efficiently as trustee. Being a public-spirited man he is always ready and
willing to further projects for the betterment of the community. He be-
longs to the Modern Woodmen of America, meeting in Washington, also to
the L'nited Presbyterian church, of which he has been a member since eleven
years of age. His conduct bemg in harmonx with the teachings of the Chris-
tian faith he has always been honest and straightforward in his business
transactions and is worthy of honorable mention as a representative man of
the district.
JOHN ECKHARDl'.
John Eckhardt. one of the prosperous young farmers of Washington
county, Iowa, was born in Iowa county, this state, February 25, 1874, the
son of Henry and Catherine (Zimler) Eckhardt. Both parents were natives
of Germany and came to the United States as young people, making their
way west to Ohio, where they were married. In the early "50s they came to
Iowa, settling first in Iowa county, at Muscatine, and later coming to
Washington county. They were among the early settlers, and had need of
all of the assistance which their hardy German characters could lend in
lueeting the trials and hardships of that formative period of the county.
Endurance, industry and frugality won the battle of life for them, and they
were able to transmit to the succeeding generation sterling qualities uf char-
acter born of difficult work well done.
John Eckhardt acquired the fundamental principles of moral growth and
character development under the wise guidance of his parents; and from
the common schools of the county he gleaned the kernels of his education.
When he was about twenty years old he left home to work on the farm owned
by Mrs. .\danis. Here he met the dau.ghter. Miss Ono Adams, whom daily
interciiurse seemed to make dearer and more necessar\- to him. He courted
her assiduously for the greater part of two years, and on the 24th of Feb-
ruary. i8<j(i, the two young people were united in wedlock. Xo children
have been born of this marriage. Following his assumption of the care of a
wife, .Mr. Eckhardt purchased the eight} acre farm upon which he has since
2'y2 IITSTORY OF \VAS1IIX( iT()\ LOLXTV
resided. This piece of land he has devoted ahiiost entirely to the stock busi-
ness, for fine cattle has ever been one of his greatest interests, and now has
established a name for himself as a breeder of fine Herford stock. The
farm belonging to his mother-in-law. which is associated with some of the
pleasantest memories of his past life, he also works, though as a renter. Here
again he displays his industry and his cunning as an agriculturist ; his fields
always present a most well cared for appearance : he is ever among the first
to put his crops in, and sudden unfavorable climatic changes seldom find
him unprepared.
Mr. Eckhardt is well known in this locality as one of the progressive
farmers of the younger generation. He spares no expense in bettering his
equipment, eithtr as a stockman (ir a farmer, or in introducing any new
methods whicli will more than repay the original outlay in the value and
quality of the returns. He is a man, too, who does not let his social nature
stagnate either by secluding himself from intercourse with his fellows or by
over-zealous devotion to the cares of life, for his fraternal brothers of the
local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America find in him a cheery com-
panion, who takes a healthy interest in all that concerns his fellows and
especially those bound together by a mutual tie of helpfulness. When called
upon to exercise his right of franchise, the republican candidate can count
upon his vote, for he loyally supports the platform of this party.
TA^^IES C. F. WFAD.
James C. F. W'ead, who has resided in Washington county continuously
since 1875, during which period he has always been connected with agricul-
tural pursuits, was born December 31, 1846, near Xenia, Greene county,
Ohio. His father, James S. Wead, was also a native of the same locality,
born on the 24th of July, 1819. He married Abigail Gowdy, who was born
near Xenia on the 31st of July 1822. and on the 17th of August. 1842, gave
her hand in marriage to James S. Wead, a farmer by occupation, who devoted
his entire life to the tilling of the soil. The ancestors of J. C. F. Wead were
Scotch-Irish. His grandfather on the maternal line served as a soldier of
the war of 1812. It was about the year 181( that his grandparents settled
in Greene county, Ohio, becoming pioneer residents of that portion of the
state, where they followed the occupation of farming, at the same time taking
an active and helpful part in the substantial development and material pro-
gress of the communitx .
James C. F. Wead. reared in the county of his nativity, acquired his
education there in the public schools, dividing his time between his studies
and the work of the home farm. Throughout the periods of vacation he
was busily employed in the fields and his well developed property shows
how thorough was his training in his youth. He continued a resident of
Ohio until the spring of 1874. when he came to Iowa, spending the summer
llls■|^.'K^ oi- w Asiii\(.T( »x (■()^■^"'^^' 253
of that year in Clarke and Warren counties. In tlie spring of 1875 ''^ ^'-'^"
tied in Washington county, where he has since made his home, and ihrough-
(lut the entire period has heen identified with general agricultural interests,-
owning a farm of one hundred acres on section 5, Washington township.
He has hronght his fields under a high state of cultivation and his well
developed jjroijerty is the visible evidence of his life of carefull\ <lirectcd
energy, enterprise and thrift.
In May, 1875, Mr. Wead was united in marriage in Washington. Iowa, to
.Miss Alice J. Smyth and they have one child, .Arthur 1'".. who w;is horn
(uly 8, 1876, and is now a representative, respected and honored resident
of the community. He has served as clerk of Washington townshi]) from
January i, 1900, imtil the present time, his long continuance in office plainly
indicating the confidence and trust reposed in him. On the 31st i>t .March,
1004, he married Miss Bessie L. Ritchey.
James C. F. Wead has also licen quite active and prominent in local
afifairs. He served as township trustee of Washington township from
March, 1890, until January I, 1902, and has been secretary of the school
board in this township from February, 1901, to the present time. He is
entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he was a soldier
of the Civil war, enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth
Ohio Infantry, with which he served from the 2d of May, 1864, until the 1st
of September following. He is now a member of the I. C White Post, No.
108, G. A. R., of the Department of Iowa, which he >oined in 1895. His
church associations are with the Presbyterian denomination and his life is
characterized b\" high anrl honorable principles, making him worthy the
regard, confidence and good will of his fellowmen.
E. DELONG.
J. E. Delong. who is now living retired in West Chester after a long
and busy career devoted to agricuUural pursuits, is one of the most highly
respected and esteemed citizens of the community. P.orn in Perry county,
Ohio. December 31, 1833, he is a son of David and Jane (Law I Delong.
His father, presumably a native, of Kentucky, brought his parents to Iowa
in the fall of 1841, locating in Cedar township, Washington county, where he
actively engaged in the pursuit of farming until death called him to his
eternal rest February 4, 1859. While living in Ohio he married Jane Law,
who was probably a native of that state and who passed awa\- in Washington
county, Iowa, in 1869. They were the parents of eleven children, namely:
James, David, John, Celia and Elizabeth, all of whom are deceased : Louisa,
the wife of William Waddle of Audubon county, Iowa; Severnis A., de-
ceased ; C. A., deceased : J. E. ; Edmund ; and Lewis.
The district schools of Washington county afforded J. E. Delong his
educational advantages and he remained under the parental roof assisting
in the duties of the farm until he was twenty-six year*; of age. at which
234 illSToRV OF WASM [\( .ToX COLWTN
period of his life he entered the business on his own account, locating on
one hundred and ninety-nine acres of land in Seventy-Six township. He
actively engaged in the various departments of farming and stock raising
until three years ago, when he retired and went to West Chester, where he
now resides, enjoying the fruits of his long years of labor. He still owns
his farm, which is highly improved and one of the finest in the township, at
the same time possessing considerable valuable real estate at the place of his
present residence.
On March 1 6, 1859, Mr. Delong was united in marriage to Miss Isabell
S. King, a native of Hampshire county. West Mrginia. who came to this
state when she was twelve years of age, and on the i6th of March, 1909,
they celebrated their golden wedding. To them have been born six children:
Mary jane, who passed away in her eighteenth year; Delphi May, the wife of
Lee McAvoy, an agriculturist operating a farm in Seventv-Six township:
Clara, the wife of George Henderson, a practicing physician at Muscatine;
Severnis A., who died in his sixth year; Samuel, who is employed in McFar-
lane & Conijjany's general merchandise store; and Harry Sidney, who died
when two years old.
Politically Mr. Delong is a deniDcrat. always stanch in his convictions,
and since casting his first vote has never found cause to waive his loyalty to
his part)-. Mrs. Delong says she, too. is a democrat, pure and staunch.
Although her .grandfather was too young to enter the army as a soldier
he aided in the Revolutionary war by carrying water to those who did active
fighting and was thus engaged when the Declaration of Independence was
signed. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Delong belong to the Methodist Episcopal
church and are held in the highest respect by all who know them. He is a
man whose many years of active labor and useful services is now being
justly rewarded by comfort and leisure in his declining vears.
WILLIA.M I. AIAVER.
Farming interests of Washington county find a worthy representative
in William J. Mayer, who owns and cultivates a valuable tract of land of
four hundred acres in .Seventy-six township. His birth occurred in Dutch
Creek township, August 4, 1858, and as the name indicates he comes of
German ancestry. His parents, .\dam and Dorothy ( Remge ) Mayer, were
both natives of the fatherland and crossed the Atlantic to the new world in
pioneer times. Adam Mayer made the voyage with his parents, who settled
in Pennsylvania, afterward removing to Ohio, where the Remge family had
previously located. It was in the Buckeye state that Adam Mayer and
Dorothy Remge became acquainted and were married. Tli.ey settled upon a
farm in Hardin county, Ohio, where they lived until 1846, and then removed
to Iowa, taking up their abode in Dutch Creek township, W'ashington county.
Here Adam Mayer in connection with his two brothers, Henry and John,
who had come with him to Iowa, secured a large tract of government land
HISTORY Ul' W'ASIIIXGTOX COUNTY 255
and when Henry Mayer returned to Ohio, Adam Mayer purchased his in-
terest in the property. At the time of his demise he was the owner of a
valuable farm of three hundred and forty-eight acres and as the years passed
his careful conduct of his farming interests brought to him a substantial
return. A stalwart advocate of democratic principles, his fellow towns-
men, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to serve in several local
offices which he did from a sense of duty although he had little ambition
along political lines. Both he and his wife were members of the Evangelical
Lutheran church. Her death occurred in 1884 when she was sixty-six years
of age. while Mr. Mayer passed away in 1892 when he was seventy-six years
of age.
The common schools afforded William j. Mayer his educational priv-
ileges, his time being divided between the work of the school room, the
pleasures of. the play ground and the duties assigned him in connection
with the development of the home farm. He remained with his father until
about thirty years of age, but prior to this time had acquired the ownership
of a farm in Seventy-Six township, which he benight in his father's name.
The purchase was made some time in the '70s and secured one hundred and
sixty acres of land. William J. Mayer cultivated that farm from the time
of the purchase and in 1885 was married and took up his abode thereon.
As his financial resources increased he made other investments and in 1889
acquired his present farm of four Innnlred acres in Seventy-Six township,
to which he removed, making it his home until this date — 1909. He is very
successful in his business affairs and is numbered among the substantial
citizens of .Seventy-Six townslii]). He (lis])Iays careful management in all
of his business interests and his discernment is keen and liis jurlgment re-
liable.
Mr. Mayer wedded Miss Ella E. Skinner, of Dutch Creek township, and
unto them were born four children, Margaret, Edith, John and George, all
at home. Mrs. Mayer, who was a consistent member of the United Presby-
terian church, died on the i8th of February, 1902, and was buried in Keota
cemetery. Mr. Mayer belongs to the Evangelical church. He is widely
known in his locality and enjoys the warm regard of an extensive circle of
friends. His political views accord with the principles of the democracy.
As the years have passed he has made continuous progress on the high road
to success and is now ninnbered among the men of affluence in Seventy-Six
townshiji. while his life record is another proof oi the fact that success and
an honored name may be won simultaneously.
HON. AMOS NORRfS Af.RERSON.
The life record of Hon. Amos Norris .\lberson is an illustration of the
fact that circumstances of birth, education or early environment have little
to do with shaping the career of an individual in this country where laboi
and opportunity are unhampered b\' caste or class. While coming of a fam-
ily of the highest respectability, financial conditions gave him but few oppor-
2o(i HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
tunitics in youth and vet he has long occupied a prominent position in the
business and public life of Washington and the state. His fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to positions
of trust and responsibility and at all times his course has reflected honor
upon the community that has honored him. In business relations he is well
known as a successful grocer of Washington. He was born September 4,
1849, in Orange, Ohio, and in the paternal line comes of Holland-Dutch and
Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was the younger of two children born unto
James and Rachael (Andrews) Alberson, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio,
respectively. The grandfather, Thomas Alberson, who was of Holland-
Dutch lineage, removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early date, locating
in Ashland county, where he long followed the occupation of farming. He
died at an advanced age, but for many years before had suffered from shak-
ing palsy. He married Fannie Campbell, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage
and who lived to be over eighty years of age. Their family numbered seven
children : James. William. Robert, Thomas, Ann, Mary and Elizabeth.
Of this family James Alberson, father of our subject, was a young lad
at the time of the removal of the family to Ohio. Preparing for the bar, he
continued in the practice of law for a long period and for six years served
as probate judge of Ashland county. He also invested in farm property, to
which he gave his attention as opportunity offered. He married Rachae!
Andrews, a daughter of William Andrews, and her death occurred in 1853.
Subsequently he wedded Sasan C. Bowlby, who still survives him. There
were two children of that marriage, Alice Carey, the wife of U. S. Shelly,
of Ashland. Ohio; and John Kelsey, who died in 1899. There were also
two children of the first marriage, the elder being William T.. publisher of
the Coshocton Daily Times, at Coshocton, Ohio. The father's death oc-
curred in 1892 when he was seventy years old.
Amos N. Alberson spent his boyhood days in the vicinity of Orange,
Ohio, much of his time being passed on farms. Following his mother's
death he made his home on a farm with his Uncle William and in his youth-
ful days attended the district schools. He engaged in teaching one winter,
but in the earlier part of his life his energies were largely given to farming
and stock raising. In 1865 he came west to Iowa with a drove of sheep,
making his way to Henry county. The following year he herded his sheep
but was unfortunate in the venture, for disease broke out among them and
nearly all died. In 1867 he arrived in Crawfordsville, Washington county,
where he entered upon an apprenticeship to the plasterer's trade. Early in
1868 he returned to Ohio and established his home in Cleveland, where he
followed plastering in connection with Milton N. Campbell, his father's
cousin, until February, 1872. In that year he returned to Washington,
Iowa, and again worked at his trade until 1881 when he became identified
with commercial interests as a grocer of this city, continuing ni that line
of activity to the present time. He has gradually built up an extensive trade
and has one of the attractively arranged and well appointed stores of the
city while many of his patrons have given him their support since he started
in this line of business.
HISTORY OF WASH I \( iT( )X C( )r.\T\' 257
On the /th of January, 1874, Mr. Alberson was married to Miss Sarah
Hebener, a daughter of Edward T. and Sarah (Haines) Hebener. Mrs.
Alberson was born in Muscatine, Iowa. Her father, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, removed to Cadiz, Ohio, where he was married and immediately after-
ward came to Iowa, settling in Washington about i860. Here he conducted
business as a marble cutter. He displayed considerable ability as a fifer and
acted as escort to every body of soldiers that left Washington county from
1861 until 1898, including Company D that went to the front for service
in the Philippines in the latter year. He died in August, 1905, at the age
of eighty-seven years and four months while his wife passed away in 1886,
when more than fifty-eight years of age. They were the parents of four
children : Hiram, Charles, Nora and Sarah, the last named becoming Mrs.
Alberson. i'nto our subject and his wife have been born a son and two
daughters. Raymond B., the eldest, pursued a two-years' course in the Iowa
State University and also spent two years in the University of Michigan in
completing his literary education while for three years he was a student in
the law department of that institution. He is now successfully practicing law
in Des Moines as a member of the firm of Bowen, Bremner & Alberson.
He married Louise Kellogg of Washington and they have three children:
Richard Norris, John and Sarah. The daughters of tlie family are Nina and
Vera, the former a graduate of the Washington high school and Mt. St.
Joseph Academy, while the latter was graduated with class honors at Colum-
bian College in Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Alberson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which he is serving as steward. He is today one of the most prominent
and honored Masons in Iowa, standing as a splendid representative of the
craft. He belongs to Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Cyrus
Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M. ; Bethlehem Commandery, No. 45, K. T. ; and
Kaaba Temple, .\. A. O. N. M. S., of Davenport. His political allegiance
is given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness
for political service, have called him to various positions of prominence.
For four years he served as mayor of Washington, giving to the city a busi-
nesslike administration characterized by reform and progress. His labors
m behalf of the city were of the most practical character. It was during his
incumbency that the subject of paving the streets was agitated and carried
to completion and now ^^'ashington has every reason to be proud of her
well paved thoroughfares, Mr. Alberson giving much time and money to the
promotion of this project. In 1898 he was elected to represent his district
in the state legislature, where he served for two years, when higher honors
were conferred upon him in his election to the state senate for the term
extending from 1900 to 1904. While a democrat in his political views and
afifiliation he was elected in a strong republican district, a fact indicative of
his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He
served as a member of important committees including the one appointed to
form a board of control bill, being favored in his appointments by reason of
his recognized ability and unswerving loyalty to the public good. Since his
retirement from office he has devoted his energies to his grocery business
25S HISTORY' Ol'" WASIIIXCTOX C( Jl'XTY
and his MaMmic inturf>ts. lie has served as senior grand warden ut the
grand lodge of Iowa and was grand high priest of the grand chapter of
Royal Arch Masons. He was likewise grand master of the grand council
of Royal and Select Masons and at the present writing is deputy grand
commander of the grand commandery, Knights Templar. This organiza-
tion, with the basic principles of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood
of man. finds a most worthy exemplar in Mr. .Alberson and his efforts have
been effective and far-reaching in promoting its interests. His varied
activity and the worth of his life work entitle him without invidious distinc-
tion to be ranked with the foremost citizens of his adopted cunnty.
[OHX E. GRIFFITH.
Among those who are following the occupation of farming in Franklin
township, Washington county, and who through their untiring energy and
preseverance have tilled the soil to their advantage and are now blessed with
a full measure of prosperity is John E. Griffith. He was born in Franklin
township, May 2, 1868, a son of Elias and Henrietta E. (Humphrey) Griffith,
and a grandson of Robert W. and Elenor (Long) Griffith. The father was
born in Pickering county, Ohio, in 1833 and located in this county in 1848.
He taught school and pur.stied a course of study in Washington .\cademy,
remaining here until 1864, when he went to California and engaged in
mining there until 1866, returning to Washington county during that year,
and settling down to the life of a farmer, which occupation he followed until
he departed this life September i, 1888. He was well known as an enterpris-
ing man who from time to time added to his possessions until at his death he
left six hundred and ten acres of excellent farm land. He was united in mar-
riage, April 29, 1867. to Henrietta Humphrey, a daughter of Eli and Lucia
(Snow) Humphrey. She entered into rest May 16. 1872, leaving two chil-
dren : John E. ; and Charles ( )., who is now living in San Diego. California.
In the district schools of his native township John E. Griffith acquired
his preliminary education, subsec|nently pursuing a course of study at Wash-
ington, this state. Xaturally taking to agricultural life and desiring to adopt
farming as his occupation, upon completing his studies, he settled on a farm
and now operates six Innnh-ed and fifty-five acres, upon which he h.is made all
improvements, his premises being jirovided with a magnificent dwelling house
and supplied with all modern conveniences. While he produces all kinds of
crops he pays particular attention to stock-raising antl has won an enviable
reputation throughout the state as a breeder of Angus cattle.
On the 3d of March, 1891. Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss
Barbara .\. Xeiswanger. a native of this county. Her father. Samuel Xeis-
wanger, was born near Toledo, Ohio, and her mother's birth occurred near
.Steubenville. that state. They were married, however, in Iowa in 1864. Mrs.
Xeiswanger jiassed away on the 17th of January, 1909, and was buried in
Washington, Iowa. Mr. Neiswanger is now living at Harvey, this state.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOJ?, LENOX
T)l.r.LN FOUNDATION
MRS. JOHN E. GRH'I-ITII
JOIIX F.. GRIFI'ITll
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I-IISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 263
L'nto iMr. ami .Mrs. Griffith have liccn Ijoni ihc following children: Clermont
1{., (Jharles S., Warren E., Henrietta Margaret, Sarah Pauline and John ICd-
win, Jr. The mother and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Mr. Griffith does not bind himself to the principles of any political party,
but assumes an independent stand and irrespective of party affiliations votes
for such candidates as in his opinion arc possessed of the qualifications to
enable them to serve with greatest efficiency in the offices they seek. In local
affairs he has always been concerned, desirous of doing what he can to con-
tribute to the welfare of the community, and for several terms he performed
the duties of township trustee. His excellent citizenshiij and aggressive spirit
have always enabled him to command the respect and confidence of his neigh
bors and he is numbered among the worthy and valued men of the township.
NATHAN MATTHESS.
Nathan Matthess, one of the older generation of farmers of Lime Creek
township, Washington county, Iowa, was born in Ohio, October 23, 1832.
the son of Garrett and Susan Matthess. Both parents were natives of Penn-
sylvania, but in their early life removed to Ohio, where they made their
home until their death. They were the parents of nine children.
Nathan Matthess attended the public schools, learning all that was taught
in those little institutions of Ohio at that early period. When he was sixteen
years of age he left home and worked as a farm hand until he was twenty-
five, when he decided he would enter the married state and work a farm for
his own benefit. The woman who had inspired this resolution and whom he
chose for a wife was Miss Martha Longwell, a sister of Jesse Longwell, a
sketch of whose life is given in another part of this volume. Upon his mar-
riage Mr. Matthess rented a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, which he culti-
vated for si.x years. In 1855 he came to Washington county, and bought
a farm of two hundred acres in Lime Creek township. A part of the land
he improved, for it was still virgin soil, and upon it built his home, in which
he has lived ever since. Mr. Matthess has always been interested in cattle
raising and every year sees a noticeable increase to the herd which can be
observed feeding upon his extensive pastures.
There have been fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthess : Mary
J., the wife of John Whetstine, of this county; Henry, also a resident of
this county ; Lewis, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Jessie, living in Chicago ; Rachel
E., in Muscatine; Franklin, of this county; Hattie, living in Montana; Eliza-
beth, deceased; Clara the wife of E. Robinson; Eddie N., and Delbert N.,
both of this county ; Flora E., the wife of Mr. Holzhauser, of Johnson county,
Iowa, and two younger children who have passed away. The family attend
the Methodist Episcopal church and are actively affiliated with its interests
and work.
264 iMSI'oRV OF WASHIXCTUX COLXTV
A member of the generation of farmers who worked the soil before the
great improvement in methods, in farm machinery, and in conditions of
life generalh , which has transpired in the quarter of the century just past,
Mr. Matthess has not only witnessed but has taken part in and done his
share in bringing about the change. He is a man of great activity, or indus-
try and foresight and has brought from the ground the best that it had to
give. He has also evinced the interest of a public-spirited man in the welfare
of the township and the community, whom he has served for several years
most efficiently as a member of the school board. The trust that the people
reposed in him in making him town treasurer has not been misplaced either,
for during the several years he has been the incumbent of the office he has
fulfilled his duties with credit and honor. When called upon to e.xercise his
right of franchise Mr. Matthess gives his vote to the candidate of the re-
publican party, and he stanchlv affirms that he has never regretted his choice
of a political guide. To sum up, he is a man whose solid qualities have won
him wide respect and esteem among those who know him and for himself
a success which none will begrudge.
CHARLES JAMES WILSON.
Charles James Wilson was born in the Jonathan II. Wilson home in
Washington. Iowa, November ii, 1850. His parents were .Michael Wilson
and Catherine Wilson, whose maiden name was Catherine A. Hood. Charles
was reputed one of the prettiest and sweetest babes in all the countryside,
but, not wishing to umpire the game, we shall leave it to his present admirers
to say whether the promise and prophesy of the infantile pulchritude has been
fulfilled, or broken to the hope.
His father was a farmer and one of the very first settlers of the county,
and Charles grew up out of doors, fond of sports, animals, birds, flowers,
colors, etc., and accumulated the average of colds, chilblains, stubbed toes
and stone bruises on heels, and letters in the post-office. He was a few years
too late for the Indians that he is so fond of. and he has been gathering
their relics ever since.
Lie never cared to climb his genealogical tree, for any of us may have had
remote ancestors whose photographs we should not exactly prize. No one
would care to trace back to the Flood when all of our forebears were sponged
off the map. Charles did not care to scrape acquaintance farther back than
grand or great-grand — he was not greedy of ancestors — let the dead bury
their dead. It was enough matter of congratulation that he safely arrived on
this merry scene.
His was a common-school education, supplemented by a few terms in a
sort of academy. He read law about two years with Mcjunkin & Hender-
son and graduated from the law department of the Iowa University in the
class of 7874-5, '" June, 1875. While in the common schools, he learned
much on the outside, as Emerson says, all boys get the best part of their
11IST()R\' n\- \\ASlll\(,r()\ (■()^"\■'^^■ 265
education on the way to school, foraging for melons, green apples, worms
for bait, and abluting in the Ole Swimmin' Hole.
Why did he propose to become a lawyer? To escape the farm. The man
who started the story tliat Charles was passionately fond of farm life was a
charter member of the original Ananias Club and a nature faker besides. He
tried the law to get the means to exist and leave broad margins for the en-
joyment of fun. He made good at law, practicing alone several years, then
joined the firm of Stone, Wilson & Kellogg. On its dissolution, the shingle
read Wilson & Kellogg. Then again alone a series of years, and for a year
or so it was Eicher & Wilson, then Wilson & Wilson, his son Carlton C.
becoming a partner.
He married Clara Conger at her parent's home in Washington, November
13, 1872, and five children were born to them ; Nellie, who died in infancy ;
Mrs. Katherine Smith; Mrs. Edith Lytle : Carlton C. : and Miss Helen.
Mr. W^ilson has and ever had a strong taste for military affairs. He
was one of the first members of Company D, Second Regiment Iowa National
Guard, and had a continuous service with it from April i8, 1878, to April
12, 1906, in various grades, as private, commissary of subsistence, etc., and
for two years he served on Governor Cummins' staff, as he is now serving
on Governor Carroll's staff, as chief of engineers, with the rank of colonel.
He was also a member of our famous Rifle Team that won contests with
many noted companies and he was a splendid shot, a gift inherited from
his Nimrod father.
In civil life, he held the offices of city solicitor, county attorney four
terms, representative for Washington county in the twenty-eighth and
twenty-ninth general assemblies of Iowa, and was a member of the republican
state central committee for the first congressional district two years, and he
is local attorney for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. He is a
-Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Elk, and belongs to several fraternal insur-
ance societies. His church associations are by proxy Episcopalian, and his
general religious views may be summed up in the credo, the goodness of man
and the mercy of God.
He and his wife are noted for the jolliest hospitality. Mine host has
few rivals as an entertainer, for he is brimming with stories, anecdotes, wise
saws and pithy instances, and he is so artistic a mimic and has such a keen
sense of the comic, he would shine on the vaudeville stage.
Withal, he has singular fitness for public life, especially adaptedness to
wise legislation. This county never had an abler and more versatile, or
safer and saner representative in the legislature than was he in two sessions.
He loved the agreeable work, and the scope and wisdom and good sense of
his acts were seen only by those who went behind the scenes, into the com-
mittee rooms, where, as in laboratories, the germs are nourished or inade
way with, as the case requires.
He enjoyed quaint characters, full of sap and individuality, and no
doubt he thought this county has grown as queer and as rich specimens of
humanity as ever sat to playwright, poet, novelist, caricaturist, or were
bodied forth by comedians to amuse mankind. Droll people appealed might-
266 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ily to him, and he counted thai day dull which did not bring occasions for
several earthquake laughs to this true Epicurean.
Mr. Wilson is a many-sided man, and a close acquaintance with him
discloses signal ability and a variety of tastes and passions that one might
not suspect in the silent, thoughtful, preoccupied man. At the bar his is
one of the acutest intellects. In the heat of trial his mind acts with the
quickness and energy of gunpowder, and he is a successful practitioner.
He has a passion for gardening and is an enthusiast in the culture of flowers.
The bride of his soul is the tube-rose. He comes up town with a pocketful),
mornings, and without a word tucks one in the button-hole of a friend. In
the floral season he is all aroma — pronounce that ar-o-ma — and he smells
as good as if he had slept in his clothes in the Persian rose-garden of Saadi.
He is not booky, but he has done a heap of thinking on many lines. Beware
how you engage him — in controversy he is as dangerous a polemic as Hux-
ley said Newman was before he became cardinal. Charles thinks things
out broad-gauge, with patience and thoroughness and the clearest vision of
logical relations. He has a passion for relics, especially for Indian remains
and archaic fire-arms and implements. He would, probably, rather pick up
an Indian arrow-head than a twenty dollar gold piece, tho' he has bu.shels
of these darts. Every new dart is another "good Indian." He built a museum
to hold his curios, and it is the quaintest shop in the city.
ALVIN E. REEVES.
Alvin E. Reeves, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Cedar
township, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres on sec-
tions I and 2. He was born in Washington county, Iowa, August 5, 1863,
his parents being Abraham and Maria (Cooper) Reeves, the latter a native
of Indiana. They came to Iowa at an early day and Abraham Reeves, who
was a farmer by occupation, became identified with the agricultural develop-
ment of this county. On the 30th of April, 1868, he was killed bv the
accidental explosion of his gun while he was attempting to shoot a chicken
hawk. His wife survived him for four decades, being called to her final
rest on the 23d of February, 1908. Unto this worthy couple were bom
three children, namely: Charlotte E., who is the wife of William Benson, of
Murray, Iowa; Alvin E., of this review; and Thomas, of Cedar township.
Alvin E. Reeves attended the common schools in pursuit of an education
and continued to reside at home until twenty-one years of age. He then
bought eighty acres of land on sections i and 12, Cedar township, which he
cultivated for five years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the
property and purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres on
sections i and 2, Cedar township. The fields annually yield bounteous har-
vests as a reward for his care and labor and his ability as an agriculturist
is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts.
lilSTiiin' ()!• \\ASIll\'r,T( )X COL'NTY 267
On the 2d of February, 1888, Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to
Miss Nellie M. Sterling, whose birth occurred in Washington countw March
27, 1869, her parents being John W. and Elizabeth (Bear) Sterling, the
former a native of Maryland and the latter of Washington county, Iowa.
The death of Mrs. Sterling occurred August 30. 1895, while her husband
passed away on the i6th of February, 1901. Their union was blessed with
seven children, as follows: William, now in the state of Washington; Mrs.
Charles Ulanden, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Gideon, who is a resident of South
Haven, Michigan ; Mrs. Reeves ; Mina, the wife of Frank Ruff, of Seattle,
Washington ; Joseph, who makes his home at Blue Island, Illinois ; and
Newell, of Glenwood, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have been born
three children: Fern E.. whose birth occurred May 30, 1890; Dale S., who
first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 6th of Januai^, 1896 ; and
Fayette E., born November 22, 1903.
Mr. Reeves exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party and has served as school director for
several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of
America at Kalona, Iowa. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the
Baptist church and in this county, where they have spent their entire lives,
they have gained the warm regard and esteem of an extensive circle of
friends.
EDWIN BROWN.
Edwin Brown, a farmer whose ice cream is well known in this section of
the country, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, November 3, 1849,
the son of John P. and Annis (Bacon J Brown. The mother was a native
of Hartford county, the Bacons being one of the oldest families, dating back
to colonial days. John Brown, on the other hand, was of English birth and
came to the United States in his early manhood. In the country of his birth
he had learned designing for carpet weaving and on his advent in Connecti-
cut became one of the designers of patterns for the Hartford Carpet Com-
pany, a firm which is still in existence and has one of the largest manufac-
turing plants of its kind in the world. John Brown worked for the company
for many years, until the first strike, when he was one of the men who walked
out and refused to return. For a time subsequent to this he engaged in the
butcher business, both wholesale and retail, in Hartford county, but in 1872,
with three sons and one daughter, he came to Washington county, Iowa.
Here he secured a farm in Lime Creek township, the one now owned by his
daughter. Mrs. Eunice Brown, upon which he lived until his death, in 1891,
when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years.
Edwin Brown, the subject of this sketch, was one of the sons who came
with the father to Washington county in 1872, but in the fall of the same
year he went to Chicago, where he was employed as meter inspector by the
water works department of that city. He held this position for eight years
and in 1880 returned to Washington county, locating on a farm of eighty
268 HlSTOKV v)F W ASl 1 1 X( .I'OX d Jl'XTV
acres in Lime Creek township, which he had purchased some time previous
to his return here. About 1900 he began manufacturing ice cream. The
business started on a small scale, and, it might be said, by chance, for Mrs.
Brown had brought with her from the east a recipe for making this popular
refreshment. She was in the habit of making a quantity of ice cream on
the occasion of sociables and picnics, but soon the fame of her product
spread to such an extent, and she was called upon to furnish a quantity
S3 frequently, that the family decided to go into the manufacturing of thf
confection as a business. The venture has prospered marvelously and the
product is sold in Riverside, Kalona, W'ellman and Keswick. Perhaps the
fact that Mr. Rrown keeps twenty-five head of cattle to supply the demands
of the business and during the summer buys milk extensively may give some
indication of the size of his trade and the popularity of his ice cream.
In 1874 Mr. Brown married Miss Emma Sperry. of \'an Buren county.
Michigan, and became the father of five children: Frank E.. a farmer of
Lime Creek town.ship ; Grace E.. the wife of Ernest Gabriel, of the same
township; Anna B.. the wife of Ralph Foster, also of Lime Creek township;
George L., associated with the father in farming and the ice cream manufac-
turing business: and Arthur .'^.. deceased. The family are members of the
Wellman Bapti^t church and are regular in the performance nf their re-
ligious duties.
When occasion requires the exercise of his franchise. Mr. I'.rown votes
with the republican party, but though he has ever been interested in the
welfare of the community and in good government he has never been an
office seeker. And yet he has for twenty years been a member of the school
board, and in this capacity has rendered valuable service to the citizens and
has proved how well founded was the trust reposed in his powers by those
who have repeatedly elected him to this jwsition. He is a man highly
esteemed among those wdio know him for he is possessed of sterling qualities.
JOHN KEATING.
John Keating, deceased, was a prosperous agriculturist and worthy
citizen of Washington township, this county, his life's career terminating
November 14. 1803. He was a native of County Down. Ireland. i)orn Sep-
tember 7, 1835, ^ son of John and Mary A. (Wilson) Keating. The father
was also a native of the Emerald isle, who following the death of his first
wife married a second time and brought his bride to the Cnited States.
leaving the children of his first marriage in Ireland. On his arrival here he
located in Herkimer county, New York, remaining there for a few years and
then removing to this county, where he followed agricultural pursuits until
he departed this life, November 11, 1876. his remains being interred in the
old city cemetery. The mother of our subject was of Scottish extraction
and spent her entire life in Ireland, where she passed away in 1842. To her
were born six children: Mary, whose address is unknown: Margaret, de-
HISTORN' ol' \\AS!II\(, Ti iX r()r\'l^' 2fi9
ceased: Stewart, deceased; John; jane, deceased; and Nancy, a resident of
Xew York state.
The common schools of his native country aff(jrde<l Joim Kcatinj; liis
education, and upon the death of his mother his lot was cast among strangers
when he was but seven years of age. lie was thus forced to get along in
life as best he could, working at anything which came to his hand, lie suc-
ceeded in making a living in his native land until he was sixteen years of
age. when he came to the United .States, locating in Herkimer county, .Vew
York, where he remained for about six years. He then removed to Kala-
mazoo, Michigan, remaining there for a few years, and in 1858 located in
this county, where he worked by the month for a time.
On September 23, iSfti, Mr. Keating answered the country's call to arms
and enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Iowa \olunteer Infantry, serving for
three years, and upon his discharge, December 31, 1863, he reenlisted and
was in the military ranks until the close of the conflict, receiving an honorable
discharge on July 15, 1865. In the battle of Shiloh he received a gunshot
wound in the hand, which incapacitated him for duty for a time. Later he
served in the Vicksburg campaign and participated in several battles in
Louisiana, suhsecjuently being with General Sherman on the march to the
sea. Leaving the service in 1864 to be united in marriage, he afterward
joined Sherman's army, his last engagement having been in North Carolina.
Mr. Keating was present at the surrender of General Johnston and was at
Durham station when he received the news of the assassination of Presi-
deiU Linc(!ln. He participated in the Grand Review in Washington. D. C.
at the close of the war and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentuckv. Dur-
ing his military career he had been promoted to the office of corporal.
At the close of the war IMr. Keating returned to this county, where he
purchased forty acres of land, upon which he engaged in general farming,
becoming quite prosperous and accumulating from year to year until at his
death he owned an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-six acres. LIpon
his death his wife assumed the management of the farm and with the assist-
ance of her children her efiforts were attended with success, adding one
hundred and two acres of land to the tract. The farm at present is one of
the best kept and finest in that part of the county.
On the 7th of April, 1864, Mr. Keating wedded Miss Isabella Kennedy,
a native of County Down, Ireland, born October 10, 1840. and a daughter
( f Jnhn and .Margaret (Wilson) Kennedy. .Vfter coming to .America her
father located in Herkimer count), .Xew ^'ork. where he remained ^^or six
years. He then came to this county, where he lived until his death, August
7, 1862, his remains being interred in the old cemetery of Washington. Mrs.
Keating's mother was also a native of the Emerald isle, where she was mar-
ried, and she entered into rest here .April 26, 1869, after rearing five chil-
dren, namely: John, who passed away .April 24. 1883: James, who was a
member of Company F. Eleventh Iowa X'olunteer Infantry who lost his
life November 12. 1863. at the siege of Vicksburg: Marv .A., who passed
away March 4, igo8 : Margaret, whose death occurred June 3, 1894; and
l>;ibella. To Mr. anil_ .Mrs Keating were born: Margaret J.. March
270 HISTDRV OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
20, 1866; Marv A., horn jamiarv I. 1868. died in Syracuse, New
York, 1889, and was interred in the Ehii Grove cemetery, this county ; Alice
B., born February 26. 1870, died December 19. 1895, her remains also being
interred in the Elm Grove cemetery: Walter F., born February 12, 1872,
wedded Clara Jensen November 29, 1900, and now resides in Cresbard,
South Dakota; John E., whose birth occurred September 25, 1874, resides at
home; Jennie R. was born December 7, 1876; Charles S., born January 29,
1879, resides with his wife, formerly Miss Georgie E. Swift, in Washington
township; and Howard E. was born May 19, 1881.
Politically Mr. Keating was always loyal to the republican party, taking
quite an interest in local afifairs, and during his career served as trustee of
his township and as well in a number of other minor offices. He belonged to
I. G. White Post. No. 108, G. A. R. : was a member of the Baptist church, in
the afifairs of which he was active ; and, being a man whose daily life was in
keeping with the tenets of his faith, he was highly respected by the citizens
of the township and in his death the community lost a substantial and worthy
man.
J. N. ANDERSON.
J. N. Anderson is a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Washington
county, owning a tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres on
section 25, Crawford township. He was born in Pawnee county. Nebraska,
July 14, 1861, a son of Milton and Mary Ellen (Cochran) Anderson. The
father was a native of Kentucky, and on removing westward first settled
in Nebraska, where he spent several years. He subsequently came to Wash-
ington county, Iowa, and later he took up his abode in Page county, this
state, making his home near College Springs. He eventually went to Jewell
county. Kansas, where he now makes his home. He has made farming his
life work. The mother, who was Ixirn in Indiana, is deceased. The family
of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Anderson numbered eleven children, namely: Belle,
the wife of Thomas Jachrist, a resident of Norton county, Kansas ; J. N., of
this review ; James, a farmer of Jefiferson county, Kansas ; Charles, who
makes his home near Burr Oak, that state: Samuel, David, George and
Rufus. all of whom live near Esl)nn, Kansas ; Lillie. the wife of Walter Wat-
son : and Hattie and Daisy, at home.
J. N. Anderson, the second in order of birth and the eldest son. was
educated in the common schools of College Springs, Page county, Iowa. He
remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of eighteen
years and then began life on his own account by working as a farm hand by
the month. For four years he was thus employed on farms near College
Springs and ;it the end of that time, having acquired a sum that enabled him
to engage in farming independently, he operated rented land for several
years and when twenty-eight years of age went to McDonough county,
Illinois, where he purchased one hundred acres, which he operated six years.
.After having in that time fully tested the productiveness of Illinois land and
J. N. ANDERSON AXD FAM I I,Y
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX .
'flLDEN tCAJNDATtON |
IllSrORV Ul' WASlllXCiToX CoL'X'I'V 273
believing; that Iowa offered bettor oi)i)iirtiinities to the agriculturist, lie re-
turned to this state and seven years ago took up his abode on his present
farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, Crawford township. He
has erected all the Imildings, including a comfortable residence, goixl barn
and other ijutbuildings and altogether has a well improved property. .\1-
thougli Mr. Anderson gives much of his time to general farming, he also
raises and feeds cattle on quite an extensive scale and at tlu- present time
has one of the finest herds in the county.
In 1890 Mr. Anderson wedded Miss Belle Ehrheart, a resident of
Macomb, Illinois. They have a daughter. Bertha, who is an accomplished
musician. In politics Mr. Anderson is a republican, giving stalwart sup-
port to the party although never seeking public office. He is a member of the
MelJiodist Episcopal church, while his fraternal relations connect him with
the Masons and the Modern Woodmen at Crawfordsville. With the in-
centive of some day owning land, he worked his way upward from a farm
hand and eventually his hopes were realized in the fine tract which is the
reward of his eiTorts.
O. F. LAUBACH.
O. F. Laubach is engaged in the cultivation of a farm of two hundred
and twenty acres of Iowa's rich and productive soil. The place is located
in Seventy-Six township and here in addition to tilling the land he makes
a specialty of raising and feeding full blooded Poland China hogs and also
in raising and breeding horses. His business interests are carefully managed
and well conducted and have brought to him a substantial measure of pros-
perity. Mr. Laubach is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having there
occurred on the i8th of March, 1865. His parents, Conrad and Rebecca
(Seem) Laubach, were both natives of southern Pennsylvania and in the
year 1890 sought a home in the middle west, settling first near Muscatine,
but later came to Washington comity, Iowa. The following year the father
purchased the farm upon which O. F. Laubach now resides and was there-
after continuously connected with agricultural interests until his demise,
which occurred on the ist of .April, 1907. His widow still survives and
is now living in West Chester, Iowa, at the age of seventy-one years.
O. F. Laubach, the only child, remained at home until he had attained
his majority and in the meantime pursued his education in the public schools,
while the periods of vacation were spent in the work of the fields. When
he had reached man's estate he spent a year in travel through the west and
then returned to Washington county, since which time he has engaged in
genera] farming, taking charge of the old home place which comprises two
hundreil and twenty acres. The soil is very arable and productive and
responds readily in substantial harvests. His business interests are attended
with success for he is discriminating in his judgment and careful in his man-
a.gement. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding full bloodefl Poland
274 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
China hogs and has some fine stock of that variety. He also raises and
breeds horses and each year his sale of stock brings him in very substantial
returns.
In 1902 Mr. Laubach was married to Miss Hattie Seem, who was born
in Illinois in 1875. Her father is now deceased and her mother is living in
Missouri. Mrs. Laubach is a high-school graduate and a lady of culture and
refinement. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children,
Daniel and Lester.
Mr. and Mrs. Laubach are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
interested and active in its work and do all in their power to promote its
growth and extend its influence. Mr. Laubach gives his political allegiance
to the republican party but has never sought nor desired office, preferring
to concentrate his energies upon his business interests, in the careful control
of which lies the secret of his success.
W. T. HAMILTON.
One of the leading men of this section, a most prosperous farmer and a
man of aiifairs, is W. T. Hamilton, of Lime Creek township, Washington
county. Iowa. He was born in English River township, this county, May
13, 1846. the son of Dr. Joseph and Caroline (Piper) Hamilton. The father
was a native of West Virginia, the mother of Maine, but both went to Ohio
as young people — ^the mother with her parents — and there they became
acquainted and were married. In 1843 ^'^^ couple came to Iowa, and after
a year spent in Iowa count}-, thev located in English River township, Wash-
ington county, where the father took up four hundred and eighty acres of
government land. I'pon this he made his home until his death, which oc-
curred August 12, 1890, his wife surviving him nearly two years, dying
February 1, 1892. Joseph Hamilton had read medicine and had been gradu-
ated as a physician when a young man. He practiced somewhat in Ohio
and after coming to Iowa, but the hardships of farming in a new country
and his constantly increasing interests in the new life occupied more and
more of his time until he was compelled to give up his profession.
W. T. Hamilton received his early training for life under the guidance
of his parents and in the district schools. He led a useful life at home until
he was twenty-three years of age, when he started to make his own way
in the world. His first position was as a herder of cattle, and for some
seven years he was connected with the cattle business, herding stock for
others at so much per head. In 1872 he married, and the following year
bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Johnson county, upon
which he made his home until 1881 two years after his wife's death. At
that time he removed to Kalona, where he devoted his energies to buying
and shipping cattle for some five years. In 1892 he came to Wellman, where
he has since made his home. He owns a fine farm of four hundred and
eighty-six acres near town, which he had purchased prior to coming to
Wellman.
1 1 IST( )RV (_)]•■ WASH I .\( ;T( )X O )L"XTV 275
Mr. Hamilton chose as the bride of his first marriage Miss Maggie Coch-
ran, of Iowa county, by whom he had three children : Franklin P., who owns
a portion of his father's farm and cultivates the remainder ; Albert P., a resi-
dent of Iowa City, Iowa; and the youngest now deceased. In 1896 Mr.
Hamilton married Miss Ettie Ross, of Washington county, and to this union
there were born two children : Rosalind and Jeannette, deceased.
Mr. Hamilton is a prominent and influential citizen, well known both in
Wellman and throughout the county. He assisted in the organization of the
Security Savings Bank there, and was made president of the institution.
But he has many interests of a broader character. Though now he holds a
withdrawal card from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he was for
many years an active member of the local lodge, and also belonged to the
Wellman lodge of the Knights of Pythias until this society died out in the
town. In politics as well Mr. Hamilton plays an important part and his
views are of weight in the councils of the republican party, for he is one of
the progressive spirits of the body in his section of the county and is vigorous
in working for its interests. In short Mr. Hamilton is a man, who, endowed
by nature with many fine qualities, has so developed them and employed to
his best advantage the opportunities that presented themselves to him, that
he has attained an estimable position among the people that know him. His
name stands for healthy ])rogress and at the same time for stability.
CHARLES KREBS.
Charles Krebs, an energetic, alert and enterprising agriculturist oi Iowa
township, where he owns a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-
three acres, was born in that township on the 7th of July, 1871, his parents
being Frederick and Rachel ( Hagan ) Krebs, who were natives of Ger-
many. In the '50s thev crossed the Atlantic to the new world, locating in the
state of New York, where the father secured employment as a farm hand.
Subsequently he removed to Massachusetts and later came to Washington
county. Iowa, hfere purchasing a tract of land of forty acres. As the years
passed and his financial resources increased through the careful conduct of
his agricultural interests, he extended the boundaries of his farm by the
additional purchase of land and continued to reside on that place until called
to his final rest rm the 27th nt March, 11)04. His wife still survives at the
age of seventy-three years and now makes her home in Riverside, Iowa.
Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, namely: Mary, who is
deceased; Louise, the wife of Jacob Franks, of Iowa township, Jane, who
is the wife of Jacob Lawser and resides in Kalona, Iowa ; Rachel, the wife
of Charles Gerot, of Riverside, Iowa : Henry, whose sketch appears on an-
other page of this work ; Frederick and John, living in Iowa township ; Wil-
liam ; Charles, of this review ; and Gottlieb, who is likewise a resident of
Iowa township.
276 IIIS'n)K\' ()!■ WASIIIXCl'i )X COl'XTV
Charles Krebs remained at home until the time of his marriage and then
located on his present farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, which he
had acquired from his father. In addition to cultivating the cereals best
adapted to soil and climate he has also been extensively engaged in the
raising of black-faced sheep, this branch of activity adding not a little to his
yearly income. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the
supervision of a practical and progressive owner and in all of his undertak-
ings Mr. Krebs has gained that measure of .success which is ever the reward
of earnest, persistent and untiring labor when guided b)- sound judgment
and keen discrimination.
( )n the 22d of October, Kpi, Mr. Krebs was unitcil in marriage to Miss
Christie Reha, of Riverside, Washington county. Unto them were born four
children, three of whom survive : Herman G., Merle R. and Gottlieb R.
Mr. Krebs casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the repub-
lican party and keeps well informed on the political questions and issues of
the day. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has a wide acquaint-
ance within its borders, while his many sterling characteristics have gained
him kinilh regard and warm fricndsliiiis.
T. Y. WTCKH.\M,
The extent and importance of the business interests which have claimed
the time and attention of T. Y. Wickham have made him one of the promi-
nent men of Washington county, his labors proving a factor in its commer-
cial development. He has now retired from mercantile life and lives in
Ainsworth but still has investments in business affairs which are bringing
him a .substantial financial return. A native of Minisink, New York, he was
born February ig, 1836, his parents being Halsey and Rebecca (Young)
Wickham. The father was likewise a native of the Empire state, where he
lived and died, devoting his entire life to the occupation of farming. The
family is of Scotch extraction but was founded in .America at an earlv day.
The mother was born in the state of New York and came to this county a
few months prior to her death. The children of the household were three in
number: Emeline, now deceased; T. Y., of this review; and lunmet. who
resides in Rockland county, New York.
T. Y. Wickham pursued his education in the public school of lii-< native
village and remained at home until his marriage, working on the farm
through the period of his boyhood and Noutli. Entering mercantile life at
Mount Salen, New Jersey, he continued in business there until he came to
Towa in November, 187 1. .\t that date he came west, settling at Ainsworth,
where he has since resided. Here he entered merchandising, carrying a
general stock, and in the conduct of his business he met with gratifying suc-
cess. He continued in that line for thirteen years, or until 1884, when he
ceased to deal in general merchandise and concentrated his attention upon
the hardware business. Some years later he took up the grain and lumber
HISTORY OF \\ASHINGTOX COUNTY 277
business, in which he continued until six years ago, when he disposed of his
hiniber interests. He is still, however, connected with the grain business,
which is operated under the name of the Wickham Grain Company, the
partners being T. Y. Wickham and his two sons. The firm has conducted an
extensive grain trade, being advantageously situated in the midst of a very
rich farming country. They have two elevators and their shipments are
very large, T. Y. Wickham was also one of the stockholders in the Bank of
Ainsworth at one time, is the owner of considerable real estate in the village,
including a number of fine buildings, and likewise owns twenty-nine acres
adjoining the corporation limits. He is a man of firm purpose and unfalter-
ing determination who has ever carried forward to successful completion
wliatever he has undertaken. In all of his business interests, too, he is thor-
oughly reliable, his name being an honored one on commercial paper.
In 1865 Mr. Wickham was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Corwin,
and unto them were born four children: Grace, now deceased; Emmett T.,
who is engaged in the general practice of medicine at Washington, Iowa:
Harry H., who is a member of the Board of Trade at Chicago; and T. Y.,
a Philadelphia broker. The sons have met with creditable success since start-
ing out in the business world and are widely known in business circles of the
cities in which they reside.
In his political views Mr. Wickham has long been a stalwart advocate of
the republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist
church and enjoy the warm regard of all who know them because of their
genuine personal worth, their generous hospitality and the kindly spirit
which they manifest in all life's relations. Dependent upon his own resources
from an early age Mr. Wickham has steadily worked his way upward and
the secret of his success is found in close application, indefatigable energy
and unfaltering diligence. Such a record may well serve to inspire and en-
courage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will
to dare and to do.
FRANK S. McGEE.
Frank S. McGee, who is now living retired on his farm of three hundred
acres in Iowa township, was born in Colerain. Massachusetts, on the 29th
of September, 1838, his parents being Deacon William B. and Orinda (Allen)
McGee, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The father was of
Scotch-Irish parentage, while the mother came of Puritan stock. The
paternal great-grandfather of our subject, Deacon Thomas McGee, came to
this country from Ulster, Ireland, settling in Colerain, Massachusetts, in
1742, when a young man of twenty-eight years. The family is a long-lived
one, Deacon Thomas McGee attaining the age of seventy-nine years, while
the paternal grandfather. Jonathan McGee, was ninety-eight years of age
at the time of his demise. William B. McGee, the father of Frank S. McGee
was most modest and retiring in disposition and when at one time he was
278 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
nominated for the legislature even his own family were not aware of the
honor that had been conferred upon him. He lost the election by only one
vote. He was ninety-four years of age at the time of his death, which
occurred in the same house where he was born and where his entire life
had been spent. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the
Congregational church. His wife had attained the age of ninetx-tw.o years
when called to her final rest, and Mrs. Jane McGee, the grandmother of
Frank S. McGee, lived to be ninety-seven years of age.
Frank S. McGee was reared under the parental roof and supplemented
his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course at
Shelburne Falls Academy. In 1864 he made his way to Davenport, Iowa,
and was there engaged in the mercantile business until 1868, when he trans-
ferred his operations to Rock Island, Illinois. Later, though still maintain-
ing his residence in Rock Island, he was engaged in the wholesale notion
business in Chicago for six or seven years. In 1879, ^^ '^he time of the
Leadville boom, he went to Colorado, where he conducted a wholesale busi-
ness and forwarded goods from Canon City to Leadville. At the end of two
years, however, he removed to Iowa City, Iowa, with the interests of which
town he has since been prominently identified. Fle is the vice president of
the Hummer Mercantile Company at that place, was stockholder in and
manager of a glove factory there for a year and was also connected with
the business interests of Cedar Rapids as a partner in the firm of McGee
& Kaupke, now Frick & Kaupke, wholesale dealers in cofifee and spices. He
was a director of the Iowa City National Bank for some years anrl served
as councilman of Iowa City for one term. He also conducted an extensive
cattle ranch in Kansas for two years, but is now living retired on his fine farm
of three hundred acres in Iowa township, enjoying in well earned ease the
fruits of his former toil. A man of excellent executive ability and keen
discrimination, he won a creditable and gratifying measure of prosperity in
his various undertakings and is widely recognized as one of the substantial,
progressive and representative citizens of this section of the state.
On the 15th of March, 1866, Mr. McGee was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Eames, a daughter of Charles Fames, who was a native of New
Hampshire. The father made the journey westward by lake and river to the
Galena lead mines in 1828, walking irom Fort Dearborn to Galena, where
he followed merchandising. He likewise served as justice of the peace
and as the second sheriff of Rock Island county, Illinois. He and his brother
George were active participants in the Black Hawk war, his brother being
shot while going to the defense of a blockhouse near Galena in Jo Daviess
county. In 1836 Charles Eames wedded Miss Letitia McConnell and they
established their home in Rock Island county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGee
have been born the following children: Grace, who was graduated from
the Iowa State University in 1890, is now the wife of Preston C. Coast, of
Iowa City. Alice, who completed the course in the Iowa State University
with the class of 1901, was also a student at Oberlin, Ohio, for two years.
.She is now the wife of the Rev. D. W. Wylie, a Presbyterian minister of Iowa
City. John William Bolton McGee, who pursued the law course in the Iowa
HISTORY Of' \VASHIN(;T0N county 279
State University, serv^l as city clerk for some years and practiced law as
a meiiiher of the firm of Letts & McGee, of Davenport, Iowa. At the present
time, however, he is operating his father's farm in Iowa township, Washing-
ton county. As a companiim and lu-lpmate on the journey of life he chose
Miss Edith McComber, of Carroll, Iowa, who was also graduated from the
State University at Iowa City. Miss Marjorie Eames Coast, a grand-
daughter of Mr. McGee, has a Carnegie silver medal, awarded her for saving
a life from drowning when she was but a little maiden of eleven years. She
is now thirteen and a half years old. The members of the McGee family
belong to the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively and
helpfully interested. Mr. McGee has led an active, useful and honorable
life, and as one of the most venerable and most respected citizens of his com-
munity he well deserves mention in this volume.
SAMUEL CONNER.
On a Pennsylvania farm Samuel Conner was born and in a log school-
house was educated, while in 1844 he became a pioneer resident of Iowa.
His history more in detail brings to light the following facts. His birthplace
was in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and his natal day, August 16, 1824.
His parents were Peter and Amanda Maria (Wickup) Conner, the former a
native of Ireland and the latter of England. After coming to America Peter
Conner followed teaming in Pennsylvania, hauling iron ore to the furnaces of
that state. He died in 1833, while his wife, who was a consistent member of
the Methodist church, passed away in 1842. Their family numbered four
sons and two daughters : Martin ; Samuel ; William ; John and Sarah Jane,
twins ; and Mary Ann. Of these Samuel is the only one now living. Wil-
liam, who was a resident of Grove city, Pennsylvania, died May 26, 1909.
Samuel Conner was reared in the Keystone state upon a farm amid con-
ditions such as are unknown at the present time. He conned his lessons
while seated on a slab bench in a little log schoolhouse and when not busy
with his text-books his time was largely given to the work of the fields, his
training at farm labor being by no means meager. In the fall of 1844 he
came to Iowa and settled in Washington, where he learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for many years. He also did contract work for
many years and in the summer of 1853 he devoted his attention to farming
but in the autumn returned to the city and again took up work at his trade.
On the 31st of October, 1849, Mr. Conner was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Mary McKinney and unto them were born four children: William C,
the eldest, now living at Hinckley, Minnesota, where he is employed as a
mail carrier; Robert A., who is engaged in railroading: Walter W., who is
a grocer of Washington : and Sarah Isabel, who has passed away. The wife
and mother died January 9. 1864, and on the 22d of March, 1866. Mr. Con-
ner was again married, his second union being with Miss Nannie R. Savage,
who died November 9, 1882. There were five children of that marriage:
280 HISTORY' OF WASHINGTON COUNTS
Jennie M., who died in September, 1904; Minnie R., a teacher in the South
Side public school in Washington ; Henrietta, at home ; and two who died
in infancy.
Mr. Conner belongs to the Second United Presbyterian church. He has
always given his political support to the republican party, is active in this
work and for twelve years served as city assessor. For a long period he
was closely associated throu,gh his building operations with the substantial
improvement of Washington. He erected many of the best residences and
buildings here and throughout the adjoining districts and worked on the
old courthouse which was built in 1846. When he arrived in Washington it
was a little village containing only thirty-seven dwellings. He has resided
here continuously since 1844, save for the summer of 1847, and has seen the
place grow to a population of about five thousand. He owns a good resi-
dence on West Jefferson street, where he has made his home for the past
eighteen years. He now lives retired, having reached the age of eighty-
four years. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity crowned
with w-ell merited success and the esteem and honor of his fellowmen, who
have ever found him worthy of their high regard.
HON. MARSHALL GOODSPEED.
The public and private life of Marshall Goodspeed well entitles him to
mention in this volume as one of the most representative and honored citizens
of Washington county. From pioneer times he has figured prominently in
this part of the state and his record has ever deserved and commanded for
him the respect, good will and trust of those with whom he has been asso-
ciated. He started upon the journey of life March 20, 1825, and has there-
fore reached the venerable age of eighty-four years. His birthplace was
two and a half miles east of Olcott, Niagara county, New York, and he was
the eldest son of Heman and Louisa (Albright) Goodspeed. He supple-
mented his early education acquired in the common schools of his native
county by study in the Yates Academy, of New York, and after putting aside
his text-books he learned the nursery business of Newell Farnum, while later
he was employed as a clerk in the store of J. D. Cooper, at Olcott. For one
term he engaged in teaching in the home school at thirteen dollars per month,
after which he entered the employ of his grandfather, Jacob Albright, with
whom he engaged to work for a year, his remuneration being one hundred
and fifty dollars, although ten dollars per month the year around was common
wages paid at that time. That he earned his salary there is no reason to doubt
for he has always been a dilligent, energetic and industrious man in whose
life there have been few leisure moments.
On the 2 1 St of September, 1847, Mr. Goodspeed was married to Miss
Cordelia Petty, near Lowville, Lewis county, New York. Two years later
later he removed to La Salle, Illinois, where he located and engaged in teach-
ing school for a year. Subsequently he took up his abode at Troy Grove,
■ '\
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lit:
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I
MARSHALL GOODSPEED
nisr()RN' ()!• WASH I. xerox roUXTY 283
Illinois, and cngag;ed in the nursery business in partnership with Asa Bowl-
ing, a connection that was maintained for ten years. Mr. Goodspeed then
sought a home in the middle west, settling near Lexington, in Washington
county. Iowa, where he has since lived. He was numbered among the repre-
sentative business men in this section of the state. He formed his plans
readily, was determined in their execution and sought his success along the
legitimate lines of trade. Here he resumed the nursery business, in which he
continued for many years but gradually withdrew from active life as the
infirmities of old age increased.
In 1906 Mr. Goodspeed was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died on the 31st of July of that year. They were the parents of eleven
children : Hersalora C. Leroy C., Weston A., Stella L., Thurston V., Alice
L., Charles L., Cora M., Gladys B., Sylvia A., and Fred R. Six of these
children are still living.
Mr. Goodspeed not only figured prominently in business circles but also
made a most creditable record by his public service which carried him into
important relations. For many years he served as justice of the peace and
is yet acting in that capacity. His decisions have always been strictly fair
and impartial, winning the commendation of all law abiding citizens. He has
also served for several terms as county supervisor and during his last term
in that ofiice the railroad bonds of the county were paid oflf. In 1868 and
again in 1872 he was elected a member of the state legislature and he like-
wise served during the adjourned session of 1873. Each question which
came up for settlement received his earnest consideration and he was con-
nected with much restrictive, regulative and constructive legislation. He
introduced the bill that was passed abolishing capital punishment in 1872,
also the bill separating the horticultural from the agricultural department and
giving farmers a rebate of taxes for setting out and keeping in cultivation a
certain number of trees. He is now in his eighty-fifth year, enjoying good
health and yet able to do a fair day's work on the farm and is at peace with
all the world. Over the record of his public career there falls no shadow
of wrong and in his business afifairs, too, he has ever been straightforward
and reliable, meriting and enjoying the confidence and trust of all with
whom he has had business relations. Since writing the above Mr. Goodspeed
died suddenly in Colorado. .August 17. 1909.
JOSEPH P. BENZ.
Joseph P. Benz, proprietor of the Benz Hotel of Washington, is a native
of this state, born November 24, 1879, and descends from a family, the
members of which were among the early pioneers of this county. His
paternal grandfather, Matthias Benz, was a native of Germany, where his
death occurred at an advanced age, his wife Catherine, also dying in the
fatherland after she had passed a long and useful career. In their family
were five children, among whom were : George, Matthias. William and
Lorenz. The maternal grandfather. Peter Tondre, was a native of France,
284 HISTCJRY OF WASHINGTON COLXTV
and while in Europe was in the government mail service. Upon coming to
the new world he settled in Lockport, New York, where he worked on the
Erie canal. In the meantime his father and mother removed to Iowa, settling
in Washington county, on what was known as the old Braden farm in Wash-
ington township, and to this place Peter Tondre subsequently came and
spent his remaining days, departing this life when thirty years old. His
wife was Agnes Grazierarre. the grandmother of our subject, by whom he
had three children, namely: Agnes; Peter; and Mary, who is deceased.
Agnes Tondre became the wife of Lorenz Benz, a native of Germany, who
came to the new world when fourteen years of age, making the journey
alone, and upon his arrival settled in Davenport, this state, where he learned
the butcher business, which he successfully followed for a number, of years.
Early in life he gave up this occupation and journeyed overland to California,
where he engaged for a while in prospecting for gold, finallv settling upon
a ranch there, which he conducted for about three years. At the tennination
of that period he returned to Iowa, locating in Muscatine county, where he
again engaged in the butchering business. He was among the early settlers
of Washington and for several years was proprietor of a hotel on Marion
avenue, where he later constructed a large brick building for the same pur-
pose, the hostelry now being run b\' his son Joseph. Mr. Benz was pro-
prietor of this hotel for thirty-two years. In April, 1907, he went to Los
Angeles, California, with his wife, where he spent liis last years and died
February 25, 1909. His remains were brought back to Washington and
and was buried in Elm Grove cemetery. His activities in Washington county
were in great measure conducive to developing the natural resources of this
part of the state and his excellent business judgment together with his enter-
prise and industry contributed largely to the prosperous financial standing
enjoyed by the city of Washington today. Being a member of the Catholic
church, to w-hich his wife also belongs, and his conduct always having been
in keeping with the teachings of his faith, he maintained his character above
reproach and he had an enviable reputation throughout this part of the state,
where he spent many years in honest and earnest effort in behalf of its up-
building. He reared a family of five children, two of whom survive, namely :
Miss Kate and Joseph P., the remaining ones having passed awa}- in early
fife.
In this county Joseph P. Benz was reared, acquiring his preliminary
education in the parochial schools, where he remained until fourteen years
of age when he became a student at the University of Notre Dame, at South
Bend, Indiana. After leaving that institution he learned telegraphy in the
Western Union Telegraph office in the city of Washington and this occupa-
tion he followed for nine years. Upon resigning his position as telegrapher
he became proprietor of the hotel formerly conducted by his father and of
which he has been the successful proprietor for the past two years. The
hostelry is well known throughout the state and the excellent >ervicc it
renders has won it an extensive high class patronage.
On April 17, 1907, Mr. Benz wedded Miss lona Shearer, a daughter of
Wilda D. and Ida (Wallick) Shearer, her father a native of Brighton, this
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 285
county, wliile her mother was born in Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Shearer has spent
the greater part of his hfe in Washington county, and since 1890 has Hved
in the village of Washington, where for the past eighteen years he has been
employed as agent for the United States Express Company. Mrs. Benz
was born in Perlee, this state, January 22, 1883, and her paternal grand-
father was Martin Shearer. Her maternal grandfather, John Wallick, of
German descent and a native of Pennsylvania, was an extensive stock buyer.
Both he and his wife passed away in middle life, leaving the following chil-
dren: Ida Mary, William, James and Nannie. One child died in infancy.
Airs. Benz is one of the following children: Fannie, the wife of Otto
Stichter ; Everitte ; Clara, who passed away in her fifteenth year ; and
Frank.
Mr. Benz is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife attends
divine services at the Presbyterian church, both being liberal contributors to
their respective denominations. Politically he is a democrat, always loyal
to the candidates of his party, and, being a man of remarkable energ)-, whose
industry and enterprise in the vocation he is following contribute largely
to the financial and commercial standing of the city, he deserves mention
among its substantial and representative citizens.
CHARLES W. STEWART.
Charles W. Stewart, a prominent and well known farmer and stock-raiser
of Cedar township, was born in an old log cabin that stood on the site now
occupied by the Elm Grove cemetery in Washington county, Iowa, his natal
day being November 2"/. 1866. His parents were John G. and Alary L.
(Bradford) Stewart. The father, whose birth occurred in Mar\land, De-
cember 28. 1842. came to Iowa in 1844, locating in Seventy-Six township,
Washington county, where he lived for two years on a tract of land which
he had entered from the government. On disposing of the property he
bought some land that is now included in ^Vashington township, adjoining
the city of W'ashington, on which he remained for several years and subse-
quently purchased what was known as the Clemmons Grove farm in Frank-
lin township, which he cultivated for twenty-one \ears. He w'as quite prom-
inent in public affairs, serving as county treasurer for a period of four years,
from 1894 to 1898, as school director for twelve years and as assessor for
nine years. He was also a member of the County Fair Association for a
number of years and was widely recognized as a most substantial, progres-
sive and public-spirited citizen of the county. His demise, which occurred
November 12, 1907, came not only as a deep bereavement to the members
of his immediate family but also to the many friends that his upright, hon-
orable dealings had won him. His wife, whose birth occurred in Switzerland
county, Indiana, December 22, 1844. was one of a family of four children
and in 1846 was brought to Iowa by her parents, who lived to attain the
venerable age of eisfhtv-five vears. She was called to her final rest on the
286 HISTORY Ul' WASI IIXGTUX L'DL'XTV
7th of December, 1901. By her marriage to John G. Stewart she became the
mother of two children, namely: Charles W., of this review; and Mary
Corinne, the wife of R. G. Cherry, of Wellman, Iowa.
Charles W. Stewart supplemented his preliminary education by a college
course and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-two
years. During the succeeding four years he followed farming in Arkansas
and on returning to this county he was engaged in agricultural pursuits on
a fann south of Washington for ten years. On disposing of that property
he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 18 and 19,
Cedar township, where he has since resided, the place being known as the
Cedardale Farm. He makes a specialty of raising Galloway cattle and Suf-
folk and Belgium horses for breeding purposes, having a number of fine
specimens always on hand for sale. He is a good business men. sagacious
and far-sighted, and through the careful direction of his eflforts is meeting
with gratifying success in both his farming and stock-raising interests.
On the nth of February, 1897, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to
Miss Bessie Wagner, whose birth occurred in Washington county, December
19, 1877, her parents being Knight and Rosie E. (Caldwell) Wagner, the
former a native of Perrv county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Greene
county, Ohio. The father, who was torn November 12. 1845. first made
his way to Illinois but subsequently came to this county, both he and his
wife still making their home in Marion township. Their family numbered
the following children, as follows: Mrs. Stewart : Fred, a resident of Wash-
ington county; Howard and Lester, lx)th at home; Eveline, the wife of Roy
Davison, of this county; Gertrude M., also at home; and one who died in
infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born three children: Ella
R., whose natal day was November 24. 1899; Nellie Marie, whose birth oc-
curred July 8, 1905; and Lavera L.. born September 21. 1907.
In his political views Mr. Stewart is a republican and is at present serv-
ing as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the
Knights of Pythias Lodge. No. 386. and also with the .\merican Yeomen.
Both he and his wife are faithful and devoted members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and their manv excellent traits of heart and mind endear
them to all with whom they come in contact. Mr. Stewart is a native son of
the county and a worthv representative of one of its pioneer families. His
interest in public affairs is deep and sincere and is manifest in substantial
coo|)eration which lu' has given to ]ilans and measures for the public good.
FRANK HUBER.
Frank Iluber. well known as a farmer and stock-raiser of Seventy-Six
township, is carefully managing his business affairs in a way that is bringing
to him a gratifying financial return. He is today one of the extensive land-
owners of the county, his holdings comprising five hundred and sixty acres,
all lying in Seventy-Six township. In the midst of this farm is a fine resi-
HISTORY ()|- WASHINGTON COUNTY 287
dence to.o'ether with all of the necessary improvements, accessories and the
equipments which go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century.
His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1847,
his parents being- Abraham and Prudence (Snavely) Huber, both of whom
were also born and reared in Lancaster county. They retained their resi-
dence there until 1855, when they sought a home in the middle west, settling
in Washington county, Iowa, where they lived until called to their final rest.
The father died April 7. 1893. while the mother survived until March, 1904.
They were the parents of three children, of whom one died in infancy. The
others are Frank and .\aron, the latter a resident of Cedar township, this
county.
As a farm boy Frank Huber was reared, coming with his parents to
Iowa when eight years of age. He entered the district schools in his home
neighborhood, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the
pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. From early
boyhood he assisted in the labors of field and meadow, his duties and re-
sponsibilities increasing as the years went by. On attaining his majority he
left home and went by wagon train to California in 1868, it requiring five
months to make the long and arduous trip across the plains, the hot stretches
of sand in the desert and over the mountain passes. In California he first
found employment as a hired man on a ranch and later he worked in the gold
mines for a time, spending four years on the Pacific coast. On the expira-
tion of that period he returned to Washington county, Iowa, and rented his
father's farm, which he cultivated for two years. He afterward bought
eighty acres in Cedar township, and lived upon that farm for five years.
When he sold that property he invested in a tract of land in Seventy-Six
township, whereon he made his home for seven years. He then sold again
and bought a farm in Cedar townshi]), which he made his home for si.x years.
Having disposed of this, he made investment in his present farm and is
today tlie owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, all lying in
Seventy-Six township. It is a splendidly improved property, everything
about the place indicating the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is not
only diligent and active in business but displays sound judgment and keen
discrimination in the management of his affairs. He has a fine residence
and all modern improvements, including the latest machinery to facilitate
the work of the fields. His barns and sheds furnish ample shelter for grain
and stock and his home is one of the beautiful dwellings in this part of the
county. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and this branch
of his business brings to him a good annual income.
In 1S72 Mr. Huber was married to Miss Sarah Brawner, who was born
in Washington county, Iowa, in 1852, and is a daughter of Eli and Mary Ann
("Alexander) Brawner, who were natives of Coshocton county, Ohio, and at
an early date came to Washington county, Iowa, casting in their lot with its
early settlers. They continued residents of this county until called to their
final re.'it. The father died in January, 1904, while the mother passed away
in the early '60s. Their family numbered ten children. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Huber has been blessed with eight children: Cyrus O., living
288 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
in Seventy-Six township; Olive M., the wife of John jMcCrabb, of Wash-
ington county; Harry E. and Otha E., who are living in Seventy-Six town-
ship ; Ira E., at home ; Grace Prudence, the wife of Henry Durian, living
in Wellman, Iowa ; and Mary E. and Roy Erwin, both at home.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their
lives are in close conformity with their professions. Mr Huber is a repub-
lican in his political views, but has had neither time nor inclination to seek
public office, giving his undivided attention to his business affairs, which are
capably conducted and have brought him to a place among the men of
prominence in the county. His record shows what can be accomplished by
earnest and persistent spirit when guided by sound judgment and supple-
mented bv unfailing energy. All that he has accomplished is the reward of
his earnest and persistent labor, and he is now numbered among the sub-
stantial residents of this part of the state.
I
JOHN H. PEARSON.
John H. Pearson is pre-eminently a man of affairs and one who has
wielded a wide influence in business circles. In all that he undertakes he
displays an aptitude for successful management and his energy, persever-
ance and enterprise have carried him into important relations with commer-
cial, industrial and agricultural interests. He is now the owner of valuable
farming property and of a splendidly equipped printing establishment.
Mr. Pearson was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 31. 1849,
and is a son of Jesse and Mary (Frew) Pearson. The Pearsons are of an
old New England family of English origin and the first representative of
the name settled in Massachuesetts two hundred years ago. The father's
birth occurred in the same house in which John H. Pearson first opened his
eyes to the light of day and although it was then situated outside the corpor-
ation limits of Pittsburg, it is now a part of the city. In April. 1855, Jesse
Pearson arrived in Iowa, making the journey by steamboat. He first located
in Jackson county, where he remained for a year and a half and then on
the X5th of September, 1856, located on a farm southwest of Ainsworth in
Washington county. With characteristic energy he began the development
of the fields, plowed, planted and cultivated his land and year after year
.gathered abundant harvests as he carried on his farm work, remaining on
the old homestead until about ten years prior to his death. He then removed
to Ainsworth, where his last days were passed, his demise occurring in Octo-
ber, 1905, at which time his remains were laid to rest in the Ainsworth ceme-
tery. In his business affairs he had always been regarded as a reliable, sub-
stantial man whose integrity was above question. He had been reared in
the faith of the republican party but later became a democrat. An earnest
Christian gentleman, he held membership in the Presbyterian church until
about six years prior to his demise, when he joined the Methodist church.
He took a great interest in church work, gave liberally of his means to the
HISTORY OF W ASIIIXCTOX CXJUNTY 289
suppKjrt of the cause of Christianity and did all in his power to further its
influence. His wife was also born in the vincinity of Pitts'burgf. Pennsyl-
vania, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her death occurred about 1899.
In their family were seven children : John H., of this review ; Mary, the wife
of J. B. McCoy, of Crawfordsville; William, who died at the age of nine
years : Calvin S., a fanner of Oregon township ; Charles, who died when
two years of age; one who died in infancy: and Emma, the wife of David
Miller, a farmer living near Washington, Iowa.
John H. Pearson was educated in the common schools and in the Ains-
worth high school, in which he spent one term. He had been trained to
habits of industry, thrift and enterprise during the period of his boyhood
and after he put aside his text-books he started a seed and fruit farm about
two and a half miles southwest of Ainsworth. There he remained for ten
years, winning success through the careful conduct of his business affairs,
after which he turned his attention to journalistic interests by establishing
the Ainsworth Clapper on his farm with an outfit which he possessed. After
seven years he removed the paper to Ainsworth and has made it one of the
leading country newspapers of this part of the state and has a splendidly
equipped oflice, including a fine linotype machine of the latest model and
all modern appliances for the careful and successful conduct of a newspaper
business at the present time. The paper has secured a large circulation list
and he also does considerable job printing. In addition to his journalistic
interests Mr. Pearson is the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and
twenty acres under a high state of cultivation. He likewise has many other
substantial investments which return to him a most gratifying income. No
higher testimonial of the confidence and trust reposed in him could be given
than the fact that he has been chosen guardian for twenty-three children.
He transacts a large amount of business for others and also conducts a real-
estate and collection agency and an abstract business. He likewise does con-
siderable legal work, and while thus controlling extensive business affairs,
at the same time he takes an active and helpful part in measures relative to
the welfare of town and county as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.
On the 29th of December, 1871, Mr. Pearson was married to Miss
Nancy Ellen Utterback. Her mother bore the maiden name of Bryan and
was a relative of W. J. Bryan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have been born
seven children : Charles, who has passed away ; Mary, the wife of J. S.
Hartwick, of Davenport, Iowa, who is head bookkeeper for the Rothschild
Grain Company ; William and Emma, who have passed away ; John Harry,
who married Miss Quince Hartwick and is living on the home farm : Madge,
who is with her parents ; and one who died in infancy.
In his political afifiliation Mr. Pearson is a democrat and in 1887 was ap-
pointed under President Cleveland to the office of postmaster but was re-
lieved when President McKinley was elected. He is now mayor of Ains-
worth and to the discharge of his duties brings the same spirit of enterprise
which characterizes his private business affairs. He seeks the good of the
community through restrictive and constructive legislation and favors every
movement that tends to benefit the community. He is a member of Orient
290 HISTUR\' UV WASHINGTON COUNTY
Lodge, No. 365, A. F. & A. M., and his religious faith is indicated in his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In every relation of life
he has put forth persistent effort that has resulted in the attainment of his
purpose and he stands today among those whose successful leadership in
business afifairs well entitles him to be numbered among the captains of
industry.
FINLEY E. RICKEY.
A little log cabin on section 33, Lime Creek to\\nship — one of the pioneer
homes of the county — was the birthplace of Finley E. Rickey. Today he
looks abroad over two hundred and ten acres of rich land on the same section
that is now his own property, for in the passing years he has become one of
the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of this part of the .state, widely
known in connection with his live-stock interests as well as through his
development of the fields. His natal day was March 2. 1864, his parents being
William and Mary (Parker) Rickey. The father's birth occurred in Pick-
away county, Ohio, in 1835, while the mother was born in the state of Iowa.
Removing westward he took up his abode in Washington county and lived
here until his death, purchasing and improving the farm upon which Finley
E. Rickey now makes his home. He served as a soldier in the Civil war and
was a loyal advocate of the Union cause, doing everything in his power to
uphold the old flag as the standard of a united nation. His political allegiance
was given to the republican party and he always took an active interest in
politics, but did not seek or desire office. He preferred to concentrate his
energies upon his Ijusiness affairs and his careful management brought him
a gratifying measure of success so that at the time of his death he owned
three hundred and sixty and one-half acres in Lime Creek township. He
departed this life March 14, 1888, and for about two years his widow sur-
vived, her death occurring October 23, 1890. In the family of Mr. and Mrs.
William Rickey there were eight children : Finley E., of this review : "SI. L.,
now deceased ; Irva D., the wife of J. E. Adams, of this county : Charles, also
living in this county; Rose M., the wife of D. A. Maloney, of Colorado;
Ida O,, living in Denver. Colorado; Winfield S., of this county: and one who
died in infancy.
Reared as a farm boy, Finley E. Rickey remained at home up to the time
of his marriage. The lady of his choice was Miss Sadie E. Hamjjsber, who
was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, July 18. 1S70. and was a
daughter of Samuel and Anna (Thompson) Hampsher, who were also
natives of the Keystone state, the father's birth occurring April 20, 1844,
while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the T2th of May,
1850. She passed away June 9, 1905, and the death of Mr. Hampsher
occurred on the ist of June, 1907. Their family numbered six children:
John L., living in Kalona, this county ; Mrs. Rickey : Alta C. R., who is
engaged in teaching school and makes her home with her sister: and three
w'ho are now deceased.
MR. AXl) MRS. i-'. E. RICKEY
- THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOCNDATION
lllS■|■()k^ ol- WASIIIXCTOX COUNTY 293
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rickey began their domestic
life upon a rented farm which they occupied for a year, at the end of which
time he jjurchascd the old homestead, where he had first opened his eyes to
the light <if day. I lis landed po.sse.ssions now cover two hundred and ten
and one-half acres on section 33, Lime Creek township, and he is numbered
among the leading and progressive agriculturists, making a specialty of
the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs. His work in this connection is
of an important character and his business is constantly growing, bringing
to him well merited and substantial success. As the years have passed the
hcimr nf .Mr. and Mrs. Rickey has been blessed with four children, but the
first and the third died in infancy. Vesa Ruth, born February 12, 1892, is
nnw a student in the academy at Washington. Iowa. Thomas E., the young-
est, was born July 10, 1905.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and shape
their lives in accordance with its teachings. Mr. Rickey votes with the repub-
lican part\ and, while not a politician in the sense of office seeking nor has
he ever desired political preferment, he has served as school director for
about twenty years. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Well-
man and has the warm regard of his brethren of that fraternity. He has
lived to see many changes in the county for in this day the log cabins are
few, most of the farm homes being commodious and at times even palatial
residences. Xo longer is the countryside covered with the native prairie
grasses, but in rich fields responds to the care and cultivation of the farmer,
who annually harvests good crops of corn, wheat and other cereals or meets
with equal success in the raising of stock. Through the wise use of his
opportunities Mr. Rickey has made steady progress and is now the owner of
a valuable property, which forty-five years ago surrounded a little pioneer
cabin in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day.
MRS. RACHEL FRITS.
Mrs. Rachel Frits is widely known in Lime Creek townshii), where she
has long resided. She is the widow of Frank Frits, who for a considerable
period was actively and successfully connected with agricultural interests
here. He was born near Dubuque, Iowa, September 19, 1853, and was a
son of George and Esther (Merchant) Frits, both of whom were natives
of Pennsylvania. Attracted by the broadening opportunities of the middle
we.st, thev came to Iowa in the early '40s and after living for some time in
Dubuque removed to \^■ashington county, in 1858, at which time thev located
upon a farm in Cedar township. There they resided until called to their final
rest, Mr. Frits giving his time and attention to general agricultural pursuits.
His business interests were well conducted and he was numbered among the
representative men of the county. In their family were nine children.
This number included Frank Frits, who spent his entire life in Iowa. He
pursued his education in the common schools, living throu.ghout the days of
294 HIST(JRV UF WASIll.XGTOX CUL"XTY
his boyhood and youth with his parents. After attaining his majority he
started out in life on his own account, choosing the occupation to which he
had been reared as his Hfe work. His dihgence and energy constituted the
foundation upon which he builded his success and at the time of his death
he owned eighty-four acres of rich land on section 30, Lime Creek town-
ship, known as the Sunnyside Fruit farm. He gave considerable attention
to the cultivation of fruit and he was also known as the most extensive raiser
of hogs in this county, always keeping stock of high grades. The various
branches of his business all proved sources of profit, making him one of the
substantial farmers of the county as the years passed by.
Mr. I-'rits was united in marriage in 1891 to Miss Rachel Curl, who was
born in Peoria county, Illinois, August 21, 1863, a daughter of R. H. and
Emeline (Anderson) Curl, both of whom were natives of Greene county,
Pennsylvania. C)n coming to the middle west they first settled in Illinois,
purchasing a farm in Peoria county. There they resided until 1880, when
they sold that propertv and removed to Washington county, Iowa. Here
Mr. Curl purchased land and with characteristic energy began its further
development, continuing its cultivation until 1891. In that year he again
sold out and removed to Clarke county. Iowa, where he died August 3,
1900. His widow is still living at the advanced age of eighty-nine years
and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frits, who is the youngest in
a family of eleven children. Fjy her marriage she became the mother of three
children: Charles R., who was born December 2, 1891 ; Francis M., born
May 13, 1900; and John Franklin, born December 16, 1903. All are at home
with the mother.
The husband and father, however, was called to his final rest on the 26th
of December, 1908, and his remains were interred in the Taylor cemetery.
In his political views he had been an earnest republican, never faltering in
his allegiance to the party. He served as trustee of his township and as a
member of the school board for several years, discharging his public duties
in a most prompt and capable manner. His life was at all times honorable
and upright and gained for him the sincere and continued regard of those
with whom he was associated. Mrs. Frits still runs the farm which was left
to her by her husband and gives to it her personal supervision, manifesting
excellent business ability in its control. .She is, moreover, possessed of many
of those sterling womanly qualities which everywhere command respect and
win regard, and she has an extensive circle of warm friends in this part of
the county.
SAMUEL ADDISON WHITE.
Samuel .Addison White, president of the Farmers & Merchants State
Bank, of Washington, has for forty-two years been a resident of this county
and an interested witness of the changes which time and man have wrought.
His own labors have been no inessential element in the work of general
HISTORY oi' WASHINGTON COUNTY 295
improvement and advancement. Pennsylvania numbers him among its native
sons, his birth having occurred in Lawrence county, March 14. 1840.
His parents were Allen and Martha (Aiken) White, also natives of the
Keystone state. The former was a son of Samuel White, who was likewise
born in Pennsylvania, where he gave his early life to the stone mason's
trade and later devoted his energies to general farming. He served his
country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and died on the old home farm in
Pennsylvania in 1844. He had wedded .Sarah Harvey in early manhood and
they became the parents of nine sons and one daughter, which number in-
cluded Allen White, whose youthful days were passed on the farm on which
his grandfather had settled many years before. Having arrived at years of
maturity he wedded Martha Aiken, a daughter of Alexander and Mary
(Henry) .Mken, both of whom lived to an advanced age. They. too. were
natives of Pennsylvania and Alexander Aiken followed farming as a source
of livelihood, the only interruption to his agricultural efforts coming when
he served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812. Both he and his wife
lived to an advanced age, Mrs. Aiken surviving her husband for a time.
They had several sons and daughters, including William, Alexander, Robert,
Albert, James. .Sarah, Jane, Martha and Mary.
Of that family Martha Aiken became the wife of Allen White and their
marriage was blessed with the following children: Mrs. Sarah McCIvmonds,
deceased; Mary Jane, widow of J. C. Weller: Emma, the wife of Robert
Mahard, of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania: Samuel A.: Martha, the de-
ceased wife of T. J. Hyde ; Myra, a resident of Elwood City. Penns\lvania ;
•Annie, the widow of J. \^ McClymonds ; Zerelda, the wife of John Magee,
of Pleasant Hill, Pennsylvania: and Dorothy, the wife of James Hyde.
The father devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and reared
his children on the old White farm which was the ancestral home of the
family and still owned by some of them. He died in Lawrence county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1883 at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed
awav in 1890 at the age of seventy-seven years. Their lives were in con-
sistent harmony with their professions as members of the LTnited Presbvterian
church.
.Samuel A. White spent his youthful days on the farm in Lawrence
county, Pennsylvania, and in 1861 when twenty-one years of age responded
to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company C, One Hundreth
Pennsylvania \^olunteer Infantry — an organization nriginalh called the
"Roundheads." He served for nearly four years as a private and non-com-
missioned officer. He was wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania Court
House. May 12, 1864, and in addition to that engagement he participated in
the second battle of Bull Run and in the battles of South Mountain. Antie-
tam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg and Jackson. He was also in the siege of
Knoxville, Tennessee. His regiment belonged to the Ninth Armv Corps
under General Bumside. In December, 1863, Mr. White reenlisted and his
regiment was again attached to the Army of the Potomac. His military ex-
perience was a varied one, his first service being with the Sherman and Du-
pont expedition to South Carolina in 1861, at which time Fort Walker was
296 HISTURV (_)!• \\"ASHL\L,TUX COUNTY
captured. An effort was also made to capture Charleston by way of James
Island, but after much hard fitjhting and heavy loss was abandoned and the
island evacuated. Mr. White also participated in many skirmishes and was
a brave and loyal soldier, always found at his post of duty. After being
discharged from the hospital he was placed on detached duty in Washington,
D. C, as clerk for the general court marshal, and was near when President
Lincoln was assassinated. He saw the body as it lay in state in the White
House and was present at the funeral. He was also present at the grand
review in the capital city and was discharged from the service on the 25th
of July. 1865.
When the war was over Mr. White returned home and supplemented his
early education by a course in the Iron City Commercial College at Pitts-
burg, from which he graduated in February, 1866. He then remained upon
the home farm for a time and was also employed in the oil works of that
section of the state, but the opportunities of the growing west attracted him
and in 186" he made his way to Iowa, locating at Ainsworth, Washington
county, where he engaged in merchandising for fourteen years in partner-
ship with Absalom Anderson. They also handled stock and grain and their
business interests constantly increased in volume and importance.
Mr. White's well known capabilities Icil to his selection for official
services, he being elected clerk of the district and circuit courts in 1880, fill-
ing the position for four years. Later he became cashier of the First National
Bank, in which capacity he served for seventeen years. He next helped to
organize the Farmers & Merchants State Bank in 1902 and was its cashier
until 1907. when he was elected to the presidency and remained as the chief
officer of the institution, bending his energies to administrative direction and
executive control.
On the 3d of November, 1870, Mr. White was married to Miss Elizabeth
A. McClelland, a daughter of Dr. William and Clarissa (Christy) McClel-
land, Mrs. White was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and her parents
were likewise natives of that state. Her father came to Iowa in 1846 and
for three years practiced medicine here, after which he returned to Pennsyl-
vania in 1849 and continued a resident of that state until 1855. In the latter
year he again came to Iowa, settling in Washington county, where he passed
away in his eighty-ninth year. After losing his first wife he married Susan
Spence, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who survives him and lives in
Washington.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. White have been born three children: William Allen,
Martha Clarissa and Maggie Pearl. The first named, who is assistant cash-
ier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, was graduated from the law
department of the Iowa City University and practiced his profession for
a time. He was a member of Company D, Fiftieth Regiment Iowa Volun-
teers, Spanish-American war. He married Miss Etta B. Stouffer. Martha
C. is the wife of Owen G. Wilson, a resident of Des Moines, and they have
two sons, Owen G. and Addison White Wilson. The younger daughter,
Maggie Pearl, died at the age of one year and a half.
HISTURV UF WASH I. \(, TUX COl'XTV 297
The parents are members of the First United Presbyterian church and
are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially
extended them. Mr. White belongs to I. G. White Post. No. io8, G. A. R.,
of which he is a past commander. He also served about seven years as
lieutenant and captain of Company D, Second Regiment Iowa National
Guard. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he
was school treasurer for a number of terms, but otherwise has never held
nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the
conduct of the important business affairs which have claimed his time and
attention. Throughout his business career he has made steady progress.
The mass of men seem content to remain in the position in which they are
placed bv birtii. experience or environment. Laudable ambition, ready
adaptability and a capacity for hard work are essential elements of success,
and in none of these requirements is Mr. White lacking. It is not a matter
of marvel, therefore, that he occupies a leading position among the business
men of Washington who have been the promoters of her progress and
development. The position and the success to which he has attained are due
also to the fact that he has the ability to correctly appraise the value of a
situation and determine its possible outcome.
AARON HUBER.
Aaron Huber, owning and operating a well improved and highly cul-
tivated farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 15 and 16, Cedar
township, was born in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, June 2, 1850, his
parents being Abraham and Prudence ( Suavely) Huber, who were likewise
natives of the Keystone state. In 1854 they came to Washington county,
Iowa, first locating south of Washington, while in 1856 the father purchased
the farm which is now the home of our subject, there continuing to reside
until called to his final rest in 1899. His wife, surviving him for four years,
passed away in 1903. Unto this worthy couple were born three children,
namely : Frank, a resident of Washington county ; Aaron, of this review ;
and one who died in infancy.
In his youthful days Aaron Huber obtained such education as the com-
mon schools afforded and remained under the parental roof until he reached
his majority. He was then engaged in the operation of a rented farm for
two years, at the end of which time he purchased forty acres of the old home-
stead place. As time passed and his financial resources increased he grad-
ually added to his landed holdings until he now owns three hundred and
twenty acres on sections 15 and 16, Cedar township, which farm has con-
tinued his place of residence to the present time. In addition to cultivating
the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising
and feeding hogs and in both branches of his business has won a measure
of success that entitles him to recognition among the prosperous, enterpris-
ing and up-to-date agriculturists of the county.
298 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Huber and Miss Mary
Logue, who was a native of Pennsylvania and is now deceased. She was a
daughter of John and Susanna Logue, who reared a family of eight children
and are both deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huber were born seven children,
as follows: Clara B., at home; Jessie P., the wife of Harry Crone, of Wash-
ington county ; John A., who is a resident of Cedar township ; H. L., also at
home; Martha, who has passed away: one who died in infancy; and D. A..
also yet at home.
Politically Mr. Huber is a stanch republican and has capably served his
fellow townsmen in the position of township trustee, while for thirty years
he was a member of the school board. The spirit of enterprise which has
been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west is manifest in
his life and has made him a substantial and representative citizen of Wash-
ington county, where he has now made his home for more than a half century.
His name is honored by reason of the straightforward methods he has fol-
lowed, while his personal characteristics — geniality, cordiality and good will
— have made him popular with those who know him.
C. L. ROMINE.
The farming interests of Seventy-Si-\ township find a worthy representa-
tive in C. L. Romine, who now owns, occupies and operates a farm of two
hundred and sixty-two acres on sections 23 and 24. In its neat and thrifty
appearance the farm indicates the careful management and enterprising
spirit of the owner. A native of Illinois, Mr. Romine was born in Fulton
county on the i6th of June, 1850, and is a son of Levi and Elizabeth Romine.
His youthful days were spent in his father's home, and under his direction
he was trained to the work of the fields. His education was received in the
common schools, and lessons of industry, perseverance and integrity were
early impressed upon his mind. He continued to assist his father until he
attained his majority, after which he started out in life on his own account,
working as a farm hand for five years.
Desiring, however, that his labors should more directly benefit himself
Mr. Romine then began renting land and thus farmed for a few years, during
which time he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry
had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase property. He
first bought a farm in Seventy-Six township, which he later sold, and subse-
quently he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising two
hundred and sixty-two acres of rich and productive land on sections 23 and
24, Seventy-Six township. Here he tills the soil in the production of crops
be.st adapted to the conditions here found and not only raises profitable crops
but is also meeting with prosperity as a dealer in hogs and cattle. His work
is ever intelligently directed and his unfaltering industry constitutes a splen-
did basis upon which to build success.
HISTORY OF WASTIINGTOX COl^NTY 299
On the 8th of May, 1877, Mr. Romine was married to Miss Hortense
C'ullumber, who was born in Ohio in 1857 and is a daughter of William and
Louise ( Fleming) Cullumber. Her parents are both now deceased. Mrs.
Romine, who was one of a family of five children, has become the mother
of two daughters and one son, Cora May, now the wife of Clark Bell, a
resident of Seventy-Six township ; Elsie, the wife of John Powell, of the
same townsliip ; and Arthur, who also makes his home in Seventy-Six town-
ship.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Romine has
given stalwart support to the republican party and its principles. He has
served as township trustee and has been school director and treasurer, serv-
ing in that capacity until the new law came into eflfect. He has done good
work for the cause of public education, for he believes in the employment of
competent teachers and the maintenance of thorough schools. His wife is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and because of their many
sterling qualities the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
Mr. Romine belongs to that class of citizens who are termed self-made men,
as his own labors have constituted the foundation of his success. He has
worked diligently and persistently as the years have gone by, recognizing
the fact that there is no royal road to success and also fully understanding
that persistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence will win out in the end.
W. F. FLEMING.
Among the citizens whom the Keystone state has furnished to Iowa is
VV. F. Fleming, who was born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, and who
is now successfully pursuing farming and stock raising in Washington town-
ship, this county. His parents were Samuel and Nancy (Fulton) Fleming,
both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. The
family came to this state in 1864, settling upon land in Washington county,
where the father devoted his energies to cultivating the soil until he departed
this life in 1880, being laid to rest in Elm Grove cemetery. In his native!
state he won the reputation of being an efficient educator, having taught
school there for a number of years but, upon coming to this state, he gavei
up the vocation and turned his time and talents to farming. He was a
stanch supporter of the principles of the republican party, to which he had
given much study and in which he was thoroughly conversant and few men
in his day were able to cope with him in debate upon political and economical
questions. A man of lofty religious ideals, he was a member of the United
Presbyterian church, of which body he was an elder and, his daily life being
in close touch with the teachings of Christianity, he well deserved the high
measure of respect in which he was held by his neighbors. The mother of
our subject still resides in this county at the age of seventy-eight years. She
reared a family of five children : R. J., an undertaker of Colorado Springs,
Colorado; Sarah J., wife of J. W. McClellan, an attomey-at-law or Ver-
300 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX CofXTV
sailles, Missouri ; W. F. ; George, an agriculturist and stock dealer of New-
ton, this state: and Alfred H., who passed away in 1905.
The common schools of this county afforded W. F. Fleming his educa-
tional advantages and he remained at home engaged with his father in the
pursuit of agriculture until he was twenty-nine years of age, at which period
of his life he took up farming independently and has since been devoting
his attention to general fanning and stock raising. He and his wife own
three hundred and twenty acres of land in Washington township on section
16, the farm being provided with a magnificent residence erected by Mr.
Fleming in 1903. It is also equipped with a substantial barn, outbuildings
and all conveniences necessary to the pursuit of agriculture. He is one of
the most progressive farmers in the neighborhood and is also a buyer, feeder
and shipper of stock.
In 1892 occurred the marriage of Mr. Fleming and .Miss Flora Glenn,
whose people have long been residents of this county. She departed this
life in 1897, leaving her husband and one daughter. Flora. In 1901 Mr.
Fleming wedded Miss Anna Maxwell, a native of this county and a daughter
of Thomas and Sarah J. (Miller) Maxwell, who came to Iowa from Ohio
in 1847. By his second marriage Mr. Fleming had three children, two of
whom passed away in infancy, the surviving one being Anna Mabelle, who
w-as born July 4. 1905. Politically Mr. Fleming is a republican, always loyal
to the candidates of his party, and he is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, to which his wife also belongs, and he has always enjoyed the
esteem of his fellow citizens.
JOHN W. EDWARDS.
John W. Edwards, a retired agriculturist of Brighton township, whose
busy life for many years devoted to tilling the soil has enabled him to accum-
ulate that competence which now justifies him in withdrawing from the
activities of life, is one of the most highly respected and esteemed citizens of
his community, and during his business career was considered one of the
most industrious and prosperous farmers of Brighton township. His birth
occurred in Bartholomew county, Indiana, July 2. 1847, and he is a son of
Jesse K. and Xancy (X'^eusoma) Edwards. His father was born in Ken-
tucky in the same county in which occurred the birth of Abraham Lincoln
and when nine years of age, or in 1855, came to Washington county, Iowa,
first locating on a farm three miles and a half from the village of Brighton,
where he remained for about nine years. He then purchased the tract of
land now under cultivation by his son, John W. Edwards, the property line
being immediately outside of the village limits. Here he resided until death
terminated his activities in 1908. All his life was devoted to tilling the soil
with the exception of twelve years which he spent in the liverj' business in
Brighton. The mother of our subject was born, reared and married in
Indiana, and upon departing this life April 6. 1853. was laid to rest in her
«8
JOHN W. EDWARDS
MRS. JOHN W. EDWARDS
THE NEW YORE
PUBLIC UBRARY
ASTOSJ, LENOX
:.'<tN FOCNOATlOir
HISTORY' Ul' W'ASllIXGTUN O )L"NTV 305
native state. She had two children, John W. ; and James T., who follows
farming in Radisson, Sawyer county, Wisconsin.
John W. Edwards was reared to agricultural pursuits, passing through
the usual experiences common tt) the country lad, and during the winter
months he obtained his education in the Brighton schools. He remained
under the parental roof until the death of his father, when he assumed the
entire management of the farm, which he operated until the time of his
retirement. His property includes two hundred and twenty-two acres lying
immediately to the north of the village of Brighton, and the farm is provided
with every improvement, all the work of preparing the land for cultivation
having been done by Mr. Edwards and his father. It is as fine a piece o£
soil for raising general crops as exists in the township.
In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Edwards to Miss Abbie
Draper, a resident of Clay township, and this union has been blessed by three
children : Nellie, the wife of S. Hagans, whose farm lies in Jefferson
county just across the Brighton township line ; Florence, who resides at
home : and Edwin, deceased. Mrs. Edwards' father was born in England
in 1834 and was only nine years of age when he came to this country. On
reaching manhood he was married in New York, Mrs. Edwards' mother being
a native of that state, and in 1854 they became residents of Jefferson county,
Iowa, where Mr. Draper followed farming for some years. He died in
1887 and his wife passed away in 1895. b^^^h being laid to rest in the Clay
cemetery. Of their eight children four died in infancy, those who reached
maturity being Abbie, Charles N., J. E. and Hugh Draper.
Mr. Edwards' political views have always been those of the republican
party, his convictions having been early formed, and while he is not an office
seeker, yet he is greatly interested in the successes of his party and is a
strong supporter of its candidates. An enthusiastic church worker, he be-
longs to the Baptist denomination, and he is secretary of the church and also
a member of the board of deacons. His life has been one of great usefulness,
not only as an industrious and prosperous farmer but also as a citizen, and
through his religious ardor he has contributed much toward the moral and
spiritual welfare of the communit>- in which he lives.
JESSE LONGWELL.
Jesse Longwell is a representative citizen of Wellman, where he is con-
ducting a w-ell appointed drug store and in its management is meeting with
good success. He is also connected with pulilic affairs as an office holder.
but whether in office or out of it, is always loyal to the best interests of
the community, his cooperation proving a valuable factor in the general im-
provement and upbuilding of the town.
A native of Marion county, Ohio, he was born June 8, 1847, ^"^ is a
son of Louis and Harriett (Jury) Longwell, both of whom were natives
of Kentucky, born in the years 1812 and 1817 respectively. After living for
306 HISTORY OF WASHINCiTON COUNTY
sometime in Marion county, Ohio, they came to Washington county, Iowa,
in 1852, the father purchasing and operating a farm in Lime Creek town-
ship, whereon he reared his family. His wife died March 2, 1862, and
his death occurred September 7, 1905. In their family were eight children,
six of whom are yet living, namely : Isaac, a resident of Washington county,
Iowa ; Rachel, the wife of Frank King, of North Dakota ; Martha, the wife of
N. Matthers. of this county ; Mary J., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Adams
and resides in Kansas ; Jesse, of this review ; and Margaret, the wife of John
Whetstine, of Missouri.
Jesse Longvvell pursued his education in the public schools and was reared
upon the home farm in Lime Creek township, being but five years of age at
the time of the removal from Ohio to Iowa. When not busy with the duties
'if the schoolroom his attention was largely given to the work of the fields
and he remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war. when as
a boy of sixteen years he responded to the country's call for troops, enlist-
ing in Company D, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until the close
of the war. He was in several hard skirmishes and was discharged at Little
Rock, Arkansas, on the expiration of his term of enlistment. It was a
strenuous experience for a youth of his age but he never faltered in the
performance of his duty, manifesting his loyalty on everv occasion bv the
faithful performance of the tasks assigned him.
At the close of the war Mr. Longwell returned home and continued to
work for his father on the farm until 1869, when at the age of twenty-two
years he went to Kansas and purchased a farm, upon which he resided for
five and a half years. He then sold that propertv and returned to Wash-
ington county, renting and cultivating his father's farm for three years, at
the end of which time he determined to give his attention to commercial rather
than agricultural pur.^uits and purchased a drug store in Dayton. In five
years he sold out and bought a drug store in Wellman. He has since con-
ducted the business and now has one of the oldest and best known establish-
ments of the city. From the beginning he has prospered in this work, his
trade constantly increasing as the years have gone by. His store is complete
in its appiiintmcnts and equipments, is attractive in its tasteful arrangement
and altogether pleasing by reason of the straightforward busines.'; policy he
has followed and the earnest desire manifest to please the patrons. Mr.
Longwell today enjoys an extensive trade and in addition to his stock he owns
a large double store building in Wellman. He likewise has a fine residence
at the corner of .^rch and High streets and these different structures are the
visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and enterprise. In addition
to his otlier interests he is now one of the directors of tlie Wellman Snving.s
Bank.
On the i2th of December. 1878, Mr. Longwell was married to Miss Flo-
rilla Topping, who was born in Jefferson county, \\'isconsin. April C\ T852, her
parents being Charles D. and Emeline (Lucas) Topping, both of whom are
now deceased. In their family were six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. long-
well have been born three children : Albert F., whose birth occurred Novem-
ber 5, 1879, is a graduate of the pharmaceutical department of the State
HISTORY Ol' WASIIIXCTOX COrXTY 307
University and is now with his father in the store : Zella E., horn Ma)- 24,
1883, is a graduate of the Mount Pleasant Conservatory of Music ; and Ona
B., born January 25, 1885, coinpletes the family.
In his political views Mr. Longwell has ever been a stalwart republican,
giving earnest, substantial and effective support to the party. His fellowr
townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called him to
public office and for over twenty years he has served on the school board,
the cause of public education finding in him a firm and stalwart friend. He
was likewise countv supervisor for six years and in that position did beneficial
work for the community at large. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at
Wellman and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both
are held in high esteem and their own home is justly noted for its warm
hearted hospitality. Mr. Longwell has won success without allowing per-
sonal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit or activities. His is
the record of a strenuous life, the record of a strong individuality, sure of
itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic
and persistent in action.
W. A. BIRNEY.
\A . A. Birney follows agricultural pursuits on a large tract of land in
Washington township, this county, making a specialty of buying and feeding
stock, his shipments of cattle and hogs being very extensive and the most
remunerative department of his business. He is a native of Harrison county,
Ohio, born August 23, 1845, 'i"d a son of Hugh and Annie (Reynolds)
Birney. His father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1803, and came to
the United States when he was a boy and located near Cadiz. Ohio, where he
engaged in general farming on a tract of land which he entered when he
was about twenty-five years of age and there he resided until his death,
which occurred March 12, 1880, when he was seventy-seven years of age.
Our subject's mother was born on shipboard while her parents were en route
to this country, and was married in Ohio, where she entered into rest. To
her were born eight children : John H. : Jane, deceased : a child who died in
infancy ; W. A. ; Robert, an agriculturist, following his occupation near
Cadiz ; Johanna, deceased ; George R.. deceased : and a child who died in
infancy.
\\'. A. Birney was reared on his father's farm, spending his boyhood
days assisting in the duties of agriculture and taking advantage of the oppor-
tunities afforded him by the neighboring schools. He remained at home until
he was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he commenced
the nccu])ation of farming independently, beginning early to deal in live stock.
He cultivated land in Harrison county, Ohio, until 1894, when he came to
this count}', upon his arrivnl intending to ]iurchasc land but, meeting with
the misfortune of losing his wife, he gave up the idea and rented a farm
containing three hundred and thirty acres, upon which he has since engaged
308 HISTORY OF WASHLXGTOX COLXTY
in general farming and in feeding all kinds of stock. He raises many head of
cattle and hogs, paying particular attention to the latter, which he ships to
all parts of this and adjoining states. The improvements which he has put
upon the place makes it in every respect one of the best for carrying on his
business and Mr. Birney is numbered among the experienced and expert
agriculturists of the township.
In 1865 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Emma Spiker, a native
of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom he has had eight children : Hugh, an
agriculturist of Worthington, Harrison county, Ohio ; M. L. ; Frank Howard,
deceased ; Earl Jeptha, who engages in farming in Marion township, this
county; Homer Clare ; Anna E. ; Robert, deceased ; and Clyde S.
Mr. Birney votes with the republican party and while he takes an interest
in local affairs and is willing to aid all projects designed for the public good,
he does not care to hold office and declined to serve in the office of justice
of the peace, to which he was elected. He belongs to the Methodist Episco-
pal church, of which he is at present a trustee, and since the age of eighteen
years he has always held some office in the organization. He is a man en-
tertaining an excellent reputation throughout the community for his straight-
forward life and enterprising spirit and is justly accounted one of the town-
ship's worthy agriculturists.
LEWIS C. SITLER.
Lewis C. Sitler is conducting a general blacksmithing business in Wash-
ington and a life of unremitting industry and well directed energy has brought
him a gratifying competence as the years have passed, making him one of the
substantial citizens of the community. He was born in Greene county, Ohio,
March 28, 1843, ^id in his veins flows the blood of German ancestry, for in
both the paternal and maternal lines he is of German lineage. His grand-
father, Samuel Sitler, settled in Pennsylvania on his arrival in the new world
and there both he and his wife spent their last days. The maternal grand-
father of Lewis C. Sitler was John Bowers, who was also born in Germany
and on coming to the new world settled in Hagerstown, Maryland. He
served his adopted countrs' as a soldier of the war of 18 12. He married
Miss Seville Bundle, and they became parents of five children, four daugh-
ters and a son : Maria, Mary. Emeline. Elizabeth and John.
The parents of Lewis C. Sitler were Peter and Maria (Bowers) Sitler,
the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. The father
was a blacksmith by trade and all of his sons followed the same pursuit. In
the year 1859 he came to Washington county, Iowa, settling in Cedar town-
ship, where he purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in farming for a
number of years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Washington, where
he resumed work at his trade, but after laboring at the forge for two years
he returned to the farm. His death occurred in 1885 at the home of his
son Peter in Oskaloosa, Iowa, when he was sixtv-five vears of age, while his
UiSTORV UI'" WASill.WiTUX COL'XTY 309
wife passed away in 1883, also at the age of sixty-five years. She was a
devoted member of the Methodist church.
In his family were nine children, five sons and four daughters : Martha
J., the widow of James H. Adams, of Washington; Lewis C. ; Emeline, the
wife of Worth Austin, of Rifle, Colorado ; Elias Dilley, of California ; Amanda
Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Alvert Powers ; Peter Miley, of O'Brien
county, Iowa ; Patience, the wife of Clark Brown, of Wellman, Iowa ; Col-
lette, the tw-in of Patience and a resident of Dayton, Iowa; and Charles,
who is living in Sigourney, Iowa.
Lewis C. Sitler was reared in his native county to the age of sixteen
years and during that period pursued his education in the district schools.
In 1859 he came to Washington county, Iowa, and for two years worked on
the farm for his father but in August, 1862, left the plow that he might aid
his country in her struggle to preserve the Union. He, therefore, enlisted as
a member of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served
until June, 1865. He was slightly wounded in the shoulder at the battle of
Xew Hope Church but otherwise escaped injury, although he was often in
the thickest of the fight, participating in the battles of Vicksburg ; Arkansas
Post; Lookout Mountain; Missionary Ridge; Ringgold; Dallas, Georgia;
Bentonville, North Carolina ; and Columbia, South Carolina. He also accom-
panied Sherman on the famous march to the sea, which proved how weak
was the southern Confederacy, its strength having been drawn from the
interior to protect the border. When victory perched upon the Union ban-
ners he participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C, where thou-
sands of Union soldiers marched through the city, cheered by the multitude
who thronged the streets and welcomed the returning heroes. When the
war was over Mr. Sitler again came to Washington where he has since fol-
lowed blacksmithing, conducting a shop here, in which he receives a liberal
and substantial patronage.
On the 19th of November, 1868, Mr. Sitler was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Glover, a daughter of James and Isabella (Thompson) Glover.
Mrs. Sitler was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while her parents were
natives of Ireland. Her father died in the Keystone state, while the mother's
death occurred in Iowa. They had eight children, four of whom are living:
Sarah, the widow of William Smith, of Columbia City, Indiana ; Charles,
living in Oskaloosa, Iowa ; James, a resident of Keota ; and Mary, now Mrs.
Sitler. L'nto our subject and his wife have been born three children:
Howard, who married Ethel Jacobs, and is a blacksmith ; Ida Marie, who
died at the age of fifteen years ; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mrs. Sitler is a member of the First United Presbyterian church. Mr
Sitler belongs to I. G. White Post, No. 108, G. A. R., and thus maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Politically he is a republican
but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as
he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. That he
has prospered in his undertakings is evidenced by the fact that he now owns
a fine home in Washington, his shop and several lots. He has always been
a busy man. active and energetic in following his trade and is also widely
310 HISTORY OF WASHIX(,TOX ColXTV
known as a reliable and progressive citizen, as true and loyal to his country
in local affairs and in national interests as when he followed the old flag
on southern battlefields.
ROBERT PORTER LEWIS.
Robert Porter Lewis has now almost reached the seventy-sixth milestone
on life's journey. He is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned
rest, but for many years was actively associated with agricultural interests
and is still the owner of valuable farming property. Moreover, he is entitled
to representation in this volume from the fact that he is one of the pioneer
residents of the county, having lived within its borders for sixty-five years,
during which time he has seen the wild prairie converted into fine farms
dotted here and there with beautiful homes, while thriving towns and vil-
lages have sprung up, offering excellent inducements for the establishment
of industrial and commercial enterprises within their midst.
Mr. Lewis was bom in Decatur county, Indiana, November i8, 1833, a
son of William B. and Eliza Jane (Donnell) Lewis, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky. The father was a son of Samuel Lewis, of French
descent, a native of Maryland, whence he removed to the Blue Grass state,
while later he became a resident of Indiana and subsequently of Iowa. In
early days he trained in the old state militia of Indiana and his son William
became a captain in the light horse artillery. Samuel Lewis married Cas-
sandra Laisure, and they reared several children, including William B.,
Nathaniel, John, James, Elizabeth and Mary. The father died in \\'ash-
ington county at the age of eighty-five years, while the mother's death oc-
curred when she was seventy-nine years of age. The maternal grandfather
of Robert Porter Lewis removed from Kentucky to Indiana, settling in Deca-
tur county, when it was still a frontier district. He made farming his life
work and both he and his wife died in middle life. They were the parents
of several sons and daughters : James ; Samuel ; John ; Luther and Eliza.
twins; Nancy; and Jane. The last named became the wife of William B.
Lewis.
The father of our subject was reared to farm life and although he engaged
to some extent in general merchandising he carried on general agricultural
pursuits during the greater part of his life. He, too. became one of the
pioneer residents of Decatur county, Indiana, and in 1845 h^ arrived in
Washington county, Iowa, where he purchased three hundred and sixty acres
of land in Brighton township. He also entered land from the government,
and to each of his children gave eighty acres. He died on his farm in this
county at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife, who survived him.
was eighty-four years of age at the time of her death. They were members
of the United Presbyterian church and were people of prominence in the
community. In early life Mr. Lewis represented his district in the state
legislature when the capital was at Iowa City and was a member of the state
HISTORY OF WASIIIXCTON COUNTY 311
senate and also of the house after the seat of government was removed to
Des Moines. As a member of the general assembly he took an active and
helpful part in shaping the early legislation of the state and in molding the
policy of the cominonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born eleven chil-
dren, six sons and five daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity,
while five are still living : Robert P. ; Mary Ellen, the wife of Henry Mar-
shall, of Kansas ; Elizabeth and Josephine, who are living at Iowa City,
Iowa; and Thomas L., also a resident of Iowa City.
Robert P. Lewis arrived in Washington county when he was but eleven
years of age and here he has since made his home. He was reared on the
farm amid the surroundings of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of
the hardships and privations incident to frontier existence. He attended the
district schools and remained under the parental roof until he attained his
majority, when his father gave him eighty acres of land. He immediately
began its cultivation but continued to make his home with his parents until
twenty-five years of age. He then married and established his home upon
his own farm. Later he left his wife and one child to go to the defense of
his country, enlisting as a member of Company A, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry, with which he served until the end of the war. He participated
in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Arkansas Post, Ringgold, Mission-
ary Ridge, Resaca and all of the military movements around Atlanta, after
which he marched with Sherman to the sea and took part in the Grand Review
in Washington. He went through all of the experinces that come on the
long, hard marches and in the hotly contested campaigns, but was fortunate
in never being wounded nor captured.
After the war Mr. Lewis returned to his farm in Brighton township,
Washington county, and took up the active work in the fields, bringing his
land under a high state of cultivation. He lived upon that place until 1890,
when he rented it and removed to the county seat. In the meantime he had
added two more eighty acre tracts and is now the owner of two hundred
and forty acres, from which he derives a substantial income. He has lived
retired, however, during the last nineteen years and well merits the rest which
he is now enjoying.
It was on the 6th of October, 1858, that Mr. Lewis was united in marriage
to Miss Olivia K. Tracy, a daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Moore) Tracy,
natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. They arrived in Washington
county, Iowa, in the spring of 1845, settling in Brighton township, where Mr.
Tracy entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, but was not
long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred in 1847. He was
also a twin. His wife passed away a week after his death. They were the
parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom four are
now living : Bazil Tracy, a merchant of Brighton ; Dr. Levi E. Tracy, living
in Chillicothe, Missouri ; Mrs. Lewis ; and Sheriden Tracy, of Richland,
Iowa, who was a soldier of the Civil war. In tracing back the ancestry of
Mrs. Lewis it is found that the family are descendants of Sir William
Tracy, who came from England to America in September, 1620, and settled
in Virginia, where he owned a large estate and was the possessor of vast
31-^ HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
wealth. Back of him the ancestry is traced until the record covers a thousand
years. Joshua Tracy, the grandfather of Mrs. Lewis, was a native of Vir-
ginia and married Nancy Vaughn, by whom he had eleven sons and one
daughter. He lost his life in a snowstorm in the Allegheny mountains while
making a trip eastward for salt, when about forty-six years of age. His
wife reared their family and lived to be quite old, making her home in Bel-
mont county, Ohio, on land which her husband had entered from the govern-
ment. She died at the extreme old age of ninety-two years. The maternal
grandfather of Mrs. Lewis was Robert Moore, who came from Ireland with
his wife and settled in Belmont county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming.
He died, however, when about eighty-seven years of age, and his wife died
when about seventy-eight years of age. They were the parents of two
daughters : Sarah, who became Mrs. Tracy ; and Elizabeth, the wife of
Samuel Casey.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Belmont county, Ohio, j\Iay 2, 1839, and was
therefore about seven years of age at the time of the removal of the
family to Iowa, in which state she gave her hand in marriage to Robert
P. Lewis. They became the parents of three daughters and two sons : Mary
Adella, who died at the age of three years ; Mide C, who is a milliner and
lives at home ; Harry Tracy, who died at the age of two years ; Helen
Beatrice, the wife of James H. Baird, of Rockford, Illinois, and the mother
of one daughter, Mary Olivia Beatrice Baird ; and Earl Ashton, a success-
ful business man, well known as a jeweler and as the owner of a large manu-
facturing establishment in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He married Vera Van Sickle.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Second United Presbyterian
church and are well known in Washington and throughout the county, where
they have an extensive circle of warm friends. Mr. Lewis belongs to I. G.
White Post, No. 108, G. A. R. ; his political allegiance is given to the repub-
lican party ; and he is always progressive in his citizenship, but without desire
for office. His life has been a busy and useful one and his business affairs
have ever been characterized by unfaltering integrity and reliability. He
has borne his full share in developing the county, which during the period of
his residence here has been converted from a wild western district into one
of the populous and prosperous counties of this great state. He has seen the
building of the railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and the telephone
and of many interests which contribute to the comfort and conyenience of
modern life and which are strong contrasts to the mode of living of the
pioneers.
GEORGE G. VINCENT.
George G. Vincent is one of the prominent and prosperous representative.^
of live-stock interests in this county, having extensively engaged in the
breeding of registered shorthorn cattle, while for several years he has fed from
one to two car loads of fat cattle for the market. He is today widely known
because of his extensive interests as a stock-dealer and his judgment is sel-
MR. AXIJ MRS. C. G. VIXCEXT
THE
ffBw
'"'^^nV^
:''c't:r^'
«K,
IIISTOKN ol' \\".\Slll.\(iT( )\ O HX ^^■ 315
dom, if ever, al fault, in matters relative to this field uf business. His home
is in Seventy-Six township, w here he owns three hundred and forty-four acres
of as fine land as can be found in the state of Iowa. His record is one which
reflects credit and honor upon his native county. His birth occurred in Wash-
ington township about two miles west of the county seat on the 9th of August,
1848, his parents, John and Jane J. (McCully) Vincent, having been pioneer
settlers of Washington county. The father was born in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, April 8, 1796, and was a son of James and Charity Vincent. In
the month of April, 1842, he arrived in Iowa, settling on a farm in Washing-
ton township, Washington county, upon which he resided to the time of his
death. For two years he rented the land and then entered his homestead claim
of two hundred acres. In later years, when success had made him one of the
prosperous farmers of the community, he used to say that on his arrival in
Iowa he was forty-eight dollars worse off than nothing and that he would
have returned to the east if he had possessed the means to get away. How-
ever, fate compelled him to remain and he lived to rear a family of eleven
children to manhood and womanhood, while in his business affairs he so
prospered that he was able to give to each of them an eighty-acre farm while
at the time of his death the old home place of two hundred acres was divided
among them. All of this land was entered from the government by him, he
paying for it the usual price of a dollar and a quarter an acre. His life was
one of untiring industry and of indefatigable effort and it was thus that he
gained the success which crowned his efforts as the years passed by. He
was never an office seeker, but he gave stalwart support to the republican
party, feeling that the best interests of state and nation would be conserved
thereby. In early manhood he wedded Miss Jane J. McCully, who was born
in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, March 4, 1810. They were consistent and
faithful members of the United Presbyterian church and both were killed by
a train in October, 1876, while returning home from a visit among their
children, the wagon in which they were driving being struck by a passing
train. They were accompanied by John Gilmore, who was also killed.
The quiet and uneventful life of the farm boy gives a favorable picture
of George G. Vincent in his youthful days. He was reared under the pa-
rental roof and began his education in the common schools, while later he had
the benefit of instruction in a select school in Washington. At twentv years
of age he began cultivating his present homestead, then compromising eighty
acres which he received from his father During the first season he operated
his land with six yoke of oxen and the following fall fattened the cattle and
sold them, purchasing horses with the proceeds of the sale. For the past
twenty-three years he has been extensively engaged in the breeding of short-
horn cattle and has for years fed from one to two carloads of fat cattle for
the market. He has built up an enviable reputation as a breeder of fine
stock, shipping his cattle extensively throughout the western states. His
name seems to be a guarantee for high grades and it is well known that his
stock are ever just what they arc represented to be. He is known as one of
the best judges of fine stock in Iowa and his business interests of this char-
acter have alwavs been conducted in such a manner as to win him substantial
316 HISTORY OF \\ASHINGTOX COUXTY
and well merited prosperity. As his financial resources have increased he has
extended the boundaries of his property until it now comprises three
hundred and forty-four acres of as fine land as the state produces. Every
improvement upon it has been placed there by him, and it is now one of the
splendidly developed farms of the community.
In February, 1879, Mr. Vincent was married to Miss Mary Terressa
Wright, of Dutch Creek township, and they have become parents of seven
children: Jennie llelle, the wife of Isaac I'ulver, a resident of Seventy-Six
township ; Charity May, a milliner in South Haven, Michigan ; Nellie Anna,
a teacher in the high school of Rockford, Iowa; Earl \V., who is a graduate
of the United Presbyterian College of Monmouth, Illinois ; Martha Grace,
a teacher of this county; Robert Elmer and George Everett, both at home.
The parents and children are all members of the United Presbyterian
church and Mr. Vincent has served as a member of the church session for
twelve or fifteen years. He contributes generously to its support and co-
operate? in many of its activities. In politics he is independent, yet rather
more strongly in sympathy with the republican than democratic party. He
served for several years as justice of the peace and also as a member of the
school board and whether in office or out of it has put forth effective effort
toward advancing the best interests of the community. He is todav num-
bered among the wealthy farmers of Seventy-Six township and the activitv
and integrity that have characterized his life have made him a man whom
to know is to respect and honor.
CYRUS F. TIMMINS.
Cyrus F. Timmins, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty
acres in Cedar township, is widely recognized as a most progressive and
successful agriculturist of his community. He was born in Washington
county, Iowa, August 2, 1853, his father being George A. Timmins, whose
birth occurred near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1824.
In 1852, George A. Timmins came to Iowa and entered the land which now
constitutes the home farm of our subject, giving his time and energies to its
development and improvement until his demise in 1885. On his arrival
here he found the district still largely wild and unsettled and in order to
secure the necessary lumber for the construction of a house, he cut down some
trees and hauled the logs to Washington to be sawed. The dwelling is still
standing and is in a good state of repair. The widow of George A. Timmins
still survives at the age of eighty-two years, making her home with her son,
Cyrus F. Her family numbers five children, namely: Milton, who is a resi-
dent of Kansas ; Cyrus F., of this review ; T. A., also of Kansas ; Clara,
the wife of C. S. Sargent, of Kansas ; and Frank E., who likewise lives in
the Sunflower state.
Cyrus F. Timmins attended the common schools in pursuit of an educa-
tion and has always continued to reside on the farm which his father entered
IIISTDRV UV \\ASHl.\(iT().\ COUNTY 317
from the government in 1852. His time and attention have been given to
the work of the fields throughout his active business career and he now
owns two hundred and forty acres of rich farming property and five acres
of timber land in Cedar township. In addition to the cultivation of grain he
also raises and feeds hogs and sheep, and in his undertakings has gained that
measure of success which is ever the reward of earnest and untiring labor
when guided by sound judgment.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Timmins chose
Miss Josephine Logue, who was born in Carroll county, Illinois, her parents
being now deceased. By this union there were born five children, as follows :
George C, of this county ; Floyd L. and Mary M., both at home ; and Fred
and Eunice, both of whom have passed away. In 1902 Mr. Timmins was
called upon the mourn the loss of his wife, her death being deeply deplored
by her many friends.
In his political affiliation Mr. Timmins is a stalwart republican and has
served as township trustee and school director, discharging his official duties
in a most satisfactory and efficient manner. Fraternally he is connected with
the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated by his member-
ship in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a resident of the
county from his birth to the present time and has progressed with its develop-
ment and growth, while in agricultural circles he now occupies a prominent
place.
D. K. SHAVER.
D. K. Shaver is yet connected with farming interests although now
in his eighty-eighth year. He is a remarkably well preserved man, especially
supple and vigorous, which fact is due to the life that he has led, never abus-
ing nature's laws. His birth occurred in Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
January 3, 1822. His parents, George and Rosanna (Ankeny) Shaver, were
natives of Frederick county, Maryland, and of Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania, respectively. On seeking a home in the middle west they settled in
Johnson county, Iowa, where Mr. Shaver took up a claim in 1844. Not a
furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on that tract of land, but
with characteristic energy he began the cultivation of his claim, building a
little log cabin, covered with a clapboard roof and supplied with a stick
chimney, puncheon floor and clapboard door. On the latter was a wooden
latch which was raised with a string as was customary in the olden times,
giving rise to the familiar saying concerning hospitality that "the latch
string is always out." They met all of the experiences common to pioneer
life and aided in extending the frontier, their work being a valuable element
in reclaiming the wild district. The father died in 1845, while the mother
passed away in 1844. In their family were twelve children, three of whom
are yet living: D. K., of this review ; Eleanor, who is the wife of Rein King,
of Des Moines, Iowa : and Mrs. Henrietta Hull, living in Muscatine, Iowa.
318 HISTOID ' •!• W \>IllXi.T()X COUXTV
D. K. Shaver spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the county of
his nativity and when twelve years of age learned the printing trade, at which
he worked for more than three decades. At one time he worked as a journey-
man on the Standard at Iowa City and he also set the type, making the
boundary line of the State of Iowa. He was employed bv Judge Bates on a
newspaper when that gentleman was a candidate for the governorship of
Iowa and he also issued the supreme court reports for Judge Green at Cedar
Rapids. Iowa. During his early manhood he became widely known in con-
nection with the journalistic interests of the state, being a prominent repre-
sentative of newspaper circles here. In 1852 he secured a land warrant for
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Johnson county. Iowa, in exchange
for eight weeks' work he had done for Judge Green. In 1854 he removed
to his claim and there remained until 1857, when he took a trip south to
Jackson, Mississippi. In that place he worked on a paper but staid there
only four weeks, as he was a stalwart whig and the political feeling in the
community was so strongly opposed to him that it was necessary for him
to leave. Therefore one night he quietly left the town and made his way
northward to a more congenial political atmosphere. Landing in St. Louis,
he there found employment, working on the St. Louis Republic for three
months. Returning to Johnson county, Iowa, he accepted the position of
foreman on the Iowa City Republican and engaged in that capacity for two
years, while later he established the American Union at Iowa City, conduct-
ing the paper for a short period. He next removed to his farm in Johnson
county and gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1900, when
he sold that tract of land and bought the farm whereon he now resides in
Washington county, near the old town of Uaxton in Lime Creek township.
He has since made his home here and the farm is a well improved property
which is conducted under his personal supervision. Few men of his years
manifest so active and intense interest in business affairs as Mr. Shaver, but
he seems many years younger than the records indicate and has the vigor,
physical endurance and enterprise of a man twenty years his junior. He
started out in life with few advantages, his education being only such as was
afforded in the little log school house of pioneer times. He taught school
for a few terms and all through his life he has been a student, learning
many valuable lessons in the school of experience.
In 1857 Mr. Shaver was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Donahey,
who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in October. 1840. and is a daughter
of John and Sarah (Picken) Donahey, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio
respectively. Of their family of eleven children only three are now living.
Mrs. Shaver came with her parents to Washington county, Iowa, when
she was only six years of age. Her father entered land from the government
in this county and made his home thereon until his death, which occurred
in 1854. His wife survived him for eighteen years, passing away in 1876.
Two of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Shaver. Bonetta and George D.,
have passed away. Those who survive are: Birney, living in Mitchell, South
Dakota ; and E. A., who is operating a cement block factory at Dayton in
Lime Creek township. The sons are now building a tile and cement block
HISTORY C)l' W ASlll\(ri"()\ CorXTV 319
factory, in which they have invested two thousand dollars, it being one of the
best equipped plants of its kind now in operation.
In his political views Mr. Shaver is a stalwart republican, having given
loyal support to the party since its organization. He has held a number of
minor positions and is always progressive and loyal in his citizenship. He
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and to the Independent Order of Good Templars. He holds very radical
views on the temperance question and has never used intoxicants nor tobacco
in any form. He is now in his eighty-eighth year and prides himself on
being the most supple man in the county of his age, being able to stand and
kick the door jam of the house. He attributes his physical strength and
endurance to the fact tliat he has always lived a temperate life, never abusing
nature's laws. His is a splendid record of the man whose feelings have ever
found expression in prompt action, rather than in plans and theories, who
has accomplished what he has undertaken and has left the record of his
individuality for good upon various parts of the state where he has put
forth a progressive effort along journalistic and agricultural lines.
W. A. STOUTNER.
W. A. Stoutner is the owner of a splendidly improved farm of two
hundred and seventy acres on section 7, Seventy-Six township. His place
is one of the attractive features of the landscape and gives visible evidence
of the spirit of thrift and enterprise on the part of the owner in its highly
cultivated fields and in its good buildings. Washington county may well be
proud to number Mr. Stoutner among her native sons, for his life record
has at all times been a creditable one. His birth occurred here, June 13,
1862, his parents being John and Mary (Keith) Stoutner. The father was
born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Richland county,
Ohio, and in the early '50s they arrived in Washington county, Iowa, becom-
ing earlv residents of this part of the state and recognized throughout the
intervening years as prominent and valued citizens of the community. Dr.
Stoutner, the father, is still living in Keota but has retired from active busi-
ness life. The mother passed away in 1906. They were the parents of six
children : Margaret, now deceased : Oliver, who is a resident of Keota ;
Naomi, the wife of J. W. Stewart, of Seventy-Six township : Edward, de-
ceased : W. A., of this review : and Nettie, who is a widow and lives in Keota.
W. A. Stoutner, whose name introduces this record, lived at home until
he had attained his majority and his youthful days were spent in the usual
manner of most farm boys who work in the fields when not occupied with the
duties of the school room. On reaching adult age he determined to make
the occupation of farming his life work and bought a part of the farm on
which he now resides. He has today two hundred and seventy acres on this
tract, which is situated on section 7. Seventy-Six township, and is finely im-
proved land. The soil is naturally rich and productive and the methods
320 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of farming which Mr. Stoutner follows are such as make the soil produce its
maximum yield. Good machinery is used in carrying on the work of the
fields and it is along modern lines of agricultural progress that Mr. Stoutner
has directed his efforts with the result that his labors have been attended with
gratifying success. In addition to his home property he has three hundred
and twenty acres of land in Texas.
In 1884 Mr. Stoutner was married to Miss Martha McCaleb, who was
born in Washington county, Iowa, a daughter of R. and Phoebe McCaleb.
Her father is now deceased but the mother still lives in this county. In their
family were twelve children. Mrs. Stoutner by her marriage became the
mother of four children : George E., who resides' in this county ; and Edward
].. -Arthur W. and Waker R.. all at home. The wife and mother was called
to her final rest on February 2, 1903, and her death was deeply regretted by
all who knew her because of her many estimable traits of character. Her
grave was made in the Keota cemetery. On the ist of June, 1905, Mr.
Stoutner was again married, his second union being with Miss Edna Jones,
who was born in Keota and was one of the five children of O. B. and Laura
Jones, who are yet residents of Keota. By the second marriage there has
been one son, William A.
Mr. and Mrs. Stoutner hold membership in the Christian church and his
political support is given to the democracy. His life has been quietly passed
in the work of the farm and yet he has displayed many sterling qualities
which have gained for him the esteem and warm regard of those with
whom he has come in contact. He has always lived within the boundaries
of Washington county, and therefore for forty-seven years has witnessed
its growth and improvement, at all times giving his cooperation to the
measures which are of public benefit.
HENRY L FOSTER.
Henry L. Foster is the owner of one of the extensive farms of Lime Creek
township, having three hundred and sixty-one acres of rich and valuable
land on section 34. In its operation he displays a practical and progressive
spirit, manifesting keen discernment in judging between the essential and
the non-essential in all of his business aiifairs. He is one of the worthy
citizens that Ohio has furnished to Washington county, his birth having oc-
curred in the Buckeye state, August 19, 1858. He is the youngest of the
surviving children of A. D. and Martha (Lucas) Foster, natives of Vermont
and Connecticut, respectively. Becoming a resident of Ohio, the father
purchased a tract of timber land and after building a log cabin began clearing
away the trees and preparing the fields for the plow. He lived upon that
place until i860, when, with his family, he removed to Washington county,
Iowa, and bought a farm in Lime Creek township. Both he and his wife
remained residents of that township until called to their final rest and were
respected as worthy and representative citizens of the community. The father
HISTORY OF \VASIIIX(;T0X COUXTY 321
died in 1889, and the mother survived until February 8, 1897. Six of their
children have passed away, while those who are still living are : E. N., now
a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; William A., a prominent farmer
of Lime Creek township ; Marian, who is living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; and
Henry L.
The last named was just two years of age when the parents brought
their family to Washington county, so that practically his entire life has
been spent in this locality. He was trained to the work of the fields on his
father's farm, alternating his time between the tasks that were assigned
him through parental authority and the duties of the schoolroom, his edu-
cation being acquired in the common schools. He remained at home until
he had attained adult age and then started out in life on his own account by
renting a farm which he cultivated for three years, but lived on the home
farm. On the expiration of that period he purchased a part of the old home-
stead and he also inherited a portion of it. Today his landed possessions
aggregate three hundred and sixty-one acres on section 34, Lime Creek
township. He has improved this by building a fine house and all the out-
buildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. Everything about
the place is kept in good repair and the farm presents a most pleasing appear-
ance, constituting one of the attractive features of the landscape. Annually
Mr. Foster garners good crops and he also raises and feeds cattle and hogs,
which business he successfully conducts.
While his private interests make large demand upon his time and energies
Mr. Foster also finds opportunity for cooperation in public affairs and has
done effective work in the interests of public education through several terms'
service as a member of the school board. He is also a valued representa-
tive of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Dayton Lodge, No. 149, A. F.
& A. M., while in Washington he has taken the degrees of the chapter and
comandery. His life exemplifies the beneficient spirit of the order for he is
in thorough sympathy with its principles, which are based upon mutual
helpfulness and brotherly kindness.
On the 17th of September, 1885, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Hila
A. Jones, who was born in Washington county, Iowa, May 25, 1861, and is
a daughter of J. C. and Maria (Cassis) Jones. Her father was born in
Licking county, Ohio, while her mother's birth occurred in Orange county.
New York. They arrived in this county on the 7th of June, 1854, and set-
tled in Lime Creek township. Mrs. Foster was one of a family of five
children, but only two are now living. Her father died February 2, 1902,
but the mother still survives and is now living with her daughter, Mrs.
Foster, at the age of eighty-two years.
Mrs. Foster spent her early girlhood in her parents' home and afterward
engaged in teaching school, which profession she followed for seven years.
She is a valued member and active worker in the Eastern Star at Wellman
and is now serving as its worthy matron and is also grand marshal of the
state lodge. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Foster have been born five children : Burrell
C, who was born August 31, 1886, and is a graduate of the Wellman high
school ; Ellery N., who was born February 14, 1889, and also completed the
3:>2 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
high-school course in Welhnan ; Wayne J., who was born June 19, 1891, and
is a graduate of the Wellman high school ; Warren H., who was born August
24, 1894, and is now a pupil in the high school of Wellman ; and Morgan
J., who was born August 25, 1897.
The family is one of prominence in the community and the hospitality
of the best homes of this portion of the county is freely extended to the mem-
bers of the Foster household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foster have a large circle
of friends and acquaintances and wherever knotvn are held in high esteem.
Mr. Foster has long ranked with the leading farmers of this part of the
state, his enterprise and ability bringing him a large measure of success
in his chosen field of labor.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. WILSON.
Captain William A. Wilson, now well known as a prominent stock-raiser
and farmer, residing in Washington, started out in life for himself at the
age of twenty-two years with a cash capital of but ten dollars. He began
operating a rented farm and as the years have passed his well directed
industry and capable management have brought him into prominent con-
nections with the agricultural interests of southeastern Iowa.
He was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 18, 1831, and is a sort
of Allen and Henrietta (Dryden) Wilson. He comes of English ancestry m
the paternal line, and Scotch on maternal side, although the family was
founded in America at an early day. His grandfather, Ammon Wilson, was
a native of the state of New Y'ork, where he followed farming for many
years. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was ever
loyal to the best interests of his home locality, his state and nation. He
lived to a ripe old age and reared a family that included Allen. Abijah. Abner,
Ammon, Margaret and Lucy Wilson.
The maternal grandfather of Captain Wilson was William Dryden, a
native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation. He, too, espoused the cause of
the country in the second war with England. Both he and his wife, Mrs.
Henrietta Dryden, lived to advanced years. Their family numbered six sons
and six daughters, including Henrietta Dryden, who was born in Ohio and
in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Allen Wilson, a native of
New "^'ork. This worthy couple were the parents of Captain Wilson. The
father devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and on his removal
from the Empire state established his home in Shelby county, Indiana, among
its early settlers. He afterward removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in
1835 and there died in 1855 at the age of seventy-five years. His wife sur-
vixed him for a long period and passed away in 1895. at the remarkable old
age iif one hundreil and three years. She retained wonderful vigor to the last.
walking three or four blocks the day prior to her death. She was a member
of the Methodist church from early womanhood, while Mr. Wilson was
reared in the Presbyterian faith. However, after his marriage he went with
WILLIAM A. WILSON
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY j
, -.,, ;*?.'rO«. LENOX
HISTORY Ml' WA^llIXr.TOX COUXTY 325
his wife to the Methodist church. Unto them were born seven children,
four sons and three (laughters: Sarah K., the deceased wife of Richard
Shield ; William A. ; Chauncey B., deceased ; Lovena, the wife of L. H.
Woodard, of Clinton, Iowa ; Jay, who has passed away ; Allen, also de-
ceased ; and Louisa, the wife of John Stevens, of Mercer county, Illinois.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married twice. The father had no children
by his first marriage. After losing her husband Mrs. Henrietta Wilson
became the wife of Noble L. Grimes, and they had two children, Rachel and
Noble L.
Captain William A. Wilson was a little lad of but four years when he ac-
companied his parents on their removal to Illinois. His youthful days were
spent on the home farm in Mercer county and in the district schools he
mastered the common branches of learning. Ambitious for an education he
would frequently sit up until midnight and read or study by the light of
burning hickory bark. His days were filled with the work of the fields as
he aided in plowing, planting and harvesting. When he left the parental
roof at the age of twenty-two years and started out in life on his own ac-
count he had a cash capital of only ten dollars, but he possessed certain
qualities which are indispensable to success — energy, industry and laudabk
ambition. His previous experiences, too, well qualified him for farm work,
and, renting a tract of land, he thus engaged in farming for two years, after
which be bought eighty acres of land in Mercer county, where he lived for
three years. On disposing of that property he invested in one hundred and
sixty acres, which he cultivated until after the outbreak of the Civil war,
when, feeling that his duty to his country was paramount to all others, he
enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry, with which he served for about three years. He went to the front as
second lieutenant, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and later com-
missioned captain, while subsequently he was brevetted major. He took part
in a number of hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Buz-
zard's Roost, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, the second battle
of Lookout Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and the Atlanta campaign. He also
participated in many of the long, hard marches and in all the campaigning
that constitutes the life of the soldier on the field.
When the war was over Captain Wilson returned to Mercer county,
Illinois, where he resumed farming which he conducted with notable success,
making investments in land from time to time until he had accumulated
nine hundred and sixty acres, when he disposed of his property in 1884 and
removed to Lane county, Kansas. There he and his sons had five thousand
acres of land, but the hot winds destroyed their crops and, disposing of his
farm, Mr. Wilson purchased forty teams and aided in building the Missouri
Pacific Railroad and the extension of the Rock Island road to Colorado. He
was likewise engaged in the construction of a road from Garden City, Kan-
sas, to the line of the Missouri Pacific. A private company was engaged in
that enterprise and through its failure Captain Wilson lost six thousand dol-
lars, which he has never recovered. In 1889 he came to Washington county,
I'^wa, having traded his Kansas land for three farms in this locality, two in
326 HISTORY OF \\ASHIXGTOX COCXTY
Highland township comprising two hundred and eighty acres, and one in
Marion township of one hundred and twenty acres. Bending his energies to
their further cultivation and development he was busily employed in the work
of improving those properties until 1903, when he sold out and purchased the
Brockway farm of four hundred acres in Highland township. His son
Sheridan was his partner in that deal and they still own the farm. Since
1903, however, Captain Wilson has made his home in Washington.
On the 24th of September. 1857, Captain Wilson was united in marriage
to Miss Keziah Woodward, a daughter of Lofland H. and Keziah Wood-
ward. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became parents of eight sons and three daugh-
ters: Allen J., now deceased, married Emma Clark and had two children,
one of whom, Fred, survives ; Edward S., wedded Cassie Willets ; Dick
Yates, who for four years was clerk of Republic county, Kansas, and chief
clerk of the state assembly for two terms and is now living in Chattanooga.
Oklahoma, wedded Mary Puckett and they have six living children. Louisa,
Flo, Alberta. Dick Yates. Ressa and Mary .\lice: Ressa is the wife of Bert
Willits, of this county, and they have six children, Edward, Cloyd, Grace, Rov,
Glenn and Stella ; Sheridan, who operates the home farm, married Maggie
Brady, who died leaving four children, William P.. Dick Y.. Louisa and Ed-
ward, and after her death he married Ola Crone, by whom he iia> three chil-
dren, Alice. Fay and Merle : John S., who was county recorder of ^^'a^lli^gton
county ffir four years and now resides in the citv of \\'asliingtoii. married Eva
Palmer and has five children. Elizabeth, Leila. Palmer, Frances and Helen;
Harvey P., who follows farming in Jackson township, wedded Mary Logue
and has three children, Ressa, Glenn and Harold ; Louie and Gracie both
died in childhood ; Bert M., formerly a farmer and now an auctioneer of
Alberta, Canada, married Maud Fordyce and has four children, Eilene,
Madge, Jay and Max; and Frank M., a resident farmer of Highland town-
ship, married Delia Owens and has three children, Mabel, Oma and Mildred.
Mrs. Keziah Wilson, the mother of this family, who was born October 28,
1841, died May 7, 1884.
On the i8th of August, 1885, Captain Wilson was again married, his
second union being with Miss Emma Hagan, a native of Highland town-
ship, Washington county, Iowa, and a daughter of Joseph and Hannah
(Leffler) Hagan, who were natives of Germany. The mother was brought
to this country when four years of age and was reared and married in this
county. Mr. Hagan came to this county when a young man. There were
four children of that marriage, all of whom died in infancy with the exception
of Mrs. Wilson. The mother died in 1867 when Mrs. Wilson was four years
old and she was reared by her maternal grandparents. Her father died in
1893 at the age of sixty-two years. Unto Captain and Mrs. Wilson two chil-
dren have been born : Emma, who died in infancy ; and Ruth Schley.
The parents are members of the Methodist church, and Captain Wilson
belongs to the Masonic lodge and to the Grand Army of the Republic. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party, and while in Mercer
county, Illinois, he served as county commissioner for twenty years. While
he has met with .some reverses in life he has never allowed himself to be-
II1ST(■)R^■ Ml- W ASIIIXLlTOX COL'XTV 327
come discouraged by these and with resolute spirit has overcome the diffi-
culties and obstacles which he has met. Thus year b}- year he has made sub-
ington county, not alone by reason of the prosperity he has achieved but also
stantial progress and is now numbered among the valued citizens of Wash-
owing to the straightforward business methods he has ever followed.
GOTTLIEB KREBS.
Iowa with its splendid agricultural possibilities offers excellent opportun-
ity to him who \vishes to earn his living by the tilling of the soil. Devoting
his time and energies in successful manner to the cultivation and improve-
ment of a farm, Gottlieb Krebs has become well known as a prominent and
progressive citizen of Iowa township, where he owns and operates two hun-
dred acres of land. He was born on the farm where he now resides, January
7, 1874, a son of Frederick and Rachel ( Hagen ) Krebs. The parents were
natives of Germany and came to the United States in the '50s, locating first
in New York, where the fatb.er was engaged as a farm hand. They later
removed to Massachusetts and subsequently came west, establishing their
home in \^'ashington county, this state, where the father purchased forty
acres of farm land. He became a very successful farmer and as he pros-
pered he extended his possessions until he was an extensive owner of valu-
able land. He passed away on the 27th of March, 1904, and is still sur-
vived by his wife, who, at the age of seventy-three years, resides in River-
side, Iowa. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Krebs were the follow-
ing children: Mary, deceased: Louise, the wife of Jacob Franks, of Iowa
township ; Jane, who wedded Jacob Lawser and resides in Kalona, Iowa ;
Rachel, the wife of Charles Gerot, living in Riverside : Henry, a farmer
of Washington county ; Frederick and John, living in Iowa township ; Wil-
liam ; and Charles, also residents of Iowa township : and Gottlieb, of this
review.
Gottlieb Krebs spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home
farm, acquiring his education in the district schools of the neighborhood.
The periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the fields and he early
became familiar with the tasks that commonly fall to the farm lad. When
he laid aside his text-books he chose as a life work the occupation to which
he had been reared. He therefore remained at home, operating the farm in
partnership with his father until the latter's demise, when the old homestead
was deeded to him and he has continued to reside thereon to the present
time. It is a finely improved place of two hundred acres of valuable land,
while he also owns ten acres of timberland. He carries on general agricul-
tural pursuits, having brought his fields under a high state of cultivation,
and also devotes a large portion of his time and attention to the raising of
cattle and hogs. This branch of his business interests has been most suc-
cessful and is proving a very substantial source of revenue.
328 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Mr. Krebs was united in marriage in September, 1902, to Miss Mary
Shebeck, of Riverside, Washington county. He is democratic in politics
and is a stalwart supporter of the principles of that party, although neither
desiring nor seeking public office as a reward for party fealty. He has never
allied himself with any fraternal organization but prefers the pleasures and
companionship offered at his own fireside. He has never sought to figure
prominently in any public light, but in business has proven capable and re-
liable and his intense and well directed activity is now bringing him a grati-
fying measure of prosperity which ranks him among the prosperous and
representative farmers of this district. Having passed his entire life in the
place where he now resides, his circle of acquaintances has become very
extensive and the fact that he is most highly respected where he is best
known is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as command
the respect, trust and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
MARTIN P. MILLER.
On the list of Washington county's honored dead appears the name of
Martin P. Miller who for many years figured as one of the most prominent,
prosperous and honored merchants of the city of Washington, where he
owned and conducted the New York Store. In all things he measured up
to the full standard of manhood and the warm regard entertained for him
throughout the county caused the news of his demise to be received with deep
and sincere sorrow in this portion of the state.
He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1858, and
was a son of Samuel and Barbara (Finnefrock) Miller, who were likewise
riatives of the Keystone state. The family is an old one of Pennsylvania,
the grandfather having been born there, while for many years he followed
farming about eight miles from the city of Lancaster. The Finnefrock fam-
ily was also represented in Lancaster county, where the maternal grand-
father of our subject was born and carried on general agricultural pursuits.
Samuel Miller, who has made the occupation of farming his life work
is still living in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Having lost his first wife
in 1855, he has since married a Mrs. Crawford. The children of the first
union were: George; Mary, who was the wife of the Rev. John Rover;
Martin P., deceased ; Rev. Benjamin Miller; Anna, the wife of Harry Dennis ;
Amanda, the wife of Alfred Collins ; Frances, the deceased wife of Charles
Jenks ; Alice, the wife of the Rev. Charles Wiles; Emma, the wife of Frank
McKain ; and Samuel, of Chicago.
Martin P. Miller was reared in Lancaster county, Penns\'lvania, on the
old home farm and lessons of industry and diligence were early impressed
upon his mind. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of his
early education, afterward continued his studies at Mount Joy. Pennsyl-
vania, and later taught school for a time. On his removal to the west in
1880 he located in Washington, where he began clerking for T. Saeger, and
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COL'XTY 329
subsequently became a salesman in the store of Glaze & Ball. He with his
brother-in-law, C. R. Daugherty, afterward purchased Mr. Ball's interests
and he eventually became sole proprietor of the store. From a small be-
ginning he built up the business until it was the largest dry-goods store in
this section of the country, known as the New York Store. He conducted it
along modern business lines, actuated in all that he did by a progressive
spirit, his labors being the expression of well formulated and carefully exe-
cuted plans.
On the 8th of July, 1884, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Willie Daugherty, a daughter of Captain Thomas S. and Christiana (Rhodes)
Daugherty. Mrs. Miller was born in Rock Island county, Illinois. Her pa-
ternal grandfather. William Daugherty, was reared in Ohio and followed
the occupation of farming as a life work. He married Susan Scott and in
their later years they came to Iowa, where Mr. Daughetry died at an ad-
vanced age. His wife survived him for a number of years and passed away
in 1890. They were the parents of eight children : Jane and Thomas, both
deceased ; Susan, the deceased wife of Lewis Quinn ; Charity, deceased wife
of I. N. Watt, of Moline, Illinois; Rebecca, the deceased wife of John W.
Maxwell ; Lydia, who has also passed away ; Martha, the wife of the Rev.
M. A. Head ; and Delia, deceased.
Of this family Captain Thomas S. Daugherty was born in Ohio and
became one of the early settlers of Muscatine, Iowa. He engaged in teach-
ing school in early manhood and afterward conducted a grocery store in
Muscatine. His business activity, however, was interrupted at the time
of the Civil war by his active service in defense of the Union. He became
captain of Company I, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting
in 1864, and while at the front was largely engaged in duty at Mobile,
Alabama, and Brownsville, Texas. On leaving Muscatine he came to Wash-
ington in 1867 and here established a grocery store, that he conducted until
his death, which occurred in the '80s when he was forty-six years of age. In
early manhood he had wedded Christiana Rhodes, a native of Kentucky.
Her father, Thomas Rhodes, was a native of Ohio and married Elizabeth
Ragan, who was born in Kentucky. He died in the state of his nativity when
yet a young man. Mrs. Daugherty was their only child. She still survives
her husband and yet lives in Washington. They were the parents of four
children who reached adult age: Maude I., the deceased wife of Frank W.
Maxwell; Willie Elizabeth, now Mrs. Miller; Charles R., of New York
city; and Docela, who died in early womanhood.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was blessed with four children, three
sons and a daughter, but the second child, Charles, died in infancy. Thomas
S., the eldest, is a graduate of the Chicago University ; Dorothy is a sopho-
more in the same institution ; and Maxwell P. is a graduate of the Washing-
ton high school and now a student of the Chicago University.
The husband and father died February 6, 1904, and the news of his
death brought a sense of personal bereavement to his many friends as well
as his immediate family. Since her husband's death Mrs. Miller has carried
on the New York Store and displays excellent business ability, executive
330 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
management and sound judgment in the control of her affairs. She is also
well known socially and is a member of the Methodist church, to which Mr.
Miller likewise belonged. He was, moreover, a prominent Mason and held
the office of grand treasurer of the state in 1892 and 1893. Politically he was
a republican and served for a few years as a member of the city council,
exercising his official prerogatives in support of all public measures which
he deemed would prove beneficial to the community at large. His life was
indeed a busy and useful one and he was justly accounted one of the repre-
sentative and honored citizens of Washington. He was loyal in all public
relations, faithful in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his family.
He won his success by straightforward methods and his record constituted
an example well worthy of emulation.
F. G. SANDS.
One of the well appointed mercantile establishments of Ainsworth is
conducted by F. G. Sands, the senior partner of the firm of Sands Brothers.
Early realizing that there is no royal road to wealth and that there is no
excellence without labor he has put forth strenuous effort to build up a trade
along the legitimate lines of business and throughout his entire career his
course has conformed closely to a high standard of commercial ethics. He
represents one of the old families of the county, his grandparents locating
within its borders fifty-eight years ago. His birth occurred in Oregon town-
ship, January 3, 1869, and he was the third in order of birth in a family of
four children, whose parents were John W. and Martha (Shaw) Sands.
His grandparents were Benjamin and Rosanna (Hudson) Sands, who were
natives of Tennessee, where the father of our subject was also born and lived
to his twelfth year, when he accompanied his parents to Iowa, the family
home being established in Washington county in 1851. Extended mention
of the parents and grandparents is made on another page of this volume in
connection with the history of A. E. Sands, a brother of our subject. The
youthful days of Frank G. Sands were spent in the usual manner of farm
lads of the locality and period. At the usual age he entered the public schools,
pursuing his studies in Ainsworth and during the periods of vacation he
worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plow-
ing, planting and harvesting. He afterward supplemented his public-school
course by a pharmaceutical course in Iowa City, Iowa, and in 1892 he em-
barked in the drug business at Thornburg, Keokuk county, Iowa, where he
conducted a well appointed store until 1897. In that year he located in Ains-
worth to become identified with its commercial interests, opening a grocery
and drug store under the name of Sands Brothers. Since that time a stock
of jewelry has been added, also a line of men's furnishing goods, a furniture
department and an undertaking department. The firm has about sixty-five
hundred square feet of floor space and owns a two-story brick business block,
whicji is well criuipped with a large line of goods in tlie different departments
llls•r<lK^" ( )i' WASiiixcTox corx'i'v 331
mentioned. They are well e(|ui])pe(l lo meet the varions denianiK of the
trade, closely study the wishes of their patrons and by the most reliable and
enterprising business methods have met with splendid success. F. G. Sands
is practically the manager of the business, while his brother, A. E. Sands,
concentrates his energies upon banking interests as cashier of the Ainsworth
Bank.
In his political views Air. Sands is a stalwart republican. He belongs to
the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a trustee and his
wife is also a member of that organization. His fraternal relations connect
him with the Masonic lodge of Ainsworth.
On the 2d of August, 1895, Mr. Sands was married to Miss Mabel M.
Keller, a resident of Washington county, and they have one son. Rex, who
was born March 19, 1897. They occupy a leading jwsition in the social
circles of the town and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded
them, for their genuine personal worth is widely recognized.
JOHN KENNEDY.
John Kennedy, who is one of the successful agriculturists of Washington
township, engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 23, was
born in Herkimer county. New York, March 18, 1853, and is a son of James
and Sarah Jane (McComb) Kennedy. His father was a native of County
Down, Ireland, and of Scotch descent, his mother having been born and
reared near Glasgow, Scotland. It was about the year 1850 that James Ken-
nedy came to the United States, when he located in Herkimer county, New
York, where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane McComb, who
was also a native of the Emerald isle. In 1850 they came to Washington
count}', Iowa, where he followed the occupation of a stone and brick mason
and to some extent engaged in contract work. At the outbreak of the war
of the rebellion he responded to the call for troops and enlisted in the Union
army, becoming a member of Company F, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infan-
try. He was present at the siege of Vicksburg and died in that city from
illness contracted through exposure. His wife passed away on the 4th of
March, 1857, leaving one child, the subject of this review.
In the common schools John Kennedy received his preliminary educa-
tion, subsequently being given the advantage of a course of study in a select
school under Professor McKee. After the Civil war, being the only surviving
member of the family, he resided with an uncle and aunt and at the same time
worked for wages on neighboring farms until 1872, when he engaged in
farming for himself. After his marriage he removed to Mount Pleasant,
Iowa, clerking in a store there for three years, at the expiration of which
time he returned to Washington county and resided with his grandmother,
caring for her. Subsequently he removed to Hancock county, Iowa, driving
across the country with teams. There he engaged in general farming until
the spring of 1885, when he again returned to this county, making it his home
332 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
ever since. He now owns and operates a farm of two hundred and forty
acres on section 23, Washington township, and besides this property also
has an eighty-acre farm in Marion township. In connection with general
farming he gives considerable interest to the breeding of stock and is one
of the most extensive cattle breeders in Washington township.
On October 18, 1874, Mr. Kennedy wedded Miss Alice C. Titus, a native
of this county and a daughter of Harlan David and Jane Eliza (Robinson)
Titus. Her father, who was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, came
to Iowa in 1852, and after renting lands for a time entered the farm upon
which the subject of this review now resides. There he engaged in farming
until his death, which occurred June 10, 1894. His wife was a native of
New York state but they were united in marriage in Ohio. She entered into
rest here in 1885. They reared a family of five children : Mary, deceased :
Janet, the wife of Ebon Wilkins, an agriculturist of Marshall county. Kan-
sas ; John Duncan, deceased : John ; and Ora, the wife of Joseph Dillev. who
follows farming in Brown county, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy
have been born : George Duncan, deceased, who was an electrical engineer :
a child who died in infancy ; James Harlan, who assists his father on the
farm ; John L., who also resides with his father and is united in marriage to
Pearl Fishbirn ; Raymond, who passed away in May, 1908 ; and Lloyd, at
home with his parents.
The republican party has always commanded the support of Mr. Ken-
nedy, and taking a deep interest in local affairs he is now serving as a trustee
of the township and has also filled the office of assessor for eleven terms.
having also for four years performed the duties of the same office in Han-
cock county. He has for a number of years been a director of the Farmers"
Mutual Insurance Company, for which he has written a number of policies,
and is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs.
Being a man of high moral character, his enterprise and upright work have
always enabled him to enjoy the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.
HENRY SCHULTY.
Among the honored and representative citizens of Washington county
is numbered Henry Schulty. More than a half century has passed since he
came to the county, arriving here in very straitened circumstances. Dur-
ing the first winter he and his family lived in an upstairs room in the city of
Washington, but he planned to some day have a home of his own and worked
toward this end. Today he is one of the large landholders of the county,
having over five hundred acres, which constitutes a very valuable and pro-
ductive farm. His property is the visible evidence of a life of well directed
thrift and enterprise, and the plans which he has pursued in the attainment of
his success are in keeping with the highest principles of honor and business
integrity.
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HEXRY SCHULTY
UISr(.)R\' Dl' W ASIIIXCTOX COUNTY 335
A native of Germany, Henry Scliulty was born in the southern part of
( )ldenburg on the ist of January, 1818, and remained a resident of the father-
land until he reached the age of fifteen years when he sailed for the western
world, landing in Baltimore. He had only ten dollars when he reached his
destination and his financial resources, therefore, rendered it imperative that
he seek immediate employment. He secured a position in a warehouse, re-
ceiving one dollar per day for his services, but after working one day he went
to Hagerstown, Maryland, and engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company at one dollar per day. He filled that position for more than a year,
after which he went to Cumberland and secured employment on the Chesa-
peake & Ohio canal, his remuneration for his services there being one dollar
and a quarter per day. Like many other youths he decided to see something
of the west and, giving up his position, started for Sandusky, Ohio. Again
he secured work on a canal but soon became ill with ague and spent the last
cent which he had saved in order to pay his board and his doctor bills. Alone
and on foot he returned to Cumberland with no capital, and being so weaJc
that he was unable to work he begged his meals. When he had recovered he
took the first work that oflfered and began breaking ballast for a railroad bed.
He did not find this work congenial, however. He wished to feel that he
had some kind of a home and when a farmer offered him eight dollars per
month for a year's labor he accepted the proffered position and remained
there for three years.
While thus residing in Hampshire county, West Virginia, Mr. Schulty
formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Ellen Snodgrass, who was born
on the banks of the Potomac river in 1825. She was left an orphan in her
early childhood and was reared by an uncle. Mr. Schulty sought her hand
in marriage and on the 1st of January, 1846, the wedding ceremony was
performed on the ice of the Potomac river on a very cold day.
Mr. Schulty's cash capital at that time was but sixty-five dollars, nor had
he any investments of any kind. He possessed firm purpose, undaunted
energy and laudable ambitions, however, and upon those qualities as a firm
foundation he builded his later success. He and his bride began their domes-
tic life upon a rented farm in a little log cabin with a clapboard roof. Around
them were the rocks and hills of Hampshire county and with resolute spirit
he undertook to dig a living out of the soil. He soon saw that renting was
not profitable and realized that he might as well enjoy all the profits that
should accrue from his place. He therefore purchased a farm in West Vir-
ginia, but the idea of clearing the land and picking up the stones so largely
scattered over the place did not coincide with his ideas of what farming
should be. There was also little nutrition in the soil and it required the most
strenuous, earnest eflfort to produce crops that amounted to anything. Then,
too, there dwelt in his memory pleasant recollections concerning the middle
west and its productive soil and he determined that he would establish his
home in the Mississippi valley and seek there the opportunity for advance-
ment in business lines. Accordingly he left his old home in the south and
traveled westward to Burlington, Iowa, and from that point by stage coach
to Mount Pleasant. There he secured a chance to come to Washington,
336 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Iowa, and on reaching that city rented a room upstairs for six dollars per-
month. It had only one coat of plastering upon it and during that winter the
family often suffered with the cold. The next summer Mr. Schulty worked
as a hodcarrier at one dollar and a half a day, carrying mortar for some of
the first brick houses that were built in the city. The next spring he rented
the land where the Rock Island depot now stands and put in a crop of corn
and later he purchased eighty acres of land near Lexington at ten dollars per
acre and from that time to the present has kept investing in property as his
financial resources have increased. Thus year by year he has added to his
holdings until he now owns seven hundred acres of fine land in Cedar town-
ship and is one of the prosperous residents of the community. His success
is w€ll merited as it is the direct reward of earnest, persistent labor, guided
by sound and intelligent judgment. He has never feared hard work nor
given way to discouragement but at all times has persistently and energet-
ically prosecuted his daily tasks with the result that he is now one of the
prosperous farmers of Washington county.
HENRY SCHULTY, JR.
Henry Schulty, Jr., has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pur-
suits and is now the owner of a valuable and productive tract of one hundred
acres of land in Cedar township upon which he resides. He was born in
West Virginia, November 28, 1849, ^"d spent his youthful days in his
parents' home. He is a son of Henry and Ellen Schulty, who in pioneer
times came with their family to this county. They were in limited financial
circumstances then but the father was a man of resolute and determined
spirit and worked diligently and persistently, and as the years passed by
he gained a place among the prosperous farmers of the county. Today he is
living retired, deriving a handsome income from his valuable farms, com-
prising over five hundred acres of rich land. Extended mention of him is
made on another page of this volume.
Henry Schulty, Jr., continued at home and assisted his father in the
labors of the farm until twenty-five years of age, when he married and began
farming on his own account. He wedded Miss Jennie Rickey, who was
born in this county on the 5th of June, 1857, and is a daughter of Reuben
and Ruth E. Rickey. They began their domestic life upon a farm and as
the years have gone by Mr. Schulty has continuously cultivated his fields.
His labors have been of a most practical character, producing highly satis-
factory results. He now owns a fine farm in Cedar townshiji, where he yet
resides, and his fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation, so
that he annually gathers therefrom abundant harvests. He uses the latest
improved machinery to facilitate his work and has a well improved property
which in its attractive appearance indicates his careful supervision.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Schulty has been blessed with one son, Leroy
F., who is now a farmer of this county. The parents are widely and favor-
IirSTfmY OF W \STTT\f;Tr)\ COUXTV 337
ably known and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they have come in
contact. Mrs. Schulty is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Schulty belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his affiliation being
with the lodge at Kalona, Iowa. In his political views he is a democrat and
although he has never sought nor desired office he has served as school
director for several years and is a stalwart champion of the cause of educa-
tion. Almost his entire life has been spent in this county and his many good
qualities have gained for him a creditable position among the progressive
farmers and worthy citizens of Cedar township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schulty were born seven children : Henry and
Thomas, who are residents of Washington county: Mary, the wife of Rev.
A. Gilson, now living in North Loup, Nebraska ; Charles, a resident of this
county ; James, at home, operating the farm for his father ; Samuel, also
living in this county ; and Amanda B., who is acting as housekeeper for her
father. The wife and mother passed away September lo, 1897, and her
remains were laid to rest in the Lexington cemetery. Her death was deeply
regretted by the many who knew her, for her good qualities of heart and
mind had gained for her warm regard among her friends as well as the
love of her family.
In his political views Mr. Schulty has always been a staunch democrat
but never an office-seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and atten-
tion to business affairs. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church,
but all of his children lean toward the Methodist Episcopal church. Perhaps
no history in this volume serves as a better illustration of the force and value
of character as manifest in earnest purpose, indefatigable energy, com-
mendable ambition and unfaltering determination. With nothing to aid him
at the outset of his career, coming to America as a youth of fifteen years, he
has since depended upon his own resources and his energy has enabled him
to conquer all the difficulties and obstacles which he has confronted. In
spite of the disadvantages of his early life he stands today among the pros-
perous residents of Washington county, where he is known as a respected
and venerable citizen. He has passed the ninety-first milestone on life's
journey and now can look back over the past without regret for he has made
splendid use of his opportunities, has lived peacably with all men and has
ever been just and reliable in his dealings.
CAPTAIN JOHN S. GRAY.
Among the honored veterans of the Civil war now living in Washington
is numbered Captain John S. Gray, who won his title by meritorious conduct
on the field of battle. Through the period of his residence in this state he
has been largely connected with farming interests but is now living retired in
Washington, well meriting the rest which he enjoys.
Captain Gray was born in Marshall county. West Virginia, December
14, 1833. The family has for many generations been represented in America.
3:^8 HISTORY' Ol- WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
His (grandfather, William Gray, was a native of Pennsylvania and followed
the occupation of farming as a life work but put aside business pursuits at
the time of the second war with England and served under General William
Henry Harrison in protecting American interests. He married Hannah
Bain and they had two sons, Matthew and Ellis. After losing his first wife,
William Gray married a Miss Neiswanger, and they had three sons and
three daughters : Rhoda, Eliza, Margaret, Joseph, David and Thomas.
Matthew Gray was born in the old Keystone state and was reared to the
occupation of farming, which he followed in both Pennsylvania and \'ir-
ginia, ere his removal to the west. In May, 1855, he came to Iowa and set-
tled five miles southwest of Washington, where he spent the remainder of his
days in the home of his son Captain Gray. He was born in 1801 and passed
away in June, 1882. in his eighty-second year. His wife bore the maiden
name of Sarah L. Leizure and was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Braddock) Leizure. Her father made farming his life work and for thirty
consecutive years filled the office of justice of the peace, his lotig continuance
in the position being indicative of the faithfulness and capability with which
he discharged his duties. He lived to be very old and at length met his
death by falling from a porch. His wife was also well advanced in years
when called to her final rest. Their family included the following named:
John, Joseph, Frank. Jesse, Charlotte, Sarah, Mrs. Ellis Gray and Mrs.
Ellis Bain. As stated their daughter Sarah became the wife of Matthe<w
Gray. She passed away some years prior to her husband's death, being called
to her final rest January i, 1870, when seventy-five years of age. Both Mr.
and -Mrs. (Iray were reared in the faith of the Methodist church but after
many years joined the baptist church. -At all times thev were wurtlu' Chris-
tian people and their upright lives won for them the confidence and good
will of all. Mr. Gray served as justice of the peace for a number of years
and whether in office or out of it was always a supporter of the best interests
of his community.
Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, nine sons and three
daughters, of whom four are now living: Captain John S. Gray: Leander
D.. living in Beatrice, Nebraska ; Matthew, a resident of Holmesville. Ne-
braska ; and Elizabeth, the wife of W^illiam Phillips, of Marshall county,
West Virginia. The deceased are : Hannah, who married W^illiam Laugh-
ridge ; Thomas L. ; Jesse, who served under Grant in the Civil war ; Ellis ;
Milton ; Alfred ; James, who was also in the L'nion army ; and Frances, who
died when about fourteen years of age.
Captain Gray was a resident of Pennsylvania between the ages of three
and twenty-two years. His youthful days were spent upon a farm and he
early became familiar with the labors and duties incident to the development
of the fields. During his boyhood he hauled freight for his brothers Jesse
and Ellis, who had a contract with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, then being
built through West Virginia, to furnish flour and beef to the workmen. His
education was acquired in the subscription school, the little "temple of
learning" being a log structure furnished in primitive fashion, while the
methods of instruction were very crude as compared with those of the present
11IST(.)R\- oi'- WASHINGTON COUNTY 339
day. On the 25th of September, 1855, he arrived in Washington county,
Iowa, following his father, who had come the previous May. He then as-
sisted his father in fencing the farm, in digging a well and in making ctther
improvements on the home place. He afterward renteil land for two seasons
and also engaged in operating a threshing machine for three years. There
were no leisure hours in his life, which indeed was a very busy and useful
one, until he at length put aside the labors of the farm to enjoy a well earned
rest, his activity in former years providing him w itli a competence sufficient
to meet all his needs. The only interruption to his business career came at
the time of the Civil war.
In August, 1862, Mr. Gray responded to the country's call and was elected
first lieutenant of Company C, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry. On the 1st of
January, 1863, he was commissioned captain, his promotion coming to him
in recognition of faithful and meritorious service. While at the front he
attended five different court-martials. He participated in the battles of
Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and the siege of Vicksburg, after which he went
to New Orleans and thence to Brownsville, Texas, later returning to Fort
Morgan, Alabama, and proceeding from that point to Pensacola, Florida.
Later he returned to the rear of Mobile and was mustered out in that city,
July 10, 1865, receiving his honorable discharge on the 6th of August fol-
lowing. He never faltered in the performance of any duty whether on the
firing line or the lonely picket line.
When the war was over Captain Gray returned to Washington county,
was married and began farming in Marion township where he purchased
forty acres of land. On that tract he built a house and there made his home
until February, 1902, when he left the farm and removed to the city of Wash-
ington, purchasing a comfortable home at the corner of Jefiferson street and
South Avenue D. In the meantime he had added to his original purchase
and now owns eighty acres of well improved land, deriving a good income
from this property.
On the 29th of September, 1865, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to
Miss Amanda E. Cresswell, a daughter of John B. and Polly, or Mary
(Tyler) Cresswell. There were two children of that union: Charles E.,
who died at the age of twenty-eight years ; and Amanda E., who died in
mfancy. The mother passed away June 7, 1870, and on the 5th of January,
187 1, Captain Gray married Mrs. Julia A. Helwick, the widow of Jacob J.
Helwick and a daughter of Augustine and Rebecca (Stewart) Burham. Mrs.
Gray was born in Maryland, January 15, 1845. Her parents were also natives
of that state and became pioneer residents of Washington county, Iowa,
locating in Cedar township. Later they removed to a farm a mile and a half
north in the same township, where the father, who was born June 12, 1800.
died on the 28th of June, 1887. The mother, whose birth occurred Marcli
30, 1811, died August 8, 1877. They were the parents of fourteen children:
John Thomas. Iliram !!ell, William H., James (Jipson, Nelson Cornet, Mar-
tha Ann, Harriet Ann, Henry Harrison, Christa Ann, Julia Ann, Lacey
Ann, Seymour Rowen, Franklin Perry and Jacob Harvey. Two of the
sons were in the army, William H., being a member of the Eighteenth Iowa
340 HISTORY OF WASTTIXGTOX CnrXTV
Volunteer Infantry, and Henry Harrison of the Thirteenth Iowa Regiment.
The latter died in the service. Unto Captain Gray and his second wife have
been born three children but one died in infancy. Evalena, the eldest, is the
wife of Nelson N. Sage, of Washington, and they have a daughter Dorothy.
Christina is the wife of Israel B. Hoxworth. who occupies the old home
farm and they have one son Ralph Leo.
Captain and Mrs. Gray are members of the Baptist church and are widely
and favorably known in this county where they have so long resided. Cap-
tain Gray is a member of I. G. White Post, No. io8, G. A. R., and has given
stalwart support to the republican party since its organization. He has now
been a resident of Washington county for fifty-four years and has therefore
witnessed almost its entire growth and development. At the time of his
arrival its prairie lands were largely uncultivated as the sod had not been
broken in many places. As the years have passed he has seen its wild lands
transformed into fine farms, equipped with all of the accessories of modern
agriculture. He has also witnessed the building and development of towns
and cities and in all community affairs his influence has been on the side of
progress and improvement. He is recognized as a valued citizen, one well
meriting the confidence and good will which are uniformly extended him.
D. C. SITLER.
D. C. Sitler is engaged in blacksmithing at Dayton and is a worthy repre-
sentative of the industrial interests of his part of the county. He leads a
life of intense and well directed activity and whatever success he has enjoyed
is attributable to his own persistent labor. One of Ohio's native sons, he was
born in Greene county, on the 24th of March, 1855, his parents being Peter
and Maria (Bowers) Sitler. The father's birth occurred in Pennsylvania,
while the mother was born in Maryland. Following their marriage they
lived for some years in Greene county, Ohio, and in i860 came to Iowa,
taking up their abode in Lime Creek township, where the father purchased
land and carried on blacksmithing and farming, but chiefly the former. As the
years passed he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and
won a substantial measure of success in improving and developing his prop-
erty. Unto him and his wife were born nine children: Mrs. Martha Adams,
now living in the city of Washington, Iowa ; Clark, also a resident of Washing-
ton ; Mrs. Emma Austin, whose home is in Colorado ; Delia, who is living in
Nevada ; Amanda, decea.sed ; Peter, who yet makes his home in this state :
Patience, who was the twin sister of D. C. and is the wife of Clark Brown,
of Wellman ; D. C, of this review ; and Charles.
D. C. Sitler remained at home through the period of his boyhood and
youth. He was but five years of age when his parents left Ohio, coming
with their family to Iowa, so that he was here reared, his youthful days
being devoted to the acquirement of an education and to work upon the home
farm. When he started out in life on his own account he carried on farming
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 341
for five years, after which he turned his attention to blacksmithing and fol-
lowed the trade at Wellman for ten or twelve years. On the expiration
of that period he removed to Dayton, where he has since conducted his
business, receiving a good share of the public patronage from the village and
surrounding country. He is well qualified in this line of work, being thor-
ough and accurate in all that he does and his business methods too exemplify
the spirit of reliability.
Mr. Sitler has been married twice. In 1879 he wedded Miss Catharine
-Stump and unto them were born three children : Georgia M., now the wife of
Clint Booth, of this township, by whom she has three children, Alva, Bur-
rell and Violet ; Winfield, and Ray B., both at home. The wife and mother
died in 1886 and Mr. Sitler afterward married Miss Emma ShofT, by whom
he had one child, Galen, also at home. In 1907 the second wife passed away.
Mr. Sitler has always given his political allegiance to the repub!1can
party, espousing its principles on attaining his majority and probably casting
his first presidential vote for Hayes. He is an interested and exemplary mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Wellman, in which he has filled all the
chairs. He is a man loyal to the duties that devolve upon him, is faithful in
his citizenship and true to the ties of friendship. Almost his entire life has
been spent in this locality, so that his history is as an open book. Diligenc':
and determination have been the salient qualities of his record and have
brought to him a comfortable living as the years have gone by.
HENRY KREBS.
More than a century ago George Washington said that "Farming is the
most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man," and this truth
has been verified throughout all ages. It is a matter of history that agricul-
ture is the basis of the wealth of different countries, yielding a greater rev-
enue than mining and commercial interests combined. The great agricul-
tural states claim in their citizenship many men of genuine worth and excel-
lent business ability whose labors contribute to the upbuilding of large com-
monwealths. To this class in Iowa belongs Henry Krebs, who is success-
fully identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of Washington
county.
His birth occurred in Iowa township, this county, on the 2d of April,
1862, his parents being Frederick and Rachel (Hagen) Krebs, both of whom
wen.' natives of Gernian\-. In the '50s they crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, locating in the state of New York, where the father secured employ-
ment as a farm hand. Subsequently they removed to Massachusetts and later
came to Washington county, Iowa, here purchasing a tract of land of forty
acres. As the years passed and his financial resources increased through
the careful conduct of his agricultural interests, Frederick Krebs extended
the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase of land and continued
to reside on that place until called to his final rest on the 27th of March,
342 HISTURV Ul' WASlll X( IToX CoLXlV
1904. His wife still survives at the age of seventy-three years and now
makes her home in Riverside, Iowa. Unto this worthy couple were born
ten children, namely: Mary, who is deceased; Louise, the wife of Jacob
Franks, of Iowa township ; Jane, who is the wife of Jacob Lawser and resides
in Kalona, Iowa ; Rachel, the wife of Charles Gerot, of Riverside, Iowa ;
Henry, of this review ; Frederick and John, living in Iowa township ; William ;
and Charles and Gottlieb, who are likewise residents of Iowa township.
Henry Krebs received only limited educational advantages in youth bui
through reading, experience and observation in later years has become a well
informed man. He remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-
three years and then started out in life on his own account, renting the farm
in Iowa township upon which he now resides. At the end of sixteen years, "
by dint of close economy and careful expenditure, he had accumulated suffi-
cient capital to enable him to purchase the property. After it came into his
possession he erected a commodious and attractive residence, as well as all
necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and now has one
of the finest and most highly improved farms in the township. In addition
to his agricultural interests he makes a specialty of raising and feeding
cattle and hogs and the gratifying measure of success which has attended
his efforts in these directions entitles him to recognition among the substan-
tial, enterprising and representative citizens of the community.
In November, 1889, Mr. Krebs was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Kodym, a native of Jackson township, Washington county, who was one of
a family of thirteen children. Both her father and mother are now deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Krebs have been born five children: .A.nna J., Joseph,
George H., Clara M. and one who died in infancy. Mr. Krebs gives his
fKDlitical allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has served
in the positions of school director and road boss. Both he and his wife are
well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have
spent their entire lives and are in every way worthy of the trust and confi-
dence which is luiiformlv accorded them.
S. SCHNOEBELEN.
S. Schnoebelen, now living retired on his excellent farm of three hundred
acres in Iowa township, was formerly actively and successfully identified
with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of Washington county. His
birth occurred in Alsace, Germany, on the 27th of April, 1835, his parents
being Joseph and Elizabeth (Bricket) Schnoebelen, who were also natives of
that place. In 1836 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in
Ohio, where they made their home unttil 1844, which year witnessed their
arrival in Washington county, Iowa. They entered land in Iowa townshi]i
as soon as it was put upon the market and continued to reside thereon until
called to their final rest, becoming well known throughout the community as
people of genuine personal worth. They became the parents of nine chil-
MR. AXD MRS. S. SCHNOEBELEN
^UfiUC LIBRARY I
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 345
dren, three of whom still survive, namely: Nicholas, a resident of Riverside,
Iowa ; S., of this review ; and Gregor)-, of Iowa City.
S. Schnoebelen acquired a good practical education in the common schools
and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of
twenty-seven years. He then purchased the farm in Iowa township upon
which he now resides and was engaged in its cultivation and improvement
until the time of his retirement from active business life. In addition to
carrying on general agricultural pursuits he also engaged quite extensively
in raising and feeding stock and, owing to his well directed and unremitting
labor, met with a creditable measure of prosperity in both undertakings. His
farm of three hundred acres is now being operated by his son Oscar and he
enjoys in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil.
In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schnoebelen and Miss
Josephine Smidel, a native of Bohemia. Unto them were born seven chil-
dren, as follows: Frances, the wife of John T. Bulger; L. H. ; Albert; Vic-
tor; Agnes, the wife of Charles Strabley, of Johnson county, Iowa ; Matilda,
who is the wife of August Grathe and makes her home in this county ; and
Oscar, who, as before stated, is engaged in the operation of his father's
farm. The wife and mother passed away in January, 1902, in the faith of
the Catholic church, her remains being interred in St. Vincent's cemetery.
Politically Mr. Schnoebelen is a stalwart democrat and has capably served
his fellow townsmen in the positions of school director and treasurer for
several years. He is also a faithful communicant of the Catholic church
and his upright, honorable and useful career has won him the warm regard
and esteem of all who know him. Having been a resident of this county for
almost two-thirds of a century, he has been an interested witness of its
growth and development as it has emerged from pioneer conditions and
taken on all the evidences of a modern civilization. For many years he
figured as one of the prominent agriculturists of the community and by his
untiring energy and capable management gained the prosperity that now
enables him to spend his remaining days amid all of the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life.
SAMUEL MANATT.
Samuel Manatt, among the highly respected citizens of Washington
county, is a retired farmer who makes his home in English River township.
He was long associated with general agricultural pursuits and in his busi-
ness affairs displayed keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise which
enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and grad-
ually advance toward the present position of prosperity which he now occu-
pies. Moreover, he is one of the oldest residents of the county, having been
a witness of its growth and progress from pioneer times down to the present.
In the work of general improvement he has borne his full share and his name
346 HISTORY OF W \SI 1IX( ;T(J\ LOL'NTY
has become a synonym for progressiveness in citizenship and tor activity and
reliability in business.
A native of Holmes county, Ohio, Mr. Manatt was born July 17, 1833,
and comes of Irish ancestry. His grandfather, Robert Manatt, a native of
Ireland, established his home in Somerset county, Penns}lvania, on crossing
the Atlantic, and there engaged in farming throughout his remaining days.
He married Susanna Baine and she lived to old age. They were the parents
of three sons and two daughters: James, Elizabeth, Margaret, Robert and
William.
The last named was born in Ireland and in his childhood days was brought
by his parents to the United States, his youth being passed in Somerset
county, Pennsylvania. He afterward removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where
he was married to Miss Martha Sumney, who was born in Pennsylvania
and was of German extraction. Her parents, Samuel and Catherine (Frye)
Sumney, were both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. For
some years they lived in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, but afterward
removed to Holmes county, Ohio, where they passed away at an advanced
age. Their family numbered three sons and five daughters : Isaac, John,
Samuel. Elizabeth, Mary, Martha, Hannah and Susan. As stated Martha
Sumney became the wife of William Manatt in Wayne county, Ohio, and sub-
sequently they removed to Holmes county, Ohio, whence in 1846 they came
to Iowa, traveling with two two-horse teams and a buggy. Locating in
Washington county they lived for two years on what is known as the old
Alex Young farm. Mr. Manatt entered four forty-acre tracts of land
in this county and four in Johnson county, and he also purchased forty
acres adjoining his Washington county property. Sod had been broken on
both sides the county line and some buildings had been erected in Washing-
ton county on the property which he secured. With characteristic energy
he took up the task of further developing and improving his land and upon
his fami reared his younger children. He was recognized as one of the
substantial agriculturists and valued citizens of this part of the state and his
labors were an element in general progress as well as a source of individual
profit. He died in Lime Creek township in 1876 at the age of seventy-nine
years, while his wife passed away in 1879 when about seventy-nine years
of age. Their religious faith was that of the ^lethodist and Presbyterian
churches respectively, and they were both earnest Christian people who en-
joyed in large measure the warm regard of those with whom they came in
contact. Mr. Manatt was called to fill various township offices, the duties
of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. Unto him and his
wife were born three sons and four daughters : Robert, deceased ; Susanna,
the deceased wife of Lewis Pattison ; Catharine, who married W. X. Rogers
and has also passed away ; Mary, the wife of James William Pattison, of St.
Clair county. Missouri : Samuel ; W' illiam S.. who has departed this life ;
and Eliza, the deceased wife of J. W. McCormick.
Samuel Manatt, residing in Holmes county until thirteen years of age,
then accompanied his parents on their westward removal to Washington
county, Iowa, in 1846 and has made his home here practically all the time to
nisT( )K^■ ( )i' w Asi ! ix( ;t( )X col'xtv 347
the present. He was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of
frontier Hfe for the work of improvement had scarcely been begun when the
family arrived. He pursued his education in the district schools of Ohio and
Iowa and earned his first money by teaching. He remained at home until
twenty-five years of age but in the meantime owned a team and worked for
himself at threshing. He afterward traded a fine horse for three forty-acre
tracts of land, which were unimproved. He soon broke one forty, w/hich he
fenced, and upon it raised a crop of wheat, which he threshed and hauled to
the Wassonville mill, where he received one dollar per bushel for it in gold.
Of the money thus secured he loaned two hundred dollars and never recov-
ered a part iif it. For three seasons he engaged in threshing and in culti-
vating his forty-acre tract of land. Seeing the opportunity for sucqessful
real-estate operations he bought and sold a number of farms and at one
time owned over a thousand acres in the county. He became a large stock-
raiser and feeder and after starting out in life gave his attention to general
farming and stock raising until he retired. In later years he gave much of
his land to his children and also sold a number of tracts. However, he still
owns an entire section in Sherman county, Texas. In all of his business
affairs he displayed keen business discernment and unfaltering energy and his
good management is evident in the excellent results which he obtained.
On the 31st of October. 1858, Mr. Manatt was married to Miss Mary
Jane Britton, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, October 28,
1841, and is a daughter of W. S. and Margaret (Robison) Britton. natives
of Ohio and Illinois, respectively. Their family numbered two daughters
and three sons : Mary Jane, Thaddeus D., Sarah Ellen, William Scott and
Vernon Douglas. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Manatt was William
Britton, a native of Pennsylvania, and the maternal grandfather was John
Robison.
The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eleven
children, seven sons and four daughters: Tillie A. is the wife of E. A. Car-
penter, resides near Lyons, Kansas, and they have three children — Carlos,
Pansy and Erma. Scott E.. who is cashier of a bank in Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia, married Eva J. Morgan and has three children — Fay M., Hazel F.
and Samuel ClitTord. (_'lenient \'.. who is practicing law in Fairfax, South
Dakota, wedded Gretchen Spring, and they have four children — Thomas.
Collie, Samuel and Edward. Florence E. is the wife of Lewis Worrel. of
\\'ashingtnn. D. C. and they have one child, Everil. William B. married
Dorothy Shillig and died leaving his widow and three children— Ruth,
Xaomi and Hilda. Margaret L. is the wife of Charles O. Griffith, of San
Diego. California, and they have two children. Samuel is engaged in operat-
ing the home farm. Mary Orphie is a stenographer in San Diego, Cali-
fornia. Guy E., who is a United States mail clerk on the Rock Island Rail-
road and lives in Washington, married Laura Wilson and has one child,
Walter. Odin L., who farms with his brother Samuel, married Frederica
Hesselschwert and they have two children — William and Mary. Roswell V.,
who is in the United States mail service and lives at Burlington, wedded OUie
Edmundson and has one son, Samuel Logan. The mother of this large
348 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
family, Mrs. Mary Jane Manatt, died in San Diego, California, February 2,
1908, at the age of sixty-six years and four months, and her death was deeply
regretted by her many friends as well as by her immediate family for her
sterling traits of character had won her warm regard.
Politically Mr. Manatt is a democrat, having supported the party since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He filled the office of town-
ship assessor in English River township for two terms, has been township
trustee and has served in other local offices. The cause of education has
ever found in him a stalwart champion and he served as school treasurer and
as president of the school board. During his incumbency in the former
office he conducted the financial affairs with the lowest rate of taxes recorded
in the history of the county. Throughout his entire life he has been in-
terested in every movement calculated to benefit the community and promote
its material, intellectual and moral progress. He stands as a high type of
citizenship and for more than six decades has figured in the life of the com-
munity, his influence always being on the side of improvement. Great
changes have occurred in the appearance of the county since he arrived in
1846 to find all about him a wild prairie on which few improvements had
been made. He has borne his full share in the work of development in
agricultural lines and through his carefully directed business affairs has won
substantial success, enabling him now to live retired. In recent years he has
spent considerable time in travel, making many trips to California, Te.xas and
other sections of the country.
J. W. NICHOLS.
In taking up the personal history of J. W. Nichols we present to our
readers the life record of one who had a most wide and favorable acquaintance
in Washington county. He was long associated with its agricultural interests
and was also prominent in public affairs, doing not a little to mold public
thought and action. His birth occurred in Franklin county, Indiana, on the
27th of March, 1832, his parents being Richard and Man*- (Pinkston)
Nichols. The father was a native of Delaware and was of English descent,
while the mother was born in Tennessee and of Welsh lineage. Both are
now deceased, however. Richard Nichols departed this life in Illinois,
while the mother died previously in Indiana. I'hcir family numbered eleven
children.
J. W. Nichols, whose name introduces this review, came to Washington
county with his family in 1855. He was reared upon a farm and after he
attained his majority continued in that occupation. He was a young man
of twenty-three years when he came to this state, driving across the country
from Indiana with a team. Reaching his destination, he located on a farm
in Oregon township, and with characteristic energy began the cultivation and
development of the fields. As the years passed his labors brought good
results, as seen in the abundant harvests which he gathered and during the
HISTORY OF W'ASHIXGTOX COUNTY 349
last few years of his life he gave his attention to the raising of fine stock. He
also bought and shipped stock for fifteen years and this branch of his busi-
ness proved to him a profitable source of income.
J. W. Nichols was married in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1852, when
twenty-one years of age, to Miss Margaret Stone, a native of that county,
whose birth occurred in 1835. They were the parents of eight children, of
whom the following are living: Alvin L., Emerson E., Clarence E., Myra
L. and Charles P. The last named, to whom we are indebted for the his-
tory of his parents, is now a liveryman and well known real-estate dealer of
Ainsworth, whose name is an honored one in business and financial circles.
Mr. Nichols was a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the
Methodist Episcopal church and the teachings of those organizations con-
stituted the guiding spirit in his life. In politics he was an earnest republican
and a leader in the councils of his party in Washington county. He was
honored by his fellow citizens with almost all of the township offices, includ-
ing that of township assessor, in which capacity he served for four years.
He also served as a member of the board for four years, was justice of the
peace for two years and was notary public for six years. He likewise served
for several years as township clerk and came within two votes of securing
the nomination as a candidate for the state legislature. In discharging his
official duties he ever gave careful consideration to the questions which came
up for settlement and his record was indeed a commendable one, being
characterized by loyalty and patriotism in all his relations to the public wel-
fare and by integrity and enterprise in all of the private affairs of life.
J. E. GARDNER.
J. E. Gardner, residing on his farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres
on sections 7 and 8, Cedar township, was born in this township on the 6th
of November, i860, his parents being James and Eliza (Martin) Gardner.
The father, whose birth occurred in Franklin county, Ohio, March 15, 1819,
was a son of James and Susanna (Beaver) Gardner, the former born in
Pennsylvania in 1775 and the latter in 1790. In 1812 the grandparents of
J. E. Gardner made their way to Franklin county, Ohio, where they contin-
ued to reside until called to their final rest. They had the following children:
Michael, James, Mary, Susanna, Villinda, Nancy and Joseph, all of whom are
now deceased with the exception of James, the father of our subject.
James Gardner obtained his education in a little log cabin characteristic
of those early times and remained at home until he had attained the age of
twenty-three years. He then operated a part of his father's farm as a
renter for eleven years and in 1853 removed to Fulton county, Illinois, wher?
he bought a farm and resided for four years, when he disposed of the prop-
erty. In 1857 he came to Washington county, Iowa, purchasing the farm
which has continued his place of residence to the present time. He paid less
than ten dollars an acre for the land but as the years have gone by he has
350 HISTORY OF WASin\r.'l"()X COL'XTY
brought the property under a high state of cultivation and improvement,
transforming it into a rich, productive and valuable tract. In connection
with the work of the fields he has also raised stock and for more than a half
century has now been numbered among the substantial, representative and
respected citizens of the count}'.
On the 6th of October, 1842. James Gardner was united in marriage to
Miss Eliza Ann Martin, whose birth occurred in West Virginia in 1820, her
parents being William and Ann (Conway) Martin. William Martin was
eighty-five years of age when he passed away in Washington county, Iowa,
and the death of his wife occurred in Ohio. Their family numbered eight
children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James Gardner were born eleven children,
namely : Cliarles, who is deceased ; Margaret A., the wife of John Eyestone,
of Mount Vernon, Iowa ; Zerrilda, who has also passed away : F. M., who
is a resident of Guthrie county, Iowa; Joseph, of Wellman, Iowa; Winfield,
who is a minister residing at Mount Pleasant ; William, living in Chicago,
Illinois ; Lewis, at home ; Ezra, who is engaged in farming ; Samuel, of
Indianola, Iowa ; and Mary, deceased.
In his political views Mr. Gardner has always been a stanch republican
and cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. He
capably served as township trustee and also as a member of the school board
for a number of years and was identified with the Good Templars. For the
past forty-two years both he and his wife have been devoted members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work.
They have now attained the venerable age of ninety years and enjoy the
warm friendship and regard of all with whom they have been associated dur-
ing the long years of their residence in Washington county.
J. E. Gardner, whose name initiates this review, attended the common
schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental
roof until he was married at the age of twenty-eight years. Throughout his
active business career he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, now
owning one hundred and sixty-five acres of land on sections 7 and 8, Cedar
township. He also makes a specialty of feeding cattle, sheep and hogs and
owing to his untiring industry and capable business management, has met
with a well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Gardner chose
Miss Viola Ashby, whose birth occurred in Washington county, September
II, 1862, her parents being E. W. H. and Elizabeth (Ihrig) Ashby, the former
a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The year 1862 witnessed the
arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Ashby in this county and they are still numbered
among the well known and respected residents here. Mrs. Gardner, who was
one of a family of seven children, has become the mother of four children,
namely: Edna M., who was born in July, 1890, and is now attending the
Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; Wade A., born September
20, 1893; Violet, whose birth occurred April 20, 1896; and James H., who
first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 27th of October, 1901.
Mr. Gardner exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican partv and has been township clerk for four years
HISTORY Ol' W'ASniXGTUX CofXTN' 351
and also school director for several years. His fraternal relations are with
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America at Wellman,
Iowa. Both he and his wife have a wide acquaintance throughoiil the county
in which their entire lives have been spent, having ever displayed those ster-
ling traits of character which command esteem and regard.
PETER EITERMILLER.
On the honor roll of Washington county's citizens appears the name of
Peter Eitermiller, who for a long period was a representative, respected
and honored agriculturist of this part of the state. He was born in Germany,
May 17, 1833, a son of Conrad Eitermiller who lived and died in Germany.
His family numbered three children, two of whom still reside in the father-
land.
In his youthful days Peter Eitermiller bade adieu to friends and native
country and sailed for the United States, locating first in New York, where
he remained for two years. He then left that state and removed westward
to Chicago where he resided for a short time, after which he came to Wash-
ington county, Iowa, in 1854. Settling in Lime Creek township, he worked
as a farm hand until his labors had brought him sufficient capital to enable
him to purchase a farm and begin in business in that way on his own account.
In 1865 he purchased the tract of land on which his widow still resides and
with characteristic energy began improving and developing this property.
He wrought a marked transformation in its appearance, erecting thereon
a fine residence together with all of the outbuildings necessary for the shelter
of grain and stock. He was a shoemaker by trade but, following his mar-
riage, gave his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits and at the
time of his death was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of rich
and valuable land, which is still in possession of his widow. He also had a
timber tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Lime Creek township. He
was practical in all that he did, utilizing his opportunities to the best ad-'
vantage, and as the years went by he gained a place among the men of afflu-
ence in his part of the county. In all of his business affiairs, too, he was
thoroughly reliable and his entire life was in harmony with his professions
as a member of the Lutheran church. He was upright and honorable in
all things, holding close to high ideals of living, and his many good qualities
won him high regard.
On the i6th of February, 1858, Mr. Eitermiller was married to Miss
Phoebe Steiner who was born in Germany and came to the United States
in 1852, She lived for a time in the Empire state, but in 1857 removed
from New York to Washington county, Iowa, and the following year gave
her hand in marriage to Mr. Eitermiller. She was one of a family of eight
children whose parents are mentioned in connection with the sketch of Wil-
liam Steiner on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eitermiller
were born a daughter and a son. The former, Anna, is now the wife of John
352 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Greene, a prosperous farmer and landowner of Lime Creek township, and
they have four children and four grandchildren. The son, William, married
Miss Carrie Herr, a native of Keokuk county, Iowa. He is now living on
the home farm with his mother and cultivates the property for her. He also
owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Lime Creek township
and thirty acres of good timber land. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, his membership being with the lodge at Wellman,
while both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah degree at that
place.
Mrs. Peter Eitermiller still owns and occupies the old homestead and is
highly esteemed in the community in which she resides. Her father was a
member of the Mennonite church but she attends the Lutheran church. Her
entire life has been in harmony with Christian teachings and her belief is
manifest in her many acts of kindness and deeds of mercy. In 1889 she was
called upon to mourn the loss of her husband whose death was also deeply
felt throughout the entire community for he was respected and honored by
all who knew him. He was a man of unswerving truthfulness, straight-
forward in his business transactions and at all times advocated progressive
movements in citizenship.
J
HON. JOSEPH WARREN STEWART.
The salient points in the life record of the Hon. Joseph Warren Stewart-
are such as have gained for him the respect and good will of his fellow
townsmen. He has made a most creditable public record, including service
m the thirty-second general assembly and he is even more widely known as
one of the most prominent and successful stock buyers of the vvest His is
the record of a strenuous life — the record of a strong individuality, sure of
itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic
and persistent in action.
Mr. Stewart was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, September 6, 1846,
and is a son of Archibald K. and Mary Ann (Lawrence) Stewart. The
father, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, was born March 23, 1820,
and when fifteen years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to
Dearborn county, Indiana, his parents traveling westward by boat, while
Archibald K. Stewart drove across the country with a four-horse team, tak-
ing with him a portion of the household effects. He attained his majority
in Dearborn county and was there married to Miss Mary Ann Lawrence,
who was a native of that county. They began their domestic life in that
locality, where they continued to reside until 1856. In 1852, 1854 and again
in 1855, however, Mr. Stewart had made trips to Iowa and on the first
occasion purchased two hundred and forty acres of wild and unimproved
land five miles east of the city of Washington in Washington county. Two
years later he bought a farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Dallas
county and in 1855 made investment in a tract of land of three hundred and
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^^H^r'.>:-' I'JiS'^i. ■'
J. VV. STEWART
MRS. J. W. STEWART
HISTORY ()|- WASIllXTiTOX Col'XTV 357
fifty-four acres in Louisa county, to which he removed in 1856. Upon that
place he resided until 18O5. when he came to Washington county, locating
on the farm he had purchased thirteen years before. For about eleven years
he was busily occupied with the work of the fields and in 1876 he came to
Keota, where he purchased three farms adjoining the town in Keokuk county.
Throughout his entire life he depended upon agricultural pursuits as a
source of livelihood and the extent and importance of his business afifairs
brought him a very gratifying measure of success. He was justly numbered
among the most prominent representatives of agricultural interests in Iowa.
During the Mexican war he raised a company of soldiers and was commis-
sioned its captain but was never called to active service. In his early man-
hood he affiliated with the Know Nothing party but in later years was a demo-
crat. For many years he acted as president or treasurer of the school board
and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion whose labors in
its behalf were effective and far-reaching. He was one of the best known
and most highly honored men in this section of the state, his labors being a
f^tfnt force in the growth and progress of the district along many lines.
He died December 19, 1901. His family numbered four sons and five
daughters, namely : Arthur E., who is engaged in the stock business at Keota ;
Archibald K., who is serving as police judge of Des Moines, Iowa; Lee, also
a resident of Keota ; Joseph Warren, of this review ; Lavinia, who makes her
home in Keota ; Eliza J., who is the widow of A. L. Erdice and resides in
Keota ; Louie B., the wife of Charles Harter, of Perry, Iowa ; Grace, the wife
of C. E. Arnold, of Keokuk county ; and Sarah D., the wife of Clem Butler,
of Oklahoma.
Joseph Warren Stewart spent the first ten years of his life in the state of
his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their westward removal to
Iowa. His early education, acquired in the common schools of Indiana, was
supplemented by further study in the public schools of this state and in the
Ainsworth Academy, while later he attended the Iowa City Commercial
College. In May, 1867, he started out in life on his own account, making
an overland trip to the Pacific coast. He drove a four-mule team through to
Walla Walla, Washington, and for two years remained on the coast, teaching
school through the winter seasons. In 1869, however, he returned to Iowa by
way of the Isthmus route and New York city. After arriving home he
engaged in breaking prairie for two summers in Washington county and for
many years has been closely associated with the agricultural development and
progress of this part of the state, aiding in gaining for Iowa its reputation
as one of the foremost producers of grain and stock in all the Union. In
1870 he began buying stock in partnership with E. A. Stone and since that
time has been prominently identified with the stock business for several years.
He went to Keota in May, 1872, and was associated in business with his
two brothers, A. E. and A. K. Stewart, and later with a half brother, Lee,
who came into the firm when A. K. Stewart withdrew. They developed
an extensive business, shipping as high as six hundred carloads of stock in
a year. J. W. Stewart is said to be recognized by eastern stockmen as the
leading representative of this department of business west of the Mississippi
358 illSTORV (W W.XSniXCTOX COLWTV
river. He is thoroughly conversant with the different grades of stock pro-
duced and his opinions are recognized as almost infallible concerning the
value of anv animal that is upon the market. In 1873 ^I'"- Stewart purchased
land at Keota, becoming owner of ten acres, on which he now resides. In
1872 he built the stockyards, at which time the town contained nothing but
the railroad depot and corn fields. As the result of his enterprise and ability
the town has steadily developed and stands as a monument to the enterpris-
ing spirit of Mr. Stewart. Not only has he been very successful as a dealer
in live stock but is also the vice president and one of the directors of the
Keota Bank and for a short time was its president.
In 1875 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Xaomi Stoutner, of
Washington county, Iowa, by whom he had eight children, six of whom still
survive, as follows: Edith, the wife of George F. McCarty, who is cashier of
the Peoples Savings Bank at Delta, Iowa ; Grace, the wife of Clarence Lacey,
who is cashier at Keota, Iowa ; Warren Ray, who is associated with his father
in the cattle business ; Naomi, who is attending the Iowa State University ;
Howard K.. a high school student ; and Arthur D., attending the public
schools.
In his political views, Mr. Stewart has been a stalwart democrat since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has been actively connected
with the work of the party and in the fall of 1906 he was the choice of the
district for representative to the state legislature, serving in the thirty-second
general assembly. He has never been a politician, however, but gave his
services from a sense of duty. At all times he is a public-spirited citizen,
cooperating in any movement for the general good. His worth is widely
acknowledged and without invidious distinction he may be termed one of the
foremost men of this part of the state. The extent of his operations as a
stock dealer and his ability in that line have gained him wide and deserved
prominence and the methods which he has ever pursued in his business career
have made his an untarnished name.
WILLIAM S. BARTHOLOMEW.
Xature seems to have intended that man shall enjoy a season of rest in
the evening of life. In his younger years he is full of hope, energy and ambi-
tion and later his activities are guided by the wisdom and experience which
his former years have brought. If his labors are well directed he can attain
the competence that will enable him in the evening of life to rest from
former labor. Such has been the record of William S. Bartholomew, now a
retired farmer of Washington who for twenty-two years has made his home
in this city although he did not dispose of his farm property consisting of
three hundred and twenty-three acres of land, until about five years ago.
Since 1845 he has made his home in Washington county, Iowa.
He is a native of Washington county. New York, the day of his birth
being March 7, 1832. He represents one of the old families of the Empire
iiiSToKN' III' w Asiiixc'i'ox c■()L■^'■^^■ 359
state. His grand fatlier, Thomas Bartholomew, was a soldier of the war of
1812. He followed the Gccu])atioii of farming as a life work and spent his
last years in New York. When his wife passed away she lacked only a
few days of being a hundred years old. During pioneer times in the Empire
state they slept in the woods for fear of being killed by the Indians if they
remained in tlieir cabin. 'I'lic maternal grandfather of .Mrs. llartholomew
was Cornelius Jones, who was likewise a native of .\ew York and of Welsh
descent. Removing westward to Illinois, he spent his last days in Dupage
county, that state, passing awav near Warrenville. when well .uivanced in
years.
The parents of William S. Bartholomew were Thomas and Sophia
(Jones) Bartholomew, both of whom were natives of New York. The
father followed farming as a life work and, after his removal to the Missis-
sippi valley, established his home in Dupage county, Illinois, where for
many years he successfully carried on general farming. He had served his
country as a soldier of the war of 1812 and was granted a land warrant in
recognition of the military aid which he had rendered the government. He
was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Manville. l?y whom he
had four children but only one is now living— Samuel Bartholomew, a resi-
dent of Dupage county. Illinois, .\fter losing his first wife Thomas Barth-
olomew wedded Sophia Jones and they became the parents of six children,
two daughters and four sons, of whom four are now living: Merina, a resi-
dent of Geneva. Illinois : Jeremiah, living in Wellman, Iowa ; William S. ;
and Ira, also of Wellman. The father died in Dupage county. Illinois, when
about eighty-five years of age and was laid to rest there. His wife survived
him for some time and spent her last days in Washington, Iowa, where she
died at the age of seventy-eight years. They were both consistent members
of the Methodist church and merited the high regard in which they were
uniformly held.
William S. Bartholomew spent his youthful days on the home farm in
New York to the age of thirteen years, when he began earning his own living,
being at that time bound out to work on a farm. When twenty-one years of
age he made his way westward to Illinois and took up his abode in Dupage
county. There he was married to Miss Amelia Watson and for many years
tlu-\- traveled life's juurne}- hajipilv together b.ut were separated by the
death of the wife on the 15th of October, 1871. In their family were seven
children, five of whom reached adult age. William Henry, the eldest, now
living at West Liberty. Iowa, married Laura Wells and they have nine living
children — Annie, John, Bert, Alice, Lillie, Fern, Verne and Morris and Fred,
twins. Clara, the only daughter of the first marriage, became the wife of
Samuel Wilkins and is now deceased. Edward and Frank have also passed
away. Eliphalet. the youngest, is a jeweler of Sigourney. Iowa, and married
Flora McMasters.
For his second wife Mr. Bartholomew chose Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, the
widow of Moses Adams and a daughter of Richard W. and Nancy (Wad-
kinks) Gwin. She was born April 20. 1845. '" ^ ''^tle town then called
Flint TTills, but now Burlington. Iowa. Her father was a native of Chester,
360 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
England, and a son of William Gwin, who was likewise born in Chester.
Coming to America he spent his last days in Tennessee. He at one time
owned a number of slaves while living in the south but, becoming convinced
that the practice of slavery was wrong, he gave his bondsmen their freedom.
His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Arteberry. Their son, Richard W.
Gwin, came to America when fourteen years of age and was graduated from
the college at Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to his marriage he removed
to Orange county, Indiana, and subsequently became a resident of Sangamon
county, Illinois, whence he went to Des Moines county, Iowa, and arrived
in Washington county, in 1846. Iowa was still under territorial govern-
ment at that time and many sections of the state were entirely unsettled and
unimproved. Mr. Gwin entered a large tract of land, upon which he resided
until 1856, when he removed to Kansas, being a resident of that state during
the troublous times which preceded the Civil war when the territory was a
point of contest between the pro-slavery and antislavery parties. Mr. Gwin
was a personal friend of John Brown, the noted abolitionist. He married
Nancy Wadkinks, a daughter of John Wadkinks, who was a native of Hol-
land and on coming to America settled in Grayson county. Kentucky. He
was a fanner and a country minister of the Hardshell Baptist church. His
wife was Anna Bronk, who was also born in Holland. Their daughter,
Nancy became the wife of Richard Gwin, and among their children was
Mrs. Bartholomew. The father died at Independence, Kansas, in 1878 at
the age of eighty-two years, while the mother passed away in 1879 ^t the
age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom
the following are living : Jane, Sarah, Eliza, John, Elizabeth, Caroline, Rich-
ard, Anna, Martin Van Buren and Walter. By her former marriage Mrs.
Bartholomew had three children : John K., married Augusta Koogler and
died leaving two children — Willa May and Albert W. ; Richard W., a resi-
dent of Casper, Wyoming, married Frances E. Kesler, and they have one
child, Hazel : Matta is the wife of Grant Hampton, living near Oskaloosa,
Iowa, and they have one daughter, Mary D.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew are members of the Baptist church and are
people of genuine personal worth, enjoying in large measure the good will
and friendship of those with whom they have been brought in contact. In
politics Mr. Bartholomew is a stanch republican, having firm faith in the
principles of the party yet never seeking nor desiring office. He has served,
however, as a school director and the cause of education finds in him a stal-
wart champion. He may well be called a self-made man from the fact
that he started out in life on his own account at the age of thirteen years
and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He has displayed un-
faltering perseverance and this quality has enabled him to overcome many
difficulties and obstacles in his path. Year by year he has worked persistent-
ly and energetically and thus in time he has won a substantial competence
which now enables him to live retired. He has made his home in Washington
county for sixty-four years and is therefore one of its oldest settlers. Events
which are to others matters of history are familiar to him by reason of the fact
that he witnessed them or participated therein. At the time of his arrival in
HISTORY OF WASIllXCTON COUNTY 361
the county he bought one hundred and forty acres of land. It was raw and
uncultivated and around him stretched the wild prairie, starred in June with
a million wild flowers and in December covered with one unbroken sheet of
dazzling snow. He broke the sod and in course of time prepared his fields
for the planting, and as the years passed the care which he bestowed upon
his land made it very productive. As he prospered in his undertakings he
added to his holdings until he was the owner of three hundred and twenty
acres and every improvement upon it was made by himself. Twenty-two
years ago he left the farm and removed to Washington but retained the
ownership of the old homestead until five years ago. He now has a fine
home at the north edge of the city surrounded by seven acres of land and
there amid the comforts of life he is now living, enjoying a rest which he
has truly earned and richly deserves.
W. J. MORROW.
W. J. Morrow, a representative citizen and prosperous agriculturist of
Washington township, where he tills one of the finest farms in this locality,
is a native of New York state, born in Castile, February 25, 1865, a son of
Charles and Mary Elizabeth (Clute) Morrow. The father was born in
Livingston county. New York, and came to this county in June, 1869, locat-
ing where his son W. J. now resides. Here he lived, devoting his time
to agricultural pursuits, until death terminated his activities February 6,
1906, at the age of sixty-nine years, his remains being interred in Elm Grove
cemetery. His wife, who was also a native of New York state, their mar-
riage being celebrated in Livingston county, still survives and makes her home
with the subject of this review. To her were born four children: Hiram, a
resident of Chicago, Illinois ; W. J. ; Ella M., the wife of William R. Craw-
ford, an agriculturist of Ainsworth, Iowa ; and Lottie B., the wife of W. J.
McCully, residing on a farm in Tingley, this state.
Reared upon his father's farm W. J. Morrow passed through the usual
experiences common to the country lad, engaging in the daily routine of
agricultural life during the summer months and in the winter season acquir-
ing his education in the district schools. Upon completing his studies he
remained upon the home farm and has since engaged in its cultivation. He
owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting one of the best farms
in this part of the country and upon it he has made every improvement, his
premises being provided with an excellent dwelling house, substantial barn,
outbuildings and other conveniences with which to make farming a paying
proposition. Aside from producing general crops such as hay and the various
grains, all of which are of the best quality, he takes an interest in stock-rais-
ing, keeping on hand a number of specimens of graded stock from which he
breeds, at the same time feeding cattle, many head of which he ships to sur-
rounding markets.
362 HISTURY OF WASl lIXCiTON COUNTY
Politically Mr. Morrow is a supporter of the republican party, having
given a profound study to the merits of its principles and, being convinced
of the feasibility of its policies to preserve the permanent prosperity of the
nation and place its financial system on a firm and substantial foundation,
during campaigns he is an enthusiastic advocate of its principles and a
loyal supporter of its candidates. From boyhood he was reared in the United
Presbyterian church, of which he is a member and, his daily conduct being
in close keeping with the tenets of this organization, he is a faithful Chris-
tian man, whose honesty, sobriety and temperance have won him the respect
of all who know him, and he is justly numbered among the representative
citizens of the community.
WILLIAM W. WILSON.
William W. Wilson cultivates an excellent farm containing three hundred
and ninety-six acres in Washington township, this county, upon which he has
always resided and his pursuit of husbandry has been so favorable as to
enable him to become the owner of considerable valuable real estate and to
own stock in a large banking institution. His entire life has been spent on
his present farm, where his birth occurred December 16, 1857, his parents
being Michael and Catherine (Hood) Wilson. The father was a native of
Maryland, born near Cumberland, and at an early day removed with his
parents to Somerset, Perry county, Ohio. In 1840 he came to this state
and entered land in Mahaska county, subsequently making his home in this
county, where he pursued general agriculture until he entered into rest.
He died February g, 1891. His wife, a native of Perry county, Ohio, where
they were united in marriage, passed away here in 1906, leaving a family of
four children : C. J., an attorney of this county ; T. J., who engages in farm-
ing in Mahaska county; William W. ; and AHce, the wife of Henry Shaver,
who is engaged in the furniture business.
William W. Wilson was reared to agricultural life, spending his boyhood
days upon his father's farm and the neighboring schools afifording him his
education. After completing his studies he settled down to farming on the
home place, where he has since resided. He owns three hundred and ninety-
six acres of land, which is one of the most productive farms in the county
and, being provided with a magnificent residence, a substantial barn, good
fences and all conveniences with which to pursue the occupation of farming,
his place is one of the most desirable in the township and in every particular
is suggestive of the thrift and aggressiveness of its owner. He devotes his
attention to producing general crops, at the same time taking an interest in
stock-raising, and he keeps on hand a number of specimens of the best breeds
of cattle, sheep and hogs, which he ships.
On February 28, 1883, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Ream, and they have two children: Charles R., who lives with his parents;
and Anna, a luipil in the Washington high school. As to his political affil-
II!S■^()R^ Ol' W A.slllXtjK ).\ CofXIN' 363
iations Mr. Wilson has always voted with the republican party, being firmly
convinced of the fundamental character of its principles and of the feasi-
bility of its policy to establish the permanent prosperity of the country and
place its financial system above the danger of crises. In local affairs he has
always taken an interest and is at present serving in the office of township
trustee. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he strives to live in
harmony with its teachings and is a substantial and honorable citizen, who
courts the respect and confidence of all who know him.
EZRA H. SMITH.
Ezra H. Smith, the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of finely im-
proved and valuable land in Washington county, was born in Cedar township,
this county, on the farm where he now resides, his natal day being February
8, 1855. The parents, Thomas M. and Rebecca (Huntley) Smith, were
natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut respectively. They came to this
county in 1852, the father entering a portion of the farm now owned by
Ezra Smith. As the years passed by he brought the place under a high state
of cultivation and improvement and continued to make his home thereon
until 1883, when he took up his abode in the city of Washington, there
passing away the following year. His widow was called to her final rest
on the 14th of March, 1909, when she had attained the ripe old age of eighty-
five years. Their remains lie buried in the Pleasant Plain cemetery. Of their
family of eight children Ezra H. Smith, of this review, is the only surviving
member, Harriet H.. Esther W'., Alexander, Eunice S., Mary J., Eucy E. and
Malissa H. all having passed away.
Ezra H. Smith enjoyed the advantages of a high school education and
continued under the parental roof until he reached his majority. He then
rented a part of the homestead farm for a few years and later purchased the
same, his place now comprising two hundred and forty acres on section
13, Cedar township. In addition to this he also owns eighty acres in Jackson
township, which is a part of the home farm, and forty acres in English River
township, his holdings thus embracing three hundred and sixty acres of
highly cultivated and valuable land. His property is all tiled and improved
with substantial and attractive buildings, while the home place on section
13, Cedar township, is one of the model farms of the twentieth century, its
neat and thrifty appearance indicating the supervision of a practical and
progressive owner. He is energetic and enterprising in his work and as a
result of his labors he has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity,
thus being classed with the substantial agriculturists of his native county.
His wife owns a third interest in a tract of two hundred and five acres in
Jackson township.
On the 26th of April, 1882, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Eugenia M. Canier, whose birth occurred in Jackson township, Washington
county, Iowa, in 1856, her parents being David and Sarah E. (Clark)
364 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Canier, natives of Ohio. In 1856 they came to Washington county, locating
in Jackson township, where they purchased land and continued to reside until
the time of their demise, David Canier passing away in September, 1889,
while his wife's death occured in September, 1884. Their remains were
interred in Pleasant Plain cemetery. In their family were three children,
namely: Mrs. Smith, who for six terms prior to her marriage was a suc-
cessful school teacher; Orlanda S., of Longbeach, California; and Walter
H., who is a resident of Boone, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been
born four children, as follows: Earl L., whose birth occurred February i,
1883, and who is on the home farm ; one who died in infancy ; Walter E.,
born June 26, 1889, who is at home ; and Paul R., who was born April 28,
1894, and died on the 19th of March, 1896.
Mr. Smith is a stanch democrat in his political views and has served on
the school board for several years. Both he and his wife hold membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly esteemed, occupying an en-
viable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence serve as
passports into good society. Throughout their entire lives, now covering
more than a half century, they have lived in this county and have long been
numbered among its most prosperous, respected and worthy residents.
FRANK CRITZ.
Frank Critz, cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Riverside, was born
in France, April 12, 1839, a son of Joseph and Magdaline Critz, who were
also natives of France. They came to America in 1848, first locating in Lee
county, Iowa, and later removed to Washington county, where the father
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa township. Here he
built a little log house, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. In
their family were six children, namely : Mary Ann, the wife of Frank A.
Rose, of Iowa township ; John F., deceased ; Joseph, residing in Iowa City ;
Sylvester, of Clarke county. Iowa ; Catharine, the wife of G. F. Wieland. a
resident of Riverside ; and Frank, of this review.
Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Frank Critz ac-
quired his education in a log school house near Richmond, Iowa township,
Washington county, and remained on his father's farm until seventeen years
of age. He then went to Richmond, where he clerked in a store for two and
a half years. At the expiration of this period he went to Iowa City, where
he was employed as a clerk until 1861, when he returned to Richmond and
purchased a half interest in a mercantile enterprise there. He was thus con-
nected until 1862, when he put aside business and personal interests to aid
his country in her hour of need. He enlisted as a member of Company K,
Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, and served for three years. He saw much active
service and participated in several hotly contested engagements, including
the battle of Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Chatta-
nooga. It was at the last named place that he was promoted to the ranik
FRANK CRITZ
n 1 1|,|„ j
[ITSTnR^ 'j|- \VAsiii.\(ir( )\ corxTY 367
of lieutenant under General Hooker and during the winter was placed to
guard a railroad in Alabama. On the 6th of April, 1864, he was made aide-
de-camp on the staff of General Woods and on May ist started on tlie
Atlantic campaign. He was also with Sherman on the march to the sea and
participated in the campaign immediately following, marching northward
through the Carolinas to Raleigh, where they stopped for a time, and thence
to Washington, where he was mustered out on the 5th of June, 1865. He was
then sent to Davenport, Iowa, where he received his final pay- During his
term of service he had been severely wounded in the hand.
After the close of hostilities Mr. Critz returned to Richmond, where he
became identified with mercantile interests, being thus connected until 1893.
The following year witnessed his arrival in Riverside, where he accepted the
position of cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank, in which office he is today
incumbent. In this position he is proving most capable, discharging the
duties that devolve upon him with promptness and faithfulness.
In 1861 Mr. Critz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Dunkel, a native
of Iowa City, whose parents were of German lineage. In their family were
five children, namely: Albert, traveling for. Darts Sons, of Rock Island;
Charles H., residing in Washington, Iowa ; Eda, deceased ; Helen, who has
also passed away ; and Nettie, the wife of Charles C. Hahn, of Belle Plaine.
this state. In 1873 Mr. Critz was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who was laid to rest in the Richmond cemetery. In the following vear he
wedded Miss Helen Fettweis, a native of Iowa City and a daughter of An-
thony and Elizabeth Fettweis. By her marriage she has become the mother
of three children, namely: Estella, a graduate of Richmond high school, who
is now engaged in teaching school ; Leo C, assistant cashier in the bank with
his father ; and Erma, also teaching school.
The family are members of the Catholic church and are well known in
the community where they have an extensive circle of friends. In poHtics
Mr. Critz is a republican and served four years as treasurer of Washington
county. He is deeply interested in all that pertains to the general welfare
and in matters of citizenship is as loyal to his country as when fighting in
her defense upon southern battlefields. Though born across the water he
is thoroughly American in spirit and interests and the town of Riverside
numbers him among its substantial and valued residents.
S. E. BISHOP.
S. E. Bishop, deceased, was for many years actively and successfully
identified with the agricultural interests of Washington county, owning and
operating an excellent farm in Cedar township. His birth occurred in In-
diana on the 19th of March, 1828, his parents being William G. and Rebecca
(Briggs) Bishop. In 1867 he came to Washington county, Iowa, purchasing
a farm of one hundred acres on section 8, Cedar township, where .his widow-
resides, though she now owns one hundred and eighty acres. Here he was
368 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
engaged in the work of general farming until the time of his demise, meeting
with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings by reason of his
capable management and untiring industry.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Bishop chostj
Miss Mary E. Livingston, who was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, Sep-
tember 12, 1833, her parents being A. D. and Elizabeth (Durham) Livings-
ton. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston, who passed away in Illinois and Missouri
respectively, had a family of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Bishop is now
the only surviving member. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bishop were born nine
children, six of whom are still living, namely : A. D., a resident of Denver,
Colorado ; George W., at home ; J. A., who makes his home in New Hampton,
Iowa ; Warren L., of Wellman, Washington county ; Katherine L., who is
a nurse at Washington, Iowa; and Agnes E., the wife of Robert Reardon.
of this county.
The death of Mr. Bishop occurred on the 22d of August, 1901, his re-
mains being interred in the Lexington cemetery. His loss was the occasion
of most deep and widespread regret throughout the community where he had
lived for so many years and where all who knew him honored and respected
him. Mrs. Bishop is a devoted and valued member of the Methodist church
and has the warm regard and esteem of many friends, her excellent traits
of heart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in
contact. She is a well preserved woman for one of her years, still retaining
many of her faculties unimpaired.
D. J. EICHELBERGER.
A soldier at eighteen years of age, a representative farmer and merchant
for many years, and now living retired in a pleasant home in Washington,
the salient points in the life record of D. J. Eichelberger have been such as
to win for him the good will and confidence of all with whom business or social
relations have brought him in contact. He was born in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, October 17, 1845, ^"d 's a son of Jacob and Catharine (Eberly)
Eichelberger, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was
an engineer and died while in the prime of life, leaving a widow and five
small children. Mrs. Eichelberger was born March 6, 1816, in Pennsylvania.
Some time following the death of her first husband she gave her hand in
marriage to Samuel Cocklin. the wedding being celebrated in March, 1859.
On the 7th of April following, they removed to Washington county, Iowa,
first locating in Brighton township, where they lived for a time, while later
they removed to Marion township, where they resided until the death of
Mrs. Cocklin on the 2d of October, 1883. She was a member of the Chris-
tian church and a lady of splendid qualities, her sterling traits of heart and
mind endearing her to all with whom she came in contact.
By her first marriage she had the following children : John C, who was
born August 3, 1837. and is now in the Soldier's Home in California; Wil-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 369
liam H., who was born September 27, 1838, and died in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, January 3, 1892 ; Mrs. Catharine Bishop, who was born February
6, 1842, and is living in Washington, lovva ; Mrs. Sarah J. Donevan, who was
born December 10, 1843, and is now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; and
David J., of this review. Three of the sons were soldiers of the Civil war.
John C. enlisted in May, 1861, as a member of Company H, Second Iowa
Infantry, in response to the call for three months troops, but the time of en-
listment was later changed to three years. He afterward reenlisted in Han-
cocks" Reserve Corps, in May, 1865, and served for one year. William H.
Eichelberger joined Company H, of the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves for
three years and was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, in Vir-
ginia, in May, 1864, a few days before the expiration of his term. He was
incarcerated in Libby prison and also at Salisbury, North Carolina, and
was paroled in February, 1865.
D. J. Eichelberger, whose name introduces this review, pursued his edu-
cation in the common schools in Pennsylvania and completed the course m
this county following the removal of the family to the west. Later he engaged
in teaching school for twelve terms, but in the meantime, in February, 1864,
when President Lincoln issued a call for more men Mr. Eichelberger, although
a youth of but eighteen years, oiTered his services to the government,, becom-
ing a member of Company I, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He re-
mained with that regiment until the 22d of July, when he became ill and
was sent to the hospital, where he remained for three months. He was then
granted a furlough and returned home to recuperate. While he was at home
Sherman started on his march to the sea and when Mr. Eichelberger was able
he reported to General Thomas, at Nashville, and participated m the hotly
contested battle near that city, where the Union troops won a notable vic-
tory over the Confederate forces under General Hood. From Nashville
Mr. Eichelberger proceeded to Morehead City, North Carolina, and parti-
cipated in the battle of Kingston, in that state. He rejoined his regiment at
Goldsboro, North Carolina, and with that command moved on to Raleigh
and was afterward at Durham Station, where Johnston surrendered. From
that point the regiment went north to Washington and participated in the
(jrand Review in that city, the most celebrated military pageant ever seen in
the western hemisphere. The regiment was then sent to Louisville, Ken-
tucky, where it was mustered out July 20, 1865. Mr. Eichelberger received
his honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, on the 28th of July.
Returning home at the close of the war Mr. Eichelberger resumed the
occupation of farming in W'ashington county and was continuously identified
with general agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1883, when he was elected
county auditor. His prompt and faithful discharge of his duties during his
first term led to his reelection in 1885. The people always found him an
accommodating official, systematic in his work and loyal to the trust reposed
in him. In politics he has ever been a stalwart republican although not a
radical partisan, and at local elections he frequently casts an independent
ballot. At the close of his second term as county auditor he turned his atten-
tion to commercial interests, establishing a grocery store, which he conducted
370 HTST( )R\ < )l' WASH I \( ;T( )X a )L'XTV
until a recent date when he retired to private hfe and is now enjoying- the
fruits of his former toil in well earned rest.
In 1807 .Mr. Eichelber2:er was united in marriage to .Miss .\niiie I.. Essley,
who was born in this county, September 20, 1848, and is a daughter of Wil-
liam L. and Estavilla (Custer) Essley. Her father is still living in Wash-
ington at the very venerable age of ninety-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Eichelberger have been born three children: William L., now living in Wash-
ington ; Kitty Irene, deceased ; and Bessie May, who is now the widow of
Antony Fritz and resides at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Eichel-
berger and their daughter occu])y a fine residence in the city of Washington
and he also owns a valuable farm of eighty acres on section 36. W'ashington
township, and also a residence in the village of Kalona. His life of well
directed activity has brought him substantial success as the years have gone
by, his energy and careful management of his affairs gaining for him a
gratifying measure of prosperity. He is an influential and representative
citizen of the county and one who merits the high regard in which he nni-
fonnlv is held.
A. L. WHITE.
.\. L. White is the owner of one of the fine farms of Lime Creek town-
ship, his land covering portions of sections 17 and 18. He now has two
hundred and forty-two acres of Iowa's rich and productive soil, in the midst
of which stands a beautiful country residence, commodious in its dimensions
and of an attractive st_\Ie of architecture. In the rear and to the side of the
house are three large barns and upon the place are all other necessary out-
buildings in which to protect grain, stock and machinery fron.i the inclement
weather. The farm altogether presents a most attractive and well kept
appearance and Mr. White is, therefore, numbered among the progressive
agrictilturists of this region.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Sciota county on the 22d of December,
1847, and is the eldest in a family of four children, whose parents were
Columbia and Jerusha (Emery) White, both of whom were also natives of
Ohio. Thinking to enjoy still better business opportunities west of the Mis-
sissippi river, the father brought his family to Iowa in 1853 and, choosing
Washington county as the place of his residence, he settled in Lime Creek
township, wdiere he entered a claim of forty acres from the government,
Franklin Pierce signing the deed, and he also purchased of W^illiam Mied
three hundred and twenty acres, which Mied had entered. Not a furrqw had
been turned or an improvement made upon the place. He at once built a little
log cabin in which to shelter his family, occupying that primitive dwelling
for four or five years when a more commodious residence was erected. Upon
the original forty-acre tract A. L. White still lives. With characteristic
energy the father began tilling the soil and in course of time brought his
fields under a good state of cultivation. He passed away in 1892 at the age
HIS■^()R^■ oi' w.\siiiX(,T( )X eorx'J'v 371
of sixty-six years, his birth having occurred in 1826. His wife, who was
born in 1829, died in 1868. In their family were four children : A. L., of this
reivew ; Oliver and Madoria E., both of whom are now deceased ; and Ira,
who is in Idaho.
A. L. White is indebted to the public-school system of this county for the
educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youthful days and which
prepared him for the practical and responsible duties of life. I le was mar-
ried at the age of eighteen years to Miss Rebecca Lewis, who was born in
Madison county, Ohio, December 28, 1846, and is a daughter of John and
Sarah (Hill) Lewis. Her mother was a native of Maryland, while her father
was born in Ohio. After living for some years in the latter state, they came
to Iowa in 1851 and took up their abode on a farm eight miles north of
Washington. Two years later they removed to Jefferson county, but eight
years thereafter returned to Washington county and spent the rest of their
days in the county seat, where both died and are buried. Their family rwfn-
bered nine children. The father gave his attention to farming in order to
support his family, but in 1864 was called to his final rest. His widow
survived him for about fifteen years and passed away in 1879.
For a year after his marriage A. L. White rented and cultivated the old
horiaestead and at the end of that time his father gave him one hundred
acres. To this he subsequently added by purchase a tract of eighty acres
and now has an excellent property of two hundred and forty-two acres, which
he has greatly improved until the place today displays all of the conveniences,
accessories and equipments of the modern farm of the twentieth century
He has erected a fine residence, good barns and sheds and his farm, which
is pleasantly and conveniently located on sections 17 and 18, Lime Creek
township, five miles west of Wellman, is regarded as one of the attractive
and valuable properties in this portion of the county. Mr. White practices
the rotation of crops that he may keep his soil in good condition and make it
bring forth rich harvests. He also is engaged quite extensively in breeding
Galloway cattle and has had some of the finest stock of this kind in Iowa.
The farm is known as the Waver Lawn farm.
W'hile Mr. White has carried on his farming interests in a manner lead-
ing to success Mrs. White has carefully managed the interests of her own
household. In her younger days she engaged in teaching school and is a
lady of liberal culture. She has carefully reared her family of seven chil-
dren, who are now a credit and honor to their name. The record of the
family is as follows : Lily M., now the wife of Louis Mattess, who is located
in Des Moines, Iowa ; Olive E., the wife of Henry Mattess, a resident farmer
of this county; Agnes E., the wife of Clark Wakelee, who is hving in the
state of Washington: Laura, deceased; Bertha I., the wife of John Glanz,
of this county ; Guy C, now an attorney-at-law in Hammond, Indiana ; and
J. E., at home.
The parents are both members of the Christian church and endeavor to
shape their lives in accordance with its teachings and its ideals. For forty-
three years they have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each
other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Taking all in all,
372 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX COUNTY
the joys and the prosperity have exceeded the other and they have reason
to feel content with what they have accompHshed. The hospitality of the
best homes of the community is accorded them, but it is no greater than the
hospitality of their own home which is graciously extended to their many
friends.
J. X. EYESTONE.
J. N. Eyestone, owning a highly improved and valuable farm of two
hundred and forty acres on section lo, Cedar township, was born in Indiana
on the i8th of August, 1841, his parents being John and Alice vArmarost)
Eyestone, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was
a merchant, removed to Indiana at an early day and in 1845 came to Wash-
ington county, Iowa, entering land in Cedar township. Here he continued
to reside until called to his final rest in June, 1876, his death being the occasion
of deep and widespread regret. His wife, surviving him for nine years,
passed away in June, 1885. Their family numbered fourteen children, four
of whom are still living, namely: Martha J., the wife of Julius A. Heider,
of East Chicago ; J. W., who is a resident of Mount Vernon, Iowa ; Mary
E., the wife of J. W. Moore, of Des Moines, Iowa ; and J. X., of this review.
J. X\ Eyestone obtained his education in the common schools and re-
mained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. He then
purchased a part of the old homestead farm, which he has since continued to
cultivate and improve, meeting with a most commendable and well deserved
measure of success in his agricultural interests. His holdings now comprise
two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in Cedar township,
and he is widely recognized as a substantial, enterprising and progressive
citizen of the community.
In 1882 Mr. Eyestone was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Crum-
packer, whose birth occurred in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1858, her parent;
being J. R. and Katherine (Boston) Crumpacker. the former a native of
West Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The year 1863 witnessed the arrival
of Mr. Crumpacker in Jackson township, Washington county, where he
made his home until his death, which occurred on the 19th of March, 1888.
The demise of his wife had occurred on the 2d of October, 1884. The\-
had two children : C. B., living in Taylor county, Iowa : and Mrs. Eyestone.
who taught school for six terms prior to her marriage. Unto our subject
and his wife have been born five children, as follows : Winn W., whose birth
occurred February 7, 1884, and who is now married and lives in Washing-
ton county; Charles L., born May 17, 1887, who operates the home farm;
Alice, born October 22, 1890, who is attending school at Mount Vernon ;
Arthur li.. whose natal day was July 14. 1892. and who is also attending
school at Mount Vernon ; and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Eyestone is a stanch republican and an active
worker in the local ranks of the party. He has served as constable, super-
visor and also as school director for a period of twenty years, ever discharg-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 373
ing his official duties in a most capable and efficient manner. Both he and
his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has acted
as steward for twenty-five years. Almost his entire life has been passed in
Washington county, and the spirit of enterprise and rapid accomplishment
which has been dominant in the upbuilding of the middle west has been mani-
fest in his career, making him an able and successful farmer of the com-
munity. He is interested in all that pertains to general progress and improve-
ment and has given his cooperation to many movements for the public
good.
JOHN EDWIN BOVEE.
John Edwin Bovee, who is conducting a profitable drayage and transfer
business in Washington, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, about six mile.s
from Iowa City, July i6, 1866, and is the younger of two children, his sister
being Lottie H., now the widow of G. H. Norton. Their parents were Henry
and Rachel Ann (Huskins) Bovee, the former born near Rochester, New
York, and the latter in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The Bovee family is of
French origin and was founded in America by the grandfather of our subject
who, on coming to the new world, engaged in farming about six miles from
Rochester. His family numbered eleven or twelve children. The maternal
grandfather of John E. Bovee was Richard Huskins, a native of Pennsyl-
vania who, during the greater part of his manhood, was actively connected
with public office. For many years he acted as clerk of the supreme court
of Pennsylvania. Coming to Iowa he entered land from the government in
Johnson county and improved a farm upon which he reared his family of
thirteen children. His wife bore the maiden name of Charlotte Wells and
they celebrated their golden wedding while visiting in Washington. Their
last years, however, were spent in Johnson county. Iowa, where they passed
away at an advanced age.
Henry Bovee, the father of our subject, came to Iowa prior to the Civil
war and settled in Johnson county, where he was living at the time of the
outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south. Responding to the
country's need he enlisted as a member of Company F, Twenty-second
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He went
to the front as a private and returned as a sergeant. In the siege of Vicks-
burg his company was the first that passed the walls of the fort when it
surrendered. He participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, was at Lookout
Mountain, Pittsburg Landing and in the Atlanta campaign, after which he
went with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea and later participated
in the grand review in Washington, D. C. After the war he returned to
Johnson county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for several years and
then removed to Washington, Iowa, in 1872. For about thirty years he was
here engaged in draying and his death occurred in May, 1903, when he was
seventy-one years of age. His wife died November 25, 1907, at the age of
374 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX CUL'XTV
sixty-six years. They attended the Methodist church of which Mrs. Bovee
was a member and they were highly respected throughout the community.
John Edwin Bovee was only six years of age when brought by his parents
to Washington and in the public schools he pursued his education, passing
through consecutive grades until he entered the Washington Academy.
On putting aside his text-books he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods store
where he remained for seven years and later he spent two years in California
before his marriage. He afterward engaged in the dry-goods business on
his own account at Columbus Junction for a year and a half. While in busi-
ness there Mr. Bovee was married on the I2th of June, 1890, to Miss Bessie
Babcock, a daughter of Nathan L. and Ophelia (Smith) Babcock. Mrs.
Bovee was born in Washington county and her father was a native of the
state of New York. He became one of the early settlers of southeastern
Iowa and engaged in farming in Jackson township, but for a number uf
years past he and his wife have lived in Washington, from which point he
superintends his farming interests. They became the parents of seven
children, of whom three are living: Ola, wife of A. R. Miller ; John A., of the
Union Stockyards of Chicago: and Josephine. Mr. and Mrs. Bovee became
the parents of four children : Charlotte, who died in infancy : Edith : Nathan
Henry: and Bessie. The wife and mother died January 16, 1906, at the age
of thirty-eight years, in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she
was a devoted member. Mr. Bovee belongs to Orion Lodge, No. 118, K. P..
and to the Modern Woodmen of America. For four years he has represented
the second ward in the city council and is loyal to the best interests of the
city, giving his aid and influence to promote its welfare along many lines.
He now resides at No. 714 North Second avenue, where he erected a good
residence in 1897 and he also owns two other houses in Washington. His
life has been that of a busy, active man who realizes that in his individual
labor lies the source of all genuine and worthy success.
F. W. HAGIST.
Among the representative citizens of Seventy-Si.\ township who are de-
voting their lives to the tilling of the soil and in their efforts are meeting'
with substantial success, is F. W. Hagist. A native of Bureau count\-, Illinois,
he was born October 24, 1861, a son of George and Wilhelmina ( Mahlin )
Hagist, both natives of Germany. The parents were reared in the fatherlanrl
and after their marriage came to the new world, settling in Bureau county.
Illinois. In 1867 they removed to Keokuk county, Iowa, where the father
secured a section of land, for which he paid nine hundred dollars. He de-
voted his remaining days to the cultivation and improvement of this property,
and here passed away in 1908 at the age of eighty-two years, while his wife
was called to her final rest in 1906 when seventy-six years old.
The early years of F. W. Hagist were passed in his parents' home and
in the acquirement of an education in the common schools of the rveighbor-
2
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 377
hood, while the periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the fields.
He remained on his father's farm until he attained his majority and assisted
is the work of cultivation and improvement, becoming familiar with the
best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, so that he was well able
to take charge of a place for himself when, having reached his twenty-first
year, he rented a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own ac-
count. He remained on this place for three years and then, in March, 1889,
he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It consists of one hun-
dred ami seventy-six acres of land in Seventy-Six township and when the
property came into his possession he had not a dollar to pay down on it.
With characteristic energy and determination, however, he applied himself
to the task of tilling the soil and year by year he prospered in his imdertaking
until, at the present time, the farm is not only entirely paid for but the owner
is classed among the substantial and influential farmers of his community.
He has given his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits, and aside from
his home farm he rents considerable land, being one of the most extensive
operators in this section of the county.
In 1888 Mr. Hagist was united in marriage to Miss Maggie B. Smith,
a native of Keokuk county, this state, and unto them were born eleven chil-
dren : Florence Ethel, Amy R., Everett E., Virgil W., Flavious F., Flossie
P., Vera G., Lela M., Merle C, Mable L. and Donald G. All of the children
are at home with the exception of the eldest, Florence Ethel, who is now the
wife of George Stoutner and resides in Seventy-Six township.
Mr. Hagist is staunch in his advocacy of the principles of the republican
party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for
him, preferring as he does to devote his entire time and energies to his
private interests which, under his capable management and careful direction,
are returning to him substantial annual profits. The salient characteristics
in his business career have been indefatigable industry and unfaltering de-
termination, and the success which he today enjoys ranks him among the
prosperous and progressive representatives of Washington county.
MRS. M. E. KIBURZ.
Mrs. M. E. Kiburz is a representative of one of the old families of Iowa.
She was born in Canton Graubuerden, Switzerland, in 1861, her parents being
John A. and Catherine Ambuehl. Her father is a retired farmer of Jones
county, Iowa, and has now attained the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Am-
buehl, however, died in 1897 at the age of sixty-five years. They were
the parents of eight children : Ursula, now deceased ; Elizabeth, the wife of
Rev. Janette, of Wisconsin; Catherine, the wife of Nicholas Baer; George,
a resident of Jones county, Iowa ; Mrs. Kiburz ; Andrew, living in Jones
county, Iowa; Dorothy, the wife of Jacob Ardueser ; and one who died in
infancy.
•378 HISTORY OV WASHINGTON COLNTY
Mrs. Kiburz spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and in early
womanhood gave her hand in marriage to John Rauche, who was born in Chi-
cago, Illinois, and with his parents came to Iowa at an early date. He devoted
his time and energies to teaching school until his health failed him and he then
went abroad, hoping that he might be benefited thereby. He made a trip
to Switzerland, where his death occurred. He left his widow and two
daughters, Laura K. and Elizabeth D. The former is now the wife of Alford
Moote, a resident of Jones county, Iowa, and is a graduate of the Monti-
cello, Iowa, high school, while for six years after her graduation she engaged
in teaching. Elizabeth is the wife of S. E. Johnston, now a resident of St.
Paul.
Following the death of her first husband Mrs. Rauche gave her hand in
marriage to Edward Kiburz, a son of Samuel and Hannah Kiburz, both of
whom are now deceased. Edward Kiburz is employed by the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, having for more than twenty years
been foreman of a number of bridge workers. He is an industrious, energetic
man and holds a responsible position. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kiburz have been
born five children, but they lost three, John, Catherine and one not named.
The surviving children are Onward and Maud L. Mrs. Kiburz owns an
interest in a farm in Jones county, Iowa, and also a fine residence in Wash-
ington. Mr. Kiburz belongs to the Masonic fraternity in Monticello, Iowa,
and attends services at the First Presbyterian church, of which his wife is
a member ami takes an active aii<I helpful interest in its work. They are well
known in the city in which they reside, having here a large circle of warm
friends who entertain for them kindly regard and good will.
W. A. WALKER.
No history of Ainsworth would he complete without extended mention of
W. A. Walker, who for more than forty years has been closely identified
with the commercial, financial and political development of this city. He is
the pioneer merchant of Ainsworth and is well known in financial circles as
the president of the Ainsworth Bank, while he has long been actively inter-
ested in the jjublic affairs of the community.
A native of Tennessee, he was born in lUount county on the 23d of
March, 1841, a son of John and Esther (Henderson) Walker. The father
was also born in Tennessee and here his entire life was spent. He was a
farmer by occupation and an active politician in his day. He gave his
allegiance to the democracy until the Fremont campaign, and from that
time until his demise was identified witli the repulilican party. A member of
the United Presbyterian church, his life was in harmony with its teachings.
He canle of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his grandfather, in company with two or
three of his brothers having arrived in .\merica during early colonial days,
presumably taking part in the war for independence. His wife was also a
native of Tennessee, where she was reared and married and spent her entire
HIST()R^ ( )|' W ASllI\(iT< )X C( )L'\TV 379
life. In their family were nine children, namely: D. C, a farmer of Blount
county, Tennessee; Malinda E.. deceased; Nancy Jane, also deceased; W. A.
of this review ; F. P., a farmer of Blount county ; Anna, the widow of a Mr.
Blankenship : Lucinda, the wife of J. W. Reiser; John A., a farmer; and
Hester, who has also jiassed away. The surviving members of the family,
with the exception of our subject, all reside in Blount county, Tennessee.
The early life of W. A. Walker was passed in the home of his parents
in the acquirement of an education. He attended the common schools of his
native state and supplemented his early training- by a course of study at the
old Washington College, while in 1862 he removed to Louisa county, Iowa,
where he spent one year in study. He then engaged in teaching school for
one term, but in 1863 he heeded his country's call for aid and enlisted for
three years' service as a member of Company F, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry. He took part in many hotly contested engagements, among
them being the battle of Atlanta and Savannah, and he was with Sherman on
his march to the sea and participated in the campaign immediately following,
stopping at Raleigh, North Carolina, for a time, and then proceeding onward
to Washington, where he took part in the Grand Review held at that place.
He received an honorable discharge in Kentucky and with a most creditable
military record returned to his home in Tennessee.
After the close of the war Mr. Walker remained in Tennessee for about
a year and a half, this period being spent in further study and in teaching.
The fall of 1867, however, witnessed his arrival in Washington county, Iowa,
where the winter of 1867-8 was spent in teaching. In the spring of the latter
year he came to Ainsworth where, thinking to enjoy better opportunities along
commercial lines, he established himself in the drug business in partnership
with Dr. Tustisan. This relation existed for about five years, when the
latter sold his interest to Mr. Walker, who conducted the enterprise alone
until 1881, in which year he admitted Mr. Maxwell to a partnership. After
a period of five years, however, he bought Mr. Maxwell out and has since
remained alone. In 1904 he sold his drug stock and purchased a supply of
general merchandise and in the intervening years his trade has grown to
large proportions, his establishment being recognized as the leading general
store in Ainsworth, its owner being the oldest merchant in the city. The
main building of the store is twenty-two by seventy-six feet and is owned
by Mr. Walker. He is up-to-date and progressive in his business methods,
while all transactions have been conducted according to the strictest rules of
honor and integrity. As he has prospered he has not confined his attention
to mercantile interests alone, but has been active along other lines, being one
of the organizers of the Ainsworth Bank, of which he is now the president
and a stockholder. He has also invested largely in real estate, being the
owner of a house and lot in Ainsworth, place of his residence, and he has
made other substantial investments.
Happily situated in his home life, Mr. Walker was united in marriage
ill 1871 to Miss Mary C. Stretch, and unto this union were born four chil-
dren: INIay, the wife of E. P. Jeffries, of Washington county; Martha, a
resident of Colorado; Malinda; and Grace, who assists her father in the
380 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
store. The mother of these children died in 1886 and in 1895 Mr. Walker
married Mrs. N. J. (Maxwell) Crawford, the widow of Dr. William Craw--
ford, by whom she had a son, H. G. Crawford, now of Arizona. The Walker
family is prominent in the community where they reside and their home is
the seat of cordial hospitality that is enjoyed by a large number of warm
friends.
Mr. Walker's religious faith is indicated in the fact that he holds mem-
bership in the United Presbyterian church, while in his political allegiance he
is a republican. He has been called to public office by his fellow citizens and
is now acting as township clerk, while for twenty years he served as post-
master of the city. He has always taken a deep interest in all matters per-
taining to the general welfare of the community and does all in his power to
further the upbuilding and development of the city in which he resides.
Without especial advantages at the outset of his career, he has put due valua-
tion upon life's opportunities and utilized his advantages to the best of his
ability, and he is now numbered among the worthy and valued citizens of
Ainsworth.
HENDERSON MANNERS.
The enterprising little town of Crawfordsville finds in Henderson Man-
ners a prominent and worthy representative of its business interests. He is
here conducting a furniture and undertaking establishment, carrying a care-
fully selected line of goods for which he finds ready sale. He was born in
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, a son of G. W. Manners, who was born in
Allegheny county, that state, where he resided until 1854, when he removed
wesiward to Iowa, locating in Louisa county. There the father made his
home until after the Civil war, when he came to Washington county. He
had previously devoted his energies and time to general agricultural pur-
suits but in this county he put aside business cares and lived retired until
his death, which occurred May 15, 1890. He was ever an honest and con-
scientious man, careful and painstaking in all that he did and was respected
by all who knew him. He possessed a jovial and genial disposition and dis-
played those traits of heart and mind which shed around him much of the
sunshine of life. When he passed away his remains were laid to rest in a
cemetery near Wyman. His wife, Jane Gray, was also a native of
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where they were married on the nth of May,
1826. Her death occurred in Louisa county, Iowa, on the ist of March, 1865,
and her remains were interred in the cemetery near Wyman.
The family of this worthy couple numbered nine children: Joseph, who
was born April 11, 1827, enlisted in 1861 and served for three years as a
member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, after which he returned
to this state and here resided until his death on the 13th of November. 1903;
James G., born August 6, 1828, died on the 17th of July, 1849; Sarah, born
April 9, 1830, passed away May 4. 1852 : Margaret T., born August 29,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 381
1831, died on the 14th of April, 1857; Hannah M., born December 18, 1838,
died June 16, 1845 ^ John, a twin brother of Hannah, passed away June 25,
1903 ; Henderson, the subject of this review ; Isabel, born April i, 1842, died
October 19, 1861 ; and William A., born November 11, 1845, enlisted as a
member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa Infantry and served until the close
of hostilities, after which he became a resident of this state and departed
this life October 7, 1904. Having lost his first wife the father .married again
on the 2ist of December, 1869, his second union being with Mrs. Margaret
N. Cowden.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of the un-
eventful life of the farm boy in his youth, and while spending his minority in
his father's home, Henderson Manners attended the common schools, although
his privileges in that direction were somewhat limited, as the school svstem
had by no means reached its present state of perfection in Iowa. He engaged
in teaching school for a short time, devoting most of his attention to the
work of the farm, until after the outbreak of the Civil war. About that time
he obtained a position as clerk in a general store in Davenport, Iowa, but
soon offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Com-
pany I, Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry, in 1864 in response to the call for troops
to serve for one hundred days. On the expiration of this term he again took
up his abode in Davenport and resumed his old position, there remaining
until 1866. He afterward spent a short time as a clerk in a store in Craw-
fordsville but later ill health forced him to abandon the business and he then
entered the employ of an insurance company. In the spring of 1867 he went
west but in the fall of that year returned to Crawfordsville and secured a
clerkship in a grocery store. A year later he purchased the business from his
employer and conducted it successfully for two years, after which he sold
out. He then clerked in a general store for two years and subsequently
entered the grocery business in connection with his brother. Afterward they
added a stock of general goods and carried on a business in that line until
1890 or 1891, when Mr. Manners turned his attention to the furniture busi-
ness. He had already established an undertaking business in 1877, and he
added his stock of furniture while acting as postmaster of Crawfordsville,
which position he filled for ten years. He is now senior partner of H. Man-
ners & Son, and they carry a large and well selected line of furniture adequate
to meet the varied tastes of the public. Mr. Manners is also a licensed em-
balmer and has been engaged in the undertaking business for thirtv-two
years, being the oldest in this line in the county.
On the 19th of October, 1869, occurred the marriage of Mr. Manners
and Miss Josephine Cowden. They became the parents of five children :
William G., who was born October 9, 1870, and is now living in Hubbard,
Iowa, where he is well known as the editor of the Monitor; Mary,. at home;
Alice, the wife of W. P. E>avidson, a hardware merchant of Crawfordsville;
Harry A., who died July 14, 1893; and Nellie J., at home. The wife and
mother departed this life May 19, 1899, a"^ her death was deeply regretted
by many friends who entertained for her a warm regard because of her many
excellent traits of character.
382 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Manners has been a stalwart republican since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise, alwa_vs supporting the organi-
zation which has been the party of reform, jirogress and improvement. For
sixteen years he filled the office of township clerk, for fifteen \ears was sec-
retary of the school board and for two years was justice of the peace. He
served as the first mayor of Crawfordsville, filling that position for three
consecutive years. He discharged the duties of these positions in a most
prompt and conscientious and painstaking manner and his reelection was
proof of the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is a member
of the Grand Army Post of Crawfordsville and since 1886 has been an elder
in the United Presbyterian church in which he holds membership. His has
been a useful, active and well spent life and his success is the visible evidence
of his business thrift and enterprise.
S. G. WOOD.
S. G. Wood, a well known and substantial citizen of Brighton, is now
living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former well directed labor
and capable management as an agriculturist. He was born in Miami county,
Ohio, on the 17th of November, 1842, his parents being Stephen and Eliza
(Mount) Wood. The father, a native of New York city, there resided until
he had attained man"s estate, when he went to Ohio, where he was married
and made his home until 1845. In that year he removed westward, locating
in Jefferson county, Iowa, where he resided until called to his final rest in
1851. his remains being interred in the Brighton cemetery. While living in
his native city he had followed the carpenter's trade but in Ohio and Iowa
gave his attention to general farming and was widely recognized as a pro-
gressive and enterprising agriculturist. Politically he was a whig, while his
religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church. His wife, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, passed away in
couple were born nine children, as follows : Helen, Charles, Jeremiah, Susan,
1866 and was also laid to rest in the Brighton cemetery. Unto this worthy
all of whom are deceased ; John, who defended the interests of the Union
as a member of Company K, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, and after one year's
service died at Jackson, Tennessee, as the result of exposure ; E. W. and
Jeremiah (the second of that name), both deceased : Martha Jane ; and S. G.
In the acquirement of an education S. G. Wood attended the common
schools of Jefferson county and of Brighton. He was a pupil in the first
schoolhouse that was established in his district, the little "temple of learn-
ing" being a log structure with slab seats and other primitive furnishings.
He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age and then
began farming on his own account in Jefferson county, where he continued
as a representative of agricultural interests until three years ago. In addi-
tion to the work of tilling the soil he was also engaged in stock raising, mak-
ing a specialty of hogs, and owing to his untiring industry and excellent busi-
HISTURV (Jl- W ASIIIXGTo.X Col'XTV 383
ness ability he prospered in his undertakings as the years went by, at length
gaining a competency which obviated the necessity of further toil. His prop-
erty holdings now include five hundred and ninety acres of rich and produc-
tive land in Jefferson county and three hundred and ninety-five acres in
Washington county, and his success is all the more creditable by reason of
the fact that it has been attained entirely through his own efforts, for at the
outset of his career his only assets were a stout heart and willing hands.
Three years ago he removed to Brighton, erected a commodious and attrac-
tive residence and has since been numbered among the substantial and public-
spirited citizens here.
In 1866 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Jane Townsley, whose
birth occurred in Miami county, Ohio, September 24, 1844, her parents being
Jackson and Margaret (Rodgers) Townsley. natives of Greene and Miami
counties, Ohio, respectively. In 1849, the father took up his abode in Wash-
ington county, Iowa, and here carried on general farming until called to his
final rest in November, 1908, his remains being interred in Brighton ceme-
tery. By his first wife, who passed away in 1851, he had four children,
namely: Mrs. Wood; John W., an agriculturist of Ringgold county. Iowa;
and two who are deceased. For his second wife Mr. Townsley chose Miss
Harriet Lyon, by whom he had two children : ]\Iinerva, the wife of Alex
Clark, a farmer of Brighton township; and Laura, the wife of Harry F.
Smith, who is engaged in the hardware business in Amarillo, Texas. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born two children, namely: Margaret, bom
December 28, 1867, who is now the wife of A. J. Johnson, a farmer of Jef-
ferson county, and has four children, Edgar. Oscar, and Dean and Dan,
twins; and E. W.. born October 15, 1872. who married Osa Smith, an agri-
culturist of this county, and has two children, Helen and Charles.
In his political views Mr. Wood is a stalwart republican, believing that
the principle> nf the party are most conducive to good government. Both
he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in
the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. They have a
wide aci|uaiiitanci- in this section of the state ami nearly all who know them
entertain for them warm friendship and kindly regard.
H. H. BRINNING.
H. H. Brinning, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Jackson
township, was born in Dutch Creek township, Washington county, Iowa,
on the 17th of May, 1858, his parents being Henry and Dorothy (Duensing)
Brinning. both natives of Germany. In 1842 the father accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the LTnited States, the family home being es-
tablished in Dutch Creek township. Here he built a little log cabin with
clapboard roof and lived in the same for several years. At the time of
his arrival this part of the state was still largely unsettled and undeveloped
and he entered a tract of land from the government for farming purposes.
384 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
thus becoming identified with the early upbuilding and improvement of the
county. He continued a respected and worthy resident here until called
to his final rest in March, 1904, having for more than two decades survived
his wife, who passed away February 14, 1882. In their family were seven
children, namely : H. H., of this review ; Lewis, who is a twin brother of
our subject and is also a landowner of Jackson township; Henry, a resi-
dent of Cedar township ; Christ, who is deceased ; John, of Washington
county ; Mary, the wife of Henry Horning, of Jackson township ; and
Katherine, the wife of Adam Horning, of Keokuk, Iowa.
H. H. Brinning obtained his education in the common schools and re-
mained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage at the age of
twenty-seven years. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a
rented farm for two years, at the end of which time he purchased a tract
of land and in 1892 bought the farm of eighty acres on which he now re-
sides, afterward extending its boundaries by an additional purchase of
eighty acres. His property is located on sections 29 and 31, Jackson town-
ship, and he has placed many substantial and modern improvements thereon,
including a commodious and attractive residence. He has also tiled the land
and his farm is well developed, indicating in its neat and thrifty appearance
the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Brinning chose Miss
Mary Horning, a native of Keokuk county, Iowa, whose mother is de-
ceased but her father is living. She was one of a family of seven children
and by her marriage has become the mother of three children : Clarence M.,
Lillie and Mildred.
In his political views Mr. Brinning is independent, casting his ballot in
support of the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for office. Both
he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Lutheran church
and are prominent socially, having an extensive circle of friends throughout
the community. Mr. Brinning has spent his entire life in this county and is
therefore familiar with its development from pioneer times down to the
present, having aided in the arduous toil which brought about the wonderful
transformation that is everywhere apparent in this part of the state.
GEORGE W. GRIFFITH.
A century and a half ago George Washington said : "Agriculture is the
most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." There is in
farming none of that intense competition that brings strife or underhand
methods in industrial or commercial pursuits. Above all it is the basis of
activity and prosperity in every other line of business. George W. Griffith
has had much to do with advancing agricultural interests in southeastern
Iowa and at one time was the owner of thirteen hundred and eighty acres in
Cedar, Jackson and Franklin townships. While he has disposed of much of
this land he is now interested in twenty thousand acres in Canada and is the
i^T'WS NEW YOR?
G. W. GRIFFITH
MRS. G W GRII'I-ITII
HISTORY oi' WASHIXGTOX COUNTY 389
owner of three sections in Texas. He derives his income from farm proper-
ties, giving his time and energies to the management of his invested in-
terests.
He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, January 22, 1844, and is a son
of Robert W. and Eleanor (Long) Griffith, natives of Delaware and Penn-
sylvania, respectively. The former was a son of Paris Griffith, also a native
of Delaware as was his wife, Mrs. Sarah (Warren) Griffith, a lady of Eng-
lish descent. Their ancesters were Quakers who came to this country from
England with William Penn in 1680. In 1805 they removed from Delaware
to Pickaway county, Ohio, where Paris Griffith purchased wild land and
developed a farm. He died in that county, April 20, 1828, at the age of
fifty-one years and eleven months, his remains being interred in the Salem
churchyard in that county. His widow survived him for about fifteen years
and died in Crawford county, Ohio, at the age of sixty years.
They were the parents of seven children, including Robert W. Griffith,
who was born in Sussex county, Delaware, September 22, 1804, and was
reared to manhood in Pickaway county, Ohio. He acquired a limited educa-
tion in the common schools but, owing to the pioneer conditions which existed
in that locality and the fact that his services were needed on the home farm,
his educational opportunities were limited. After leaving the parental roof
he worked as a farm hand for eight dollars per month but carefully saved his
wages and in due course of time was able to purchase land and engaged in
farming on his own account. On the 27th of December, 1832, he wedded
Miss Eleanor Long, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania,
near the Delaware river April 3, 1813, and was a daughter of William and
Sophia (Drake) Long, the former of German and the latter of English
descent. In 1834 Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Griffith removed from Pickaway
to Crawford county, Ohio, settling on what was known as the Sandusky
plain, where Mr. Griffith purchased two hundred acres of land and improved
a farm. In 1846 he went west to Macon county, Illinois, where he pur-
chased nine hundred and forty acres of land, much of which he leased to other
parties. In 1848 he came to Washington county, Iowa, where he purchased
a farm of two hundred acres in Clay township and from time to time added
to this property until he had seven hundred acres in the township. Continu-
ing he made various purchases in Franklin township until his landed posses-
sions aggregated twenty-five hundred acres, which he afterward divided
among his children. Starting out as a farm hand on a meager salary his
close application, keen business discernment and careful investment brought
him to a place amcnic; the extensive landowners and wealthy residents of this
part of the state and his life record proves that success and an honorable
name may be won simultaneously. He died on the old home place on section
13, Clay township, in 1888 at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife
passed away May 13, 1894, at the age of eighty-one years.
They were the parents of thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters
and all reached adult age, namely : Elias, who has passed away ; Eliza, the
deceased wife of Thomas Bain ; Samuel, who was killed by a horse in Okla-
homa ; Mary, the wife of William Hart, of Leon, Iowa ; Isabel, the widow of
390 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Thomas Whittaker, of Brighton, Iowa; Jane, the widow of Jacob
Engel, of Oklahoma; George W. ; Martha, the widow of Welhngton Har-
baugh ; Sarah, a resident of Seattle, Washington ; John O., who died in 1874
at the age of twenty-four years; Harriet, who died April 11, 1895; Robert,
living in Brighton, Iowa ; and Nellie, the widow of Al Rehkopf, of Seattle,
Washington.
George W. Griffith was reared on his father's farm in this county and
remained at home until twenty-two years of age. In the meantime he had
pursued his early education in the log schoolhouse which his father had built,
and later he spent three years as a student in the Brighton high school. In
1867 he went to California by way of the isthmus route, being twenty-two
days on the trip from New York to San Francisco. He engaged in the grain
business on the Pacific coast and in 1871 returned to Washington county
by rail. His father gave him a farm of eighty acres in Franklin township
and sold him another of one hundred and sixty acres. There he resided until
1891, when he took up his abode in the city of Washington. In the meantime
his capable business management was manifest in the success which attended
his efforts and in the extensive investments which he had made. He extended
the boundaries of his home farm until it comprised six hundred and forty
acres and he also had two hundred and eighty acres to the north of that prop-
erty ; one hundred and twenty acres southeast of Washington ; two hundred
and twenty acres northeast of the town ; and two hundred and forty acres
in Cedar and Jackson townships, making thirteen hundred and eighty acres
in all. He has since disposed of much of this land and is now interested in
twenty thousand acres in Canada. He also bought ten sections in Texas, of
which he still owns three sections, so that his landed possessions are yet very
extensive. As the work of colonization goes on in the southwest and in the
Dominion his land is increasing in value and its sale brings to him a sub-
stantial profit.
On the 24th of February, 1874, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to
Miss Juliette A. Humphrey, a daughter of Eli and Lucia (Snow) Humphrey.
Mrs. Griffith was born in Wellington, Ohio, near Oberlin. Her father was
a native of New Marlboro, Massachusetts, and her mother of Mantua,
Portage county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was Elijah Humphrey, a
native of Massachusetts, and his father was one of the soldiers of the Revolu-
tionary war. Elijah Humphrey learned and followed the blacksmith's trade
as a life work. He married Hannah Bartholomew and died when more than
sixty years of age, while his wife was nearly seventy-five years of age at the
time of her death. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six
daughters: Harry, Sanford, Norman, Eli. Alfred, Horatio, Esther, Maria,
Pamelia, Elizabeth, Harriet and Cordelia. The last named died at the age of
thirteen years. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Griffith was Franklin
Snow, a son of Oliver Snow, who espoused the cause of the colonists at the
time of the Revolutionary war and fought for American liberty. Franklin
Snow was a native of Massachusetts and made farming his life work. He
served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 as did his eldest son. Hi
lived and died in Avon, Lorain county, Ohio. He married Lvdia Alcott and
IlISTr)R^■ oi" w,\sirix(rr()\ c()l■\•'^^■ 39i
they wire tlic parents of Mrs. l.iicia Humphrey, Benjamin, Lura, Edwin,
Rel)ccca, Lucia, Sahnon, (^rjjheia and Hannah, i^or his second wife Mr.
Snow married Ann L'onanl and l)y that unicin had <ine daughter, Mrs. Han-
nah Lewis.
Mr. and Mrs. Kli Humphrey, the parents of Mrs. Griffith, came to Iowa
at an early day, setthng in Fairfield, where they remained for two years and
then returned to Ohio. In 1855, however, they became residents of Wash-
ington county, Iowa, locating in Dutch Creek township, where they made
their home upon a farm until i8yi, when they removed to the cit\' of Wash-
ington, where Mr. Humphrey died in 1895 at the age of eighty-three years,
while his wife passed away July 10, 1904, when almost ninety \ears of age,
her birth having occurred September 5, 1814. She was remarkably well
preserved for one of her years. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey
were three children: Henrietta, who became the wife of Elias Griffith and
is now deceased ; Mrs. George \V. Griffith ; and Edwin S. Humphrey.
Mr. and Airs. Griffith are widely known in this count)- and enjoy the
warm regard of all with whom they have come in contact. They have always
displayed many characteristics of genuine worth, hold friendship inviolable
and belong to that class of citizens of whom the county has every reason to
be proud. Mr. Griffith certainly deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished and in all of his business transactions has manifested sound
judgment and keen sagacity. He has labored for his success along honorable
lines and his prosperity is the direct outcome of unwearied indu'-try and care-
ful investment.
E. S. WOLCOTT.
E. S. W olcott, numbered among the enterprising, practical and progres-
sive farmers of Washington county, was born on the farm in Clay town-
ship where he now resides, June 21, 1862. The Wolcotts came from Eng-
land to the new world during the colonial epoch in the history of this country
and Oliver Wolcott was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence.
Julius E. Wolcott, the father of our subject, was born in Trumbull
county, Ohio, and came to Iowa in 1854. Here he entered the employ of
Marquis Roberts, whose daughter Orla he afterward married. In course of
years Julius E. Wolcott became the owner of the property upori which his
son E. S. Wolcott now resides. He purchased this farm at about the time
of his marriage from his former employer and father-in-law, Mr. Roberts,
and thereon he made his home until his death, save for the period of about
a year. At that time he sold the farm but the purchaser was unable to pay
for it and Mr. Wolcott had to take it back. He then continued to make his
home there until his demise, which occurred in 1905, his remains being in-
terred in Clay cemetery. He was a self-made man who started out in life
empty-handed but he realized tliat industr_\-. diligence and perseverance will
eventually win success and by his well directed labors he became one of the
substantial farmers of the communit\ . possessing a valuable and i)roductive
392 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
property, from which he annually derived a substantial income. At an early
day his wife engaged in teaching school in Brighton. She was a representa-
tive of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of the county and like
her husband was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. She, too.
was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and their marriage was celebrated in
Clay township, Washington county, Iowa. She passed away some years
prior to her husband's death, her demise occurring in 1896. They were the
parents of two children, the younger being Emma, now the widow of Richard
Linn and a resident of Chicago.
The elder, E. S. Wolcott, was reared on the old home place and at the
usual age entered the public schools, where he mastered the branches of
learning therein taught. His training at farm labor was not meager for his
father instructed him in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for
the crops. He has always remained upon the old homestead with the excep-
tion of about nine years, which he devoted to farming and stock-raising in
Arkansas. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in the home
place and also has other land in Clay township, known as the Alter
farm, his possessions aggregating altogether three hundred and twenty-six
acres. The soil is rich, responding readily to the care and labor which he
bestows upon it, and the entire farm is well improved. He makes dairying
a special feature of his place and is now the sole owner of the local cheese
factory, of which his father was at one time president and manager. The son
assumed the management of the enterprise at his death and i? now proprietor
of the business, which is proving one of the profitable industries of the
locality.
In 1884 Mr. Wolcott was married to Miss Emily Alter, a resident of Clay
township, and they now have one son, Clarence, who is at home. Mrs. Wol-
cott's parents, J. R. and Elizabeth Alter, came to Iowa from Ohio in i860.
In their family were twelve children, of whom two died in infancy and one
son died in 1904. The family were residents of Pella until 1866, when Lhey
came to this county. The mother died in 1906 and was laid to rest in Clay
cemetery.
In his political views Mr. Wolcott is a republican and he belongs to the
Congregational church, in which he is serving as treasurer. His life is
actuated by high and honorable principles, his substantial qualities of man-
hood gaining him a firm hold on the affection, trust and good will of those
with whom he comes in contact.
C. C. GARDNER.
C. C. Gardner, who for ten years has been engaged in the lumber busi-
ness in Wellman, Iowa, is a native of Washington county, this state, his
entire life, with the exception of about four years, having been spent within
its borders. A son of A. M. and Susan Gardner, his birth occurred Novem-
ber 19. 1854. His parents were both natives of Franklin county, Ohio, and
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 393
the father, coming to Washington county, Iowa, in 1851, bought a piece of
land in Seventy-Six township. Two years later he removed his family to
this farm and continued to improve the land for several years, bringing the
fields under a good state of cultivation. Later he sold the place and pur-
chased another farm in Cedar township, this county, where he resided until
1892, in which year he removed to Washington, Iowa, where he passed
away April 30, 1903. His wife still survives and makes her home with her
sons, Dr. W. P. and C. C, both of Wellman, and F. P., of Newton, Iowa. In
the family were five children but Mary E. and John are both deceased.
C. C. Gardner is indebted to the common schools for his preliminary edU'
cation and later attended the academy at Washington, Iowa. He then en-
gaged in teaching school during the winter months, continuing in this pro-
fession for about six years. In the meantime he had made his home under
the parental roof and here remained until he had attained his majority. He
then took up agricultural pursuits, renting a farm in Cedar township, where
he resided for one year, after which he removed to Smith county, Kansas,
where he purchased a farm and resided for four years. At the expiration
of this period, however, he sold his place and returned to Washington county,
Iowa, where he invested in a farm in Cedar township, which he operated
until 1894. Throughout the years of his connection with agricultural pur-
suits he had met with a creditable degree of success, but thinking that other
lines of activity might be more congenial, he sold his farm and in 1894 re-
moved to Wellman, Iowa, where he established himself in the hardware and
implement business. He built up a good trade in this connection and was
thus successfully engaged until 1899, when he sold out his business and
became identified with the lumber trade, conducting a lumberyard in Well-
man. He has since devoted his time and energies to this branch of activity
and his trade, which has already reached gratifying proportions, is constant-
ly increasing in volume and importance.
On September 17, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gardner and Miss
Florence Tipton, a daughter of B. F. and Lucinda Tipton, of whom extended
mention is made on another page of this volume. They were both natives
of Ohio and shortly after their marriage removed to Cedar township, Wash-
ington county, Iowa, where the father still resides, the mother having passed
away March 21, 1900. An extensive landowner and stockraiser, Mr. Tipton
acquired a very handsome competence and is today numbered among the
wealthy and representative citizens of the county. Moreover, he has been
actively identified with political interests here and has represented his district
in the state legislature, being the first man of Washington county to be
elected for a second term up to that time. He also served on the school board
for several years and has ever been found a hearty sympathizer and ready
cooperant in all matters pertaining to the material, intellectual, political and
moral development of the community.
No child came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and so they
took into their care the niece of Mr. Gardner, Miss Florence Kirkendall.
Coming to them when but thirteen months of age, she became the light and
life of the household and has since received all the attention and advantages
394 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
that an own child could have. She has had excellent educational opportun-
ities, being now a student at the University of Iowa City.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are both members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and take a deep interest in all phases of church work, while the former
has been superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years. Well known
in fraternal circles, he is a member of blue lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Wellman
and also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Knights of Pythias of Wellman. Although stalwart in his support of the
republican party and desirous at all times for the extension of its influence,
he has never aspired to public office as a reward for party fealty, preferring
to devote his undivided time and attention to the duties of his business inter-
ests. His devotion to the public welfare has, however, remained unques-
tioned, for in his citizenship he is true and loyal, withholding his support
from no measure which has for its object the growth and upbuilding of the
city. In all business dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and straight-
forward, while his personal worth and sterling characteristics have won for
him a large number of warm friends during his residence in Wellman.
SYLVESTER BAUER.
Sylvester Bauer, a retired farmer who is now the proprietor of a pool
and billiard hall in Riverside, Iowa, was born in Marion county, this state,
on the 2d of June, 1858. He is a son of Joseph and Apalona (Miller) Bauer,
both natives of Germany. The father, who was born about 181 2, came to
the United States when twenty years of age. locating in Indiana. He had
learned the blacksmith and stone-cutter's business ere leaving the fatherland
and during his residence in Indiana, which covered a period of fifteen years,
followed those trades. In 1848, however, he removed to Iowa, and located
in Newburn, Dallas township, Marion county, where he purchased a Mexi-
can soldiers land warrant of one hundred and sixty acres of land. Upon
this farm he continued to reside until his demise, which occurred in February,
1878, conducting a general merchandise store at Newburn in connection
with his agricultural pursuits. He had been a lifelong democrat and for
several years held the ofifice of justice of the peace, while he and his wife
were consistent members of the Roman Catholic church.
Slyvester Bauer was reared under the parental roof and attended the
common schools of his native county. The educational advantages which
he enjoyed, however, were but meager, being limited to three months' study
during the winter seasons, the remaining nine months of the year being de-
voted to the work of the farm. He assisted his father in the cultivation of
the fields, becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil, planting
the seed and harvesting the crops, and remained at home until his twenty-
fourth year. He was then married, on the 19th of September, 1882, to Miss
Mary Wieland, of Riverside, Washington county, after which he rented a
farm in Iowa township, this county, which he operated for nine years. In
IIIST(m^■ ni- WASHINGTON COUNTY 395
the spring of 1892 he removed to Warren county, purchasing a farm of one
hundred acres in White Breast township, where he remained for ten years,
when, in 1902, he returned to Washington county and bought a farm of one
hundred and twent\- acres four miles southeast of Riverside in Iowa town-
ship. He carried on agricultural pursuits on this place for seven years,
raising the grains and cereals best adapted to climate and soil, employing
up-to-date methods in the cultivation of the fields and installing modern
equipment and accessories necessary to facilitate the work of the farm. He
became very successful in his enterprise, and in the spring of 1909, feeling
that his many years of hard labor justified a rest from further active work,
he sold his property and removed to Riverside, where he purchased a resi-
dence and has since continued to live comparatively retired. Since coming
to this city, however, he has opened up a modern and well appointed billiard
and pool room and in connection therewith is conducting a very gratifying
and growing business.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bauer has been blessed with six children,
namely : Catherine, the wife of Joseph Knebel, of Washington county ;
Nellie, the wife of W. M. Knebel, of Johnson county ; Hubert, a traveling
man ; Frederick, engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county ; and Bertha
and Agatha, still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the Catholic
church, while the former gives stalwart support to the democratic party.
Since making his home in Riverside he has made a wide circle of friends,
who hold him in high regard and esteem.
IRA C. ADAMS.
Ira C. Adams, engaged in the manufacture of brick, tile and building
blocks in Wellman, is a native of Washington county, Iowa, his birth having
occurred January 7, 1870. His parents were Joseph and Sarah (White)
Adams, natives of Ohio, who came to this county in 1853, locating in Lime
Creek township, where Joseph Adams purchased a farm and engaged in
general agricultural pursuits. Here the father spent his active life, but in
1893 retired from farming and removed to Wellman. The mother passed
away in 1895, while the father survived until 1905. In their family were
nine children, namely : John D., deceased ; Laura, the wife of Louis For-
dice, of Washington county ; Jane, also deceased ; Ella, the wife of H. P.
Carter, a resident of Oklahoma ; Electa, the wife of C. W. Carter, residing in
Keokuk county, this state ; Dora, the wife of C. Mahaffa, of Des JMoines,
Iowa : Ira C, of this review ; Harrison, residing in Oklahoma ; and Lucy,
the wife of C. E. McArtor, of this county.
Devoting his early years to the acquirement of an education in the com-
mon schools of the neighborhood, Ira C. Adams remained with his parents
until he attained his majority, when his father gave him a tract of eighty
acres of land. He also purchased eighty acres on section 18, Lime Creek
township, and this property is still in his possession. He operated this place
30(i inSTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
for ten years, at the expiration of whicli time he removed to Oklahoma, where
he purchased another farm. Here he resided for three years, but thinking
that he might find more congenial labor outside of agricultural pursuits, he
sold his farm and returned to Washington county. Iowa, locating in Well-
man, where he established a factory for the manufacture of tile, brick and
building blocks. He has since been engaged in this branch of activity and
his business has now reached gratifying proportions, while the excellence of
the manufactured article insures a continued growth in trade. The success
which the enterprise is now enjoying is attributable entirel)- to the ability,
capable business management and executive control of Mr. Adams, who now
ranks among the prosperous and progressive citizens of the community.
Mr. Adams was married in 1891 to Miss Ida McArtor. a native of Iowa
county, Iowa, her birth occurring in 1870. She was a daughter of Frank
and Sarah (Barto) McArtor, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania
respectively and were married after coming to Iowa. Here the father
passed away in 1891, but the mother still survives and makes her home with
her children, seven having been born to them. Unto Mr. and Mrs. .Adams
were born five children : Olive C, who was born July 19, 1892, and died
October, 1904 ; Jessie May, born September 9, 1893 ; one who died in infancy ;
Cloyd E., born November 29, 1899; and Maynard L., born November 17,
1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which Mr. Adams is serving as a trustee, while in his fraternal relations he
is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Wellman. He
served as a school director for several years in the Fairview district, the
cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion, while his political
allegiance is given to the republican party. Almost his entire life has been
passed in this county and his record is therefore largely familiar to the great
majority of our readers. He has never sought to figure prominently in any
public light but in business has proven capable and reliable, and his well
directed activity is now bringing to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
J. W. HARPER.
Among the citizens of Washington county who have contributed to it-;
industrial development and in the capable management of business attairs
have attained prosperity that now enables them to rest from further labor,
J. W. Harper is numbered. He resides in Crawfordsville and his real estate
and other sources of income supply him with all of the comforts and some
of the luxuries of life. He has now reached the age of seventy-six years,
his birth having occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, August 10, 1833.
His parents were Samuel and Cassandra (Cox) Harper. The father
was a native of Pennsylvania and in his boyhood days, about 1800, went to
Ohio, where he resided until 1849, when death claimed him. He had always
followed the occupation of farming and was a substantial agriculturist. His
J. W HARPER
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HISTORY OF WASlUXGTOiX COUNTY 39!)
grave vva? made in the cemcU'iv at Cadiz, Ohio. His wife was a native of
Jefferson county, Ohio, and they were married in Harrison county, that
state. She pa.ssed away in 1852 and was laid to rest in the Cadiz cemeter) .
In their family were eleven children : Mary Ann, now deceased ; Nancy, the
widow of A. Ross, of Cadiz ; Margaret Ann, J. T. and Martha J., all of whom
have passed away ; J. W. ; S. E., who was a member of Company H, Second
Iowa Cavalry in the Civil war and is now living retired in Victor, this state ;
J. T., who was also a member of the same company and regiment and is now
proprietor of a hotel in Victor, Iowa ; Christopher, who served as a Union
soldier in Company C of the Eighth Iowa Infantry and is a harnessmaker
at Crawfordsville ; and Mary and Ruth, both deceased.
Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, J. W. Harper acquired
his education in the district schools of Ohio and remained in that state until
1852, when, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the growing
west, he came t<i Iowa, locating in Crawfordsville. Here he has since resided
with the exception of the period spent in the army. He commenced business
as a carpenter and contractor and for a long period was closely identified
with building interests and erected more structures in Crawfordsville and
vicinity than any other man, thus contributing in large measure to the sub-
stantial growth and progress of this part 6f" the county. He erected his own
home which is a fine residence, standing in the midst of four lots. He like-
wise has one hundred acres of land in Crawford township and from this
property derives a substantial annual income.
On the 15th of April, i86i, Mr. Harper enlisted for service in the Civil
war and for three years was with the army, experiencing all the hardships
and privations meted out to the soldier. The exposure and rigors of war,
however, undermined his health and brought about his honorable discharge
in November, 1861. When he had recovered, however, he again joined the
boys in blue, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company I, Twenty-
fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He was then
honorably discharged on the 6th of June, 1865, in Washington, D. C. He
took part in many important battles, among them being the engagements at
Vicksburg and all through the Atlanta campaign. He was a man of valor,
fearless when on the battle line and making the long marches without com-
plaint. He never missed a step while in the army. His ability won him
promotion until he became captain of Company I, Twenty-fifth Regiment,
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He is now a member of the Grand Army of tlie
Republic and in that organization has held all of the offices.
In 1868 Captain Harper was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Russel,
a resident of Washington, who died May 22, 1886. She was a faithful and
consistent member of the United Presbyterian church. Unto the Captain
and his wife were born four children: S. R., a contractor and builder of
Crawfordsville, Iowa; Cassandra Lorinda, deceased; Susy C, the wife of
R. A. Bennet, a farmer of Keokuk county; and Frank R., who has passed
away.
In his political views Captain Harper was a Douglas democrat before
the war and then became a republican, since which time he has served the
400 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
grand old part}'. He filled the office of assessor but has never been an as-
pirant for political preferment, yet he is never remiss in the duties of citizen-
ship nor fails to give aid to public movements which he deems beneficial to
the community. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity in Crawfordsville,
in which he has filled all of the chairs, and his brethren of the fraternity en-
tertain for him warm regard because of his fidelity to the teachings and pur-
pose of the order.
J. W. HUFF.
Among Washington county's honored dead is numbered J. W. Huff,,
who spent his entire life in English River township. He belonged to one
of the old pioneer families here and his record was at all times that of a
progressive citizen and reliable business man who enjoyed and deserved the
respect, confidence and good will of those who knew him. He was born in
English River township. May 22, 1854. His parents, J. A. and Emma
(Moore) Huff, were both natives of West Virginia and established their
home in Washington county, Iowa, during an early epoch in its history. They
shared in the hardships and privations of pioneer life when this region was
a frontier district and as the years went by assisted in the work of promoting
public progress and in planting the seeds of civilization on the frontier. The
father died in October, 1887. The family numbered six children, of whom
the second died in infancy. J. W. Huff was the eldest of the family and the
others were: Priscilla A., the wife of F. W. Kessler, of Kansas; Ellen, the
wife of W. R. Adams, of Wyoming; J. H., living in that state; and Enzy,
now deceased.
A picture of boyhood experiences amid rural surroundings on the fron-
tier would give a faithful representation of the life which J. W. Huff lived
through the period of his minority. He worked in the fields through the
summer months and in the winter seasons attended the public schools and,
after attaining his majority, he took up farming on his own account and to
that occupation devoted his energies most assiduously for some time but for
the last twenty years of his life conducted a restaurant.
It was on the 7th of August, 1877, that he wedded Miss Mary E. Bun-
ker, who was born in English River township on the 23d of July, 1856. She
is a daughter of David and Julia Ann (Hartzell) Bunker. The father was
born in North Carolina, October 23, 1810, and was only three years of age
when his parents removed from that state to the territory of Indiana, set-
tling in Wayne county. There he resided for about twenty-six years, when
in 1839 he came to Washington county, Iowa, settling in Dutch Creek town-
ship. The same fall he removed to English River township, establishing his
home near Kalona, where he purchased a tract of land. Many years passed
by ere all of the land in the county had been entered from the government
and at the time of his arrival here the district was but sparsely settled and
presented every evidence of frontier life. Mr. Bunker at once took up the task
JIIS'L'ORN' OI- WASHINGTON COUNTY -tOl
of tilling the soil and bringing his fields under cultivation. In 1842 he built
a mill on the English river and continuously and successfully operated it
until his death, which occurred June 26, 1886. Following his demise the
mill was operated under the direction of his widow for five or six years. He
was numbered among the most prominent and influential residents of the
county, took an active part in public affairs and left the impress of his indi-
viduality for good upon the community. His early political allegiance was
given to the whig party and upon that ticket he was elected county commis-
sioner, in which position he served for two terms. His faithfulness and
capability in that office led to his selection for higher political honors and he
was the candidate on the whig ticket for the state legislature. Chosen by
popular suffrage at the regular election he became one of the prominent and
influential members of the general assembly, where he served during the
third and fourth sessions, taking an active and helpful part in framing the
early legislation of the state and establishing the commonwealth upon a safe
and enduring basis. He was also elected as a delegate to the last constitu-
tional convention which met in Iowa City in 1857. When the republican
party was formed he took an active interest in promoting the organization
and thereafter voted the republican ticket until his death. He was a stanch
advocate of the Union cause during the dark days of the Civil war and was
ever loyal to the best interests of citizenship. His religious belief was that
of the Spiritualist society.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huff were born three children, of whom one passed
away in infancy and another. Viva J., is also deceased. The surviving son,
P. J., is at home with his mother. Mr. Huff was a member of Richmond
Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M., at Kalona and took an active part in this
work, believing firmly in its principles. His life was ever an upright and
honorable one and when it was terminated in death the community mourned
the loss of a valued and representative citizen. Mrs. Huff now makes her
home in Kalona, where she owns a fine residence, and she also has an excel-
lent farm of eighty acres in Johnson county. She is a Spiritualist in religious
faith and a firm believer in a Supreme Being, while her creed may be summed
up in the Golden Rule, for she ever earnestly attempts to do unto others as
she would have them do unto her. She has been a lifelong resident of Eng-
lish River township and the circle of her friends is almost coextensive with
the circle of her acquaintance.
W. W. SIGLER.
Prominent among the agriculturists of Washington county, Iowa, whose
industry, diligence and perseverance in former years now make it possible
for them to enjoy in well earned rest and retirement the fruits of honest toil,
is numbered W. W. Sigler, a substantial and well known resident of Seventy-
Six township. He was born in West Virginia, his natal day being March 11,
1848, and is a son of John J. and Goldie E. (Fazenbaker) Sigler. In both
402 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
the maternal and paternal lines he comes from old and prominent X'irginia
families. His grandfather, Godfrey Fazenbaker. about the year 1856 pur-
chased the old Mount Washington farm located in Fayette county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he resided for many years. This farm is historic ground, for
it was upon this place that Washington, being surprised by the Indians,
hastily threw up breastworks which became known in history as Fort Neces-
sity. This interesting property is still in the possession of the family, being
owned by Louis Fazenbaker, an uncle of W. W. Sigler.
In the year 1853 John J. Sigler and his wife removed westward to Iowa
and after spending a few months in Henry county, this state, they located on
the farm in Lime Creek township, Washington county, where Mrs. Sigler,
the mother of our subject, still resides. Here the father purchased one hun-
dred and twenty acres of land and entered forty acres adjoining this farm,
and upon this place his remaining days were spent, engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits. He had been, throughout the active years of his life,
a local Methodist preacher, and it is probable that, during his residence here,
he preached more funeral sermons than any other minister in Washington
county. He was a man widely known throughout the county and was dearly
beloved wherever known, so that when he was called to his final rest, Octo-
ber 7, 1882, the news of his demise brought a sense of personal loss to his-
many friends and acquaintances, and through his passing the county lost one
of its worthy and honored citizens.
W'. W. Sigler was reared under the parental roof and attended the district
schools of the neighborhood in the acquirement of his education. He re-
mained on his father's farm until he attained his majority and then for two
summers he was identified with breaking the wild prairie. During the
second year of his connection with this line of activity he took up ditching
and for three years was engaged in operating a ditching machine. In Janu-
ary, 1873, however, desiring that his labors should more directly benefit
himself, he, in connection with his brother, George D. Sigler, and his brother-
in-law, W. P. Stephens, purchased a farm of one hundred and ninety acres.
The following year the brothers bought the interest of Mr. Stephens and
together continued to operate the farm until 1880, in which year a division
of the land was made, W. W. Sigler retaining seventy acres upon which
stood the home buildings. During the inter\'ening years he directed his ener-
gies toward the tilling of the soil and soon brought his fields under a hig'h
state of cultivation. Success always crowns persistent, unfaltering effort,
and in due course of time he extended the boundaries of his farm by addi-
tional purchase until it now comprises two hundred and seventy acres in one
body. It is a well improved farm, with good buildings and annually yields
rich harvests in return for the care and laljor e.xpended upon it. For the
past fourteen years, however, Mr. Sigler has rented the place and has been
living in retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He has not con-
fined his attentions, however, entirely to his agricultural pursuits for he is
today a stockholder in the Wellman Savings Bank and also one of the
directors of that institution, while his connection therewith is a source of
additional financial profit to him.
HISTORY OF \\ASniN(;TOX COUNTY 403
On October 3, 1881. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sigler and Miss
Henrietta Keye, of Nebraska, and unto them have been born three children,
of whom but two still survive: Vernon U. and Alma L., both of whom are
yet at home. For nine years Mr. and Mrs. Sigler traveled life's journey
together and then, in 1890. the wife and mother was called to her final rest,
leaving the grief stricken husband and children to mourn her loss.
Mr. Sigler gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and,
although never an aspirant for public office, he is a stalwart supporter of the
party principles and exerts his influence at the polls in behalf of its men and
measures. He is also known in fraternal circles, being a member of the
Knights of Pythias lodge, in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit of
the craft. He indeed deserves mention among the substantial agriculturists
and worthy citizens of Washington county, yet his prosperity is not the
outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good
management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win prosperity.
A. D. CRAIG.
A. D. Craig, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Iowa town-
ship, Washington county, now resides upon the farm upon which he was born
Alarch 12, 1861. He is a son of Robert and Sarah (Godlove) Craig, the
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. The parents
came to Iowa in 1854, locating in Iowa township, Washington county, where
the father entered the farm now in the possession of A. D. Craig. He built
a log cabin which had a clapboard roof, puncheon floor and door and a stick
chimney, and in this pioneer dwelling the family resided for about thirty-
five years. The cabin was then replaced by a substantial frame house in
which Mr. and Mrs. Robert Craig lived until their death, the former passing
away November 14, 1902, and the latter on the 20th of April, 1900. In their
family were ten children, seven of whom survive, namely: Rachel, the wife
of William P. Tans\-. of Oklahoma ; Josiah, residing in Hastings, Nebraska ;
William, living in Decatur county, Iowa : Evaline, the wife of Joseph Allen,
of this county ; Carolina, the wife of Willard Tatman : A. D., of this review ;
and George H., residing in this county.
Reared upon his father's farm, A. D. Craig attended the country schools
of the neighborhood in the acquirement of his early education and remained
at home until he reached his majority, when he entered a school at Iowa
City, where he remained one year. Then becoming imbued with a desire to
see something of life in the far western states, he put aside his text-
books and went west, where he remained for ten years. Upon returning to
Washington county, Iowa, he purchased one hundred acres of the old home-
stead farm, which was situated on section 16, Iowa township, where he has
since made his home. He has added many improvements to the place and
year by year has carried on the work of the farm, bringing it under a high
404 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
state of cultivation and annually gathering golden harvests as the result of
the care and labor he bestows upon the land.
In August, 1886, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A.
Porter, who was born in Davenport, Iowa, March 6, 1867, a daughter of
John C. and Scotty S. (Kelso) Porter. Her parents, who are now both
deceased, were natives of Ohio and came to Iowa at an early date. Their
family consisted of eleven children, of whom seven survive. As the years
passed five children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Craig, namely:
Robert C, at home; Sarah S., also at home, who is a member of the Eastern
Star and of the Relief Corps : Mary E. and Earnest, both at home ; and Ber-
nice Josephine, an infant.
Mr. and Mrs. Craig attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in which
faith they were reared, and both hold membership in the Eastern Star Lodge
of Riverside, while Mrs. Craig is also connected with the Relief Corps. Mr.
Craig is a member of Riverside Lodge, No. 516, A. F. & A. M., while in
politics he gives stanch support to the republican party. He is at present
serving as township assessor, but otherwise does not seek nor desire public
office as a reward for party fealty. He displays keen discernment and sound
judgment in the control of his business affairs and his life has been one of
continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of labor.
Having spent almost his entire life in Washington county, he is widely and
favorably known and his salient characteristics are such as to inspire confi-
dence, trust and good will in all with whom he is associated.
JOHN F. FRAIN.
John F. Frain, a retired agriculturist residing in Brighton, was born
near Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 24th of March, 1853, his parents being
James and Lucy (Tinder) Frain. The father, whose birth occurred in
Kentucky, removed to Indiana about the year 1848 and came to Washington
county, Iowa, in the fall of 1854. He was first employed in the McMartin
mills for a year and then located near Dublin, Iowa, where he bought eighty
acres of land and made his home thereon for about nine years. On the ex-
piration of that period he purchased one hundred and thirty-six acres near
West Chester, Iowa, in Franklin township, residing on that farm until about
1882. Subsequently he lived in Dutch Creek township for several years and
then located in Clay township, where he made his home with his son, John F.,
until the death of his wife in the spring of 1895. His remaining days were
spent in the home of his son Anthony, and he was called to his final rest on
the lOth of November, 1898, being buried in the New Haven Baptist ceme-
tery. He had long been identified with the agricultural interests of this
county and was well known and highlv esteemed as a most substantial, enter-
prising and public-spirited citizen. His wife, who was also a native of Ken-
tucky, was married in that state and, as previously stated, passed away in
Washington county. Iowa, in the spring of 1893. L^nto this worthy couple
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 405
were born seven children, namely: William and Catherine, both of whom
died in Indiana ; Anthony, a retired agriculturist of Brighton, Iowa ; one
who died in infanc\' : John F., of this review; Charles, who follows farming
near Keota, Keokuk county, Iowa ; and George W., an agriculturist of Dutch
Creek township.
John F. Frain attended the common schools in the acquirement of an
education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of
age, when he started out for himself in this county. At the end of a year,
however, he removed to Adair county and afterward to Guthrie county but
in the fall of 1883 returned to Washington county and has since remained a
respected and worthy resident here. In the conduct of his agricultural inter-
ests he has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity
and is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
His holdings include eighty acres of land in Clay township, a substantial
and commodious residence and two lots, and for more than a half century he
has been numbered among the progressive and well-to-do citizens of the
county.
Mr. Frain has been married twice. In 1879 he wedded Miss Mary Jones,
by whom he had two children : James Lyman, who is now a railroad agent ;
and Lucy, the wife of Charles Armstrong, a farmer of Clay township. The
mother of these children passed away in 1883, her remains being interred
in the New Haven cemetery in Dutch Creek township. In 1886 Mr. Frain
was again married, his second union being with Miss Josephine McCamp-
bell, a resident of Washington, whose birth occurred in Union county, Ohio,
and who was reared in Keokuk county.
In his political affiliation Mr. Frain is a democrat, while fraternally he is
connected with the Modern Woodmen of America at Brighton. He is like-
wise a trustee of the Baptist church, of which both he and his wife are
devoted and faithful members.
A. M. T. FRAIN.
A. M. T. Frain, a brother of John F. Frain, has likewise put aside the
active work of the fields and is now living retired in Brighton. His birth
occurred in Jackson county, Indiana, on the 27th of January, 1850, and he
obtained his education in the district schools of Washington county, this
state. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, when he pur-
chased land in Audubon county, Iowa, where he made his home for a short
period and then returned to this county, being engaged in the operation of
rented land for a time. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Franklin town-
ship, this county, and was successfully engaged in its cultivation and develop-
ment until his well directed labors and untiring energy had brought him the
competence that now enables him to live retired. Throughout his entire
life he has been connected with agricultural interests and assisted in break-
ing prairie at an early day. It was in 1906 that he took up his abode in
406 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Brighton and now owns an attractive residence and two acres of land in
the town.
In 1875 -^'''- Frain was united in marriage to ]\liss Jennie Alkire, a resi-
dent of Washington county, by whom he has three children: Sadie, the wife
of Henry Gordon, a jeweler of Brighton; Joseph and Katie, both at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Frain has given
his poHtical allegiance to the democracy and has ever given his support and
cooperation to those movements and measures instituted to advance the
general welfare. His wife is a consistent member of the Christian church
and they are both highly esteemed in this part of the county, where they have
a very wide acquaintance, their many good qualities of heart and mind having
endeared them to all who know them.
CHARLES MAYER.
Charles Mayer, who has passed the seventy-third milestone on life's
journey, is now living retired on his farm in Seventy-Six township. His en-
tire life has been .given to general agricultural pursuits and his continuous
and well directed activity in that line has brought him a measure of success
which is substantial and gratifying, enabling him now to live retired in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Germany, March
16, 1836, a son of John and Dorothea (Dietrich) Mayer, who were likewise
natives of Germany and spent their entire lives in that land, where they
reared their family of ten children.
Charles Mayer remained a resident of his native country until eighteen
years of a,ge and during that time acquired his education in the public schools
of Germany. Bidding goodby to friends and native land he sailed for the
new world in 1854 and first settled in Ohio, where he remained for five
years. In i860 he arrived in Washington county, Iowa, where he worked
as a farm hand by the month for one year. At the end of that time lit put
aside all business and personal considerations for it was the opening of the
hostilities between the north and the south and his patriotic spirit was
aroused. In July, 1861, he offered his services to the government in defense
of the Union and was enrolled as a member of Company F, First Iowa Cav-
alry, in which he served for more than three years. He participated in a
number of hard skirmishes and for some time was in Missouri on the trail
of the guerillas, having several encounters with them. In 1864 he was
honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, for his term of enlistment had
expired.
Mr. Mayer then returned to Washington county and again worked for a
short time as a farm hand. He then went to Ohio and" was married there in
1865 to Miss Susan Wiler. who was born in Germany. With his bride he
returned to Washington county and located on a rented farm although he
then owned his present farm, which at that time was all wild and unimproved.
Later he spent two years in Ohio, but in 1869 returned to this county and
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 409
located permanently upon the farm which he now occupies. As the years
passed he carefully cultivated his fields, displaying a most practical and pro-
gressive spirit in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. Annually
he gathered good crops as the reward of his labors and from time to time
made substantial improvements upon his farm, purchasing the latest ma-
chinery and otherwise facilitating the work necessary in making the farm a
profitable property.
As the years passed four children were added to the household : Mary E.,
the wife of N. E. Romine, of Scvcnty-.Six township ; William J., now operat-
ing the home farm; Charles F.. at home; and Frank C, also at home. Mr.
Mayer has always given his political support to the republican party since
becoming a naturalized American citizen and is loyal in his advocacy of its
principles. He has served as supervisor and also as school director for
several years and manifests the same spirit of loyalty that he displayed when
he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. He belongs to the Grand
Army Post at Wellman and thus maintains pleasant relations with those who
also wore the blue and defended the stars and stripes during the period of
the Civil war. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church
and their splendid traits of character have gained for them a warm hold on
the affections of those with whom .they have come in contact. Mr. Mayer is
now enjoying well earned rest, leaving the active management and work of
the farm to others. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities he sought, and
as the years have gone by he has won a measure of prosperity that is most
gratifying, his success being attributable entirely to his own labors.
LEWIS FREMONT WOODBURN.
This is a utilitarian age and the successful man is he who recognizes and
seizes all of the advantages which surround him and who utilizes every
opportunity so as to accomplish maximum results with minimum effort —
that is without useless expenditure of time, energy or money. Lewis Fre-
mont Woodburn is a typical representative of this spirit as manifest in
farming life and as the result of his own labors he now owns and operates
two hundred acres of rich and valuable land. Moreover, he has become well
known as a large stock raiser and feeder and has also figured prominently in
community affairs
A native of this county, he was born in Highland township on the I2th
of August, 1857, a son of William Edwin and Elizabeth (Wattles) Wood-
burn. The parents were both natives of Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
where they were reared and married. In 1836 they came west to Iowa,
locating on a farm in Highland township, Washington county, about a half
mile east of the farm upon which our subject now resides. Their tract of
land consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and upon this place they con-
tinued to make their home until called to their final rest, the father passing
410 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
away in 1889, at the age of sixty-two years, while the mother died June
17, 1877, when forty-four years of age. They were at one time members of
the Churcli of God but later affiliated with the United Brethren church.
Amid the scenes and environments of rural life Lewis Fremont Wood-
bum spent the early years of his life, attending the common schools in the
acquirement of an education. He early learned the best methods of plowing,
planting and harvesting, and after laying aside his text-books wisely decided
to follow as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared. Con-
sequently, at the early age of sixteen, he began business on his own account,
working as a farm hand for four years, and remaining in the employ of
one man throughout that period. When twenty-one years of age, being
desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented the
farm upon which he now resides and continued to operate it in the capacity
of a renter for three years. In November. 1881, however, he purchased the
place and has since made it his home. When it came into his possession the
tract consisted of but seventy acres, but he bent his energies to the cul-
tivation and extension of his property and. through indefatigable industry
and untiring perseverance, he added to his holdings from time to time until
his farm now comprises two hundred acres of well improved and valuable
land. For some time the place has largely been sown to grass, while he
devotes the greater portion of his time and attention to his stock interests.
He has become widely known as a stockraiser, making a specialty of short-
horn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and for the past fifteen years has been
feeding from one to two carloads of cattle yearly. His stock is all high
grade and therefore commands ready sale upon the market. He is untiring
in his energy, possesses keen business discernment and sound judgment, and
his close application to business and his excellent management of his affairs
have brought him to a high degree of prosperity.
Although his agricultural pursuits have occupied a large portion of his at-
tention, yet Mr. Woodburn has nevertheless found time to devote to outside
matters and for some time has been closely connected with public affairs in
various capacities. He is a director in the Farmers & Merchants- Savings
Bank of Haskins and has been greatly interested in educational affairs of the
community, serving as school director and president of the school board for
several years. He gives stalwart support to the republican party and served
for one term as township assessor. Public-spirited and loyal in his citizen-
ship, he is deeply interested in all matters that have for their object the per-
manent upbuilding and development of the community, while the consensus
of public opinion accords him high rank among the substantial and influen-
tial citizens of this section of the county.
On the 14th of September. 1881. :^lr. Wdddlnn-n was united in mar-
riage to Miss Jennie McLaughlin and unto this union was born one son. Dr.
Fred Leslie, a practicing physician of Castana. Iowa. The wife and mother
passed away on the 7th of December. 1885, and in 1888 Mr. Woodburn was
again married, his second union being with Miss Susan C. Stewart. She
is a daughter of John S. Stewart, of Highland township, this county, and by
her marriage became the mother of six children, namely: Clark L.. Clara,
UlSi;()K\- ()!■ WASHINGTON COUNTY 411
Esther, Florence, Blanche and Mildred. Of this number Florence has
passed away, while the remaining members of the family all reside at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn are consistent members of the United Brethren
church, taking deep interest in all phases of the church work. He stands
today as a high type of American manhood, who has won success in the busi-
ness world and has gained the respect of his fellowmen by his public service
and private life.
D. C. ROBERTSON.
A well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, located on
sections 15 and 28. Dutch Creek township, is the home of D. C. Robertson,
and it was also the place of his nativity. He comes of Irish parentage and
was born June 29. 1854. His great-great-grandfather, John Robertson,
was born in Scotland but later went to County Tyrone, Ireland, where he
died and where later generations of the family made their home. The great-
grandfather, William Robertson, was born on the Emerald isle in 1753, and
the grandfather, John Robertson, was there born in 1778. It was the lat-
ter's son, John D. Robertson, born on Christmas day of 181 5, who becjmie
the father of our subject. The first of the family to come to the United
States was the grandfather, John Robertson, who located in Ohio and there
spent his remaining days.
The father, John D. Robertson, was reared in the Buckeye state and in
1842 journeyed by boat and wagon to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he re-
mained until October, 1844, at which time he made his way to Washington
county, this state, making a settlement on the farm on which the son now
resides. He developed and improved the then wild tract and converted it
into a cultivable arm, carrying on general agricultural pursuits until the
time of his death, which occurred September 30, 1899, when he had reached
the advanced age of eighty-four years. It was while he was still a resident
of Ohio that John D. Robertson was married, the lady of his choice being
Miss Eliza Carson, who like her husbanad, was born on the Emerald isle
in 181 3, and emigrated to the new world when seventeen years of age. It
was on the 6th of May, 1841, that she gave her hand in marriage to Mr.
Robertson and they became the parents of seven sons, William H., who
served three years as a member of Company H, Seventh Iowa Volunteer
Infantry during the Civil war; Samuel; James C. ; Samuel A.; John D. ;
George F. ; and D. C. All are deceased with the exception of our subject
and John D., who follows farming in Jefferson county, Illinois. The mother
of this family passed away March 11, 1897.
D. C. Robertson was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting
in the work of the home farm during the spring and summer months and
attending the district schools during the winter months. He remained under
the parental roof until he had reached the age of thirty-one )ears, at which
time he established a home of his own by his marriage on the 19th of March,
412 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
1884, to Miss Margaret Reighard, a resident of Washington county. She
is one of a family of eight children, having four brothers and two sisters
still living, while one sister died at the age of five years. Her father was
a native of Virginia and her mother of Pennsylvania. It was in i860 that
they became residents of Washington county, Iowa, where Mr. Reighard
followed the occupation of brickmaking and manufactured the brick for the
house in which Mrs. Robertson now lives.
Following his marriage Mr. Robertson engaged in farming on his own
account, operating land in Dutch Creek township. He eventually returned
to the home farm and cared for his parents during the last years of their
lives and here he has continued to live to the present time, now owning the
place, consisting of one hundred and seventy-five acres, located on sections
15 and 28, Dutch Creek township.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Robertson has been blessed with seven
children : Robert R., who wedded Maggie Trier, by whom he has one child.
Merle ; Nellie, at home ; Olive G., the wife of M. R. Sanders, a farmer of
Dutch Creek township, by whom she has a son, Lee; Helen, William C,
Margaret and Pearl Eliza, all at home. In politics Mr. Robertson is a
republican. He has been successful in his farming operations and his suc-
cess is well merited, for he is an enterprising, progressive citizen.
T. W. RICKEY.
T. W. Rickey is well known in Crawfordsville and throughout Washing-
ton county, for though he is now living retired he was long associated with
business affairs as a representative of both farming and banking interests.
He ever manifested an intelligent appreciation of opportunities which he
utilized to the best advantage and now his invested interests are sufficient to
bring him a substantial annual revenue. Mr. Rickey was born in Harrison
county, Ohio, November 2, 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and Susan (Wil-
liams) Rickey. The father was bom in Ohio and in 1852 arrived in Iowa,
locating in Louisa county, where he made his home until his death in 1877,
his remains being interred in the village cemetery at Crawfordsville. His
entire life was given to general agricultural pursuits and his persistent labor
constituted the basis of his success. In antebellum days he was a stanch
abolitionist, being greatly opposed to the system of human slavery as prac-
ticed in the south. When the republican party was formed to prevent its
further extension in northern territory, he joined its ranks and continued one
of its stalwart advocates until his death. He held membership in the United
Presbyterian church which in former years was know li as tlie Scccders church.
His wife was a native of Ohio and they were married in that state. She
survived her husband for about ten years and died in Louisa county in 1887.
In their family were five sons: Samuel W., who now follows farming in
Crawford township ; William, a soldier of the Civil war, who formerly car-
ried on general agricultural pursuits hut is now living retired in Sheriilan,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 413
Iowa ; T. W., of this review ; John, who was a soldier in the Union army and
IS now deceased ; and Joseph, who Hkewise defended the old flag but has
now passed away.
T. W. Rickey spent his youthful days in his parents' home, accompany-
ing his father on their removal to Iowa when a youth of twelve years. He
acquired his education in the district schools of his native county and in
Washington county, Iowa, and gave his father the benefit of his services
until twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account
in Louisa county. He continued to till the soil in Louisa county until 1894,
when he put aside the work of the fields and removed to Crawfordsville,
where he erected a building that has since been known as the Crawfordsville
Savings Bank. He established a banking business which was the first in the
town and he remained sole owner of the enterprise until 1908, when he organ-
ized a stock company and withdrew from active connection with the bank.
While he carried on fanning he engaged extensively in feeding and ship-
ping stock and this proved a profitable branch of his business. He is still
the owner of valuable farm property, including one hundred and sixty acres
of well improved land in Louisa county and two hundred acres in Crawford
township, together with two hundred and ninety-six acres in Arkansas. He
likewise owns town property in Crawfordsville, also has realty holdings in
Chicago, so that his extensive invested interests are amply adequate to his
needs and also bring to him an income sufificient to supply him with all of
the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
In 1861 Mr. Rickey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Purbis, a
resident of Louisa county, Iowa, and they have two sons : James R., now a
banker of Crawfordsville : and John F., who follows farming in Henry county,
Iowa. The wife and mother died in 1891 and was laid to rest in the Craw-
fordsville cemetery. In 1897 Mr. Rickey was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Maggie Adams, nee Gordon. In his political views
Mr. Rickey is a republican while his religious faith is that of the Methodist
Episcopal church. His life has been well spent and without ostentation or
display he has commanded the respect of his fellowmen by reason of his
enterprise, the reliability of his methods in business affairs and the sub-
stantial support which he has given to all matters of progressive citizenship.
A. E. SANDS.
The financial interests of Ainsworth find a worthy and valued repre-
sentative in A. E. Sands, one of the stockholders and cashier of the Ains-
worth bank. He is also interested in one of the leading mercantile enter-
prises of the city and in the management of his affairs displays keen discern-
ment combined with the ability to so utilize the means at hand that substan-
tial success results. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having
occurred in Oregon township, December 7, 1879. His parents were John
W. and Martha (Shaw) Sands. The father is now a retired farmer living
414 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTON CODXTY
in Ainsworth. hut tor many years was connected with the agricultural in-
terests of this county. A native of Tennessee, he was born in Monroe
county, March 22, 1839, and his parents were Benjamin R. and Rosanna
(Henderson ) Sands. Benjamin R. Sands was born in Washington county.
Tennessee, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. In the \ear 1835 he wedded
Miss Rosanna Henderson of Monroe county, Tennessee, who was born,
liowever, in I'.lount county, that state. She was of Irish lineage. Follow-
ing their marriage they began their domestic life in the state of their nativity
and resided there until 1851, when they removed to Washington county,
Iowa. Mr. Sands entered one hundred and si.xty acres of unimproved
land and at once began the development of a farm, upon which he re-
sided until 1880. He then removed to Ainsworth, where he lived retired,
enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His wife died June 20, 1887, and
he survived until some years later. Unto Benjamin and Rosanna Sands
were born a number of children, including John W., the father of our sub-
ject ; Margaret, the wife of J. F. R. Leonard ; Joseph P. ; Samuel A. ; James ;
and Nancy J. The last named is now deceased.
John W. Sands came to Washington county, Iowa, with his parents in
185 1, being then a lad of twelve years. He was edticated in the common
schools and through the periods of vacation worked on the farm, having
devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business
career with the exception of three years spent as a soldier of the Civil war.
It was in September, 1861, that he responded to the country's call for troops,
enlisting a> a member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
He partici])ated in the battle of Shiloh, in the first and second engagements
at Corinth, in the battle of Vicksburg. in the Atlanta campaign and in vari-
ous minor engagements and military movements and at length was mustered
out at Galesville, Alabama, where he also received an honorable discharge.
On the expiration of his term of service John W. Sands returned to Iowa
and began farming on his own account, in which work he won gratifying
success. Year by year he carefully tilled the fields and as time went by
he won a measure of ])rosperity which was the merited reward of his labors.
It was in Louisa county. Iowa, in 1864, that J. W. Sands was married to
Miss Martha A. Shaw, a daughter of Samuel Shaw, who came to Iowa in
1834. Mrs. Sands was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, November 23,
1843, 3nd by her marriage has become the mother of four children : Eva
J., Samuel B.-, Francis C. and Alva E. The parents are members of the
United Presbyterian church, to which their children also belong and Mr.
Sands gives his political support to the republican party on which ticket he
has been elected to several township ofiices, including that of trustee. His
life has been an upright and honoralile one characterized by the sterling
qualities of manhood, which in every land and clime awaken respect and re-
gard. Now at the age of seventy years he is living retired and his rest is
well merited, for through a long period he was a most active representative
of farming interests in this county.
A. E. Sands pursued his education in the schools of Ainsworth and after-
ward worked for three years in a blacksmith shop. He then became iden-
jiiSTORV oi' wAsiiixcTox col■^"r^■ 415
tified with mercantile interests, joinint; his brother, Francis G., in the con-
duct of a store in which he still owns a half interest. Three years ago,
however, he accepted the position of cashier in the Ainsworth Bank, in
which he is a stockholder and is now the chief executive head of that insti-
tution, manasjing its affairs with marked ability and with a thorough under-
standing of banking interests in every department.
In June. 1901, Mr. Sands was married to Miss Maud Morrison, a resident
of this county and they now have two children, Dorothy and Neal. Their
home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality and is a favorite
resort with their many friends. In his political views Mr. Sands is a stal-
wart republican and at the present writing, 1909, is filling the ofifice of
city treasurer. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of
the community and cooperates largely in measures for the public good. He
belongs to the United Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a mem-
ber and in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested, Mr.
Sands serving at the present time as one of the church trustees. His enter-
prise in business and his activity in numicipal affairs have made him a
valued resident of the community.
WILLIAM H. CRESS.
William H. Cress, a retired merchant residing in Riverside, Iowa, was
born on the nth of December, 1841, in Virginia. He is a son of Henry
and Rachel iRlliott) Cress, natives also of thai state, where the father
passed away and was laid to rest. In 1864 the mother brought her children
to Washington county, Iowa, locating in Oregon township, and this county
continued to be her home until her demise, which occurred in 1896, when
she hatl reached the age of eighty-one years. She was the mother of three
children, of whom William H. is the eldest. The others were: Isaac N.,
who met his death in the Civil war ; and Abraham E., residing in Nebraska.
William H. Cress was reared upon the farm and, having lost his father
when but a little lad, it fell to his lot to assist in the support of the family.
He therefore enjoyed but limited educational advantages but at an early age
became a student in the more difficult school of experience, where he learned
lessons concerning the value of energy, diligence and perseverance. He
remained at home until thirty-three years of age when, thinking to find other
pursuits more congenial and profitable, he became identified with mercantile
interests at Pilotsburg, Washington county, where he remained for one
year. He then sold his business at that place and came to Riverside, where
he engaged in the same line of activity, being thus connected until 1902.
In that year he retired from active labor, the success which attended his ef-
forts bringing to him a handsome competence that makes it possible for
him to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. In his career
as a merchant he at all times followed plans and methods which neither
sought nor required disguise. On the contrary he always was worthy the
416 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
trust reposed in him and today bears an irreproachable record as a business
man. He makes his home in Riverside, where he owns a brick store build-
ing and a fine residence. He also possesses two hundred and sixty acres of
fine farm land, a part of which lies in Washington county and the remaindet
in Johnson county, this property returning to him a gratifying annual in-
come.
Mr. Cress chose as a companion for life's journey Miss Lovila H.
Posten, who was born in Virginia in 1843, and is one of ten children bom to
Leonard and Margaret (Miller) Posten. Her parents were both natives of
Virginia and came to Iowa in 1866, where the father died, while the mothe^
later returned to the Old Dominion, where she passed away. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Cress was celebrated in 1865 and was blessed with nine
children, namely: Mary L., deceased; Chester C, residing in Riverside;
Isaac C, operating his father's farm; Ida E. and Margaret C, both de-
ceased ; George, a dentist of Wheatland, Iowa ; Ralph, residing in Columbus
Junction, Iowa ; Melville, who has also passed away ; and Earl E., attending
the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, Illinois.
On the loth of April. 1907, Mrs. Cress was called to her final rest, her
remains being interred in the Riverside cemetery. She left, besides her hus-
band and five children, many warm friends to mourn her loss. She was a lady
of many excellent traits of character and a faithful member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which Mr. Cress also belongs, having served for
twenty-seven years as superintendent of the Sunday school. He holds mem-
bership with the United Workmen of America and in politics is a stalwart
supporter of the republican party. He has taken quite an active and in-
fluential part in public affairs, filling several town offices and now serving
his second term as supervisor, to which position he was elected in 1906.
Starting out in life with but limited educational advantages, depending up-
on his own resources at a very early age for his livelihood, he is, in the
broadest sense of the term a self-made man, who may well feel proud of the
success which he has attained.
CHARLES A. OVERFELT.
Charles A. Overfelt, a prominent and prosperous resident of Riverside,
is now living retired, having won a handsome competence through his well
directed labors as an agriculturist in former years. He was born in Fulton,
Callaway county, Missouri, on the 27th of February, 1835, his parents being
Eli M. and Sarah S. (Parker) Overfelt. The father's birth occurred near
Richmond, Virginia, on the 8th of August, 1808, while the mother was born
in Tennessee, April 22, 1814. Their marriage was celebrated in Missouri on
the 7th of November, 1833. Eli M. Overfelt passed away August 17, 1844,
and his wife, surviving him for more than a half century, was called to her
final rest on the 6th of July, 1899. Unto this worthy couple were born six
TttS NSW YORK
PUBUC UBRARY
tILDElM (UUNDATttlM
I
CHARLES A. OVERFELT
MRS. CHARLES A. OVKRFF.I/l
THE HSV/ TORK
, PUBLIC LIBRARY
HISTORY OF W'ASJIIXGTOX COUXTY 421
children : Charles A., of this review ; Mary J., the wife of John Axtel, of
Wichita, Kansas; and four who are deceased.
Charles A. Overfelt received only limited educational opportunities in
youth, for his father died when he was but a little lad of nine years and, being
the oldest child in the family, he at once laid aside his text-books in order
that he might assist in the support of his mother and the younger children.
Subsequent to the father's death the family home was established in St.
Louis, Missouri, where Charles A. Overfelt secured employment as an
errand boy and thus worked until he had attained the age of fifteen years.
He then learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at that occupation for
four years but at the end of that time was compelled to give it up on account
of failing health. Subsequently he removed to Iowa City, where he was
employed as a teamster for three years, on the expiration of which period he
came to Washington county, Iowa, and here worked as a farm hand for one
year, receiving a remuneration of twelve and a half dollars per month. In
July, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Com-
pany G, Sixth Iowa Infantry, but at the end of six months was discharged
at Sedalia, Missouri, on account of physical disability. Returning to Wash-
ington county, he worked for B. W. Coe for one year as foreman on the
latter's farm and was then engaged in the operation of a rented tract of land
for a year. Subsequently he bought a farm of eighty acres in Iowa town-
ship, devoting his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement, while
later he extended the boundaries of the place by an additional purchase of
one hundred acres and was actively and successfully connected with agri-
cultural interests until the time of his retirement from business life in 1898.
Purchasing a handsome residence in Riverside, he has here since continued
to reside and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community
as a self-made man whose prosperity is the just reward of a life of untiring,
persistent and intelligently directed labor.
On the 27th of August, 1862, Mr. Overfelt was united in marriage to
Miss Nora Williams, who was born at Lockport, Will county, Illinois, No-
vember 13, 1844, a daughter of Loring A. and Eliza A. (Palmer) Williams.
The father, whose birth occurred in Connecticut in 1806, passed away on the
2d of March, 1890, while the mother, who was born in the state of New York
in 1822, was called to her final rest on the 13th of April, 1895. Their family
numbered but two children, one who died in infancy and Mrs. Overfelt.
The great-grandfather of Mrs. Overfelt participated in the Revolutionary
war and spent the winter as a guard at Valley Forge. He lived to attain the
remarkable age of ninety-nine years. Her maternal grandfather. Thomas
Force Palmer, served in the war of 1812 and died at the ripe old age of
eighty-two years. Mrs. Overfelt is a graduate of the Iowa City high school
and prior to her marriage was a successful school teacher. She is a member
of the Eastern Star, in which she has filled all of the chairs except that of
the chapel and has acted as recorder for the Royal Neighbors for six years.
She is likewise identified with the Robert Allen Relief Corps and for six
years has been president thereof. For twenty-two years she has capably
served in the position of school treasurer and is a lady whose many estimable
422 HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX ColXTY
traits of character and excellent executive ability are widely recognized and
highly appreciated. By her marriage she has become the mother of five
children, namely : Olie Olga, who died in infancy ; twins, who also passed away
in infancy; Katie L., born March 21, 1869, who is now the wife of Eugene
Annas, of Haskins, Iowa : and Charlie Lester, who was born May 10. 1876,
and is a resident of Washington county.
In his political views Mr. Overfelt is an unfaltering and inflexible repub-
lican and has served as school director and also as supervisor. He is a mem-
ber of G. A. R. Post. No. 455, and also belongs to the Masonic lodge. No.
516, at Riverside and Eastern Star Lodge, Xo. 197. His life record exem-
plifies the fact that faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed pur-
pose will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous
circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned
their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles
and with a certainty that could have been attained only through their own
efforts. This class of men has a worthy representative in Mr. Overfelt. who
is honored and respected in every class of society and most of all in the
community where he is best known.
T. I. BROWX.
The progress of a community does not depend upon its machinery of
government or even upon the men who control its offices as much as upon
those who are active in business life and who therefore promote the pros-
perity of the community. In this connection Mr. Brown deserves mention,
as he contributes to the business activity of Crawfordsville in the conduct of
a tile factory. He is also a representative of the coal trade here and his
perseverance and diligence constitute the basis of his success. He was born
in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. January 21, 1854, and is a son of William
and Catherine Brown. The father, now deceased, was born in Luzerne
county, Pennsylvania, a son of Thomas and Maria (Askem) Brown, who
were married in the Keystone state and there resided until after the birth
of their five children — William, David Susannah, Benjamin and Martha,
all of whom became residents of Iowa with the exception of the last named,
who was the wife of Eleazer Schumacher, then a resident of Seneca
county, ( )hi(i. The grandfather of our subject, Tliomas lirown, was bom
and reared in England, coming from Warwickshire to the United States.
By trade he was a ribbon weaver but after crossing the Atlantic he pur-
chased a tract of land in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and there carried
on farming. He also opened up and operated a coal mine on his land. His
wife was born in this countrv but her parents, William and Alice Askem,
were natives of England. They reared a family of four sons and four
daughters: William, John, Thomas. Burton, Maria, Caroline, Catharine and
Susannah. The parents remained residents of Pennsylvania until called
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 423
to tlifir final rest hut several of their children removed westward to Ohio.
Mrs. Thomas Brown became a resident of Iowa in 1846.
William Brown, father of our subject, wedded Miss Catherine Shaffer,
a daui^htcr of Jacnh and Catherine Shaffer, who were natives of Cerniany,
where they were reared and married, remaining in that country for several
years after their marriage, their home being on a small farm near Strasburg
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Shaffer had three children : Adam, who is deceased ,
Tacoh : and C'atherine. Of Jacob, all trace is lost. Catherine became the
wife of William Brown, and in 1856 they removed from Pennsylvania to
Iowa, where they engaged in farming, establishing their home in Henry
county. There were two children born to them in Pennsylvania, Mary
Etta, who became the wife of Allen B. Lennon and is now deceased: and
Thomas J., of this review. The journey from Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania.
to Scranton, that state, was made by stage and from that point they pro-
ceeded by rail to Burlington, and then by stage to Mount Pleasant, Iowa,
where they arrived in 1856. After spending a few months in Henry county
William Rrown purchased nearly a quarter section of land adjoining the
family homestead and subsequently other purchases were made. A small
house had been erected by a former owner and into this the Brown family
moved in the autumn of 1856. In this home two children were added to
the family: John W., who has departed this life: and Scott M., an electrical
engineer living in Seattle, Washington. He married Miss Mar\- Strume, a
daughter of James and Elizabeth Strume.
In the autumn of 1856 the grandparents of T. J. Brown came to Iowa
and during the remainder of their lives they found a happy home and cordial
welcome beneath the hospitable roof of their son William. Thomas Brown
died in 1857 at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away
twenty years later in her eightieth year. Both were fnterred in the cemetery
at Asbury chapel.
As the years passed by William Brown carried on farming and became
quite a wealtliv man, owning extensive tracts of land at the time of his
demise, most of which was acquired through his own industry, supplemented
by the capable management and economy of his wife. After coming to Iowa
they owned two farms in Henry country and three eighty-acre tracts of land
northwest of Washington, in Washington county, in addition to the home
farm of more than a quarter of a section. They inade to eacli of their child-
ren a present of a valuable farm. The father died in 1879 and his remains
were interred in a cemetery in Henry county. His wife, who was born in
Pennsylvania, spent her last days in Washington county, Iowa, her death oc-
curring in 1897.
T. J. Brown is indebted to the common-school system of Crawford
township for the early educational privileges he enjoyed. He pursued his
studies through the winter months and in the summer seasons worked in the
fields, assisting his father until the latter's death. In 1883 he turned his
attention to commercial interests, taking up the manufacture of tile about
three miles south of Crawfordsville. There he conducted the business until
about five years ago, when he built a plant in the village with a capacitv of
424 HISTORY OF \\'ASHIXGTON COUNTY
ten thousand tile per day. He owns this plant, together with three and
three-quarters acres of land and an office building. He makes quite large
shipments of his product, which is of excellent quality and therefore finds a
ready sale on the market. In addition to this he conducts a good business
as a dealer in coal and he also owns three hundred and fifty-six and a half
acres of valuable land in Crawford township and real estate in the village.
In all of his business affairs he is enterprising and progressive, watching
out for opportunities that point to success and using his advantages in the
best possible manner. His political allegiance is given to the democracy but
he has never been an aspirant for office. His life has been characterized by
an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities and
thus Crawfordsville counts him as one of its valued and representative
sons.
J. R. TAYLOR.
J. R. Taylor, numbered among the practical, energetic and progressive
farmers of Brighton township, is the owner of four hundred and ten acres
of rich and productive land and in addition to tilling the soil he raises and
feeds stock. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, November 30,
1842, and comes of Virginian ancestry, the family having been established in
the Old Dominion at an early period in the colonization of the new world
His parents were James and Priscilla (Edwards) Taylor. The father
was born near Lexington, Kentucky, November 30, 1803, and from that
place accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana during his boy-
hood days. He lived for nine years in Decatur county and for some time
was a resident of Bartholomew county. In 1854 he removed westward to
Washington county, Iowa, making the journey by wagon. His son, J. R.
Taylor, was then a lad of eleven years and, with a boy's interest in every-
thing that he sees, greatly enjoyed the trip. On reaching their destination
the father secured a tract of land in Brighton township and began farming,
making that place his home until his death, which occurred March 27, 1888,
his remains being interred in New Haven, Iowa. Throughout his entire
life he followed farming and was very successful in the work, transforming
the wild prairie into fertile fields from which he annually gathered large
harvests. In politics he was a democrat of decided views, believing firmly
in the principles of the party. He also held membership in the Baptist
church and his life in all of its relations was actuated by his Christian faith.
While residing in Indiana James Taylor was married, on the 2d of May,
183 1, to Miss Priscilla Edwards, who was born in Hardin county, Ken-
tucky, on a farm adjoining that which was the birthplace of Abraham Lin-
coln. Her death occurred in Washington county. May 25, 1884, and her
grave was made in the New Haven cemetery. In the family of this worthy
couple were eight children : David \\'i1liam. who was born September 19,
1832. and died in infancy; Sarah Jane, who was born September 29, 1835,
HISTORY OF WASMIXCTON COUXTY 425
and is deceased ; Nancy, who was born August 27, 1837, and is the widow
of John McCulIough ; James Blackburn, born June 16, 1840, who has de-
parted this Hfe ; J. R., of this review ; Jesse, who was born August 26, 1845,
and is a resident farmer of Franklin township; Mary Elizabeth, who was
born November 18, 1846, and died in infancy ; and Joseph, who was born
May 19. 1849, 3nd also died in infancy.
J. R. Taylor was a lad of eleven years when he left his native state in
company with his parents and came to Iowa. He had begun his education in
the schools of Indiana and here he further continued his studies as a pupil
in the common schools of Brighton township and in the village of Brighton.
He remained at home with his father until twenty years of age and is still
on land formerly in possession of his father. His home place now comprises
four hundred and ten acres and the soil is rich and productive, responding
readily to the care and labor which he places upon it. Most of the improve-
ments have been put upon the farm by Mr. Taylor and the buildings and
fences are always kept in good repair and indicate his careful supervision.
He both raises and feeds stock and that branch of his business is proving a
profitable source of income. He is likewise interested in an irrigation ditch
in Wyoming.
On the 29th of January, 1863, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to
Miss Nannie Cockland, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and a daughter of
Samuel and Mary (Eberly) Cockland. Her father was born in Penn-
sylvania, whence he removed to Ohio and in 1854 he came to Iowa, set-
tling first in Marion township, Washington county. He resided in this
county continuously until his death, which occurred June 28, 1891. He
had long survived his wife, who passed away September 4, 1857. They
were the parents of ten children: Jacob, who was born December 24, 1833,
and is now a retired farmer living in Harrison county, Missouri ; David,
who was born December 25, 1835, ^"d is living retired in Washington ; Levi,
who was born December 23, 1837, and died in August, 1907, at the age of
almost seventy years; Catherine, who was born January 21, 1839, and is
the wife of Robert M. McCalman, proprietor of a canning factory in
Dexter, Iowa; Maria, who was born June 13, 1841, and is deceased; Abra-
ham, who was born in March, 1843, 3"d is living in Buffalo county, Ne-
braska ; Samuel, who was born April 29, 1844, and is deceased ; Nannie L.,
born October 20, 1846; John S., born November 20, 1848; and William H.,
who was born September 4, 1852, and is now deceased.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was blessed with five children :
Jesse, who was born February 5, 1864, and is now connected with an ir-
rigation ditch enterprise at Lander, Wyoming; Etta, who was born De-
cember 3, 1865, and is the wife of George Brinton, a retired farmer; Nellie,
who was born April 18, 1870, and is the wife of E. S. Thomas, a farmer of
Fairfield, Iowa ; Vista, who was born August 25, 1873, and is the wife of
Fred Mauthe, a farmer near Grace Hill, Iowa ; and Fred, who was born
August 21. 1882, and assists in the operation of the home farm.
In his political views Mr. Taylor is an earnest democrat and has served
as township trustee but office holding has little attraction for him, as he
426 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. His wife is a
member of the Baptist church and they are both worthy people who en-
joy and merit the esteem and good will of their many friends.
E. BRADFORD.
E. Bradford, a veteran of the Civil war, is now occupying the position of
postmaster of Wellman, and although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted
span of three score years and ten, he nevertheless is still active in all those
public affairs which are matters of interest and moment to all true citizens.
Born in Maine on the i6th of April, 1830, he is a son of Luther and Mary
(VVentworth) Bradford, who were also natives of that state. There the
mother passed away and after her death the father removed to Iowa in the
fall of 1854, where he resided until his demise. In their family were four
children : Vergil, residing in Wellman ; Melvina, deceased ; E. Bradford, of
this review ; and Emaline, deceased.
The youthful days of E. Bradford were spent in the acquirement of an
education in the common schools of Maine, which he attended until fifteen
years of age, when, depending upon his own resources for a livelihood, he
took his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a store in Boston. He
was thus employed for three years, at the expiration of which time he hired
out as a sailor boy on board a ship and followed the sea for some time. He
then came to Iowa, where he resided for a year, after which he removed to
Sangamon county, Illinois, where he remained until 1861. In that year
he joined the boys in blue as a member of Company D, Twenty-sixth Illi-
nois Infantry, and served through the Civil war, loyally defending the Union
on southern battlefields. Throughout his period of enlistment he saw much
active service, participating in many important engagements, among them
being the battles of Vicksburg and Chattanooga. He was with Sherman
on the celebrated march to the sea and in 1865, with a creditable military
record, he was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois.
After the close of the war Mr. Bradford came to Washington county,
Iowa, where he has since continued to reside. He purchased a farm in
this county, which he operated for several years, bringing his fields under
a high state of cultivation and annually gathering therefrom good harvests.
Later he disposed of his agricultural interests and moved to Wellman,
where, shortly after the inauguration of President McKinley, he was ap-
pointed postmaster of the town. He is an excellent man for the place, and
the fact that he is now serving his thirteenth year in this position is an in-
dication that his service has received the indorsement and approval of his
fellow citizens.
The year 1865 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Bradford to Miss Amanda
Carr. a native of Washington county, Iowa, her birth occurring in 1846.
She was a daughter of Isaac Carr, now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brad-
ford were born three children: Luther D., now a resident of Minnesota;
IIISTolO- ( )|' WASllIXGTON COUNTY 427
Lyman S., the present city marshal of Wellman ; and Isaac, the assistant
postmaster of W'elhiian.
The parents arc consistent members of the Baptist church, of which Mr.
Bradford is servint,'^ as trustee and deacon. In pohtics he is a republican and
his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and worth, have called him to
office, electing him township trustee and also justice of the peace, his term
of service in the latter office having covered thirteen years. He maintains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades in his membership in the
Grand Army Post, No. 112, at Wellman. Having served continuously be-
fore the public eye in an official capacity ever since his residence in Wellman,
Mr. Bradford has, by his faithfulness in the discharge of his duties, his un-
bending integrity and his appreciation of the responsibilities that rest upon
him, commanded the confidence and trust of his fellowmen and won for him-
self a high place among the representative citizens of the community.
N. BRUCE GARDNER.
Iowa, with its splendid agricultural possibilities, otifers excellent oppor-
tunity to him who wishes to earn his living in the tiUing of the soil. De-
voting his time and energies in successful manner to the cultivation and im-
provement of a farm, N, Bruce Gardner has become well known a 
